bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cost-Effectiveness of Convalescent Plasma for COVID-19: A Cost-effectiveness Analysis of the CONCOR-1 Randomized Trial
Authors: Tse Preston , Yan Jiajun , Liu Yang , Jamula Erin , Heddle Nancy , Bazin Renée , Robitaille Nancy , Cook Richard , Turgeon Alexis , Fergusson Dean , Glesby Marshall , Loftsgard Kent , Cushing Melissa , Chassé Michaël , Daneman Nick , Finzi Andrés , Sachais Bruce , Bégin Phillipe , Callum Jeannie , Arnold Donald , Xie Feng
Published: July 2023

Background The CONvalescent Plasma for Hospitalized Adults With COVID-19 Respiratory Illness (CONCOR-1) trial was a multicenter randomized controlled trial assessing convalescent plasma in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Though stopped early due to the lack of treatment benefit, the cost-effectiveness of convalescent plasma provides insight into its potential as an alternative treatment option in resource constrained settings.Methods Individual patient data on health outcomes and healthcare resource utilization from the CONCOR-1 trial were used to conduct the analysis from the Canadian public payer’s perspective with a time horizon of 30 days post-randomization. Baseline and 30-day EQ-5D-5L was measured to calculate quality-adjusted survival. All costs are presented in 2021 Canadian dollars. The base case assessed the EQ-5D-5L scores of patients reporting at both timepoints, and a utility score of 0 was assigned for patients who died within 30 days. Costs for all patients enrolled in the study were used. The sensitivity analysis utilizes EQ-5D-5L scores from the same population but only uses the costs from this population.Results 940 patients were randomized: 627 received CCP and 313 received standard care. The total costs were $28,716 (standard deviation, $25,380) and $24,258 ($22,939) for the convalescent plasma and standard care arms respectively. EQ-5D-5L scores were 0.61 both arms (p = 0.85) at baseline. At 30 days, EQ-5D-5L scores were 0.63 and 0.64 for patients in the convalescent plasma and standard care arms respectively (p = 0.46). The incremental cost was $4,458 and incremental quality-adjusted life day was − 0.078.Conclusion These results indicate that convalescent plasma was less effective and more costly than standard care in treating hospitalized patients with COVID-19. The sensitivity analysis yielded similar results to the base case analysis.
Design of Deep Reinforcement Learning Approach for Traffic Signal Control at Three-way Crossroads
Authors: Canh Thanh Nguyen , Tuan Anh Pham , HoangVan Xiem
Published: July 2023

Traffic light control (TSC) is an important and challenging real-world problem with the aim of reducing travel time as well as saving energy. Recent researches have numerous attempts to apply intelligent methods for TSC at four-way crossroads to solve the traffic light scheduling problem. However, there is the limitation of researches on efficient TSC at three-way crossroads. Therefore, this paper introduces a novel TSC solution for three-way crossroad environment (TW-TSC). The proposed TSC method is designed based on a deep reinforcement learning approach, namely Soft Actor-Critic (TWSAC). Firstly, we create a simulation environment for three-way crossroads which consists of numerous transportation and two parallel lanes using Unity framework. Secondly, to achieve practical movements of transportation in three-way crossroads, we carefully design agents which have a high impact to the transportation movement, notably the time to wait for traffic light, the velocity of transportation, and the number of transportation passing successfully. Finally, to achieve TW-TSC efficiency, we propose a novel reward function together with a design of TWSAC algorithm. Experimental results show that the proposed TWSAC in TW-TSC achieves higher performance than both fixed-time TSC methods and relevant RL algorithms.
Seeking information and services associated with reproductive health among rural Peruvian young adults: Exploratory qualitative research from Amazonas, Peru
Authors: McGuire Molly F , Ortega Emma , Riley-Powell Amy R , Patel Radha , Paz-Soldan Valerie A
Published: July 2023

Background: Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) literacy allows young adults to make informed decisions about health outcomes. In Peru, roughly one fifth of the population lives in rural areas, and little is known about where young adults in rural areas get their SRH information. The aim of this study was to identify what motivates and influences young adults to seek information and care related to SRH in three rural communities in the highlands of Northern Peru.
Methods: Five gender-stratified focus group discussions with a total of 24 participants, and nine follow-up interviews were conducted to generate in-depth narrative data and triangulate data from the target group. Participants were women and men aged 18-24. The focus group discussions and interviews explored sources of reproductive health information, the role of informal social networks, barriers to care, and primary health concerns of the target population.
Results: Main findings include 1) The two greatest perceived SRH risks were unwanted pregnancy and abnormal discharge; 2) There appears to be limited concern about HIV or other sexually transmitted infections in the narratives; 3) There is a low quality of information concerning SRH, with discrepancies between the genders; 4) A broad spectrum of sources for SRH information were cited, including Internet, traditional healers, and specialized care; and varied by gender and life experience; 5) Having trust in a person was the primary variable associated with use of services and/or access to information for both men and women. However, men reported more embarrassment around seeking services and information, whereas women faced more physical barriers.
Conclusions: There is a lack of SRH information among young adults in some communities in the northern highlands of Peru. Both schools and health centers were noted as being trusted and established information sources for all genders so could be a key resource to explore as a way to disseminate information.
Diagnostic accuracy of biomarkers to detect acute mesenteric ischaemia in adult patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Blaser Annika Reintam , Starkopf Joel , Björck Martin , Forbes Alastair , Kase Karri , Kiisk Ele , Laisaar Kaja-Triin , Mihnovits Vladislav , Murruste Marko , Mändul Merli , Voomets Anna-Liisa , Tamme Kadri
Published: July 2023

Background: Acute mesenteric ischaemia (AMI) is a disease with different pathophysiological mechanisms, leading to a life-threatening condition that is difficult to diagnose based solely on clinical signs. Despite widely acknowledged need for biomarkers in diagnosis of AMI, a broad systematic review on all studied biomarkers in different types of AMI is currently lacking. The aim of this study (funded by Grant PRG1255 from Estonian Research Council) was to estimate the diagnostic accuracy of all potential biomarkers of AMI studied in humans.
Methods: A systematic literature search in PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Scopus was conducted in December 2022.
Studies assessing potential biomarkers of AMI in (at least 10) adult patients and reporting their diagnostic accuracy were included. Meta-analyses of biomarkers’ sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative likelihood ratios were conducted.
The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed, and the study quality was assessed with the QUADAS-2 tool.
Results: Seventy-five studies including a total of 9914 patients, assessed 18 different biomarkers in serum/plasma and one in urine (each reported in at least two studies), which were included in meta-analyses. None of the biomarkers reached a conclusive level for accurate prediction. The best predictive value overall (all studies with any type and stage of AMI pooled) was observed for Ischaemia-modified albumin (2 studies, sensitivity 94.7 and specificity 90.5), interleukin-6 (n=4, 96.3 and 82.6), procalcitonin (n=6, 80.1 and 86.7), and intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (I-FABP) measured in serum (n=16, 73.9 and 90.5) or in urine (n=4, 87.9 and 78.9). In assessment of transmural mesenteric ischaemia, urinary I-FABP (n=2, 92.3 and 85.2) and D-dimer (n=3, 87.6 and 83.6) showed moderate predictive value. Overall risk of bias was high, mainly because of selected study populations and unclear timings of the biomarker measurements after onset of symptoms. Combinations of biomarkers were rarely studied, not allowing meta-analyses.
Conclusions: None of the studied biomarkers had sufficient sensitivity and specificity to diagnose AMI, although some biomarkers showed moderate predictive accuracy. Future studies should focus on timing of measurements of biomarkers, distinguishing between early stage and transmural necrosis, and between different types of AMI. Additionally, studies on combinations of biomarkers are warranted.
PROSPERO registration: CRD42022379341
Comparative Analysis of Phenolic and Antioxidant Profiling of White Variety Guava Fruit (Cv Arka Mridula) Across the Ripening Stages, a Statistical Multi-Facet Study
Authors: Bylappa Yatheesharadhya , Nag Anish
Published: July 2023

Anatomical (Scanning Electron Microscopy), phenolic (total phenol and total flavonoid), antioxidant (DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS) and analytical profiling (LC-MS and GC-MS) were performed for three different ripening stages (pre-ripe, ripe and over-ripe) of guava with the hydro-methanolic extraction technique. Overall, the antioxidant-phenolic parameters showed a sigmoid pattern of change during the maturation progress of the fruit at room temperature (28±2ºC). Further, the multivariate PCA (Principal Component Analysis) established a strong correlation among different phenolic-antioxidant variables studied in this work. Analytical characterization by GC and LC-MS identified 55 (fifty-five) compounds from the guava extract. The PCA revealed a few compounds, namely, Glycine, Gamma Sitosterol, Kaempferol-4'-glucoside, Thiamine, Catechin and n-Hexadecanoic acid, could contribute significantly to the ripening process of guava. Finally, it is expected that an in-depth metabolic study of the guava ripening life cycle performed here could lead to the future development of highly stable fruit varies, with extended post-harvest shelf life at room temperature.
Frailty and Mild Cognitive Impairment in Southeast Asians: A Cross-Sectional Study on Brain Atrophy Patterns and Cognitive Profiles
Authors: Soo See Ann , Kumar Dilip , Leow Yi Jin , En Faith Phemie Lee Hui , Ghildiyal Smriti , Chao Dang , Vipin Ashwati , Kandiah Nagaendran
Published: July 2023

Background
Poorer cognition and reduced brain volumes are found to be associated with frailty. We examine the influence of frailty on cognitive and neuroimaging measures in a Southeast Asian cohort of MCI.
Methods
Using a cross-sectional design, 356 MCI participants completed neuropsychological assessments. We performed a multivariable linear regression comparing pre-frail/frail and non-frail groups on cognitive, behavioural and brain volumes controlling for age and total intracranial volume and a partial correlation of frailty and walking speed on brain volumes.
Results
Mean age of our cohort was 65.26 ± 9.10, mean education years was 13.36 ± 4.12 and 54.21% were women. The pre-frail/frail group had worse cognition, mild behavioural impairment, mood, physical activity and quality of life (p < 0.05). Faster walking speed was associated with greater hippocampal volume (r = 0.139, p = 0.048).
Conclusions
Frailty is associated with worse cognition and lifestyle outcomes. Walking speed could be a potential biomarker of dementia.
On the performance, analysis and design of microwave photonic spectral domain filters based on optical microcombs
Authors: moss david
Published: July 2023

Microwave transversal filters, which are implemented based on the transversal filter structure in digital signal processing, offer a high reconfigurability for achieving a variety of signal processing functions without changing hardware. When implemented using microwave photonic (MWP) technologies, also known as MWP transversal filters, they provide competitive advantages over their electrical counterparts, such as low loss, large operation bandwidth, and strong immunity to electromagnetic interference. Recent advances in high-performance optical microcombs provide compact and powerful multi-wavelength sources for MWP transversal filters that require a larger number of wavelength channels to achieve high performance, allowing for the demonstration of a diverse range of filter functions with improved performance and new features. Here, we present a comprehensive performance analysis for microcomb-based MWP spectral filters based on the transversal filter approach. First, we investigate the theoretical limitations in the filter spectral response induced by finite tap numbers. Next, we analyze the distortions in the filter spectral response resulting from experimental error sources. Finally, we assess the influence of input signal’s bandwidth on the filtering errors. These results provide a valuable guide for the design and optimization of microcomb-based MWP transversal filters for a variety of applications.
Soviet Historiography of the US Foreign Policy on the PRC, 1949-1991
Authors: Goncharenko Anatoliy
Published: July 2023

The article considers the Soviet historiography of the US foreign policy on the China in 1949–1991. He lights main trends of researches in the Soviet historiography. The author gives an analysis of opinions of the Soviet Ukraine researchers on the US foreign policy on the PRC in 1949–1991.
Over the 50 years, a circle of scientists constantly focusing on the research of the US foreign policy on the China, its principles, priorities and mechanisms has taken shape in the Soviet American studies. Scientists of that time were clamped in the ideological framework, which as a result reflected in historical research. However, this did not prevent historians from exploring current problems and discovering new sources. This influenced the development of American history studies.
To reflect the trends, generalizing and some individual works on this topic are analyzed. The relationship between the ideological climate and orientation in historiography has been established.
The Degree of Machiavellianism of Henry Kissinger in the Framework of the Interpretation of Key Aspects of Richelieu's Foreign Policy Strategy
Authors: Saranov Serhiy
Published: July 2023

The article is devoted to the key aspects of Richelieu's foreign policy strategy within the framework of Henry Kissinger's interpretation. The author states the topical nature of this issue since the historical heritage of Richelieu is one of those components that are among the most significant elements of the concept of "world order" in its historical interpretation.
The author emphasizes that Kissinger's assessments are stable and consistent. Therefore, for example, in an interview in the 70s of the XX century, he distanced himself from the influence of Machiavelli's ideas on his scientific concepts. Then, in his scientific works of the later period, primarily in «Diplomacy» and «World Order», he systematized in a more precise form his own interpretation of Richelieu's foreign policy legacy, tying his assessments to the concept of a "long-term strategic concept", and not in the spirit of Machiavelli to the concept "manipulation of political power".
The author of the article draws attention to the correctness of the key aspects of Kissinger's interpretation, and the stability of his assessments, reflecting the conceptual integrity of the author's concept of the American researcher in this matter.
Modelling the Hindrances to Building Information Modelling Adoption on Construction Projects in Nigeria
Authors:   Department of Project Management Technology, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 1526, Owerri, Imo State, NIGERIA, Amade Benedict , Moneke Uchenna Ugochi ,   Department of Project Management Technology, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 1526, Owerri, Imo State, NIGERIA, Okorie Christopher Ejimnkonye ,   Department of Project Management Technology, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 1526, Owerri, Imo State, NIGERIA
Published: July 2023

This study was motivated by the need to deploy building information modelling (BIM) and its technologies to improve the realisation of construction projects. Prior to the introduction of BIM, the construction industry was confronted with obstacles and was sluggish in adopting change. Until recently, existing BIM research has mostly focused on large enterprises and there has been an apparent pattern of underrepresentation of medium-sized firms in BIM- related studies. Thus, the purpose of this article is to investigate the major hindrances to BIM’s adoption in construction projects as well as the dynamics of these hindrances in a developing country like Nigeria, using the total interpretive structural modelling (TISM) approach. The TISM displayed an 11-level hierarchy of hindrances made up of independent, dependent and linkage categories. Based on the Matrice d’Impacts Croises Multiplication Appliqué a Classement (MICMAC) analysis, “Lack of skilled BIM personnel” had the highest driving and the lowest dependence (independent) power, thus indicating its importance in the adoption of BIM. The findings further showed that “Lack of awareness of BIM” and “Resistance to change” are critical for the adoption of BIM in construction projects. The drivers (dependents) for the ease of adoption of BIM by policymakers and practitioners within the built industry are thus defined in this study. This study contributes to the early studies of BIM adoption from a developing country’s perspective.
Loops in 4+1d topological phases
Authors: Chen Xie , Dua Arpit , Hsin Po-Shen , Jian Chao-Ming , Shirley Wilbur , Xu Cenke
Published: July 2023

2+1d topological phases are well characterized by the fusion rules and braiding/exchange statistics of fractional point excitations. In 4+1d, some topological phases contain only fractional loop excitations. What kind of loop statistics exist? We study the 4+1d gauge theory with 2-form \mathbb{Z}_2ℤ2 gauge field (the loop-only toric code) and find that while braiding statistics between two different types of loops can be nontrivial, the self “exchange” statistics are all trivial. In particular, we show that the electric, magnetic, and dyonic loop excitations in the 4+1d toric code are not distinguished by their self-statistics. They tunnel into each other across 3+1d invertible domain walls which in turn give explicit unitary circuits that map the loop excitations into each other. The SL(2,\mathbb{Z}_2ℤ2) symmetry that permutes the loops, however, cannot be consistently gauged and we discuss the associated obstruction in the process. Moreover, we discuss a gapless boundary condition dubbed the “fractional Maxwell theory” and show how it can be Higgsed into gapped boundary conditions. We also discuss the generalization of these results from the \mathbb{Z}_2ℤ2 gauge group to \mathbb{Z}_NℤN.
Nonlinear sigma model description of deconfined quantum criticality in arbitrary dimensions
Authors: Lu Da-Chuan
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we propose using the nonlinear sigma model (NLSM) with the Wess-Zumino-Witten (WZW) term as a general description of deconfined quantum critical points that separate two spontaneously symmetry-breaking (SSB) phases in arbitrary dimensions. In particular, we discuss the suitable choice of the target space of the NLSM, which is in general the homogeneous space G/K, where GG is the UV symmetry and KK is generated by {\mathfrak k}={\mathfrak h}_1\cap {\mathfrak h}_2𝔨=𝔥1∩𝔥2, and {\mathfrak h}_i𝔥i is the Lie algebra of the unbroken symmetry in each SSB phase. With this specific target space, the symmetry defects in both SSB phases are on equal footing, and their intertwinement is captured by the WZW term. The DQCP transition is then tuned by proliferating the symmetry defects. By coupling the G/KG/K NLSM with the WZW term to the background gauge field, the ’t Hooft anomaly of this theory can be determined. The bulk symmetry-protected topological (SPT) phase that cancels the anomaly is described by the relative Chern-Simons term in odd spacetime dimensions or mixed \thetaθ term in even dimensions. We construct and discuss a series of models with Grassmannian symmetry defects in 3+1d. We also provide the fermionic model that reproduces the G/KG/K NLSM with the WZW term.
Possibilities of spectrometric diagnostics of benign and malignant conjunctival tumors
Authors: Saakyan S. V. , Skladnev D. A. , Alekseeva A. P. , Sorokin V. V. , Beznos O. V.
Published: July 2023

Purpose: to compare the regenerative activity of benign and malignant conjunctival tumors.

Material and methods. The study was performed on 86 tumor biopsies from patients with a clinically diagnosed conjunctival neoplasm. Healthy tissues from the same eye were taken as a control sample. The optical density of the reaction mixture containing biogenic nanoparticles formed in the presence of conjunctival tumors and the corresponding paired healthy tissue samples from the control group was measured by spectrophotometry. The data obtained were later verified by a pathohistological analysis.

Results. A significantly higher level of in situ formation of biogenic silver nanoparticles was recorded in the reaction mixture with malignant tumors of the conjunctiva (3.0 ± 1.1, (n = 32) compared to benign tumors (1.3 ± 0.2, n = 54). No differences were found between various types of benign tumors. In samples of malignant tumors, the indicators of recovery activity in melanoma (3.4 ± 1.0, n = 14) and lymphoma (2.8 ± 1.0, n = 7) were significantly higher than in squamous cell carcinoma (2.0 ± 0.6, n = 11), but no significant differences were found between the two types of tumors.

Conclusion. The method of spectrophotometric measurement of the regenerative activity of conjunctival tumors can be used in preoperative or intraoperative diagnostics thanks to the fact that the results can be obtained rapidly, which will help to quickly determine the extent of surgical intervention needed and optimize the treatment tactics.
Differential diagnosis of solar maculopathy and congenital cone dystrophy: a clinical case
Authors: Ioshin I. E. , Merkushenkova D. A.
Published: July 2023

The main symptoms of solar maculopathy are central visual acuity decrease, the onset of central scotoma, photophobia, metamorphopsia and dyschromatopsia. In the acute period, the ophthalmoscopic picture of the disease requires a differential diagnosis with hereditary cone retinal dystrophies. An objective differentiation of these diseases is possible by fluorescein angiography, electrooculography, and optical coherence tomography of the retina. The paper presents a clinical case of solar maculopathy with an analysis of differential diagnostics used.
Modifying treatment of degenerative retinal diseases. Part 1. Adaptive and non-adaptive retinal plasticity
Authors: Zueva M. V. , Neroeva N. V. , Katargina L. A. , Zhuravleva A. N. , Kotelin V. I. , Tsapenko I. V. , Fadeev D. V.
Published: July 2023

Retinal structural plasticity is manifested in multiple damages of the retina. In many cases, the response to these damages is identical at both the cellular and molecular levels, involves similar sets of cellular signals, and is associated with a change in the structure of the retina and remodeling of the neural connections. The review discusses the common and specific features of adaptive and non-adaptive retinal plasticity, which characterize glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, diabetic retinopathy, and retinopathy of prematurity. Given the common features of neurodegeneration and retinal plasticity in brain and retinal diseases, similar therapeutic strategies can be used in many cases to preserve the structure connectivity and retinal function, which stop or slow down the clinical evolution of the disease by either suppressing primary events or enhancing compensatory and regenerative mechanisms in the nervous tissue. Part 2 of the review will present neuroplasticity-based modifying therapy methods for retinal degenerative diseases.
Topical glucocorticoids in ophthalmology: a comparative analysis of efficacy and safety
Authors: Zyryanov S. K. , Butranova O. I.
Published: July 2023

The symptoms of most pathological conditions in ophthalmology are based on inflammations of varying severity. Valuable tools against inflammation are topical glucocorticoids (tGCs), whose molecules are able to actively overcome biological membranes and ensure a rapid clinical response. The use of tGCs is accompanied by a wide range of effects, including side effects, a rise in intraocular pressure being one of the most significant ones. The review focuses on a comparative analysis of the efficacy and safety of various tGCs, including “soft steroids”. We show the relationship between the structure of the drugs, their pharmacodynamic effects and the possibility of being used in various eye diseases.
Pathogenetic mechanisms of macular holes: a review of recent research work
Authors: Fayzrakhmanov R. R. , Pavlovsky O. A. , Karpov G. O.
Published: July 2023

The literature review focuses on penetrating macular holes, a topical issue in vitreoretinal surgery. Multiple theories and the modern view on the pathogenetic mechanisms macular hole formation are presented. A classification of macular holes is proposed.
Possibilities of dry eye syndrome therapy in various types of ametropia
Authors: Kovalevskaya M. A. , Antonyan V. B. , Sergeeva M. I.
Published: July 2023

Purpose: to evaluate the impact of Optinol treatment on the ocular surface state in medical students with various types of ametropia.

Material and methods. The study involved 3 groups of patients: two clinical groups and a control group. The first clinical group consisted of 34 students (68 eyes) with mild, moderate or high hyperopia, averagely aged 20.1 ± 0.5 years. The second clinical group consisted of 47 students (94 eyes) with mild, moderate or high myopia, average aged 20.6 ± 0.9 years. The control group was composed of 60 students (120 eyes), averagely aged 21.4 ± 1.2 years, with no ophthalmic pathologies. Each group received Optinol consecutively in three different formulations: Optinol® Gentle Repair: dexpanthenol 2 % and sodium hyaluronate 0.15 %, Optinol® Deep Hydration: sodium hyaluronate 0.4 %, Optinol® Express Moisturizer: sodium hyaluronate 0.21 %. The case histories of the patients and typical complaints were revealed by the questionnaire method. The state of the eyelids and the conjunctiva was assessed by biomicroscopy. To diagnose the dry eye syndrome (DES), special tests were used: LIPKOF, Schirmer and Norn tests.

Results. Despite the higher LIPKOF scores in the 1st (hyperopic) group, showing stage III as compared to the 2nd (myopic) group where it scored stage I, the Norn test score showed a stronger reduction in the 2nd group. The LIPKOF test improved in the hyperopic group, falling to 1.23 ± 0.10 mm (stage I), which corresponded to one conjunctival fold. The index of tear film stability (Norn's test) increased in group 1 by 3.1 ± 0.1 sec, and in group 2 by 2.2 ± 0.2 sec.

Conclusion. DES was found to be more frequent in hyperopic students. Optinol is a pathogenetically oriented drug, targeting tear production disorders and ocular surface changes. The drug demonstrates high efficacy, good tolerability and safety profile, so that it could be recommended for managing multiple types of ametropia.
Refraction changes in children with retinopathy of prematurity after transpupillary laser coagulation of the retina
Authors: Myagkov A. V. , Rozental P. V.
Published: July 2023

The improvement in nursing routine of premature babies with low and extremely low body weight has increased their survival rate. Along with the growing number of such children, retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) occurs relatively less often and its outcome becomes more favorable. Modern approaches to the surgical treatment have led to a significant reduction in the incidence of blindness and visual disability caused by ROP. Yet, ROP remains one of the major issues in neonatal ophthalmology, often associated with refractive disorders.

Purpose: to evaluate the refractive changes in children with ROP after transpupillary laser coagulation of the retina based by clinical experience.

Materials and methods. We analyzed 5 clinical cases of children with ROP treated in Children's City Clinical Hospital No 1 during the period from 2013 to 2014. All patients underwent retinal transpupillary laser coagulation; its volume determined by the stage of ROP. Eye refraction data were noted at the age of 1 and 7 years. The quality of visual functions and the axial length of the eye were determined at the age of 7.

Results. All patients had hyperopia of varying degrees at 1 years old. By the age of 7, one patient developed myopia, another one had emmetropia, while the rest of children had hyperopia of varying degrees. Regardless of the refractive error type, the axial length of the eye remained significantly below the age norm. The low quality of visual functions is due to the lack of full-time optical correction and irregular outpatient observation.

Conclusions. Most often, hyperopia refraction in children with ROP is accompanied by a short axial length of the eye. Full-time optical correction should be prescribed, and spectacle wearing should be monitored by parents and ophthalmologists who observe the patients.
Anatomical and optical parameters and aberrations of the optical system of the eye in anisometropic myopia
Authors: Neroev V. V. , Tarutta E. P. , Khodzhabekyan N. V. , Khandzhian A. T. , Harutyunyan S. G.
Published: July 2023

Purpose: to compare anatomical and optical parameters and aberrations of both eyes in patients with acquired and congenital anisometropic myopia.

Material and methods. 22 patients (44 eyes) aged 18–35 (averagely, 25.2) with acquired and congenital anisometropic myopia were examined using the Galilei G6 optical eye system analyzer (Ziemer, Switzerland). The analysis of total, corneal and internal aberrations of the eye was carried out on an OPD-Scan III (Nidek) aberrometer.

Results. In both groups with acquired and congenital anisometropic myopia, the axial length of the higher myopic eye was greater than that of the fellow eye. A greater asphericity and higher astigmatism of the cornea were revealed in higher myopic eyes of patients with congenital myopia as compared to acquired myopia. The total RMS HOA in congenital myopia was significantly greater in the higher myopic eye compared to the fellow eye (1.07 D and 0.68 D, respectively) and greater than in cases of acquired myopia. All HOA were greater in higher myopic eyes as compared to the fellow ones in cases of congenital myopia. In case of acquired myopia only the total coma appeared to be greater in the higher myopic eye. Corneal aberrations in acquired anisometropic myopia did not differ in the paired eyes. In case of congenital myopia, the total tilt was significantly greater in the higher myopic eye, and total coma and spherical aberration have lower values, even with a transition to negative ones (p < 0.05).

Conclusion. The revealed differences of the wavefront of the eyes with anisometropic congenital and acquired myopia are rather a consequence of anatomical and optical differences (the axial length of the eyes and the topography of the cornea), than the cause of anisometropia.
Age-related changes of ocular blood flow detecting by laser speckle flowgraphy
Authors: Neroeva N. V. , Zaytseva O. V. , Okhotsimskaya T. D. , Shvetsova N. E. , Markelova O. I.
Published: July 2023

Disorders of ocular perfusion are associated with huge amout of diseases, including such socially significant as diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma. To date, there is no gold standard for measuring ocular perfusion. An innovative method for two-dimensional assessment of eye blood flow — laser speckle flowgraphy (LSFG) — has been developed recent years and implemented in ophthalmological practice.

Purpose: to evaluate the possibilities of LSFG for determining ocular blood flow and to find out the age dependence of the obtained indicators of ocular blood flow.

Materials and methods. The study includes 60 healthy volunteers. The examined persons were divided into 3 groups of 20 people depending on their age — 20–40 years old, 41–60 years old, and over 61 years old. All examined persons had high visual acuity and normal blood pressure. The study was carried out on an LSFG-RetFlow device (Nidek). The shape of the pulse wave, its qualitative and quantitative characteristics including the main parameter of LSFG - MBR (Mean Blur Rate) were determined.

Results. A significant decrease with age of most studied parameters of blood flow volume was revealed, the changes were significant (p £ 0.05). The highest MBR parameters were noted in the group of 20–40 years old. In the macular area, MBR values decreased more significantly in the group after 60 years age, while for the optic nerve head (ONH), a decrease has been already noted after 40 years age. In average, the decrease was 25–34 % for the ONH area and 33–38 % for the macular area. Changes of the other parameters of the pulse waveform had a similar trend.

Conclusion. LSFG is a reliable method for quantifying ocular blood flow. Our data support that LSFG-derived MBR and pulse wave measurements may be useful biomarkers for ocular perfusion changes. The identified age-related blood flow changes should be taken into account during the analysis of patients data.
The systemic angiotensin-II role in the development of retinopathy of prematurity
Authors: Osipova N. A. , Chesnokova N. B. , Katargina L. A. , Pavlenko T. A. , Beznos O. V. , Panova A. Yu.
Published: July 2023

Purpose: to determine the role of the systemic angiotensin II (AT-II) in the pathogenesis of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and assess its prognostic value.

Material and methods. 34 premature infants at risk of developing ROP were examined according to the ophthalmological ROP screening protocol adopted in the Russian Federation. Retrospectively, the infants were divided into 2 groups: those without ROP (n = 15) and those with developed ROP (n = 19). The average gestational age of those without ROP was 28.12 ± 0.64 weeks, their average body weight at birth was 1164 ± 118.6 g. The respective values for the group with ROP were 27.8 ± 0.6 weeks and 1142.6 ± 108.4 g. The two groups had similar extent of general somatic burden. At 32–35 weeks and 36–39 weeks of post-conceptual age (PCA), the infants of both groups were tested for the concentration of AT-II in blood serum using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results: on the 32–35 week of PCA, the average level of AT-II in blood serum of premature infants of the ROP group was significantly increased as compared to that of the non-ROP group (p = 0.03), while on the 36–39 week of PCA no statistically significant difference between the AT-II levels in the examined groups was found (p = 0.73).

Conclusion. We established that the systemic AT-II level has a trigger role in the development of ROP. A high level of this parameter found at the onset of ROP can be considered as an early prognostic criterion for the risk of ROP development.
An improved technique for Morgagnian cataract phacoemulsification
Authors: Pirogova E. S. , Fabrikantov O. L. , Nikolashin S. I.
Published: July 2023

Purpose: to develop new approaches to Morgagnian cataract surgery by optimizing the phacoemulsification technique and reducing the risk of surgical complications.

Material and methods. 22 patients (22 eyes) with hypermature Morgagnian cataract were divided into 2 groups. The main group I included 11 patients who underwent surgery according to the PEC technology using iridocapsular retractors, an intracapsular ring and the scaffold technique with the last nucleus fragment relocated into the anterior chamber. The comparison group II included 11 patients with PEC and IOL implantation using iridocapsular retractors and an intracapsular ring with no scaffold technique involved. In 7 patients of group I, the lens nucleus was considered “large” and in 4 patients, “small”. In 8 patients of group II, the lens nucleus was considered “large” and in 3 patients, “small”.

Results. After 6 months, BCVA in group I was 0.60, whilst in group II it was 0.70. IOP in group I averaged 12.9 mm Hg, while in group II it averaged 17.90 mm Hg. The endothelial cell density (CD) in group I decreased by 241 cells and amounted to 2012.0 cells/mm2 , the endothelial cell loss was 10.70%, while in group II CD loss was greater. It dropped by 377 cells (15.60%) and amounted to 2039 cells/mm2 .

Conclusions. The severity of involutional changes in the ligamentous apparatus of the lens in Morgagnian cataract was found to depend on the nucleus size. A working classification of Morganian cataract by the nucleus size has been proposed. The use of scaffold technique with the relocation of the last fragment into the anterior chamber made it possible to reduce the share of surgical complications to 18.18%. During phacoemulsification of Morgagnian cataract with small nuclei, surgical complications took place in both group I and II, which necessitates further improvement of the existing surgical technique of this type of pathology.
Elasticities of Substitution in Nested CES Systems
Authors: McDougall Robert
Published: July 2023

We provide a minimal derivation of the Keller formula for outer elasticities of substitution in nested CES systems.
International MariBunkers: An Attempt to Assign its Usage to the Right Countries
Authors: McDougall Robert , van Leeuwen Nico
Published: July 2023

In recent GTAP data releases, in transforming energy volumes data from the IEA extended energy balances to an input-output format, we record inflows into the energy balances flow "international marine bunkers" as exports, but record no corresponding imports. Here, we revise the energy module to balance the trade flows by recording international marine bunker usage as imports into the country of residence of the ship operator, and as usage by that country’s transport industry. We allocate usage across countries in proportion to the money value of their water transport services exports.
Introducing first and second generation biofuels into GTAP 9 Data Base
Authors: Taheripour Farzad , Pena-Levano Luis , Tyner Wally
Published: July 2023

The standard GTAP data bases do not explicitly represent production, consumption, and trade of biofuels. In response to the growing demand for biofuels research, biofuels (including ethanol produced from grains, ethanol produced from sugarcane, and biodiesel produced from vegetable oils) were introduced in to the GTAP data base version 6 which represents the global economy in 2001 [1]. In 2001 the global production of biofuels (including ethanol and biodiesel) was about 5 billion gallons. Then the first and second generation of biofuels were introduced into the GTAP data base version 7 for 2004 [2]. In 2004 the global production of all types of first generation of biofuels was about 7.8 billion gallons. In 2004, there was no commercial production of second generation of biofuels (biofuels produced from cellulosic materials). However, several second generation biofuel technologies were introduced into this data base. Several studies have used the first and second versions of the GTAP-BIO data bases to project the economic and land use impacts of biofuel production and policy at the global scale
A Revised CO2 Emissions Database for GTAP
Authors: Chepeliev Maksym
Published: July 2023

Since GTAP 5 Data Base, a special satellite account that estimates CO2 emissions from fossil fuel combustion has been developed (Lee, 2002). A corresponding approach to the estimation of emissions has remained unchanged since then and relies on the Tier 1 method of the 1996 IPCC Guidelines (IPCC/OECD/IEA, 1997). However, a number of concerns regarding discrepancies between GTAP CO2 emissions data and other international data sources, such as EDGAR and IEA, have been raised. In this paper, we compare GTAP CO2 emissions data with other international data sources and quantify the revealed discrepancies. To address the identified differences, we develop and implement a revised emissions accounting framework based on the Tier 1 method of the 2006 IPCC Guidelines. Our revised approach includes estimation of emission factors at a more granular commodity level than implemented in the standard GTAP 10A Data Base. Two additional refinements include an updated accounting of emissions from blast furnaces and other recovered gases, as well as a more transparent treatment of CO2 emissions from flaring. We implement an updated emissions accounting framework for the case of GTAP 11 energy database and show that it helps to substantially reduce discrepancies between GTAP and other international data sources both at the global and country levels.
Entropy Theory and RAS are Friends
Authors: McDougall Robert
Published: July 2023

Presented at the Second Annual Conference on Global Economic Analysis Recent research in applications of entropy theory to matrix balancing problems in eco-nomics has put powerful new tools in the hands of data base developers, but overshadowed some previous findings. We recall earlier findings that the RAS is an entropy-theoretic model. Investigating the properties of a more recently proposed entropy-theoretic model, we find that in general the RAS remains preferable. We show further that the RAS can be obtained also as a generalised cross-entropy model. Finally, we present examples illus-trating how entropy-theoretic techniques can extend the RAS to handle a wider range of problems.
Parameter Estimation and Measures of Fit in A Global, General Equilibrium Model
Authors: Liu Jing , Arndt Channing , Hertel Thomas
Published: July 2023

Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) models have been widely used for quantitative analysis of global economic issues. However, CGE models are frequently criticized for resting on weak empirical foundations. This paper builds on recent work in macro-econometric estimation, developing an approach to parameter estimation for a widely employed global CGE model, the Global Trade Analysis Project (GTAP) model. An approximate likelihood function is developed and the set of optimum elasticity values is obtained by maximizing this approximate likelihood function in the context of a back casting exercise. In addition, two statistical tests are performed. The first of these tests compares the standard GTAP elasticity vector with the estimated trade elasticity vector. It rejects the null hypothesis of equality between the two sets of trade elasticities. The second test examines the widely maintained hypothesis known as the “rule of two”, by which the elasticity of substitution across imports by sources is set equal to twice the elasticity of substitution between domestic goods and imports. We fail to reject this common rule of thumb. We conclude that there is much to be gained by nesting CGE models within an estimation framework as this opens the way for formal evaluation of model performance and parameterization.
A Comparative Analysis of the EU-Morocco FTA vs. Multilateral Liberalization
Authors: Elbehri Aziz , Hertel Thomas
Published: July 2023

An applied general equilibrium model with oligopoly and scale economies, based on detailed plant-level data, is used to contrast the impacts of the Morocco-EU free trade area (FTA) to multilateral trade liberalization on Morocco’s economy. Simulation results show that the FTA agreement is likely to have adverse effects on Morocco due to: (a) deteriorating terms of trade, (b) reductions in output per firm in industries dominated by scale economies, (c) diversion of imports away from relatively low cost, non-EU suppliers, and (d) potentially adverse effects on the aggregate demand for labor which could exacerbate already high levels of unemployment. We contrast this FTA with a multilateral liberalization scenario along the lines of those proposed under the Doha Development Round and find this to be more beneficial to Morocco, despite the associated income transfer from the EU to Morocco. The difference may be attributed to: (a) lesser terms of trade losses, (b) positive scale effects, (c) non-preferential liberalization of imports into Morocco, and (d) a positive impact on aggregate labor demand and hence unemployment. We conclude that Morocco would be better off pursuing trade liberalization in the multilateral arena. JEL classification: F12, F14, F15 Keywords: Applied general equilibrium; Market Structure; Trade liberalization; Developing economies; Morocco
Productivity Growth and Convergence in Crop, Ruminant and Non-Ruminant Production: Measurement and Forecasts
Authors: Ludena Carlos , Hertel Thomas , Preckel Paul , Foster Kenneth , Nin-Pratt Alejandro
Published: July 2023

There is considerable interest in projections of future productivity growth in agriculture. Whether one is interested in the outlook for global commodity markets, future patterns of international trade, or the interactions between land use, deforestation and ecological diversity, the rate of productivity growth in agriculture is an essential input. Yet solid projections for this variable have proven elusive – particularly on a global basis. This is due, in no small part, to the difficulty in measuring historical productivity growth. The purpose of this paper is to report the latest time series evidence on total factor productivity growth for crops, ruminants and non-ruminant livestock, on a global basis. We then follow with tests for convergence amongst regions, providing forecasts for farm productivity growth to the year 2040. The results suggest that most regions in the sample are likely to experience larger productivity gains in livestock than in crops. Within livestock, the non-ruminant sector is expected to continue to be more dynamic than the ruminant sector. Given the rapid rates of productivity growth observed recently, non-ruminant and crop productivity in developing countries may be converging to the productivity levels of developed countries. For ruminants, the results show that productivity levels may be diverging between developed and developing countries.
Acanthus and Mughal Architecture: Western Influence on Wazir Khan Ornamentation
Authors:   School of the Arts, Universiti Sains Malaysia: Malaysia., Zahra Fatima , Shahir Safrizal ,   Universiti Sains Malaysia
Published: July 2023

The widely recognised historical ornament acanthus was used in South Asia, Southeast Asia, Europe, and other ancient civilisations. Historic civilisations frequently employed symbols and ornaments in their architecture to represent a specific subject matter or the aesthetic value or aspect of the ornamental elements for aesthetic and conceptual purposes. However, this study aims to explore the Western influence of acanthus on the architecture of the Mughal era, especially the Wazir Khan Mosque. Moreover, it also explores the voyage of acanthus ornament from the Italian Renaissance to South Asia. It uses a descriptive qualitative method to assess that the acanthus, a European ornament, was used as an architectural ornament or a decorative theme throughout Mughals architecture. Findings reveal that the acanthus travelled from Europe to South Asia as a result of aesthetic and artistic trade and developed and evolved during the Mughals.