bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geoecological assessment and monitoring of the territory: the technology based on landscape mapping of anthropogenic geocomplexes
Authors:   Pacific Geographical Institute of FEB RAS, Osipov Sergei V. , Gurov Alexander A. ,   Pacific Geographical Institute of FEB RAS
Published: March 2023

The purpose of the study is to form the methodology for assessing the state and monitoring of the territory on the basis of landscape mapping of anthropogenic geocomplexes/geosystems. The algorithm and technological scheme for assessing the state and monitoring of the area has the following components: 1) determination of the territorial level and approximate scale of mapping of anthropogenic geocomplexes; 2) selection of the classification of anthropogenic geocomplexes and it revision; 3) development of a geoinformation system and preparation of the layer (mapping) of anthropogenic geocomplexes of the selected level; 4) characteristics and assessment of the state of the area based on the analysis of the map and the spectra of anthropogenic geocomplexes; 5) comparative analysis of the state of the area at different periods – monitoring, it repeats blocks 3 and 4 for another period. The structural-functional classification of anthropogenic geocomplexes is developed. The ‘Anthropogenic geocomplexes of Primorsky Krai’ geoinformation system has been developed. Its main content consists of a set of layers, such as anthropogenic meso-landscapes, made for the entire area of the Primorsky Krai, as well as anthropogenic micro-landscapes, anthropogenic localities and anthropogenic landscapes, which are prepared for key areas. The map of anthropogenic geocomplexes/geosystems is the most important component of the technology under consideration. The indispensability of the map of techno-natural, natural-technical and technical micro-landscapes, meso-landscapes, localities or landscapes is that it gives a diverse, complex vision of the most transformed by human activity geocomplexes, their diversity, dynamics, ratio, distribution. This map allows assessing the state and tracking changes in the most important complex characteristics of the territory, first of all, the nature and degree of the transformation. Such a map is a good complement to any technology for assessing the state and monitoring the territory. When mapping anthropogenic (technical, natural-technical and techno-natural) geocomplexes, when natural geocomplexes are not involved, significantly less labor and time costs are required for creating a geoinformation system and preparing a map. In this case, mapping only anthropogenic geocomplexes is a very informative express method of assessment, analysis, and monitoring.
Monitoring of soil pollution in the area affected by the production of phosphorus fertilizers
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, Elsukova Ekaterina Yu. , Nedbaev Ivan S. ,   St. Petersburg State University, Kuzmina Daria S. ,   St. Petersburg State University
Published: March 2023

The soils of the Kingiseppsky district of the Leningrad region were studied in the zone of influence of the production of phosphorus fertilizers at a distance of up to 5 km from the pollution source. In 43 soil samples, the total content and mobile forms of heavy metals, sulfur, fluorine, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, carbon, actual and potential acidity were determined. Three types of territories have been identified – conditionally background, reclaimed quarries, large man-made objects - phosphogypsum dumps and tailings. Exceedances of the MPC of mobile forms of elements in the conditionally background territory were revealed for copper, and for man-made objects - for manganese, copper, lead, nickel and zinc. The maximum gross content (in mg/kg) of barium (877), cadmium (1.5), copper (63), nickel (105), strontium (17,000), vanadium (218), zinc (107), antimony (1 ,86), chromium (103), phosphorus (13904), sulfur (1100) are typical for soils of technogenic objects. Barium, cobalt, manganese, lead, scandium, iron are evenly distributed over the study area. The average gross content of barium is 530, cadmium - 0.19, cobalt - 6, chromium - 32, copper - 14, iron - 22834, nickel - 16, manganese - 510, lead - 21, antimony - 0.36, scandium - 7 , vanadium - 48, zinc - 49, strontium - 627 mg/kg. At the same time, barium and lead are characterized by low variation; medium - cobalt, chromium, iron, manganese, scandium, zinc; high - copper, nickel, antimony, vanadium; abnormally high - cadmium and strontium. Medium mobility is characteristic of barium, increased mobility is characteristic of lead and nickel, manganese, copper and zinc are characterized by high mobility. Concentration coefficients of chemical elements in the soils of large technogenic objects calculated from the zonal background for podzolic soils: V(1.03); Zn(1,2); Ni(1,2); Cu(1.4); Sb(1.5); Pb(1.7); F(7,3); Ba(8); P(11.6); Sr(12.9); Ca(38.6). On the conditionally background territory: Zn (1,2); P(1,3); pb(2,2); F(1.5); Ba(12). Significant soil pollution and a decrease in the amount of organic matter are observed at man-made objects. In the conditionally background area, the amount and concentration of pollutants are decreasing. It is necessary to constantly monitor the ecological state of soils, especially their chemical pollution.
Rural population change and settlement patterns in the Kaliningrad region in 1991 – 2021
Authors:   Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, Fedorov Gennagy M. , Kuznetsova Tatyana Yu. ,   Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University
Published: March 2023

The borders of the exclave Kaliningrad region have a more pronounced barrier function than those of other Russian territories. That is why the local socio-economic system is more self-contained. The economic, social, demographic, ekistic, and other processes are easy to model there, and regional theories are convenient to test. The aim of the article is to identify the patterns of polarization of settlement in the Kaliningrad region and the factors that have the most significant impact on the migration movement of the population in the region and the development of rural areas. This article analyses statistical data on changes in settlement patterns to reveal elements of the centre-periphery concept. We use economic-statistical, graphical, and cartographic methods to track the polarisation of settlement patterns and the economy. A distinction is drawn between the centre and the periphery, which differ qualitatively. The rapidly developing Kaliningrad agglomeration in the west of the region constitutes the centre, whilst the less urbanised underachieving east makes up the periphery. In the west, the rural population is often involved in non-agricultural activities and works in the city. Proximity to Kaliningrad and regional towns allows the rural population to benefit from the urban infrastructure, which improves their quality of life. Both urban and rural areas have a positive net migration rate accounted for by the inflow from the east of the region, Russia’s eastern and northern territories, and neighbouring countries. People are leaving eastern municipalities because of the modernisation of agriculture, a reduction in employment in the industry, the slow emergence of new jobs, and poorer living conditions.
The D-A-R approach: a method for determining ecological flow based on the component structure of ecological protection objects and dynamic hierarchical adjustment to the annual flow process
Authors: Wang Wenpeng , Tang Ming , Li Yanlei , Xu Wentao , Liu Longlingfeng , Liu Yanfu , Liu Jian , Yang Chundi , Wu Qiang , Ai Huili
Published: March 2023

Although regional and seasonal water scarcity occurs frequently in China, and the contradiction among domestic, production and ecological water is prominent in some watersheds, the Chinese government still attaches great importance to the determination and implementation of ecological flow of rivers or lakes. Practitioners have been seeking methods to determine the ecological flow of rivers or lakes and how to ensure its implementation. Taking the Dingnan River watershed as a case, drawing on the experience of ‘Hedging rule’, the ‘Determination-Assessment-Reduction’ for the ecological flow nexus approach (the D-A-R approach) is introduced, which includes the determination of the annual ecological flow process through the river section, the assessment of water scarcity degree of the watershed and various water reduction strategies, respectively, and respond to the three scenarios of ‘general type, saving type and constrained type’ during the gap period. The results show that it is possible to use the D-A-R approach to proactively and dynamically adjust the ecological flow according to the probability estimate of that amount of water inflow per month, which the adjusted ecological flow threshold can better adapt to water scarcity at different levels and alleviate the contradiction among domestic, production and ecological water in the watershed during the dry period.
Water supply strategies for higher land and water productivity in tank command areas of Southern India
Authors: Ramya B. , Rao B. Krishna , Kumar G. Manoj , Lakshmi Y. Siva
Published: March 2023

Tanks are one of the most important traditional sources of water for irrigation and other livelihood purposes in southern India. The present study was conducted to develop the strategies for enhancing the land and water productivity in tank command areas in the rain-fed regions of Telangana. Three strategies were identified, these strategies include change in the cropping pattern, water saving technologies and conjunctive use of tank with open well/bore well water. Due to change in cropping pattern from paddy to irrigated, dry crops like maize, chillies and cotton increased the cultural command area of the tanks by 79% and net reruns by 43%. The conjunctive use of tank water and well water is the better strategy for optimal resource use and higher returns in tank command areas. Results also showed that the alternate wetting and drying strategy in tank command areas increased the command area by 35%. These strategies can be implemented to increase the water use efficiency, cultural command area and net returns in the tank command areas of Southern India.
Impact of deficit irrigation on citrus production under a sub-humid climate: a case study
Authors: Panigrahi Pravukalyan
Published: March 2023

Water scarcity has resulted in lower yield (7–8 t ha−1) and a decline in citrus orchards in central India. In this scenario, optimal deficit irrigation (DI) is a potential option to sustain citrus production. To optimize the DI schedule in relation to yield, water productivity, fruit quality and production economics, water was applied at 30% of full irrigation (FI, 100% crop evapotranspiration), 50% of FI and 70% of FI and compared with FI in drip-irrigated citrus at Nagpur, India during 2008–2010. Fruit yield under 50% FI (11.48 t ha−1) was statistically at par with FI (13.14 t ha−1). However, a 50% reduction in water supply (1,343 m3 ha−1) resulted in a 75% improvement in water productivity in DI at 50% FI than FI (water productivity, 4.89 kg m−3). The fruit quality in DI at 50% FI (acidity, 0.83%; total soluble solids, 10.3 °Brix) was superior to FI (acidity, 0.85%; total soluble solids, 9.80 °Brix). The highest net profit (INR 94,300 ha−1) and net economic water productivity (70.19 INR m−3) were generated under DI at 50% FI. The study inferred that irrigation at 50% FI could be a water-saving and profitable option for citrus production in central India.
Parameterization of relationships between risk factors and public health under chronic exposure to complex ambient air pollution
Authors:   Federal Scientific Center for Medical and Preventive Health Risk Management Technologies, 82 Monastyrskaya Str., Perm, 614045, Russian Federation, Kiryanov D.A. Kiryanov , Kamaltdinov M.R. ,   Federal Scientific Center for Medical and Preventive Health Risk Management Technologies, 82 Monastyrskaya Str., Perm, 614045, Russian Federation, Tsinker M.Yu. ,   Federal Scientific Center for Medical and Preventive Health Risk Management Technologies, 82 Monastyrskaya Str., Perm, 614045, Russian Federation, Babina S.V. ,   Federal Scientific Center for Medical and Preventive Health Risk Management Technologies, 82 Monastyrskaya Str., Perm, 614045, Russian Federation, Kleyn S.V. ,   Federal Scientific Center for Medical and Preventive Health Risk Management Technologies, 82 Monastyrskaya Str., Perm, 614045, Russian Federation,   Perm State Medical University named after Academician E.A. Wagner, 26 Petropavlovskaya Str., Perm, 614000, Russian Federation, Andrishunas A.M. ,   Federal Scientific Center for Medical and Preventive Health Risk Management Technologies, 82 Monastyrskaya Str., Perm, 614045, Russian Federation
Published: March 2023

The relevance of the present study follows from the necessity to establish parameterized cause-effect relationships that describe additional disease cases among population caused by chronic exposure to chemical factors. In this study, our aim was to explore relationships within the ‘environment – public health’ system to quantify and predict chronic risks under exposure to chemicals in ambient air. To achieve this, we collected statistical data on some municipalities located in the Russian Federation with different structures and levels of chemical pollution in ambient air. Data on population incidence and ambient air quality were coordinated at places where calculation points were located; these points were centers of residential buildings and their coordinates were applied in the study. Mathematical modeling of the relationships was conducted by using multiple linear regressions. Pollution indicators (chemical concentrations in ambient air) that met the requirements of biological plausibility and statistical significance of pair correlations were selected as independent variables. The obtained regression models contain 190 factors for 36 chemicals occurring in emission into ambient air from stationary and mobile sources, which allow calculating the frequency of additional disease cases for 29 diseases. The established factors make it possible to perform operative estimations of a number of diseases associated with ambient air quality at a place of residence relying on medical aid applications. The resulting relationships can be used to predict chronic health risks. Establishing criteria for ranking chemical health risks in zones influenced by hazardous chemical objects can become a next step in development of the suggested approaches.
A conceptual scheme of a predictive-analytical model for describing incidence of west nile fever based on weather and climate estimation (exemplified by the Volgograd region)
Authors:   Volgograd Scientific Research Anti-Plague Institute, 7 Golubinskaya Str., Volgograd, 400131, Russian Federation, Zhukov K.V. , Nikitin D.N. ,   Volgograd Scientific Research Anti-Plague Institute, 7 Golubinskaya Str., Volgograd, 400131, Russian Federation, Kovrizhnykh D.V. ,   Volgograd State Medical University, 1 Pavshikh Bortsov Sq., Volgograd, 400131, Russian Federation, Viktorov D.V. ,   Volgograd Scientific Research Anti-Plague Institute, 7 Golubinskaya Str., Volgograd, 400131, Russian Federation, Toporkov А.V. ,   Volgograd Scientific Research Anti-Plague Institute, 7 Golubinskaya Str., Volgograd, 400131, Russian Federation
Published: March 2023

The present study focuses on weather and climatic factors influencing the incidence of West Nile fever (WNF) in the Vol-gograd region. We aimed to describe a relationship between these factors and the WNF incidence and to create a conceptual scheme of a predictive-analytical model for making forecasts how an epidemiological situation would develop in future. According to this aim, we selected an approach that involved identifying a statistical correlation between the analyzed factors and the WNF incidence in the Volgograd region and estimating the power of this correlation. The study primarily relied on using correlation analysis that was followed by assessing authenticity of the study results. The obtained data made it possible to establish that air temperature was a leading potentiating factor in the Volgograd region. It produced certain effects that varied in their intensity on a whole set of abiotic and biotic factors (water level and temperature, numbers and activity of carriers, how fast the virus amplifies in carriers, etc.). The study established that use of comprehensive statistical data (average monthly indicators) allowed more precise esti-mation of correlations. We also considered and confirmed a hypothesis about a delayed effect produced by air temperature on population incidence and numbers of West Nile virus carriers in the Volgograd region; it was the most apparent in years with the maximum numbers of infected people (1999, 2010, and 2012). We revealed a statistical correlation between air temperature and average annual water level and the WNF incidence among population and the number of West Nile virus carriers. There was a strong correlation between the number of carriers and the WNF incidence. A conceptual scheme of a predictive model for determining rate of the WHF incidence in Volgograd region was created based on the statistical analysis results.
Molecular and genetic aspects of health risks and their association with adverse environmental conditions and diets (systemic review)
Authors:   Yekaterinburg Medical Research Center for Prophylaxis and Health Protection in Industrial Workers, 30 Popova Str., Ekaterinburg, 620014, Russian Federation, Mazhaeva T.V. , Dubenko S.E. ,   Yekaterinburg Medical Research Center for Prophylaxis and Health Protection in Industrial Workers, 30 Popova Str., Ekaterinburg, 620014, Russian Federation, Chernova J.S. ,   Yekaterinburg Medical Research Center for Prophylaxis and Health Protection in Industrial Workers, 30 Popova Str., Ekaterinburg, 620014, Russian Federation, Nosova I.A. ,   Yekaterinburg Medical Research Center for Prophylaxis and Health Protection in Industrial Workers, 30 Popova Str., Ekaterinburg, 620014, Russian Federation
Published: March 2023

At present, it is vital to examine adverse effects produced on gene expression by negative environmental factors and nutrients. In this study, our aim was to generalize data available in literature on an association between health risks and polymorphisms of genes that participated in xenobiotic detoxification and allergic status, food intolerance included, in adults and children. We also considered influence exerted by various components in diets on gene expression. Available research data indicate that GSTP1 and SOD gene polymorphisms have their effects on a decline in detoxification and antioxidant functions and early development of allergic, occupational and oncological diseases under exposure to harmful chemicals. Micronutrients in diets that can protect from adverse effects produced by chemicals can act not only as substrates but also as detoxification enzyme inducers. Great quantities of biologically active compounds in the Mediterranean diet are assumed to be able to modulate functional activity of certain genes. Such nutrients as polyphenols, flavonoids, catechins, glucosinolates, anthocyanins, stilbenes, carotinoids, polyamines, spermidine and spermine produce anti-genotoxic and anti-carcinogenic effects. Use of combined nutrigenetic and phenotypic data seems a promising trend in effective modeling of a healthy diet. The research data outlined in this review indicate there is solid evidence that health risks can depend on a genotype, phenotype and quality of the environment. These risks also differ depending on a diet. Modeling a healthy diet based on available knowledge on nutritional genetic and nutritional genomics is a promising trend within non-carcinogenic health risk management, including risks of oncological diseases caused by exposure to adverse environmental factors.
Трёхмерная микроспектроскопия оптических центров в цветных природных алмазах
Authors: Римская Е.Н. , Кузьмин Е.В. , Данилов П.А. , Криулина Г.Ю. , Помазкин Д.А. , Кудряшов С.И.
Published: March 2023

A study of three-dimensional photoluminescence of natural diamonds of two types, differing in morphology and absorption in the infrared range, was carried out. It is shown that, depending on the type and concentration of nitrogen defects in natural diamond, the position of the absorption band maximum can shift, which determines the pink or brown color of diamonds. The results of the study were carried out
photoluminescence spectra at two pump wavelengths (488 and 532 nm), which make it possible to determine the optical centers that contribute to the color of diamonds. It is shown that complex nitrogen defects appear in natural colored diamonds as a result of plastic deformation, which determine the properties of the diamond.
Формирование периодических двухфазных структур на поверхности аморфных пленок Ge-=SUB=-2-=/SUB=-Sb-=SUB=-2-=/SUB=-Te-=SUB=-5-=/SUB=- при воздействии ультракоротких лазерных импульсов различной длительности и частоты следования
Authors: Смаев М.П. , Лазаренко П.И. , Федянина М.Е. , Будаговский И.А. , Рааб А. , Сагунова И.В. , Козюхин С.А.
Published: March 2023

Phase change memory materials due to their high susceptibility to low-intensity light fields are extremely attractive for active microphotonics and integrated optics devices. As a result of fast phase switching, these materials change the refractive index in a wide spectral range, which has found application in information storage systems. In this work, we studied the formation of two-phase periodic structures consisting of alternating lines of amorphous and crystalline phases on the surface of thin-film Ge2Sb2Te5 phase-change memory materials exposed to ultrashort laser pulses. Periodic structures were formed at a wavelength of 1030 nm at different durations and repetition rates of light pulses. It has been established that the ordering of two-phase structures obtained at a constant energy fluence remains practically unchanged with an increase in the repetition rate from 10 kHz to 1 MHz, but a change in the pulse duration from 180 fs to 10 ps leads to a violation of the periodic structure due to the formation of extended continuously crystallized regions.
Восстановление фазы волнового фронта на основе фотометрических и интерференционных измерений
Authors: Левин Г.Г. , Минаев В.Л. , Самойленко А.А. , Яковлева Т.В.
Published: March 2023

The paper presents a new original technique for accurate reconstructing the wave front phase at interferometry measurements based upon the estimation of the signals’ amplitudes. The optical signals’ processing is implemented within the Rice statistical model. The required phase of the wave front to be reconstructed is calculated from the geometrical considerations from the calculated undistorted amplitudes values. The paper provides both the mathematical basics of the technique and the results of its testing by means of both numerical and physical experiments. The proposed technique can be efficiently applied in a wide circle of scientific and technical tasks in numerous ranging and communication systems.
Possible Pathophysiological Roles of Neurotransmitter Systems in Men With Lifelong Premature Ejaculation: Protocol for a Scoping Review (Preprint)
Authors: Van Raaij Joost Johan , Janssen Paddy Koen Camiel
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND

Lifelong premature ejaculation (LPE) is a rare sexual condition believed to be caused by genetic neurobiological disorders. In the field of LPE, 2 main types of research have been conducted: direct genetic research and pharmacotherapeutic interference of neurotransmitter systems that can relieve the symptoms of LPE in male patients.

OBJECTIVE

We aim to provide an overview of studies on neurotransmitter systems as the pathophysiological cause of LPE by investigating direct genetic research or pharmacotherapeutic interference that relieves the main symptom of LPE in male patients.

METHODS

This scoping review will use the PRISMA-ScR tool (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews). In addition, this study will use a peer-reviewed search strategy. Systematic searches will be conducted using 5 scientific databases (Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, PubMed or MEDLINE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature [CINAHL], EMBASE, and Epistemonikos). Additionally, pragmatic searches for relevant information in gray literature databases will be performed. Two reviewers will independently include relevant studies in a 2-stage selection strategy. Finally, data will be extracted from the studies and charted to summarize relevant study characteristics and key findings.

RESULTS

As of July 2022, we completed the preliminary searches according to the PRESS 2015 guidelines and started to determine the final search terms that we will use in all selected 5 scientific databases.

CONCLUSIONS

This scoping review protocol is the first to focus on neurotransmitter pathways in LPE by combining the results from the genetic and pharmacotherapy studies. The results could help identify potential research gaps or target candidate proteins and neurotransmitter pathways in LPE for further genetic research.

CLINICALTRIAL

Open Science Framework 10.17605/OSF.IO/JUQSD; https://osf.io/juqsd

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

PRR1-10.2196/41301
Assessing a GPS-Based 6-Minute Walk Test for People With Persistent Pain: Validation Study (Preprint)
Authors: Simmich Joshua , Andrews Nicole Emma , Claus Andrew , Murdoch Megan , Russell Trevor Glen
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND

The 6-minute walk test (6MWT) is a commonly used method to assess the exercise capacity of people with many health conditions, including persistent pain. However, it is conventionally performed with in-person supervision in a hospital or clinic, therefore requiring staff resources. It may also be difficult when in-person supervision is unavailable, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic, or when the person is geographically remote. A potential solution to these issues could be to use GPS to measure walking distance.

OBJECTIVE

The primary aim of this study was to assess the validity of a GPS-based smartphone app to measure walking distance as an alternative to the conventional 6MWT in a population with persistent pain. The secondary aim of this study was to estimate the difference between the pain evoked by the 2 test methods.

METHODS

People with persistent pain (N=36) were recruited to complete a conventional 6MWT on a 30-m shuttle track and a 6MWT assessed by a smartphone app using GPS, performed on outdoor walking circuits. Tests were performed in random order, separated by a 15-minute rest. The 95% limits of agreement were calculated using the Bland-Altman method, with a specified maximum allowable difference of 100 m. Pain was assessed using an 11-point numerical rating scale before and after each walk test.

RESULTS

The mean 6-minute walk distance measured by the GPS-based smartphone app was 13.2 (SD 46; 95% CI −2.7 to 29.1) m higher than that assessed in the conventional manner. The 95% limits of agreement were 103.9 (95% CI 87.4-134.1) m and −77.6 (95% CI −107.7 to −61) m, which exceeded the maximum allowable difference. Pain increased in the conventional walk test by 1.1 (SD 1.0) points, whereas pain increased in the app test by 0.8 (SD 1.4) points.

CONCLUSIONS

In individuals with persistent pain, the 2 methods of assessing the 6MWT may not be interchangeable due to limited validity. Potential reasons for the differences between the 2 methods might be attributed to the variation in track layout (shuttle track vs continuous circuit); poor GPS accuracy; deviations from the 30-m shuttle track; human variability in walking speed; and the potential impact of a first test on the second test due to fatigue, pain provocation, or a learning effect. Future research is needed to improve the accuracy of the GPS-based approach. Despite its limitations, the GPS-based 6MWT may still have value as a tool for remote monitoring that could allow individuals with persistent pain to self-administer frequent assessments of their functional capacity in their home environment.
Ultrasound-Assisted Continence Care Support in an Inpatient Care Setting: Protocol for a Pilot Implementation Study (Preprint)
Authors: Hofstetter Sebastian , Ritter-Herschbach Madeleine , Behr Dominik , Jahn Patrick
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND

This nonrandomized exploratory intervention and feasibility study examines how digital assistive technology (DAT), comprising a DFree ultrasound sensor, affects nursing care for continence support and evaluates nurses’ willingness to incorporate DAT into the planning and practical implementation of care processes.

OBJECTIVE

The relief provided by DFree in the clinical care setting and the extent to which it supports nursing care for activities of daily living pertaining to “micturition” is unclear. DAT DFree is expected to reduce nurses’ workload in clinical continence-care settings and was designed as a human-technology interaction that ensures a high level of usability for the subjects (ie, the nurses) and increases user acceptance by at least one level (eg, from average to slightly above average) during the study.

METHODS

Approximately 45 nurses from neurology, neurosurgery, and geriatric medicine clinics and polyclinics at the University Medicine Halle will be included in the 90-day (3-month) intervention on-site in the respective wards. After the wards are equipped with digital technologies, the participating nurses will be trained to use DFree and will be able to select DFree as a possible patient-care resource if the anamnesis includes bladder dysfunction among only patients who are willing to participate. The willingness of nurse participants to use DFree in planning their care process will be assessed using the Technology Usage Inventory at 3 measurement points. The primary target values include the results of the multidimensional Technology Usage Inventory assessment that will be processed using descriptive statistics. Ten participating nurses will be invited to conduct extensive guided interviews that are intended to provide information about the device’s usefulness and feasibility in the specific field of continence care and possible improvements.

RESULTS

It is expected that the intention to use will be confirmed by nurses, and the number of nursing problems, such as bladder dysfunction-induced bedwetting, will be reduced with a high rating of DAT usability.

CONCLUSIONS

First, this study aims to produce multilevel innovative impacts, including practical, scientific, and societal effects. The results will provide practical solutions for workload reduction in the field of nursing support for continence care, where digital assistive technologies are becoming increasingly important. The DFree ultrasonic sensor is a new technical tool for the treatment of bladder dysfunction. Generating feedback to improve technical applications can increase the user-friendliness and usefulness of the device.

CLINICALTRIAL

Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien DRKS00031483; https://drks.de/search/en/trial/DRKS00031483

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

PRR1-10.2196/47025
Methods for the Clinical Validation of Digital Endpoints: Protocol for a Scoping Review Abstract (Preprint)
Authors: Rego Sílvia , Henriques Ana Rita , Serra Sofia Silvério , Costa Teresa , Rodrigues Ana Maria , Nunes Francisco
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND

Clinical trials often use digital technologies to collect data continuously outside the clinic and use the derived digital endpoints as trial endpoints. Digital endpoints are also being developed to support diagnosis, monitoring, or therapeutic interventions in clinical care. However, clinical validation stands as a significant challenge, as there are no specific guidelines orienting the validation of digital endpoints.

OBJECTIVE

This paper presents the protocol for a scoping review that aims to map the existing methods for the clinical validation of digital endpoints.

METHODS

The scoping review will comprise searches from the electronic literature databases MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus (including conference proceedings), Embase, IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) Xplore, ACM (Association for Computing Machinery) Digital Library, CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials), Web of Science Core Collection (including conference proceedings), and Joanna Briggs Institute Database of Systematic Reviews and Implementation Reports. We will also include various sources of gray literature with search terms related to digital endpoints. The methodology will adhere to the Joanna Briggs Institute Scoping Review and the Guidance for Conducting Systematic Scoping Reviews.

RESULTS

A search for reviews on the existing evidence related to this topic was conducted and has shown that no such review was previously undertaken. This review will provide a systematic assessment of the literature on methods for the clinical validation of digital endpoints and highlight any potential need for harmonization or reporting of methods. The results will include the methods for the clinical validation of digital endpoints according to device, digital endpoint, and clinical application goal of digital endpoints. The study started in January 2023 and is expected to end by December 2023, with results to be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

CONCLUSIONS

A scoping review of methodologies that validate digital endpoints is necessary. This review will be unique in its breadth since it will comprise digital endpoints collected from several devices and not focus on a specific disease area. The results of our work should help guide researchers in choosing validation methods, identify potential gaps in the literature, or inform the development of novel methods to optimize the clinical validation of digital endpoints. Resolving these gaps is the key to presenting evidence in a consistent way to regulators and other parties and obtaining regulatory acceptance of digital endpoints for patient benefit.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

PRR1-10.2196/47119
The complexity of socioeconomic factors in aging populations (Preprint)
Authors: Hanna Andrew M R
Published: March 2023

UNSTRUCTURED

N/A
Ultrafiltration Rate Levels in Hemodialysis Patients Associated with Weight-Specific Mortality Risks
Authors: Mermelstein Ariella , Raimann Jochen G. , Wang Yuedong , Kotanko Peter , Daugirdas John T.
Published: March 2023

Background

We hypothesized that the association of ultrafiltration rate with mortality in hemodialysis patients was differentially affected by weight and sex and sought to derive a sex- and weight-indexed ultrafiltration rate measure that captures the differential effects of these parameters on the association of ultrafiltration rate with mortality.

Methods

Data were analyzed from the US Fresenius Kidney Care (FKC) database for 1 year after patient entry into a FKC dialysis unit (baseline) and over 2 years of follow-up for patients receiving thrice-weekly in-center hemodialysis. To investigate the joint effect of baseline-year ultrafiltration rate and postdialysis weight on survival, we fit Cox proportional hazards models using bivariate tensor product spline functions and constructed contour plots of weight-specific mortality hazard ratios over the entire range of ultrafiltration rate values and postdialysis weights (W).

Results

In the studied 396,358 patients, the average ultrafiltration rate in ml/h was related to postdialysis weight (W) in kg: 3W+330. Ultrafiltration rates associated with 20% or 40% higher weight-specific mortality risk were 3W+500 and 3W+630 ml/h, respectively, and were 70 ml/h higher in men than in women. Nineteen percent or 7.5% of patients exceeded ultrafiltration rates associated with a 20% or 40% higher mortality risk, respectively. Low ultrafiltration rates were associated with subsequent weight loss. Ultrafiltration rates associated with a given mortality risk were lower in high–body weight older patients and higher in patients on dialysis for more than 3 years.

Conclusions

Ultrafiltration rates associated with various levels of higher mortality risk depend on body weight, but not in a 1:1 ratio, and are different in men versus women, in high–body weight older patients, and in high-vintage patients.
Proteinuria and Exposure to Eculizumab in Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome
Authors: ter Avest Mendy , Steenbreker Hilbert , Bouwmeester Romy N. , Duineveld Caroline , Wijnsma Kioa L. , van den Heuvel Lambertus P.W.J. , Langemeijer Saskia M.C. , Wetzels Jack F.M. , van de Kar Nicole C.A.J. , ter Heine Rob ,   on behalf of the CUREiHUS Study Group
Published: March 2023

Background

Eculizumab is a monoclonal antibody for the treatment of atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS). Kidney damage, a common condition in patients with aHUS, may result in proteinuria. Because proteinuria may affect the pharmacokinetics of therapeutic proteins such as eculizumab, the aim of our study was to investigate the effect of proteinuria on eculizumab pharmacokinetics.

Methods

This study was an ancillary study of a previously performed pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic study of eculizumab in aHUS. Proteinuria, measured as urinary protein-creatinine ratios (UPCR), was investigated as covariate for eculizumab clearance. Thereafter, we evaluated the effect of proteinuria on the exposure to eculizumab in a simulation study for the initial phase and for a 2-weekly and 3-weekly interval in the maintenance phase.

Results

The addition of UPCR as a linear covariate on clearance to our base model resulted in a statistically improved fit (P < 0.001) and reduction of unexplained variability in clearance. From our data, we predicted that in the initial phase, 16% of the adult patients with severe proteinuria (UPCR >3.1 g/g) will have inadequate complement inhibition (classical pathway activity >10%) on day 7 of treatment, compared with 3% of the adult patients without proteinuria. None of the pediatric patients will have inadequate complement inhibition at day 7 of treatment. For the 2- and 3-weekly dosing intervals, we predicted that, respectively, 18% and 49% of the adult patients and, respectively, 19% and 57% of the pediatric patients with persistent severe proteinuria will have inadequate complement inhibition, compared with, respectively, 2% and 13% of the adult patients and, respectively, 4% and 22% of the pediatric patients without proteinuria.

Conclusions

Severe proteinuria is associated with a higher risk of underexposure to eculizumab.

Clinical Trial registry name and registration number:

CUREiHUS, Dutch Trial Register, NTR5988/NL5833
Factors Hindering Implementation of Communicative Language Teaching in Secondary Vocational Schools of Science and Engineering in China
Authors: Wang Jiaying
Published: March 2023

Without the pressure to help more students to be competitive in College Entrance Examinations, teachers in secondary vocational schools are supposed to spend more time improving students’ communicative competence in English which is more practical for students’ future career. Although communicative language teaching (CLT) approach has been added to the syllabus for over 30 years in China, however, the implication of it is hardly witnessed in English classes in secondary vocational schools of science and engineering (SVSSEs). By handing out questionaries to eight English teachers and over 300 students in my school, four restraints which prevent the application of CLT in SVSSEs have been concluded which are knowledge restraints, restraints related to the educational system, restraints by students and restraints related to teachers’ attitude and concerns.
Diez años del recurso de unificación de jurisprudencia laboral chileno
Authors: Díaz García Luis Iván , Alarcón García Sofía , Cempe Cempe Katerine , Garrido Esparza Luis Alejandro , Zúñiga Garrido Alejandro Rodrigo
Published: March 2023

The unification of labor jurisprudence remedy entered into force in Chile in the year 2008. Its aim was to generate a uniform jurisprudence (judicial precedent). This article analyzes whether this purpose was accomplished from an internal point of view. This is to say, if the Supreme Court of Chile consistently followed its own interpretation of law. Whit that goal, this study analyzes all the unification of labor jurisprudence remedies lodged between March of 2008 and March of 2018. This implied to review nearly about 5000 judgments pronounced between October 2008 and January 2020.
Modelo de valoración de la satisfacción de los usuarios del sistema de información de costos
Authors: Solarte Wilmer Yesid , Rincón Soto Carlos Augusto , Molina Mora Francisco Ricardo
Published: March 2023

La satisfacción de los usuarios internos sobre la información entregada por los sistemas de costeo, rara vez es evaluada. Esta información cumple una función importante en la administración de las organizaciones, pues muestra indicadores que son transcendentales para el control y la toma de decisiones sobre los recursos y procesos de producción, servucción, administración, mercadeo y distribución. Existen instrumentos como la auditoría de costos que evalúan la confiabilidad de los datos suministrados por el sistema de costos. No obstante, estas no pueden medir el grado de satisfacción de los usuarios de la información. Por ello, el propósito de este documento fue plantear un modelo de cuestionario para el grado de satisfacción del usuario interno del sistema de información de costos. Este instrumento pueda examinar la confiabilidad y transparencia para el cumplimiento de las necesidades de información de cada uno de los departamentos claves en los procesos decisionales y misionales de las empresas. Este estudio se desarrolló bajo un enfoque cualitativo, con método descriptivo, soportado con una revisión de literatura. Además, el diseño (sistematización) del cuestionario se sometió a una validación por expertos, mostrando una correlación fuerte (Alfa de Cronbach = 0,951). Los resultados mostraron que el cuestionario presentado es útil para determinar el grado de satisfacción del usuario interno del sistema de información de costos. Dicho cuestionario presentado aquí es una herramienta de bajo costo, para evaluar en primera instancia la satisfacción, cuestión que podría dar indicios claros sobre el funcionamiento del sistema de información de costos y proveer elementos para establecer la necesidad de una auditoría de costos. Con esto se obtiene un instrumento con un alto nivel de consistencia y confiabilidad que favorece el aseguramiento de la información para propender a la calidad en la toma de decisiones estratégicas. Además, la validación con expertos infiere que la herramienta mide de manera adecuada el grado de satisfacción de los usuarios internos del sistema de información de costos.
Bioefficacy, phytotoxicity and safety of Virtako 1.5 Gr a premixed commercial insecticide against thrips, black cutworm and natural enemies in onion
Authors:   ICAR-Direcorate of Onion and Garlic Research, Pune-410 505, India, Karuppaiah V. , Soumia P.S. ,   ICAR-Direcorate of Onion and Garlic Research, Pune-410 505, India, Singh M. ,   ICAR-Direcorate of Onion and Garlic Research, Pune-410 505, India
Published: March 2023

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the relative field-efficacy, natural enemies safety and phytotoxicity of premixed soil insecticide formulation Virtako 1.5 Gr (Chlorantraniliprole 0.5% + Thiamethoxam 1%) against onion thrips (Thrips tabaci) and black cutworm (Agrotis ipsilon) infesting onion. Methodology: Two field experiments were conducted in successive years (2017-18 & 2018-19) to evaluate the bio-efficacy of Virtako 1.5® Gr against thrips, cutworms and natural enemies in onion. The desired dosage of Virtako 1.5® Gr was applied as soil broadcasting after 10 days of transplanting. Thrips population, cutworm damage, natural enemies and phytotoxicity observation were made using standard procedures. Results: The results revealed that Virtako® 1.5 Gr applied @ 105 and 90 g a.i ha-1 recorded the lowest mean thrips population, 18.03 and 19.50 thrips per plant, respectively. Similarly, Virtako 1.5 Gr at 105 a.i. ha-1 reduced cutworm damage by 88.5%, followed by Virtako 1.5 Gr at 90 g a.i. ha-1 (85.5%). Although no natural enemies’ activity (Coccinellids, Orius spp, and Spiders) was found in the early phase of onion growth, they were recorded in all treatments at later crop growth stages. All doses of Virtako 1.5 Gr had no noticeable phytotoxicity effects on onion plants. Interpretation: Application of Virtako 1.5 Gr effectively minimized thrips population and cutworm damage in onions. Further, it did not show any significant harmful impact on the activity to above-ground natural enemies. Therefore, Virtako 1.5 Gr at a lower effective dose 90 g a.i ha-1 can be recommended for onion against thrips and black cutworm. Key words: Cutworm, Onion thrips, Premixed insecticide, Phytotoxicty, Virtako 1.5 Gr
Effect of insecticides on locomotory behaviour and enzyme activity of Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) populations from Punjab
Authors:   Department of Entomology, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141004, India, Chandi A.K. , Kaur A. ,   Department of Entomology, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141004, India, Chandi R.S. ,   Department of Entomology, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141004, India
Published: March 2023

Aim: The variations in locomotory behaviour and enzyme activity, i.e., acetylcholinesterase and general esterases of Spodoptera litura Fabricius larval populations collected from different regions of Punjab, i.e., Amritsar, Kapurthala and Ludhiana were investigated in the laboratory prior exposure to different insecticides. Methodology: The test larvae were exposed to sublethal doses of different insecticides via surface and food treatment. For locomotory behaviour, they were allowed to move on treated surface and their movements were recorded with an automated video tracking system, Ethovision while on other hand food treatment was opted for observing the influence on enzyme activity. Results: The pronounced variations were observed in the locomotor behaviour of S. litura upon surface exposure of different insecticides. The larva travelled more distance with higher speed and larger turn angle on insecticide-treated surfaces than the untreated ones, while on comparison of different larval populations, the Amritsar population larvae travelled less distance with low speed and maximum turnings. The decrease in acetylcholinesterase and general esterase activity was recorded in treated larvae than untreated ones. The influence of emamectin benzoate was recorded more on locomotion and enzyme activity of S. litura as compared to the remaining insecticides and the Amritsar population was least affected. Interpretation: The sublethal doses of insecticides influenced the overall behavioural physiology of S. litura and this biological parameter could be useful in designing the management strategies for S. litura. Key words: Acetylcholinesterase, Esterases, Insecticides, Locomotory behaviour, S. litura