bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An accelerated and robust algorithm for ant colony optimization in continuous functions
Authors: de Freitas Jairo G. , Yamanaka Keiji
Published: December 2021

There is a wide variety of computational methods used for solving optimization problems. Among these, there are various strategies that are derived from the concept of ant colony optimization (ACO). However, the great majority of these methods are limited-range-search algorithms, that is, they find the optimal solution, as long as the domain provided contains this solution. This becomes a limitation, due to the fact that it does not allow these algorithms to be applied successfully to real-world problems, as in the real world, it is not always possible to determine with certainty the correct domain. The article proposes the use of a broad-range search algorithm, that is, that seeks the optimal solution, with success most of the time, even if the initial domain provided does not contain this solution, as the initial domain provided will be adjusted until it finds a domain that contains the solution. This algorithm called ARACO, derived from RACO, makes for the obtaining of better results possible, through strategies that accelerate the parameters responsible for adjusting the supplied domain at opportune moments and, in case there is a stagnation of the algorithm, expansion of the domain around the best solution found to prevent the algorithm becoming trapped in a local minimum. Through these strategies, ARACO obtains better results than its predecessors, in relation to the number of function evaluations necessary to find the optimal solution, in addition to its 100% success rate in practically all the tested functions, thus demonstrating itself as being a high performance and reliable algorithm. The algorithm has been tested on some classic benchmark functions and also on the benchmark functions of the IEEE Congress of Evolutionary Computation Benchmark Test Functions (CEC 2019 100-Digit Challenge).
Dark urine as the initial manifestation of COVID-19: a case report
Authors: Egoryan Goar , Chaudry Sana , Yadav Kritika , Dong Tianyu , Ozcekirdek Emre , Ozen Ece , Rodriguez-Nava Guillermo
Published: December 2021

Background

Rhabdomyolysis is defined as a syndrome consisting of muscle necrosis and the release of intracellular muscle components into the bloodstream. Although rhabdomyolysis has been previously reported as an initial presentation or late complication of COVID-19, the data on it is still limited, and currently, there is no single case of COVID-19 in the literature that describes creatine kinase levels of more than 30,000 IU/L.

Case presentation

A 50-year-old African–American male presented to the hospital with decreased urine output, dark urine color, and constipation for the past couple of days. He was found to have acute kidney injury, liver injury, and creatinine kinase of 359,910 IU/L, for which aggressive intravenous fluid therapy was given. Infectious workup resulted in positive severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 polymerase chain reaction. Two days after admission, the patient became symptomatic from a coronavirus disease 2019: he developed fever and hypoxia, and was placed on supplemental oxygen and started on a 10-day course of dexamethasone. The patient responded well to the treatment and supportive care for coronavirus disease 2019 and was successfully discharged.

Conclusion

Clinicians should be cognizant of atypical coronavirus disease 2019 presentations. The spectrum of damage of coronavirus disease 2019 is still an evolving topic, and more research is required to reveal the exact mechanisms by which severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 leads to rhabdomyolysis.
Food solidarity economy: evaluating transition community initiatives in Friuli Venezia Giulia region
Authors: Piani Lucia , Carzedda Matteo , Carestiato Nadia
Published: December 2021

Climate change, ecological challenges, and economic and social crises imply paradigmatic and structural innovations. In the effort to drive transition toward sustainability, local communities often take the lead, mobilize support, and organize initiatives based on the principles of solidarity economy. Our study presents a qualitative evaluation and comparison of three local bottom-up initiatives from Friuli Venezia Giulia, a Northern Italian region, each following alternative and unique models of production and consumption of wheat and flour. The reconstruction of the transition paths of the experiences, together with documental analysis and interviews, allowed us to deduce the influence of alternative approaches and subsequent degree of effectiveness in building a community and driving it toward sustainability.
Sequestration of P fractions in the soils of an incipient ferralisation chronosequence on a humid tropical volcanic island
Authors: Chiu Chih-Yu , Baillie Ian , Jien Shih-Hao , Hallett Liam , Hallett Stephen
Published: December 2021

Background

Phosphorus (P) is the limiting nutrient in many mature tropical forests. The ecological significance of declining P stocks as soils age is exacerbated by much of the remaining P being progressively sequestered. However, the details of how and where P is sequestered during the ageing in tropical forest soils remains unclear.

Results

We examined the relationships between various forms of the Fe and Al sesquioxides and the Hedley fractions of P in soils of an incipient ferralitic chronosequence on an altitudinal series of gently sloping benches on Green Island, off the southeastern coast of Taiwan. These soils contain limited amounts of easily exchangeable P. Of the sesquioxide variables, only Fe and Al crystallinities increased significantly with bench altitude/soil age, indicating that the ferralisation trend is weak. The bulk of the soil P was in the NaOH and residual extractable fractions, and of low lability. The P fractions that correlated best with the sesquioxides were the organic components of the NaHCO3and NaOH extracts.

Conclusions

The amorphous sesquioxides, Feoand Alo,were the forms that correlated best with the P fractions. A substantial proportion of the labile P appears to be organic and to be associated with Aloin organic-aluminium complexes. The progression of P sequestration appears to be slightly slower than the chemical and mineralogical indicators of ferralisation.
Knowledge and perceptions of pharmacists’ readiness during coronavirus pandemic: the case of United Arab Emirates
Authors: Basheti Iman A. , Mhaidat Nizar M. , Al-Azzam Sayer , Alqudah Rajaa , Nassar Razan , Alzubaidi Hamzah , Abu-Samak Mahmoud S. , Abu-Gharbieh Eman
Published: December 2021

Background

With the outbreak of Coronavirus infection (COVID-19), pharmacists play an important role in supporting local health during this emergency.

Aim

To assess the knowledge and to identify information sources regarding COVID-19 used by pharmacists, to investigate the active and public perceived roles of pharmacists, to explore the role of the pharmacy facilities and health authorities, and to identify barriers that would hinder pharmacists from performing their duties optimally in the United Arab Emirates.

Methods

This descriptive cross-sectional online study was conducted in the UAE during the COVID-19 outbreak, from 18 May to 20 June 2020. A validated online questionnaire addressing participants’ current knowledge about pandemics and COVID-19, source of information, and their perspectives of their role was used. Participants were licensed pharmacists practising in community and hospital pharmacies in UAE, academics, and pharmacy students.

Results

Almost two-thirds of the participants (71.2%) were aged 18–30 years, with 76.2% females. Only 57.5% of participants believed that they got enough education about pandemics, and 88.3% of them followed on the latest coronavirus updates regarding treatments, and that is mainly from the World Health Organization reports (53.9%), followed by health authorities (44.8%). Two-thirds of participants (69.7%) had good/very good current knowledge regarding COVID-19. Knowledge of pharmacy students compared to pharmacists was significantly higher (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The majority of pharmacists and pharmacy students reported that they have a major role in managing pandemics executed through the community pharmacies and that it is their role to ensure the availability of key medications. Policymakers and health authorities are called upon to train pharmacists in advance of emerging situations, supporting and helping them to optimally fulfill their role.
Combined transcriptome and metabolome analyses reveal the potential mechanism for the inhibition of Penicillium digitatum by X33 antimicrobial oligopeptide
Authors: Lin Shuhua , Wang Yuanxiu , Lu Qunlin , Zhang Bin , Wu Xiaoyu
Published: December 2021

Penicillium digitatum is the primary spoilage fungus that causes green mold during postharvest in citrus. To reduce economic losses, developing more efficient and less toxic natural antimicrobial agents is urgently required. We previously found that the X33 antimicrobial oligopeptide (X33 AMOP), produced by Streptomyces lavendulae X33, exhibited a sterilization effect on P. digitatum. In this study, the effects, and physiological mechanisms of X33 AMOP as an inhibitor of P. digitatum were investigated. The transcriptional and metabolome profiling of P. digitatum exposed to X33 AMOP revealed 3648 genes and 190 metabolites that were prominently changed. The omics analyses suggested that X33 AMOP mainly inhibited P. digitatum growth by affecting cell integrity, genetic information delivery, oxidative stress tolerance, and energy metabolism. These findings provide helpful information regarding the antimicrobial mechanism of X33 AMOP against P. digitatum at the molecular level and indicate that X33 AMOP is a potential candidate to control P. digitatum.

Graphical Abstract
Antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic potential of Theobroma cacao Linn. husk aqueous extracts
Authors: Cura Julius Kevin , Basilio Antonio , Llagas Ma. Cristina De Las
Published: December 2021

Background

Theobroma cacao Linn. husks are considered agricultural wastes, but studies show that they exhibit natural compounds that may be used in alternative medicine. Hence, this study was conducted to determine the antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic potential of T. cacao husk aqueous extracts (TCE).

Results

A significantly higher glucose dialysis retardation index (GDRI) was shown by 10% TCE than the rest of the concentrations (1%, 3%, 5%, 7%) (P<0.05), and its activity is comparable with 5% Metformin (positive control) after 30 min, 60 min, 120 min and 180 min of incubation. The 7% TCE also showed significantly higher GDRI than the 5%, 3%, and 1% concentrations (P<0.05), and its activity is comparable with 5% Metformin after 60 min and 180 min of incubation. Moreover, 10% TCE exhibited a significantly higher glucose uptake percentage than the rest of the samples (P<0.05) and has activity comparable with 5% Metformin. The anti-inflammatory assay showed a significantly higher inhibition rate of 10% TCE than the rest of the concentrations (P<0.05), and its activity is comparable with 5% Diclofenac (positive control). The cytotoxicity assay showed that the percentage mortality of brine shrimps after 24 h of exposure to the different TCE samples is less than 50%.

Conclusion

This study concludes that T. cacao husk aqueous extract has potential antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory properties without being toxic to cells.
Predicting students at risk of academic failure using ensemble model during pandemic in a distance learning system
Authors: Karalar Halit , Kapucu Ceyhun , Gürüler Hüseyin
Published: December 2021

Predicting students at risk of academic failure is valuable for higher education institutions to improve student performance. During the pandemic, with the transition to compulsory distance learning in higher education, it has become even more important to identify these students and make instructional interventions to avoid leaving them behind. This goal can be achieved by new data mining techniques and machine learning methods. This study took both the synchronous and asynchronous activity characteristics of students into account to identify students at risk of academic failure during the pandemic. Additionally, this study proposes an optimal ensemble model predicting students at risk using a combination of relevant machine learning algorithms. Performances of over two thousand university students were predicted with an ensemble model in terms of gender, degree, number of downloaded lecture notes and course materials, total time spent in online sessions, number of attendances, and quiz score. Asynchronous learning activities were found more determinant than synchronous ones. The proposed ensemble model made a good prediction with a specificity of 90.34%. Thus, practitioners are suggested to monitor and organize training activities accordingly.
Can Africa achieve herd immunity?
Authors: Lucero-Prisno Don Eliseo , Ogunkola Isaac Olushola , Esu Ekpereonne Babatunde , Adebisi Yusuff Adebayo , Lin Xu , Li Hao
Published: December 2021

The World Health Organization described herd immunity, also known as population immunity, as the indirect fortification from an infectious disease that happens when a population is immune either through vaccination or immunity developed through previous exposure to infection. The emergence of COVID-19 vaccine is a step towards the achievement of herd immunity. Over one billion people across the globe have been vaccinated and Africa recorded only 2%. The objective of this article was to develop a forecast of the number of people to be vaccinated to achieve herd immunity in the 13 WHO-identified priority African countries for COVID-19. Herd immunity is achieved when one infected person in a population causes less than one secondary case on average, corresponding to the effective basic reproduction number (R0). Vaccine delivery and distribution infrastructure including the cold chain remains weak. Vaccine hesitancy is also one of the limiting factors that may hinder herd immunity in Africa. In order to achieve herd immunity globally, African countries should not be excluded in fair and equal distribution of vaccines. Relevant stakeholders should foster commitment as well as community sensitization on COVID-19 vaccines and integration of COVID-19 vaccines in existing healthcare services.
Detecting low blood concentrations in joints using T1 and T2 mapping at 1.5, 3, and 7 T: an in vitro study
Authors: van Leeuwen Flora H. P. , Lena Beatrice , Zwanenburg Jaco J. M. , van Vulpen Lize F. D. , Bartels Lambertus W. , Fischer Kathelijn , Nap Frank J. , de Jong Pim A. , Bos Clemens , Foppen Wouter
Published: December 2021

Background

Intra-articular blood causes irreversible joint damage, whilst clinical differentiation between haemorrhagic joint effusion and other effusions can be challenging. An accurate non-invasive method for the detection of joint bleeds is lacking. The aims of this phantom study were to investigate whether magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T1 and T2 mapping allows for differentiation between simple and haemorrhagic joint effusion and to determine the lowest blood concentration that can be detected.

Methods

Solutions of synovial fluid with blood concentrations ranging from 0 to 100% were scanned at 1.5, 3, and 7 T. T1 maps were generated with an inversion recovery technique and T2 maps from multi spin-echo sequences. In both cases, the scan acquisition times were below 5 min. Regions of interest were manually drawn by two observers in the obtained T1 and T2 maps for each sample. The lowest detectable blood concentration was determined for all field strengths.

Results

At all field strengths, T1 and T2 relaxation times decreased with higher blood concentrations. The lowest detectable blood concentrations using T1 mapping were 10% at 1.5 T, 25% at 3 T, and 50% at 7 T. For T2 mapping, the detection limits were 50%, 5%, and 25%, respectively.

Conclusions

T1 and T2 mapping can detect different blood concentrations in synovial fluid in vitro at clinical field strengths. Especially, T2 measurements at 3 T showed to be highly sensitive. Short acquisition times would make these methods suitable for clinical use and therefore might be promising tools for accurate discrimination between simple and haemorrhagic joint effusion in vivo.
Semen parameters in men recovered from COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tiwari Sagar , KC Niranjan , Thapa Sajan , Ghimire Anuja , Bijukchhe Sanjeev , Sah Guru Sharan , Isnuwardana Ronny
Published: December 2021

Background

The novel beta-coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has infected millions of people globally with high risk among males than females. However, the effect of COVID-19 andrology is still a subject of dispute. We planned to analyze the overall consequences of COVID-19 on semen parameters and male sex hormones.

Main text

Systematic search was performed on MEDLINE and Scopus database until 11 June 2021. We included observational studies, which reported mean ± standard deviation of the semen parameters and serum sex hormones of those reproductive-aged males recovered from COVID-19 and controls who did not suffered from COVID-19. We used Random-effect model to pool the studies, as heterogeneity was present. The Q test and I2 evaluated heterogeneity. All articles were assessed with their quality and publication bias.

We assessed 966 articles for eligibility and found seven eligible studies. These 7 studies included 934 participants with mean age 37.34 ± 10.5 years. Random-effect model meta-analysis showed that men who recovered from COVID-19 had semen parameters less than those who had not suffered from COVID-19. The overall mean difference (MD) [95% confidence interval (CI)] in semen volume, sperm concentration, sperm number, and progressive sperm motility was − 0.20 (− 0.45, 0.05) ml, − 16.59 (− 34.82, 1.65) millions/ml, − 45.44 (− 84.56, − 6.31) millions per ejaculate, − 1.73 (− 8.20, 4.75) percentage respectively. Considering sex hormones, luteinizing hormone and prolactin levels were higher among those recovered with a significant MD (95% CI) of 3.47 (1.59, 5.35)U l−1 and 3.21 (1.71, 4.72)ng ml−1 respectively.

Conclusion

We found that COVID-19 affects both semen parameters and sexual hormones. However, the mechanism for testicular involvement remains doubtful.

Trial registration

PROSPERO CRD42021259445
Echocardiographic assessment of left ventricular function in ex situ heart perfusion using pump-supported and passive afterload working mode: a pilot study
Authors: Hondjeu Arnaud Romeo Mbadjeu , Mashari Azad , Ramos Ryan , Ruggeri Giulia Maria , Gellner Bryan , Ribeiro Roberto Vanin Pinto , Hiansen Joshua Qua , Yu Frank , Xin Liming , Adamson Mitchell Brady , Badiwala Mitesh Vallabh , Meineri Massimiliano
Published: December 2021

Ex situ heart perfusion (ESHP) has been developed to decrease cold ischemia time and allow metabolic assessment of donor hearts prior to transplantation. Current clinical ESHP systems preserve the heart in an unloaded condition and only evaluate the cardiac metabolic profile. In this pilot study we performed echocardiographic functional assessment using two alternative systems for left ventricular (LV) loading: pump supported afterload working mode (SAM) and passive afterload working modes (PAM). Six hearts were procured from male Yorkshire pigs. During cold ischemia, hearts were mounted on our custom made ESHP circuit and a 3D-printed enclosure for the performance of echocardiography with a standard TEE probe. Following perfusion with Langherdorf mode of the unloaded heart, the system was switched into different working modes to allow LV loading and functional assessment: pump supported (SAM) and passive (PAM). Echocardiographic assessment of left ventricular function in the donor hearts was performed in vivo and at 1 h of ESHP with SAM, after 4.5 h with PAM and after 5.5 h with SAM. We obtained good quality epicardial echocardiographic images at all time points allowing a comprehensive LV systolic assessment. All indices showed a decrease in LV systolic function throughout the trial with the biggest drop after heart harvesting. We demonstrated the feasibility of echocardiographic functional assessment during ESHP and two different working modes. The expected LV systolic dysfunction consisted of a reduction in EF, FAC, FS, and strain throughout the experiment with the most significant decrease after harvesting.
Seismic inversion using complex spherical-wave reflection coefficient at different offsets and frequencies
Authors: Cheng Guangsen , Yin Xingyao , Zong Zhaoyun , Xia Tongxing , Wang Jianli , Liu Haojie
Published: December 2021

Compared with the plane-wave reflection coefficient, the spherical-wave reflection coefficient (SRC) can more accurately describe the reflected wavefield excited by a point source, especially in the case of low seismic frequency and short travel distance. However, unlike the widely used plane-wave amplitude-variation-with-offset/frequency (AVO/AVF) inversion, the practical application of spherical-wave AVO/AVF inversion in multilayer elastic media is still in the exploratory stage. One of the difficulties is how to fully use the amplitude and phase information of the complex-valued SRC and the spherical-wave response property of each frequency component to obtain the spherical-wave synthetic seismogram in multilayer elastic media. In view of this, we have developed a complex convolution model considering the amplitude and phase information of an SRC to obtain the complex synthetic seismogram of a certain frequency component. A simple harmonic superposition method is further developed. By superposing the complex synthetic seismograms of different frequency components, the synthetic seismogram of the full-frequency band can be obtained. In addition, a novel three-parameter SRC in terms of P- and S-wave moduli and density is derived. Based on the SRC and complex seismic traces with different offsets (or incidence angles) and frequency components, an inversion approach of complex spherical-wave amplitude and phase variation with offset and frequency is proposed. A noisy synthetic data example verifies the robustness of our complex spherical-wave inversion approach. Field data examples indicate that the P- and S-wave moduli estimated by the complex spherical-wave inversion approach can reasonably match the filtered well-logging data. Considering spherical waves rather than plane waves can improve the accuracy of seismic inversion results.
Die bronzezeitliche Fundstelle Riehen-Haselrain
Authors: Graber Simon , Hodel Corinne , Steiner Susan
Published: December 2021

Zwei Grabungskampagnen in Riehen erbrachten in den Jahren 2018 und 2020 reichhaltige Funde und Befunde, die im Bereich der Flur Haselrain Siedlungstätigkeiten vom Beginn der Mittelbronzezeit bis in die späte Spätbronzezeit, also von Mitte des 16. bis in die zweite Hälfte des 10. Jahrhunderts v. Chr. belegen.
Tätigkeitsbericht für das Jahr 2020
Authors: Lassau Guido
Published: December 2021

Der Tätigkeitsbericht des Kantonsarchäologen bietet einen Überblick über die wichtigsten Kennzahlen und die Arbeiten in den verschiedenen Abteilungen der Archäologischen Bodenforschung im Jahr 2020.
El activismo de datos frente al control algorítmico. Nuevos modelos de gobernanza, viejas asimetrías
Authors: Sastre Paz , Gordo López Angel J.
Published: December 2021

El artículo discute la noción de gobernanza algorítmica y de activismo de datos con ejemplos que ilustran la aparición de nuevos modelos de gobernanza en diferentes países. La selección y el análisis sucinto del discurso de proyectos específicos pretende ofrecer un panorama amplio que apoye y fomente la investigación y el debate sobre cómo se reposicionan las viejas asimetrías ligadas al ejercicio de la ciudadanía en la «era de los algoritmos».
Cross-Category Retailing Management: Substitution and Complementarity
Authors: Ke Chenxu , Wang Ruxian
Published: December 2021

Problem definition: This paper studies pricing and assortment management for cross-category products, a common practice in brick-and-mortar retailing and e-tailing. Academic/practical relevance: We investigate the complementarity effects between the main products and the secondary products, in addition to the substitution effects for products in the same category. Methodology: In this paper, we develop a multistage sequential choice model, under which a consumer first chooses a main product and then selects a secondary product. The new model can alleviate the restriction of the independence of irrelevant alternatives property and allows more flexible substitution patterns and also takes into account complementarity effects. Results: We characterize the impact of the magnitude of complementarity effects on pricing and assortment management. For the problems that are hard to solve optimally, we propose simple heuristics and establish performance guarantee. In addition, we develop easy-to-implement estimation algorithms to calibrate the proposed sequential choice model by using sales data. Managerial implications: We show that ignoring or mis-specifying complementarity effects may lead to substantial losses. The methodologies on modeling, optimization, and estimation have potential to make an impact on cross-category retailing management.
„Banking Encyclopedia” as a source on the history of stock exchange business in Ukraine in the late nineteenth – early XX century
Authors:   State Institution Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University, Altukhov Oleksii
Published: December 2021

The article considers and analyzes the informational significance of the leading economic specialized publication of the late XIX – early XX centuries. „Banking Encyclopedia”. It is noted that in 1917 the second volume of this work, fundamental at that time in the field of economics, was published in Kyiv, which was entirely devoted to the study of stock exchange business in the leading countries, the Russian Empire and the Ukrainian lands. The co-authors of the work were leading contemporary economists and lawyers, in particular A. N. Antsiferov, G. V. Afanasyev, H. A. Baranovsky, M. N. Bogolepov, E. V. Vanshtein, I. M. Goldstein, N. S. Dobrokhotov, V. Ya. Zheleznov, A. M. Lazarev, D. N. Levin, E. S. Lurie, P. P. Migulin, N. D. Silin, P. B. Struve, M. P. Tugan-Baranovsky and others. Among the aspects considered were, in particular, the activities of the leading stock exchange institutions of Dnieper Ukraine: in Odessa, in Kyiv, in Kharkiv. Leading economist, professor of the Kyiv Commercial Institute, long-term deputy of the State Duma Leonid Mykolayovych Yasnopolsky became the editor-in-chief of the publication. Analyzing the scientific works collected in the Second Volume of the Banking Encyclopedia of 1917, the author of the article came to the conclusion that they make it possible to trace the state of affairs in the development of the stock market in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. In particular, one can trace the state policy towards these financial institutions, which in many respects slowed down the development of the stock market, both in Ukraine and in the Russian Empire as a whole.
Formation of zemstvo statistics in the Ukrainian lands in the second half of the XIX century
Authors:   State Institution Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University, Shevtsova Yevheniia
Published: December 2021

The article analyzes the preconditions for the formation and formation of such a phenomenon as zemstvo statistics on Ukrainian lands. A brief description of the history of the creation of zemstvos as local governments and the scope of their activities. The author emphasizes that the main source of funds for the activities of zemstvos were local fees, which were usually levied based on the value of real estate and its profitability. To do this, special statistical work had to be carried out. These circumstances determine the intensification of statistical surveys by zemstvos. Subsequently, the authorities began to conduct large-scale investigations into the economy and social development of the region. Zemsky statisticians were among the first to develop practical recommendations and tools for statistical research, striving to obtain the most accurate and objective indicators. The comparison of provincial statistical committees as a body of government statistics and similar zemstvo bodies in methods and directions of work is given. The author assesses the significance of the achievements of zemstvos for regional history, especially in the field of economics.
Features of ancient Roman jurisprudence of the classical period and its place in the history of the state of Ancient Rome
Authors:   SI ", Okorokova Vira ,   South Ukrainian National Pedagogical University named after K. D. Ushynsky", Koicheva Olena ,   SI "South Ukrainian National Pedagogical University named after K. D. Ushynsky"
Published: December 2021

The article is devoted to the study of Roman jurisprudence during its heyday. Scientific novelty is expressed in the analysis of legal innovations that were developed by such lawyers of this period as (Gaius (II century BC), Papinian (II–III centuries), Paul (II–III centuries), Ulpian (II–III century) аnd Modestin (II–III centuries). Despite the great importance of the works of these jurists, their study does not differ significantly from a number of studies. The article points to the continuity in the history of Roman jurisprudence, which is manifested in the gradual registration of jurisprudence in a separate field, which has its own needs and requirements for the activities of jurists, their training and more. Historical and legal analysis of the activities of these lawyers indicates a certain evolution of jurisprudence from the rigid traditional system of queer law to a more mobile system of civil law, which was adapted to the new socio-economic and political conditions of ancient Rome. Jurisprudence gradually in the conditions of imperial Rome is made out in separate legal institute that provides not only consultations on these or those transactions, but also legal protection. The authors draw attention to the fact that the activity of lawyers was the defining stage that laid the foundations for further transformation of the legal system, its reception in some Western European countries of subsequent historical epochs.
„Melpomene” by Herodotus as a source on international and military history in the northern Black Sea region in the VI century B. C.
Authors:   State Institution Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University, Koval Alina
Published: December 2021

The article considers the peculiarities of the existence of a regional international order in the northern Black Sea region during the Scythian rule based on the analysis of the fourth volume of the work „History”, entitled „Melpomene” by the ancient Greek historian and writer Herodotus. Emphasis is placed on the coverage of the causes, course and results of the Persian king Darius I in Scythia described in the treatise in 513 B. C. As a result of the study, the author concludes that the fourth chapter of Herodotus' „History” of Melpomene allows us to shed light on the ancient international order that existed on the steppe outskirts of the ancient world, where Scythian tribes ruled during the period under study. Among the aspects considered by the author and useful from the point of view of research of the chosen problem, there are features of mutual relations between Scythians and their allies – Greeks. Based on the testimony of Herodotus, we can conclude that during the intensification of contradictions with the Persian Empire of the Achaemenids in the VI century B.C. and the beginning of the military conflict with it, relations between Greece and Scythia move to a new, qualitative level. There is, in fact, a deepening of relations to the level of military-political alliance directed against the Persian king Darius I. There is also evidence of local Scythian allies – neighbors, some of whom refused to help them in the fight against the Persians, some – supported. Support for the latter, not only allowed to increase the army, but also allowed to wage a war of attrition, which provided for constant retreat, including in the territory of the Allies. It can be concluded that due to effective allied cooperation with local tribes, the Scythians succeeded in the main strategic task of this war – to create a threat to the bridge over the river Istra. This circumstance, which posed a risk for Darius to be cut off from his Caucasian possessions, forced the Persian ruler to retreat.
Official letters as a source from the history of the Protestant movement on Ukrainian lands (1905–1917)
Authors:   Bogomolets National Medical University, Plevako Kateryna
Published: December 2021

The purpose of the research is to analyze the official letters of the authorities as a source on the history of the Protestant movement in Ukraine in 1905–1917. The following scientific tasks are envisaged: source analysis of official letters, determination of types of available source information, introduction of new documents into scientific circulation and provision of their characteristics for the purpose of further scientific retrospective. The methodology is based on the principles of historicism and objectivity. During the writing of the article the method of system source analysis, archival heuristics, descriptive method and method of analysis and synthesis were used. The textual method made it possible to study the structure of the text, given the specificity of its presentation. The novelty of the research is the introduction into scientific circulation of new sources, determining their scientific relevance and expanding the boundaries of research in aspects of the issue. An analysis of documents revealing the peculiarities of conducting services and prayer meetings by religious communities of the Protestant movement, the rules of transition to non-Orthodox faiths and the principles of implementing political decisions on Protestants as an opposition to the government. The processed sources have a great informative potential on the government's policy towards the religious opposition, various aspects of the activities of certain areas of the Protestant movement, and the sources provide an opportunity to study in detail the phenomenon of Protestant movement popularity in Ukraine during the study period. The introduction of official letters into scientific circulation as a source for covering the history of the Protestant movement will contribute to an objective study of the peculiarities of its manifestation and the policy of the authorities. The scientific value of the article is due to the formulation and study of current sources on the history of the Protestant movement in Ukraine.
Ways of knowing
Authors: Davison Clare
Published: December 2021

Clare Davison examines how different forms of knowledge, from scientific evidence to intuition, play a role in midwifery practice
Giant placenta chorioangioma with postpartum bleeding and uterine atony
Authors: Castañeda Maria Carolina , Acero Nicolás Luna , Samer Mauricio Manrique , Celis Mariana Medina , Pardo Myriam C , Olaya-C Mercedes
Published: December 2021

Chorioangioma is the most commonly occurring vascular, non-malignant placental tumor in pregnancy, with a reported incidence of 1% in all examined placentas. Nonetheless, real tumor incidence remains unknown because of small specimen sizes, which contributes to a lack of detection throughout the entire gestational period. Prenatal detection and diagnosis may be possible with ultrasound screening; however, most placental chorioangioma diagnoses are postnatal, based upon histopathological studies. This article report the case of postnatal diagnosis and associated complications in a 35-year-old patient with a 6 cm × 4 cm × 4 cm placental chorioangioma.
Changes in care in the fourth trimester in Ireland: 2010–2020
Authors: Doherty Jean , Brosnan Mary , Sheehy Lucille
Published: December 2021

Background

There has been a shift in maternity care over the past decade. The changes encountered by postnatal ward staff and the impact of these changes on women postnatally requires exploration. This study aimed to ascertain midwives' and healthcare assistants' perspectives of the changes in postnatal care and challenges to providing care in the current context.

Methods

This was a qualitative study involving two focus groups of 15 midwives and healthcare assistants from an Irish urban maternity hospital. The participants' responses were analysed thematically.

Results

Changes in women's clinical characteristics, including increased comorbidities and caesarean section rates, were highlighted as creating additional care needs. Furthermore, additional midwifery tasks and clinical protocols as well as shorter hospital stays leave little time for high-quality, woman-centred care. Participants highlighted a negative impact on maternal health from limited follow-up midwifery care in the community.

Conclusions

With additional midwifery duties and a reduction in time to complete them, additional community midwifery care is key to providing high-quality follow-on care after postnatal discharge from hospital.
Cystic fibrosis and caseload midwifery
Authors: Borges Sophie
Published: December 2021

Midwives must provide woman-centred, holistic care for the diverse UK childbearing population. As the NHS moves to adopt the recommendations made in the ‘Better Births’ report, is there an argument to invest in protected caseload midwifery contacts for women with cystic fibrosis? Caseload midwifery refers to a continuity model where a small team of midwives provide care throughout the antenatal, intrapartum and postnatal continuum. Cystic fibrosis affects multiple organ systems and requires specialist medical management during pregnancy. Living with cystic fibrosis has many psychosocial implications and pregnancy presents additional challenges. Health and wellbeing outcomes are improved when individuals are treated holistically in the non-pregnant population; therefore, during pregnancy, birth and postnatally, caseload midwifery may provide a legitimate intervention to improve health outcomes in pregnant women with cystic fibrosis.
Braving the elements
Authors: Swift Tania
Published: December 2021

Being outdoors in cold, wet and windy weather is not everyone's first choice. Does this come from our own preferences or the values we have been brought up with? And most importantly, what values and attitudes are we subconsciously passing onto the children in our care?
Variables Affecting Complication Rates in Type III Paediatric Supracondylar Humerus Fractures
Authors: Livermore Andrew T. , Sansone Jason M. , Machurick Maxwell , Whiting Paul , Hetzel Scott B. , Noonan Kenneth J.
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Unstable supracondylar humerus (SCH) fractures may have different outcomes as a result of direction of displacement and pin configuration. This study evaluates the impact of fracture displacement, pin configuration and fellowship training on clinical and radiographic outcomes in unstable fractures.

Methods

A total of 99 patients with completely displaced type III fractures were identified at an academic centre and a local community hospital. Patient characteristics and the fellowship training of the treating surgeon were recorded, and injury films documented the direction of displacement. Pin configuration, coronal and sagittal alignment were recorded from postoperative radiographs and at healing. Radiographic outcomes including coronal, sagittal and rotational malunion as well as clinical complications were analyzed.

Results

Fractures with direct posterior displacement had a lower composite malunion rate compared with those with posterolateral (PL) or posteromedial (PM) displacement (6.9%, 36.4%, 29.2% respectively; p = 0.019). PM displacement had a higher rate of coronal malunion compared with PL (18.2% versus 0%; post hoc p = 0.024). All-lateral constructs resulted in more rotational malunions (20.9% versus 1.8%; p = 0.002) compared with crossed pinning. PL fractures treated with all-lateral fixation showed a trend toward increased rotational instability or malunion (23.8% versus 1.3%; p = 0.073). Higher composite complication rates were noted in patients treated by surgeons with non-paediatric, non-trauma fellowship training.

Conclusion

For displaced SCH fractures, all-lateral fixation is associated with higher rates of rotational instability and malunion. Posteromedially and posterolaterally displaced fractures have higher rates of malunion compared with fractures with straight posterior displacement. Fellowship training other than paediatric or trauma was associated with increased complications.

Level of Evidence

Level III
Photon-counting schemes for MIMO underwater wireless optical communication with arrayed PMTs
Authors: Li Jinjia , Ye Demao , Fu Kang , Wang Linning , Piao Jinlong , Li Changxiang , Wang Yongjin
Published: December 2021

Underwater wireless optical communication (UWOC) is a promising means
of realizing large capacity and high rate in aquatic media. In this
paper, a photomultiplier tube (PMT)-based multiple-input
multiple-output (MIMO) UWOC system is investigated. Photon counting is
an effective technique used to detect very low-level light. A PMT with
an excellent photon-counting mode is adopted, and the performance in
terms of the bit error rate is discussed. The received optical power
can be predicted based on the detected photocount in each symbol
period, and the received photocount distribution may be simulated
through MATLAB. Furthermore, the optical link model and energy per bit
with on-off keying are evaluated for different water types at a 10 m
optical link distance. This MIMO-UWOC system combines the advantages
of PMTs and the MIMO scheme and has the potential to realize
long-distance optical link transmission.
Room-temperature deposition of ZnS antireflection coatings for MIR-LWIR applications
Authors: Vita Christian De , Asa Marco , Somaschini Claudio , Urquia Mikel Azpeitia , Castagna Maria Eloisa , Melloni Andrea , Morichetti Francesco
Published: December 2021

Integration of unconventional materials on established CMOS platforms requires to fulfill tight thermal budget constraints. However, low temperature processing may result in poor mechanical properties of the deposited films, which can exhibit stress-induced degradation of the optical properties or even delamination. This work focuses on a CMOS-compatible low-temperature deposition process for ZnS films on silicon and its use for the realization of an antireflection coating (ARC) operating in the medium infrared (MIR)–longwave infrared (LWIR) range. A thin interlayer of Al2O3 is employed to achieve good adhesion of a ZnS film deposited on Si by e-beam evaporation at room temperature. Numerical simulations are carried out to optimize the performance of single- and double-side ARC structures, quantifying the impact of the Al2O3 interlayer and of the fabrication tolerances on the optical transmission. Experimental results on an 8” silicon wafer demonstrate a peak transmittance of 66% for single-side ARC and 89% for a double-side ARC at a wavelength of 10 µm, resulting in an average transmission of 76.2% for black body radiation at 36 °C in the 6–20 μm wavelength range.
Terrestrial venomous animals, the envenomings they cause, and treatment perspectives in the Middle East and North Africa
Authors: Jenkins Timothy P. , Ahmadi Shirin , Bittenbinder Matyas A. , Stewart Trenton K. , Akgun Dilber E. , Hale Melissa , Nasrabadi Nafiseh N. , Wolff Darian S. , Vonk Freek J. , Kool Jeroen , Laustsen Andreas H.
Published: December 2021

The Middle East and Northern Africa, collectively known as the MENA region, are inhabited by a plethora of venomous animals that cause up to 420,000 bites and stings each year. To understand the resultant health burden and the key variables affecting it, this review describes the epidemiology of snake, scorpion, and spider envenomings primarily based on heterogenous hospital data in the MENA region and the pathologies associated with their venoms. In addition, we discuss the venom composition and the key medically relevant toxins of these venomous animals, and, finally, the antivenoms that are currently in use to counteract them. Unlike Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, scorpion stings are significantly more common (approximately 350,000 cases/year) than snakebites (approximately 70,000 cases/year) and present the most significant contributor to the overall health burden of envenomings, with spider bites being negligible. However, this review also indicates that there is a substantial lack of high-quality envenoming data available for the MENA region, rendering many of these estimates speculative. Our understanding of the venoms and the toxins they contain is also incomplete, but already presents clear trends. For instance, the majority of snake venoms contain snake venom metalloproteinases, while sodium channel–binding toxins and potassium channel–binding toxins are the scorpion toxins that cause most health-related challenges. There also currently exist a plethora of antivenoms, yet only few are clinically validated, and their high cost and limited availability present a substantial health challenge. Yet, some of the insights presented in this review might help direct future research and policy efforts toward the appropriate prioritization of efforts and aid the development of future therapeutic solutions, such as next-generation antivenoms.
Impact of the introduction of chikungunya and zika viruses on the incidence of dengue in endemic zones of Mexico
Authors: Fernandes-Matano Larissa , Monroy-Muñoz Irma Eloisa , Pardavé-Alejandre Hector Daniel , Uribe-Noguez Luis Antonio , Hernández-Cueto María de los Angeles , Rojas-Mendoza Teresita , Santacruz-Tinoco Clara Esperanza , Grajales-Muñiz Concepción , Muñoz-Medina José Esteban
Published: December 2021

Background

With the arrival of chikungunya (CHIKV) and zika (ZIKV) viruses in Mexico, there was a decrease in diagnosed dengue virus (DENV) cases. During the first years of cocirculation (2015–2017), the algorithms established by epidemiological surveillance systems and the installed capacity limited us to one diagnostic test per sample, so there was an underestimation of cases until September 2017, when a multiplex algorithm was implemented. Therefore, the objective of this study was determine the impact of the introduction of CHIKV and ZIKV on the incidence of diagnosed DENV in endemic areas of Mexico, when performing the rediagnosis, using the multiplex algorithm, in samples from the first three years of co-circulation of these arboviruses.

Methodology and principal findings

For this, 1038 samples received by the Central Laboratory of Epidemiology between 2015 and 2017 were selected for this work. Viruses were identified by multiplex RT-qPCR, and the χ2 test was used to compare categorical variables. With the new multiplex algorithm, we identified 2.4 times the rate of arbovirosis as originally reported, evidencing an underestimation of the incidence of the three viruses. Even so, significantly less dengue was observed than in previous years. The high incidence rates of chikungunya and Zika coincided with periods of dengue decline. The endemic channel showed that the cases caused by DENV rose again after the circulation of CHIKV and ZIKV decreased. In addition, 23 cases of coinfection were identified, with combinations between all viruses.

Conclusions and significance

The results obtained in this study show for the first time the real impact on the detected incidence of dengue after the introduction of CHIKV and ZIKV in Mexico, the degree of underestimation of these arboviruses in the country, as well as the co-infections between these viruses, whose importance clinical and epidemiological are still unknown.