bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transient Controller Design Based on Reinforcement Learning for a Turbofan Engine with Actuator Dynamics
Authors: Miao Keqiang , Wang Xi , Zhu Meiyin , Yang Shubo , Pei Xitong , Jiang Zhen
Published: March 2022

To solve the problem of transient control design with uncertainties and degradation in the life cycle, a design method for a turbofan engine’s transient controller based on reinforcement learning is proposed. The method adopts an actor–critic framework and deep deterministic policy gradient (DDPG) algorithm with the ability to train an agent with continuous action policy for the continuous and violent turbofan engine state change. Combined with a symmetrical acceleration and deceleration transient control plan, a reward function with the aim of servo tracking is proposed. Simulations under different conditions were carried out with a controller designed via the proposed method. The simulation results show that during the acceleration process of the engine from idle to an intermediate state, the controlled variables have no overshoot, and the settling time does not exceed 3.8 s. During the deceleration process of the engine from an intermediate state to idle, the corrected speed of high-pressure rotor has no overshoot, the corrected-speed overshoot of the low-pressure rotor does not exceed 1.5%, and the settling time does not exceed 3.3 s. A system with the designed transient controller can maintain the performance when uncertainties and degradation are considered.
The Relationship of Dioxin Levels in Serum of 9-Year-Old Vietnamese Children and Their Mothers’ Breast Milk
Authors: Manh Ho Dung , Kido Teruhiko , Takasuga Takumi , Yamashita Michiko , Giang Le Minh , Nakagawa Hideaki
Published: March 2022

In this study, we measured the concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) in the blood of 9-year-old children living in a dioxin hotspot area and a nonexposed area in Vietnam. Forty-five blood samples were collected in the hotspot area while twelve pooled blood samples were collected in the nonexposed area. We found that the dioxin level of children in the hotspot was significantly higher than that of children in the nonexposed area. The total TEQ of PCDD/Fs in the hotspot and the nonexposed was 10.7 and 3.3 pg TEQ/g fat, respectively. However, TCDD, the maker of Agent Orange, was not detected in the blood of children in the hotspot area. In the hotspot area, four congeners 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDD, 1,2,3,4,7,8-HxCDF, 1,2,3,6,7,8-HxCDF, and 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDF in mothers’ breast milk showed a significantly positive correlation with those in children’s serum although the correlations of 1,2,3,7,8-PeCDD and 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF were not significant. In addition, the duration of breastfeeding also correlates with dioxins in children. These results suggested that children in the hotspot area were exposed to dioxin through mothers’ milk and other foods or environmental factors. The present study is the first study that shows dioxin levels in Vietnamese children.
Inhibition of Larval Development of Marine Copepods Acartia tonsa by Neonicotinoids
Authors: Picone Marco , Distefano Gabriele , Marchetto Davide , Russo Martina , Baccichet Marco , Zangrando Roberta , Gambaro Andrea , Volpi Ghirardini Annamaria
Published: March 2022

Neonicotinoids (NEOs) are neurotoxic pesticides widely used in agriculture due to their high effectiveness against pest insects. Despite their widespread use, very little is known about their toxicity towards marine organisms, including sensitive and ecologically relevant taxa such as copepods. Thus, we investigated the toxicity of five widely used NEOs, including acetamiprid (ACE), clothianidin (CLO), imidacloprid (IMI), thiacloprid (THI), and thiamethoxam (TMX), to assess their ability to inhibit the larval development of the copepod Acartia tonsa. The more toxic NEOs were ACE (EC50 = 0.73 μg L−1), TMX (EC50 = 1.71 μg L−1) and CLO (EC50 = 1.90 μg L−1), while the less toxic compound was IMI (EC50 = 8.84 μg L−1). Early life-stage mortality was unaffected by NEOs at all of the tested concentrations. The calculated toxicity data indicated that significant effects due to ACE (EC20 = 0.12 μg L−1), THI (EC20 = 0.88 μg L−1) and TMX (EC20 = 0.18 μg L−1) are observed at concentrations lower than established chronic aquatic life benchmarks reported by USEPA for freshwater invertebrates. Nevertheless, since environmental concentrations of NEOs are generally lower than the threshold concentrations we calculated for A. tonsa, the effects may be currently of concern only in estuaries receiving wastewater discharges or experiencing intense runoff from agriculture.
Occurrence and Quantification of Natural and Microplastic Items in Urban Streams: The Case of Mugnone Creek (Florence, Italy)
Authors: Rimondi Valentina , Monnanni Alessio , De Beni Eleonora , Bicocchi Gabriele , Chelazzi David , Cincinelli Alessandra , Fratini Sara , Martellini Tania , Morelli Guia , Venturi Stefania , Lattanzi Pierfranco , Costagliola Pilario
Published: March 2022

The terrestrial environment is an important contributor of microplastics (MPs) to the oceans. Urban streams, strictly interwoven in the city network and to the MPs’ terrestrial source, have a relevant impact on the MP budget of large rivers and, in turn, marine areas. We investigated the fluxes (items/day) of MPs and natural fibers of Mugnone Creek, a small stream crossing the highly urbanized landscape of Florence (Italy) and ending in the Arno River (and eventually to the Tyrrhenian Sea). Measurements were done in dry and wet seasons for two years (2019–2020); stream sediments were also collected in 2019. The highest loads of anthropogenic particles were observed in the 2019 wet season (109 items/day) at the creek outlet. The number of items in sediments increased from upstream (500 items/kg) to urban sites (1540 items/kg). Fibers were the dominant shape class; they were mostly cellulosic in composition. Among synthetic items, fragments of butadiene-styrene (SBR), indicative of tire wear, were observed. Domestic wastewater discharge and vehicular traffic are important sources of pollution for Mugnone Creek, especially during rain events. The study of small creeks is of pivotal importance to limit the availability of MPs in the environment.
Incidence Rate of Bee Venom Acupuncture Related Anaphylaxis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ko Seong-Hwan , Oh Hyeon-Muk , Kwon Do-Young , Yang Jae-Eun , Kim Byung-Jun , Ha Hyun-Ju , Lim Eun-Jin , Oh Min-Seok , Son Chang-Gue , Lee Eun-Jung
Published: March 2022

Background: Bee venom acupuncture (BVA) is an effective treatment method for various diseases. Bee venom, however, can cause adverse effects, even rarely including life-threatening anaphylaxis, so safety-related evidence is required. In this study, we systematically estimated the incidence rate of anaphylaxis in response to BVA. Methods: We searched eight databases (MEDLINE (Pubmed), EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled, KISS, KMBASE, Koreamed, OASIS, and NDSL) and systematically reviewed the articles that met the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Results: Among 225 potentially relevant articles, 49 were selected for this study. The overall incidence rate of anaphylaxis in response to BVA was 0.045% (95% CI 0.028–0.062). Women (0.083%, 95% CI 0.010–0.157) showed a higher incidence rate than men (0.019%, 95% CI −0.018 to 0.055), while the incidence for patients who had a skin test conducted (0.041%, 95% CI 0.011–0.072) was not significantly different compared to that obtained for patients for which there was no information about a skin test (0.047%, 95% CI 0.026–0.067). The publication year affected the incidence rate: it was highest before 1999 (1.099%, 95% CI −1.043 to 3.241), lower between 2000 and 2009 (0.049%, 95% CI 0.025–0.073), and lowest between 2010 and 2021 (0.037% 95% CI 0.014–0.060). Conclusions: In this study, we provide reference data about risk size and factors of BVA-related anaphylaxis, which is essentially required for BVA application in clinics.
How-to Compute EPRL Spin Foam Amplitudes
Authors: Donà Pietro , Frisoni Pietropaolo
Published: March 2022

Spin foam theory is a concrete framework for quantum gravity where numerical calculations of transition amplitudes are possible. Recently, the field became very active, but the entry barrier is steep, mainly because of its unusual language and notions scattered around the literature. This paper is a pedagogical guide to spin foam transition amplitude calculations. We show how to write an EPRL-FK transition amplitude, from the definition of the 2-complex to its numerical implementation using sl2cfoam-next. We guide the reader using an explicit example balancing mathematical rigor with a practical approach. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of our strategy and provide a novel look at a recently proposed approximation scheme.
The Scale Invariant Vacuum Paradigm: Main Results and Current Progress
Authors: Gueorguiev Vesselin G. , Maeder Andre
Published: March 2022

We present a summary of the main results within the Scale Invariant Vacuum (SIV) paradigm as related to the Weyl Integrable Geometry (WIG) as an extension to the standard Einstein General Relativity (EGR). After a brief review of the mathematical framework, we will highlight the main results related to inflation within the SIV, the growth of the density fluctuations, and the application of the SIV to scale-invariant dynamics of galaxies, MOND, dark matter, and the dwarf spheroidals. The possible connection between the weak-field SIV equations and the notion of un-proper time parametrization within the reparametrization paradigm is also discussed.
Detection of Neutralizing Antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 Post-Vaccination in Health Care Workers of a Large Tertiary Hospital in Spain by Using a Rapid Test LFIC and sVNT-ELISA
Authors: Tuells José , Parra-Grande Mónica , Santos-Calle Francisco J. , Montagud Ana C. , Egoavil Cecilia M. , García-Rivera Celia , Caballero Pablo , Gabaldón-Bravo Eva M. , Rodríguez-Diaz Juan Carlos , Hurtado-Sánchez José Antonio
Published: March 2022

The presence of neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) against SARS-CoV-2 represent a surrogate marker of immunologic protection in populations at high risk of infection such as healthcare workers caring for hospitalized patients with COVID-19. As recommended by CDC and the European CDC, the use of rapid diagnostic tests during population-based evaluations offers an opportunity to identify individuals with serologic evidence of natural infection or who have undergone vaccination. We carried out a cross-sectional study to assess the presence of neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 among medical providers at an intensive care unit of a large referral hospital in Alicante, Spain. In addition, we tested for the presence of neutralizing antibodies compared to serum of uninfected individuals from a Biobank. We were also interested in evaluating the use of a rapid lateral flow immunochromatography (LFIC) test against a surrogate ELISA viral neutralization test (sVNT). This rapid test demonstrated a specificity of 1.000 95% CI (0.91–1.00) and the sensitivity of 0.987 95% CI (0.93–1.00). The negative predictive value was 95%. After six months, this rapid test demonstrated that those immunized with two doses of BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine, maintained optimal levels of neutralizing antibodies. We concluded that all Health Care Workers develop NAbs and the use of this rapid immunochromatographic test represents a potential tool to be used in population-based studies to detect serological antibody responses to vaccination. Vaccination policies could benefit from this tool to assess additional doses of vaccine or boosters among high-risk populations.
Postvaccination SARS-CoV-2 Infections among Healthcare Professionals: A Real World Evidence Study
Authors: Perrella Alessandro , Mucherino Sara , Guarino Ilaria , Nerilli Mariagiovanna , Maraolo Alberto Enrico , Capoluongo Nicolina , Coscioni Enrico , Trama Ugo , Menditto Enrica , Orlando Valentina
Published: March 2022

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all countries with a global mobilization started to produce and authorize vaccines, prioritizing healthcare professionals (HCPs) to reduce transmission. The aim of this study was to assess post-vaccination infections’ occurrence among HCPs and their correlation with symptom onset. A retrospective cohort study was carried out in the Campania Region from December 2020 to April 2021. Data were retrieved from the Regional Health Information System of the Campania Region (Sinfonia). The study cohort included subjects that had all received at least one vaccine dose. Risk ratios (RRs) adjusted for age and sex (95% confidence intervals) were performed to assess differences in the prevalence between HCPs who tested positive or negative for COVID-19. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between symptoms and vaccination status. Findings revealed that HCPs had a lower risk of contracting COVID-19 after receiving at least one vaccine dose, and this risk decreased with age. Furthermore, not having full vaccination coverage may predict a severe/critical evolution of the disease. This study provides a snapshot of the initial state of the Italian vaccination campaign on HCPs. A surveillance approach using Big Data matched to clinical conditions could offer a real analysis in the categorization of subjects most at risk.
Safety and Efficacy of the Common Vaccines against COVID-19
Authors: Liu Ying , Ye Qing
Published: March 2022

The worldwide pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has imposed a challenge on human health worldwide, and vaccination represents a vital strategy to control the pandemic. To date, multiple COVID-19 vaccines have been granted emergency use authorization, including inactivated vaccines, adenovirus-vectored vaccines, and nucleic acid vaccines. These vaccines have different technical principles, which will necessarily lead to differences in safety and efficacy. Therefore, we aim to implement a systematic review by synthesizing clinical experimental data combined with mass vaccination data and conducting a synthesis to evaluate the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines. Compared with other vaccines, adverse reactions after vaccination with inactivated vaccines are relatively low. The efficacy of inactivated vaccines is approximately 60%, adenovirus-vectored vaccines are 65%, and mRNA vaccines are 90%, which are always efficient against asymptomatic severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, symptomatic COVID-19, COVID-19 hospitalization, severe or critical hospitalization, and death. RNA-based vaccines have a number of advantages and are one of the most promising vaccines identified to date and are particularly important during a pandemic. However, further improvements are required. In time, all the antibody levels weaken gradually, so a booster dose is needed to maintain immunity. Compared with homologous prime-boost immunization, heterologous prime-boost immunization prompts more robust humoral and cellular immune responses.
Frequent Onsets of Cellulitis in Lower Limbs with Lymphedema Following COVID-19 mRNA Vaccination
Authors: Okazaki Tatsuma , Matashiro Momoko , Kodama Gaku , Tshubota Takeshi , Furusawa Yoshihito , Izumi Shin-Ichi
Published: March 2022

Four patients with secondary lower limb lymphedema developed cellulitis at their lymphedema lesion following COVID-19 mRNA vaccinations. They did not develop adverse effects at their vaccination site. All the patients were Japanese females aged <60 years. Three patients developed cellulitis following the first vaccination. The date of onset of cellulitis following the first vaccination varied from 0 to 21 days. Two received BNT162b2 mRNA vaccines and the others received mRNA-1273 vaccines. All the patients were treated with oral antibiotics and recovered. Two patients had repeated cellulitis. The patients with the repeated development of cellulitis could not perform good skincare. One patient had joint contractures in their lower limbs and could not reach her lymphedema lesions, and the other patient could not master the skincare. According to previous studies, the development of cellulitis following vaccination was rare. In this study, four patients aged <60 years developed cellulitis among the eight patients that regularly visited our hospital for rehabilitation for their lower limb lymphedema. In patients with lymphedema, prolonged inflammation may impair lymphatic functions and worsen edema. Therefore, at the time of vaccination, we should keep in mind the prevention and immediate management of cellulitis using intensive skincare and antibiotic treatment.
Phylogeny and Virulence Factors of Escherichia coli Isolated from Dogs with Pyometra
Authors: Melo Roberta T. , Oliveira Raquel P. , Silva Beatryz F. , Monteiro Guilherme P. , Saut João Paulo E. , Costa Letícia R. M. , Dias Sthéfany Da C. , Rossi Daise A.
Published: March 2022

We aimed to investigate the occurrence, phylogeny, and virulence of E. coli in the uterine contents and urine of female dogs with pyometra, through the presence of virulence genes and their genetic similarity. Uterine secretions and urine samples from 52 female dogs with pyometra were collected and cultured. Strains identified as E. coli from 25 uterine and 7 urine samples were tested for virulence genes by PCR. Genetic similarity between the isolates was studied using RAPD-PCR. E. coli was observed in 48.07% uterine samples with pyometra and 20.0% urine samples. The strains showed high percentages for the presence of virulence genes: 96.9% had the gene sfa, 59.4% afa, 46.9% pap, 53.1% hly, and 68.75% cnf. Even with the high prevalence of virulence genes, the samples were not submitted to DNA sequencing to confirm the results. Analysis showed high genetic diversity in E. coli, however, strains isolated from the same animal indicate that cystitis and pyometra could be related. Our study indicated the association between E. coli in dogs with pyometra and cases of urinary tract infection and the pathogenic potential of strains increasing with animal age.
Novel Quantitative Evaluation of Biotreatment Suitability of Wastewater
Authors: Wang Tianzhi , Wang Weijie , Hu Hongying , Khu Soon-Thiam
Published: March 2022

The development of wastewater treatment industry has gradually entered the high-standard period and the wastewater treatment technology needs to be refined for different types of wastewater. Traditional water quality indicators are not able to explain new problems encountered in the current wastewater treatment process, especially the potential of removing pollutants via biological methods. This research proposed a new method of evaluating the biological treatment process by measuring the oxygen consumption in the biodegradation of pollutants on-the-go and describing the complete biological oxygen consumption process. The biodegradability of wastewater from an actual textile wastewater treatment plant was quantitatively evaluated by analyzing the proportion of different organic pollutions. Results showed that the hydrolytic acidification can improve the biodegradability of textile wastewater by increasing the content of biodegradable organic matter (growth of 86.4%), and air flotation has little effect on the biodegradability of the wastewater. Moreover, the biodegradability of the textile wastewater could be improved by increasing the nitrogen and phosphorus content, which could come from urea and K2HPO4. Concretely, nitrogen source mainly increases organic matter of rapid bio-treated and organic matter of easy bio-treated by 14.94% and 70.79%, and phosphorus source mainly increases the organic matter of easy bio-treated by 143.75%. We found that the optimum concentration of additional N and P to the textile wastewater was 35 mg/L and 45 mg/L, respectively. This approach holds great application prospects such as risk control, optimizing treatment technology, and management, due to its characteristics of being simple, easy to use, and rapid online implement action.
Study on Infiltration and Soil Moisture Characteristics of a Sand-Covered Slope
Authors: Wang Feichao , Xu Guoce , Li Zhanbin , Li Peng , Wang Tian , Zhang Jianwen , Wang Jie , Cheng Yuting
Published: March 2022

By observing the processes of infiltration, flow generation, water flow characteristics and the spatial distribution of erosion in a designed rainfall test, and analyzing the infiltration, flow generation characteristics, water content change characteristics, soil moisture parameters change characteristics, and changes in the spatial patterns of erosion and sediment yield, this study draws the following conclusions: under different rainfall densities, the initial runoff generation time of sand-covered slope is 1~12 min longer than that of loess slope, the initial soil infiltration velocity of sediment-covered slope is about 1.23 times that of loess slope, and the time to reach stable infiltration of loess slope is shorter than that of sediment-covered slope. Under different rainfall densities, the rising time of the water content curve of sand-covered slope is earlier than that of loess slope. For the same duration of rainfall, the vertical infiltration performance of soil water of sand-covered slope is higher than that of loess slope, and when the rainfall density on the slope increases by 0.5 mm/min, the increase in runoff shear stress of the sediment-covered slope is about 1.5 times that of the loess slope, and the runoff power is about 1.13 times that of the loess slope.
Study of the Three Gorges Dam’s Impact on the Discharge of Yangtze River during Flood Season after Its Full Operation in 2009
Authors: Dong Wenxun , Zhang Yanjun , Zhang Liping , Chen Ningyue , Zou Yixuan , Du Yaodong , Liu Jiaming
Published: March 2022

The impact of the Three Gorges Dam (TGD) on the discharge after its first operation in 2003 has drawn much attention. Most of the existing research focuses on the TGD’s impact after its initial operation in 2003. However, the water level first reached the TGD’s maximum water level, 175 m, in September 2009. In this paper, to quantify the TGD’s impact during flood season after its full operation in 2009, we created a hydrological model to reconstruct the daily discharge unregulated by the TGD from 2003 to 2018 at the five stations downstream from the TGD. The TGD had an impact on the maximum 1-day discharge and maximum 30-day runoff and the coefficient of variation of the daily discharge, but it had less impact on the flood season runoff and the coefficient of skewness of the daily discharge. Additionally, the TGD was only responsible for 18.3% of the change in the maximum 1-day discharge at the Datong station, which is 1123 km downstream from the TGD. Moreover, the TGD had limited impact on the discharge after its initial operation in 2003, but the impact of the TGD on discharge increased after its full operation in 2009. This study helps to show the TGD’s impact on the discharge of the Yangtze River from the Yichang station (43 km downstream from the TGD) to the Datong station.
About the essence of digital transformation and assessment of the level of its development in Russia and other countries
Authors: Tishchenko I. ..
Published: March 2022

In the functioning of any organization, various technologies are always used, provided with appropriate equipment and software products. Over time, information and communication technologies and their accompanying software are being improved in the activities of organizations in order to expand their business and improve the quality of products, services provided and work performed. This process, which is continuous, leads to digitalization, digital transformation of business processes and the economy as a whole. The article reveals the content of the concept of digital transformation, provides examples of information and communication technologies (in terms of business digitalization) and their software, which were developed in different countries in the period from the mid-90s of the last century to our time, as well as key areas of digital transformation in socially significant areas (on the example of modern Russia). The article summarizes the best practices of applying digital technologies in Russia, the results of indexing the digitalization of business in various countries, and the assessment of the level of digitalization of economic sectors in Russia and Europe.
Experience of the regions of the Siberian federal district in the field of initiative budgeting. Part 3
Authors: Fadeikina N. .. , Morozova O. ..
Published: March 2022

The publication, consisting of three parts, analyzes the experience of implementing participatory and initiative budgeting in the regions of the Siberian Federal District (SFD), which are participants in the Project of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation and the World Bank «Development of initiative budgeting in the Russian Federation». The first part of this publication is devoted to the analysis of the experience of the Krasnoyarsk Territory, the second part is devoted to the development of initiative budgeting in the Altai Territory and the Irkutsk Region. This section of the publication (the third part) it is devoted to the implementation of the practice of initiative budgeting in the Novosibirsk region.
Trends in the development of pension systems: prerequisites and trends
Authors: Kulikova E. ..
Published: March 2022

The article deals with the current issues of the development of pension systems. The author, exploring the prerequisites for their reform, analyzes the changes in the economy and social sphere not only in Russia, but also in the world, since such phenomena as the development of technologies, communications, the introduction of digital technologies and the restrictions that were caused by the COVID-19 pandemic are characteristic of all countries, regardless of their geographical location, social formation and economic development. The article identifies the main trends in the development of pension systems.
Accounting of representative expensesin commercial organizations
Authors: Golova E. ..
Published: March 2022

Representation expenses are the most controversial item of expenditure in any organization, which raises many questions both in theoretical aspects and in practice. Currently, the regulatory framework in the field of taxation and accounting provides many explanations that answer many questions, which facilitates accounting. Nevertheless, there are still points that require clarification, including the documentation of representative expenses. The article summarizes the comments of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation on accounting and tax accounting of representative expenses and offers some recommendations, including in the field of documenting representative expenses.
On the need to improve the standards for assessing the investment climate in the regions
Authors: Sidorkin D. ..
Published: March 2022

Standards, norms and other evaluation indicators formed by the Agency for Strategic Initiatives (hereinafter - ASI) in order to determine the rating of regions by investment attractiveness do not fully reflect the real needs of the business community. However, some regions were able to implement successful initiatives to support the investment activity of economic entities, which can be scaled up in other regions with the financing model improved by the author.
Analysis of the legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic regulating banking activities
Authors: Abdukadyrova G. . , Zhaparov A. .
Published: March 2022

Currently, the banking system of the Kyrgyz Republic is one of the main successfully developing sectors of the economy. At the same time, the legal basis of banking is the most volatile and flexible area of the legal system, as it comes from various sources, mainly from the regulatory legal acts of the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic, which in turn are based on international banking standards. The introduction of new banking products is associated with the adoption of new standards and changes in existing regulatory legal acts. In this regard, the article analyzes the legal framework governing the activities of commercial banks in the republic.
Les premiers peuplements humains de l’Est des Carpates et de leurs abords dans le contexte européen
Authors: Tuffreau Alain
Published: March 2022

Cele mai vechi resturi umane descoperite în Europa, provin din peninsula iberică. Vârsta lor este cuprinsă între 1,4 și 1,2 milioane de ani. Industrii litice mai vechi de un milion de ani sunt documentate în sud-vestul Europei (Italia, sudul Franței, Spania). Deseori au fost atribuite Modului 1, dar sunt contemporane cu Acheuleanul african. In Europa de nord-vest, la nord de Loara, colonizarea regiunilor cu altitudine înaltă se pare că a avut loc mai recent, începând cu 740 ka, așa cum o arată cele câteva silexuri cioplite și descoperite în East Anglia, cât și primele manifestări ale Acheuleanului. Puținele date referitoare la materialul litic, dar și datele biologice, arată că în Europa Centrală cele mai vechi așezări sunt mult mai târzii, respectiv spre 500 ka, ceea ce ar părea să excludă teoria colonizării Europei pe o cale orientală. Industriile litice din Europa centrală se caracterizează prin absența pieselor bifaciale. Avem la dispoziție prea puține informații pentru partea orientală a Carpaților, deși câteva serii litice sunt mai vechi de 600 ka.
New research on the Middle Paleolithic of the Middle Prut Basin, Moldova
Authors: Vishnyatsky Leonid , Burlacu Vitalie
Published: March 2022

În 2015-2017 expediția Prut-Nistru a Institutului de Istorie a Culturii Materiale a Academiei Ruse de Științe a desfășurat cercetări de teren într-un număr de puncte paleolitice din zona mijlocie a Prutului și Nistrului în nord-vestul Moldovei. Acest articol prezintă rezultatele noilor cercetări din siturile paleolitice mijlocii de la Teţcani X și din peștera Buzdujeni I. Din nivelul cultural de la Teţcani X a fost recoltată o colecție reprezentativă de piese de silex. Tehnologia este orientată către producția de vârfuri, obținute din nuclee unifaciale cu o singură platformă de lovire. Piesele sunt tipic musteriene, lipsind bifacialele. Peștera Buzdujeni I a fost aproape complet cercetată de N. A. Chetraru în anii 1970 dar a rămas în mare parte nepublicată. Re-analizarea vechii colecții și a materialelor obținute de noi în 2017 pune la îndoială idea că industria litică de la Buzdujeni I aparține musterianului denticulat, sugerând în schimb afinitățile micoquiene indicate de prezența bifacialelor de diverse tipuri. Datele biostratigrafice și radiometrice , inclusiv datele de radiocarbon recente par să sugereze că ambele situri se datează în prima parte a MIS-3 sau în MIS-4, Teţcani X fiind puțin mai vechi decât Buzdujeni I.
Exploring the beginnings: a multianalytical archaeometric study of the Early Neolithic pottery production at Koprivets, Northern Bulgaria
Authors: Dzhanfenova Tanya
Published: March 2022

Articolul de față se concentrează asupra producției ceramice ca element reprezentativ al pătrunderii neoliticului (mai ales în zone geografice proaspăt ocupate de valul neolitizării) în încercarea de a identifica semne ale adaptării noilor veniți la noul mediu, dar fără a ignora posibilele transformări locale. Zonele din nordul Bulgariei sunt caracterizate de condiții climatice distincte, condiții de mediu contrastante și materii prime diferite comparativ cu cele din zonele de origine ale grupurilor nou venite. Deși nu există sediment de tip loessic la sud de munții Balcani, există depuneri tipice pentru câmpia Dunării asociate unor diverse tipuri de lut utilizat în producția ceramică din regiunea respectivă. Luând în discuție diversele scenarii pentru începuturile neoliticului în Bulgaria de nord, ca și specificitatea industriei litice locale, cea mai timpurie ceramică din așezarea în aer liber de la Kopriveț este discutată în contextual mai larg al neolitizării. Prin obținerea și interpretarea parametrilor tehnici ai ceramicii, studiul de față examinează adaptările inovative la condițiile specific locale ale producției ceramice, văzută ca o nouă tehnologie, în unul din cele mai timpurii situri neolitice din nordul Bulgariei.
Optogenetics: A new tool for cancer investigation and treatment
Authors: Alizadeh Siamak , Esmaeili Abolghasem , Barar Jaleh , Omidi Yadollah
Published: March 2022

Despite the progress made in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, it has remained the second cause of death in industrial countries. Cancer is a complex multifaceted disease with unique genomic and proteomic hallmarks. Optogenetics is a biological approach, in which the light-sensitive protein modules in combination with effector proteins that trigger reversibly fundamental cell functions without producing a long-term effect. The technology was first used to address some key issues in neurology. Later on, it was also used for other diseases such as cancer. In the case of cancer, there exist several signaling pathways with key proteins that are involved in the initiation and/or progression of cancer. Such aberrantly expressed proteins and the related signaling pathways need to be carefully investigated in terms of cancer diagnosis and treatment, which can be managed with optogenetic tools. Notably, optogenetics systems offer some advantages compared to the traditional methods, including spatial-temporal control of protein or gene expression, cost-effective and fewer off-target side effects, and reversibility potential. Such noticeable features make this technology a unique drug-free approach for diagnosis and treatment of cancer. It can be used to control tumor cells, which is a favorable technique to investigate the heterogeneous and complex features of cancerous cells. Remarkably, optogenetics approaches can provide us with outstanding tool to extend our understanding of how cells perceive, respond, and behave in meeting with complex signals, particularly in terms of cancer evasion from the anticancer immune system functions.
Synthesis and characterization of actively HER-2 Targeted Fe3O4@Au nanoparticles for molecular radiosensitization of breast cancer
Authors: Babaye Abdollahi Behnaz , Ghorbani Marjan , Hamishehkar Hamed , Malekzadeh Reza , Farajollahi Alireza
Published: March 2022

Introduction: The present study was done to assess the effect of molecularly-targeted core/shell of iron oxide/gold nanoparticles (Fe3O4@AuNPs) on tumor radiosensitization of SKBr-3 breast cancer cells. Methods: Human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2)-targeted Fe3O4@AuNPs were synthesized by conjugating trastuzumab (TZ, Herceptin) to PEGylated (PEG)-Fe3O4@AuNPs (41.5 nm). First, the Fe3O4@Au core-shell NPs were decorated with PEG-SH to synthesize PEG-Fe3O4@AuNPs. Then, the TZ was reacted to OPSS-PEG-SVA to conjugate with the PEG-Fe3O4@AuNPs. As a result, structure, size and morphology of the developed NPs were assessed using Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. The SKBr-3 cells were treated with different concentrations of TZ, Fe3O4@Au, and TZ-PEG-Fe3O4@AuNPs for irradiation at doses of 2, 4, and 8 Gy (from X-ray energy of 6 and 18 MV). Cytotoxicity was assessed by MTT assay, BrdU assay, and flow cytometry. Results: Results showed that the targeted TZ-PEG-Fe3O4@AuNPs significantly improved cell uptake. The cytotoxic effects of all the studied groups were increased in a higher concentration, radiation dose and energy-dependent manner. A combination of TZ, Fe3O4@Au, and TZ-PEG-Fe3O4@AuNPs with radiation reduced cell viability by 1.35 (P=0.021), 1.95 (P=0.024), and 1.15 (P=0.013) in comparison with 8 Gy dose of 18 MV radiation alone, respectively. These amounts were obtained as 1.27, 1.58, and 1.10 for 8 Gy dose of 6 MV irradiation, respectively. Conclusion: Radiosensitization of breast cancer to mega-voltage radiation therapy with TZ-PEG-Fe3O4@AuNPs was successfully obtained through an optimized therapeutic approach for molecular targeting of HER-2.
Digitally designed guided implant surgery in deficient maxillary ridges: Case reports
Authors: Devadason Neethi Deborah , S Senthilkumar , S Rajasekar
Published: March 2022

Periodontitis can lead to the loss of hard and soft tissues of the oral cavity. Dental implants have become a reliable treatment modality in recent times, especially with the evolution of digital technology such as CBCT, implant planning software, computer-assisted manufacturing, and guided implant surgery. Documentation of such advancements and their clinical implications would add to the existing knowledge on implant dentistry, encouraging dentists to approach complex implant surgeries confidently. This paper discusses the rehabilitation of missing teeth by applying computer-assisted guided implant placement in two cases with deficient bone volume anteriorly and posteriorly in the maxilla, respectively. Digital planning and careful execution have resulted in precise implant placement and complete osseointegration. In these cases, we could devise treatment plans with both anatomical and prosthetic considerations while being minimally invasive and more predictable, with shorter treatment time and greater patient comfort.
Concept Analysis of End-of-Life Care
Authors: Abbaspour Hadi , Heydari Abbas
Published: March 2022

Abstract Introduction: The inevitability of human mortality encourages the care system to enhance the Quality of Life (QOL) at the end of life. However, the main problem is that the boundaries of care as End-of-Life care (EOLC) have not been defined precisely. Hence, this study aimed to clarify the concept of EOLC. Methods: This study was conducted based on Walker and Avant's eight-step approach (2019). A detailed review of the literature was accomplished in the databases including PubMed/Medline, Web of Sciences, Scopus, EMBASE, and Google Scholar from January 2010 to September 2020 using the keywords ‘Terminal Care’, ‘Hospice Care’, ‘Nursing Palliative Care’, and ‘End of Life’. Out of a total of 302 articles obtained, 14 articles were included in the study. Results: The properties of EOLC included the following items: palliative care; improving QOL; reducing pain and suffering from physical, psychological, and psychological symptoms; and filling the gap between treatment teams and family caregivers through considering ethical issues and respecting patients’ independence. Furthermore, through taking a team approach, EOLC helps the family with physical, emotional, social, and spiritual supports. EOLC is a comprehensive and compassionate process that does not hasten or delay death, but respects and comforts the patient. Conclusion: The EOLC can be defined as a palliative and humanistic care with a holistic and team-based approach focusing on all dimensions of the patients and their families. It also improves well-being at the end of life or even at the time of death, and helps the families with their grieves.
Intuitive Decision-making by Iranian Nurses of Patients with COVID-19: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Aghajani Mohammad , Mirbagher Ajorpaz Neda , Taghadosi Mohsen
Published: March 2022

Abstract Introduction: Clinical decision-making related to COVID-19 is a new experience; thus, there is a lack in knowledge in this area. The aim of this study is to explore critical care nurses’ experience of intuitive decision-making in patients diagnosed with COVID-19. Methods: In this qualitative descriptive study, 16 nurses who had the experience of providing care for patients diagnosed with COVID-19 were selected through purposive sampling and participated in semi-structured interviews. The interviews were transcribed and finally analyzed through the conventional content analysis approach. Results: 62.5% of participants were females and the mean (SD) of the participant's age and working experience were 36.56(6.58) and 12.62(5.59) years, respectively. Three main themes emerged out of the experiences of the nurses, including (a) inner revolution, (b) holistic awareness and (c) clinical wisdom. Conclusion: Critical care nurses use intuition in novel, complex situations where they often have to make quick and independent decisions. Understanding the phenomenon of intuition in clinical decision making increases the professional practice of nursing and leads to better quality care for patients, especially in acute, critical situations and pandemic diseases.
Patients' Lived Experiences of the Paternalistic Care Behavior: A Qualitative study
Authors: Pourgholam Nima , Shoghi Mahnaz , Borimnejad Leili
Published: March 2022

Abstract Introduction: The major role of nurses in caring for patients puts them in a position where they can feel a sense of independence or lack of autonomy in dealing with patients throughout their actions. The present study aimed to explain patients' lived experiences of paternalistic care behaviors. Methods: This qualitative research was conducted with the design of hermeneutic phenomenology consistent with Heidegger's philosophical view and using the purposeful sampling method. Data richness was achieved after 13 interviews with 7 patients who had been hospitalized and received care in the hospitals of Tehran, Iran. The data were collected during 8 months (November 2020-June 2021) using an unstructured interview and analyzed using Diekelmann et al seven‐step approach with MAXQDA ver. 10 software. Results: Data analyses revealed four themes, thirteen sub-themes, and one constitutive pattern (duality of support and suppression of independence) forming the structure of patients' lived experience of paternalistic caring behaviors. The themes included (1) Support at helplessness, (2) Inflexibility (3) Vague awareness, and (4) Despair due to lack of autonomy. Conclusions: The meanings discovered in this research revealed that patients have dual emotions regarding paternalistic care behavior. On the one hand, they are pleased with the care provided, but on the other hand, they feel desperate and unable to make decisions due to being deprived of their independence. We can see the creation of new ethical values in care behaviors. Performing supportive care behavior with emphasis on patient participation should be considered as a key ethical principle in patient care.
Use of off-label compounded oral sildenafil in the management of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn: A case report
Authors: Daniyan Olapeju , Ezeanosike Obumneme , Obu Dorathy , Ujunwa Fortune
Published: March 2022

We report a case of a newborn with persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN) due to meconium aspiration syndrome with associated lung collapse. Echocardiogram revealed features of persistent pulmonary hypertension. He was treated with compounded oral sildenafil. Oral sildenafil has proven to be effective and safe in the management of PPHN in neonates with persistent pulmonary hypertension. Therefore, in situations where inhaled nitric oxide is not available it may be used as an alternative therapy in PPHN. Further randomized controlled studies are needed to determine its efficacy and pharmacokinetics.
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia: Prognostic value of hernia sac and size of defect
Authors: Badebarin Davoud , Aslanabadi Saied , Jamshidi Masoud , Hasanzadeh Nazila , Gheibi Mir Kazem
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a congenital malformation with challenging management. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the presence of hernia sac and defect size on the prognosis of CDH in Tabriz children’s hospital. Methods: In this prospective study, all the infants with the diagnosis of CDH that were admitted to the Tabriz children’s hospital since 2016-2019 were enrolled. The presence or absence of a hernia sac was evaluated, and the largest diameter on diaphragmatic defect was measured before the repair. Postoperative outcomes, including instability, duration of mechanical ventilation, mortality rate, or hospital discharge were obtained and analyzed. Results: Over the study period, 30 patients with CDH met the inclusion criteria, consisting of 15 males and 15 females. Fifteen cases were diagnosed during the first 24 hours of life and 16 cases experienced hypoxia in the first hour after birth. Defect size was significantly smaller in survived patients (P=0.041). Postoperative death occurred in 9 (42.85%) patients without a hernia sac. Results showed that none of the cases with hernia sac expired (P=0.035). Conclusion: In our study, the presence of the hernia sac was related to a lower postoperative mortality rate. Defect size in survived group was also smaller. It can be suggested that the presence of hernia sac and lower diameter of defect size act as good prognostic factors in the outcome of patients with CDH.
Review and comparison of acceptance criteria for Senna and its preparations according to BP (2015 and 2020) and USP-NF (39-34 and 43-38)
Authors: Khodaie Laleh , Bhatia Saurabh , Al-Harrasi Ahmed
Published: March 2022

Background: Quality and quantity assurance of herbs are global concerns. This study aimed to classify and compare the monographs and test procedures of Senna parts and preparations according to two editions of BP and USP-NF. The monographs and specifications were compared to suggest an applicable approach to extract relevant data. Methods: BP 2015 and 2020, USP-NF 39-34 and 43-38, as well as scientific databases were used for literature review. Results: the results of this study were classified in 3 tables; table 1 classified specifications of herbal monographs in pharmacopeias. Table 2 classified various identification tests, measurement methods, and standard phytochemicals for quantitative assays. Table 3 outlined and categorized related physicochemical and contamination tests for quality assurance according to two editions of BP and USP-NF. In both editions of USP-NF, only sennosides powder and tablets were required to be analyzed for heavy metals. Hence, microbial contamination tests were merely included for leaves and pods of Senna. In both editions of BP, assessment of microbial contamination was merely included in the monograph of dry extract of Senna, not for the rest of monographs. Comparing two editions of BP indicated that in BP 2020, LC and HPTLC methods were added to assure the quality of pods and leaflets of Senna species. Conclusion: preparation of tabular data will assist analysts to extract desired information and guidelines to prepare licensed herbal products. This approach could be applicable to select relevant tests according to the facilities and equipment of laboratories.