bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship Between Access to Finance and Human Development in Developing Countries: Does Institutional Quality Matters?
Authors: Kamalu Kabiru , Ibrahim Wan Hakimah Binti Wan
Published: April 2023

Access to finance plays an important role in boosting economic activities, human capital development and access to health care, which promote human well-being. this study examines the heterogenous relationship between access to finance and human development in 21 developing countries, from 1996 to 2020. The study uses group-mean FMOLS and DOLS estimators with deterministic trend. The results show that the three proxies of access to finance promote long run human development in developing countries, but the effect of number of ATMs per 100,000 people is higher than that of number of commercial bank branches and domestic credit to private sector. The result also show that institutional quality matters as it enhances the positive effect of access to finance on human development for all the three proxies of access to finance. Government spending, Institutional quality and FDI found to promote human development in the long run. To promote sustainable human development, policymakers should pursue policies, programs and incentives that motivate commercial banks to establishes more branches and ATMs not only in urban centres but also in villages and remote locations.
JEL: G20; O15; O17; O50
Bioprospecting potential and textile dyeing of Mycobial red pigment from novel microorganism Nigrospora oryzae
Authors: Mani Israel , Thangavel Myithili , Sneha M. Joe Xavier , Pandi Mohan , Surendrababu Akash
Published: April 2023

Natural pigments are getting prominence because of the hazardous effects from the use of synthetic colouring chemicals. Microbial pigments, in addition to their vast biological activities, provide an easily accessible alternative supply of natural colours. A total of twenty-four fungal cultures were isolated from the leaf tissues of Senna auriculata, out of which a distinctive strain (FNG1) exhibited an extracellular pigmentation of reddish orange. The isolate was identified as Nigrospora oryzae based on morphological traits and a molecular phylogenetic study of a combined Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) and β- tubulin analysis. The crude red pigment was the most soluble in ethyl acetate. The natural pigment was characterised and partly purified using thin-layer chromatography. As a result, the partly purified fungal pigment Ergo, was used in further bioprospecting investigations. The antimicrobial activity of the partly purified sample was evaluated against eight human pathogens, with the maximum zone of inhibition identified in Leucobacter AA7 (200–500 µg/mL). DPPH scavenging activity of the compound increased from 38.2–67.9% with an IC50 value of 34.195 ± 2.33 µg/mL. The cytotoxicity of partially purified fungal pigment inhibited cancer cells while having little effect on non-cancerous HEK293 T cells. The gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) provided evidence that the compound produced had antibacterial and anticancer properties. Cotton fabrics have the highest staining capacity for crude mycobial pigment, which is fast and exhibited negative cytotoxicity. This is the first report from novel microorganism N. oryzae.
Tentonin 3 is a pore-forming subunit of a slow-inactivation mechanosensitive channel
Authors: Pak Sungmin , Ryu Hyunil , Nguyen Thien-Luan , Lim Sujin , Kang Su Min , Yu Yeon Gyu , Woo Junhyuk , Kim Chanjin , Fenollar-Ferrer Cristina , Wood John N , Lee Mi-Ock , Hong Gyu-Sang , Han Kyungreem , Kim Tae Song , Oh Uhtaek
Published: April 2023

Mechanically activating (MA) channels transduce numerous physiological functions. Tentonin 3/TMEM150C (TTN3) confers MA currents with slow-inactivation kinetics in somato- and baro-sensory neurons. Despite the distinct currents when heterologously expressed, whether TTN3 forms a channel pore is unknown. Here, we demonstrate that purified TTN3 proteins incorporated into the lipid bilayer exhibited spontaneous and pressure-sensitive channel currents. MA currents of TTN3 with unique slow-inactivation kinetics were conserved throughout the vertebrate phyla. The activation threshold of TTN3 and its pharmacological perturbations separated TTN3 from Piezo1. Deep neural network structure prediction programmes coupled with mutagenetic analysis predicted a rectangular shaped, tetrameric structure with six transmembrane helices and a pore at the inter-subunit centre. The putative pore aligned with two helices of each subunit and had constriction sites whose mutations changed the MA currents. These results suggest that TTN3 is a pore-forming subunit of a slow-inactivation MA channel, possibly with a unique structure.
A Comprehensive Analysis of Factors That Contribute to Conditional Approval and All-Case Surveillance Designations That Subsequently Lead to Shortening of Review Times in Japan
Authors: Shibata Shoyo , Uemura Ryotaro , Chiba Koji , Suzuki Takeshi
Published: April 2023

We examined conditional approval and all-case surveillance designations for new molecular entities investigated between 2000 and 2014 in Japan. Using univariate or multivariate logistic-regression analysis, this study attempted to clarify profiles that affect the receipt of these designations, and to provide guidance for effectively using conditional approval and all-case surveillance designations. Analysis showed that the highest number of drugs to which these systems were applied was category L (“Antineoplastic and immunomodulating agents”) of the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System. Orphan drug designation (ODD) and L drugs were significantly correlated with the receipt of both conditional approval and all-case surveillance. These designations shortened the review time. Positive factors that shortened the period of review included ODD, using global data, and joining a global study. Bridging strategy was the only negative factor. Utilization of this Japan-specific PMS system can shorten drug lag, thereby securing the safety of Japanese subjects.https://doi.org/10.21423/jrs-v04n01p001 (DOI assigned 7/23/2019)
Enterobacteriaceae complicate the recovery of Listeria monocytogenes from food product enrichments using buffered Listeria enrichment broth
Authors: Keys Ashley L. , Hitchins Anthony D , Smiley Ronald Derike
Published: April 2023

Buffered Listeria enrichment broth (BLEB) is the preferred enrichment formulation of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the recovery of Listeria monocytogenes. BLEB, which relies on sodium nalidixate, cycloheximide and acriflavine-HCl for selectivity, permits the growth of all foodborne species of Listeria and several non-Listeria species including some members of the family Enterobacteriaceae. Five species of Enterobacteriaceae and four strains of non-pathogenic Listeria species were evaluated to determine which ones most suppressed to L. monocytogenes 48 hour populations in BLEB; these were subsequently used in spiked-food enrichment competition studies. L. monocytogenes recovery was complicated by the simultaneous presence of both Listeria innocua and Enterobacteriaceae competitors. The overall mean L. monocytogenes enrichment populations (n=15 per matrix) were 4.2 ± 0.6, 3.1 ± 0.4, and 2.4 ± 0.7 log CFU/mL for guacamole, asadero cheese, and refrigerated crabmeat, respectively.  The overall mean L. innocua enrichment populations (n=15 per matrix) were 8.0 ± 0.7, 6.4 ± 0.7, and 6.5 ± 0.3 log CFU/mL for the same three matrices, respectively. L. monocytogenes was not recovered from any spiked-food enrichment when using either Oxford or chromogenic agars. L. innocua was recovered from all enrichments. Matrix-free competition assays using non-pathogenic Listeria species and Citrobacter braakii, simultaneously, indicate the potential for Enterobacteriaceae competitors to contribute considerably to both L. monocytogenes population suppression and to large Listeria inter-species population differentials. In some instances, Enterobacteriaceae competitors suppressed L. monocytogenes populations more than the non-pathogenic Listeria species. The ability to recover L. monocytogenes from food matrices with complex microflora, including multiple species of Listeria, is an important issue for regulatory agencies since detection without recovery is considered a false positive test result.https://doi.org/10.21423/jrs-v04n01p010 (DOI assigned 7/23/2019)
Consistency of Label Claims of Internet-Purchased Hemp Oil and Cannabis Products as Determined using IMS and LC-MS : A Marketplace Survey
Authors: Ruth Ashley C , Gryniewicz-Ruzicka Connie M , Trehy Michael L , Kornspan Nicole , Coody Gary
Published: April 2023

In this paper we describe the use of ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) and liquid chromatography – high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) to screen for the presence of cannabinoids and other potential hazards in a set of products with hemp oil and/or cannabinoid label claims purchased via the internet. Preliminary screening was performed using IMS to examine the products for the presence of cannabinoids, illicit drugs or undeclared pharmaceuticals before analysis by LC-HRMS to quantitatively determine the presence of four of the most common naturally occurring cannabinoids while simultaneously qualitatively screening for the presence of nine of the most common cannabinoids.  No other illicit drug or undeclared pharmaceutical was detected in any sample from IMS screening. Eighteen of twenty-three samples tested positive for the presence of at least one cannabinoid by LC-HRMS, with  three products containing less than 0.01%(w/w) of a cannabinoid. Four products with explicit CBD label claims were found to not contain any CBD, while three products featured levels of cannabinoids below label claim.https://doi.org/10.21423/jrs-v04n03p001 (DOI assigned 5/31/2019)
Analysis of errors and inaccuracies in the current edition of the GOST R ISO 7730-2009 standard
Authors: Vasileva Zh. V. , Vasilev A. G. , Kirdishova E. A.
Published: April 2023

The paper analyzes the inaccuracies and inconsistencies of the national standard GOST R ISO 7730-2009 "Ergonomics of the thermal environment. Analytical determination and interpretation of the comfort of the thermal regime using the calculation of PMV and PPD indicators and criteria of local thermal comfort" and similar international standard ISO 7730:2005. These standards are designed to assess the quality of the internal environment in order to comply with international practices both in the field of environmental sustainability and in the field of energy efficiency of construction. The authors have investigated and described inaccuracies and inconsistencies, have proposed their corrections in Sections 4 and 5, which establish the method of calculating the predicted mean estimate (PMV – Predicted Mean Vote) and the predicted percentage of dissatisfied with the temperature environment (PPD – Predicted Percentage of Dissatisfied), as well as in Appendix D, which contains a listing of the PMV calculation program in the BASIC language. The paper has been written in accordance with the recommendations developed during the implementation of the international project KO1089 "Green Arctic Building" of the Cross-Border Cooperation Program.
Supersymmetric ground states of 3d $\mathcal{N}=4$ SUSY gauge theories and Heisenberg algebras
Authors: Ferrari Andrea E. V.
Published: April 2023

We consider 3d \mathcal{N}=4𝒩=4 theories on the geometry \Sigma \times \mathbb{R}Σ×ℝ, where \SigmaΣ is a closed and connected Riemann surface, from the point of view of a quantum mechanics on \mathbb{R}ℝ. Focussing on the elementary mirror pair in the presence of real deformation parameters, namely SQED with one hypermultiplet (SQED[1]) and the free hypermulitplet, we study the algebras of local operators in the respective quantum mechanics as well as their action on the vector space of supersymmetric ground states. We demonstrate that the algebras can be described in terms of Heisenberg algebras, and that they act in a way reminiscent of Segal-Bargmann (B-twist of the free hypermultiplet) and Nakajima (A-twist of SQED[1]) operators.
Making Sense of Twenty-First Century (Sub)Urban Landscapes: Blandscapes, Blendscapes, Brutalscapes and Brutopianscapes
Authors: Maginn Paul J. , Phelps Nicholas A.
Published: April 2023

This paper makes a call for a more nuanced reading of the dynamic kaleidoscope of (sub)urban landscapes that characterize contemporary metropolitan regions. Within this metropolitan context, there is a need to move beyond perceiving the 'suburbs' as distinct and separate from, and,
subservient to the 'city'. If anything, the suburbs are in a deep symbiotic relationship with the 'city' – (sub)urban entanglements. Such entanglement means that the suburbs and the city simultaneously exhibit suburban and urban elements. Hence, the terms (sub)urban, (Sub)urban, (sub)Urban,
and (SUB)URBAN are used as a framework to denote the varying degrees of intermingling and scale of suburbanity and urbanity that characterize (sub)urban areas. Although suburbia has long been framed as a fundamental facet of the 'American dream' and the 'great Australian dream' the suburbs
have been the object of much criticism, and derided for their conformity, domesticity and uniformity. In short, the suburbs have been stereotyped as a blandscape. However, as metropolitan regions have grown in physical and demographic terms, an array of (sub)urbanisms have emerged, and continue
to do so, thereby creating a (sub)urban blendscape in terms of housing morphologies, densities, land uses, socio-cultural diversity, and governance at the metropolitan, sub-regional, local government, and suburb level. Simultaneously, an array of (sub)urban brutalscapes have also emerged as
metropolitan regions have expanded. Suburbanization, extended urbanization, gentrification and (sub)urban regeneration are all contributing processes to the (re)production of brutalscapes that manifest at a range of scales and assume a variety of forms – e.g. infrastructural, sociocultural,
housing, and environmental. Despite the criticisms of and problems with suburbia the idea(l) of the suburban dream prevails as metropolitanism expands. This points to the metropolitan region constituting a brutopianscape.
From Edge City to City Edge
Authors: Lawton Philip , Kayanan Carla Maria
Published: April 2023

This paper challenges inherited twentieth-century assumptions of suburbia by teasing out existing interrelationships between the city centre and its peripheries. This is done through a content analysis of promotional material and spatial plans guiding the development of 'City Edge',
a proposed 700-hectare regeneration scheme over an industrial development in the periphery of Dublin, Ireland. The analysis of new land-use ambitions for City Edge elucidates tensions around the 'highest and best use' of land, the role of non-local speculative approaches, and how the demand
for housing in global cities, combined with an ideal of 'mixed-use' is reshaping suburban landscapes. In so doing, we draw upon the concepts of 'blandscape' and 'blendscape' to examine some contradictory forces at work in shaping contemporary suburban space.
Evaluation of hydrological responses to climate change for a data-scarce mountainous watershed in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Yi-Hsuan Roger , Tseng Hung-Wei , Hsu Kuo-Chin , Chen Shang-Ying , Ke Chien-Chung , Chiang Li-Chi
Published: April 2023

Despite the mountainous watersheds being important for the ecosystem, water resources, and hydropower, little hydrological data has been collected. This data scarcity makes it difficult to evaluate their hydrologic response to climate change. This study integrated short-term hydrological data with physics-based meteorological and hydrological models to measure the impact of climate change on future water scarcity in the Wuling Mountain Watershed, Taiwan. Twenty-eight-month hydrological datasets from 2013 to 2015 were used for the hydrological characterization. Scenarios from CMIP5 were selected for the climate projection for the period 2021–2040 based on the inferred 1986–2005 baseline data. The results showed that precipitation, water percolation, and streamflow will decrease by about 10% and increase by about 20–25% in the dry and wet seasons, respectively. The evapotranspiration is lower than that of the baseline in January, March, and December, whereas it can be as high as 4% during the other months. The increase in the annual amount and change in the water distribution for all studied water components indicate the possible acceleration of the water cycle. Spectrum analysis showed that surface water tends toward becoming more irregular. Groundwater remains mildly persistent and thus may serve as a buffer for the impact of climate change on water resources.
Mobile DMA testing for leakage assessment: perspectives from Ontario, Canada
Authors: Jenks Bradley , Papa Fabian , Karney Bryan W.
Published: April 2023

The formation of discrete regions in a water distribution system, referred to as district metered areas (DMAs), can be a pragmatic approach to diagnose both system and leakage characteristics. Their application, however, has historically been limited in the North American context owing in part to their costly implementation and operational challenges. Both to overcome these barriers and to demonstrate the benefits of DMAs, a leakage testing programme was undertaken in Ontario, Canada. Novelty arises from the development and deployment of a mobile testing unit specifically designed to collect minimum night flow (MNF) and pressure data into temporarily configured DMAs. Moreover, activation of a pressure reducing valve facilitated the direct testing of pressure modulation on leakage reduction. The mobile unit was deployed in 22 DMAs across eight water systems with results indicating a clear relationship between MNFs and system characteristics for well-performing DMAs. MNF benchmarks were quantified to enable an evidence-based assessment of leakage performance at the DMA level in typical Canadian water systems. This project established the proof-of-concept of the mobile unit for providing both accurate and reliable measurements of key leakage performance characteristics and for predicting leakage reduction following system interventions.
Социально-экономические факторы риска развития послеродовой депрессии и послеродового посттравматического стрессового расстройства
Authors: Якупова Вера А. , Суарэз Анна Д. , Шрайбман Любовь А.
Published: April 2023

Введение. Послеродовая депрессия и послеродовое посттравматическое стрессовое расстройство (ПТСР) являются распространенными расстройствами перинатального периода. Они серьезно снижают качество жизни матери, имеют долгосрочные последствия для ее психологического благополучия и развития ребенка. В настоящем исследовании впервые на российской выборке рассмотрены социально-экономические факторы риска послеродовой депрессии и ПТСР, а именно факторы экономического статуса семьи, места родов и формата родов. Методы. В исследовании приняли участие 2579 женщин возраста 18–43 лет, в течение 12 месяцев, предшествовавших опросу, родившие одного ребенка или нескольких детей. Депрессия оценивалась при помощи Эдинбургской шкалы послеродовой депрессии, послеродовое ПТСР – при помощи Городской Шкалы Травмы в родах. Кроме того, были собраны социально-демографические данные и данные о прошедших родах. Результаты. Были обнаружены статистически значимые различия в выраженности симптомов послеродовой депрессии (F = 13,678, p < 0,001) и послеродового ПТСР в зависимости от экономического статуса матери (F = 10,235, p < 0,001). Также выявлены значимые различия в выраженности симптомов послеродовой депрессии (F = 10,780, p < 0,001) и послеродового ПТСР (F = 10,410, p < 0,001) в зависимости от формата родов (по полису обязательного медицинского страхования, с заключением платного контракта с роддомом, домашние роды). Не выявлено различий в выраженности симптомов послеродовой депрессии и послеродового ПТСР в зависимости от места родов (сельская местность, поселок городского типа, город) (F = 0,021, p = 0,979, F = 0,685, p = 0,504 соответственно). Обсуждение результатов. Результаты работы согласуются с предыдущими исследованиями в России и других странах, указывая на значимость социально–экономических факторов в этиологии послеродовой депрессии и ПТСР. Разработка программ поддержки ментального здоровья женщин с низким  экономическим статусом во время беременности, родов и послеродового периода может стать перспективным направлением профилактики послеродовой депрессии и ПТСР.
MicroRNA-mediated Regulation of LDL Receptor: Biological and
Pharmacological Implications
Authors: Keshavarz Reyhaneh , Reiner Željko , Zengin Gokhan , Eid Ali H. , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: April 2023

One of the main causes of atherosclerosis is a disruption in cellular cholesterol
hemostasis. The low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) is an important factor in maintaining
cholesterol homeostasis by the receptor-mediated endocytosis of LDL particles.
Defective hepatic LDLR activity and uptake of LDL particles lead to elevated blood levels
of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), which is associated with a higher risk
of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. LDLR expression can be affected by microRNAs
(miRNAs). Some miRNAs, like miR-148a, miR-185, miR-224, miR-520,
miR-128-1, miR-27a/b, miR-130b, and miR-301 seem to be important post-transcriptional
regulators of LDLR related genes. These findings indicate the critical role of miRNAs
in regulating LDL metabolism. The aim of this review was to provide insight into the
miRNAs involved in LDLR activity and their potential roles in the treatment of cardiovascular
disease.
The Preventive Effect of Endostar on Radiation-induced Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Ying Hangjie , Zhou Cheng , Hang Qingqing , Fang Min
Published: April 2023

Background:

Radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis (RIPF) is a long-term
complication of thoracic radiotherapy without effective treatment available.

Objective:

This study aimed to establish a RIPF mouse model and explore the
therapeutic effects and mechanisms of recombinant human endostatin (Endostar).

Methods:

C57BL/6 mice received a 16-Gy dose of X-rays to the whole thorax with or
without the administration of Endostar for 24 weeks.

Results:

Radiation-induced body weight loss was partially attenuated by Endostar
(P<0.05). Endostar significantly reduced alveolar inflammation (P<0.05) and pulmonary
fibrosis (P<0.001), as indicated by a decrease in the expression levels of collagen I and
collagen IV in lung tissue (both P<0.001). Angiogenesis (as shown by CD31
immunohistochemistry) was also decreased (P<0.01). In irradiated mice, Endostar
inhibited the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/drosophila mothers against the
decapentaplegic 3 (Smad3)/extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK) signaling
pathway (all P<0.05). In vitro, Endostar treatment decreased the radiation-induced
expression of TGF-β1, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), p-Smad3, and p-ERK
in alveolar epithelial cells and vascular endothelial cells (all P<0.05).

Conclusion:

Endostar could alleviate RIPF through decreased antiangiogenic activity
and inhibition of the TGF-β1/Smad3/ERK pathway.
Metabolomics to Study Human Aging: A Review
Authors: Martins Claudia , Magalhães Sandra , Almeida Idália , Neto Vanessa , Rebelo Sandra , Nunes Alexandra
Published: April 2023

In the last years, with the increase in the average life expectancy, the world’s
population is progressively aging, which entails social, health and economic problems. In
this sense, the need to better understand the physiology of the aging process becomes
an urgent need. Since the study of aging in humans is challenging, cellular and animal
models are widely used as alternatives. Omics, namely metabolomics, have emerged in
the study of aging, with the aim of biomarker discovering, which may help to
uncomplicate this complex process. This paper aims to summarize different models
used for aging studies with their advantages and limitations. Also, this review gathers the
published articles referring to biomarkers of aging already discovered using
metabolomics approaches, comparing the results obtained in the different studies.
Finally, the most frequently used senescence biomarkers are described, along with their
importance in understanding aging.
Protective Effects of Ornithine on Hepatic Ischemia-reperfusion Injury
Authors: Singh Kuldeep , Kumar  Gupta Jeetendra , Singh Krishanveer , Kumar Shivendra
Published: April 2023

Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury is a common complication of liver surgery and
transplantation. The morbidity related to hepatic surgery under a total vascular exclusion or following
liver transplantation is caused by ischemia-reperfusion damage. Numerous pathways are involved
in the pathophysiology of hepatic ischemia-reperfusion, and they all play a role in the overall
injury to varying degrees. Post-surgical hepatic dysfunction is one of the primary causes of morbidity
and mortality. Several studies have suggested oxidative stress, inflammation, mitochondrial
dysfunction, activation of the liver Kupffer cell, overexpression of Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule,
and facilitation of (PMN) polymorphonuclear neutrophil damage are involved in the pathophysiology
of ischemia-reperfusion damage in the liver. Ornithine is an amino acid and non-proteinogenic
in nature. It plays a vital role in the urea cycle. Ornithine is commonly present in dietary
supplements that have been proven to influence the hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury-linked
pathways, hence lowering deterioration in the liver ischemia/reperfusion dysfunction. Liver cirrhosis
has been treated using a stable salt of ornithine and aspartic acid. After surgical tumour removal,
patients who take ornithine aspartate may experience less hepatic ischemia-reperfusion damage. Lornithine
functions as a precursor to citrulline and arginine and enables the elimination of extra
nitrogen. Ischemia/reperfusion injury is caused by the aggravation of cellular upsets and mortality
following the refurbishment of blood flow to the earlier ischemic tissue. This article confers a deep
understanding of the protective effects of ornithine on hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury as well
as evidence linking ornithine's function tending towards the detoxification mechanism of the liver.
Bootstrap approach for clustering method with applications
Authors: Binhimd Sulafah M. Saleh , Kalantan Zakiah I.
Published: April 2023

Discovering patterns of big data is an important step to actionable insights data. The clustering method is used to identify the data pattern by splitting the data set into clusters with associated variables. Various research works proposed a bootstrap method for clustering the array data but there is a weak view of statistical or theoretical results and measures of the model consistency or stability. The purpose of this paper is to assess model stability and cluster consistency of the K-number of clusters by using bootstrap sampling patterns with replacement. In addition, we present a reasonable number of clusters via bootstrap methods and study the significance of the K-number of clusters for the original data set by looking at the value of the K-number that provides the most stable clusters. Practically, bootstrap is used to measure the accuracy of estimation and analyze the stability of the outcomes of cluster methods. We discuss the performance of suggestion clusters through running examples. We measure the stability of clusters through bootstrap. A simulation study is presented in order to illustrate the methods of inference discussed and examine the satisfactory performance of the proposed distributions.
Diagnostics methods of local stresses/strains in diamond at room temperature based on optically detected magnetic resonance of NV defects
Authors: Babunts R. A.  , Gurin A. S.  , Bundakova A. P.  , Muzafarova M. V.  , Anisimov A. N.  , Baranov P. G.
Published: April 2023

A method for diagnostics of local stresses/strains in diamond at room temperature based on optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) of NV defects in a zero magnetic field using low-frequency microwave power modulation is proposed. Keywords: NV defect, diamond, optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR).
Iron deficiency states in cardiovascular diseases: impact on prognosis and features of correction
Authors: Vinogradova N. G. , Chesnikova A. I.
Published: April 2023

The article discusses the problem of comorbidity of iron deficiency conditions and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Iron deficiency conditions (latent iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia) significantly increase the risk of developing and progressing CVD. A number of studies have found that, regardless of the presence or absence of anemia, iron deficiency leads to the development of cardiovascular complications, a worsening of quality of life and an increase in mortality in patients with CVD. Currently, the most studied is the effect of iron deficiency on the prognosis of patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). The article discusses the etiology and pathogenesis of the development of iron deficiency in CHF, the mechanisms of the adverse effect of this condition on the quality of life, functional status, and life prognosis. The article presents an analysis of clinical studies on the treatment of iron deficiency conditions in CHF and excerpts from current clinical guidelines. Data are presented that describe the contribution of drugs for the treatment of CHF (guideline directed therapy) to the correction of anemia and iron deficiency. The article discusses the impact of iron deficiency conditions on the course and prognosis of life in atrial fibrillation (AF) and coronary heart disease (CHD). The negative contribution of iron deficiency states to the development of exacerbations of CVD, an increase in the number of hospitalizations and an increase in the risk of death in these categories of patients is emphasized. Despite the known negative impact of iron deficiency conditions on the functional status and prognosis of patients with CVD, there is still insufficient data on the efficacy and safety of iron deficiency correction in patients with CVD.
Interpretable Mortality Prediction Model for ICU Patients with Pneumonia: Using Shapley Additive Explanation Method (Preprint)
Authors: Tang Liangjun , Li Jiaxi , Zhang Rui , Tang Min , Haibo Tan
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND

Pneumonia, a common reason for patients to be admitted to the Intensive Care Unit, was one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Prediction of pneumonia mortality is essential for individualized prevention and treatment programs. However, due to their lack of interpretability, most mortality prediction models have not yet reached clinical practice.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to develop an interpretable model to predict the mortality risk for patients with pneumonia in intensive care units (ICUs) and used the Shapley Additive Explanation (SHAP) method to explain the extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) model and explore prognostic factors for pneumonia.

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, we used the electronic health records of all adult patients with pneumonia with the free and open Collaborative Research Database between from 2014-2015 (eICU-CRD). The data during the first 24 hours of each ICU admission was extracted. The data set was randomly divided, with 70% used for model training and 30% used for model validation. The prediction model was developed based on XGBoost and natural language processing. F1 score, area under the receiver operating characteristicWe included 10,962 patients with pneumonia, and the in-hospital mortality was 16.33% In this study, the XGBoost model showed a better performance to predict the mortality of pneumonia with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.734. Compared with the traditional Apache scoring system (0.677), this model has made significant progress in its results. The SHAP m0ethod reveals the top 20 predictors of pneumonia according to the importance ranking, and the average of the blood urea nitrogen was recognized as the most important predictor variable. curve (AUC) were used as the main criteria to evaluate model performance. We used the SHAP method to explain the XGBoost model.

RESULTS

We included 10,962 patients with pneumonia, and the in-hospital mortality was 16.33% In this study, the XGBoost model showed a better performance to predict the mortality of pneumonia with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.734. Compared with the traditional Apache scoring system (0.677), this model has made significant progress in its results. The SHAP m0ethod reveals the top 20 predictors of pneumonia according to the importance ranking, and the average of the blood urea nitrogen was recognized as the most important predictor variable.

CONCLUSIONS

Interpretable predictive models help physicians more accurately predict the risk of death in patients with pneumonia in the ICU, and interpretable frameworks can increase the transparency of models. We found that age is the most important factor affecting pneumonia mortality, followed by serum AST concentration. Through which these indicators are strongly correlated with mortality, can provide clinical better treatment plans and optimal resource allocation for their patients
Impact and support for nursing home caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic (Preprint)
Authors: Nkodo Jacques-Alexis , Debacq Camille , Gana Wassim , Aidoud Amal , Camus Vincent , Leroy Victoire , Fougère Bertrand
Published: April 2023

UNSTRUCTURED

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has deeply impacted healthcare organizations and has exposed healthcare workers to concerns about mental health and psychological adjustment. Nursing home caregivers (NHCGs) are among those most exposed to these risks because they deal with vulnerable older adults. Worldwide, many support interventions have been implemented in an effort to mitigate the psychosocial impact of this major health crisis on healthcare workers. However, specific data for NHCGs are scarce. The present viewpoint covers the support systems for NHCGs that have been implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The guidelines on mitigating the psychosocial effects of COVID-19 outbreaks did not differ greatly as a function of the type of healthcare worker or the sector of activity. To the best of our knowledge, only one program (at Tours University Hospital (Tours, France)) has been specifically developed for NHCGs. The program is based on weekly debriefing sessions and is intended to reduce the psychosocial impact of the COVID-19 epidemic. Studies conducted in acute geriatric units (rather than nursing homes and long-term care facilities, as in the present work) have highlighted a worsening in mental health among staff and have prompted calls for the implementation of dedicated mitigation measures.

The importance of mitigating the psychosocial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is widely accepted, and a large number of guidelines and resources are available. However, very few of these are sector- or carer-specific. Hence, specific interventions for NHCGs should be developed. It is important to encourage local initiatives, such as the multidisciplinary support system for NHCGs implemented at Tours University Hospital during and after the COVID-19 crisis.
Prevalence and Associations Between Metabolic Syndrome Components and Hyperuricemia by Race: Findings from 2011 – 2020 NHANES (Preprint)
Authors: Kim Sunghwan , Seo Ji Hwan , Kim Yun Jin , Cho Sung Kweon
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND

It is widely accepted that metabolic syndrome is associated with hyperuricemia. However, factors affecting this association remain unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the secular trend of hyperuricemia and investigate associations between components of metabolic syndrome (waist circumference, triglyceride level, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level, blood pressure, and fasting glucose level) and hyperuricemia by race.

METHODS

We used data of the four most recent National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2011 to March 2020. Hyperuricemia was defined as a serum urate level of > 7.0 mg/dl for men and > 5.7 mg/dl for women. Metabolic syndrome was defined using National Cholesterol Education Program’s Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III) guideline. Among 45,462 participants in the NHANES 2011 to 2020, 10,175 participants were finally analyzed. We estimated prevalence rates of metabolic syndrome and hyperuricemia in each cycle and then performed multivariable logistic regression analysis to determine the relationship between each component of metabolic syndrome and hyperuricemia.

RESULTS

In the recent cycle (2017-March 2020), the prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 45.9% and that of hyperuricemia was 20.7%. From 2011 to March 2020, metabolic syndrome prevalence increased significantly among Hispanic and Asian groups. Hyperuricemia prevalence also increased significantly in the Hispanic group. After adjusting for confounding factors, the metabolic syndrome group had significantly higher incidence of hyperuricemia than the normal group. The odds ratio (OR) of hyperuricemia was higher in women than in men (OR: 4.25 [95% CI: 3.53-5.12] vs. 2.81 [95% CI: 2.16-3.66]). The OR of hyperuricemia was higher in White (OR 3.69 [95% CI 3.00-4.54]) than in Hispanic (OR 3.39 [95% CI 2.49-4.61]), Asian (OR 2.10 [95% CI 1.47-3.00]), and Black (OR 2.67 [95% CI 2.04-3.50]).

CONCLUSIONS

Metabolic syndrome was significantly associated with hyperuricemia. This correlation was stronger in women and White.
Synthetic Tabular Data Based on Generative Adversarial Networks in Health Care: Generation and Validation Using the Divide-and-Conquer Strategy (Preprint)
Authors: Kang Ha Ye Jin , Batbaatar Erdenebileg , Choi Dong-Woo , Choi Kui Son , Ko Minsam , Ryu Kwang Sun
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND

Synthetic data generation (SDG) based on generative adversarial networks (GANs) is used in health care, but research on preserving data with logical relationships with synthetic tabular data (STD) remains challenging. Filtering methods for SDG can lead to the loss of important information.

OBJECTIVE

This study proposed a divide-and-conquer (DC) method to generate STD based on the GAN algorithm, while preserving data with logical relationships.

METHODS

The proposed method was evaluated on data from the Korea Association for Lung Cancer Registry (KALC-R) and 2 benchmark data sets (breast cancer and diabetes). The DC-based SDG strategy comprises 3 steps: (1) We used 2 different partitioning methods (the class-specific criterion distinguished between survival and death groups, while the Cramer V criterion identified the highest correlation between columns in the original data); (2) the entire data set was divided into a number of subsets, which were then used as input for the conditional tabular generative adversarial network and the copula generative adversarial network to generate synthetic data; and (3) the generated synthetic data were consolidated into a single entity. For validation, we compared DC-based SDG and conditional sampling (CS)–based SDG through the performances of machine learning models. In addition, we generated imbalanced and balanced synthetic data for each of the 3 data sets and compared their performance using 4 classifiers: decision tree (DT), random forest (RF), Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), and light gradient-boosting machine (LGBM) models.

RESULTS

The synthetic data of the 3 diseases (non–small cell lung cancer [NSCLC], breast cancer, and diabetes) generated by our proposed model outperformed the 4 classifiers (DT, RF, XGBoost, and LGBM). The CS- versus DC-based model performances were compared using the mean area under the curve (SD) values: 74.87 (SD 0.77) versus 63.87 (SD 2.02) for NSCLC, 73.31 (SD 1.11) versus 67.96 (SD 2.15) for breast cancer, and 61.57 (SD 0.09) versus 60.08 (SD 0.17) for diabetes (DT); 85.61 (SD 0.29) versus 79.01 (SD 1.20) for NSCLC, 78.05 (SD 1.59) versus 73.48 (SD 4.73) for breast cancer, and 59.98 (SD 0.24) versus 58.55 (SD 0.17) for diabetes (RF); 85.20 (SD 0.82) versus 76.42 (SD 0.93) for NSCLC, 77.86 (SD 2.27) versus 68.32 (SD 2.37) for breast cancer, and 60.18 (SD 0.20) versus 58.98 (SD 0.29) for diabetes (XGBoost); and 85.14 (SD 0.77) versus 77.62 (SD 1.85) for NSCLC, 78.16 (SD 1.52) versus 70.02 (SD 2.17) for breast cancer, and 61.75 (SD 0.13) versus 61.12 (SD 0.23) for diabetes (LGBM). In addition, we found that balanced synthetic data performed better.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is the first attempt to generate and validate STD based on a DC approach and shows improved performance using STD. The necessity for balanced SDG was also demonstrated.
Executive Summary of the KDIGO 2022 Clinical Practice Guideline for the Prevention, Diagnosis, Evaluation, and Treatment of Hepatitis C in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Martin Paul , Awan Ahmed A. , Berenguer Marina C. , Bruchfeld Annette , Al. Et.
Published: April 2023

No abstract
Analysis of risk factors for severe COVID-19
Authors: Gruzieva T.S. , Antonyuk O.Ya.
Published: April 2023

Global aging has accompanied the worldwide increase in average life expectancy over the past century. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has increased morbidity among all groups of the population, but it poses a particular threat to people of older age groups. Multiple concomitant pathologies form an unfavorable background for the course of COVID-19. It was found that the level of in-hospital mortality in the care of older age groups was high, including in countries with high-income levels and expenditures on health care. We have identified predictors of the severe course of COVID-19. In our opinion, such predictors should be considered when identifying risk groups and applying anticipatory strategies to them, in particular, timely hospitalization, the administration of antiviral therapy, and treatment of concomitant pathology (chronic kidney disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, etc.). The question of testing elderly patients for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 is especially relevant when weakness increases, the state of consciousness worsens, and/or dyspnea appears or worsens. Postponement of hospitalization can negatively affect the results of treatment. Thus, interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, the absolute level of lymphocytes, albumin, and ferritin can be used when evaluating the criteria for hospitalization in this group of patients. Interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein are positively associated with body mass index. The excess of adipose tissue is considered an independent predictor of severe COVID-19 and, unlike age, can be modified. We suggested that a hospital mortality risk calculator based on the personalized lethality risk index on admission should be used in practice. Adequate therapy of concomitant pathology is also important in the prevention of COVID-19 complications. Protection of susceptible groups at high risk of severe COVID-19 has strategic importance in preventing high mortality rates in population regardless of age.
Back Propagation
Authors: A Dr. Deepa , P A Fathima Thasliya
Published: April 2023

Abstract: Back Propagation Algorithm research is now very active in the Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and machine learning communities. It has increased a wide range of applications, including image compression, pattern recognition, time series prediction, sequence identification, data filtering, and other intelligent processes carried out by the human brain, have had enormous results. In this paper, we give a quick introduction to ANN and BP algorithms, explain how they operate, and highlight some of the ongoing research projects and the difficulties they face
Political Recruitment and Party Institutionalization: PDIP's Internal Tension in the 2020 Surakarta Mayoral Election
Authors: Sulaksono Tunjung , Sungkawa Janur Dikya , Suswanta Suswanta , Sutan Arissy Jorgi
Published: April 2023

This article aims to explain the causes of internal tension within the Indonesian Democratic Party—Struggle (PDIP) Party. The internal tension occurred vertically and horizontally due to the party’s central office intervention in the recruitment process for the 2020 Surakarta mayoral candidate. The intervention caused disappointment among Surakarta Branch Leadership Council (DPC) Surakarta cadres towards the PDIP's Central Leadership Council (DPP) policies and deconsolidation within the DPC level prior to the election. The research approach used is descriptive-qualitative, with data collection techniques used are documentary and literature studies. In contrast to the explanation of previous works that emphasize the oligarchy and centralism of decision-making, this article shows that the cause of the internal tension within the PDIP Party is the low degree of party institutionalization, especially in the systemness and decisional autonomy dimensions.
Adaptive measurement filter: efficient strategy for optimal estimation of quantum Markov chains
Authors: Godley Alfred , Guta Madalin
Published: April 2023

Continuous-time measurements are instrumental for a multitude of tasks in quantum engineering and quantum control, including the estimation of dynamical parameters of open quantum systems monitored through the environment. However, such measurements do not extract the maximum amount of information available in the output state, so finding alternative optimal measurement strategies is a major open problem.
In this paper we solve this problem in the setting of discrete-time input-output quantum Markov chains. We present an efficient algorithm for optimal estimation of one-dimensional dynamical parameters which consists of an iterative procedure for updating a `measurement filter' operator and determining successive measurement bases for the output units. A key ingredient of the scheme is the use of a coherent quantum absorber as a way to post-process the output after the interaction with the system. This is designed adaptively such that the joint system and absorber stationary state is pure at a reference parameter value. The scheme offers an exciting prospect for optimal continuous-time adaptive measurements, but more work is needed to find realistic practical implementations.
Water-physical properties of chestnut soils depending on different tillage practices and irrigation regimes
Authors: Dubenok Nikolay N. , Novikov Andrey E. , Poddubsky Anton A. , Chamurliev Georgiy O. , Shumakova Ksenia B. , Zbukarev Roman V.
Published: April 2023

The aim of the research was to study water-physical properties of chestnut soils under different tillage practices when cultivating corn (Povolzhsky 89 MV hybrid) under irrigated conditions in the Lower Volga region. Therefore, the following characteristics of the soil were studied - soil density, soil moisture, field capacity, maximal hygroscopic moisture, wilting point and porosity. The results revealed that after chisel loosening, a qualitative improvement of soil water-physical properties was observed in comparison with the control variant - moldboard plowing. To describe the dynamics of changes in soil density by layers and tillage variants, a regression of the 2nd order was proposed, and coefficients of the equation were calculated. In order to maintain the specified irrigation regime during the observation periods, 7 to 9 vegetative irrigations with application rate from 2250 to 2750 m3ha-1 were carried out in the variants with moldboard plowing, 7 to 8 irrigations with application rate from 2200 to 2600 m3ha-1 in the variants with chisel loosening, and 6 to 7 irrigations with application rates from 2100 to 2500 m3ha-1 in the variants with chisel moldboard plowing. The yield of corn in the variant with chisel moldboard plowing averaged 8.75 tha-1 during the research period, which is 18 % higher than in the control variant. Moreover, the cost of irrigation water for producing one ton of grain decreased by almost 20 %, and the coefficient of water consumption decreased by 17 %.