bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Who is getting screened for diabetes according to body mass index and waist circumference categories in Peru? a pooled analysis of national surveys between 2015 and 2019
Authors: Carrillo-Larco Rodrigo M. , Guzman-Vilca Wilmer Cristobal , Bernabe-Ortiz Antonio
Published: August 2021

Background

At the population level we would expect that people with obesity undergo diabetes screening tests more often than people with overweight and much more often than people with normal weight. We described the trends of diabetes screening according to body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) in Peru.

Methods

Pooled analysis of health national surveys (2015–2019); men and women aged 35–70 years. We used relative frequencies to study: among those who have had a glucose test in the last year, how many there were in each BMI and WC category. We fitted a Poisson model to study whether people with high BMI or WC were more likely to have had a glucose test.

Results

People with overweight (PR = 1.34; 95% CI: 1.29–1.38), obesity (PR = 1.57; 95% CI: 1.51–1.63) and central obesity (PR = 1.63; 95% CI: 1.35–1.96) were more likely to have had a glucose test. At the sub-national level, there was one (of twenty-five) region in which men with obesity were more often screened for diabetes than men with overweight and much more than men with normal weight. There were seven regions in which women with obesity were the most often screened for diabetes.

Conclusions

Consistent with a risk-based prevention approach, people with obesity would be screened for diabetes more often than those with overweight and those with normal weight. This ideal profile was only observed in few regions. Diabetes screening strategies should be strengthened and homogenised, so that they reach those at high risk of diabetes.
Privacy nudges for disclosure of personal information: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ioannou Athina , Tussyadiah Iis , Miller Graham , Li Shujun , Weick Mario
Published: August 2021

Objective

Digital nudging has been mooted as a tool to alter user privacy behavior. However, empirical studies on digital nudging have yielded divergent results: while some studies found nudging to be highly effective, other studies found no such effects. Furthermore, previous studies employed a wide range of digital nudges, making it difficult to discern the effectiveness of digital nudging. To address these issues, we performed a systematic review of empirical studies on digital nudging and information disclosure as a specific privacy behavior.

Method

The search was conducted in five digital libraries and databases: Scopus, Google Scholar, ACM Digital Library, Web of Science, and Science Direct for peer-reviewed papers published in English after 2006, examining the effects of various nudging strategies on disclosure of personal information online.

Results

The review unveiled 78 papers that employed four categories of nudge interventions: presentation, information, defaults, and incentives, either individually or in combination. A meta-analysis on a subset of papers with available data (n = 54) revealed a significant small-to-medium sized effect of the nudge interventions on disclosure (Hedges’ g = 0.32). There was significant variation in the effectiveness of nudging (I2 = 89%), which was partially accounted for by interventions to increase disclosure being more effective than interventions to reduce disclosure. No evidence was found for differences in the effectiveness of nudging with presentation, information, defaults, and incentives interventions.

Conclusion

Identifying ways to nudge users into making more informed and desirable privacy decisions is of significant practical and policy value. There is a growing interest in digital privacy nudges for disclosure of personal information, with most empirical papers focusing on nudging with presentation. Further research is needed to elucidate the relative effectiveness of different intervention strategies and how nudges can confound one another.
A Brazilian Portuguese translation, cultural adaptation and validation of the Arrhythmia-Specific questionnaire in Tachycardia and Arrhythmia (ASTA) health-related quality of life (HRQOL) scale
Authors: Cannavan Priscila Moreno Sperling , Cannavan Fernando Piza de Souza , Oliveira Henrique Ceretta , Walfridsson Ulla , Lopes Maria Helena Baena de Moraes
Published: August 2021

Introduction

The health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of patients with tachyarrhythmia can be negatively influenced by the clinical manifestations. The evaluation of HRQOL with validated instruments can provide valuable information that will contribute to clinical decision-making and treatment. In Brazil, however, there is no available scale that evaluates HRQOL in different types of arrhythmia. The purpose of this study was to adapt the Arrhythmia-Specific Questionnaire in Tachycardia and Arrhythmia-HRQOL scale (ASTA-HRQOL scale) to the Brazilian culture, and to assess the psychometric properties of the adapted questionnaire.

Methods

The study used a methodological process of cultural adaptation based on international literature guidelines. The analyses were performed with 172 participants, 32 for cultural adaptation and 140 for psychometric validation. Calculation included analysis of reliability by Cronbach’s α coefficient, construct validity with convergent validity using the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire and by the Spearman correlation coefficient, Average Variance Extracted, and assessment of confirmatory factor analysis.

Results

The translation and adaptation processes showed a satisfactory degree of comprehension and applicability (93% reported them to be easy to understand). Confirmatory factor analysis indicated exclusion of one item from the mental scale, but after qualitative analysis the item was retained. The items presented adequate internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha coefficient = 0.88), and an inverse correlation of moderate magnitude with the physical domain (rho = -0.63) and with the mental domain (rho = -0.58) of the WHOQOL-BREF.

Conclusions

The Brazilian Portuguese version of the ASTA-HRQOL scale, the ASTA-Br-HRQOL scale, can be a valuable tool for use in clinical practice and research.
Exploring the perceived restorativeness of natural soundscapes under the global pandemic of COVID-19: A moderated mediation model
Authors: Qiu Mengyuan , Zhang Jie
Published: August 2021

Although emerging studies have discussed the potential benefits of soundscape in mental restoration, few have investigated how soundscape renews and re-energizes people, especially in facing the current public challenge of the COVID-19 crisis. We established a moderated mediation model to examine the relationship of the four restorative components of soundscape: being away, compatibility, extent and fascination. The data were collected in Xixi Wetland National Park, China, before the outbreak of COVID-19 (n = 562) in October 2019 and post COVID-19 in October 2020 (n = 341). The results revealed that natural soundscapes have great restorative benefits for visitors. The inter relationships of the restorative components are moderated by the perceived stress level which show significant different before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The post-COVID-19 visitors reported a higher level of stress while natural soundscapes had greater effects on their mental restoration. The direct effects of extent and fascination as well as the mediating effects of fascination were stronger among the post-COVID-19 group. However, the path coefficient from being away to compatibility were higher in the pre-COVID-19 group. This study improves the current understanding of the interactive mechanism among the restorative components of soundscape. Knowledge about natural soundscape encourages practitioners to consider it as a guideline for the creation of sustainable environments, especially under the COVID-19 crisis.
Genius and taste: Sara Danius’ couture gowns as extended power dressing
Authors: Ulfsdotter Boel
Published: August 2021

The visual politics of fashion has again become a topic of interest to scholars working both inside and outside the realm of fashion studies, although many, like this author, actually bow to Jennifer Craik’s ground-breaking study The Face of Fashion (1994). This article introduces the notion extended power dressing as a way to further the scholarly study of contemporary female executives’ brand of power dressing in the aftermath of John T. s matrix for successful ‘wardrobe-engineering’. In line with previous studies of the sartorial dress code represented by women in power, this article features a pertinent example from yet another social arena, in the form of the unprecedented couture gowns worn by the late permanent secretary of the Swedish Academy, Sara Danius, at the Nobel Festivities in Stockholm between 2015 and 2018. The author suggests that these frocks are materialized visions of Danius’ intellectual wit and cultural taste, thus representing a visual articulation of her powerful rank. An important characteristic pertaining to Danius’ extended power dressing is therefore that her situated dress practice, while advocating different practices of resistance and counter-conduct, refuted all sexualization of her as a female subject to the benefit of a self-authored and self-reflecting enfashioning technology. By detailing the intellectual process behind Danius’ gowns, as well as their performance in society, this study shows how power is behaving and how it is structured when comparing the conduct of a certain dominant discourse (in this case cultural tradition and misogyny) to the author’s proposed counter-discourse (resistance and female agency). The author suggests that the visual politics emerging from this meeting represent a unique female subculture adding yet another layer to the visual politics of fashion.
Insights Into the Oral Microbiome and Barrett's Esophagus Early Detection: A Narrative Review
Authors: Zhang Zhenzhen , Curran Grace , Altinok Dindar Duygu , Wu Ying , Wu Hui , Sharpton Thomas , Zhao Lianmei , Lieberman David , Otaki Fouad
Published: August 2021

Barrett's esophagus (BE) prevalence has increased steadily over the past several decades and continues to be the only known precursor of esophageal adenocarcinoma. The exact cause of BE is still unknown. Most evidence has linked BE to gastroesophageal reflux disease, which injures squamous esophageal mucosa and can result in the development of columnar epithelium with intestinal metaplasia. However, this relationship is inconsistent—not all patients with severe gastroesophageal reflux disease develop BE. There is increasing evidence that the host microbiome spanning the oral and esophageal environments differs in patients with and without BE. Several studies have documented the oral and esophageal microbiome's composition for BE with inconsistent findings. The scarcity and inconsistency of the literature and the dynamic phenomena of microbiota all warrant further studies to validate the findings and dissect the effects of oral microbiota, which are considered a viable proxy to represent esophageal microbiota by many researchers. This review aims to summarize the variability of the oral and esophageal microbiome in BE by using the example of Streptococcus to discuss the limitations of the current studies and suggest future directions. Further characterization of the sensitivity and specificity of the oral microbiome as a potential risk prediction or prevention marker of BE is critical, which will help develop noninvasive early detection methods for BE, esophageal adenocarcinoma, and other esophageal diseases.
O Gerente e a Recepcionista
Authors: Chauvin Jean Pierre
Published: August 2021

Publicado em 1965, O Caso do Hotel Bertram reúne algumas das caracterizações mais importantes, dentre os romances protagonizados por Miss Jane Marple. Neste ensaio, discutem-se os métodos empregados por Agatha Christie ao representar as diferentes classes sociais das personagens no romance, com ênfase nos retratos do gerente e da recepcionista do estabelecimento em que os crimes acontecem.
Considerações sobre a antroponímia da gente miúda preservada nas crônicas de Fernão Lopes e de Gomes Eanes de Zurara
Authors: Jerry Santos Guimarães
Published: August 2021

Neste artigo fazemos um levantamento dos nomes, apelidos e alcunhas de homens da gente miúda registrados por Fernão Lopes e por Gomes Eanes de Zurara em suas crônicas escritas no século XV a serviço dos reis de Portugal. Assinalamos a excepcionalidade do registro de nomes e de feitos de membros das camadas baixas do povo em narrativas históricas que tinham por protagonistas e por público primeiro especialmente os nobres, muitos dos quais murmuravam contra os cronistas justamente por terem os seus nomes omitidos, ou esquecidos, da história oficial do reino. Uma vez levantado o rol de apelativos de personagens da gente miúda procedemos a uma análise onomástica que nos permitiu concluir que em parte considerável dos antropônimos preservados por Lopes e por Zurara é reconhecível a baixa condição social das personae, seja pela clássica formação do antropônimo a partir de patronímicos, costume observado especialmente entre famílias vilãs no período abordado, seja pela utilização de apelidos que remetem a ofícios típicos da gente miúda.

PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Crônica; Historiografia portuguesa; Onomástica.
Plínio, o jovem, e seu epistolário
Authors: Frederico de Sousa Silva
Published: August 2021

Plínio, o jovem, é autor de dez livros de cartas, sendo nove livros de cartas pessoais e um outro de epístolas que trocou com o imperador Trajano. Foram publicadas provavelmente entre 100 e 110 d.C., e englobam período histórico situado nas décadas finais do primeiro século depois de Cristo. Várias informações que temos sobre Plínio, o jovem, ele próprio nos fornece por meio dos dados elencados em suas missivas. Esse autor está situado entre a segunda metade do século primeiro e início do século segundo, e deixou também para a posteridade o Panegírico a Trajano, obra que exalta esse imperador e seus feitos, como deixou, já supracitado, dez livros de cartas. Apresenta-se nesta tradução proposta pequena amostra do arcabouço deixado por Plínio, cartas ainda inéditas em língua portuguesa que são objeto de nossa pesquisa, em andamento, de pós-doutorado. De inegável importância, o epistolário de Plínio aborda, como já citado, as mais variadas temáticas, com estilo que vai da simplicidade à elegância.
Metais nos Sedimentos em Reservatórios: há Toxicidade Potencial?
Authors: Ferreira Karen de Souza , Rani-Borges Bárbara , Santos Gustavo Laranjeira Melo , Cardoso-Silva Sheila , Sá Lilian Rose Marques , Pompêo Marcelo
Published: August 2021

Os metais são reconhecidos pelo caráter potencialmente tóxico às comunidades além de bioacumulativos em alguns organismos. No presente trabalho, avaliou-se as concentrações dos metais cádmio, cromo, cobre, chumbo, mercúrio e zinco em sedimentos de três pontos de amostragem nos reservatórios Billings, Guarapiranga e Rio Grande (São Paulo, Brasil) entre os anos 2008 e 2017. Os dados foram comparados à valores de referência regionais, à legislação local e a valores guia de qualidade de sedimento: nível de efeito limiar (TEL), nível de efeito provável (PEL) e Critérios de Avaliação dos Sedimentos (CQS). Amostras de sedimento do reservatório Billings apresentaram os maiores números de metais acima dos valores de referência e acima de PEL. Observou-se elevadas concentrações de cobre nos reservatórios Guarapiranga e Rio Grande, provavelmente em decorrência do sistema de gestão aplicado no local à base de Sulfato de Cobre Pentahidratado. Os dados analisados aqui, indicam que a falta de índices regionalizados, com valores de background e critérios de toxicidade para o sedimento, específicos para esses reservatórios é uma grande deficiência para análises mais acuradas e preditivas. Ainda assim, fica demonstrado que os níveis atuais de contaminação dos sedimentos dos reservatórios estão reduzindo a qualidade da água e pressionando negativamente a biota local e alterando e comprometendo o ecossistema aquático.
O Cebrim responde
Authors: /CFF Cebrim
Published: August 2021

O Cebrim responde
Editorial
Authors: Leite Letícia Nogueira
Published: August 2021

Editorial
Analgésicos e antipiréticos isentos de prescrição
Authors: Leite Letícia Nogueira
Published: August 2021

Artigo Principal
The development of A Simulation Tool for Numerical Modelling of High Flexure and High Shear Reinforced Concrete Elements
Authors: Nuroji Nuroji , Asshidiqie Muhammad Rony , Sukamta Sukamta , Han Ay Lie
Published: August 2021

The weakness of full-scale testing of reinforced concrete elements in a laboratory is the long period, both to prepare and test specimens and the high-cost, resulting in a limited number of specimens. The heavy specimen creates another difficulty during set-up. Data accuracy depends on apparatus precision, laboratory conditions, and the technicians' expertise in experimenting. A finite element model was constructed to simulate a reinforced concrete element subject to high flexure and shear stresses induced by vertical and horizontal forces to overcome these constraints. The model can further be utilized to evaluate the effects of independent variables on the behavior of the member. The model was validated both numerically and experimentally to ensure accuracy and precision. The numerical validation was conducted through a sensitivity analyses process on the finesses of meshing and loading incrementation. At the same time, the load-deformation data and the crack propagation of identical laboratory-tested elements were utilized for validation of the experimental data. It was proven that the developed model predicts the behavior of the beam to a high degree of correctness. The model can further be used as a tool for analyses in the field.
Behavioral Study of Bajulmati Dam Deformation Through Dam History Database-based Assessment
Authors: Istiaji Muhammad Santang , Sriyana Sriyana , Sadono Kresno Wikan
Published: August 2021

Dam will experience pressure from its own load up to the effect of loading reservoir water. As a result of this pressure force, the dam body will be deformed. The behavior of dam deformation needs to be monitored to know the vertical and horizontal deformation that occurs. This paper discusses the deformation behavior of bajulmati dam during the construction stage, first filling, and post-construction. The purpose of this analysis is to determine "normal" deformation behavior so that case studies showing "abnormal" deformation can be identified early and can then be further analyzed. Evaluation results of Bajulmati Dam deformation behavior based on the acceptance criteria from a similar dam history database showed that most instruments meet the criteria of deformation acceptance so that it is considered normal. Only a small percentage do not meet the acceptance criteria because the value is outside of the requirements. These results may be a concern and initial recommendation for further analysis of abnormal deformation behaviors occurring.
Florentine papyri under examination: the material study of the inks used at the beginning of the Common Era in the “Family of Kôm Kâssûm” Archive (Hermopolis)
Authors: Maltomini Francesca , Ghigo Tea , Hahn Oliver , Rabin Ira
Published: August 2021

Carbon inks with metallic admixtures are found on some papyri of the 2nd century CE from a family archive in Hermopolis. The great diversity of inks found in a single household within a short period of time suggests that inks were purchased rather than self-made.
Impact of optimizing pre-analytical phase on the diagnosis of gestational diabetes and related outcomes
Authors: Szoke Dominika , Borille Simona , Cardellicchio Manuela , Spadaccini Giovanna , Taricco Emanuela , Vignali Michele , Cetin Irene , Birindelli Sarah , Panteghini Mauro
Published: August 2021

Objectives

Pre-analytical plasma glucose (PG) sampling methodology may significantly affect gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) incidence, but no studies directly examined the impact on perinatal outcomes. We compared the effect on oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) results of using for blood sampling the traditional sodium fluoride (NaF) tubes, batched at controlled temperature, and the more effective citrate-buffered tubes, in terms of GDM diagnosis and related outcomes.

Methods

We evaluated 578 pregnant women performing OGTT between 24- and 28-weeks’ gestation. Paired NaF and citrate blood samples were drawn and analyzed for PG. GDM diagnosis was made by applying the ‘one-step’ American Diabetes Association strategy. Data on perinatal outcomes were collected in a subset of 330 women who delivered in our hospital network.

Results

Using the standard NaF approach, 69 (11.9%) GDM women were detected. Using citrate PG values, 90 women were additionally identified as GDM, increasing the GDM prevalence to 27.5%. Perinatal outcomes were analyzed according to the different diagnostic allocation (NaF-diagnosed GDM, additional citrate-diagnosed GDM, and no GDM). NaF-diagnosed GDM showed a higher incidence of large for gestational age (LGA) (p=0.034), and of cesarean and preterm delivery (p<0.01) vs. no GDM. The only outcome remaining more frequent in the additional citrate diagnosed GDM when compared with no GDM group was LGA (17.2 vs. 6.8%, p=0.025).

Conclusions

If a health care system plans to use citrate tubes for GDM diagnosis, considerations about clinical implications are mandatory by balancing higher sensitivity in detecting a poor glycemic control with effects on outcomes to avoid “overdiagnosis”.
Conception of a C-Arm Parametrization Device Evaluated by an Inverse Registration Approach: An application for 2D/3D Registration in Minimally Invasive Surgery
Authors: Alvarez-Gomez Julio C. , Roth Hubert , Wahrburg Jürgen
Published: August 2021

Camera resectioning is the process of finding the intrinsic and extrinsic parameters of the pinhole camera model. A mobile X-ray device (C-arm) can be represented with the pinhole camera model. The C-arm parameters can be determined with a parametrization device and the direct linear transformation (DLT) algorithm. We present the conception process of a parametrization device and further optimizations of the DLT algorithm. The evaluation of the parametrization quality is carried out with an inverse registration approach on a testing device. The seven landmarks in the testing device are compared on an X-ray image and a digitally reconstructed radiograph (DRR). The average distance of the corresponding landmarks between imaging modalities is 2.5 pixels. This deviation indicates an adequate design of the parametrization device for a 2D/3D registration in minimally invasive surgery.
Parameter Identification for Ultrasound Shear Wave Elastography Simulation
Authors: Neidhardt M. , Ohlsen J. , Hoffmann N. , Schlaefer A.
Published: August 2021

Elasticity of soft tissue is a valuable information to physicians in treatment and diagnosis of diseases. The elastic properties of tissue can be estimated with ultrasound (US) shear wave imaging (SWEI). In US-SWEI, a force push is applied inside the tissue and the resulting shear wave is detected by high-frequency imaging. The properties of the wave such as the shear wave velocity can be mapped to tissue elasticity. Commonly, wave features are extracted by tracking the peak of the shear wave, estimating the phase velocity or with machine learning methods. To tune and test these methods, often simulation data is employed since material properties and excitation can be accurately controlled. Subsequent validation on real US-SWEI data is in many cases performed on tissue phantoms such as gelatine. Clearly, validation performance of these procedures is dependent on the accuracy of the simulated tissue phantom and a thorough comparison of simulation and experimental data is needed. In this work, we estimate wave parameters from 400 US-SWEI data sets acquired in various homogeneous gelatine phantoms. We tune a linear material model to these parameters. We report an absolute percentage error for the shear wave velocity between simulation and phantom experiment of <2.5%. We validate our material model on unknown gelatine concentrations and estimate the shear wave velocity with an error <3.4% for in-range concentrations indicating that our material model is in good agreement with US-SWEI measurements.
Biocompatible Soft Material Actuator for Compliant Medical Robots
Authors: Marzi Christian , Fischer Nikola , Mathis-Ullrich Franziska
Published: August 2021

Robots from material-based actuators offer high potential for small-scale robots with abilities hardly achievable by classical methods like electric motors. Besides excellent scaling to minimally invasive systems, allowing for omission of metallic components, such robots can be applied in imaging modalities such as MRI or CT. To allow for higher accessibility in this field of research, a facile method for fabrication of such soft actuators was developed. It comprises only two materials: graphene oxide and silicone elastomer. The facile fabrication method does not require specialized equipment. The resulting actuator is biocompatible and controllable by light mediated heat. The bending motion can be controlled by the intensity of applied infrared light and the actuator was experimentally shown to move five times its own weight. Thus, providing capabilities for a medical soft robotic actuator.
μRIGS – Ultra-light Micropositioning Robotics for Universal MRI Guided Interventions
Authors: Fomin Ivan , Odenbach Robert , Pannicke Enrico , Hensen Bennet , Wacker Frank , Rose Georg
Published: August 2021

Performing minimal invasive interventions under real-time image guidance proves problematic in a closed-bore magnetic resonance imaging scanner. To enable better usability in MRI guided interventions, robotic systems could be used for additional assistance. However, the integration of such devices into the clinical workflow relates to many technical challenges in order to increase precision of the procedure while ensuring the overall safety. In this work, an MR compatible, compact, ultra-light and remotely controllable micropositioning system called μRIGS is presented. The instrument positioning unit can be operated in a 5-DoF range within a working volume of 2100 cm3with an instrument feed of 120 mm. The kinematics are actuated with a combination of non-metallic Bowden cables and electric stepper motors from a safe distance inside the scanner room, while their control is initiated from the control room via a custom-fitted GUI. Thereby, the precision of the positioning reproducibility of the respective DoF can be achieved with a mean deviation of 0.12 °. Furthermore, a feed force of 14 N can be provided to puncture various soft tissue.
Acting in a Robotic Environment Requires New Skills for Physicians
Authors: Berlet Maximilian , Fuchtmann Jonas , Krumpholz Roman , Ostler Daniel , Feussner Hubertus , Wilhelm Dirk
Published: August 2021

In context of the Corona pandemic, telemedicine acquired a new significance. Whereas previously the aim was to override given barriers, now, in the case of a pandemic, the main idea is to create an intentional distance between patients and healthcare professionals in order to avoid cross-infection. To meet the needs of a fully diagnostic examination, a robotic based system was designed. However, collaborative robotic systems bear new risks, that have to be dealt with. To prepare future physicians for telediagnostics, we developed a training curriculum for the telemedical examinations. It is based upon multiple stages including a skill trainer, healthy volunteers, supervised examinations of real patients and an exam. In a first proof of concept, we demonstrated the existence of a learning curve and significant better performance after the passed curriculum compared to an untrained collective.
Deep learning for calcium segmentation in intravascular ultrasound images
Authors: Bargsten Lennart , Riedl Katharina A. , Wissel Tobias , Brunner Fabian J. , Schaefers Klaus , Grass Michael , Blankenberg Stefan , Seiffert Moritz , Schlaefer Alexander
Published: August 2021

Knowing the shape of vascular calcifications is crucial for appropriate planning and conductance of percutaneous coronary interventions. The clinical workflow can therefore benefit from automatic segmentation of calcified plaques in intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) images. To solve segmentation problems with convolutional neural networks (CNNs), large datasets are usually required. However, datasets are often rather small in the medical domain. Hence, developing and investigating methods for increasing CNN performance on small datasets can help on the way towards clinically relevant results. We compared two state-of-the-art CNN architectures for segmentation, U-Net and DeepLabV3, and investigated how incorporating auxiliary image data with vessel wall and lumen annotations improves the calcium segmentation performance by using these either for pretraining or multi-task training. DeepLabV3 outperforms U-Net with up to 6.3 % by means of the Dice coefficient and 36.5 % by means of the average Hausdorff distance. Using auxiliary data improves the segmentation performance in both cases, whereas the multi-task approach outperforms the pre-training approach. The improvements of the multi-task approach in contrast to not using auxiliary data at all is 5.7 % for the Dice coefficient and 42.9 % for the average Hausdorff distance. Automatic segmentation of calcified plaques in IVUS images is a demanding task due to their relatively small size compared to the image dimensions and due to visual ambiguities with other image structures. We showed that this problem can generally be tackled by CNNs. Furthermore, we were able to improve the performance by a multi-task learning approach with auxiliary segmentation data.
Update VertiGo – light affection of mobile VNG
Authors: Reinhardt Sophia , Schmidt Joshua , Leuschel Michael , Schüle Christiane , Schipper Jörg
Published: August 2021

Dizziness is one of the most frequent symptoms in outpatient practices. For the differentiation of peripheral or central pathogenesis of vertigo, history taking and clinical examination with the detection of nystagmus is elementary. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of lighting for the detection of horizontal vestibular nystagmus while utilizing a conventional webcam. In the proof-of-concept study, caloric induced vestibular nystagmus was recorded with a conventional video-nystagmography and mobile webcam in addition to an external light source. The analysis of recorded data was performed with a self-developed software using computer vision techniques. The self-designed algorithm detected the existence of nystagmus and its direction in several cases. The experimental webcam-based vestibular nystagmography could be enhanced by improving lighting conditions. Currently, a clinical application for this technique is not approved. Further software improvements are necessary to increase its accuracy.
Towards realistic organ models for 3D printing and visualization
Authors: Kraft Valentin , Schumann Christian , Salzmann Daniela , Nopper Hans , Lück Thomas , Weyhe Dirk , Schenk Andrea
Published: August 2021

Three-dimensional visualizations and 3D-printed organs are used increasingly for teaching, surgery planning, patient education, and interventions. Hence, pipelines for the creation of the necessary geometric data from CT or MR images on a per-patient basis are needed. Furthermore, modern 3D printing techniques enable new possibilities for the models with regard to color, softness, and textures. However, to utilize these new features, the respective information has to be derived from the medical images in addition to the geometry of the relevant organ structures. In this work, we propose an automatable pipeline for the creation of realistic, patientspecific 3D-models for visualization and 3D printing in the context of liver surgery and discuss remaining challenges.
Постижение культуры России: от менталитета – к глобалитету
Authors: Кондаков Игорь Вадимович
Published: August 2021

Статья посвящена осмыслению культурно-исторических процессов в России – от истоков до современности. В условиях современной «многоликой» глобализации становятся определяющими не столько унификация цивилизаций и культур в глобальном контексте, сколько различия в их менталитетах и глобалистских устремлениях (глобалитетах). Потенциальная причастность к мировой культуре у разных цивилизаций различна и разномасштабна. Россия принадлежит к числу сильных и амбициозных цивилизаций, давно и успешно примеряющих к себе «всемирность» и «всечеловечность». Менталитет каждой локальной культуры, определяющий ее идентичность, константен и относительно стабилен. Историческая динамика глобалитета переменна и циклична. Россия за свою многовековую историю четырежды переживала подъем и спад своего глобалитета. Первый подъем связан с истоками цивилизации, вышедшей за границы локальности; второй – с обретением ею независимости и культурной уникальности; третий – с формированием «всемирной отзывчивости», т.е. включенности в мировую культуру; четвертый – с превращением в эксклюзивный феномен мирового порядка (сверхдержаву). В силу циклической изменчивости всемирно-исторических обстоятельств каждый подъем глобалитета завершался спадом и нередко расколом, но не утратой глобалитета. В то же время каждый новый подъем и спад глобалитета имеют неповторимую историческую специфику и определенный вектор трансформации. Ценностно-смысловая специфика и цивилизационная направленность глобалитета России, во многом зависящая от ее менталитета, делают его одновременно союзником и соперником иных культурных глобалитетов – в геополитике и экономике, влиянии на исторические события и развитие культуры во всемирно-историческом масштабе.
Novel image enhancement approaches for despeckling in ultrasound images for fibroid detection in human uterus
Authors: Dilna Kaitheri Thacharedath , Jude Hemanth Duraisamy
Published: August 2021

Ultrasonography is an extensively used medical imaging technique for multiple reasons. It works on the basic theory of echoes from the tissues under consideration. However, the occurrence of signal dependent noise such as speckle destroys utility of ultrasound images. Speckle noise is subject to the composition of image tissue and parameters of image. It reduces the effectiveness of many image processing steps and decreases human perception of fine details form ultrasound images. In many medical image processing methods, despeckling is used as the preprocessing step before segmentation and feature extraction. Many speckle reduction filters are proposed but while combining many techniques some speckle diagnostic information should be preserved. Removal of speckle noise from ultrasound image by preserving edges and added features is a great challenging task in ultrasound image restoration. This paper aims at a comprehensive description and comparison of reduction of speckle noise of ultrasound fibroid image. Many filters are applied on ultrasound scanned images and the performance is marked in terms of some statistical measures. Even though several despeckling filters are there for speckle reduction, all are not good for ultrasound scanned images. A comparison of quality measures such as mean square error, peak signal-to-noise ratio, and signal-to-noise ratio is done in ultrasound images in despeckling.
Efficacy and safety of Barg-e-Sahajna (Moringa oleifera Lam.) in primary hypothyroidism
Authors: Alam Md Anzar , Quamri Mohd Aleemuddin , Haider Nafis
Published: August 2021

Objectives

Hypothyroidism is the most common disorder arising from hormone deficiency. It frequently affects women than men. The prevalence of overall hypothyroidism has been reported to be 4.8–11%. Levothyroxine is the treatment of choice for all types of hypothyroidism. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Barg-e-Sahajna (Leaves of Moringa oleifera Lam.) among diagnosed patients of primary hypothyroidism.

Methods

This study was an open observational study. A total of 22 patients were screened, out of which 10 were excluded (did not meet inclusion criteria) and 2 refused to consent to be part of the study, rest 10 participants were enrolled after obtaining written informed consent finally 8 subjects completed the study and 2 are dropout in last follow up. The drug was given in the form of decoction at the dose of 5 g fresh leaves twice a day after meal for 45 days.

Results

The study effects on objective parameter thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4) were found extremely significant when compared before (16.62 ± 11.49, 132 ± 19.32, 9.28 ± 1.46) and after (4.75 ± 3.12, 150.37 ± 20.68, 11.84 ± 3.81) treatment with a significant decrease in serum TSH level (p<0.0246) and an increase in serum T3 (p<0.0005) and T4 (p<0.0438) levels. The results were analyzed using paired “t” test.

Conclusions

The improvements in thyroid profiles (TSH, T3 and T4) after consuming ‘Barg-e-Sahajna’ show that the test drug is effective in primary hypothyroidism and the relief was considerable. No significant effect on safety parameters (serum-glutamic-oxaloacetic-transaminase [SGOT], serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase [SGPT], blood urea, and serum creatinine) was observed. Therefore, it may be concluded that the Barg-e-Sahajna is preliminarily safe and effective in the management of primary hypothyroidism.
The exact number of orthogonal exponentials on the spatial Sierpinski gasket
Authors: Wang Qi
Published: August 2021

Let

μ

M
,
D

{\mu_{M,D}}

be a self-affine measure associated with
an expanding real matrix

M
=

diag
⁡

[

ρ
1

,

ρ
2

,

ρ
3

]

{M=\operatorname{diag}[\rho_{1},\rho_{2},\rho_{3}]}

and the digit set

D
=

{
0
,

e
1

,

e
2

,

e
3

}

{D=\{0,e_{1},e_{2},e_{3}\}}

in the space

ℝ
3

{\mathbb{R}^{3}}

, where

|

ρ
1

|

,

|

ρ
2

|

,

|

ρ
3

|

∈

(
1
,
∞
)

{\lvert\rho_{1}\rvert,\lvert\rho_{2}\rvert,\lvert\rho_{3}\rvert\in(1,\infty)}

and

e
1

,

e
2

,

e
3

{e_{1},e_{2},e_{3}}

is the standard basis of unit column vectors in

ℝ
3

{\mathbb{R}^{3}}

.
In this paper, we mainly consider the case

ρ
1

∈

{

p
q

:

p
∈

2
⁢
ℤ

,

q
∈

2
⁢
ℤ

-
1

}

,

ρ
2

,

ρ
3

∈

{

p
q

:

p
,
q

∈

2
⁢
ℤ

-
1

}

.

\rho_{1}\in\Bigl{\{}\frac{p}{q}:p\in 2\mathbb{Z},\,q\in 2\mathbb{Z}-1\Bigr{\}}%
,\quad\rho_{2},\rho_{3}\in\Bigl{\{}\frac{p}{q}:p,q\in 2\mathbb{Z}-1\Bigr{\}}.

We prove that if

ρ
2

=

ρ
3

{\rho_{2}=\rho_{3}}

, then there exist at most 4 mutually orthogonal exponential
functions in the Hilbert space

L
2

⁢

(

μ

M
,
D

)

{L^{2}(\mu_{M,D})}

, where the number 4 is the best upper bound.
If

ρ
2

=

-

ρ
3

{\rho_{2}=-\rho_{3}}

, then there exist at most 8 mutually orthogonal exponential
functions in

L
2

⁢

(

μ

M
,
D

)

{L^{2}(\mu_{M,D})}

, where the number 8 is the best upper bound.
If

|

ρ
3

|

≠

|

ρ
2

|

{\lvert\rho_{3}\rvert\neq\lvert\rho_{2}\rvert}

, then there are any number of orthogonal exponentials in

L
2

⁢

(

μ

M
,
D

)

{L^{2}(\mu_{M,D})}

.
This gives the exact number of orthogonal exponentials on the spatial Sierpinski gasket in the above case.
Indecomposable involutive solutions of the Yang–Baxter equation of multipermutational level 2 with abelian permutation group
Authors: Jedlička Přemysl , Pilitowska Agata , Zamojska-Dzienio Anna
Published: August 2021

We present a construction of all finite indecomposable involutive solutions of the Yang–Baxter equation of multipermutational level at most 2 with abelian permutation group. As a consequence, we obtain a formula for the number of such solutions with a fixed number of elements. We also describe some properties of the automorphism groups in this case; in particular, we show they are regular abelian groups.
Correlation between electric energy use and CO2 emissions in a university campus in Brazil
Authors: Lameirão Antonio Manoel Matta dos Santos , Meiriño Marcelo Jasmim , Fortes Marcio Zamboti
Published: August 2021

The purpose of this article is to examine the correlations between greenhouse gas (GHG) by CO2eq emissions and the use of electricity on the Praia Vermelha campus of the Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF) located in Brazil. The study favors understanding and management for the sustainability of the campus operations. The research used electricity consumption data from 2017 to 2019 and quantitative and qualitative data collected in 2020, through online research applied at Praia Vermelha campus. An exploratory and descriptive study, providing familiarity with the problem and deepening knowledge about the phenomenon, seeking a correlation between variables and proposing reflections. We observed a reduction in electricity consumption on the campus in the period surveyed from 2017 to 2019, however, there wasn’t proportional and significant reduction CO2eq emissions in the period between 2018 until 2019. During this period occurred fluctuations in the dispatches of the different power generating plants, considering renewables and fossils sources. We also found that most of survey respondents agree with to implementation of incentive programs and the dissemination of information about GHG emissions on campus to promote the engagement of the academic environment in the efficient use of electricity. We found few peer-reviewed studies dealing with GHG emissions generated in South American universities. Through a bibliographic review, we investigated the commitment of the universities to sustainability and the management of efficient use of electric energy, as well as the methodology for calculating indirect GHG emissions, in CO2eq, related to purchase energy from the System National Interconnected System (SIN) of Brazil.
The retrogradation characteristics of starch in green wheat product Nianzhuan: effects of storage temperature and time
Authors: Zhang Kangyi , He Mengying , Nie Bin , Kang Zhimin , Zhao Di
Published: August 2021

The objective of this study was to reveal the process of starch retrogradation and quality changes of Nianzhuan stored at 4, −18 °C, and freeze-thaw cycles treatment for different lengths of time. XRD revealed that Nianzhuan starch displayed an increasing trend of crystallinity with prolonged storage time and numbers of freezing-thawing cycles, which was likely due to a more orderly crystalline matrix in starch. The Raman full width at half-maximum (FWHM) of the bands at 2913 cm−1 of the three storage methods all decreased. According to DSC analysis, an increase in ∆H was detected, and a significant (P < 0.05) increase in T

o
and T

p
were found at −18 °C, and freeze-thaw treated samples, indicating more thermal energy were needed to disrupt re-crystallization. Good correlations between crystallinity, FWHM, ∆H, and hardness, springiness, chewiness were tested. The results of this study would provide useful information for the process of starch-based product Nianzhuan.
Delay-dependent robust stability analysis of uncertain fractional-order neutral systems with distributed delays and nonlinear perturbations subject to input saturation
Authors: Aghayan Zahra Sadat , Alfi Alireza , Machado J. A. Tenreiro
Published: August 2021

In this article, we address the delay-dependent robust stability of uncertain fractional order neutral-type (FONT) systems with distributed delays, nonlinear perturbations, and input saturation. With the aid of the Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional, criteria on asymptotic robust stability of FONT, expressed in terms of linear matrix inequalities, are constructed to compute the state-feedback controller gains. The controller gains are determined subject to maximizing the domain of attraction via the cone complementarity linearization algorithm. The theoretical results are validated using numerical simulations.
Second language listening instruction and learners’ vocabulary knowledge
Authors: Yeldham Michael
Published: August 2021

This mixed-methods study examined how second language (L2) learners’ vocabulary knowledge interacted with the two main process-based listening instruction methods of (1) strategy training and (2) interactive training that combined strategy training with that of bottom-up skills, to influence the learners’ development as listeners. The participants were lower-proficiency listeners, and the quantitative component of the study reanalyzed data from a previous study by the author that had compared the effectiveness of the two instruction methods for these learners, and also factored in the learners’ level of vocabulary knowledge (higher vs lower). Among a range of dependent variables considered important for listener development, the study found an interaction effect between instruction method and vocabulary knowledge for the learners’ confidence, or self-efficacy, as listeners. In particular, among the higher vocabulary knowledge learners in the study, those in the strategy course demonstrated much greater improvement in their self-efficacy than those in the interactive course. Insights from elsewhere in the study, particularly analysis of qualitative data gathered for this study, helped to explain why. As self-efficacy is often considered an important requirement for effective listening, and also a precursor for future listener development, the result of the study has relevance for listening instruction.
Patterns of drug therapy, glycemic control, and predictors of escalation – non-escalation of treatment among diabetes outpatients at a tertiary care center
Authors: Atal Shubham , Joshi Rajnish , Misra Saurav , Fatima Zeenat , Sharma Swati , Balakrishnan Sadashivam , Singh Pooja
Published: August 2021

Objectives

The study was conducted to assess patterns of prescribed drug therapy and clinical predictors of need for therapy escalation in outpatients with diabetes mellitus (DM).

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study, conducted at an apex tertiary care teaching hospital in central India for a period of 18 months. The demographic, clinical, and treatment details on the baseline and follow up visits were collected from the patients’ prescription charts. Glycemic control, adherence, pill burdens along with pattern of antidiabetic therapy escalation, and deescalations were analyzed.

Results

A total of 1,711 prescriptions of 925 patients of diabetes with a mean age of 53.81 ± 10.42 years and duration of disease of 9.15 ± 6.3 years were analyzed. Approximately half of the patients (n=450) came for ≥1 follow up visits. Hypertension (59.35%) was the most common comorbidity followed by dyslipidemia and hypothyroidism. The mean total daily drugs and pills per prescription were 4.03 ± 1.71 and 4.17 ± 1.38, respectively. Metformin (30.42%) followed by sulphonylureas (SUs) (21.39%) constituted majority of the AHA’s and dual and triple drug therapy regimens were most commonly prescribed. There were improvements in HbA1c, fasting/postprandial/random blood sugar (FBS/PPBS/RBS) as well as adherence to medication, diet, and exercise in the follow up visits. Among patients with follow ups, therapy escalations were found in 31.11% patients, among whom dose was increased in 12.44% and drug was added in 17.28%. Apart from Hb1Ac, FBS, and PPBS levels (p<0.001), characteristics such as age, BMI, duration of diagnosed diabetes, presence of hypertension and dyslipidemia, and daily pill burdens were found to be significantly higher in the therapy escalation group (p<0.05). Inadequate medication adherence increased the relative risk (RR) of therapy escalation by almost two times.

Conclusions

Disease and therapy patterns are reflective of diabetes care as expected at a tertiary care center. Higher BMI, age, pill burden, duration of diabetes, presence of comorbidities, and poor medication adherence may be the predictors of therapy escalation independent of glycemic control and such patients should be more closely monitored.