bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the Capabilities of a Freight Forwarding Company When Designing a Cargo Delivery Chain
Authors: Nikiforova Guzel' , Sergeeva Tatyana
Published: June 2022

Purpose: To explore the ways to improve the quality of freight forwarding services, to reduce transport constituent in price as well as the possibilities to improve supply chains in modern conditions using quality management methods. To evaluate the possibilities and to select a priority freight forwarding company in accordance with cargo owner requests. To do this, first to analyze the needs of cargo owners for transportation and then to transfer the cargo owner’s requests into technical and technological requirements for being provided services with the help of “quality house” matrix. To analyze the possibilities of integration of expert assessment into quality function development methodology. Methods: Quality function development method, quality house design, pairwise matching method, order scale design. Calculating procedure for concordance value is presented. Results: The necessity to transfer cargo owner requests into technical and technological characteristics is shown in order to align the requirements on delivery chain and being provided services. The general provisions for quality house design are presented for the possibility of using the expert method at the stage of evaluation of competing freight forwarding companies. Practical importance: The possibility of improving services quality in freight forwarding companies in accordance with cargo owner requirement is shown.
Frozen Soil Parameters at Numerical Simulation of Thermophysical Tasks
Authors: Slivec Konstantin , Kolmogorova Svetlana , Kovalenko Il'ya
Published: June 2022

Purpose: Currently, the most prevalent foreign geotechnical software systems (Midas GTS NX, Plaxis) include modules for thermophysical modeling. Thermophysical modeling is especially important in the design and construction on foundations composed of frozen soils. When carrying out numerical calculations, an important stage is the verification of models, here thermophysical models, of frozen soils for their compliance with theoretical bases and calculation prerequisites, underlying in domestic standards. For this purpose, a comparison was made of theoretical prerequisites in foreign geotechnical complexes with prerequisites underlying in Termoground package which was created with the participation of specialists from the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education Petersburg State Transport University, PGUPS [Kudryavtsev S.A., Sakharov I.I., Paramonov V.N.]. This package has a long background of successful use in the practice of calculations and projection; the theoretical premises, implemented therein. are verified and fully comply with the requirements of domestic standards. Methods: Conducting theoretical analysis of regulatory and technical documents of foreign software systems. Performing numerical simulation of real thermophysical problems. Results: It has been established that dependences underlying foreign geotechnical complexes, in general, have the same theoretical prerequisites as those reflected in domestic regulatory documents; also, at numerical modeling, a satisfactory convergence of the calculated temperature fields in a soil mass for building construction real tasks on frozen ground was noted. Practical importance: The obtained results can be used in the practice of design/construction for to set thermophysical parameters for foundation soils in the course of numerical modeling of thermophysical tasks and analysis of geocryological situation of the Far North conditions.
Errata
Authors: UNICAMP Revista Brasileira de Inovação
Published: June 2022

Errata do artigo "Introdução à seção especial “Temas emergentes em Gestão da Inovação e Empreendedorismo”", DOI https://doi.org/10.20396/rbi.v21i00.8668065 publicado no periódico Revista Brasileira de Inovação, 21:1-17, e022001.
Aktivisme Digital dalam Konteks Penggalangan Donasi Fandom BTS (ARMY) Indonesia Melalui Twitter
Authors: Sumardiono Nawan
Published: June 2022

Fandoms often carry out social activities to maintain their positive image, one of which is through digital media. This study explores how fandom uses digital media to carry out activism. This research was conducted using a qualitative approach. Meanwhile, the method used is a case study. To analyze the data, the researcher used the concept of digital activism. Based on the analysis, it is found that the use of certain momentum that is closely related to a group can support the success of digital activism. In addition, the message that is disseminated to carry out persuasion is important to be narrated by touching the emotional side of the individual. Transparency in the implementation of digital activism is also something that needs to be managed properly to support the success of digital activism being carried out.
Propaganda Jepang melalui Majalah Djawa Baroe pada Masa Kependudukannya di Indonesia
Authors: Hashina Rosalini Raisa , Dwi Prianti Desi
Published: June 2022

War and propaganda become two inseparable aspects. When its occupation in Indonesia, Japan used various tool to influence and attract Indonesian’s attention. Mass media became the most accessible tool used by Japan to give the doctrines and propaganda, especially Djawa Baroe magazines. This paper aims to analyze how the Japanese use the media, especially Djawa Baroe magazine, produced in 1943 in Indonesia as a propaganda tool in doctrine and mobilize its dominated society through the discourse analysis approach. The research was conducted through three stages of analysis, in which the results of the analysis were analyzed profoundly through the view of critical discourse analysis. The result shows six-issues categories can be discussed from 250 articles in Djawa Baroe magazine. Japanese military powers; area security by Japan; education, training, and knowledge were given to society; Japan and “the older brother”; enemies; and, community testimony and response. As a result, propaganda, doctrine and the application of Japanese cultural influences can be seen in the style of language, the use of sentences and images displayed in the article. Doctrine given by the Japanese government includes various aspects such as threat and fear from the enemies and kindness and attention.
Offices after the COVID-19 Pandemic and Changes in Perception of Flexible Office Space
Authors: Barath Matus , Schmidt Dusana Alshatti
Published: June 2022

The pandemic is fast moving, accelerating rapid changes that lead to new challenges and making organizations suffer an impact. A big mark has been left on the workplaces - places where we do business, because an ongoing change to remote work challenges the role of the office. It is highly possible that as the change is progressing, it is not only the workplace that will change its design, but also the way in which work will be planned, organized, done and controlled. However, as the restrictions ease up questions appear: What is the potential of office sustainability? How has the perception of flexible office space changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic? This paper used an online survey as a quantitative research method. In this paper, we looked at the employer’s vision of the office. We investigated employers’ perspectives of where and in what settings the work will be done in the post-pandemic time. Specifically, we discussed the changes employers will apply in terms of work environment and office layout. The findings suggest that an increasing mobile workforce and expansion of the new workstyle will not mean an office exodus, but will certainly have an impact on office utilization.
Lipoprotein Subclasses Independently Contribute to Subclinical Variance of Microvascular and Macrovascular Health
Authors: Streese Lukas , Habisch Hansjoerg , Deiseroth Arne , Carrard Justin , Infanger Denis , Schmidt-Trucksaess Arno , Madl Tobias , Hanssen Henner
Published: June 2022

Lipoproteins are important cardiovascular (CV) risk biomarkers. This study aimed to investigate the associations of lipoprotein subclasses with micro- and macrovascular biomarkers to better understand how these subclasses relate to atherosclerotic CV diseases. One hundred fifty-eight serum samples from the EXAMIN AGE study, consisting of healthy individuals and CV risk patients, were analyzed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to quantify lipoprotein subclasses. Microvascular health was quantified by measuring retinal arteriolar and venular diameters. Macrovascular health was quantified by measuring carotid-to-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV). Nineteen lipoprotein subclasses showed statistically significant associations with retinal vessel diameters and nine with PWV. These lipoprotein subclasses together explained up to 26% of variation (R2=0.26, F(29,121)=2.80, p<0.001) in micro- and 12% (R2=0.12, F(29,124)=1.70, p=0.025) of variation in macrovascular health. High-density (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) as well as triglycerides together explained up to 13% (R2=0.13, F(3,143)=8.42, p<0.001) of micro and 8% (R2=0.08, F(3,145)=5.46, p=0.001) of macrovascular variation. Lipoprotein subclasses seem to reflect micro- and macrovascular end organ damage more precisely as compared to only measuring HDL-C, LDL-C and triglycerides. Further studies are needed to analyse how the additional quantification of lipoprotein subclasses can improve CV risk stratification and CV disease prediction.
Diagnostic Performance of Advanced Metal Artifact Reduction MRI for Periprosthetic Shoulder Infection
Authors: Fritz Jan , Meshram Prashant , Stern Steven E. , Fritz Benjamin , Srikumaran Uma , McFarland Edward G.
Published: June 2022

Background:

The diagnosis of periprosthetic shoulder infection (PSI) in patients with a painful arthroplasty is challenging. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be helpful, but shoulder implant-induced metal artifacts degrade conventional MRI. Advanced metal artifact reduction (MARS) improves the visibility of periprosthetic bone and soft tissues. The purpose of our study was to determine the reliability, repeatability, and diagnostic performance of advanced MARS-MRI findings for diagnosing PSI.

Methods:

Between January 2015 and December 2019, we enrolled consecutive patients suspected of having PSI at our academic hospital. All 89 participants had at least 1-year clinical follow-up and underwent standardized clinical, radiographic, and laboratory evaluations and advanced MARS-MRI. Two fellowship-trained musculoskeletal radiologists retrospectively evaluated the advanced MARS-MRI studies for findings associated with PSI in a blinded and independent fashion. Both readers repeated their evaluations after a 2-month interval. Interreader reliability and intrareader repeatability were assessed with κ coefficients. The diagnostic performance of advanced MARS-MRI for PSI was quantified using sensitivity, specificity, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). When applying the International Consensus Meeting (ICM) 2018 criteria, of the 89 participants, 22 (25%) were deemed as being infected and 67 (75%) were classified as being not infected (unlikely to have PSA and not requiring a surgical procedure during 1-year follow-up).

Results:

The interreader reliability and intrareader repeatability of advanced MARS-MRI findings, including lymphadenopathy, joint effusion, synovitis, extra-articular fluid collection, a sinus tract, rotator cuff muscle edema, and periprosthetic bone resorption, were good (κ = 0.61 to 0.80) to excellent (κ > 0.80). Lymphadenopathy, complex joint effusion, and edematous synovitis had sensitivities of >85%, specificities of >90%, odds ratios of >3.6, and AUC values of >0.90 for diagnosing PSI. The presence of all 3 findings together yielded a PSI probability of >99%, per logistic regression analysis.

Conclusions:

Our study shows the clinical utility of advanced MARS-MRI for diagnosing PSI when using the ICM 2018 criteria as the reference standard. Although the reliability and diagnostic accuracy were high, these conclusions are based on our specific advanced MARS-MRI protocol interpreted by experienced musculoskeletal radiologists. Investigations with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm these results.

Level of Evidence:

DiagnosticLevel III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Open Tibial Fracture Treatment in Argentina
Authors: Garabano Germán , MacKechnie Madeline C. , Pereira Sebastian , Brown Kelsey , Flores Michael J. , Pesciallo Cesar A. , Miclau Theodore , Bidolegui Fernando ,   and the Study Group
Published: June 2022

Background:

The purposes of the present study were (1) to characterize open tibial fractures and their treatment in trauma centers located across different regions of Argentina and (2) to evaluate the rates of and indications for reoperation after the surgical treatment of such fractures.

Methods:

This retrospective multicenter study evaluated open tibial fractures in Argentina that were operatively treated by experienced orthopaedic trauma surgeon-members of the Argentine Association of Orthopedic Trauma (AATO) between January 2015 and June 2020. Data were collected from 13 hospital databases; 8 hospitals were designated as “interior,” and 5 hospitals were designated as “exterior.” The study included 701 skeletally mature patients, all of whom had a minimum of 12 months of follow-up. Information was collected on patient demographics, injury pattern and mechanism, fracture classification, treatment modality, reoperation rates, time between definitive fixation and reoperation, and indications for reoperation.

Results:

Seventy-six percent of presenting injuries were the result of a high-energy mechanism. Intramedullary nailing represented the most common type of fixation (88%). One hundred and fifty patients (21%) required reoperation. Delayed union/nonunion was the most common indication for reoperation in patients who had been previously treated with intramedullary nail fixation (31%; 39 of 126), and infection was the most common indication for reoperation in patients who had been treated with plate fixation (43%; 3 of 7). The time between the injury and definitive fixation was significantly different between the interior and exterior trauma centers (13.8 versus 4.7 days; p < 0.001), as was the time between definitive fixation and reoperation (69.3 versus 25.2 days; p = 0.004). The reoperation rates for the interior and exterior trauma centers were similar (20% versus 24%; p = 0.2). Infection, delayed union/nonunion, and implant removal were the most common indications for reoperation across groups.

Conclusions:

An improved understanding of the factors that influence treatment may help to guide future areas for improvement, establish educational goals, and create additional nationwide guidelines for open tibial fracture treatment.

Level of Evidence:

Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Rice Bran Ice Cream Characteristics on Various Proportions of Rice Bran Flour with Skimmed Milk and Kinds of Stabilizer
Authors: Kurniawati Tri
Published: June 2022

This research aimed to study rice bran ice cream on treatments of proportions of rice bran flour with skim milk ( 0:100; 25:75; and 50 : 50) and three kinds of stabilizers i.e. CMC; Carageenan; and CMC : carageenan 1 :1. Ice cream was made by mixing skim milk with rice bran flour in accordance with treatments, whipped cream and water then pas- teurized at temperature 75 oC until boiled (dough 1). Dough 2. was made of fine sugar, egg yolk and stabilizers in accordance with treatments then mixed by mixer. Dough 1 and 2 then mixed in heating process at temperature 75 oC then conditioned in ambi- ent temperature. Conditioned dough then stored an hour in refrigerator and stirred by mixer in a minute before it stored in freezer for three hours as further cooling. After the first cooling, ice cream was stirred again by mixer until soft texture was obtained. Those process then repeated once an hour until ice cream desired texture was obtained. Che- mical and physical characteristics of ice cream were observed with three replications. Data obtained were descripted and analized by regression. Result of the research showed that the higher proportions of rice bran flour with skim milk the higher fat content, crude fiber, and melting rate of rice bran ice cream. Carageenan gave highest overrun, while combination of carageenan and CMC resulted in highest melting rate and viscosity of rice bran ice cream.
La atención al cliente y su relación con la calidad de servicio en la empresa Galaxy especializada en venta de accesorios para celulares, Lima-Perú 2021
Authors:   , Ramos Callan James Philippe
Published: June 2022

La investigación tendrá como objetivo definir el grado de afinidad que tienen las variables atención al consumidor y el servicio de calidad en la Compañía Galaxy, especializada en venta de accesorios para celulares, Lima- Perú, 2021. Para el desarrollo metodológico se aplicó el tipo descriptivo correlacional de corte transeccional, enfoque cuantitativo, no experimental. La población es de 100 personas y la muestra obtenida es de 76 clientes, para su cálculo se utilizó el tipo probabilístico. Se recolecto datos usando la encuesta como técnica y estuvo compuesta por 18 preguntas en modelo Likert, se validó por tres profesionales, posteriormente paso por la prueba de confiabilidad “Alpha de Cronbach”. Para concluir se dice que la atención que se da a los clientes posee vinculo positivo con la calidad de servicio. La capacidad de respuesta, credibilidad y comunicación tienen un vínculo positivo con respecto a la calidad que se ofrece en el servicio.
Determinación de la frecuencia de anticuerpos anti - Toxoplasma gondii en cuyes (Cavia porcellus) de un centro de crianza intensiva en la provincia de Lima, Perú - 2018
Authors:   , Lupuche Sotil Fabricio Gian Pierre
Published: June 2022

Objetivo. Determinar la frecuencia de anticuerpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii en cuyes mejorados de un centro de crianza intensiva en la provincia de Lima, Perú. Materiales y métodos. Se procesaron 408 muestras de sueros sanguíneos de cuyes (Cavia porcellus) mayores a 21 días de edad (recría y reproductores), sin discriminar el sexo, los cuales fueron sometidos a la Prueba de Hemaglutinación Indirecta (HIA) para finalmente determinar la frecuencia de anticuerpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii. Resultados. Se determinó una frecuencia de anticuerpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii de 30.39% (124/408) con un IC95%: 25.96% - 35.11%; Obteniéndose según el estrato etario una frecuencia de positivos de 23.30% en recría y 45.74% en reproductores; hallándose una asociación estadística significativa entre los cuyes diagnosticados como seropositivos y el estrato etario de animales reproductores. Mientras que, según el sexo, la frecuencia de positivos fue de 28.53% en hembras y 32.14% en machos, sin mostrar asociación estadística evidente. Conclusión. Se determinó una frecuencia alta de anticuerpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii en los cuyes (Cavia porcellus) de un centro de crianza intensiva en la provincia de Lima.
GC-MS based metabolomics and lipidiomics analyses of selected freshwater green macroalgae
Authors: Shah Zahir , BADSHAH SYED , Iqbal Arshad , Emwas Abdul-Hamid , Jaremko Mariusz
Published: June 2022

Background
Macroalgae are a versatile source of biological molecules. The freshwater macroalgae can be used in a number of ways. They are a useful flora of fresh water bodies. They are cost effective remedy for the mitigation of excess phosphorus, nitrogen and other harmful chemicals in industrial wastewater. Here, the methanolic extracts of three freshwater macroalgae were further fractioned based on polarity of organic solvents and they were analyzed through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.
Results
The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry based metabolomics and lipidomics identification of various fractions showed the presence of different important compounds. These includes long chain fatty acids, tepenes, ketones, alkaloids, hydrocarbons and benzene containing compounds. Several of these compounds have important medicinal and nutraceutical properties.
Conclusions
A number of useful fatty acids and other hydrocarbons were reported from these macroalgae. These lipids and hydrocarbons can be used in the production of biodiesel. This study provide a complete profiling of the various secondary metabolites present in the freshwater macroalgae Chara vulgaris; Cladophora glomerata and Spirogyra crassa.
Evolutionary Random Graph for Bitcoin Overlay and Blockchain Mining Networks
Authors: Abdo Jacques Bou , Dass Shuvalaxmi , Qolomany Basheer , Hossain Liaquat
Published: June 2022

The world economy is experiencing the novel adoption of distributed currencies that are free from the control of central banks. Distributed currencies suffer from extreme volatility, and this can lead to catastrophic implications during future economic crisis. Understanding the dynamics of this new type of currencies is vital for empowering supervisory bodies from current reactive and manual incident responders to more proactive and well-informed planners. Bitcoin, the first and dominant distributed cryptocurrency, is still notoriously vague, especially for a financial instrument with market value exceeding $1 trillion. Modeling of bitcoin overlay network poses a number of important theoretical and methodological challenges. Current measuring approaches, for example, fail to identify the real network size of bitcoin miners. This drastically undermines the ability to predict forks, the suitable mining difficulty and most importantly the resilience of the network supporting bitcoin. In this work, we developed Evolutionary Random Graph, a theoretical model that describes the network of bitcoin miners. The correctness of this model has been validated using simulated and measure bitcoin data. We then predicted forking, optimal mining difficulty, network size and consequently the network’s inability to stand a drastic drop in bitcoin price using the current mining configuration.
Morphological features of bronchiectasis in patients with non-tuberculous mycobacteriosis and interstitial pneumonia
Authors: Tabe Chiori , Dobashi Masaki , Ishioka Yoshiko , Itoga Masamichi , Tanaka Hisashi , Taima Kageaki , Tasaka Sadatomo
Published: June 2022

Objective
To compare the morphological features of bronchiectasis between patients with different underlying diseases, we performed quantitative analysis of high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) images of 14 patients with non-tuberculous mycobacteriosis (NTM) and 13 with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). A 3D image of the bronchial structure was made from HRCT data. Bronchiectasis was defined as abnormal dilatation of the bronchi with the diameter greater than that of the accompanying pulmonary artery. We measured the inner and outer diameters, wall area as %total airway cross sectional area (WA%), and wall thickness to airway diameter ratio (T/D) of the 4-8th generations of bronchi.
Results
In patients with IPF, the inner and outer diameters linearly decreased toward the distal bronchi. In contrast, the inner and outer diameters of NTM fluctuated. The coefficient of variation of the outer diameters of the 6-7th generations of bronchi was larger in the NTM patients than in those with IPF, whereas no significant difference was observed in the coefficient of variation of the inner diameters between the groups. In IPF patients, WA% and T/D varied between the generation of bronchi, but the coefficient of variation of WA% and T/D was relatively small in those with NTM.
RBM47 is a critical regulator of mouse embryonic stem cell differentiation
Authors: Shivalingappa Pavan Kumar Mysuru , Singh Divya Kumari , Sharma Vaishali , Arora Vivek , Shiras Anjali , Bapat Sharmila
Published: June 2022

RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are pivotal for regulating gene expression as they are involved in each step of RNA metabolism. Several RBPs are essential for viable growth and development in mammals. RNA-binding motif 47 (RBM47) is an RRM-containing RBP whose role in mammalian embryonic development is poorly understood yet deemed to be essential since its loss in mouse embryos leads to perinatal lethality. In this study, we attempted to elucidate the significance of RBM47 in cell-fate decisions of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs). Downregulation of Rbm47 did not affect mESC maintenance and the cell cycle but perturbed the expression of primitive endoderm (PrE) markers and increased GATA4 + PrE-like cells. However, the PrE misregulation could be reversed by either overexpressing Rbm47 or treating the knockdown mESCs with the inhibitors of FGFR or MEK, suggesting an implication of RBM47 in regulating FGF-ERK signaling. Rbm47 knockdown affected the multi-lineage differentiation potential of mESCs as it regressed teratoma in NSG mice and led to a skewed expression of differentiation markers in serum-induced monolayer differentiation. Further, lineage-specific differentiation revealed that Rbm47 is essential for proper differentiation of mESCs towards neuroectodermal and endodermal fate. Taken together, we assign a hitherto unknown role(s) to RBM47 in a subtle regulation of mESC differentiation.
Field emission in an array of homogeneous identical nanometer-long nanotubes
Authors: Sadykov Nail R. , Khrabrov Rodion S. , Pilipenko Irina A.
Published: June 2022

We consider the problem of field emission based on carbon nanotubes. The length of these nanotubes differ from several nanometers to several hundreds of nanometers. We obtain the particle transmission function, considering the difference of potentials on the ends of nanotubes to be U = 2 ÷ 3.5 V. Basing on the transmission function we calculate emission current. We establish the dependence of the Nordheim function on the length of nanoparticles. The limiting transition is considered for the transmission coefficient for field emission from the cathode surface in the absence of nanoparticles on it. We establish the linear dependence of current I on the field strength W and the linear dependence of function I/W2 on the inverse value of field strength 1/ W .
Environmental contamination status with common ingredients of household and personal care products
Authors: Klančič Veronika , Gobec Martina , Jakopin Žiga
Published: June 2022

The continuous use of household and personal care products (HPCPs) produces an immense amount of chemicals, such as parabens, bisphenols, UV filters, and alkylphenol ethoxylates, which are of great concern due to their well-known endocrine-disrupting properties. These chemicals easily enter the environment through man-made activities, thus contaminating the biota, including soil, water, plants and animals. Thus, on top of the direct exposure on account of their presence in HPCPs, humans are also susceptible to secondary indirect exposure attributed to the ubiquitous environmental contamination. The aim of this review is therefore to examine the sources and occurrence of these noteworthy contaminants (i.e., parabens, bisphenols, UV filters, alkylphenol ethoxylates), to summarize the available research on their environmental presence and to highlight the potential exposure pathways.
Effect of percutaneous and arthroscopically assisted osteosynthesis of talar body fractures
Authors: Hu Yong , Li Zhengxun , Wang Yang , Zhang Ning , Xu Wenpeng , Li Xiucun
Published: June 2022

Background: Talar fractures are relatively rare. The complex anatomy of the talus makes it difficult to visualize, reduce and fix without performing an arthrotomy or osteotomy. Currently, few studies focused on complications of the percutaneous and arthroscopically assisted talar osteosynthesis technique. This clinical retrospective study aims to investigate the effectiveness of the percutaneous and arthroscopically assisted talar osteosynthesis based on the complications and functional outcomes.Methods: The percutaneous and arthroscopically assisted talar osteosynthesis was performed in 15 patients with 16 fractures (one bilateral). The mean patients age was 31 years (range, 14 to 52 years). There were 10 males and 5 females. Sneppen classification for talar body fractures was type II in 14 cases and type III in 2 cases. Results: Fifteen patients with 16 fractures were followed up, and the average follow-up period was 36 months (range, 24 to 65 months). No skin infections, osteomyelitis, skin necrosis in all patients were observed. During the follow-up, bony nonunion and/or delayed union were not found. At the final follow-up, two out of 15 patients (13.3%) occurred the peri-talar osteoarthritis. The ankle-hindfoot pain was absent in 11 patients (12 ankles), mild in 4 patients. Based on the AOFAS ankle–hindfoot scale, functional results were excellent in 7 ankles, good in 9 ankles. The mean AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot Score of all patients was 85.7 points (range, 79 to 93 points). Conclusions: The percutaneous and arthroscopically assisted talar osteosynthesis technique is a reliable and feasible, and gives good clinical outcomes. Level of Evidence: IV
Clinical Relevance of Sequencing Faecal Microbiota in Ulcerative Colitis Patients, Consanguineous and Non-Consanguineous Relatives
Authors: Fukuda Katsuyuki , Takahashi Shunsuke , Okutome Toshiyuki
Published: June 2022

Background
The gut bacteria are known to indicate the risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) is a methods of molecular biology for identification of bacteria in faecal samples. We aimed to establish a biomarker showing disease activity of ulcerative colitis (UC) based on faecal bacteria.
Methods
Eighty-two patients, 25 had active UC with symptoms (group I) and 57 had asymptomatic UC; 29 with mild inflammation (group II), and 28 with no inflammation (group III). Sixty-one healthy relatives as controls were consanguine (group IV, n = 33), and non-consanguine (group V, n = 28). We compared the bacteria in stool samples from groups I to V. The Discriminant Score (Ds) for each subject were calculated. Then the quantity and diversity of each bacterial variant were calculated based on it.
Results
On Species level, the Ds tended to increase as follows: Group I < group II < group III < group IV < group V. There was significant difference for group I vs group II, group III, group IV, and group V (P < 0.01); group V vs group I, vs group II, group III (P < 0.01). These indicate a close relationship between intestinal microbiota and the activity of UC. Likewise, next Discriminant analysis on 10 Genera, the Ds showed the similar tendency.
Conclusions
As far as we know, this attempt is the first study using NGS and Ds to analyze intestinal microbiota in UC patients, consanguine and non-consanguine relatives. Likewise, this is the first report on so many bacterial variants being related to active UC. Ds may be a clinical biomarker associated with disease activity in UC. Trial No: UMIN000017103 (11/04/2015).
Integrated assessment of volatile organic compounds from industrial biomass boilers in China: emission characteristics, influencing factors and ozone formation potential
Authors: Shi Ruidan , Yuan Zibing , yang leifeng , Huang Daojian , Ma Hui
Published: June 2022

Industrial biomass boilers (IBBs) are widely promoted in China as a type of clean energy. However, they emit large amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and the emission characteristics and the underlying factors are largely unknown due to the sampling difficulties. In this study, three wood pellet-fueled and two wood residue-fueled IBBs were selected to investigate the characteristics of VOCs emissions and to discover their underlying impacting factors. The emission factor of VOCs varied from 21.6 ± 2.8 mg/kg to 286.2 ± 10.8 mg/kg for the IBBs. Oxygenated VOCs (OVOCs) were the largest group, contributing to 30.3%-73.6% of the VOCs emissions. Significant differences were revealed in the VOCs source profiles between wood pellet-fueled and wood residue-fueled IBBs. Operating load, excess air, furnace temperature and fuel type were identified as the primary factors influencing VOCs emissions. The excess air coefficient should be limited below 3.5, roughly corresponding to the operating load of 62% and furnace temperature of 630 °C, to effectively reduce VOCs emissions. VOCs emissions also showed great differences in different combustion phases, with the ignition phase having much greater VOCs emissions than the stable combustion and the ember phases. The ozone formation potential (OFP) ranged from 4.3 mg/m3 to 31.2 mg/m3 for the IBBs, and the wood residue-fueled IBBs yielded higher OFP than the wood pellet-fueled ones. This study underscored the importance of OVOCs in IBB emissions, and reducing OVOCs emissions should be prioritized in formulating control measures to mitigate their impacts on the atmospheric environment and human health.
Could faecal viral excretion explain gastrointestinal symptoms in COVID-19 patients: co- infection involvement?
Authors: Rezzoug Inès , Visseaux Benoit , Bertine Mélanie , Parisey Marion , Burdet Charles , Bonnal Christine , Ruppe Etienne , Descamps Diane , Timsit Jean Francois , Yazdanpanah Yazdan , Armand-Lefevre Laurence , Houze Sandrine , Argy Nicolas
Published: June 2022

Objectives: Physiopathological mechanisms responsible for digestive symptoms during COVID-19 are still unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of faecal viral shedding on digestive symptoms and propose differential diagnoses to better understand the gastrointestinal clinical spectrum during acute COVID-19.Methods: Patients were included if one stool sample was available for microbiological investigation. Microbiological analysis consisted of syndromic PCR screening, and parasitological investigation included microsporidia and multiplex protozoa PCR. SARS-CoV-2 infection was diagnosed by viral detection (on respiratory samples and frozen stool samples) and by serology when necessary. Collected epidemiological, clinical, radiological, biological data and clinical course were compared according to COVID-19 status, faecal SARS-CoV-2 shedding and co-infection status.Results: 50 COVID+ and 67 COVID- patients were included. Faecal viral shedding was detected in 50% of stool samples and was associated with higher viral load in the upper respiratory tract. There was no difference in the proportion of detected enteric pathogens between COVID-19 status. No impact was observed on clinical course regardless of COVID-19 status, faecal SARS-CoV-2 shedding and coinfection status.Conclusions: SARS-CoV-2 shedding and enteric pathogen involvement in gastrointestinal presentation is still unclear. However, differential diagnostic investigation revealed frequently occurring common enteric pathogens in COVID-19 patients.
Strengthened relationship between sea ice in East Siberian Sea and midsummer rainfall in Northeast China
Authors: Han Tingting , Tang Guowa , Zhou Botao , Hao Xin , Li Shangfeng
Published: June 2022

Arctic sea ice displays the high rates of decay during summer-autumn. Previous studies have revealed the impact of autumn Arctic sea ice on local and remote atmospheric circulation. Few attentions have been paid on the relationship between summer Arctic sea ice and climate variation at Eurasia. This study identifies a strengthened relationship between midsummer rainfall at Northeast China (NEC) and simultaneous sea ice area (SIA) in East Siberian Sea after the 1990s. The NEC’s rainfall shows a significant positive correlation with the SIA during 1994 − 2016, whereas the relationship is insignificant during 1961 − 1983. The strengthening of the relationship is attributed to the western elongation of background circulation at the North Pacific and the increased interannual variability of the SIA after the 1990s. The former facilitates the western extension of the SIAI-associated circulation over the Central North Pacific. The latter induces larger amplitudes of sea ice and surface heat fluxes in situ, and then it leads to stronger meridional temperature gradient anomalies and intensified interaction between synoptic-scale eddies and mean flow over the North Pacific. These conditions jointly contribute to stronger and western elongation of circulation over the Central North Pacific during 1994 − 2016. Accordingly, the SIA has an intimate connection with NEC’s rainfall though the modulation of moisture transport and vertical movement.
Preparation of efficient heavy metal adsorbent based on walnut shell and adsorption for Pb(II) ions from aqueous solution
Authors: liu guangtian , Zhang Liang , Luo Rensheng
Published: June 2022

An efficient heavy metal absorbent, amino-terminated hyperbranched polymer modified walnut shell (FWNS) was prepared. The adsorption behavior for Pb(II) ions from aqueous solution was also discussed. The FWNS was prepared using an amino-terminated hyperbranched polymer (ATHBP) as modifying agent and glycidyl methacrylate(GMA) as the grafting bridge. The FWNS was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning electron microscope (SEM). The adsorption capacity of FWNS for Pb(II) was investigated at different adsorbent dosages (0.01–0.1g/L) and pH’s (2–6). The result indicated that the absorbent had good adsorption capacity over a wide pH range (2-6). The maximum Pb(II) ions adsorption capacity (Qm) obtained by a Langmuir fitting model was 1250.00mg/g at 293K. The adsorption kinetics fitted the pseudo-second-order equation. The adsorption of FWNS for Pb(II) ions was an endothermic reaction and spontaneous process. Furthermore, the result shows FWNS has excellent regeneration.
The Relationship between Changes in the Korean Fertility Rate and Policies to Encourage Fertility
Authors: Kim Sunghee , Yoon Jiyeon , Cho Heeran J. , Jeong Kyuhyoung , Jang Jihyun
Published: June 2022

Background: Korean government has established various policies to counter the low fertility rate since the mid-2000s, but it still has the lowest fertility rate among OECD member countries. This study investigated the relationship between changes in the Korean fertility rate and policies to encourage fertility.Methods: This study utilized data of the total fertility rate of 250 local governments between 2014 and 2018, and a casebook of local government birth promotion policies. The dependent variable was fertility rate, and the independent variable was fertility promotion policy. Using SPSS 25.0 and M-plus 8.0 programs, descriptive statistical analysis and latent growth modeling were conducted.Results: An unconditional quadratic function change model was selected. The average of the initial fertility rate and the linear rate of change in the Korean fertility rate, and the rate of change of the quadratic function were all statistically significant, meaning that the fertility rate of decline increases over time. Also, the linear rate of change and the quadratic function change rate were significant, showing significant differences in the initial level and rate of change of the fertility rate between local governments. Among fertility policies, only the in-kind policy had a significant effect on the initial value of the fertility rate, meaning that the higher the number of in-kind policies, the higher the fertility rate. Conclusions: This study is crucial as it examined the changes in the fertility rate of Korean local governments as well as the policy factors affecting the fertility rate at a quantitative level.
Modeling the drying process of fuelbeds of Masson pine needles under different packing ratios based on two-phase models
Authors: Zhang Yunlin
Published: June 2022

Background: Modeling the drying process of a fuelbed with an initial moisture content higher than the fiber saturated moisture content, analyzing the influence of the packing ratio of the fuelbed on the drying process, and establishing a prediction model are of great significance to improve the prediction accuracy of the moisture content of fuelbeds and determine when fuelbeds can be ignited after precipitation. We simulated the drying process in five needle beds of Masson pine (Pinus massoniana Lamb.) with different packing ratios. Taking the fiber saturation point (0.35 g·g-1) as the threshold, we divided the drying process into two phases. The drying mechanism of each phase was different and has its own drying equation. Compared with the model that does not distinguish the drying process, the prediction effect of the two-phase model was analyzed, and the influence of the fuelbebs packing ratio on the drying process was analyzed. Results: No matter how the packing ratio changes, the two-phase model can better simulate the drying process, and the average MAE and MRE obtained by the two-phase model decrease by 18.4% and 25.6%, respectively, compared with the one-phase model. The timelag prediction model was established with the packing ratio, and the errors were all within the allowable range, but the prediction effect of the timelag prediction model based on the two phases was better. Conclusions: It was further demonstrated that considering the packing ratio of the fuelbed and distinguishing the drying process can effectively improve the prediction accuracy of the moisture content of fuelbeds based on the semiphysical method.
Alterations in Expression of Phosphatase and Tensin Homologous (Pten) Gene Analyzed in the Bronchial Lavage Samples of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Patients
Authors: Sahin Hilal , Kuru Rahiye Dilhan , Atahan Ersan , Yilmaz Nail , Deviren Ayhan , Tuncdemir Matem
Published: June 2022

Objective: The aim was to analyze the expression of Phosphatase and Tensin Homologous gene (PTEN) gene by interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (iFISH), and localization and immunoreactivity of PTEN by immunocytochemistry method in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).Methods: BAL samples collected from 30 patients diagnosed with NSCLC and from 10 control subjects without any malignancy were included. iFISH was performed with 10q23.3 PTEN DNA dual color FISH probe, analyzing multiple cells including normal cell (2G2R), biallelic deleted cell (2G), monoallelic deleted cell (2G1R), monosomic cell (1G1R) and atypical signals. Immunocytochemistry was based on Streptavidin-Biotin-Peroxidase method and PTEN levels were semi-quantitatively scored.Results: Percentage of cells with 2G/2R was 86.8% which was , significantly lower than that of control group (p<0.0001). Loss of PTEN gene was 6.43% among all patients. The Percentage of cells with monoallelic deletion (p=0.0246) and atypical signal (p=0.0001) and percentage of monosomic cells (p=0.0001) were significantly higher in patients compared to controls. PTEN immunopositivity was significantly increased in patients compared to controls (p<0.0001).Conclusion: The signal characteristics of cells can alter among NSCLC patients. The increased abnormal signals and mutational cells in BAL samples of NSCLC patients suggest that the investigation of PTEN expression in BAL by using molecular cytogenetic methods may guide the clinicians in differential diagnosis and therapeutic management of NSCLC. Being faster, easier, and cost-effective in routine testing, immunocytochemistry method can also be combined as a diagnostic tool with molecular methods.
A comprehensive single-cell atlas of freshly-dissociated human synovium in inflammatory arthritis with an optimized dissociation protocol for prospective fresh synovial biopsy collection
Authors: Edalat Sam , Gerber Reto , Houtman Miranda , Kuret Tadeja , Izanc Nadja , Micheroli Raphael , Buerki Kristina , Burja Blaz , Pauli Chantal , Rotar Žiga , Tomšič Matija , Čučnik Saša , Distler Oliver , Ospelt Caroline , Sodin-Semrl Snežna , Robinson Mark , Bertoncelj Mojca Frank
Published: June 2022

Single-cell RNA-sequencing is advancing our understanding of synovial pathobiology in inflammatory arthritis. Here, we optimized the protocol for dissociation of synovial biopsies and created a comprehensive reference single-cell atlas of fresh human synovium in inflammatory arthritis. We derived our protocol from the published dissociation method for cryopreserved synovium (Donlin L. et al. Arthritis Res. Ther. 2019) with modifications to enrich synovial cells and minimize cell loss. These modifications enabled consistently high cell yield and viability, thereby minimizing the rate of synovial tissue sample dropout. Our single-cell atlas of the human synovium comprised more than 100’000 unsorted single-cell profiles from 27 synovia of patients with inflammatory arthritis. Synovial cells formed ten lymphoid, 14 myeloid and 17 stromal cell clusters, including IFITM2+ synovial neutrophils. We identified lining SOD2highSAA1+SAA2+ and transitional SERPINE1+COL5A3+ synovial fibroblasts, exhibiting gene signatures linked to cartilage breakdown (SDC4) and extracellular matrix remodelling (LOXL2, TGFBI, TGFB1), respectively. We uncovered synovial endothelial cell diversity and broadened the transcriptional characterization of tissue-resident FOLR2+ COLEC12+ and SLC40A1+ synovial macrophages, inferring their extracellular matrix sensing and iron recycling activities. Our research brings an efficient synovium dissociation protocol for prospectively collected fresh synovial biopsies and expands the knowledge about human synovium composition in inflammatory arthritis.
The impact of air pollution on dementia and preventive measures in China: A qualitative study
Authors: Tang Jie , Zhou Quan , Guo Hongda , Partridge Martin , Lim Jennifer NW , Clifford Angela , Sixsmith Judith , Chen Ruoling
Published: June 2022

Background: Despite research identifying a possible association between air pollution exposure and dementia risk, no study has investigated the perceptions, knowledge, attitude, and experiences of the caregivers of people with dementia on this topic. This article presents an investigation of the dementia caregivers on the association in China, and the healthcare professionals’ perception on measures to reduce the impact of air pollution on dementia.Method: A qualitative study design comprising two focus group discussions was used. The focus groups were conducted guided by semi-structured guides: one with five caregivers and the other with six health professionals. The focus groups were audio recorded, transcribed. Each transcript was analyzed using thematic analysis where codes were generated and assigned by two researchers independently. Similar codes were then grouped and categorized into themes.Results: While some participants thought that pollution may be associated with the risk of developing dementia, they felt the need to discuss the dementia diagnosis process, which indirectly reflected knowledge of dementia prevention among the general population in China. Most participants considered that the association between air pollution and dementia was indirect. Caregivers and family members appeared to have limited knowledge on dementia prevention. Health professionals identified several modifiable preventive measures to mitigate against the impact of pollution on dementia but identified several challenges of sharing this knowledge with the public and eventually changing people’s behaviors.Conclusions: Low awareness of dementia and high stigma around dementia must be overcome to help preventive measures against air pollution and dementia in China. Strengthening policy formulation and global cooperation is an important measure to tackle air pollution and its impact on dementia.