bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Osmotically volumetric urine index in early recognition and evaluation of the central diabetes insipidus correction efficiency
Authors: Hnativ Yu.
Published: November 2021

Purpose of the work: to develop an information criterion for early recognition and evaluation of the homeostasis correction efficiency in central diabetes insipidus.

Materials and methods. 48 neurosurgical patients who underwent traumatic brain injury (21), surgery for a brain tumor (14) and stroke (13), whose course of the disease was complicated by central diabetes insipidus, have been examined. The diuresis rate and urine density (refractometrically) were studied in each of its portions excreted out of the body within an hour. According to the indicator of osmotic density and the range of urine output, an information criterion for the diagnosis of diabetes insipidus and the dynamics of its course was developed – the osmotically volumetric urine index (OVUI).

Results and discussion. With physiological water input, 0.8-1.0 ml∙kg-1of urine is usually excreted from the human body within an hour. Concurrently, its specific gravity (urine density, UD) is 1012-1025. In 12 patients of the comparison group without diabetes insipidus, the OVUI index was 8.0-12.0. Central diabetes insipidus is characterized by significant homeostasis disorders: blood hypohydration and hyperosmolarity due to violation of hypothalamic-pituitary regulation of antidiuretic hormone secretion. In these conditions the osmotically volumetric urine index decreases to indicators ˂ 1.0. The criterion for the intensive therapy efficiency for homeostasis disorders in diabetes insipidus is OVUI increase above 1.0. The article presents a clinical case of timely recognition and successful correction of homeostasis in a patient with traumatic brain injury complicated by central diabetes insipidus. 

Conclusions. The osmotically volumetric urine index – is an indicator that allows diagnosing diabetes insipidus in its early manifestations and timely preventing a violation of homeostasis. With the norm of OVUI at 8.0-12.0, its decrease to ˂ 1.0 indicates the presence of diabetes insipidus in the patient. Timely and adequate correction of disorders of hydration, blood osmolarity and the use of desmopressin lead to the OVUI normalization, which is a dynamic marker of the efficiency of intensive therapy of diabetes insipidus. The simplicity of the study (the possibility of carrying it out directly at the patient’s bedside), as well as the informativeness of the OVUI diagnostic and prognostic values deserve to be used in clinical practice.
Kluczowe czynniki konkurencyjności podmiotów leczniczych
Authors: Sikora Tomasz , Kanecki Krzysztof , Sikora Agnieszka , Bogdan Magdalena
Published: November 2021

Wstęp: Rynek ochrony zdrowia, podobnie jak inne sektory gospodarki oparty jest o konkurencyjność. Z uwagi na unikalność świadczonych usług (polegających na ratowaniu ludzkiego zdrowia i życia), konkurencyjność podmiotów leczniczych różni się od typowego wolnego rynku.

Cel: Celem pracy była identyfikacja czynników konkurencyjności podmiotów leczniczych w czterech wyróżnionych obszarach konkurencyjności przedsiębiorstw – czynników zewnętrznych (makro- i mikrootoczenie) oraz czynników wewnętrznych (zasoby i aktywa).

Wyniki: Czynniki makrootoczenia zostały pogrupowane na: polityczno-prawne, ekonomiczne, społeczne, technologiczne i demograficzne. Mikrootoczenie zostało podzielone na: konsumentów i konkurentów, uwzględniając ich intensywność oraz bariery wejścia na rynek oraz dostawców. Zasoby podzielono na: aktywa finansowe, infrastrukturę pomieszczeń oraz wyposażenie w sprzęt. Natomiast aktywa zostały scharakteryzowane w oparciu o elementy systemu organizacji, warunkujące ich sprawczość – strategię, style, kompetencje, pracowników, strukturę oraz kulturę organizacji. 

Podsumowanie: Dokonany przegląd i systematyzacja czynników wpływających na konkurencyjność podmiotów leczniczych umożliwia ocenę ich potencjału konkurencyjności w kontekście poszczególnych obszarów i scharakteryzowanych w nich kluczowych czynników sukcesu.
Próby integracji prawosławnej społeczności diecezji przemyskiej wokół obrony prawosławia w l. 1596-1610
Authors: Zielecka-Mikołajczyk Wioletta
Published: November 2021

Artykuł przedstawia zabiegi prawosławnej społecznośći diecezji przemyskiej o obronę swej wiary w okresie od zawarcia unii brzeskiej do 1614 r. tj. powrotu biskupa Atanazego Krupeckiego do Przemyśla z Węgier i rozpoczęciu przez niego organizowania struktur zarządu diecezją. W pracy ukazany został stosunek sejmku wiszeńskiego do spraw wyzniowych, czynniki wpływające na możliwości integracyjne wyznawców ortodoksji w diecezji przemyskiej oraz wydarzenia inspirujące ortodoksów do aktywnej obrony swej pozycji w przestrzeni publicznej Rzeczypospolitej.
Artysta i artylerzysta – o służbie wojskowej Adama Bunscha w latach 1915–1945
Authors: Benken Przemysław
Published: November 2021

Celem niniejszego artykułu jest zaprezentowanie mało znanej historii służby wojskowej Adama Bunscha w armii austro-węgierskiej i polskiej w latach 1915–1920 i 1939–1945. Bunsch, który wywodził się ze znanej krakowskiej rodziny (jego ojciec był rzeźbiarzem, a brat po II wojnie światowej został popularnym polskim pisarzem), był do tej pory szerzej znany przede wszystkim ze swojej pracy artystycznej, jako plastyk i dramaturg. Jednakże wydaje się, że miał istotne dokonania także jako żołnierz służący w jednostkach artylerii podczas wojny polsko-ukraińskiej i polsko-bolszewickiej, a także w latach 1939–1940. Bunsch odegrał również istotną rolę jako oficer oświatowy służąc w 1. Dywizji Pancernej generała Stanisława Maczka w Wielkiej Brytanii.The aim of this article is to present a very little known history of Adam Bunsch’s military service in Austro-Hungarian and Polish armies between 1915–1920 and 1939–1945. Bunsch, who descended from well-known Cracowian family (his father was a sculptor, his brother became a popular Polish writer after the II World War), has been so far widely known mainly for his art work as a visual artist and playwright. It seems however that he had significant achievements as a soldier serving in various artillery units during Polish-Ukrainian and Polish-Bolshevik wars and between 1939–1940. Bunsch also played vital role as educational officer serving in general Stanislaw Maczek’s 1. Armored Division in Great Britain.
Columbiners. Działalność Serial Killer Fandom w środowisku True Crime Community
Authors: Kopeć Martyna
Published: November 2021

Eric Harris i Dylan Klebold są odpowiedzialni za jedną z największych masowych strzelanin szkolnych w USA, znanej jako masakra w Columbine High School. Wydarzenie to zaowocowało ogólnokrajową paniką moralną skupioną wokół reprezentacji przemocy w grach komputerowych, muzyce i filmie. Nastoletni mordercy współcześnie posiadają rzeszę aktywnych internetowych fanek, a sam fandom określa siebie jako Columbiners. Fandom ten jest osobliwą podgrupą True Crime Community, czyli większej społeczności zainteresowanej kryminologią i psychologią przestępców. Adoracja masowych i seryjnych morderców, szczególnie przez kobiety, nie jest nowym fenomenem. Zjawisko to starano się tłumaczyć parafilią oraz wyjaśnieniami ewolucyjnymi, jednak fanki sprawców masakry w Columbine High School zdają się wymykać tym uzasadnieniom. W niniejszym artykule pokazano na przykładzie fandomu Columbiners, że fascynacja mordercami może objawiać się nie tylko w formie ich seksualizacji, ale także poprzez empatyzowanie i utożsamianie się z osobami zbrodniarzy na bazie daleko posuniętych rekontestualizacji ich wizerunków w przestrzeni cyfrowej.
Nauczanie religii w kulturze cyfrowej
Authors: Bilicka Beata
Published: November 2021

Artykuł Nauczanie religii w kulturze cyfrowej jest ujęciem syntetycznym, podzielonym na trzy zasadnicze części. W pierwszej scharakteryzowano kulturę nazywaną w Dyrektorium o katechizacji (2020) „kulturą cyfrową”, która wywiera bardzo duży wpływ na zmiany w komunikacji i życiu współczesnych ludzi, także na zmiany w edukacji religijnej. Technologie informacyjno-komunikacyjne mają wiele zalet, nie są jednak pozbawione niebezpieczeństw, dlatego stawiają przed katechetami nowe zadania, które opisano w drugiej części. W ostatniej części wskazano na możliwość prowadzenia edukacji medialnej dzieci i młodzieży szkoły podstawowej na lekcjach religii w korelacji z innymi przedmiotami, przede wszystkim w zakresie wychowania uczniów do odpowiedzialnego korzystania z nowych technologii.
Prasa jako element budowania relacji z władzami w praktyce kościołów mariawickich w latach 1907–1939
Authors: Kansy Andrzej
Published: November 2021

Celem artykułu jest przedstawienie działań kościołów mariawickich w zakresie budowania i podtrzymywania dobrych relacji z władzami państwowymi i partyjnymi w latach 1907-1939. Istotną rolę w tym procesie odegrała wydawana przez mariawitów prasa. Badania przeprowadzono przy pomocy opisu i krytycznej analizy zachowanych źródeł historycznych oraz analizy przekazów medialnych jako materiałów historycznych.
Practice Summary: Solving the External Candidates Exam Schedule in Norway
Authors: Avella Pasquale , Boccia Maurizio , Mannino Carlo , Viglione Sandro
Published: November 2021

We developed a mixed-integer linear programming model to plan exam sessions for external candidates in the Vestfold region, Norway. With our model, the administration planned the last session of 2018, the two sessions of 2019, and the first session of 2020. The plans produced are of high quality and saved three weeks of person effort per session.
Pelatihan Dasar Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Berbasis Daring Menggunakan PLC Fiddle Untuk Guru SMK di Surabaya
Authors: Kurniawan Adi , Prananda Juniarko , Koenhardono Eddy Setyo , Sarwito Sardono , Kusuma Indra Ranu , Masroeri Agoes Ahmad
Published: November 2021

Perkembangan pendidikan tingkat menengah di Indonesia saat ini sedang difokuskan untuk meningkatkan kuantitas maupun kualitas lulusan Sekolah Menengah Kejuruan (SMK) yang mampu memenuhi kebutuhan industri. Salah satu teknologi yang saat ini banyak digunakan di industri darat maupun di bidang maritim adalah teknologi otomatis berbasis Programmable Logic Controller (PLC). PLC merupakan salah satu mode kontrol otomatis yang memerlukan logika desain untuk menjalankan aturan dan langkah-langkah kontrolnya, sehingga diperlukan pengetahuan dan kemampuan untuk mendesain PLC. Namun demikian, dengan situasi pandemi Covid-19 menjadikan pembelajaran PLC menjadi lebih sulit dilakukan. Untuk mempelajari cara memprogram PLC, siswa maupun guru harus memasangkan piranti lunak yang membutuhkan kapasitas besar dan membebani komputer. Solusi dari permasalahan tersebut adalah dengan mempelajari pemrograman PLC melalui media daring, yaitu melalui PLC Fiddle. Media PLC Fiddle sendiri tergolong baru dan belum banyak diketahui oleh pengajar di Indonesia. Dengan dilakukan pelatihan dasar PLC melalui media daring kepada guru-guru SMK di Surabaya, diharapkan guru-guru SMK dapat tetap mengajarkan kemampuan untuk mendesain PLC kepada siswa sesuai kebutuhan industri walaupun dunia masih dilanda pandemic Covid-19. Selanjutnya, diharapkan bahwa para guru tersebut dapat mengaplikasikan ilmu dalam mendesain PLC dalam proses belajar mengajar, sehingga lulusan para lulusan SMK dapat memiliki kemampuan untuk mendesain PLC dengan baik.
Research on the Methods and Key Techniques of Web Archive Oriented Social Media Information Collection
Authors: Huang Xinping
Published: November 2021

Social media information collection and preservation is a hot issue in the field of Web Archive. This paper makes a comparative analysis of the different social media information collection methods, deeply analyzes the key techniques of the three important parts-collection, evaluation and preservation in the information collection process, and provides the solutions for the problems in the key techniques. Through analysis, the collection method suitable for the social media information is found. In terms of the problem that social websites impose restrictions on the call frequency of API, the paper provides solutions, for example, use the multiplexing mechanism, use the naive Bayesian algorithm to solve the spam filtering problem, and use MongoDB Dbased distributed storage to store collected massive data.
Tiny Drone Tracking Framework Using Multiple Trackers and Kalman-based Predictor
Authors: Son Sohee , Kwon Jeongin , Kim Hui-Yong , Choi Haechul
Published: November 2021

Unmanned aerial vehicles like drones are one of the key development technologies with many beneficial applications. As they have made great progress, security and privacy issues are also growing. Drone tacking with a moving camera is one of the important methods to solve these issues. There are various challenges of drone tracking. First, drones move quickly and are usually tiny. Second, images captured by a moving camera have illumination changes. Moreover, the tracking should be performed in real-time for surveillance applications. For fast and accurate drone tracking, this paper proposes a tracking framework utilizing two trackers, a predictor, and a refinement process. One tracker finds a moving target based on motion flow and the other tracker locates the region of interest (ROI) employing histogram features. The predictor estimates the trajectory of the target by using a Kalman filter. The predictor contributes to keeping track of the target even if the trackers fail. Lastly, the refinement process decides the location of the target taking advantage of ROIs from the trackers and the predictor. In experiments on our dataset containing tiny flying drones, the proposed method achieved an average success rate of 1.134 times higher than conventional tracking methods and it performed at an average run-time of 21.08 frames per second.
Consortium of endophytic bacteria and rhizobacteria effectively suppresses the population of Pratylenchus coffeae and promotes the growth of Robusta coffee
Authors: Asyiah Iis Nur , Mudakir Imam , Hoesain Mohammad , Pradana Ankardiansyah Pandu , Djunaidy Achmad , Sari Riza Fahlevia
Published: November 2021

Abstract. Asyiah IN, Mudakir I, Hoesain M, Pradana AP, Djunaidy A, Sari RF. 2020. Consortium of endophytic bacteria and rhizobacteria effectively suppresses the population of Pratylenchus coffeae and promotes the growth of Robusta coffee. Biodiversitas 21: 4702-4708. Pratylenchus coffeae as the coffee-parasitic nematode can cause a yield loss from 28.7% to 78.4% on Robusta coffee (Coffea canephora A. Froehner). Environmentally friendly and sustainable efforts can be made to control this nematode by applying the antagonistic agents from the bacterial group. The application of antagonistic agents in a consortium has a better effectivity than a single application. This study was aimed to identify the effectivity of the consortium of endophytic bacteria and rhizobacteria formulated on a cost-effective molasse medium against the P. coffeae population and growth of Robusta coffee in a greenhouse. A total of nine bacterial isolates of genus Bacillus and Pseudomonas were used during experiment. The formulation was prepared by mixing the bacterial suspension and 2% molasses with a ratio of 1:1 (v/v). The greenhouse assay was performed following the completely randomized block design pattern with five treatments and five replications. Robusta coffee plant clone BP 936 was treated with a 10 mL (109 CFU mL-1) bacterial consortium mixture while control was treated with 10 mL sterilized water. Each plant was inoculated with P. coffeae 50 J2 after a week of bacterial consortium application. The result showed that all bacterial consortiums were effective in suppressing the population of P. coffeae in soil and root of Robusta coffee. All consortiums gave a better result than control in suppressing the population of P. coffeae. The best suppression of nematodes was shown by the Cst 02 consortium with the suppression value of 62.5% in the root and 76.1% in the coffee plant rhizosphere. The application of bacterial consortium increases the plant height (28.02-44.51%), number of leaves (127.27-168.18%), and leaf area (278.8-425.57%). In this study, suppression of P. coffeae population by bacterial consortium showed a positive correlation with plant growth. This study presents the information of endophytic bacteria and rhizobacteria consortium from Bacillus and Pseudomonas group that is effective in suppressing the population P. coffeae and improves the growth of Robusta coffee.
Simplified dual-channel two-wavelength interferometer using a polarized cube beam splitter
Authors: Shan MingGuang , Deng Pingke , Zhong Zhi , Liu Lei
Published: November 2021

Two-wavelength interferometers can extend an unambiguous measurement range; however, they suffer from complex optical configurations. To simplify the optical setup for a two-wavelength common-path off-axis interferometer, we propose a dual-channel two-wavelength interferometer using a polarized cube beam splitter. In contrast with the previously presented two-wavelength common-path off-axis interferometer, the proposed method has a simple setup, in which only one polarized cube beam splitter is inserted into the 4f system. With the help of polarization modulation, two single-wavelength interferograms can be captured simultaneously. Several experimental results are presented to demonstrate the advantages and effectiveness of the proposed method.
On-chip all-optical quantizer based on the cross polarization modulation effect in a double-ridge a-Si:H-Si3N4 waveguide
Authors: Hui Zhanqiang , Pan Deng , Wen Xijian
Published: November 2021

The on-chip all-optical quantizer is a key functional module to realize all-optical analog-to-digital conversion. It has important applications in future optical communication and ultrafast all-optical signal processing systems. To the best of our knowledge, a novel all-optical quantization scheme based on the cross-polarization modulation effect in a double-ridge

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waveguide is proposed. For the optimized waveguide, the maximum nonlinear coefficient and transmission loss at the probe wavelength are

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and 2.246 dB/cm, respectively. The simulation results of the proposed all-optical quantizer show that a nonlinear phase shift of 8 can be generated in the 8.79 mm long waveguide when the peak pump light power is 0.8 W. A 16-level quantization and a 4-bit quantization resolution are obtained. The effective number of bits is 3.79-bit, which is only 0.21-bit away from the ideal resolution.
Multimodal microscopy for the simultaneous visualization of five different imaging modalities using a single light source: publisher’s note
Authors: Ryu Jiheun , Kang Ungyo , Song Joon Woo , Kim Junyoung , Kim Jin Won , Yoo Hongki , Gweon Bomi
Published: November 2021

This publisher’s note addresses the use of an acronym in [Biomed. Opt. Express 12, 5452 (2021)10.1364/BOE.430677] that infringes on a registered trademark.
Recovery of geometry, natural illumination, and BRDF from a single light field image
Authors: Sulc Antonin , Johannsen Ole , Goldluecke Bastian
Published: November 2021

We propose an inverse rendering model for light fields to recover surface normals, depth, reflectance, and natural illumination. Our setting is fully uncalibrated, with the reflectance modeled with a spatially constant Blinn–Phong bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) and illumination as an environment map. While previous work makes strong assumptions in this difficult scenario, focusing solely on specific types of objects such as faces or imposing very strong priors, our approach leverages only the light field structure, where a solution consistent across all subaperture views is sought. The optimization is based primarily on shading, which is sensitive to fine geometric details that are propagated to the initial coarse depth map. Despite the problem being inherently ill posed, we achieve encouraging results on synthetic as well as real-world data.
Coded aperture correlation holography (COACH) with a superior lateral resolution of FINCH and axial resolution of conventional direct imaging systems
Authors: Bulbul Angika , Hai Nathaniel , Rosen Joseph
Published: November 2021

Fresnel incoherent correlation holography (FINCH) is a self-interference incoherent digital holography technique. It possesses a higher lateral resolution than an equivalent incoherent imaging system. However, FINCH has lower axial resolution than the direct imaging systems with the same numerical aperture. A decade after the FINCH invention, a different incoherent holographic method named coded aperture correlation holography (COACH) was developed with improved axial resolution but with the same lateral resolution as direct imaging. In this study, we propose and demonstrate a variant of COACH called coded aperture with FINCH intensity responses (CAFIR) with an improved lateral resolution that is similar to the FINCH system while maintaining its high axial resolution similar to the direct imaging system. CAFIR is implemented with coded phase masks to generate an ensemble of quasi-randomly distributed FINCH-like responses. Point spread holograms and object holograms are recorded under identical conditions, and they are cross-correlated to obtain the image reconstruction. Imaging of a multiplane object is studied to compare the axial resolution of CAFIR with FINCH and direct imaging systems.
High-throughput microfabrication of axially tunable helices
Authors: Cheng He , Golvari Pooria , Xia Chun , Sun Mingman , Zhang Meng , Kuebler Stephen M. , Yu Xiaoming
Published: November 2021

Helical structures exhibit novel optical and mechanical properties and are commonly used in different fields such as metamaterials and microfluidics. A few methods exist for fabricating helical microstructures, but none of them has the throughput or flexibility required for patterning a large surface area with tunable pitch. In this paper, we report a method for fabricating helical structures with adjustable forms over large areas based on multiphoton polymerization (MPP) using single-exposure, three dimensionally structured, self-accelerating, axially tunable light fields. The light fields are generated as a superposition of high-order Bessel modes and have a closed-form expression relating the design of the phase mask to the rotation rate of the beam. The method is used to fabricate helices with different pitches and handedness in the material SU-8. Compared to point-by-point scanning, the method reported here can be used to reduce fabrication time by two orders of magnitude, paving the way for adopting MPP in many industrial applications.
A new seasonal frozen soil water-thermal coupled migration model and its numerical simulation
Authors: Zhang Chaoyi , Chen Feng , Sun Lei , Ma Zhangchao , Yao Yan
Published: November 2021

In this paper, a mathematical model based on spherical differential unit cell is proposed as a model for studying seasonal freeze-thaw soil space infinitesimal differential unit cell. From this model, the basic equations of permafrost moisture and heat flow motion are directly derived, then the linked equations form the permafrost water-heat coupled transport model. On this basis, the one-dimensional seasonal permafrost water-heat transport equation is derived. The model reduces the original spatial three-variable coordinate system (parallel hexahedron) into a coupled equation with a single spherical radius (R) as the independent variable, so the iterations of the numerical simulation algorithm is greatly reduced and the complexity is decreased. Finally, the model is used to simulate the seasonal freeze-thaw soil in the ShiHeZi region of Xinjiang, China. The principle of the simulation is to collect the soil temperature and humidity values of the region in layers and fixed-points using a homemade freeze-thaw soil sensor, after that we solve it by numerical calculation using MATLAB. The analysis results show that the maximum relative error of the model we proposed is 4.36, the minimum error is 0.98, and the average error is 2.515. The numerical simulation results are basically consistent with the measured data, then the proposed model is consistent with the matching states of permafrost moisture content and soil temperature in the region at different times. In addition, the experiments also demonstrate the reliability and accuracy of the model.
Periodontitis, dental plaque, and atrial fibrillation in the Hamburg City Health Study
Authors: Struppek Julia , Schnabel Renate B. , Walther Carolin , Heydecke Guido , Seedorf Udo , Lamprecht Ragna , Smeets Ralf , Borof Katrin , Zeller Tanja , Beikler Thomas , Börschel Christin S. , Karakas Mahir , Gosau Martin , Aarabi Ghazal
Published: November 2021

Background/Aim

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a major health problem and causes heart failure and stroke. Pathophysiological mechanisms indicate a link with oral health including periodontitis (PD), but supporting data are scarce. The aim was to investigate the link between features of oral health and the prevalence of AF.

Methods

This cross-sectional analysis of the Hamburg City Health Study included 5,634 participants with complete data on their PD and AF status. AF was assessed via self-reported questionnaire or medically diagnosed by standard 12-lead resting ECG. The oral health examination included full-mouth measurements of the dental plaque index (PI), the clinical attachment loss (CAL) at 6 sites per tooth, the bleeding on probing (BOP) and the decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) index. Descriptive analyses for all variables stratified by the status of PD were performed. To test for an association between prevalent PD and prevalent AF, multivariable logistic regression models were used. Mediation analysis was used to test if interleukin-6 (IL-6) and/or C-reactive protein (CRP) mediated the association between PD and AF.

Results

Atrial fibrillation (prevalence: 5.6%) and the severity of PD (prevalence: moderate: 57.7%, severe: 18.9%) increased with age in men and women. Prevalent severe PD, CAL ≥3 mm, PI, and BOP were all associated with prevalent AF in unadjusted regression analysis. However, no association except for PI (odds ratio (OR): 1.22, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.1–1.35, p<0.001) could be observed after adjusting for age, sex, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), body mass index, diabetes, smoking, and educational level. Participants brushing their teeth at least twice daily had a lower AF prevalence compared with those brushing only once daily. Hs-CRP, IL-6, and the odds of AF increased as a function of PD severity grades in unadjusted analysis. However, neither the DMFT index nor IL-6 or CRP was associated with AF after adjusting for age and sex. Mediation analyses could not provide support for the hypothesis that IL-6 or CRP acted as mediator of the association between prevalent PD and prevalent AF.

Conclusion

The study shows an association between prevalent AF and increased dental plaque levels indicated by a higher PI. In contrast, an association of prevalent PD with prevalent AF after adjustments for several confounders could not be demonstrated. Further studies are necessary to investigate the mechanisms underlying poor oral hygiene and AF as well as the influence of improved oral hygiene on AF onset.
Memory and communication efficient algorithm for decentralized counting of nodes in networks
Authors: Saha Arindam , Marshall James A. R. , Reina Andreagiovanni
Published: November 2021

Node counting on a graph is subject to some fundamental theoretical limitations, yet a solution to such problems is necessary in many applications of graph theory to real-world systems, such as collective robotics and distributed sensor networks. Thus several stochastic and naïve deterministic algorithms for distributed graph size estimation or calculation have been provided. Here we present a deterministic and distributed algorithm that allows every node of a connected graph to determine the graph size in finite time, if an upper bound on the graph size is provided. The algorithm consists in the iterative aggregation of information in local hubs which then broadcast it throughout the whole graph. The proposed node-counting algorithm is on average more efficient in terms of node memory and communication cost than its previous deterministic counterpart for node counting, and appears comparable or more efficient in terms of average-case time complexity. As well as node counting, the algorithm is more broadly applicable to problems such as summation over graphs, quorum sensing, and spontaneous hierarchy creation.
Phylogeography and phylogeny of Rhinoviruses collected from Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) cases over successive epidemic periods in Tunisia
Authors: Haddad-Boubaker Sondes , Ben Hamda Cherif , Ghedira Kais , Mefteh Khaoula , Bouafsoun Aida , Boutiba-Ben Boubaker Ilhem , Slim Amin , Menif Khaled , Triki Henda , Ben Hadj Kacem Mohamed Ali , Smaoui Hanen
Published: November 2021

Rhinoviruses (RV) are a major cause of Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) in children, with high genotypic diversity in different regions. However, RV type diversity remains unknown in several regions of the world. In this study, the genetic variability of the frequently circulating RV types in Northern Tunisia was investigated, using phylogenetic and phylogeographic analyses with a specific focus on the most frequent RV types: RV-A101 and RV-C45. This study concerned 13 RV types frequently circulating in Northern Tunisia. They were obtained from respiratory samples collected in 271 pediatric SARI cases, between September 2015 and November 2017. A total of 37 RV VP4-VP2 sequences, selected among a total of 49 generated sequences, was compared to 359 sequences from different regions of the world. Evolutionary analysis of RV-A101 and RV-C45 showed high genetic relationship between different Tunisian strains and Malaysian strains. RV-A101 and C45 progenitor viruses’ dates were estimated in 1981 and 1995, respectively. Since the early 2000s, the two types had a wide spread throughout the world. Phylogenetic analyses of other frequently circulating strains showed significant homology of Tunisian strains from the same epidemic period, in contrast with earlier strains. The genetic relatedness of RV-A101 and RV-C45 might result from an introduction of viruses from different clades followed by local dissemination rather than a local persistence of an endemic clades along seasons. International traffic may play a key role in the spread of RV-A101, RV-C45, and other RVs.
Barriers and facilitators to the integration of digital technologies in mental health systems: A protocol for a qualitative systematic review
Authors: Berardi Chiara , Hinwood Madeleine , Smith Angela , Melia Adrian , Paolucci Francesco
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Digital technology has the potential to improve health outcomes and health system performance in fragmented and under-funded mental health systems. Despite this potential, the integration of digital technology tools into mental health systems has been relatively poor. This is a protocol for a synthesis of qualitative evidence that will aim to determine the barriers and facilitators to integrating digital technologies in mental health systems and classify them in contextual domains at individual, organisational and system levels.

Methods and analysis

The methodological framework for systematic review of qualitative evidence described in Lockwood et al. will be applied to this review. A draft search strategy was developed in collaboration with an experienced senior health research librarian. A systematic search of Medline, Embase, Scopus, PsycInfo, Web of Science and Google Scholar, as well as hand searching of reference lists and reviews will identify relevant studies for inclusion. Study selection will be carried out independently by two authors, with discrepancies resolved by consensus. The quality of selected studies will be assessed using JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Qualitative Research. Data will be charted using JBI QUARI Data Extraction Tool for Qualitative Research. Findings will be defined and classified both deductively in a priori conceptual framework and inductively by a thematic analysis. Results will be reported based on the Enhancing transparency in reporting the synthesis of qualitative research. The level of confidence of the findings will be assessed using GRADE-CERQual.

Ethics and dissemination

This study does not require ethics approval. The systematic review will inform policy and practices around improving the integration of digital technologies into mental health care systems.
Changes in physical activity levels and mental health during COVID-19: Prospective findings among adult twin pairs
Authors: Duncan Glen E. , Avery Ally R. , Tsang Siny , Williams Bethany D. , Seto Edmund
Published: November 2021

Background

Physical distancing and other COVID-19 pandemic mitigation strategies have negatively impacted physical activity (PA) levels and mental health in cross-sectional studies. The purpose of this study was to investigate associations between changes in PA and mental health outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic, following implementation of mitigation strategies, in a sample of adult twins.

Methods

This was a prospective study of 3,057 adult twins from the Washington State Twin Registry. Study participants completed online surveys in 2020, at baseline (March 26 –April 5), and three follow-up waves (W1: April 20 –May 3; W2: Jul 16 –Aug 2; W3: Sept 16 –Oct 1). Physical activity was operationalized as self-reported moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and neighborhood walking (minutes/week), and mental health outcomes, operationalized as self-reported anxiety and perceived stress were assessed in the three waves of follow-up. Latent growth curve models (LGCMs) were used to assess changes in PA and mental health outcomes over time. Parallel LGCMs were used to estimate the cross-sectional, parallel, and prospective associations between PA and mental health over time. All models took into within-pair correlations and adjusted for age, sex, and race.

Results

Individuals’ amount of MVPA and walking decreased over time, whereas levels of anxiety remained stable, and stress increased slightly. Cross-sectional associations observed between both PA predictors and mental health outcomes were weak. After taking into account cross-sectional associations between PA and mental health outcomes, changes in PA over time were not associated with changes in mental health outcomes over time.

Conclusions

Over a time period aligned with COVID-19 mitigation strategies and social restrictions, changes in physical activity was not associated with changes in anxiety or stress levels in the current sample. Nonetheless, the average decline in PA over time is worrisome. Public health resources should continue to promote PA as a means to improve physical health during the pandemic.
Impacts of body composition parameters and liver cirrhosis on the severity of alcoholic acute pancreatitis
Authors: Jang Dong Kee , Ahn Dong-Won , Lee Kook Lae , Kim Byeong Gwan , Kim Ji Won , Kim Su Hwan , Kang Hyoun Woo , Lee Dong Seok , Yoon Soon Ho , Park Sang Joon , Jeong Ji Bong
Published: November 2021

Aim

Liver cirrhosis and features of muscle or adipose tissues may affect the severity of acute pancreatitis (AP). We aimed to evaluate the impact of body composition parameters and liver cirrhosis on the severity of AP in patients with alcohol-induced AP (AAP).

Methods

Patients with presumed AAP who underwent CT within one week after admission were retrospectively enrolled. L3 sectional areas of abdominal fat and muscle, and mean muscle attenuations (MMAs) were quantified. The presence of liver cirrhosis was determined using clinical and CT findings. Factors potentially associated with moderately severe or severe AP were included in the multivariable logistic regression analysis.

Results

A total of 242 patients (47.0 ± 12.6 years, 215 males) with presumed AAP were included. The mild and moderately severe/severe (MSS) groups included 137 (56.6%) and 105 patients (43.4%), respectively. Patients in the MSS group had higher rates of liver cirrhosis, organ failure, and local complications. Among body composition parameters, mean MMA (33.4 vs 36.8 HU,P<0.0001) and abdominal muscle mass (126.5 vs 135.1 cm2,P= 0.029) were significantly lower in the MSS group. The presence of liver cirrhosis (OR, 4.192; 95% CI, 1.620–10.848) was found to be a significant risk factor for moderately severe or severe AP by multivariable analysis.

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that liver cirrhosis has a significant impact on the severity of AAP. Of the body composition parameters examined, MMA and abdominal muscle mass showed potential as promising predictors.
Prevalence and determinants of early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF) and prelacteal feeding in Northern Ghana: A cross-sectional survey
Authors: Dubik Stephen Dajaan , Amegah Kingsley E.
Published: November 2021

Background

There is suboptimal early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF) with widespread prelacteal feeding in Ghana. However, studies exploring the determinants of EIBF and prelacteal feeding are limited in Ghana. The study was conducted to assess the prevalence and determinants of EIBF and prelacteal feeding in Northern Ghana.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted among 508 mothers with infants aged 0–24 months in the Sagnarigu Municipality of Northern Ghana. The quantitative data were collected using a structured questionnaire adapted from Ghana’s demographic and health survey. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify the independent determinants of EIBF and prelacteal feeding.

Results

The prevalence of EIBF and prelacteal feeding was 72% and 21%, respectively. The independent positive determinants of EIBF were partner support to breastfeed [adjusted Odds ratio (AOR): 1.86, 95% Confidence interval (CI): 1.09–3.17] and exposure to breastfeeding information during pregnancy (AOR = 1.63 (95% CI: 1.01–2.64). Lower odds of EIBF were observed among mothers from extended family (AOR = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.41–0.95). Regarding prelacteal feeding, negative determinants were having a normal weight baby (AOR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.27–0.90), exposure to breastfeeding information during pregnancy (AOR: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.31–0.92), while experiencing delayed onset of lactation was a risk factor for prelacteal feeding practice (AOR: 2.35, 95% CI: 1.41–3.94).

Conclusion

In this study, EIBF was slightly higher than the 2030 global target on EIBF with widespread prelacteal feeding practice. Health programs aimed at improving EIBF should focus on the women partners, nutrition counselling, and support to mothers from the extended family. In the same vein, programs aimed at discouraging prelacteal feeding practice should also target women at risk, such as those with low birthweight babies and women experiencing delayed lactation onset.
DNA bridges: A novel platform for single-molecule sequencing and other DNA-protein interaction applications
Authors: Righini Maurizio , Costa Justin , Zhou Wei
Published: November 2021

DNA molecular combing is a technique that stretches thousands of long individual DNA molecules (up to 10 Mbp) into a parallel configuration on surface. It has previously been proposed to sequence these molecules by synthesis. However, this approach poses two critical challenges: 1-Combed DNA molecules are overstretched and therefore a nonoptimal substrate for polymerase extension. 2-The combing surface sterically impedes full enzymatic access to the DNA backbone. Here, we introduce a novel approach that attaches thousands of molecules to a removable surface, with a tunable stretching factor. Next, we dissolve portions of the surface, leaving the DNA molecules suspended as ‘bridges’. We demonstrate that the suspended molecules are enzymatically accessible, and we have used an enzyme to incorporate labeled nucleotides, as predicted by the specific molecular sequence. Our results suggest that this novel platform is a promising candidate to achieve high-throughput sequencing of Mbp-long molecules, which could have additional genomic applications, such as the study of other protein-DNA interactions.
STUDIES OF AGITATION / AGGRESSION IN ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE – SCIENTIFIC AND OPERATIONAL CHALLENGES
Authors: Siegfried K. , Legrand V.
Published: November 2021

The paper addresses important questions and challenges of protocol features and conditions of efficacy and safety studies of agitation / aggression in patients with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Specifically, questions of patient selection criteria, study settings (outpatient, nursing home studies) and study design features are discussed. The comments and advices provided were based on inquiries conducted with an international group of 24 clinical experts in AD (from Asia, Europe, Latin America and the US). There was a good agreement on study duration and the basic study design features, whereas different views were expressed on the types of allowable concomitant medication and (partially also) on study settings. Decisions on most of these protocol features will have major operational consequences (e.g. on recruitment rates, recruitment strategies) which need to be considered in a reasonable trade-off with methodological requirements to make the study feasible and at the same time ensure the highest scientific standards possible.
AN OPEN-LABEL TRIAL OF YOKUKANSAN ON SLEEP DISTURBANCE IN ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE AND OTHER DEMENTIA
Authors: Hayashi Y. , Ishida Y. , Okahara K. , Mitsuyama Y.
Published: November 2021

Background: An effective hypnotic drug with a low risk of adverse reactions is required for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients, because the therapeutic interventions to improve sleep quality may help alleviate some symptoms of AD including cognitive function. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of Yokukansan in sleep disturbances in patients with AD and other dementia. Design: An open-label trial. Setting: Two sites consist of university and hospital in Japan. Participants: Thirteen patients (7 men and 6 women, average age = 76.0 ± 7.2 (mean ± SD) years old) including 12 AD and 1 frontotemporal dementia. Intervention: Treatment with Yokukansan (5–7.5 g/day) was given for 8 weeks. Measurements: The primary outcome measure was the Sleep Disorder Inventory (SDI) based on the Neuropsychiatric Inventory, an instrument developed by the Alzheimer’s Disease Cooperative Study. Secondary outcome measures included the objective actigraphic evaluations, Neuropsychiatric Inventory-Questionnaire (NPI-Q), MINI-Mental State Examination (MMSE). These assessments were evaluated at baseline, and weeks 4 and 8. Results: After 4 and 8 weeks treatment with Yokukansan, significant improvements were observed in the SDI total score, caregivers’ distress score, and NPI-Q total score. In actigraph data, wake after sleep onset (WASO) time (min), was significantly improved. The MMSE score did not change during the treatment. No serious adverse events were caused by YKS. Conclusion: The present results suggest that Yokukansan is safe and beneficial in the treatment of sleep disturbances and that it can possibly reduce the burden of care of demented patients.
Modelo e heurística matemática híbrida para o problema da recuperação de malha aérea
Authors: De Souza Morais Fábio Emanuel , Gualda Nicolau Dionísio Fares , Caetano Daniel Jorge
Published: November 2021

O problema de recuperação de malha aérea surge quando eventos inesperados como tempestades, fechamento de aeroportos e manutenção não programada de aeronaves provocam atrasos e/ou cancelamento de voos, inviabilizando o cumprimento da programação original da aeronave. Este trabalho inicia pela apresentação de um modelo matemático para a recuperação da programação de uma empresa aérea. Devido à natureza NP-Hard do problema, o modelo matemático não é capaz de resolver grandes instâncias. Tal circunstância levou ao desenvolvimento de uma heurística matemática composta por dois modelos: um modelo de fluxo em rede com programação inteira mista para gerar uma nova programação com o menor número de cancelamentos e atrasos de voos; e um modelo de programação linear inteira para minimizar as trocas de aeronaves associadas aos voos com relação à programação original. São apresentadas aplicações da heurística a instâncias com até 470 voos, para as quais se obtém, em menos de um minuto de processamento, soluções que distam menos de 0,5% das soluções ótimas, o que permite concluir que a heurística se qualifica para aplicações em casos reais de magnitude considerável.
Medida da solubilização de cloreto de magnésio em solução aquosa por condutividade do eletrólito
Authors: Melhorance Barboza Alexandre , Correia da Silva Jardim Lucas , César Rodríguez Aliaga Luis , Napoleão Bastos Ivan , Câmara Diógenes
Published: November 2021

Neste trabalho estudou-se a solubilização e difusão do cloreto de magnésio em água. Para isso, foram realizados ensaios de condutividade elétrica com diferentes posicionamentos do sensor e da pastilha de MgCl2. Independente da configuração geométrica da pastilha e dos sensores, todos os ensaios seguiram a mesma metodologia: uma pastilha, previamente prensada, de MgCl2 foi posicionada em uma determinada localização do recipiente contendo água deionizada e, a partir daí, mediu-se a condutividade do eletrólito ao longo do tempo. Para minimizar a interferência de outros fenômenos, como a convecção, os ensaios foram realizados de forma estática. Entretanto, observou-se que, mesmo sem agitação do recipiente, a convecção ainda ocorreu na maioria dos ensaios devido à liberação de gases aprisionados nos poros da pastilha prensada ou por desprendimento de partículas devido à gravidade.
Avanços Recentes na Aplicação de um Método Numérico Espectronodal para Solução de Problemas Unidimensionais de Blindagem de Nêutrons
Authors: Libotte Rafael , Alves Filho Hermes , Silva Fernando Carvalho
Published: November 2021

Neste trabalho, é mostrada a aplicação de um método da classe dos espectronodais (malha grossa) na solução de problemas de blindagem de nêutrons em geometria unidimensional nas formulações de ordenadas discretas e multigrupo de energia. Este método, denominado Modi ed Spectral Deterministic (MSD), representou uma modificação na estrutura de obtenção dos fluxos angulares de nêutrons emergentes no processo de varredura que foi utilizado no Método Espectral Deterministico (do inglês Spectral Deterministic Method, SDM). São apresentados os resultados numéricos para 3 problemas-modelo, com diferentes dimensões, número de grupos de energia, grau de anisotropia no fenômeno de espalhamento e tipos de condição de contorno, usando um aplicativo computacional desenvolvido na linguagem de programação C++.