bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
INDIA’S GROWING SECURITY ARCHITECTURE IN INDO PACIFIC: A CASE STUDY OF INDO- MAURITIUS CONVERGENCE
Authors: Subhash Kumar Baitha  , Souvik Chatterjee
Published: November 2022

The rise of China across the Indian and the Pacific Ocean along with new threats radiating from the maritime domain further consolidates the necessity of maritime security. All the major powers such as India, Japan, the United States, Australia, etc. are giving attention to the Indo-Pacific to counter China’s assertiveness and to protect their maritime interests. Concerning India, the country has adopted three approaches to protect its maritime and geostrategic interests in the Indo-Pacific region. First to directly engage with the regional powers and forums such as ASEAN. Secondly collaborating with small and middle powers such as the Maldives and Sri Lanka, Mauritius, and Seychelles, etc. Finally, engaging in multilateral and multi-sectoral dialogue with global powers such as Australia, Japan, the United States under the ambit of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, commonly called the Quad. Using littoral powers India is in the process of actively extending its reach, interests, and focus to subvert Chinese assertiveness. So based on the stated problem the focus of this paper is to understand the changing trajectory of India’s Indo-Pacific policy with special reference to Mauritius.
Методичний підхід до управління ризиками безпеки інформації як складової забезпечення інформаційної безпеки держави
Authors: Сніцаренко П. , Саричев Ю. , Зубков В. , Піщанський Ю.
Published: November 2022

Забезпечення національної безпеки держави пов’язане, поряд з іншим, з використанням значного інформаційного ресурсу, що спричиняє підвищену потребу інформаційної безпеки держави. В сучасних умовах до інформації, яка циркулює в інформаційному просторі між об’єктами та суб’єктами управління, висуваються особливі вимоги стосовно її основних властивостей: достовірності, доступності, повноти (достатності), цілісності, конфіденційності, порушення яких може становити загрозу інформаційній безпеці держави, реально призвести до нанесення значної шкоди в різних сферах життєдіяльності. Тому проблема безпеки інформації (БІ) як складової забезпечення інформаційної безпеки в загальній системі її забезпечення постає вкрай актуальною.

Метою статті є формування методичного підходу до управління ризиками БІ в інформаційних системах як невід’ємної складової процесу забезпечення інформаційної безпеки держави.

Запропонований методичний підхід, що базується на кібернетичному принципі управління, дозволяє створити систему адаптивного управління ризиками БІ як важливий елемент забезпечення інформаційної безпеки певної інформаційної системи. Вона повинна мати у своєму складі орган управління, виконавчий орган, орган моніторингу та об’єкт управління – рівень ризику БІ. Така система базується на алгоритмі формування набору значень (матриці) якісних рівнів ризику БІ (за основними характеристиками інформації) з метою вибору обґрунтованих рішень протидії таким ризикам.

Реалізація запропонованого процесу управління ризиками БІ забезпечить покращення підтримки прийняття рішень щодо нейтралізації (зменшені) ризику в будь-яких інформаційних системах, що дозволить підвищити рівень забезпечення інформаційної безпеки держави загалом.

Подальші дослідження планується зосередити на визначенні переліку та сутності комплексу заходів щодо реалізації протидії ризикам БІ за кібернетичним принципом управління.
Оцінювання рівня воєнно-економічної безпеки країн світу та України за результатами аналізу динаміки їх воєнно-економічних показників розвитку (2012–2021 рр.)
Authors: Семененко О. , Бойко Р. , Воронченко О. , Таран О.
Published: November 2022

У Збройних Силах (ЗС) України продовжується робота щодо підвищення ефективності оборонного планування та управління оборонними ресурсами. Алгоритм оборонного планування розвитку ЗС України крок за кроком використовує результати аналізу досвіду провідних країн світу, які перейшли від планування на основі загроз до оборонного планування, орієнтованого на досягнення військами (силами) спроможностей, необхідних для виконання покладених на них завдань із урахуванням економічних можливостей держави. Перелік завдань ЗС України визначається на основі ймовірних сценаріїв їх застосування. Одним із ключових моментів ефективного планування застосування ЗС за відповідним сценарієм є вірне, обґрунтоване визначення обсягів необхідних оборонних ресурсів (людських, матеріально-технічних, фінансових).

На сучасному етапі трансформації системи оборонного планування до стандартів НАТО та застосування методу планування на основі спроможностей необхідне удосконалення змісту та алгоритму оцінювання воєнно-економічних можливостей держави щодо ефективного утримання власних Збройних Сил, які є одним із головних факторів забезпечення необхідного рівня воєнно-економічної безпеки країни. Ефективність оцінювання залежить від повноти та якості оцінок основних воєнно-економічних факторів, які впливають на розвиток ЗС України.

Проведений у статті детальний аналіз воєнно-економічних умов розвитку ЗС країн світу та України у період 2012-2021 років дозволив сформувати рейтингові оцінки воєнно-економічних умов розвитку збройних сил цих країн у порівнянні з Україною та визначити їх вплив на достатність рівня воєнно-економічної безпеки для кожної країни із урахуванням ймовірних воєнних та економічних загроз для кожної із країн.
Особливості підготовки та проведення стратегічних командно-штабних навчань “Захід-2021”
Authors: Павлунько М. , Посмітюх О. , Богатов О. , Кізяк Я. , Черевко Р.
Published: November 2022

В сучасних умовах збройні сили РФ є одним із основних інструментів Росії з реалізації її зовнішньої політики. Воєнна доктрина РФ трактує основні завдання ЗС Росії, що є складовою частиною неоімперської політики режиму РФ і реалізується під час проведення стратегічних командно-штабних навчань (СКШН). Під час підготовки та проведення стратегічних командно-штабних навчань були апробовані форми і способи застосування видів і родів ЗС РФ у розрізі виконання основних завдань нових доктринальних документів, що потребує аналізу і вивчення.

Метою статті є проведення аналізу етапів підготовки та проведення стратегічних командно-штабних навчань “Захід-2021” з метою перевірки готовності ЗС РФ для ведення можливих масштабних військових операцій проти незалежних держав світу.

Стратегічні командно-штабні навчання ЗС РФ та Білорусі “Захід-2021” проводились в два етапи.

На першому етапі (протягом трьох діб) командування збройних сил Росії та Білорусі розв’язували завдання з розгортання відповідних угруповань військ (фактично, вже створені ще навесні 2021 року), а також управління з’єднаннями та частинами під час відбиття збройної агресії проти Білорусі та протидії військовому вторгненню противника до Калінінградської області РФ.

На другому етапі (протягом чотирьох діб) опрацьовувалося управління коаліційним угрупованням військ “Центральної Федерації” (умовна назва країни) при переході у контрнаступ з метою відновити територіальну цілісність Білорусі та відбити вторгнення супротивника до Калінінградської області Росії. Саме це і було прикриттям підготовки РФ до реалізації її агресивних намірів стосовно Польщі та країн Балтії

Головний елемент навчання – опрацювання способів захоплення території країн Балтії та частково Польщі, а також розширення масштабу збройної агресії проти України, що віддзеркалює неоімперський курс РФ з відродження нової форми СРСР або Російської імперії.
Тенденції застосування сил і засобів аерокосмічної розвідки у воєнних конфліктах сучасності
Authors: Мосов С.
Published: November 2022

Найбільш характерною рисою сучасної збройної боротьби військові експерти вважають значну активність і високу оперативність розвідки. Досвід військових операцій свідчить про зростання уваги зарубіжних країн до ефекту від комплексування усіх видів розвідки на всіх етапах ведення бойових дій. На основі аналізу світового досвіду воєнних конфліктів сучасності досліджено застосування сил і засобів аерокосмічної розвідки, переважна роль якої обумовлена переносом воєнних дій у повітряно-космічний простір. Зазначено, що розвідувальним засобам (системам) аерокосмічної розвідки на сучасному етапі розвитку збройної боротьби відводиться не просто переважна роль, вони фактично розглядаються в якості системо утворюючих воєнно-технічних інструментів ведення збройної боротьби.

Метою статті зазначено визначення основних тенденцій, притаманних аерокосмічній розвідці в локальних війнах і збройних конфліктах сучасності.

До складу таких тенденцій у результаті проведених досліджень віднесено: комплексне застосування сил та засобів (систем) різних видів розвідки; спільне застосування космічних апаратів розвідки та спостереження; інтеграція засобів повітряної та космічної розвідок із засобами ураження противника; зменшення часу від моменту добування даних засобами аерокосмічної розвідки до моменту їх надання зацікавленим командним інстанціям; ведення повітряної розвідки за межами вогневих зон протиповітряної оборони; зростання ролі та кількості безпілотних літальних апаратів, що застосовуються для ведення повітряної розвідки та цілевказання; активне ведення розвідки задовго до початку бойових дій на стадії, коли воєнний конфлікт тільки починає назрівати.

Зроблено висновки, а також визначено перспективи розвитку сил і засобів аерокосмічної розвідки  в системі забезпечення майбутніх воєнних конфліктів.
Vitamin D Status in Patients with Proximal Muscle Weakness
Authors: Bhuiyan Md Minhaj Uddin , Asha Ayesha Hoque , Hasan Mohammad Kamrul , Bhowmic Rajib , Siddiki Md Shahriar , Naafi Shah Mubdi Un , Chowdhury Md Faizul Islam
Published: November 2022

Vitamin D deficiency has emerged as a concerning public health issue, and almost 25-50% of patients with proximal muscle weakness suffer for this deficiency. It has been documented that myopathy could be a presentation of hypovitaminosis D. Most often, it remains unnoticed or undiagnosed because muscle weakness develops gradually over the years. As fewer studies are available on this topic, the study was designed to assess the vitamin D status in patients presenting with proximal muscle weakness. This hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Inpatient and outpatient Department of Medicine of Dhaka Medical College Hospital for 6 months following approval of this protocol. The Ethical Review Committee approved the protocol, and informed written consent was obtained from all the patients. The patients were selected as per inclusion and exclusion criteria with the purposive sampling method. Data were collected by a preformed semi-structured questionnaire. Total 50 patients were included in the final analysis. Collected data were analyzed by the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version-22 (SPSS). Among 50 patients, 70% were females and mean age was 58.92 ± 12.3 years with a frequent age group> 65 years (46%), where more than two third (68%) of the respondents were from urban area. Among the study subjects, the majority of them had involvement of the lower limb muscles (54%) and one-fifth of them (20%) had both upper and lower limb involvement, whereas more than one-fourth (26%) had only upper limb involvement. The mean duration of illness was 8. 6 ± 3.4 months. The study found more than three fourth, (78%) had hypovitaminosis D the and mean value of serum 25(0H) D was 22.3 ± 7.7 ng/ml. Among them 36% had mild insufficiency, 30% had a moderate deficiency, and 12% had severe deficiency. About two-thirds of proximal myopathy patients had hypovitaminosis D. Difficulties in walking, standing from sitting, climbing, raising hands above the head, bone and joint pain were significantly associated with the severity of vitamin D deficiency (P-value < 0.05). The severity of muscle weakness was strongly associated with the severity of vitamin D deficiency (P-value <0.05). Females were comparatively more affected than males, it was not statistically significant. However, further large-scale analytical studies are needed to find the association of this hypovitaminosis with the disease process.

Bangladesh Med J. 2021 Sept; 50(3): 7-13
Outcome of Patients with Left Main Coronary Artery Disease Together with Left Ventricular Dysfunction Following OPCAB and Conventional CABG Surgery
Authors: Raha Sanjay Kumar , Biswas Smriti Kana , Rahaman Salahuddin , Jahan Hosne , Hasan Md Kamrul
Published: November 2022

In-hospital mortality and morbidities are significantly higher in patients who undergo coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery having a depressed left ventricular function or a left main (LM) coronary artery disease. Due to the improvement in technique and clinical outcome, Off-pump Coronary Artery Bypass (OPCAB) is thought to be beneficial in patients with depressed left ventricular function by avoiding prolonged ischemic time. This study was performed with an aim to assess whether OPCAB is better than conventional on-pump CABG (CCAB) in these sub-groups of patients. We purposively selected 100 patients with left main coronary artery disease (defined as ≥50% stenosis) with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (defined as ejection fraction 40% or less) who underwent elective CABG in National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) between January 2014 and December 2020. Among them OPCAB was done in 50 patients and conventional CABG in another 50 patients. Both groups had similar pre-operative parameters. Total operative time, intubation time, blood loss, requirement for blood and blood products, intensive care unit (ICU) stay and hospital stay were all significantly lower in the OPCAB group. Post-operative complications were not statistically different among the two groups. Study finds that patients with left main coronary artery disease with left ventricular dysfunction can be safely revascularized in OPCAB technique.

Bangladesh Med J. 2021 Sept; 50(3): 14-19
Children and COVID-19 Vaccine: A Public Health Ethics Perspective
Authors: Nurunnabi Abu Sadat Mohammad , Ashique Shamsi Sumaiya , Jahan Asmay , Sweety Afroza Akbar , Sharmin Saida
Published: November 2022

As COVID-19 cases were in rise all over the world and the World Health Organization declared a pandemic, there was an increasing focus on availability of new vaccines and drugs against the virus. Meanwhile, we already have several vaccines in COVID-19 vaccination programmes across the globe. During the process of development and clinical trials of the vaccines, several questions were popped up by multiple stakeholders about child vaccination against COVID-19. Most of the queries focused on safety of COVID-19 vaccines, the clinical trial process, priority criteria of getting a vaccine, why and why not children be included in the vaccination programme. In adult population of the country, COVID-19 vaccination programme is being carried out in an unequalled state; the focus is now on paeditric population, as some countries have already started to vaccinate children. At the time of writing this paper when Government of Bangladesh has not yet decided to vaccinate children in the country but initiatives has been taken by health department for above 12 years children vaccination. However, this paper aims to discuss potential ethical dilemmas related to COVID-19 vaccination in children especially in low-resource settings and dig into effective strategies to implement COVID-19 vaccination programme properly in the field of public health.

Bangladesh Med J. 2021 Sept; 50(3): 44-48
Recurrent Hypokalaemia Due to Gittleman Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Islam Mohammad Syedul , Ahmed Quazi Mamtaz Uddin , Afroze Dilshad , Talukder Debashish , Hasan Md Nazmul
Published: November 2022

Gittleman syndrome (GS) is autosomal recessive renal tubulopathy caused by mutation of genes encoding protein for sodium chloride cotransporter and magnesium channel in the distal convoluted tubule.1 We present the case of a-20-years old female patient admitted in our Internal Medicine Department for recurrent hypokalaemia. She presented with recurrent quadriparesis. There was no history of taking inhaled salbutamol, insulin, steroid, diuretics and vomiting or diarrhoea. Investigations revealed hypokalaemia. Hypomagnesaemia, normal urinary excretion of sodium and potassium and hypercalcaemia. Her Serum albumin was within normal limit and renal function was normal. Diagnosis of Gittleman syndrome was established and was given potassium chloride and magnesium sulphate. Subsequently, the patient improved clinically and biochemically.
Bangladesh Med J. 2021 Sept; 50(3): 49-51
Obituary news September-2021 Vol. 50(3)
Authors: Halim Kazi Shafiqul
Published: November 2022

Abstract not available

Bangladesh Med J. 2021 Sept; 50(3): 56-59
Alcohol or Not: A Review Comparing Initial Mechanisms, Contributing Factors, and Liver Transplantation Outcomes Between Alcoholic and Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis
Authors: Wen Chung-Shiung , Ho Cheng-Maw
Published: November 2022

Chronic liver diseases take many forms; alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are two common illnesses that potentially lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer. It is estimated that a quarter of heavy drinkers develop ALD and the same portion of people without heavy drinking habits have NAFLD. Alcohol intake is regularly used to differentiate NAFLD from ALD; however, diagnosis based on the discrimination threshold may be suboptimal when facing an obese patient with a high level of alcohol exposure. Therefore, understanding the common and/or different mechanism(s) driving each disease is extremely important. The ‘two-hit’ or ‘multi-hit’ hypothesis is used to explain the pathogenesis of both diseases. The ‘first hit’ refers to developing steatosis, the accumulation of fat components in the liver, and the ‘second hits’ are factors leading to oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis, such as metabolic syndromes (e.g., morbid obesity, hyperglycaemia, hyperlipidaemia, disturbed circadian cycles, and altered intestinal microbiota) and environmental toxins (e.g., cigarette smoke and pollutants). Heritable factors also affect the probability and disease progression of both ALD and NAFLD. Whereas PNPLA3 and TM6SF2 variants are influential genetic risk factors for the diseases, epigenetic factors, such as DNA methylation, post-translational histone modifications, and small non-coding RNA, are of paramount importance. Moreover, considering that both ALD and NAFLD patients may eventually develop end-stage liver disease and require liver transplantation, the authors extensively investigated the worldwide outcomes from original literature for these two aetiologies, and the results showed no obvious differences in post-transplantation survival between them. Precise percentage determination of these two aetiologies contributing to steatohepatitis and its secondary injuries in the future would allow for better strategies for therapeutic and preventive intervention.
Practical Diagnosis and Staging of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Narrative Review
Authors: Gallacher Jennifer , McPherson Stuart
Published: November 2022

As the rates of obesity increase worldwide, the prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has risen and it is now the most common cause of liver disease in the developed world. A significant proportion of patients with NAFLD develop nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and progressive liver fibrosis, which can lead to cirrhosis and its complications. NAFLD should be suspected in individuals who have central obesity and metabolic risk factors. A diagnosis of NAFLD can be made when patients have evidence of steatosis on imaging or if they have raised liver enzymes with a background of metabolic risk factors, provided other causes of liver disease and excessive alcohol consumption are excluded. Making a specific diagnosis of NAFLD is important so that affected individuals can receive specific treatment and be monitored for its complications. The stage of liver fibrosis is the most important prognostic factor so must be assessed in all patients; a number of simple blood tests and imaging modalities allow accurate fibrosis staging without the need for liver biopsy. The aim of this narrative review is to provide a practical overview relating to the diagnosis and staging of NAFLD using noninvasive tests that are widely available in primary and secondary care.
Predictors of Fibrosis Progression in Chronic Active Hepatitis C Related Nephropathy
Authors: Shaaban Hanafy Amr , Eldin Shaaban Emad , Al Zahaby Sheren
Published: November 2022

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients have a higher risk of developing renal impairment than health-matched controls. Fibrosis progression in HCV-related nephropathy could be accelerated. The role of angiopoietin 2 (Ang-2) in HCV-related nephropathy and its relationship with platelet parameters and thrombopoietin (TPO) is evaluated in this article.

Methods: Three patient groups were selected: HCV without nephropathy (n=90), HCV-related nephropathy (n=90), and controls (n=60). Laboratory analysis included complete blood count to reveal mean platelet volume and platelet distribution width (PDW), albumin creatinine excretion ratio, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and cryoglobulins. Quantitative real-time PCR, serum Ang-2, and TPO by ELISA, abdominal ultrasonography, and liver stiffness measurement by fibroscan were all conducted.

Results: Ang-2 was significantly higher in HCV-related nephropathy patients (43.0±36.9 pg/mL) when compared to healthy controls (16.6±4.3 pg/mL) (p=0.001). However, when compared to HCV without nephropathy (30.3±22.9 pg/mL), a statistically insignificant difference was noted (p=0.45). Logistic regression analysis revealed that significant fibrosis in HCV-related nephropathy is independently associated with platelet count (β: 0.98; p=0.000; odds ratio [OR]: 2.7), PDW (β: 0.722; p=0.000; OR: 2.1), serum TPO (β = 1.180; p=0.000; OR: 3.25), liver stiffness measurement by fibroscan (β: 1.29; p=0.000; OR: 3.63), and FIB4 (β: 1.07; p=0.000; OR: 2.9).

Conclusion: Ang-2, TPO, PDW, FIB4, and liver stiffness measurement are markers of liver fibrosis and portal hypertension in HCV-related nephropathy.
THE EFFECT OF SALINITY ON OXYGEN TRANSFER PROCESS IN LEACHATE WITH A LOW INITIAL COD CONCENTRATION
Authors: Sagara Moh Rizal Ngambah , Sari Mega Mutiara , Septiariva Iva Yenis , Suryawan I Wayan Koko
Published: November 2022

Leachate is one of the results of rainwater infiltration and the degradation of microorganisms in waste. Some leachate types usually contain salinity which is an inhibitor in biological treatment processes. Aerobic biological treatment usually also requires sufficient dissolved oxygen (DO) levels. This study aimed to determine the effect of salinity on oxygen transfer in saline leachate. This study used a DO meter to measure the DO concentration in the 2 L volume reactor. There were two variations, namely leachate without salinity and with salinity 6 ppt, where the processing was carried out with three repetitions. The final oxygen transfer coefficients for the leachate without salinity and with salinity were 0.021 and 0.014, respectively. While the detention time required for leachate without salinity is 47.5 minutes, it takes 71.43 minutes with salinity.
Taxonomic diversity of the dominant cyanobacteria species during blooms in water bodies of Russia
Authors: Namsaraev Zorigto B. , Melnikova Anna A.
Published: November 2022

An analysis of information about the dominant cyanobacteria taxa during cyanobacterial blooms in the largest water bodies of Russia during the summer period was carried out. As a result, 32 species of cyanobacteria belonging to 17 genera were shown to be among the dominant species in inland water bodies. Of these, Aphanizomenon flos-aquae, Microcystis aeruginosa, Dolichospermum flos-aquae and Dolichospermum lemmermannii were the most frequently encountered taxa during blooms. In marine systems, representatives of 12 species belonging to 9 genera were observed. Among them Aphanizomenon flos-aquae, Trichormus variabilis, Dolichospermum flos-aquae, Microcystis aeruginosa and Nodularia spumigena were the most common. It is noted that Aphanizomenon flos-aquae, Microcystis aeruginosa and Dolichospermum flos-aquae have the widest distribution over the territory of Russia and are found both in water bodies of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation and the south of the country, as well as in the distributed parts of coastal seas, while Dolichospermum lemmermannii is more typical of water bodies located in regions with subarctic or boreal climate, and is not found as a dominant in regions with temperate climate.
Spatial variation in taxonomic and functional composition of periphytic algae in lakes of Karelian Isthmus
Authors: Rusanov Alexander G. , Stanislavskaya Elena V.
Published: November 2022

Variation in species and functional structure of periphytic algae community in relation to chemical, physical, climatic and spatial factors was studied in 55 lakes of Karelian Isthmus. To assess factors driving functional structure, all algal species were divided into eight functional groups that differ in cell/colony morphology and attachment mode to the substrate. Variance partitioning analysis showed that environmental factors (chemical and climatic) prevailed over spatial variables in explaining variation in periphyton species structure. On the contrary, periphyton functional structure depended more on spatial variables than on environmental factors (chemical and physical). This suggests that dispersal processes which are dependent on landscape characteristics of the region and hydrological connectivity along individual river networks play a more significant role in spatial variation of functional composition of periphytic algae.
Cyanobacteria on stone buildings and monuments in Kiel, Germany
Authors: Rodina Oksana A. , Davydov Denis A. , Panova Elena G. , Vlasov Dmitry Yu. , Holzheid Astrid
Published: November 2022

The stone buildings and monuments of Kiel (Germany) is a World Heritage Site. Granite, sandstone and limestone are used in architectural structures. As a result of the study of cyanobacteria in biofilms on the surface of stone structures and monuments in the city of Kiel, 28 species taxa, 18 genera were identified. Phormidesmis sp. is the most common species. The largest number of species has been recorded on limestone (17). Further study of cyanobacteria using molecular methods is planned.
Tonal aspects of code-switching: Three case studies of English-Cantonese/Mandarin/Vietnamese
Authors: Li Katrina Kechun , Bryant Christopher , Yoo Kayeon , Nguyen Li
Published: November 2022

This work investigates the possible phonological effects of lexical tone on code-switching between English and three tonal languages: Cantonese, Mandarin and Vietnamese. Previous studies have suggested that certain tones might facilitate code-switching, however, these studies were small in scale and did not consider other confounding factors such as tone frequencies and syntactic structures. In this paper, we re-examine this phenomenon using three recently developed corpora: HLVC (Cantonese), SEAME (Mandarin) and CanVEC (Vietnamese). We processed the data with semi-automatic natural-language-processing methods and conducted mixed effects logistic regressions controlling for grammatical categories, word frequencies and speakers’ background. We found no significant effect for Vietnamese-English, yet a significant effect of mid-level tone (T3) on Cantonese-English switches, and a less strong effect of falling tone (T4) on Mandarin-English switches. We provide an explanation through the similarities between these tones and English stress/intonation, and conclude that tonal effects in code-switching are language-dependent.
Parallels and divergences in spoken word recognition between humans and a neural network model
Authors: Aller Máté , Davis Matthew H.
Published: November 2022

Recent advances in artificial neural networks have enabled the design of automatic speech recognition systems that perform comparably to human listeners in various speech recognition tasks. Careful analysis of the behavioural characteristics of such systems can reveal similarities and critical divergences between machine and human speech recognition. These insights may inspire testable hypotheses using purpose-built artificial neural networks, human psycholinguistic or neuroimaging experiments, and eventually further our understanding of speech perception. We used a recently published end-to-end model of human speech recognition and compared its behavioural characteristics to two aspects of human spoken word recognition; investigating whether the model exhibits similar behaviour when adapting to changing speech rates and speakers. We found that the network model responds similarly to humans to speech rate changes, but not to speaker changes. We are investigating which architectural features could explain the lack of speaker change effects and plan follow-up simulation and behavioural experiments.
Deconstructing the transdiagnostic nature of language symptoms in frontotemporal dementias
Authors: Garcia-Penton Lorna , Halai Ajay D. , Ramanan Siddharth , Patel Niki , Ingram Ruth U. , Cappa Stefano F. , Patterson Karalyn , Rowe James B. , Garrard Peter , Lambon Ralph Matthew A.
Published: November 2022

Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is a group of neurodegenerative disorders featuring primary-language impairments and typically classified into three-variants: semantic, non-fluent and logopenic. Yet their language profiles significantly overlap. Language deficits can also occur in other frontotemporal dementias (FTD) like progressive supranuclear palsy and corticobasal syndrome, suggesting that language symptoms are transdiagnostic. Though brain atrophy determines language difficulties, similar atrophy profiles often are related to different language deficits, and different atrophies can cause similar impairments (e.g., logopenic/non-fluent PPA). We apply a transdiagnotic approach to link the language variantions across FTD-PPA spectrum to their underlying neuroanatomical factors. Principal component analysis identified three language dimensions (motor-speech/phonology, semantics and syntax) and thirteen atrophic dimensions, including temporal, frontal, parietal regions. While anterior temporal lobe atrophy predicts semantic impairments, frontoparietal atrophies predict motor-speech/phonology, and syntax. Atrophy and language variations across FTD-PPA syndromes are deconstructed on a brain-behaviour continuum, with only semantic variants being clearly separate.
Gynnsamt att låta elever växla mellan vardagligt och naturvetenskapligt språkbruk
Authors: Lunde Torodd
Published: November 2022

När elever får engagera sig i diskussioner som berör naturvetenskapliga teman växlar de mellan vardagsspråk och ämnesspråk, visar en ny studie. Detta är ett sätt för eleven att skapa relationer mellan sitt vardagsspråk och naturvetenskapens språkbruk. Forskarna menar att det finns didaktiska möjligheter för lärare att utveckla elevernas ämnesspråk genom att arbeta medvetet med detta.
In situ detection of alkaline phosphatase in a cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury model with a fluorescent/photoacoustic bimodal molecular probe
Authors: Chen Xingwang , Yuwen Zhiyang , Zhao Yixing , Li Haixia , Chen Kang , Liu Hongwen
Published: November 2022

Kidneys play an important part in drug metabolism and excretion. High local concentration of drugs or drug allergies often cause acute kidney injury (AKI). Identification of effective biomarkers of initial stage AKI and constructing activable molecular probes with excellent detection properties for early evaluation of AKI are necessary, yet remain significant challenges. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), a key hydrolyzing protease, exists in the epithelial cells of the kidney and is discharged into the urine following kidney injury. However, no studies have revealed its level in drug-induced AKI. Existing ALP fluorescent molecular probes are not suitable for testing and imaging of ALP in the AKI model. Drug-induced AKI is accompanied by oxidative stress, and many studies have indicated that a large increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) occur in the AKI model. Thus, the probe used for imaging of AKI must be chemically stable in the presence of ROS. However, most existing near-infrared fluorescent (NIRF) ALP probes are not stable in the presence of ROS in the AKI model. Hence, we built a chemically stable molecular sensor (CS-ALP) to map ALP level in cisplatin-induced AKI. This novel probe is not destroyed by ROS generated in the AKI model, thus allowing high-fidelity imaging. In the presence of ALP, the CS-ALP probe generates a new absorbance peak at 685 nm and a fluorescent emission peak at 716 nm that could be used to “turn on” photoacoustic (PA) and NIRF imaging of ALP in AKI. Levels of CS-ALP build up rapidly in the kidney, and CS-ALP has been successfully applied in NIRF/PA bimodal in vivo imaging. Through the NIRF/PA bimodal imaging results, we demonstrate that upregulated expression of ALP occurs in the early stages of AKI and continues with injury progression.
Minimising damage to houses by designing for high internal pressures
Authors: Parackal Korah , Boughton Geoff , Henderson David , Falck Debbie
Published: November 2022

Internal pressurisation of buildings during a severe wind event, such as a tropical cyclone or thunderstorm, can often cause severe structural failures, as observed during damage investigations. Wind loading standards worldwide provide design data for internal pressure design. However, the implementation of these data often depends on the location of the building in relation to the levels of wind hazard in the relevant country. Recent observations during Tropical Cyclone (TC) Seroja in an intermediate wind region (wind region B) in Western Australia indicated the need for the design for full internal pressures of buildings in this wind region. This paper presents an overview of the damage investigation conducted after TC Seroja that highlights significant damage to buildings due to the lack of design for internal pressures. Additionally, a case study of a house modelled using the vulnerability analysis software VAWS is presented showing the improvements in the performance of buildings designed for internal pressures. TheVAWS models showed that both the design for full internal pressure and the use of debris rated shutters were both effective at reducing the level of serious structural damage and making houses more resilient. The robustness and resilience of buildings increase significantly if they are designed for high internal pressure because the failure of a window or door (a local failure) will not lead to a major structural failure.
Global burden of calcific aortic valve disease and attributable risk factors from 1990 to 2019
Authors: Yu Jiaye , Wang Zhuo , Bao Qinyi , Lei Shuxin , You Yayu , Yin Zhehui , Xie Xiaojie
Published: November 2022

Background

Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) was highly prevalent among developed countries and caused numerous deaths. Based on the Global Burden of Disease 2019, this study was designed to present comprehensive epidemiological information, attributable risks, and relevant factors.

Methods

All data were available online via the Global Health Data Exchange (GHDx). In this study, we analyzed the global incidence, prevalence, deaths, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of CAVD across different regions from 1990 to 2019. We applied the estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs) to evaluate the change trends and their attributable risks. In addition, we explored several relevant factors.

Results

From 1990 to 2019, the incidence cases, prevalence cases, CAVD-related deaths, and DALYs of CAVD gradually increased globally. However, the age-standardized death rate (ASDR) was relatively stable, and the age-standardized DALYs rate gradually declined during the past 30 years. Males and elderly individuals were more likely to suffer from CAVD. High systolic blood pressure (SBP) was the predominant attributable risk of disease burden that presented a global downward trend (death: EAPC = −0.68, 95% CI −0.77~−0.59, P < 0.001; DALYs: EAPC = −0.99, 95% CI −1.09 to −0.89, P < 0.001). Alcohol consumption (R = 0.79, P < 0.001), smoking prevalence (R = 0.75, P < 0.001), and calcium (R = 0.72, P < 0.001) showed a positive correlation with the age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR), whereas classic monsoon region (R = −0.68, P < 0.001) and mean temperature (R = −0.7, P < 0.001) showed a negative correlation with age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR). Besides, medical and healthcare resources presented a positive correlation with ASIR. Meanwhile, similar relationships were found in age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR), ASDR, and age-standardized DALY rate (ASDALYR).

Conclusion

CAVD displays widely varied spatial distribution around the world, of which high SDI regions have the highest burdens. Age is a powerful factor and hypertension a predominant attributable risk factor. Moreover, controlling blood pressure, avoiding smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, and so on, could effectively reduce the burden of CAVD.
Enhancing central blood pressure accuracy through statistical modeling: A proof-of-concept study
Authors: Desbiens Louis-Charles , Goulamhoussen Nadir , Fortier Catherine , Bernier-Jean Amélie , Agharazii Mohsen , Goupil Rémi
Published: November 2022

Background

Non-invasive estimation of central blood pressure (BP) may have better prognostic value than brachial BP. The accuracy of central BP is limited in certain populations, such as in females and the elderly. This study aims to examine whether statistical modeling of central BP for clinical and hemodynamic parameters results in enhanced accuracy.

Methods

This study is a cross-sectional analysis of 500 patients who underwent cardiac catheterization. Non-invasive brachial cuff and central BP were measured simultaneously to invasive aortic systolic BP (AoSBP). Central BP was calibrated for brachial systolic (SBP) and diastolic BP (Type I calibration; C1SBP) or brachial mean and diastolic BP (Type II calibration; C2SBP). Differences between central SBP and the corresponding AoSBP were assessed with linear regression models using clinical and hemodynamic parameters. These parameters were then added to C1SBP and C2SBP in adjusted models to predict AoSBP. Accuracy and precision were computed in the overall population and per age or sex strata.

Results

C1SBP underestimated AoSBP by 11.2 mmHg (±13.5) and C2SBP overestimated it by 6.2 mmHg (±14.8). Estimated SBP amplification and heart rate were the greatest predictors of C1- and C2-AoSBP accuracies, respectively. Statistical modeling improved both accuracy (0.0 mmHg) and precision (±11.4) but more importantly, eliminated the differences of accuracy seen in different sex and age groups.

Conclusion

Statistical modeling greatly enhances the accuracy of central BP measurements and abolishes sex- and age-based differences. Such factors could easily be implemented in central BP devices to improve their accuracy.
Serum lipoprotein (a) associates with the risk of renal function damage in the CHCN-BTH Study: Cross-sectional and Mendelian randomization analyses
Authors: Xie Yunyi , Qi Han , Li Bingxiao , Wen Fuyuan , Zhang Fengxu , Guo Chunyue , Zhang Ling
Published: November 2022

Background

Evidence regarding the effects of lipoprotein (a) [lp(a)] and renal function remains unclear. The present study aimed to explore the causal association of serum lp(a) with renal function damage in Chinese general adults.

Methods

A total of 25343 individuals with available lp(a) data were selected from the baseline survey of the Cohort Study on Chronic Disease of Communities Natural Population in Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei (CHCN-BTH). Five renal function indexes [estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), serum creatinine (Scr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), uric acid (UA), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(CRPHS)] were analyzed. The restricted cubic spline (RCS) method, logistic regression, and linear regression were used to test the dose-response association between lp(a) and renal function. Stratified analyses related to demographic characteristics and disease status were performed. Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was used to obtain the causal association of lp(a) and renal function indexes. Genotyping was accomplished by MassARRAY System.

Results

Lp(a) levels were independently associated with four renal function indexes (eGFR, Scr, BUN, CRPHS). Individuals with a higher lp(a) level had a lower eGFR level, and the association with Scr estimated GFR was stronger in individuals with a lower lp(a) level (under 14 mg/dL). . The association was similar in individuals regardless of diabetes or hypertension. MR analysis confirmed the causal association of two renal function indexes (Scr and BUN). For MR analysis, each one unit higher lp(a) was associated with 7.4% higher Scr (P=0.031) in the inverse-variance weighted method. But a causal effect of genetically increased lp(a) level with increased eGFR level which contrasted with our observational results was observed.

Conclusion

The observational and causal effect of lp(a) on Scr and BUN were founded, suggesting the role of lp(a) on the risk of renal function damage in general Chinese adults.
Analyzing the effect of different types of pollution with bipolar complex fuzzy power Bonferroni mean operators
Authors: Yang Xiaopeng , Mahmood Tahir , Ur Rehman Ubaid
Published: November 2022

When any amount of harmful materials (any substance or any type of energy) is introduced into the climate at a rate quicker than it very well may be scattered or securely put away, then pollution occurs. These harmful materials are known as pollutants which can be natural and can also be manmade such as trash generated by factories. These harmful materials harm the quality of land, air, and water and cause various types of pollution, which affects the environment. In this article, we analyze the effect of various types of pollution on the environment and evaluate the most harmful type of pollution through an illustrative example by employing power Bonferroni mean (BM) operators in the setting of the bipolar complex fuzzy set (BCFS), like bipolar complex fuzzy (BCF) power BM (BCFPBM), BCF weighted power BM (BCFWPBM), BCF power geometric BM (BCFPGBM), and BCF weighted power geometric BM (BCFWPGBM) operators and a decision-making (DM) procedure created on these operators in the environment of the BCFS which are introduced in this article. Furthermore, we illustrate that the introduced operators and a DM procedure in the environment of the BCFS are more effective and have a wide model and advantages than certain prevailing works.
Tax equity, green innovation and corporate sustainable development
Authors: Wang Wei
Published: November 2022

In the context of increasing resource scarcity and environmental pollution, achieving sustainable development with environmental friendliness at its core is essential for maintaining long-term economic growth. However, the positive environmental externalities associated with sustainable development impose an additional cost burden on enterprises. Internalizing those positive environmental externalities in the form of corporate benefits through tax policies is the key to incentivizing sustainable development. Using the reform of China’s tax enforcement agency and tax enforcement system as a quasi-natural experimental context, this paper investigates the impact of tax equity on sustainable development. The empirical findings show that tax equity can promote the sustainable development of enterprises, and this promotion is achieved by enhancing corporate green innovation. Furthermore, tax equity has a stronger effect on the sustainable development of enterprises in a favorable market environment because it is more conducive to the protection of intellectual property and transformation of green innovation into tangible output. The tax equities brought about by different types of tax reforms have different effects on the sustainable development of enterprises in different life cycle stages because the types of tax inequities suffered by enterprises of different ages vary.
Diversity of Northwest Pacific atmospheric circulation anomalies during post-ENSO summer
Authors: Tao Weichen , Kong Xiangwei , Liu Yong , Wang Ya , Dong Danhong
Published: November 2022

In present study, the diversity of summertime Northwest Pacific (NWP) atmospheric circulation anomalies following El Niño-Southern Oscillation is investigated by performing the inter-case empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis among 33 El Niño cases and 36 La Niña cases, respectively. Although an anomalous anticyclone is observed over the NWP for all El Niño cases’ composite, the circulation anomalies there vary from one case to another for each case. The EOF1 mode of NWP circulation anomalies explains 39.8% of inter-case variance, and its positive phase features an anomalous anticyclone and cyclone at south and north of 25°N, respectively. Therefore, the positive first principal component (PC1) corresponds to the anomalous NWP anticyclone, while the anticyclone shifts more northeastward and a cyclone appears at its south side for negative PC1. The PC1-related NWP circulation anomalies are largely controlled by the pronounced central and eastern Pacific sea surface temperature cooling, which indicates the diverse El Niño decay rate. Furthermore, four categories are obtained according to the El Niño decay rate by the nonlinear k-means cluster analysis, and the results further confirm that the close relationship between NWP circulation anomalies and El Niño decay rate. The PC1-regressed land rainfall anomalies highly resembles the composite results in the key areas of Asian monsoon region: the central China and South Asia, indicating variable rainfall anomalies in these areas during post-El Niño summer. The conclusion obtained from La Niña cases are generally same to El Niño.
Transcriptome analysis of pika heart tissue reveals mechanisms underlying the adaptation of a keystone species on the roof of the world
Authors: Mu Danping , Wu Xinlai , Feijó Anderson , Wu Wei , Wen Zhixin , Cheng Jilong , Xia Lin , Yang Qisen , Shan Wenjuan , Ge Deyan
Published: November 2022

High-altitude environments impose intense stresses on living organisms and drive striking phenotypic and genetic adaptations, such as hypoxia resistance, cold tolerance, and increases in metabolic capacity and body mass. As one of the most successful and dominant mammals on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QHTP), the plateau pika (Ochotona curzoniae) has adapted to the extreme environments of the highest altitudes of this region and exhibits tolerance to cold and hypoxia, in contrast to closely related species that inhabit the peripheral alpine bush or forests. To explore the potential genetic mechanisms underlying the adaptation of O. curzoniae to a high-altitude environment, we sequenced the heart tissue transcriptomes of adult plateau pikas (comparing specimens from sites at two different altitudes) and Gansu pikas (O. cansus). Differential expression analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) were used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and their primary functions. Key genes and pathways related to high-altitude adaptation were identified. In addition to the biological processes of signal transduction, energy metabolism and material transport, the identified plateau pika genes were mainly enriched in biological pathways such as the negative regulation of smooth muscle cell proliferation, the apoptosis signalling pathway, the cellular response to DNA damage stimulus, and ossification involved in bone maturation and heart development. Our results showed that the plateau pika has adapted to the extreme environments of the QHTP via protection against cardiomyopathy, tissue structure alterations and improvements in the blood circulation system and energy metabolism. These adaptations shed light on how pikas thrive on the roof of the world.