bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Key trends in morbidity and mortality rate due to ovarian cancer in Ukraine
Authors: Romaniv M. , Terenda N.
Published: June 2023

Introduction. Ovarian cancer is characterized by the unfavorable progression and is in the first place within the structure of women’s mortality rate due to oncogynecological disorders.

The purpose is to conduct the comparative analysis of the morbidity and mortality rate due to ovarian cancer before COVID-19 pandemic and during quarantine measures.

Materials and methods. We conducted the analysis based on the statistical data from the National Cancer Register of Ukraine 2015 to 2021 without temporarily occupied territories using the statistical method, that is, analysis of time series. We analyzed the morbidity and mortality rate, distribution by age, structure of detection stages for ovarian cancer by TNM classification, detection rate of patients with ovarian cancer during preventive examinations.

Research results and their discussion

Long quarantine measures caused by COVID-19 pandemic have led to the broken communication between female patients and doctors within the primary and special medical assistance: limited possibility or full impossibility of getting a consultation by the general practitioner/family doctor due to a large number of COVID-19 patients, limited access to specialized healthcare institutions, personal fear of female patients to catch COVID-19 in healthcare institutions. These conditions have made women postpone their visits to doctors and a share of female patients with oncogynecological disorders detected at the stage ІІІ to IV by TNM classification increase.

2015 to 2019 there was a trend in decrease in the share of patients with ovarian cancer detected during preventive examinations by 19.7 %, which increased during quarantine measures due to COVID-19 pandemic (-27.4 %).

2015 to 2019 there was a stated trend in decrease in the share of detected patients with ovarian cancer at the stage I to II (-1.4 %) and III (-9.3 %) by TNM classification and increase in the share of detected patients with ovarian cancer at the stage IV (+17.2 %). During quarantine measures the share of patients with ovarian cancer at the stage I to II and III by TNM classification continued to decrease (-10.3 % and -0.7 %, respectively) and the share of patients with ovarian cancer at the stage IV increased (+20.4 %).

The decrease in the share of detected patients with ovarian cancer during preventive examinations is one of the factors for detecting patients with the extensive-stage disease, which was confirmed both at the national and regional level.

Conclusion. Obtained data are evidence of the fact that the morbidity rate due to ovarian cancer insignificantly increased (+3.9 %) 2015 to 2019 and decreased by 8.6 % during COVID-19 pandemic. The morbidity rate increased among women aged from 45, especially at the age 65 to 69. The decrease in the share of detected patients with ovarian cancer during preventive examinations is one of the factors for detecting patients with the extensive-stage disease, which was confirmed both at the national and regional level.
Unveiling frequency-dependent dielectric behavior of cellulose-based polymer electrolyte at various temperature and salt concentration
Authors: Ratri Christin Rina , Sabrina Qolby , Lestariningsih Titik , Nugraha Adam Febriyanto , Astutiningsih Sotya , Chalid Mochamad
Published: June 2023

Dielectric behavior of cellulose-based polymer electrolyte was studied at various temperature and salt concentration. A polymer electrolyte membrane based on cellulose acetate (CA) as the polymer host and LiClO4 as the dopant salt was fabricated using the solution casting technique. The dopant salt concentration was varied as 0.3, 0.5, 0.67, and 1M. Dielectric relaxation spectroscopy characterization were performed using potentiostat at frequency ranging from 0.1 Hz to 1 MHz. Measurements were performed by sandwiching the membrane between stainless steel plates. The ionic conductivity was then calculated based on the Cole–Cole plot obtained from the impedance measurement. It was found that sample 1 M had the highest ionic conductivity at high frequencies. However, the frequency-dependent conductance plot showed that the ionic conductivity of the 1 M sample significantly decreased at low frequencies, i.e. from 3.41×10-5 S/cm at 1 MHz to 1.9×10-8 S/cm at 0.1 Hz. Other samples did not experience this phenomenon, including those with a Celgard© commercial membrane to represent commercial Li-ion batteries. This is caused by excess charge accumulation, leading to a high concentration of immobile charge carriers, which reduces the available free volume surrounding the polymer chain. This resulted in a significant decrease in ionic conductivity at low frequencies. Temperature variation was also performed on the conductivity measurement at 30-70 °C. Temperature variation showed more predictable behavior, where increasing the temperature activated charge carriers and enhanced ionic conductivity, from 1.81×10-5 S/cm at room temperature to 9.04×10-5 at 70°C. Sweeping across the frequency range results in a consistent sequence of ionic conductivities among the samples at various temperatures. This work is beneficial for evaluating a biomass-based polymer electrolyte complex in a Li-ion battery environment. Feasibility studies can be performed at various concentrations and temperatures to determine the optimal level of dopant salt input across a broad frequency range.
COMPARISON BETWEEN METABOLIC PARAMETERS, FOOD INTAKE, AND GUT MICROBIOTA IN TYPE 2 DIABETES AND NON-DIABETIC INDONESIAN WOMEN
Authors: Rustanti Ninik , Murdiati Agnes , Juffrie Mohammad , Rahayu Endang Sutriswati
Published: June 2023

ABSTRACTBackground: Globally, the increasing incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) has resulted in an upsurge in research into this metabolic condition. Women, particularly in Indonesia, have a greater risk of T2D than males. The diversity of the gut microbiota (GM) in T2D is regulated by the number of carbs, protein, fat, and fiber consumed. Objectives: This study examined the comparison between metabolic parameters, food intake, and GM in T2D and non-diabetic Indonesian women.Materials and Methods: The cohort study included people who did not have T2D and those who did. On day 28 of observations, anthropometric, metabolic parameters, food intake, physical activity, and feces were collected. Feces were collected for pH, SCFA, and GM (L. plantarum, Bifidobacterium, and Prevotella) analysis. Results: There were significant differences between non-diabetic and diabetic women in age, Waist Hip Ratio (WHR), fasting blood sugar (FBS), and HbA1c. The two groups did not differ significantly in terms of their macronutrient intake (calories, carbs, protein, and fat), total water, and dietary fiber. Fecal pH and GM did not statistically differ between the control and T2D groups. Fasting blood sugar and HbA1c were positively associated with age, duration of T2D, WHR, and total water consumption, but slightly negatively associated with dietary fiber intake. Fasting blood sugar  was also slightly negatively associated with Prevotella, meanwhile HbA1c with Bifidobacterium. Carbohydrate intake were positively correlated with acetic, propionic, and butyric acid levels.Conclusion: Macronutrient intake, fecal pH, SCFA, and GM did not differ because GM in T2D increased bacause metformin consumption so that SCFA similar between two group. Keywords : food, gut microbiota, short-chain fatty acid,  diabetes, women
STUDY OF VITAMIN D3-FORTIFIED GOAT KEFIR ON PLASMA FIBRINOGEN LEVELS OF DIABETIC RATTUS NORVEGICUS RATS
Authors: Masha Tania , Utomo Astika Widy , Ardiaria Martha , Syauqy Ahmad , Rahadiyanti Ayu , Nissa Choirun , Maharani Mutiara Irma , Zulfa Fairuz , Panunggal Binar
Published: June 2023

ABSTRACTBackground: Diabetes mellitus is often associated with the occurrence of complications. Haemostatic factors, especially hyperfibrinogenaemia, is a common cause of the complication. Goat kefir and vitamin D3 may act as an antioxidant and anti-inflammation agent which can repair pancreatic beta cells.Objectives: This study aimed to analyse the effect of vitamin D3-fortified goat milk and plasma fibrinogen levels in diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: This study was an experimental study with pre-post only group design. The samples were 21 male rats divided into four groups; negative control (K-), positive control (K +), treated with unfortified goat kefir (P1), and treated with vitamin D3-fortified goat kefir (P2). The 35-day intervention was conducted, the goat kefir dose was 2 ml/200 g BW/day and the vitamin D dose 600 IU. Fasting blood glucose and plasma fibrinogen were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Blood glucose level was evaluated by GOD-PAP method, while plasma fibrinogen was assessed by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method. The data were analysed with paired t-test and One-Way ANOVA. Results: There were not significant difference levels of fibrinogen between groups. The intervention groups both showed an insignificant decrease of plasma fibrinogen. The plasma fibrinogen of group treated with vitamin D3-fortified goat kefir went down to 13.47 mg/dl from 16.49 mg/dl (p = 0.49). Meanwhile, the group treated with unfortified goat kefir showed a decrease from 26.81 mg/dl to 24.94 mg/dl (p=0.83). On the other hand, there was a significant decrease in fasting blood glucose in the group treated with vitamin D3-fortified goat kefir from 181.75 mg/dl to 116.25 mg/dl (p=0.03).Conclusion Our results demonstrate that administration of vitamin D3-fortified goat kefir can decrease fasting blood glucose but not in plasma fibrinogen. Keywords : Diabetes Mellitus; Fastin blood glucose; Fibrinogen; Goat kefir; Vitamin D3 Fortification
KİŞİSEL HALKLA İLİŞKİLER BAĞLAMINDA BENLİK SUNUMU: ÜNLÜLERİN INSTAGRAM PAYLAŞIMLARI ÜZERİNE BİR ANALİZ
Authors: ARICI Ali , KILINÇ Özgür
Published: June 2023

Halkla ilişkiler, kurumlara yönelik olduğu kadar kişilere de yönelik bir alandır. İlişki ve iletişim inşası açısından özellikle kamuoyunda görünür bireyler olarak nitelendirilmesi mümkün olan ünlüler halkla ilişkiler faaliyetlerine yönelmektedir. Çalışmanın amacı ünlülerin Instagram paylaşımlarını benlik sunumu çerçevesinde analiz etmektir. Bu kapsamda ünlülerin Instagram hesapları Goffman’ın (2014) yaklaşımından hareketle birer “sahne” olarak nitelendirilmiş ve bu sahnedeki performansları ise kişisel halkla ilişkiler çerçevesinde yorumlanmıştır. Araştırma sonuçlarına göre Instagram platformuna ve diline uygun paylaşımlarda bulunan ünlüler, performatif davranışlarla “idealize benlik” duruşu sergilemektedir. Bu bağlamda ünlüler “görüntüler dünyası” olan Instagram’ı profesyonel şekilde yönetmekte; en ideal, çarpıcı, çekici ve sansasyonel pozlarla resim vermektedir. Sosyal medya personası ve davranış kalıpları anlamında platforma uygun çoklu ortam bileşenleri kullanan ünlüler, sahnede olma durumunu ve duygusunu içeriklerine yansıtmaktadır. Temsili benlik sunum ve izlenim yönetim mekanizması olan Instagram, ünlülerin içerik yönetimi üzerinden inşa etmek istedikleri sosyal imaja destek olmaktadır.
Can maternal postpartum testosterone and estradiol retrospectively predict the offspring's sex at birth? A cross‐sectional study in Ghana
Authors: Banyeh Moses , Shittu Shafiat Omotoyosi , Ziblim Shamsu‐Deen , Dapare Peter Paul Mwinsanga , Nyewie Martha , Dagungong Clement Binwatin
Published: June 2023

The selection of X‐ or Y‐bearing spermatozoa during fertilization may depend on maternal circulating sex hormones. The zona pellucida of the developing oocyte is adapted to be selective for the Y‐bearing spermatozoa when maternal circulating androgens are relatively high. This study sought to determine whether maternal postpartum testosterone and estradiol can retrospectively predict the offspring sex at birth. The study was cross‐sectional from December 2020 to April 2021 at the Reproductive and Child Health unit in Tamale. The participants were part of a previous study and comprised 178 mother–offspring dyads (mother–daughter = 90, mother–son = 88). The mothers were between the ages of 18 and 35 years and had a median (interquartile range‐IQR) postpartum interval of 111 (60–187) days. A single venous blood sample was drawn from the mothers between 8.00 am and 12.00 pm local time on each day to reduce diurnal variation. Postpartum serum estradiol, testosterone, and sex hormone‐binding globulin were assayed using the ELISA technique. The serum total testosterone and the testosterone‐to‐estradiol ratio (TT: E2) were higher in mothers with sons while estradiol was higher in mothers with daughters (p < 0.050). The total testosterone and TT: E2 did not markedly differ by their area under the curve (AUC: 0.91 and 0.99, respectively) but both were higher than the AUC of estradiol (0.72). The Sensitivity was 97.7%, 97.7%, and 94.5% and specificity, 88.9%, 40.0%, and 95.5% at cutoff points of >1.659 nmol/L, ≤141.862 pmol/L, and > 31.5, respectively for total testosterone, estradiol, and TT: E2. The maternal testosterone‐to‐estradiol ratio may be more predictive of offspring sex at birth than either testosterone or estradiol alone.
Reinforcement of cementitious mortars with hemp fibers and shives
Authors: Özodabaş Aylin
Published: June 2023

Polypropylene, steel, and carbon fibers are used to increase the ductility and toughness of concrete materials. In recent years, studies on the use of natural fibers have increasingly continued. Among natural fibers, hemp fiber has the highest tensile strength value. The aim of this study was to discuss and present the results of the experimental study on the use of cement-based hemp shives and fibers to increase the ductility of mortars. Another aim is to increase the use of hemp in the construction field by using more economical and natural fibers. Various binders and different amounts of fibers and shives were added and their effects on flexural strength were investigated. Water absorption and flexural tests and scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction analysis were performed on the produced samples. Particle and hole size distributions and stereo microscope images of the samples are given. The use of hemp fibers was observed to improve flexural strength, while shives were not significantly improved flexural strength.
Enhancement of air conditioning system using direct evaporative cooling: Experimental and theoretical investigation
Authors: Hashim Rasha Hayder , Hammdi Salman Hashim , Eidan Adel A.
Published: June 2023

Air conditioners (ACs) are more commonly used nowadays in residential and commercial buildings to achieve thermal comfort in the summer season. Due to the high outside temperature, condenser pressure was highest and ultimately resulted in high electricity consumption. One of the ways to reduce the energy consumption of AC systems and increase cooling capacity is by reducing air temperature entering the condenser by using the evaporative cooling principle. This article presents an experimental and theoretical investigation of improving the performance of the conventional air conditioning unit supported by a direct evaporative cooling system to increase the cooling capacity and reduce the consumption of power in hot and dry climates. A window-type AC unit was implemented in the experiment where the AC system is modulated to provide a wide range of various weather conditions. The results show that using evaporative cooling assist enhanced the system to overcome the many challenges by which the refrigeration capacity was increased in the range of 10–20%. Also, the results show a decrease in outlet temperature by 6–10°C, and the power consumption was reduced by about 3%. MATLAB program was used to analyze different data that were obtained. The input parameters for this program are the inlet conditions such as the weather conditions of the located city, namely the outdoor dry temperature and the outdoor relative humidity. The effectiveness and cooling capacity were calculated based on the frontal air velocity and the inlet air temperature. A comparison between the experimental and theoretical work showed a good agreement, as the relative difference is less than 9%.
Experimental and numerical evaluation of tire rubber powder effectiveness for reducing seepage rate in earth dams
Authors: Shuhaib Zahraa Khalid , Khassaf Saleh Issa
Published: June 2023

Tires waste is an undesirable urban industry surplus that has grown worldwide yearly. Because of its seals, this material may be used in earth dams, one option for disposing of this waste. Since this is the main objective of this study, an experiment on a soil sample with various ratios of rubber powder has been conducted to better comprehend the impact of tire rubber powder (TRP) on the seepage rate in earthen dams. This study used physical and numerical models to investigate seepage through earth dams. Analysis indicates that the plotted seepage line in SEEP/W software was comparable to the observed seepage line in the physical model. TRP was tested at concentrations of 15, 30, and 50%. The research demonstrates that there has been a noticeable improvement in reducing the seepage rate through the dam’s body; seepage was decreased by 11.28% when a 15% ratio was adopted, a far smaller impact than the other percentages. The proportion was consequently raised to 30%. The seepage rate was found to be reduced by 35.6%, and TRP with a 50% ratio showed excellent behavior in lowering the water level (phreatic line) from the core point to the downstream face D/S and reducing the seepage rate by 41.5%, producing significantly better results. The findings in SEEP/W software indicate that the relative error in seepage rate varies, averaging 11.8% for the first model, 12.18% for the second, 1.65% for the third, and 7.63% for the fourth. The first and second physical models’ seepage rate (relative inaccuracy) dramatically increased as a result of the presence of piping.
Novel graph for an appropriate cross section and length for cantilever RC beams
Authors: Al-Shammaa Abdul Kareem M. B. , Alisawi A. T.
Published: June 2023

Whether the design is done manually or by software, the designer will have difficulty choosing the economic and strength cross section. The designer, in this case, either relies on their experience or resorts to the method of trial and error. Especially for Cantilever beams with a long span as a result of risk deflections, it is exposed. The current theoretical study was performed on rectangular concrete cross sections of different dimensions and subjected to uniformly distributed loads. Based on a previous study, the sections are reinforced with a specific reinforcement ratio. Through an algorithm, Python 3.4 software, and an output file, the permissible deflections for each cross section were calculated according to the ACI 318M-19. Finally, the authors could draw a graph to choose the appropriate cross section for each required beam length in less time and effort.
Two are not enough: synthetic strategies and applications of unnatural base pairs
Authors: Dörrenhaus Robert , Wagner Philip K. , Kath-Schorr Stephanie
Published: June 2023

Nucleic acid chemistry is a rapidly evolving field, and the need for novel nucleotide modifications and artificial nucleotide building blocks for diagnostic and therapeutic use, material science or for studying cellular processes continues unabated. This review focusses on the development and application of unnatural base pairs as part of an expanded genetic alphabet. Not only recent developments in “nature-like” artificial base pairs are presented, but also current synthetic methods to get access to C-glycosidic nucleotides. Wide-ranging viability in synthesis is a prerequisite for the successful use of unnatural base pairs in a broader spectrum and will be discussed.
Simplified Kalman filter for on-line rating: one-fits-all approach
Authors: Szczecinski Leszek , Tihon Raphaëlle
Published: June 2023

In this work, we deal with the problem of rating in sports, where the skills of the players/teams are inferred from the observed outcomes of the games. Our focus is on the on-line rating algorithms that estimate skills after each new game by exploiting the probabilistic models that (i) relate the skills to the outcome of the game and (ii) describe how the skills evolve in time. We propose a Bayesian approach which may be seen as an approximate Kalman filter and which is generic in the sense that it can be used with any skills-outcome model and can be applied in the individual as well as in the group sports. We show how the well-known Elo, Glicko, and TrueSkill algorithms may be seen as instances of the one-fits-all approach we propose. To clarify the conditions under which the gains of the Bayesian approach over simpler solutions can actually materialize, we critically compare the known and new algorithms by means of numerical examples using synthetic and empirical data.
Dynamic ultraviolet harmonic beam pattern control by programmable spatial wavefront modulation of near-infrared fundamental beam
Authors: Won Seungjai , Choi Seungman , Kim Taewon , Kim Byunggi , Kim Seung-Woo , Kim Young-Jin
Published: June 2023

The ultraviolet (UV) wavelength regime is attracting increasing attention because of its growing demand in semiconductor lithography, spectroscopy, and imaging applications owing to its high spatial resolution and high photon energy. However, beam shape control, beam delivery, and wavefront manipulation of UV laser beams usually require highly dedicated optics because of the strong UV absorption of most optical materials and the high surface precision required for tailoring short wavelengths, thus limiting a broader application of UV wavelengths. Here, we demonstrate a novel dynamic UV harmonic beam pattern control by manipulating the near-infrared (NIR) wavefront of the fundamental wavelength of a femtosecond pulse laser. The temporal and spatial coherences in an optical harmonic generation are known to be well preserved. Therefore, the spatial beam distribution of UV harmonic beams (λ = 400 and 266 nm for second and third harmonics, respectively) could be readily controlled by tailoring the wavefront of the driving infrared (IR) beam, and this approach can be expanded to higher-order harmonics in the vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) or extreme ultraviolet (EUV) regimes. Moreover, this enables fast polarization-sensitive UV beam switching at a speed of 6.7 frames/s in a depth-resolving manner. To efficiently separate the UV beam from the strong fundamental IR background beam, a non-collinear harmonic generation configuration is introduced. This facile dynamic UV beam control technique enables arbitrary wavefront control of UV laser beams for high-precision laser patterning, polarization-sensitive encryption, and 3D holograms.
Cesium ion removal from low-level radioactive wastewater utilizing synthesized cobalt hexacyanoferrate-sand composite
Authors: Singh Krishan Kant , Rawat Megha , Rawat Jyoti , Pathak Sanjay K , Panja Surajit , Dimri Priya , Riyal Isha , Sharma Himani , Dwivedi Charu
Published: June 2023

Here, a novel method of synthesis of a sand-based adsorbent for radioactive Cs+ ion removal is reported. Natural sand has been modified with cobalt hexacyanoferrate (CoHCF) using a simple and effective approach. The detailed physical–chemical characterization of the synthesized adsorbent is carried out using XRD, XPS, UV-visible, FT-IR, ICP-AES and Raman spectroscopy. Cs+ ion batch adsorption studies were conducted radio-analytically, and the sorbent’s adsorption capability was observed to be ∼5 mg g−1. The batch studies revealed that Cs+ ion was selectively adsorbed throughout a broad pH range of 1–10. The rate-controlling steps in the adsorption process, according to kinetic studies, are film diffusion and intraparticular diffusion and the adsorption process follows a second-order kinetics.
Analyzing polysemiosis: language, gesture, and depiction in two cultural practices with sand drawing
Authors: Zlatev Jordan , Devylder Simon , Defina Rebecca , Moskaluk Kalina , Andersen Linea Brink
Published: June 2023

Human communication is by defaultpolysemiotic: it involves the spontaneous combination of two or moresemiotic systems, the most important ones beinglanguage,gesture, anddepiction. We formulate an original cognitive-semiotic framework for the analysis of polysemiosis, contrasting this with more familiar systems based on the ambiguous term “multimodality.” To be fully explicit, we developed a coding system for the analysis of polysemiotic utterances containing speech, gesture, and drawing, and implemented this in the ELAN video annotation software. We used this to analyze 23 video-recordings of sand drawing performances on Paama, Vanuatu and 20 sand stories of the Pitjantjatjara culture in Central Australia. Methodologically we used theconceptual-empirical loopof cognitive semiotics: our theoretical framework guided general considerations, such as distinguishing between the “tiers” of gesture and depiction, and the three kinds of semiotic grounds (iconic, indexical, symbolic), but the precise decisions on how to operationalize these were made only after extensive work with the material. We describe the coding system in detail and provide illustrative examples from the Paamese and Pitjantjatjara data, remarking on both similarities and differences in the polysemiosis of the two cultural practices. We conclude by summarizing the contributions of the study and point to some directions for future research.
Short- and long-term test–retest reliability of the English version of the 7-item DN4 questionnaire – a screening tool for neuropathic pain
Authors: Hardt Svenja , Bergau Selina-Antonette , Jacques Angela , Tampin Brigitte
Published: June 2023

Objectives

The original French version of the “Douleur Neuropathique en 4 Questions (DN4) questionnaire” is a valid screening tool for the identification of neuropathic pain (NeP). The DN4 has been translated into English, but the reliability of the English version has not yet been investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate the 7-item DN4 questionnaire in regards to short-term reliability before (T0) and immediately after (T1) the clinical examination and long-term reliability one week later (T2).

Methods

A total of 222 participants (age 56.33 ± 16 years, 56 % female) were recruited from a Pain Management Department and Neurosurgery Spinal Clinic. For T2 measurements, the 7-item DN4 was sent by post with the “Patient Global Impression of Change Scale”. The scale detects possible changes of symptoms, scoring from “very much improved” (1) to “very much worse” (7). Only participants whose symptoms had not changed much (scores 3–5) were included in the T0-T2 analysis. Weighted Kappa was used to analyse the reliability of the DN4 total scores and unweighted Kappa for the DN4 classifications.

Results

Considering missing data and exclusions, data of 215 participants could be used for the T0-T1 and data of 103 participants for T0-T2 analysis. There was almost perfect agreement for the 7-item DN4 total score between T0-T1 (weighted k: 0.891, CI: 0.758–1.024) and T0-T2 (weighted k: 0.850, CI: 0.657–1.043). Classifications between neuropathic pain and no neuropathic pain showed almost perfect agreement (k: 0.835, CI: 0.755–0.915) for T0-T1 and substantial agreement (k: 0.733, CI: 0.598–0.868) for T0-T2.

Conclusions

The English 7-item DN4 is a reliable screening tool for neuropathic pain.

Ethical committee number

#RGS0000001759.
Genetic variation in Pinus brutia Ten.: Wood density traits
Authors: Guller Bilgin , Isik Kani , Cetinay Senay
Published: June 2023

Trees in two provenance-progeny experimental sites of Pinus brutia Ten. were sampled to study variation in wood density and its components among and within six populations and to estimate heritability of wood density and ring components. Wood increment cores (12 mm thick) were collected from 29-year-old trees at breast height. A total of 1023 wood strips were scanned with the X-ray densitometry technique. There were significant differences among populations and among families (within populations) in all the characters studied. Murtbeli (M) population from the middle altitude (486 m asl) had the highest values in both ring-area-weighted density and late wood proportion (500 ± 2.7 kg/ m3 and 49 ± 0.3 %, respectively), whereas Hacibekar (H) population from the highest altitude (1032 m asl) exhibited the lowest values (468 ± 3.0 kg/ m3, 42 ± 0.3 %). Relatively high heritability values (hi2 between 0.45 and 0.74; hhs2 between 0.68 and 0.80) for investigated characters (except latewood density) suggest that these characteristics are under moderate to strong genetic control, and thus, by selecting populations (and families within populations) having high wood density, genetic improvement can be achieved in P. brutia. Correlations between wood density and other growth traits have indicated that simultaneous selection of desired genotypes for most of the wood density components is possible for the species. Latewood percentage and earlywood density present an optimal target for selection to improve wood density.
Theoretical study of the conversion from 5-hydroxymethylfuran-2-carbaldehyde to 2-hydroxy-5-methylene-2,5-dihydro-furan-2-carbaldehyde in the levulinic acid formation process
Authors: Wang Ze , Lin Weigang , Song Wenli
Published: June 2023

A novel reaction route was proposed from 5-hydroxymethylfuran-2- carbaldehyde (HMFCA) to 2-hydroxy-5-methylene-2,5-dihydro-furan-2-carbaldehyde (HMDFC) on the basis of the mechanism previously offered by Horvat, to account for the formation mechanism of levulinic acid. The probabilities of the two mechanisms were compared by Gaussian 03 software. It was found that the conversion from HMFCA to HMDFC in the newly deduced mechanism has a lower net energy requirement than that in the original mechanism, and thus should be more preferable. The mechanism indicates that HMFCA is initially protonized by H+ addition at the position 5 of the furan ring, and then combines with OH-, thereby completing the hydration process after isomerization. Finally, an H2O molecule is released, forming the intended intermediate product of HMDFC.
Cardiometabolic Risk Factors and COVID-19 Outcomes in the Asia-Pacific Region: A Systematic Review, Meta-analysis and Meta-regression of 84,011 Patients
Authors: Fong Ru Ying , Lee Annie , Gao Fei , Yap Jonathan Jiunn Liang , Yeo Khung Keong
Published: June 2023

Background: The aim of this study is to consolidate the available evidence to determine the impact of cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRF) – namely diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, obesity, smoking and hyperlipidaemia – on the mortality and intensive care unit (ICU) admission rates in Asia-Pacific patients with COVID-19. Methods: MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and the WHO COVID-19 global literature on coronavirus disease were systematically searched for relevant cohort studies published up to June 2021. Univariate and multivariate age, sex, and regional-adjusted regression were performed to evaluate the association between CMRF and mortality and ICU admission rates. Results: Of the 5,914 publications identified in our search, 31 studies involving 84,011 patients were included, and all studies were rated as good quality with a low risk of bias. The overall pooled mortality rate was 9.4%. The overall ICU admission rate was 9.6%. Random-effect meta-analysis showed associations with mortality rates as follows for diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease: OR 2.85, 95% CI [2.25–3.62], p<0.001; OR 2.51, 95% CI [1.93–3.27], p<0.001; and OR 2.75, 95% CI [2.09–3.62], p<0.001 respectively. The associations for ICU admission rates were as follows for diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease: OR 2.86, 95% CI [1.76–4.64], p<0.001; OR 2.93, 95% CI [2.37–3.63], p<0.001 and OR 3.32, 95% CI [2.17–5.06], p<0.001 respectively. Multivariate meta-regression for the mortality model demonstrated that age, sex and regional differences had significant interactions with covariates. Conclusion: Diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease showed significant associations with mortality and ICU admission rates. Age, sex, and regional differences were significant confounders for the associations of CMRF on COVID-19 mortality and ICU admission.
Characteristics of cliff nest sites of Golden Eagles in forested hills of southeast Norway
Authors: Dunker Henning
Published: June 2023

Cover photo: Adult Golden Eagle. Photo: Kristian Henriksen.
The characteristics of cliff nest sites of the Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos were evaluated from a sample of 57 nests, located during 2000–2020 in the forested valley of Valdres in southeast Norway. About 80% of nests were facing to the south and east, but availability of nest ledges seemed largely a consequence of cliff structure and orientation. Among the 57 nest sites, 4% were placed in a corner with vertical walls, 33% on a ledge with overhang, 10% on a ledge with a vertical back wall, 2% on a ledge with a reclining wall, 49% within a cavity and 2% within a cave. Thus, about 83% of the nest sites were sheltered by an overhang, a cavity or a cave in the cliff within 0.5–2 meters from the nest, and only 16% of sites lacked shelter from above. Heavy snowfall in early spring, torrential rain or strong winds in spring and summer may increase mortality among the nestlings unless the nest site is well sheltered. Moreover, a dry and snowless nest may allow the eagles to start early incubation in late March, thereby increasing fledgling survival. Cavitynests are sheltered sites with less visibility that might protect from attacks from other raptors and Ravens Corax corax.
Accumulated Savings During the Pandemic: An International Comparison with Historical Perspective
Authors: Soyres François de , Moore Dylan , Ortiz Julio L.
Published: June 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic gave rise to unprecedented global economic conditions. Due to a mix of government-imposed restrictions and voluntary personal decisions, mobility levels collapsed in March 2020 and subsequently closely tracked the successive waves of the pandemic.
2nd Annual International Roles of the U.S. Dollar Conference
Authors: Chaboud Alain , Correa Ricardo , Douglass Patrick , Goldberg Linda S. , Londono Juan M. , Ravazzolo Fabiola
Published: June 2023

The U.S. dollar plays a central role in the global economy. In addition to being the most widely used currency in foreign exchange transactions, it represents the largest share in official reserves, international debt securities and loans, cross-border payments, and trade invoicing.
The impact of early medical rehabilitation on improving the quality of life of patients after surgical treatment of breast cancer
Authors: Evstigneeva Inna S.
Published: June 2023

BACKGROUND: Various methods of physical therapy are widely used in the rehabilitation of patients with oncological diseases. It is known about the successful use of magnetotherapy, various types of electrotherapy, laser therapy, as a result of which the pain, edematous anti-inflammatory syndrome decreases after radical treatment. There are a large number of studies in the literature devoted to the study of the quality of life and the psycho-emotional state of a patient in the process of antitumor treatment, however, there are few studies on the effect of early onset of medical rehabilitation on the quality of life of women after surgical treatment of breast cancer.
AIM: тo compare the effectiveness of prescribing medical rehabilitation in breast cancer patients at different times after surgical treatment of breast cancer 24 days and 11.5 months after surgery.
MATERIAL AND METODS: A randomized placebo-controlled study was conducted in 70 patients at different times after surgical treatment of breast cancer. All patients underwent medical rehabilitation: individual physical therapy classes, balance therapy, classes with a medical psychologist, general magnetotherapy and intermittent pneumocompression. The main group included 35 patients who were rehabilitated on the 2nd-4th day after surgical treatment of breast cancer, the comparison group included 35 women who were rehabilitated after 11.5 months on the background of radiation therapy.
RESULTS: It was proved that the early start of medical rehabilitation in patients after surgical treatment of breast cancer (on the 2nd4th day), contributed to the rapid restoration of the quality of life, namely, a rapid reduction in pain and postoperative edema, an increase in the volume of movements in the shoulder joint, prevention of severe lymphostasis, rapid restoration of electrical excitability of the shoulder girdle muscles.
CONCLUSION: In the groups, a long-term clinical effect was obtained after the appointment of physiotherapy procedures, which emphasizes the expediency of exposure to physical factors at the first stage of rehabilitation to restore the motor function of the operated upper limb in patients with a history of breast cancer.
Laser and phototherapy of rosacea
Authors: Matushevskaya Yuliya I.
Published: June 2023

Rosacea is a non-infectious dermatological disease of middle age, requiring long-term and often lifelong treatment. The onset of the disease begins with minor clinical manifestations such as centrofacial transient erythema or conjunctivitis, which patients often do not consider as a need to consult a doctor.
Early therapy prevents the chronization of the process and the development of severe forms, which include papulo-pustular rosacea, ophthalmosacea and phymes.
One of the methods of rosacea treatment is physiotherapy, which includes laser light, cryotherapy, darsonvalization, electrophoresis, electrocoagulation, pulse therapy, inductothermy, phototherapy of vascular pathology, and others.
This review presents the main mechanisms of laser light action on human skin and systematizes recent data on its use in various forms of rosacea.
Despite the moderate success of laser therapy, further research will help to choose more effective treatment protocols for rosacea. The appearance of the first signs of vasodilation in the facial area, especially in people with a family history of rosacea, frequent eye diseases or the presence of fim, requires contacting a dermatologist.
Plasma medicine: Prospects and experience of application of low-temperature argon plasma in medical rehabilitation
Authors: Kozyreva Valeriia O.
Published: June 2023

Plasma medicine is a dynamically developing field of science based on the physical and chemical properties of air-plasma flows.
Low-temperature plasma is a partially ionized gas with a temperature of about 40C, the synergistic interaction of its active substances is a successful method of sterilization, decontamination of wound surfaces, treatment of surgical and burn wounds. Due to the combined action, over the past decades, low-temperature plasma has proven itself in purulent surgery, dermatology, and dentistry, but in addition, it has opened up great prospects in oncology. Possessing the effects of inhibiting inflammatory processes, stimulating regeneration processes, improving microcirculation and tissue metabolism, plasma flows are also used in medical rehabilitation.
The review considers the possibilities of using low-temperature plasma in various fields of medicine, as well as the effect of plasma flows on basic cellular processes and various forms of cell death. The experience of using low-temperature argon plasma in the complex rehabilitation of patients with malignant neoplasms is presented.
Literature sources from Russian and foreign databases (Elibrary, PubMed) on the topic of low-temperature plasma application in medical practice were analyzed. The analysis showed that plasma medicine is a rapidly developing modern direction, opening up new opportunities in healthcare.
Further studies of plasma streams are needed to unlock their full therapeutic potential and fully understand the mechanisms of action.
Understanding relationship between physical quality indicators and organic carbon in soils affected by long-time continuous cultivation under sub-humid ecosystem
Authors: MİKSTAS Deividas , DENGİZ Orhan
Published: June 2023

The objectives of this present study were to analyses soils and find out some soil quality properties and check relationship between soil compaction, crust formation and erodibility - K of the soils with the soil organic carbon (SOC) amount in the surface (0-20 cm) and subsurface (20-40 cm) soils affected by long-time continuous cultivation under sub-humid environmental condition. The research out comes showed that soil compaction, crust formation, erodibility K is highly significantly (P < 0.001) related to organic carbon, organic carbon stock, organic matter and between each other. The research also identifies that the study area generally, has clay texture, neutral pH, low amount of the CaCO3, high amount of OC and OM in top layer (0-20 cm) and moderate amount in bottom layer (20-40 cm). It was not identified significant differences between the soil properties in surface and subsurface soil layers.
Development of Hungarian spectral library: Prediction of soil properties and applications
Authors: MOHAMMEDZEİN Mohammed Ahmed , CSORBA Adam , ROTİCH Brian , JUSTİN Phenson Nsima , MELENYA Caleb , ANDREİ Yuri , MİCHELİ Erika
Published: June 2023

Updating soil information systems (SIS) requires advanced technologies to support the time and cost-effective and environment-friendly soil data. The use of mid- infrared (MIR) Spectroscopy as alternative to wet chemistry has been tested. The MIR spectral library is a useful technique for predicting soil attributes with high accuracy, efficiency, and low cost. The Hungarian MIR spectral library contained data on 2200 soil samples from 10 counties representing the first Soil Information and Mentoring System (SIMS) survey. Archived soil samples were prepared and scanned based on Diffuse Reflectance Infrared spectroscopy (DRIFT) technique and spectra data were saved in the fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer OPUS software. Preprocessed filtering methods, outlier detection methods and calibration sample selection methods were applied for spectral library. MIR calibration models were built for soil attributes using Partial Least Square Regression (PLSR) method. Coefficient determination (R2), The Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) and Ratio of Performance to Deviation (RPD) were used to assess the goodness of calibration and validation models. MIR spectral library had the ability to significantly estimate soil properties such as SOC, CaCO3, sand, clay and silt through various scale models (national, county and soil type). The findings showed that our spectral library soil estimations are precise enough to provide information on national, county and soil type levels enabling a wide range of soil applications that demand huge amounts of data such as soil survey, precision agriculture and digital soil mapping.
Mapping the sensitivity of land degradation in the Ouergha catchment (Morocco) using the MEDALUS approach
Authors: BOUTALLAKA Mohamed , EL MAZİ Mohamed , BEN-BRAHİM Youssef , HOUARİ Abdelghani
Published: June 2023

Soil degradation is a global phenomenon affecting the productivity of agricultural land. Due to the low vegetation cover and the aggressive climate, Morocco presents a significant case of soil degradation through erosion and desertification. The Ouergha catchment is highly vulnerable to this scourge. The objective of this study was to assess the sensitivity of land to degradation in the Ouergha catchment area. The MEDALUS approach, widely used in the Mediterranean region, was used to assess the sensitivity of soils to degradation/desertification. This approach integrates four indicators that strongly influence this phenomenon (climate, soil, vegetation and human pressure). The results show that more than half of the study area has a medium sensitivity of land to degradation. The critical areas represent 16.2% and correspond to bare land characterized by steep slopes and absence of vegetation. Low sensitivity areas occupy a limited proportion of 21.9% and correspond to wet summits and conserved forest areas. Climate change could lead to a further increase in areas susceptible to degradation.
The Effect of Add-on Memantine in New Onset Combat-Related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Core Symptoms: A Pilot Study
Authors: Rajabi Fatemeh , Fozveh Fatemeh , Maracy Mohammad Reza
Published: June 2023

Objective: Studies using standard neuropsychological instrumentation have shown memory deficits in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) patients. We examined the efficacy and safety of memantine in new cases of combat-related PTSD in the military by conducting a 16-week prospective double-blind randomized controlled trial.
Method: Twenty-six new combat-related PTSD cases were recruited from among the military personnel based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). Patients were assigned to memantine and Placebo groups. They were monitored at baseline, week eight, and week 16. Memantine was added to each patient's current medication with an initial dosage of 5 mg/day, raised by 5 mg/day every week until it reached the maintenance level of 20 mg/day. The concurrent drugs were essentially kept unchanged during the trial. The primary outcome was PTSD severity as assessed by the Clinician-administered PTSD Scale (CAPS). The CAPS is a valid and reliable tool for the diagnosis of PTSD and measurement of its severity according to the DSM–4.
Results: CAPS mean score in baseline (P = 0.811) and weeks eight (P = 0.389) and 16 (P = 0.066) did not show any significant differences between the two groups. The mean CAPS score in the memantine group significantly (P = 0.006) decreased (Mean differences = -8.79) compared to the placebo group, showing that intervention with memantine was effective. The mean total CAPS in weeks eight (Mean differences = -14.21) and 16 (Mean differences = -27) were less than the baseline, which was significantly meaningful (P < 0.001).
Conclusion: Findings of this study suggest that add-on memantine can be effective in veteran patients with PTSD. So our data provide useful insight into the management of new cases of combat-related PTSD.
Effectiveness of Group Psychosexual Training for Marital Adjustment and Sexual Self-Efficacy of Infertile Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Banaha Sara , Pasha Hajar , Bakhtiari Afsaneh , Omidvar Shabnam , Behmanesh Fereshteh , Faramarzi Mahbobeh , Esmailzadeh Sedigheh
Published: June 2023

Objective: Infertility can be associated with unfavorable psychological consequences such as a sense of marital incompatibility and sexual inadequacy. To address these issues, this study aimed to assess the effectiveness of group psycho-sexual training in improving marital adjustment and sexual self-efficacy of infertile women.
Method: A randomized controlled clinical trial (RCT) study was conducted in Babol, Iran, with 72 infertile women, randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n = 36) or the control group (n = 36). The intervention group underwent psychosexual training, while the control group received routine care. The Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS) and Sexual Self-Efficacy Scale (SSES) were used to assess their marital adjustment and sexual self-efficacy. Data analysis was performed using various tests, including the independent t-test, Chi-squared test, paired t-test, ANCOVA, and MANCOVA.
Results: Most infertile women had moderate sexual self-efficacy (80%). The intervention group had a significantly better response to group psycho-sexual training compared to the control group. This intervention improved sexual self-efficacy and marital adjustment and its subscales including marital consensus, satisfaction, cohesion (P < 0.0001), and affectional expression (P < 0.001). The mean pre-to-post treatment scores of sexual self- efficacy, marital adjustment, and its subscales increased significantly in the intervention group, while no significant difference was observed in the control group (P < 0.0001).
Conclusion: Based on the findings, it is recommended to provide educational services alongside the infertility treatment process for enhancing the quality of marital adjustment and promoting sexual self-efficacy.