bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Tourism on Ecosystem Services Value: A Spatio-Temporal Analysis Based on BRT and GWR Modeling
Authors: Liu Jun , Yue Mengting , Liu Yiming , Wen Ding , Tong Yun
Published: February 2022

The healthy development of the ecosystem and tourism in destinations plays an essential role in sustainable development. Taking Shennongjia as an example, we analyzed the spatial–temporal variation in the ecosystem services value (ESV) and investigated the impacts of tourism on ESV and their spatial heterogeneity using the geographically weighted regression (GWR) and boosting regression tree (BRT) models. The results showed that (1) the types of ecosystem services (ESs) were dominated by climate regulation and biodiversity. The ESV increased from 3.358 billion yuan to 8.910 billion yuan from 2005 to 2018 and showed significant spatial divergence, maintaining a long-term distribution pattern of high in the center and low at the border. (2) The GWR and BRT results showed that the Distance to Scenic Spots (DSS) and the Distance to Residential Areas (DRA) are important factors influencing ESV, with the Distance to Hotels (DH) and the Distance to Roads (DR) having a relatively weak influence on ESV. (3) The influencing factors presented positive and negative effects, and the degree of influence has spatial heterogeneity. The DRA and DH inhibited the increase in ESV in nearby areas, while DR was the driving factor for increasing ESV. The assessment results of DSS vary according to the models.
Logos, Ethos, Pathos, Sustainabilitos? About the Role of Media Companies in Reaching Sustainable Development
Authors: Voci Denise
Published: February 2022

As producers of economic and cultural goods, media companies are subject to a double responsibility: regarding how they operate and how they represent reality in their products. Thus, their social responsibility is primarily the “brain print” they leave on their audience. Communication of, about, and for sustainability through mass media is therefore essential to create a shared understanding of societal values on sustainability, creating public engagement, and contributing to sustainable development. Accordingly, the present study aims at understanding how media (companies) take their responsibility as key communicators in the public sphere and analyze how they communicate and thus construct the sustainability discourse through their products. For this, sustainability-related content produced and broadcasted by the two largest commercial media companies in Germany (RTL and ProSiebenSat1; n = 50 online articles and n = 89 videos, 601 min in total) was analyzed by qualitative content analysis and rhetoric text analysis to understand what and how media communicate sustainability. Results show that most media sustainability-related content addresses food issues, followed by issues regarding resources and the environment, thus contributing to the achievement of some of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Namely: SDG#2 (zero hunger), #6 (clean water and sanitation), #13 (climate action), #14 (life below water), and #15 (life on land). These issues are primarily communicated logically, appealing to the audience’s reason (logos, 76%), while the ethical appeal ethos (22%) and the emotional pathos (2%) scarcely occur. The analysis also leaves room for discussion regarding the responsibility of media companies in their role as communicators of, about, and for sustainability; about how they fulfill their responsibility in accordance with the SDG Media Compact, and about the opportunities and risks of applying different rhetorical appeals.
Living Labs in Social Housing Upgrades: Process, Challenges and Recommendations
Authors: Bridi Marcelle Engler , Soliman-Junior Joao , Granja Ariovaldo Denis , Tzortzopoulos Patricia , Gomes Vanessa , Kowaltowski Doris Catharine Cornelie Knatz
Published: February 2022

Social housing (SH) upgrades involve multiple stakeholders with sometimes divergent requirements and needs. Collaboration and participative processes are essential to ensuring an appropriate value for users is delivered through social housing upgrades. Living Labs are user-centred initiatives where researchers, public and private partners, and users collaborate to develop innovative solutions in real-live environments. However, scarce research exists on how Living Labs may support the upgrading of social housing, and there is a need to explore what the challenges are that can be expected in this context. This paper discusses an integrative literature synthesis of housing upgrades developed within the context of Living Labs. Nine information-rich cases identified in the literature were chosen for in-depth examination. A living lab process was proposed based on the literature and activities and tools used in Living Labs were identified. From the challenges highlighted by existing studies, a series of recommendations to support the development of Living Labs in social housing upgrades was proposed. These should support Living Labs implementation initiatives in this specific context.
Thermochemical Conversion of Biomass for Syngas Production: Current Status and Future Trends
Authors: Maitlo Ghulamullah , Ali Imran , Mangi Kashif Hussain , Ali Safdar , Maitlo Hubdar Ali , Unar Imran Nazir , Pirzada Abdul Majeed
Published: February 2022

The thermochemical conversion of different feedstocks is a technology capable of reducing the amount of biowaste materials produced. In addition, the gasification of feedstock using steam as a gasifying agent also produces hydrogen, which is a clean energy fuel. This article aimed to encapsulate the current status of biowaste gasification and to explain, in detail, the advantages and limitations of gasification technologies. In this review paper, different gasifying agents such as steam, air, and oxygen, as well as their effects on the quality of syngas production, are discussed. In addition, the effects of reactor configuration and different operating parameters, such as temperature, pressure, equivalence ratio, and incorporation of a catalyst, as well as their effects on the ratio of H2/CO, LHV, syngas yield, and tar production, were critically evaluated. Although gasification is a sustainable and ecologically sound biomass utilization technology, tar formation is the main problem in the biomass gasification process. Tar can condense in the reactor, and clog and contaminate equipment. It has been shown that an optimized gasifier and a high-activity catalyst can effectively reduce tar formation. However, key biowaste treatment technologies and concepts must first be improved and demonstrated at the market level to increase stakeholder confidence. Gasification can be the driving force of this integration, effectively replacing fossil fuels with produced gas. In addition, support policies are usually needed to make the integration of biomass gasification technology into the industry profitable with fully functional gasification plants. Therefore, to address such issues, this study focused on addressing these issues and an overview of gasification concepts.
Economic Innovation Caused by Digital Transformation and Impact on Social Systems
Authors: Yoo Inhye , Yi Chan-Goo
Published: February 2022

The purpose of this study is to review studies on innovation and identify factors that affect the acceleration of digital economic innovation. This study also analyzes the impact of economic innovation on social systems. A systematic literature review method was used to analyze the findings of extant studies on digital transformation and economic growth. Results indicate that different drivers trigger economic innovation in different times. Our analyses reveal that digital economic innovation results in changes in the industrial structure and helps productivity improvement and cost reduction in the production sector. Results show that the impact of economic innovation on technology and society spheres interacts with economic innovation. This study contributes to the literature by providing a comprehensive framework of how economic innovation and social systems are connected and how technology, economy, society, and policy sectors coevolve within the enormous framework of social systems.
Applications of Smart Technology as a Sustainable Strategy in Modern Swine Farming
Authors: Mahfuz Shad , Mun Hong-Seok , Dilawar Muhammad Ammar , Yang Chul-Ju
Published: February 2022

The size of the pork market is increasing globally to meet the demand for animal protein, resulting in greater farm size for swine and creating a great challenge to swine farmers and industry owners in monitoring the farm activities and the health and behavior of the herd of swine. In addition, the growth of swine production is resulting in a changing climate pattern along with the environment, animal welfare, and human health issues, such as antimicrobial resistance, zoonosis, etc. The profit of swine farms depends on the optimum growth and good health of swine, while modern farming practices can ensure healthy swine production. To solve these issues, a future strategy should be considered with information and communication technology (ICT)-based smart swine farming, considering auto-identification, remote monitoring, feeding behavior, animal rights/welfare, zoonotic diseases, nutrition and food quality, labor management, farm operations, etc., with a view to improving meat production from the swine industry. Presently, swine farming is not only focused on the development of infrastructure but is also occupied with the application of technological knowledge for designing feeding programs, monitoring health and welfare, and the reproduction of the herd. ICT-based smart technologies, including smart ear tags, smart sensors, the Internet of Things (IoT), deep learning, big data, and robotics systems, can take part directly in the operation of farm activities, and have been proven to be effective tools for collecting, processing, and analyzing data from farms. In this review, which considers the beneficial role of smart technologies in swine farming, we suggest that smart technologies should be applied in the swine industry. Thus, the future swine industry should be automated, considering sustainability and productivity.
Stable Calculation of Discrete Hahn Functions
Authors: den Brinker Albertus C.
Published: February 2022

Generating discrete orthogonal polynomials from the recurrence or difference equation is error-prone, as it is sensitive to error propagation and dependent on highly accurate initial values. Strategies to handle this, involving control over the deviation of norm and orthogonality, have already been developed for the discrete Chebyshev and Krawtchouk functions, i.e., the orthonormal basis in ℓ2 derived from the polynomials. Since these functions are limiting cases of the discrete Hahn functions, it suggests that the strategy could also be successful there. We outline the algorithmic strategies including the specific method of generating the initial values, and show that the orthonormal basis can indeed be generated for large supports and polynomial degrees with controlled numerical error. Special attention is devoted to symmetries, as the symmetric windows are most commonly used in signal processing, allowing for simplification of the algorithm due to this prior knowledge, and leading to savings in the required computational power.
Theoretical and Experimental Essentials on Baryon Form Factors
Authors: Bertani Monica , Mangoni Alessio , Pacetti Simone
Published: February 2022

This brief review is a practical guide on the basic concepts, pivotal formulae, standard relations, and some unusual, often forgotten, but sometimes revealing features of baryons’ form factors. All available measured values of nucleon form factors in the space-like and time-like regions extracted from scattering and annihilation cross-sections are also reported.
Inter-Limb Asymmetry of Leg Stiffness in National Second-League Basketball Players during Countermovement Jumps
Authors: Struzik Artur , Winiarski Sławomir , Zawadzki Jerzy
Published: February 2022

Assessment of the inter-limb asymmetry of leg stiffness is carried out using one-legged jumping tasks. However, the level of asymmetry may vary depending on the performance on one or both lower limbs. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify the differences in leg stiffness between the dominant and non-dominant lower limb during a two-legged countermovement jump. The research was conducted on 35 s-league basketball players (body height: 1.90 ± 0.08 m, body mass: 81.9 ± 10 kg, age: 19.5 ± 1.7 years). Each participant performed three countermovement jumps with arm swing to the maximum height. Measurements employed a BTS SMART motion analysis system and two Kistler force plates. Statistically significant differences were found during the comparison of leg stiffness in the dominant and non-dominant lower limbs. Inter-limb asymmetry of leg stiffness reached 22.0% in the countermovement phase and 8.9% in the take-off phase. Significant inter-limb asymmetry of leg stiffness might lead to injury or considerably reduce the performance of athletes. Therefore, an important role is to conduct strength and speed-strength trainings with proper loads to both body sides. Coaches should pay more attention to similar lower limbs movement patterns during two-legged exercises and bilateral strength development.
Symmetry in the Multidimensional Dynamical Analysis of Iterative Methods with Memory
Authors: Cordero Alicia , Garrido Neus , Torregrosa Juan R. , Triguero-Navarro Paula
Published: February 2022

In this paper, new tools for the dynamical analysis of iterative schemes with memory for solving nonlinear systems of equations are proposed. These tools are in concordance with those of the scalar case and provide interesting results about the symmetry and wideness of the basins of attraction on different iterative procedures with memory existing in the literature.
Looking beyond the Standard Model with Third Generation Quarks at the LHC
Authors: de la Torre Hector , Farooque Trisha
Published: February 2022

The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) is at the frontier of collider physics today, probing new physics at unprecedented energy scales. Many theories of physics beyond the Standard Model seek to elucidate the underlying mechanism of electroweak symmetry breaking. Given their large Yukawa couplings to the Higgs boson, third generations quarks of the Standard Model, and especially the top quark, play a key role in such theories. Therefore, new particles predicted by these theories often couple preferentially to top and bottom quarks. The favoured coupling to third generation can also be used to explain recently observed flavour physics anomalies in the LHCb, Babar or Belle experiments. This article will review recent searches for new physics performed by the ATLAS and CMS experiments at the LHC, in final states containing top and bottom quarks. In particular, searches for vector-like quarks, leptoquarks, and heavy scalar and gauge bosons will be discussed.
Modifications for the Differential Evolution Algorithm
Authors: Charilogis Vasileios , Tsoulos Ioannis G. , Tzallas Alexandros , Karvounis Evangelos
Published: February 2022

Differential Evolution (DE) is a method of optimization used in symmetrical optimization problems and also in problems that are not even continuous, and are noisy and change over time. DE optimizes a problem with a population of candidate solutions and creates new candidate solutions per generation in combination with existing rules according to discriminatory rules. The present work proposes two variations for this method. The first significantly improves the termination of the method by proposing an asymptotic termination rule, which is based on the differentiation of the average of the function values in the population of DE. The second modification proposes a new scheme for a critical parameter of the method, which improves the method’s ability to better explore the search space of the objective function. The proposed variations have been tested on a number of problems from the current literature, and from the experimental results, it appears that the proposed modifications render the method quite robust and faster even in large-scale problems.
Stillbirth after COVID-19 in Unvaccinated Mothers Can Result from SARS-CoV-2 Placentitis, Placental Insufficiency, and Hypoxic Ischemic Fetal Demise, Not Direct Fetal Infection: Potential Role of Maternal Vaccination in Pregnancy
Authors: Schwartz David A.
Published: February 2022

Stillbirth is a recently recognized complication of COVID-19 in pregnant women. Other congenitally transmitted infections from viruses, bacteria and parasites can cause stillbirth by infecting fetal organs following transplacental transmission of the agent from the maternal bloodstream. However, recent research on pregnant women with COVID-19 having stillbirths indicates that there is another mechanism of stillbirth that can occur in placentas infected with SARS-CoV-2. In these cases, viral infection of the placenta results in SARS-CoV-2 placentitis, a combination of concurrent destructive findings that include increased fibrin deposition which typically reaches the level of massive perivillous fibrin deposition, chronic histiocytic intervillositis and trophoblast necrosis. These three pathological lesions, in some cases together with placental hemorrhage, thrombohematomas and villitis, result in severe and diffuse placental parenchymal destruction. This pathology can involve greater than one-half of the placental volume, averaging 77% in the largest study of 68 cases, effectively rendering the placenta incapable of performing its function of oxygenating the fetus. This destructive placental process can lead to stillbirth and neonatal death via malperfusion and placental insufficiency which is independent of fetal infection. Fetal autopsies show no evidence that direct infection of fetal organs is contributory. Because all mothers examined have been unvaccinated, maternal vaccination may prevent viremia and consequent placental infection.
Characterizing Compost Rate Effects on Stormwater Runoff and Vegetation Establishment
Authors: Kranz Christina N. , McLaughlin Richard A. , Heitman Joshua L.
Published: February 2022

Urban development exposes and compacts the subsoil, resulting in reduced infiltration, which often leads to problems with establishing vegetation, increased erosion, and increased runoff volumes. Compost incorporation into these soils can potentially enhance soil physical properties, vegetation establishment, and pollutant removal. The goal of this field study was to determine the efficacy of compost as a soil improvement measure to reduce runoff volume, improve runoff quality, and increase vegetation establishment on a disturbed sandy clay subsoil representing post-development conditions. Two sources of compost were tested: (1) a certified yard waste product at 10%, 30%, and 50% by volume, and (2) an uncertified yard waste product at 30% by volume, both compared to a tilled, no-compost control. Treatment plots were established at Lake Wheeler Road Field Laboratory in Raleigh, NC, and observed for one year. Tilling alone may have been sufficient to reduce runoff quantity as few differences were found between tilled and compost amended plots. Runoff water quality also did not differ according to compost addition. However, the certified compost increased biomass production proportionally to the amount added and compared to the uncertified compost at the same rate. The improved vegetation establishment with compost is important for long-term erosion control and ecosystem services. The results of this study suggest (1) tilling is a viable option to achieve high infiltration rates and reduce runoff volumes, (2) compost incorporation does not reduce nor improve water quality, and (3) compost may yield more robust vegetation establishment.
A New Rainfall-Runoff Model Using Improved LSTM with Attentive Long and Short Lag-Time
Authors: Chen Xi , Huang Jiaxu , Wang Sheng , Zhou Gongjian , Gao Hongkai , Liu Min , Yuan Ye , Zheng Laiwen , Li Qingli , Qi Honggang
Published: February 2022

It is important to improve the forecasting performance of rainfall-runoff models due to the high complexity of basin response and frequent data limitations. Recently, many studies have been carried out based on deep learning and have achieved significant performance improvements. However, their intrinsic characteristics remain unclear and have not been explored. In this paper, we pioneered the exploitation of short lag-times in rainfall-runoff modeling and measured its influence on model performance. The proposed model, long short-term memory with attentive long and short lag-time (LSTM-ALSL), simultaneously and explicitly uses new data structures, i.e., long and short lag-times, to enhance rainfall-runoff forecasting accuracy by jointly extracting better features. In addition, self-attention is employed to model the temporal dependencies within long and short lag-times to further enhance the model performance. The results indicate that LSTM-ALSL yielded superior performance at four mesoscale stations (1846~9208 km2) with humid climates (aridity index 0.77~1.16) in the U.S.A., for both peak flow and base flow, with respect to state-of-the-art counterparts.
Diurnal Evapotranspiration and Its Controlling Factors of Alpine Ecosystems during the Growing Season in Northeast Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
Authors: Liao Qiwen , Li Xiaoyan , Shi Fangzhong , Deng Yuanhong , Wang Pei , Wu Tingyun , Wei Junqi , Zuo Fenglin
Published: February 2022

It is generally believed that evapotranspiration at night is too miniscule to be considered. Thus, few studies focus on the nocturnal evapotranspiration (ETN) in alpine region. In this study, based on the half-hour eddy and meteorological data of the growing season (from May to September) in 2019, we quantified the ETN of alpine desert (AD), alpine meadow (AM), alpine meadow steppe (AMS), and alpine steppe (AS) in the Qinghai Lake Basin and clarified the different response of evapotranspiration to climate variables in daytime and nighttime with the variation of elevation. The results show that: (1) ETN accounts for 9.88~15.08% of total daily evapotranspiration and is relatively higher in AMS (15.08%) and AD (12.13%); (2) in the daytime, net radiation (Rn), temperature difference (TD), vapor pressure difference (VPD), and soil moisture have remarkable influence on evapotranspiration, and Rn and VPD are more important at high altitudes, while TD is the main factor at low altitudes; (3) in the nighttime, VPD and wind speed (WS) control ETN at high altitudes, and TD and WS drive ETN at low altitudes. Our results are of great significance in understanding ETN in the alpine regions and provide reference for further improving in the evapotranspiration estimation model.
Ion Exchange to Capture Iron after Real Effluent Treatment by Fenton’s Process
Authors: Domingues Eva , Fernandes Eryk , Vaz Telma , Gomes João , Castro-Silva Sergio , Martins Rui C. , Quinta-Ferreira Rosa , Ferreira Licínio M.
Published: February 2022

The main drawback of Fenton′s process is the formation of ferric sludge. In this work, ion exchange (IE) appears as a complement to the Fenton process, allowing, on the one hand, to remove the iron excess present in the sludge, as well as reduce the COD of the real olive oil industry extraction wastewater (OOIEW) from the Fenton process. The Fenton process uses iron (II) sulfate as catalyst, therefore concentrations of iron up to 2 g L−1 could be present in the treated OOIEW. The iron and COD adsorption equilibrium behavior has been modelized by Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin isotherms. Moreover, the resin efficiency was tested in a continuous fixed-bed column. It was concluded that the resin maintains iron adsorption capacity over at least three reuse cycles. Overall Fenton’s process followed by ion exchange seems to be a promising approach for the treatment of cumbersome industrial wastewaters.
Optimizing Center Pivot Irrigation to Regulate Field Microclimate and Wheat Physiology under Dry-Hot Wind Conditions in the North China Plain
Authors: Cai Dongyu , Shoukat Muhammad Rizwan , Zheng Yudong , Tan Haibin , Meng Fanyu , Yan Haijun
Published: February 2022

The dry-hot wind climate is one of the major agro-meteorological disasters associated with high temperature, low humidity, and specific wind forces, which seriously affects the yield of wheat in the North China Plain. A field experiment was conducted to investigate the field microclimate, net photosynthetic rate, chlorophyll content of flag leaves, grain filling rate, and wheat yield after sprinkler misting under the condition of a dry-hot wind climate in the 2018 and 2019 seasons. Two travel speeds, full and half speed, and the corresponding irrigation amounts of 2.5 and 5 mm were used by a center pivot irrigation system during dry-hot wind conditions. A treatment without irrigation was applied as a control. The results showed that the air temperature and relative air humidity were greatly improved within 60 min after irrigation, especially in the upper part of the canopy. The net photosynthetic rate of flag leaves under 5 mm irrigation was higher than that under 2.5 mm irrigation during the middle and late grain filling periods. The adverse effects of dry-hot wind on the chlorophyll content of the flag leaves were mainly concentrated in the late grain filling stage. In the two years of the experiment, the average 1000-grain weights of 5 and 2.5 mm of irrigation treatments were 4.3 and 2.8% higher, and the grain yields were 5.8 and 3.3% higher, respectively, than those of the non-irrigated yields. Overall, applying a small amount of water between 12:00–14:00 with a center pivot before the occurrence of dry-hot wind is an effective means to regulate the field microclimate and produce more yield in the North China Plain.
Multistage Models for Flood Control by Gated Spillway: Application to Karkheh Dam
Authors: Salehi Farhad , Najarchi Mohsen , Najafizadeh Mohammad Mahdi , Hezaveh Mohammad Mirhoseini
Published: February 2022

The paper demonstrates a simulation optimization framework for enhancing the real-time flood control with gated spillways at places where no flood forecasting data are available. A multiobjective modeling scheme is presented for the flood management in a gated spillway in which the operator may specify the priorities on floods based on their different return periods. Two different operation strategies were devised. Both operating strategies employ ten-stage policies, which rely on the reservoir water level as the input data. The second strategy benefits from both the observed reservoir water level and the flood peak. The optimal values of the models’ parameters were obtained using a genetic algorithm. This is a novel approach because none of its policies needs flood forecasting data, thus, making them adaptable to any flood with any return period. To evaluate the performances of the proposed models, the flood control through a gated spillway of the Karkheh reservoir was considered, where flood hydrographs with different return periods were routed through the reservoir.
A Technical Note on the Application of a Water Budget Model at Regional Scale: A Water Manager’s Approach towards a Sustainable Water Resources Management
Authors: Passaretti Stefania , Mineo Claudio , Varriale Anna , Cosentino Claudio
Published: February 2022

Evaluating the quantitative status of groundwater has always represented an attractive method of modelling development for scientific research purposes and, at the same time, an essential planning tool for water managers. Today, in addition to the traditional modelling and management applications, the quantification of groundwater resources increasingly aims at evaluating effective water bodies’ health. In fact, the founding principles introduced by the most recent international directives in terms of water protection are specifically addressed to natural ecosystems’ protection complying with different socio-economic conditions. In this context, Acea Ato2, a water utility operating in central Italy, here proposes the implementation of an analytical water budget model for the assessment of the groundwater potential recharge status throughout its managed area.
Feasibility of Creation of an Endovascular Arteriovenous Fistula in Patients Undergoing Preoperative Vascular Mapping
Authors: Al-Balas Alian , Varma Rakesh , Sharbidre Kedar , Al-Balas Hassan , Almehmi Ammar , Abdel Aal Ahmed Kamel , Robbin Michelle L. , Allon Michael
Published: February 2022

Key Points

Among patients who were eligible for a surgical fistula, 63% were suitable for endoAVF.

Older patients were less likely to have a vascular anatomy suitable for an endoAVF.

Patients with a vascular anatomy suitable for an endoAVF were similar in sex, race, DM, HTN, CAD, and peripheral artery disease.

Background

The first endovascular arteriovenous fistula (endoAVF) device (WavelinQ), a novel percutaneous technique of AVF creation, was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2018 and has been placed in a small number of United States patients on hemodialysis. It is unknown how often patients with advanced CKD have vascular anatomy suitable for WavelinQ creation. The goal of this study was to determine the proportion of patients with vascular anatomy suitable for WavelinQ creation and to assess patient characteristics associated with such suitability.

Methods

All patients referred for vascular access placement at a large academic medical center underwent standardized preoperative sonographic vascular mapping to assess suitability for an AVF. During a 2-year period (March 2019 to March 2021), we assessed the suitability of the vessels for creation of WavelinQ. We then compared the demographic characteristics, comorbidities, and vascular mapping measurements between patients who were or were not suitable for WavelinQ.

Results

During the study period, 437 patients underwent vessel mapping. Of these, 51% of patients were eligible for a surgical AVF, and 32% were eligible for a WavelinQ AVF; 63% of those suitable for a surgical AVF were also suitable for a WavelinQ AVF. Patients with a vascular anatomy suitable for WavelinQ were younger (age 55±15 versus 60±14 years, P=0.01) but similar in sex, race, diabetes, hypertension, coronary artery disease, and peripheral artery disease.

Conclusions

Among patients with CKD with vascular anatomy suitable for a surgical AVF, 63% are also suitable for a WavelinQ endoAVF. Older patients are less frequently suitable for WavelinQ.
The Use of Real Time PCR for Justificationof Personalized Tactics of Laboratory Diagnosticsand Regimens of Treatment of Multifactorial Diseases on the Base of Identification of the Features of Changes in the Genomes of Diploid Organisms
Authors: Костюк С.А. , Полуян О.С. , Руденкова Т.В.
Published: February 2022

Однонуклеотидный полиморфизм – самый распространенный тип полиморфизма. Общее число однонуклеотидных полиморфизмов в геноме человека составляет приблизительно 10 миллионов; распространенность в геноме человека – 3,2×106, встречаются через каждые 1–2 тысячи пар оснований. Они могут быть локализованы как в кодирующих, так и в некодирующих участках генома. Несинонимичные замены в кодирующих участках генов подвергаются действию отбора, тогда как однонуклеотидные полиморфизмы в некодирующих участках влияют на сплайсинг, деградацию мРНК и функцию регуляторных элементов. Однонуклеотидные полиморфизмы могут приводить к нарушениям экспрессии и регуляции генов и появлению белков с измененными функциональными свойствами. Скрининг однонуклеотидных полиморфизмов позволяет определить наследственную предрасположенность к различным мультифакторным заболеваниям, а также прогнозировать индивидуальную чувствительность к фармакологическим препаратам. В данной статье авторами описано несколько технологических подходов, используемых в настоящее время в молекулярно-генетических лабораториях, для определения однонуклеотидных полиморфизмов последовательностей ДНК, основанных на использовании метода ПЦР в режиме реального времени.

Single nucleotide polymorphism is the most common type of polymorphism. The total number of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the human genome is approximately 10 million; the prevalence in the human genome is 3.2×106, they occur in every 1–2 thousand base pairs. They can be localized in both coding and non-coding regions of the genome. Non-synonymous substitutions in the coding regions of the genes are the subject to selection, while single nucleotide polymorphisms in non-coding regions affect splicing, mRNA degradation, and the function of regulatory elements. Single nucleotide polymorphisms can lead to violations of gene expression and regulation, and the appearance of proteins with altered functional properties. Screening of single nucleotide polymorphisms allows to determine the hereditary predisposition to various multifactorial diseases, as well as to predict individual sensitivity to pharmacological drugs. In this article, the authors describe several technological approaches currently used in molecular genetic laboratories to determine single nucleotide polymorphisms of DNA sequences based on the use of real-time PCR.
The First Results of Pregnant Women’s Immunoserological Screening. Do We Need Specific Prevention of Rh-immunization In Presence of Another Type of Anti-erythrocyte Antibodies?
Authors: Козлякова О.В. , Климович О.В. , Гольдинберг Б.М. , Камалова О.В. , Рак М.А. , Автухова Т.Е. , Заяц И.А. , Дикая Т.В.
Published: February 2022

Введение. В статье представлены результаты иммуносерологического скрининга беременных женщин. 41 025 беременных женщин было обследовано в 2019–2020 гг. в Городском центре трансфузиологии города Минска. Обсуждается вопрос специфической профилактики резус-иммунизации в случае выявления другого вида антиэритроцитарных антител.Целью исследования был анализ результатов иммуносерологического скрининга во время беременности с последующей оценкой профилактики резус-иммунизации у резус-отрицательных пациентов.Результаты. Различного вида антитела были выявлены у 458 пациентов, 198 пациентов имели антитела системы Резус, 260 – антитела к другим эритроцитарным антигенам. Описаны 2 клинических случая с антителами, не относящимися к системе Резус, и использованием антирезус Rhо[D] иммуноглобулина.Заключение. Скрининг аллоиммунных антител у женщин во время беременности является важным этапом своевременной диагностики изосерологической несовместимости между матерью и плодом, а также оценки рисков развития гемолитической болезни у плода и новорожденного. При наличии антиэритроцитарных антител неуточненной специфичности или минорных антител, не относящихся к системе Резус у D-негативных беременных женщин, необходим индивидуальный подход к проведению специфической профилактики.

Introduction. The results of pregnant women’s immunoserological screening are presented in the article. 41,025 pregnant women were examined in 2019-2020 in City Center of Transfusiology in Minsk. There is discussion about specific prevention of Rh-immunization in the cases with detection of another type of anti-erythrocyte antibodies.The purpose of the study was to analyze the results of immunoserological screening of alloimmune antibodies during pregnancy with a subsequent assessment of prevention of Rh-immunization in Rh-negative patients.Results. Different types of antibodies were detected in a total of 458 patients, 198 patients had antibodies of Rh system, 260 - antibodies of other erythrocyte antigens. Two clinical cases with non- Rhesus detecting anti-erythrocyte antibodies and usage of antirhesus Rho[D]-immunoglobulin are introduced in the article.Conclusions. Screening of alloimmune antibodies in women during pregnancy is an important step in diagnosis of izoserological incompatibility between mother and fetus, as well as the assessment of the fetus’s and newborn’s hemolytic disease risks. An individual approach to specific prevention and administration of anti-Rho[D] immunoglobulin is necessary if unspecified or minor anti-erythrocyte antibodies are detecting in D-negative pregnant women.
Combined Use of F2-Alpha Prostaglandins and NSAIDs in the Treatment of Glaucoma: Questions and Answers
Authors: Бездетко П.А. , Бездетко Н.В. , Мужичук Е.П.
Published: February 2022

Медикаментозное лечение вызывает особый интерес на всех этапах менеджмента пациентов с глаукомой. Профиль безопасности и удобство применения выводят аналоги простагландинов (ПГ) F2-альфа на первый план при выборе гипотензивных препаратов в лечении первичной открытоугольной глаукомы. Но есть и проблемные вопросы, и связаны они с природой синтетических простагландинов, наличием в гипотензивных препаратах примеси провоспалительного ПГЕ. Именно эти обстоятельства ограничивают применение аналога ПГ F2-альфа у пациентов как с первичной, так и особенно со вторичной глаукомой. Вопрос о дополнительном применении нестероидных противовоспалительных препаратов (НПВП) в сочетании с синтетическими простагландинами для предотвращения побочных эффектов обсуждается в литературе, но однозначного ответа на этот вопрос нет. В связи с этим нами и были проведены исследования сравнения эффективности монотерапии латанопростом в классическом и бесконсервантном вариантах и комбинации этих препаратов с НПВП. Исследования продемонстрировали, что комбинация латанопроста с НПВП достоверно повышает гипотензивную эффективность латанопроста на 17,8%, и уменьшает признаки раздражения глаза по шкале OSDI на 37%.

Drug treatment is of particular interest at all stages of the management of glaucoma patients. The safety profile and ease of use have placed PG F2 alpha analogues at the forefront of antihypertensive drug selection in the treatment of primary open-angle glaucoma. But there are also problematic points associated with the nature of synthetic prostaglandins, the presence of an admixture ofpro-inflammatory PGE in antihypertensive drugs. It is these circumstances that limit the use of PG F2 alpha analogues in patients with both primary and especially secondary glaucoma. The question of the additional use of NSAIDs in combination with synthetic prostaglandins to prevent side effects has been discussed in the literature, but there is no definite answer to this question. In this regard, we conducted a study comparing the effectiveness of latanoprost monotherapy in the classical and non-conservative variants and the combination of these drugs with NSAIDs. Studies have shown that the combination of latanoprost with NSAIDs significantly increases the antihypertensive efficacy of latanoprost by 17.8% and reduces signs of eye irritation on the OSDI scale by 37%.
Prospects of the Use of Levetiracetam with Controlled Release of Active Substance: a New Form of Levipil XR in Clinical Practice
Authors: Наумова Г.И.
Published: February 2022

Внедрение в клиническую практику современных противоэпилептических средств существенно расширяет возможности и повышает эффективность лекарственной терапии эпилепсии благодаря их особой, порой уникальной фармакокинетике и фармакодинамике. При длительном применении противоэпилептических средств кроме показателей эффективности/ переносимости возрастает роль комплаентности терапии, что зачастую напрямую зависит от кратности приема препарата. Применение Левипила XR позволит избежать резких изменений концентрации леветирацетама в крови, что улучшит переносимость лечения, повысит показатель ремиссий, в том числе при фармакорезистентных эпилепсиях и эпилептических энцефалопатиях, улучшит качество жизни пациентов и длительность удержания на терапии.

Introduction of modern antiepileptic drugs into clinical practice significantly expands the possibilities and increases the effectiveness of drug therapy for epilepsy due to their special, sometimes unique pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. With prolonged use of antiepileptic drugs, in addition to the indicators of effectiveness / tolerance, the role of compliance with therapy increases, which often directly depends on the frequency of administration of the drug. The use of Levipil XR lets to avoid abrupt changes in the concentration of levetiracetam in the blood, improves the tolerability of treatment, increases the rate of remission, including in pharmacoresistant epilepsies and epileptic encephalopathies, improves the quality of life and the duration of retention on therapy.
Clinical Case of Psychotherapy for Anxiety-Phobic Disorders in a Patient with Hysterical Personality Disorder
Authors: Николаев Е.Е. , Орлов Ф.В. , Иванова О.Ю. , Николаев Е.Л.
Published: February 2022

Психотерапия пациентов с расстройствами личности представляет значительные трудности и вызывает вопросы в отношении ее эффективности. В данной статье описан клинический случай психотерапии тревожно-фобической симптоматики у пациента с истерическим расстройством личности. В лечении пациента был применен комплексный психотерапевтический подход, основанный на интеграции в систему личностно-ориентированной (реконструктивной) психотерапии методов групповой психотерапии, когнитивно-поведенческой терапии, арт-терапии. Индивидуальные и групповые психотерапевтические сессии с психотерапевтом и психологом, выполнение пациентом рисунков и их дальнейшее обсуждение завершились положительной внутренней трансформацией, сопровождающейся устранением беспокоящих пациента симптомов. Данный клинический случай, включающий результаты катамнестического наблюдения, демонстрирует, что проведение психотерапии у лиц с истерическим расстройством личности вполне оправданно. Она способствует смягчению сопутствующей психопатологической симптоматики, что улучшает качество жизни пациента и снижаетчастоту его обращений за медицинской и психологической помощью.

Psychotherapy for patients with personality disorders presents major difficulties and questions regarding its effectiveness. This article describes a clinical case of psychotherapy for anxiety-phobic symptoms in a patient with hysterical personality disorder. A complex psychotherapeutic approach was applied, based on the integration of the group psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and art therapy methods into the system of personality-oriented (reconstructive) psychotherapy. Individual and group psychotherapeutic sessions with a psychotherapist and a psychologist, the patient’s drawings, and their further discussion ended with a positive internal transformation, accompanied by elimination of the symptoms. This clinical case, including the results of follow-up observation, demonstrates that psychotherapy for persons with hysterical personality disorder is quite justified. It helps to improve the patient’s quality of life, reduces the frequency of their visits for medical and psychological assistance.
Еffectiveness of Renal Denervation in Patients with Resistant Arterial Hypertension Depending on the Beta-Blockers Taking
Authors: Плащинская Л.И. , Гончарик Д.Б. , Барсукевич В.Ч. , Гурин А.В. , Мрочек А.Г.
Published: February 2022

Введение. В рецензируемой литературе нет сообщений, каким образом определенный класс антигипертензивных препаратов влияет на эффективность ренальной денервации (РДН). Цель. Анализ эффективности РДН у пациентов с резистентной артериальной гипертензией (РАГ) в зависимости от приема бета-адреноблокаторов (ББ) в рамках проспективного одноцентрового нерандомизированного клинического исследования эффективности и безопасности катетерной абляции симпатических нервов почечных артерий.Материалы и методы. В исследование было включено 92 пациента с РАГ, средний возраст составил 52 года (19; 68). Период наблюдения – 12 месяцев. Контрольные исследования офисного артериального давления (офАД) и суточное мониторирование АД (СМАД) выполнялись исходно до вмешательства, через 3, 6 и 12 месяцев после РДН. Пациенты были разделены на две группы: принимающие (n=74) и не принимающие ББ (n=18).Результаты. Более быстрая и выраженная динамика снижения среднесуточного АД через 3 месяца после РДН наблюдалась в группе пациентов, принимавших ББ. Большее снижение среднесуточного САД через 12 месяцев после РДН имело место в группе пациентов, принимавших ББ.Заключение. Анализ эффективности РДН в зависимости от приема ББ показал, что эффект РДН в снижении среднесуточного АД наблюдался раньше и был более выраженным у лиц, принимавших ББ, чем у тех, кто их не принимал.

Introduction. There is no information in the peer-reviewed literature on how a certain class of antihypertensive drugs affects the effectiveness of renal denervation (RDN).Purpose. Assessment of renal denervation (RDN) effectiveness in patients with resistant arterial hypertension (RH) depending on the intake of beta-blockers (BB) in the framework of a prospective single-center non-randomized clinical study of the RDN effectiveness and safety.Materials and methods. The research included 92 patients with RH. The average age was 52 years (19; 68). Control of the office blood pressure (BP) and ambulatory monitoring of the BP were performed initially before the intervention, in 3, 6 and 12 months after RDN. Patients were divided into two groups: those receiving beta-blockers (BB) (n=74) and those not taking BB (n=18).Results. More rapid and pronounced dynamics of decrease of the 24-hour average blood pressure was observed in the group of patients taking BB in 3 months after RDN. A greater reduction of the 24-hour average SBP took place in the group of patients taking BB in 12 months after RDN. Conclusion. Analysis of the effectiveness of RDN depending on the intake of BB showed that the effect of RDN in reducing the 24-hour average blood pressure was observed earlier and was more pronounced in patients, who took BB in comparison with those who did not take.
How Does Microbiota Form Rheumatic Diseases? Part 3
Authors: Рудой А.С.
Published: February 2022

В кишечнике человека обитает чрезвычайно разнообразное и обильное микробное сообщество, которое корректирует и даже модулирует многие процессы, связанные со здоровьем.«Интерфейсы» слизистой оболочки являются особенно активными участками взаимодействия микроорганизмов и хозяев. Возрастающее понимание характерного состава и функции микробиоты кишечника выявило, что она не только участвует в поддержании целостности слизистой оболочки, но и затрагивает гомеостаз системы иммунитета с формированием как локальных, так и системных иммунных реакций. В представленном обзоре рассмотрена роль нарушений устойчивого состояния и взаимодействия хозяин – микроорганизм, которые могут потенциально влиять на развитие и прогрессирование ревматических заболеваний. В заключение будут рассмотрены вопросы новых терапевтических целей коррекции микробиоты.

The human gut harbors a tremendously diverse and abundant microbial community that corrects and even modulates many health-related processes. The “interfaces” of the intestinal mucous membrane are particularly active sites of interaction between microorganisms and hosts. The increasing understanding of typical composition and function of the gut microbiota revealed that it is involved not only in maintaining the integrity of the mucous membrane, but also it affects the homeostasis of the immune system with the formation of both local and systemic immune responses. This review describes the host–microorganism interplay, which can potentially affect the development and progression of rheumatic diseases. In conclusion, the issues of new therapeutic goals of microbiota correction will be considered.
STUDI KARAKTERISTIK JAGUNG INTRODUKSI DAN BEBERAPA VARIETAS JAGUNG LOKAL
Authors: S Ahmad Amrin
Published: February 2022

The aims of this research to known the characteristics of vegetative and generative introduction of maize and local maize varieties. The research was conducted at UPT Balai Benih Induk (BBI) of Palawija Agricultural Department of Tanjung Selamat, Medan Sunggal, Deli Serdang District in August to November 2017. This research used non factorial Randomized Block Design (RDB) with 3 varieties: Purple maize, Bonanza and Pioneer. The observed parameters were plant height, age of male flowering, age of female flowering, harvest age, crop production per plot, length of corncob, number of rows per corncob, weight of 100 seeds and heritability. The result showed had significant effect of plant height (8 weeks after planting) and weight of crop production per plot. The observed heritability value of the parameters showed high criteria.