bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complex adult congenital heart disease on cross-sectional imaging: an introductory overview
Authors: Saleh Mahdi , Gendy David , Voges Inga , Nyktari Eva , Arzanauskaite Monika
Published: April 2022

Congenital heart disease is the most common group of congenital pathology. Over the past few decades, advances in surgical treatment have resulted in a rising population of adult patients with repaired complex congenital heart disease. Although the quality of life has greatly improved, a significant proportion of morbidities encountered in clinical practice is now seen in adults rather than in children. These patients often have significant haemodynamic pathophysiology necessitating repeat intervention. CT and MRI are excellent imaging modalities, which help elucidate potential complications that may need urgent management. Although imaging should be performed in specialised centres, occasionally patients may present acutely to emergency departments in hospitals with little experience in managing potentially complex patients. The purpose of this article is to provide an introductory overview to the radiologist who may not be familiar with complex congenital heart disease in adult patients. This educational review has three main sections: (1) a brief overview of the post-operative anatomy and surgical management of the most common complex conditions followed by (2) a discussion on CT/MRI protocols and (3) a review of the various complications and their CT/MRI findings.
Anesthetic management of a severely obese patient (body mass index 70.1 kg/m2) undergoing giant ovarian tumor resection: a case report
Authors: Yamochi Shoko , Kinoshita Mao , Sawa Teiji
Published: April 2022

Background

Giant ovarian tumors are rarely seen with severe obesity. There are few reports of perioperative management of giant ovarian tumors and severe obesity. Here, we report the perioperative management of physiological changes in massive intraabdominal tumors in a patient with severe obesity.

Case presentation

A 46-year-old Japanese woman (height 166 cm, weight 193.2 kg; body mass index 70.1 kg/m2) was scheduled to undergo laparotomy for a giant ovarian tumor. The patient was placed in the ramp position. Preoxygenation was performed using a high-flow nasal cannula, and awake tracheal intubation was performed using a video laryngoscope. Mechanical ventilation using a limited tidal volume with moderate positive end-expiratory pressure was applied during the surgical procedure. The aspiration speed for 15 L of tumor aspirate was set to under 1 L/minute, and the possibility of reexpansion pulmonary edema was foreseen by conventional monitoring.

Conclusions

We successfully completed anesthetic management in a patient with concomitant severe obesity and giant ovarian tumors.
What is the potential for plural ownership to support a more inclusive economy? A systematic review protocol
Authors: Tod Elaine , Shipton Deborah , McCartney Gerry , Sarica Shifa , Scobie Graeme , Parkinson Jane , Bagnall Anne-Marie , Manley Julian , Cumbers Andrew , Deas Sarah , de le Vingne James
Published: April 2022

Background

The world is facing an unprecedented systemic shock to population health, the economy and society due to the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. As with most economic shocks, this is expected to disproportionately impact vulnerable groups in society such as those in poverty and those in precarious employment as well as marginalised groups such as women, the elderly, Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) groups and those with health conditions. The current literature is rich in normative recommendations on plural ownership as a key building block of an inclusive economy rooted in communities and their needs. There is, however, a need for a rigorous synthesis of the available evidence on what impact (if any) plural ownership may potentially have on the inclusivity of the economy. This review seeks to synthesise and compare the available evidence across the three economic sectors (private, public and third).

Methods

We will search eight bibliographic databases (Sociological abstracts, EBSCO Econlit, OVID Embase, OVID Medline, Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts (ASSIA), ProQuest Public Health, Web of Science, Research Papers in Economics (Repec) – EconPapers) from the earliest data available in each database until January 2021. Grey literature will be identified from Google (advanced), Google Scholar and 37 organisational websites identified as relevant to the research question. We will include comparative studies of plural ownership from high-income countries that report outcomes on access to opportunities, distribution of benefits, poverty, and discrimination. A bespoke search strategy will be used for each website to account for the heterogeneity in content and search capabilities and will be fully documented. A standardised data extraction template based on the Population-Intervention-Context-Outcome (PICO) template will be developed. We will assess the strength of evidence for different forms of economic ownership identified in relation to the impact of each on the four economic outcomes of interest, paying particular attention to the role of wider contextual factors as they emerge through the evidence.

Discussion

The findings of this review are intended to inform policymaking at local, national and international level that prioritises and supports the development of different economic and business models.

Systematic review registration

Open Science Framework registration DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/BYH5A
Metagenomic investigation of the seasonal distribution of bacterial community and antibiotic-resistant genes in Day River Downstream, Ninh Binh, Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Son Giang , Raza Shahbaz , Ta Loan Thi , Le Lan-Anh Thi , Ho Cuong Tu , Unno Tatsuya
Published: April 2022

In this study, we use high-throughput sequencing-based metagenomic methods to investigate the differences in seasonal structures of the bacterial community and the abundance and diversity of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) in both shrimp ponds and river water samples downstream of the Day River, Ninh Binh, Vietnam. The structure of the central bacterial community, ARGs, and MGEs was found to be regardless of the seasons and locations. The predominant phyla found in all samples was Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Actinobacteria. Multi-drug resistance (MDR) genes and transposases are the most dominant ARG types and MGEs, respectively. Our data showed a higher abundance of bacterial communities, ARGs, and MGEs in the river water during the rainy season. There is a significant correlation between the abundance of ARGs, MGEs, and environmental factors. Our results indicate that water environments containing ARGs/MGEs carrying bacteria pose a risk to shrimp and human health, especially during the rainfall-polluted water season.
Risk-targeted behavioral activation for the management of work disability associated with comorbid pain and depression: a feasibility study
Authors: Sullivan Michael J. L. , Wideman Timothy H. , Gauthier Nathalie , Thibault Pascal , Ellis Tamra , Adams Heather
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The purpose of the present study was to conduct a preliminary evaluation of the feasibility and impact of a risk-targeted behavioral activation intervention for work-disabled individuals with comorbid pain and depression.

Methods

The design of the study was a single-arm non-randomized trial. The sample consisted of 66 work-disabled individuals with comorbid pain and depression. The treatment program consisted of a 10-week standardized behavioral activation intervention supplemented by techniques to target two psychosocial risk factors for delayed recovery, namely, catastrophic thinking and perceptions of injustice. Measures of pain severity, depression, catastrophic thinking, perceived injustice, and self-reported disability were completed pre-, mid-, and post-treatment. Satisfaction with treatment was assessed at post-treatment. Return to work was assessed at 6-month follow-up.

Results

The drop-out rate was 18%. At treatment termination, 91% of participants indicated that they were “very” or “completely” satisfied with their involvement in the treatment program. Significant reductions in pain (Cohen’s d = 0.71), depression (d = 0.86), catastrophic thinking (d = 1.1), and perceived injustice (d = 1.0) were observed through the course of treatment. In multivariate analyses, treatment-related reductions in depression, catastrophic thinking, and perceived injustice, but not pain, contributed significant unique variance to the prediction of return-to-work outcomes.

Conclusions

Risk-targeted behavioral activation was found to be an acceptable and effective intervention for work-disabled individuals with comorbid pain and depression. The findings suggest that interventions targeting psychosocial risk factors for pain and depression might contribute to more positive recovery outcomes in work-disabled individuals with comorbid pain and depression.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT0517442. Retrospectively registered.
Efficacy of soil-borne entomopathogenic fungi against subterranean termite, Coptotermes curvignathus Holmgren (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)
Authors: Kamarudin Muhammad Amali , Abdullah Sumaiyah , Lau Wei Hong
Published: April 2022

Background

Coptotermes curvignathus Holmgren (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) is a subterranean termite that poses serious damage to oil palm and rubber trees. Chemical pesticides could cause negative effect to human and the environment in long-term usage. The use of entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) to suppress the population of subterranean termites is in favour when compared to chemical pesticides because they do not harm to the environment and non-target organisms. The study aimed to isolate and identify the EPF from the soil using yellow mealworm larvae of Tenebrio molitor Linnaeus in the baiting method and assessed their efficacy against subterranean termite, C. curvignathus.

Result

Eleven EPF isolates were successfully isolated from the oil palm plantation in Universiti Putra Malaysia, namely: Aspergillus auricomus (UPM-A1C-1), A. caelatus (UPM-A1C-2), Metarhizium anisopliae var anisopliae (UPM-A2C-1, UPM-A3C-1, UPM-A3C-2, UPM-A5C-1 and UPM-A10C-1), Purpureocillium lilacinum (UPM-A2C-3 and UPM-A7C-1), Cordyceps javanica (UPM-A2C-5), and M. pinghaense (UPM-A13C-2). The identity of these EPF were confirmed by morphological and molecular characteristics. All EPF yielded 100% mortality in C. curvignathus in 10 days after inoculation (DAI), except UPM-A1C-1 and UPM-A1C-2 after exposure to 1 × 107 conidia ml−1. UPM-A2C-5 Cordyceps javanica yielded the highest mycelia formation (69%) after 6 DAI. The LT50 values varied from 3.90 to 7.75 days. UPM A2C-1 M. anisopliae var anisopliae showed the lowest LT50 (3.90 days), while UPM-A1C-1 Aspergillus auricomus showed the highest LT50 (7.75 days). The lowest LC50 value (1.49 × 105 conidia ml−1) was recorded in UPM A2C-1  M. anisopliae var anisopliae.

Conclusions

The present study confirmed the soilborne EPF with potential insecticidal activity against C. curvignathus. UPM-A2C-1 M. anisopliae var anisopliae was a potential biological control agent against Subterranean termite, C. curvignathus due to its virulence score and high percentage of mycelia formation after 6 DAI. The data reported in the present study, particularly using P. lilacinum, M. pinghaense, Aspergillus auricomus, A. caelatus and C. javanica with potential insecticidal activity against C. curvignathus, are new records.
Hybrid optical parametrically-oscillating emitter at 1930 nm for volumetric photoacoustic imaging of water content
Authors: Shi Jiawei , Li Mingsheng , Tang Huajun , Kang Jiqiang , Sharmin Najia , Rosenthal Amir , Wong Kenneth K. Y.
Published: April 2022

Water plays a vital role in biological metabolism and it would be essential to trace the water content non-invasively, such as leveraging the vibrational absorption peak of the O–H bond. However, due to the lack of an efficient laser source, it was challenging to image the water content in the deep tissue with micron-level spatial resolution. To address this problem, we develop a high-power hybrid optical parametrically-oscillating emitter (HOPE) at 1930 nm, at which the vibrational absorption peak of the O–H bond locates. The maximum pulse energy is over 1.74 μJ with a pulse repetition rate of 50 kHz and a pulse width of 15 ns. We employ this laser source in the optical-resolution photoacoustic microscopy (OR-PAM) system to image the water content in the phantom and the biological tissue in vitro. Our 1930-nm OR-PAM could map the water content in the complex tissue environment at high spatial resolution, deep penetration depth, improved sensitivity, and suppressed artifact signal of the lipid.
Development of a workflow for processing ground-penetrating radar data from multiconcurrent receivers
Authors: Angelis Dimitrios , Warren Craig , Diamanti Nectaria , Martin James , Peter Annan A.
Published: April 2022

Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) systems with multiconcurrent sampling receivers can rapidly acquire dense multioffset GPR data, which are not feasible using typical common-offset (CO) GPR systems with a single fixed offset transmitter-receiver pair. Multioffset GPR data from these new multiconcurrent receiver systems have the potential to be used to create detailed subsurface velocity models and enhanced reflection sections. These are important features that can improve qualitative and quantitative interpretation of GPR data. To realize these benefits and to deal with the large amount of multioffset data generated by these new systems, we have developed an automated and customized data processing workflow. There are three key algorithms that we have developed as part of our workflow, which is crucial for processing large volume, multioffset GPR data so as: first, to efficiently correct and manage time misalignments from multiconcurrent receivers; second, to carry out trace balancing of common-midpoint data for semblance analysis; and third, to automate the velocity analysis step. We showcase our processing workflow using two field data sets acquired using a multiconcurrent sampling receiver GPR system consisting of one transmitter and seven receivers. The field data were collected at two different locations: a site using a system with a 500 MHz center frequency and another site using a system with a 1000 MHz center frequency. We have determined, with both data sets, that our processing workflow could produce automated stacking velocity fields and enhanced zero-offset reflection cross sections. These benefits increase the information that can be used for interpretation (compared with conventional CO data) and can form the basis of further processing steps such as migration. As the cost of these multiconcurrent sampling receiver systems decreases over time, we anticipate their use, and the acquisition of dense multioffset GPR data, to become much more commonplace.
Somatic Mutation Profiling in Head and Neck Paragangliomas
Authors: Savvateeva Maria , Kudryavtseva Anna , Lukyanova Elena , Kobelyatskaya Anastasiya , Pavlov Vladislav , Fedorova Maria , Pudova Elena , Guvatova Zulfiya , Kalinin Dmitry , Golovyuk Alexander , Bulavkina Elizaveta , Katunina Irina , Krasnov George , Snezhkina Anastasiya
Published: April 2022

Context

Head and neck paragangliomas (HNPGLs) are rare neoplasms with a high degree of heritability. Paragangliomas present as polygenic diseases caused by combined alterations in multiple genes; however, many driver changes remain unknown.

Objective

The objective of the study was to analyze somatic mutation profiles in HNPGLs.

Methods

Whole-exome sequencing of 42 tumors and matched normal tissues obtained from Russian patients with HNPGLs was carried out. Somatic mutation profiling included variant calling and utilizing MutSig and SigProfiler packages.

Results

57% of patients harbored germline and somatic variants in paraganglioma (PGL) susceptibility genes or potentially related genes. Somatic variants in novel genes were found in 17% of patients without mutations in any known PGL-related genes. The studied cohort was characterized by 6 significantly mutated genes: SDHD, BCAS4, SLC25A14, RBM3, TP53, and ASCC1, as well as 4 COSMIC single base substitutions (SBS)-96 mutational signatures (SBS5, SBS29, SBS1, and SBS7b). Tumors with germline variants specifically displayed SBS11 and SBS19, when an SBS33-specific mutational signature was identified for cases without those. Beta allele frequency analysis of copy number variations revealed loss of heterozygosity of the wild-type allele in 1 patient with germline mutation c.287-2A>G in the SDHB gene. In patients with germline mutation c.A305G in the SDHD gene, frequent potential loss of chromosome 11 was observed.

Conclusion

These results give an understanding of somatic changes and the mutational landscape associated with HNPGLs and are important for the identification of molecular mechanisms involved in tumor development.
Expression-based Genome-wide Association Study Links OPN and IL1-RA With Newly Diagnosed Type 1 Diabetes in Children
Authors: Jia Xiaofan , Toda Kyoko , He Ling , Miao Dongmei , Yamada Satoru , Yu Liping , Kodama Keiichi
Published: April 2022

Context

Islet autoantibodies (IAbs) are currently the most reliable indicators of islet autoimmunity. However, IAbs do not fully meet the need for the prediction and intervention of type 1 diabetes (T1D). Serological proteins should be great sources for biomarkers.

Objective

This work aimed to identify new proteomic biomarkers with the technology of an expression-based genome-wide association study (eGWAS) in children newly diagnosed with T1D.

Methods

In an attempt to identify additional biomarkers, we performed an eGWAS using microarray data from 169 arrays of the pancreatic islets of T1D rodents (78 T1D cases and 91 controls). We ranked all 16 099 protein-coding genes by the likelihood of differential expression in the pancreatic islets. Our top 20 secreted proteins were screened in 170 children including 100 newly diagnosed T1D, and 50 type 2 diabetes (T2D) and 20 age-matched healthy children. With 6 proteins showing significance, we further conducted a validation study using the second independent set of 400 samples from children including 200 newly diagnosed with T1D, 100 T2D, and 100 age-matched controls.

Results

We identified 2 serum proteins that were significantly changed in T1D vs both control and T2D, and 5 serum proteins were significantly changed both in T1D and T2D vs control. Serum osteopontin (OPN) levels were uniquely higher in T1D (T1D vs controls, P = 1.29E-13 ~ 9.38E-7, T1D vs T2D, P = 2.65E-8 ~ 1.58E-7) with no difference between T2D and healthy control individuals. Serum interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) levels were lower in T1D compared both with T2D (P = 3.36E-9~0.0236) and healthy participants (P = 1.09E-79 ~ 2.00E-12).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that OPN and IL1-RA could be candidates for useful biomarkers for T1D in children.
Radiomorphological signs and clinical severity of SARS-CoV-2 lineage B.1.1.7
Authors: Simon Judit , Grodecki Kajetan , Cadet Sebastian , Killekar Aditya , Slomka Piotr , Zara Samuel James , Zsarnóczay Emese , Nardocci Chiara , Nagy Norbert , Kristóf Katalin , Vásárhelyi Barna , Müller Veronika , Merkely Béla , Dey Damini , Maurovich-Horvat Pál
Published: April 2022

Objective:

We aimed to assess the differences in the severity and chest-CT radiomorphological signs of SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 and non-B.1.1.7 variants.

Methods:

We collected clinical data of consecutive patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 and chest-CT imaging who were admitted to the Emergency Department between September 1– November 13, 2020 (non-B.1.1.7 cases) and March 1–March 18, 2021 (B.1.1.7 cases). We also examined the differences in the severity and radiomorphological features associated with COVID-19 pneumonia. Total pneumonia burden (%), mean attenuation of ground-glass opacities and consolidation were quantified using deep-learning research software.

Results:

The final population comprised 500 B.1.1.7 and 500 non-B.1.1.7 cases. Patients with B.1.1.7 infection were younger (58.5 ± 15.6 vs 64.8 ± 17.3; p < .001) and had less comorbidities. Total pneumonia burden was higher in the B.1.1.7 patient group (16.1% [interquartile range (IQR):6.0–34.2%] vs 6.6% [IQR:1.2–18.3%]; p < .001). In the age-specific analysis, in patients <60 years B.1.1.7 pneumonia had increased consolidation burden (0.1% [IQR:0.0–0.7%] vs 0.1% [IQR:0.0–0.2%]; p < .001), and severe COVID-19 was more prevalent (11.5% vs  4.9%; p = .032). Mortality rate was similar in all age groups.

Conclusion:

Despite B.1.1.7 patients were younger and had fewer comorbidities, they experienced more severe disease than non-B.1.1.7 patients, however, the risk of death was the same between the two groups.

Advances in knowledge:

Our study provides data on deep-learning based quantitative lung lesion burden and clinical outcomes of patients infected by B.1.1.7 VOC. Our findings might serve as a model for later investigations, as new variants are emerging across the globe.
Observer agreement of imaging measurements used for evaluation of dentofacial deformity in juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Fischer Johannes , Halbig Josefine , Augdal Thomas , Angenete Oskar , Stoustrup Peter Bangsgaard , Dahl Kristensen Kasper , Slåttelid Skeie Marit , Tylleskär Karin , Rosén Annika , Shi Xieqi , Rosendahl Karen
Published: April 2022

Objectives:

To examine the precision of imaging measures commonly used to assess mandibular morphology in children and adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Secondly, to compare cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the measurement of condylar height.

Methods:

Those included were children diagnosed with JIA during 2015–18 who had had an MRI, a CBCT of the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) and a lateral cephalogram (ceph) of the head within one month of each other. Agreement within and between observers and methods was examined using Bland-Altman mean-difference plots and 95% limits of agreement (LOA). A 95% LOA within 15% of the sample mean was considered acceptable. Minimal detectable change (MDC) within and between observers was estimated.

Results:

90 patients (33 males) were included, with a mean age of 12.8 years. For MRI, intra- and interobserver 95% LOA were relatively narrow for total mandibular length: 9.6% of the sample mean. For CBCT, condylar height, both intra- and interobserver 95% LOA were wide: 16.0 and 28.4% of the sample mean, respectively. For ceph, both intra- and interobserver 95% LOA were narrow for the SNA-angle and gonion angle: 5.9 and 8% of the sample mean, and 6.2 and 6.8%, respectively.

Conclusions:

We have identified a set of precise measurements for facial morphology assessments in JIA, including one MRI-based (total mandibular length), one CBCT-based (condylar height), and three ceph-based. Condylar height was higher for MRI than for CBCT; however, the measurement was too imprecise for clinical use. MDC was also determined for a series of measurements.
Influence of artefacts generated by titanium and zirconium implants in the study of trabecular bone architecture in cone-beam CT images
Authors: Vitulli Ivana , Fontenele Rocharles Cavalcante , Nascimento Eduarda Helena Leandro , Freitas Deborah Queiroz
Published: April 2022

Objectives:

To evaluate the influence of artefacts generated by titanium and zirconium implants on trabecular bone architecture assessment through cone-beam CT (CBCT). The influence of kilovoltage (kVp) and metal artefact reduction (MAR) in such analysis was also assessed.

Methods:

CBCT scans were obtained with Picasso Trio with or without a titanium or zirconium implants in a posterior region of a mandible using 70, 80 or 90 kVp, with or without MAR. The other acquisition settings were constant: field of view 8 × 5 cm, voxel size 0.2 mm, 5 mA, 24 s and 720 frames. Two volumes of interest (VOIs) were determined comprising trabecular bone mesial and distal to the implant area. The following morphometric parameters were measured: connectivity density (Conn. Dn.), fractal dimension (FD), bone volume fraction (BV/TV), bone surface density (BS/TV), trabecular thickness (Tb. Th.), and trabecular spacing (Tb. Sp.), and compared by multiway ANOVA (α = 0.05).

Results:

For Conn. Dn. and FD, with MAR, the zirconium group showed values significantly lower than the other groups (p < 0.05). For BV/TV, BS/TV, Tb. Th. and Tb. Sp., the zirconium group showed the highest values, regardless of MAR condition (p < 0.05). MAR increased BS/TV and Tb. Th. values, and decreased FD values for zirconium group. In general, the kVp level did not influence trabecular morphometric parameters.

Conclusion:

The assessment of the trabecular bone architecture was mainly influenced by the expression of the artefacts generated by zirconium implants. MAR decreased the FD and increased the BS/TV and Tb.Th. values regardless of the kVp level.
Noninvasive high-frequency oscillatory ventilation versus bi-level positive pressure ventilation in premature infants with respiratory failure: A retrospective study
Authors: Chen Wenqian , Chen Zhiqing , Lai Shuahua , Cai Wenhong , Lin Yunfeng
Published: April 2022

Objectives: Noninvasive high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (nHFOV) is a novel respiratory support mode for premature infants. This retrospective study aimed to compare the effect of nHFOV and bi-level nasal continuous positive airway pressure (BiPAP) in premature infants with neonatal respiratory failure (NRF) as initial noninvasive ventilation (NIV) support mode.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed medical records of preterm infants admitted to the tertiary neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) of Fujian Maternal and Child Health Hospital from January 2019 to December 2020. Preterm infants with the gestational age of 25-34 weeks, diagnosed with NRF, used nHFOV or BiPAP as the initial respiratory support mode were analyzed. The rates of invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) within the first seven days after birth and adverse outcomes were compared between the two groups.

Results: Two hundred fifty-five preterm infants were analyzed (128 in nHFOV group,127 in BiPAP group). There was no significant difference in baseline characteristics between the two groups. Compared with the BiPAP group, the nHFOV group had significantly lower need for IMV within the first seven days after birth (18/128 vs. 33/127, p = 0.01) and PCO2 at 12 and 24 hours post-treatment (46.34±5.24mmHg vs. 51.18±4.83mmHg, P<0.01; 40.72±4.02mmHg vs. 42.50±3.86mmHg, P<0.01). The incidence of BPD, ROP, air leak syndromes, IVH≥ grade 3, PVL, NEC≥II stage, abdominal distension, and nasal trauma were similar between the two groups.

Conclusion: nHFOV significantly reduced the need for IMV and improved the elimination of CO2 compared with BiPAP in preterm infants with NRF without increasing the incidence of adverse effects.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.5.5939

How to cite this:Chen W, Chen Z, Lai S, Cai W, Lin Y. Noninvasive high-frequency oscillatory ventilation versus bi-level positive pressure ventilation in premature infants with respiratory failure: A retrospective study. Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(5):---------.  doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.5.5939

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
IMPROVING THE RAW MATERIAL MANAGEMENT PROCESS USING SELECTED LEAN TOOLS
Authors: Bogdanović Mario , Bartolić Filip
Published: April 2022

Through process management and selected lean tools, it is created the methodology for raw material management improvement in the production process of the factory which produces high-tech products for the international market. It is explicated the way of process project implementation by process methodology with all phases of the living cycle and with selected lean tools (cause-effect diagram, A3). In this way, it is solved otherwise “difficult to solve” problem of suboptimal raw material management and radical productivity improvement by means of bottleneck removal. It is offered a process-project methodology for production improvement which can be used in all high-tech factories and deals with the raw material management and production optimization problem. In an empirical way there are solved three research problems and are confirmed consistent hypotheses: a) in the existing process of raw material management in the factory are found significant suboptimality and their causal factors were discovered; b) the process is redesigned by the state analysis and by lean tools in order to improve the productivity of the production line; c) by strictly adhering the work process according to new (redesigned) process model in the implementation and monitoring phase by means of indicators it is achieved the process stability (during tree month implementation phase). By raw material management optimization, it is enabled the almost perfect operation of the line without bottlenecks and downtime. Empirically researched and in practice confirmed method of process improvement in the field of suboptimal raw material management which serve the production line, is a signpost for all high-tech production companies that face the same or similar optimization problems.
FACTORS OF ORGANIZATIONAL OPERATIONS IN THE FOCUS OF CONTROLLING AND MARKET CHANGE
Authors: Lojaničić Radojko , Lojaničić Darko , Živanović Nada
Published: April 2022

The business of small and medium-sized companies, viewed globally, cannot be imagined without efficient strategic factors and business organization. Incorporating market factors into the business of organizations is imperative for future business. Organizational business takes place through processes that are essential for the administration and overall work of the organization. For the organization and management, adequately grouping jobs and employees increases production. Work overload is controlled effectively, and job duplication is limited. It reduces the waste of material resources and strengths. Effective delegation of work and decision-making is less undemanding. A clear division of labor enables the growth and diversification of activities. The administration is facilitated. The efficient functioning of the entire organization, etc., is achieved. From the organizational aspect, the goal is to develop appropriate factors for successful control and define the most suitable organization's structure, the scope of work, and nature of decentralization. It is essential to implement the appropriate process organization which ensures optimal technical and human resources used to obtain the strategic success of industries and small and medium-sized companies. The influence of market changes requires a clear definition of organizational and strategic factors in management and organization. That is necessary to encourage creativity and innovation linearly, and in the function of strengthening the interaction between different levels of management. It is a prerequisite for uniting the efforts of all employees. The article presents the organization's key factors and control for its successful operation. Organizational structure and culture are the main strategic elements of business efficiency improvement when a company wants to reach the set goals.
SERBIA AND SMART CITIES
Authors: Prigoda Lyudmila , Bogavac Milanka , Čekerevac Zoran
Published: April 2022

The "smart city" concept is based on the wide use of information and communication technologies. The Internet of Things is the key to the new opportunities to collect and analyze the data needed to create a more pleasant environment. It will connect all the smart-city elements and turn them into a coherent mechanism. Under many definitions, a smart city is a city with good functionality and a perspective on the economy, management, mobility, and environment. At the same time, the city is "sustainable" if it is composed of activities of independent and conscious citizens who can make their own decisions. For the further development of the current smart cities and also the contenders for that title, constant state support for new projects is necessary. After discussing the general criteria for smart cities, the authors considered smart cities in Serbia. Also, they discussed the application of the geographic information system, activities of communal services, eGovernment, and some solutions that are already in use. The authors gave a critical review of shortcomings in practice and inconsistencies in the smart-cities creation in Serbia. They pointed out that the authorities are taking steps toward the digitalization of cities, trying to involve citizens in the decision-making process, realizing that the development of smart cities has a positive impact on the national economy. But also, it must be done more decisively and efficiently, primarily in the field of legislation and project financing.
DEPENDENCE OF THE EFFICIENCY OF AGRICULTURAL BUSINESS ON EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL FACTORS (ON THE EXAMPLE OF THE REPUBLIC OF TATARSTAN)
Authors: Gaynutdinov Ilgizar , Mukhametgaliev Farit , Khismatullin Marsel , Avhadiev Fayaz , Aleksandrova Natal'ya
Published: April 2022

In 2020, exports from Russia amounted to about 79 million tons of agricultural products and food worth $ 30.7 billion, which is 20% more than in 2019. By 2024, the volume of exports of agricultural products should grow to $ 45 billion, which indicates export opportunities and its prospects. The drought of the growing season of 2021, together with internal factors, caused a shortfall in crop production in the Republic of Tatarstan in the amount of about 43 billion rubles, and a 48% increase in the cost of grain led to a shortfall in profit in the amount of 3 billion rubles. Unfavorable external economic factors, imperfection of state regulation in terms of organizational and administrative nature, lead to a decrease in production efficiency, which could be observed on the example of the beet industry, manifested in an increase in prices for its final products in 2020. Studies have shown that under the same soil-climatic, economic conditions of management, the efficiency of grain production in the context of municipal districts of the Transcamian zone of the Republic of Tatarstan differed significantly (the average level of profitability for 3 years ranged from 13% to 24%). An analysis of the financial results of agricultural enterprises of the republic for 2015-2020 showed that four out of six years, agricultural producers, excluding subsidies from budgets, had a negative financial result, which necessitates an increase in government measures aimed at compensating for the loss of income to agricultural producers. In order to make more complete use of internal reserves, it is necessary to study and implement the technology and organization of production from commodity producers who, under the same soil and climatic conditions, show a high level of production efficiency. State executive authorities, represented by line ministries and departments, should take measures to stimulate production volumes, strengthen intervention measures in the market of agricultural products, raw materials and food, regulate imports and exports, and ensure price parity measures in agricultural industries
CORPORATE MANAGEMENT OF FINANCIAL POTENTIAL
Authors: Ostaev Gamlet , Kondrat'ev Dmitriy , Klychova Guzaliya , Nigmatullina Nuriya , Klychova Augul
Published: April 2022

The article is devoted to the formation and implementation of the financial potential of large organizations (corporations). Under the financial potential, the authors understand the totality of capital objects of long-term and short-term use (non-current and current assets) in value terms, which they have on their balance sheet, according to the possibilities and limitations of functioning in the current economic environment, and under its implementation - the monetary benefit of corporations from operating them in the process of carrying out activities. The purpose of the study is focused on creating a toolkit for assessing this monetary benefit, which includes appropriate methods, for an objective analysis of the indicators of the implementation of corporate financial potential and the identification of reserves for their ultimate improvement. The assessment of such a benefit, which is an increase in cash receipts for the period under study, should be composed of cost effects due to the dynamics of capital return (an indicator of the efficiency of using total assets) and the cost of capital. Comparison of the calculated parameters will give an answer about the quality of the implementation of the financial potential of corporations. The evaluation of these indicators is possible using the methods of deduction and induction in combination with the differentiation method. In combination with each other, they provide the most accurate parameters for all structural elements (intermediate indicators) that affect the final indicators (final indicators) of interest to us. The developed methods were tested on the example of Komos Group LLC), on which an analysis was made of the formation and implementation of its financial potential over a five-year period, and corrective measures were proposed to improve the efficiency of capital use as a fundamental factor indicator of monetary benefits
THE ESSENCE AND PECULIARITIES OF COOPERATIVE ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN THE AGRICULTURAL SPHERE
Authors: Khafizov Dafik , Shamsutdinova Marina , Khismatullin Marsel , Mukhametgaliev Farit , Asadullin Nail , Gaynutdinov Ilgizar
Published: April 2022

In the conditions of insufficient use of the possibilities of cooperation in improving the efficiency of agricultural production, improving the food provision to the population through the development of cooperative entrepreneurship, research work was carried out to substantiate the essence of cooperative entrepreneurship, its features in the agricultural sector, develop recommendations for ensuring the development and effective functioning of cooperative forms of management on an entrepreneurial basis. The studies were carried out using monographic, abstract-logical, computational-constructive, economic-statistical methods. The information base for the study was official regulations, materials from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food of the Republic of Tatarstan, official data from Rosstat and Tatarstanstat for 2015-2020, the results of the authors’ own observations and sociological surveys conducted in certain municipal districts of the Republic of Tatarstan. As the main results of the study, the substantiation of the essence and features of cooperative entrepreneurship in the agrarian sector is presented, the presence of a significant reserve for the development of agricultural cooperation through the involvement of non-cooperative peasant (farmer) households and households in cooperatives is revealed. Revealed: insufficient preparedness of managers and specialists of agricultural cooperatives in the organization of effective entrepreneurial activity; lack of financial resources for a significant part of the newly registered cooperatives to carry out full-fledged entrepreneurial activities; shortcomings in the current legislation on agricultural cooperation. It is proposed to deepen scientific research, improve the training and advanced training of cooperative personnel in the field of organizing effective business activities, intra-cooperative relations in compliance with cooperative principles; allocation of additional financial resources to support newly registered cooperatives; improvement of the current legislation in the field of agricultural cooperation, the introduction of statistical reporting on the results of the work of cooperatives
DEPENDENCE OF SOIL STRUCTURAL AND FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES ON ITS TREATMENT DURING MUSTARD GROWING
Authors: Kuzina Elena
Published: April 2022

The article presents the results of studies on the study of the influence of various tillage systems on the bulk density, structural aggregate composition and water resistance of the arable layer under mustard crops. The studies were carried out in 2019-2021 in Ulyanovsk region. Five tillage systems were studied: 1. Moldboard - (plowing at 20-22 cm PLN-4-35) control; 2. Differentiated different-depth - (alternating plowing by 25-27 cm PLN-4-35 and disking by 6-8 cm); 3. Comb-shaped (OP-3C for 13-15cm); 4. Disc - (BDM for 6-8cm); 5. Flat-cut processing - (KPSh-3 by 13-15 cm). The soil of the experimental plot is represented by slightly leached heavy loam}- chernozem with a humus content of 5.8-6.1%. The dependence of some agrophysical properties of leached chernozem on reducing the intensity of influence on the treated layer is determined. Replacing plowing with non-moldboard loosening (options with comb, disc and flat-cut cultivation) or its periodic use against the background of disc cultivation in crop rotation (variant with differentiated cultivation) had a positive effect on the soil structure, increasing not only the structural coefficient, but also the water resistance of the aggregates, contributing to increasing soil resistance to water erosion. It was found that in these options, the content of agronomically valuable structural and water-resistant aggregates increased by 1.4-2.3 and 0.8-1.7% compared to traditional plowing, the structural coefficient increased by 0.29-0.49 units The lowest density of the soil structure at a depth of 0-30 cm was noted in the variant with differentiated tillage of 1.07 g cm3. On non-arable variants, the density of soil composition increased by 0.04-0.16 g/cm3 or 3-14%, compared with the control, but did not go beyond the optimal. According to the reserves of productive moisture in the meter layer of soil, differentiated and comb-shaped treatments were not inferior to the control
ANALYSIS OF WEATHER CONDITIONS IN CONNECTION WITH THE CULTIVATION OF WINTER WHEAT IN THE FOREST-STEPPE ZONE OF THE TRANS-URAL
Authors: Filippova Elena , Bannikova Natal'ya , Mal'ceva Lidiya , Drobot Irina , Kataeva Natalya
Published: April 2022

The research was carried out in order to analyze weather conditions and their impact on the formation of the yield of winter soft wheat in the forest-steppe zone of Kurgan region. The work was carried out in 1985-2020. In the years of testing, winter wheat in terms of yield exceeded spring wheat in the state variety plots of Kurgan region by an average of 4.1 c/ha, in the experiments of Kurgan Research Institute of Agriculture by 2.8 c/ha (26.4 ... 26.8 c/ha). The advantage of winter wheat over spring wheat was noted at 12-14 years, and that of spring wheat over winter wheat at 4–6 years. In other years, the differences were not significant. In Kurgan Research Institute of Agriculture, the lowest yields were noted in 1989 and 2003. (5.7 and 11.6 c/ha, respectively), record (63.1 c/ha) - in wet 1986. According to the influence of the hydrothermal regime, the studied years are divided into high-yielding (31.5...45.0 c/ha) , medium (17.7…26.0 c/ha) and low-yielding (0.5…15.7 c/ha). The reasons for the decrease in yields are individual - these are periods with droughts, low temperatures, etc. In years with mass loss of crops (5 years), the influence of a complex of negative factors was noted. A positive effect on the yield (r05=0.51) had a late resumption of vegetation in the spring. During the formation of the crop (20 c/ha), a positive role was noted for winter and spring precipitation (r=0.7 and 0.6, respectively), the temperature regime in winter (r=0.7) and summer (r=-0.5). In 2002 and 2007 with good overwintering, which was facilitated by sufficient snow cover, productivity was noted at the level of 23.0 and 26.0 c/ha, respectively. Lack of moisture in May 2011, 2019 compensated for the precipitation of the subsequent period. High productivity (more than 30 q/ha) for 15 years was noted with moisture supply in autumn above the norm by 10.2%, in winter - by 16.4%, in spring - by 9%, in summer - by 15.9% , in general for the year - by 6%
THE INFLUENCE OF THE TIMING OF REMOVAL OF TOPS ON THE YIELD AND QUALITY OF POTATO TUBERS IN THE CONDITIONS OF THE FOREST-STEPPE OF THE MIDDLE VOLGA REGION
Authors: Vladimirov Vladimir , Sharapova Alsu , Mostyakova Antonina , Sitnikova Natalya
Published: April 2022

Studies aimed at developing optimal planting dates, rocs and methods of removing tops that ensure increased yield, resistance to mechanical damage and shelf life of potato tubers during storage were carried out in 2019-2021 in the Republic of Tatarstan. A drought-resistant early-ripening variety was grown. The soil of the experimental site is gray forest, medium loamy, with a humus content of 3.60...3.75%, easily hydrolyzable nitrogen – 124...136 mg/kg, mobile phosphorus – 148...152 mg/kg, potassium – 162…172 mg/kg. The predecessor is winter wheat. Meteorological conditions in 2019 and 2021 they were characterized by close to the average annual, and 2020 – arid. Planting in all years was carried out with elite seeds in 4 terms after 7 days, starting from May 10. The scheme of the experiment included the following options for removing the tops in the usual (mowing) and combined (mowing and processing stubble with desiccant) ways: on the day of harvesting (control), 6, 10, 14 and 18 days before harvesting potato tubers. Planting potatoes in 1 planting period provided a yield depending on the year of 27.65...30.24 t/ ha. The delay in planting for 7 days led to a decrease in yield on average for 3 years by 3.22 t/ha. Planting tubers 14 days after the first potato planting period, respectively, reduced yields depending on the year by 5.74...6.26 t/ha. Planting potatoes at the 4th planting period, that is, after 21 days, reduced potato yield by 7.89...9.48 t/ha. The timing of the removal of the tops affected the level of potato crop formation. Removal of the tops 6 days before harvesting reduced the yield of potatoes, compared with the control, by 6.1 t / ha, when mowing potato tops 18 days before harvesting – by 10.4 t / ha, and with the combined method of removing the tops − by 6.4 t/ ha
DEVELOPMENT AND SUBSTANTIATION OF DESIGN AND MODE PARAMETERS OF A POTATO PLANTER
Authors: Kalimullin Marat , Bagautdinov Ramis , Hamitov Radik , Latypov Rafkat , Abdrakhmanov Rinat
Published: April 2022

Planting is one of the main and most labor-intensive operations in potato cultivation technology. There is a problem of creating optimal density and uniformity of tuber placement during planting. To solve it, a toothed working unit of a disk-type potato planter has been developed. The article discusses the features of the process of interaction of the blades of the teeth of the disk working unit with the cultivated soil. If we take into account the fact that the parameters of the intensity of the impact on the soil by the gear working unit will depend on the speed of movement, it will be possible to determine the speed values of an arbitrary point of the teeth blade. As a result of mathematical transformations and the application of the method of differentiation of the equation of their displacement, a formula was obtained for calculating the cutting speed for an arbitrary point of the blade of the teeth of the disk working unit. The acceleration of the points under consideration is also determined and the dependences obtained as a result of theoretical studies are analyzed. The parameters of the impact speed and the trajectory of the blade movement directly depend on the shape of the cutting edge. They are also influenced by the angle of attack, the amount of inclination with respect to the vertical, and the speed indicators of the planter. With an increase in the speed of the unit from 1 to 5 m/s and an increase in the angle of attack from 0 to 30, the cutting speed changes from 0.1 to 1.5 m/s. When exposed to a disk working unit with teeth around the perimeter, the topsoil is thrown to the side and the lower layer is carried out to the open field surface, which is most noticeable when the planter moves at a speed of more than 2 m/s. At a travel speed of 3 m/s, soil ejection is reduced, compared to the SN-4B prototype, by up to 30%