bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Single Page Application architecture when developing secure Web services
Authors: Kornienko D V , Mishina S V , Melnikov M O
Published: December 2021

The article is devoted to the development of a prototype of a secure single page-application (SPA) web service for automating user information accounting. The relevance of this study is very high due to the use of web services. The article provides a classification of web applications and shows the features of the architecture of a single page application used in the development of the service. Based on a comparative analysis of the architectural styles of the API, the most appropriate style was selected. Considered and taken into account the key points of the development of a secure application programming interface (API), the requirements that must be met by RESTful API services. The work used popular authentication schemes (methods). A comparative characteristic of web frameworks of the Python programming language is given, on the basis of which a tool for implementing a web service is selected. Shows the main advantages of using Python when developing paged web services and the security tools included in the standard package of the Flask web services development framework. Shows how to securely prototype a Python RESTful SPA Web Service API using Flask. An example of using the Swagger tool to describe the specifications of the developed API is given. The process of setting up the application is considered in detail. The main recommendations for securing a web application, setting up a database and a web server are listed. The key points of ensuring the protection of the developed web application are considered. Conclusions are made regarding the choice of the architectural style of the application API, the most suitable tools and technologies for the software implementation of the service.
The use of optical fiber for the creation of security systems for electrical cables of distribution networks of 0.4 kV
Authors: Yugay V V , Mekhtiyev A D , Madi P Sh , Alkina A D , Neshina E G
Published: December 2021

The article presents the results of research aimed at solving important production issues related to the theft of power cables and reducing the reliability of electrical networks with a voltage of 0.4 kV. To implement the security system, a single-mode optical fiber and a hardware and software complex for data processing were used. The results of the work can be used in security systems for various purposes, including telecommunications and construction systems. During the experiments, it was found that the photoelasticity effect occurs during mechanical action on the optical fiber, which causes changes in the refractive indices of the shell and core, while the properties of light change. In contrast to the known security systems and methods of fixing violations, a high-resolution television matrix is used, and not a photodetector device that records only changes in intensity. The television matrix is installed at the output of the optical fiber and records all changes in the light spot, and the hardware and software complex converts these changes into numerical values.
Application of the migration method for radiotomography of breast cancer
Authors: Eremeev A I , Vasin V V , Satarov R N , Tseplyaev I S , Shipilova S S
Published: December 2021

A new method to visualize microwave image is presented to early non-invasive detection of breast cancer tumors. A new processing method to compute microwave images of heterogeneity in a biological environment is described here, as well as a new algorithm for accelerating the calculation of three-dimensional radio images. Sounding of synthetic phantoms with dielectric properties of breast tissue was carried out in the range of 2–8 GHz using a special radar system developed by the authors. Results show that it is possible to use this microwave imaging method to form 3D accurate images using hemispherical scan Images of tumor phantoms were obtained during probing in the 2–8 GHz range with a resolution of about 5–7 mm.

According to the results of the reconstruction of three-dimensional radio images, it was revealed that the calculation time can be reduced by at least 2 times with an insignificant loss of quality.
Investigation of the parameters of a single photon detector for quantum communication
Authors: Khomiakova K I , Kokhanenko A P , Losev A V
Published: December 2021

Nowadays the best single photon detectors from a practical view are those based on InGaAs/InP avalanche photodiodes, operating at a wavelength of 1.55 μm. The dependence of quantum efficiency and noise levels on the temperature and bias voltage of avalanche photodiodes were carried out.
Empirical dependence of the probability of blocks rotations on the diffusion coefficient in a cellular automaton with a Margolus neighbourhood
Authors: Shalyapina N A , Gromov M L , Matolygin A K , Torgaev S N
Published: December 2021

The paper considers a cellular automaton approach to modeling physical processes, in particular, the diffusion of pulsed periodic gas discharges in plasma. An attempt to determine the dependence of the probability of the block rotation on the diffusion coefficient for a cellular automaton diffusion model with a Margolus neighborhood is describe. Some features of the tensor approach to the implementation of random block cellular automata are described. The results of computer experiments are presented. The analysis of this results indicates that the data from the literature sources differ from the data obtained during the experiment.
Distribution of temperature field in phantom of hand with microwave radiation
Authors: Nechaev A N , Dunaevsky G E
Published: December 2021

The present work presents the results of phantom of human hand simulation with the dielectric properties, very similar with human tissues properties. The simulation was conducted with using “CST Studio” software. The phantom was made by a “papier-mâché” method. The thermal field distribution was measured twice: for the simulation of phantom in “CST Studio” software, and for the phantom filled with dispersed meat of pork, the power was 2.45 GHz. The heating profile of certain points on phantom, including fingers, has been studied. It is shown that the heating profile of fingers zone is different from heating profile of wrist and forearm. The obtained experimental data have shown the possibility of using microwave radiation for deep cold injuries treatment.
A feature of organization the regional digital network of agrometeorological observations in the Tomsk region
Authors: Myagkov A S , Solovyov A V , Fomin D A
Published: December 2021

The article describes the organization of a digital network for collection and analysis of agrometeorological data. This digital network is based on the concept of an integrated approach to the collection, systematization and analysis of agrometeorological data for forecasting and developing recommendations for agricultural producers. The digital network is three-tiered and consists of meteorological stations, agrometeorological posts and agrometeorological probes installed directly on the fields. The presented modern network for monitoring meteorological parameters is an important tool of modern agricultural production, which is especially relevant in a dynamically changing climate. It is reasonable to build such systems in the ideology of the Internet of Things (IoT).
Antarctic meltwater-induced dynamical changes in phytoplankton in the Southern Ocean
Authors: Oh Ji-Hoon , Noh Kyung Min , Lim Hyung-Gyu , Jin Emilia Kyung , Jun Sang-Yoon , Kug Jong-Seong
Published: December 2021

It has been suggested that the freshwater flux due to the recent melting of the Antarctic ice-sheet/shelf will suppress ventilation in the Southern Ocean (SO). In this study, we performed idealized earth-system simulations to examine the impacts of Antarctic meltwater on the biomass of surface phytoplankton in the Antarctic Ocean. The enhanced stratification due to the meltwater leads to a decrease in surface nitrate concentration, but an increase in the surface concentration of dissolved iron. These changes are associated with the reduced upwelling of nitrate-rich deep water and the trapped iron exported from terrestrial sediment. Because of the limited iron availability in the SO, the trapped iron in surface water enhances the chlorophyll concentration in the open ocean. However, in the marginal sea along the Antarctic coastline where the iron is relatively sufficient, a nitrate reduction induces a chlorophyll decrease, indicating a regime shift from iron-limited to nitrate-limited conditions.
Peculiarities of acid-base properties of peat formed in various agroclimatic zones of the Altai mountainous region
Authors: Larina G V , Kaigorodov E V , Daibova E B , Yalbacheva O A , Vidyaykina L G
Published: December 2021

The results of the study of acid-base indicators of peat in the Altai mountainous region are presented. The natural factors that in the aggregate determine the peculiarities of the physico-chemical properties of mountain peat of different agro-climatic zones of the Altai Mountains have been revealed. The variation in the acid values, total absorbed bases, adsorption capacity and the degree of saturation of raised-bog, transitional, fen peat, the number of exchangeable ions Ca2+ and Mg2+ has been estimated. The interrelation among these indicators has been presented. For the first time, regression equations of the relationship between exchangeable acidity pHKC1 and the degree of peat base saturation V, between total absorbed bases S and the degree of peat base saturation V have been obtained using nonlinear regression analysis. The adequacy and stability of the developed models have been verified. The calculated mean errors of approximation of regression models characterise the high accuracy of the forecast and are indicative of a good selection of models for the initial data.
Diurnal and seasonal dynamics of the electrical conductivity of water of the northeastern part of the Great Vasyugan Mire (Western Siberia)
Authors: Kharanzhevskaya Yu A
Published: December 2021

In this study, we determined the diurnal and seasonal dynamics of the electrical conductivity of waters of the northeastern part of the Great Vasyugan Mire in Western Siberia. Our studies showed that the electrical conductivity of the waters for the period of April to September 2016 was characterised by a value of 35 μS/cm, and the seasonal amplitude was 25 μS/cm. In seasonal dynamics, there are three maximums of electrical conductivity in waters. The first maximum was formed in April (48 μS/cm) and is associated with snowmelt water supply. The second one was observed in May after the complete thawing of the peat deposit (39 μS/cm), and the third was observed at the end of July as a result of biochemical processes in the peat deposit (43 μS/cm). Our studies have shown the electrical conductivity hysteresis during time intervals from 3–5 to 6–10 days electrical conductivity remains constant despite the change in hydrometeorological conditions (water table level, temperature).
Post-fire composition of lipids in waters and plants of Great Vasyugan Mire
Authors: Russkikh I V , Strel’nikova E B , Serebrennikova O V , Kharanzhevskaya Yu A
Published: December 2021

A lipid compositions were determined in water and plant samples taken in natural and burnt-out areas of the Bakchar bog (northeastern part of Great Vasyugan Mire) located in the basin of the Gavrilovka River within Tomsk region and were analyzed via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The following main groups of organic compounds have been identified: acyclic n-alkanes, fatty acids, and n-alkan-2-ones. Among cyclic compounds steroids, sesquiterpenoids, and pentacyclic triterpenoids have been identified. It was shown that lipids in waters contained biomolecules of plants grown in the areas under study. Chemical indicators reflecting the disappearance of plants since a fire and their restricted distribution or replacement of some plant species with others were found out. These indicators can be used in paleoclimatic reconstructions to fix post-pyrogenic layers in the sedimentary rock strata.
Characterization of peat deposit using ground penetrating radar: Survey experiments and data interpretation
Authors: Sinyutkina A A
Published: December 2021

The paper deals with the possibilities of different wave frequency antennae applications for estimation of the depth of peat deposits and detection of peat layers with different physical characteristics. We employed a GPR system “OKO-2” (“Logical systems”, Russia) with 250 MHz, 700 MHz, and 1700 MHz shielded antennae. The surveys were conducted in 2017–2019 within the pristine and drained raised bogs and swamp forest in the south taiga subzone of Western Siberia to assess the spatial differentiation of the peat deposit and the modern peat accumulation rate within drained bogs. The peculiarities of field surveying, GPR data processing and interpretation are shown. Based on GPR data analysis the influence zone of Bakchar bog and modern peat accumulation within drained bogs were assessed. We noted that the Bakchar bog has a vast zone of influence reaching 700 m from the bog border where peat accumulation is observed. The modern peat accumulation is observed within Bakchar the bog. Drained sites of Ust-Bakchar bog are characterised by the absent peat accumulation or degradation of the peat deposits.
Lateral and radial geochemical structure of bog catena soils (on the example of middle-taiga bog system of Western Siberia)
Authors: Stepanova V A , Mironycheva-Tokareva N P
Published: December 2021

Lateral and radial geochemical structure of bog catena soils of Western Siberia middle-taiga subzone has been investigated on the base of B, Na, Mg, Al, P, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, As, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, Mo, Cd, Sb, Cs, Ba, Hf, W, Pb, Th, U and lanthanoides content. Bog catena is characterized with high contrast of radial distribution of most studied elements. Lateral differentiation is significantly lower than radial one and is monotonous for most elements. In bog catena soils of Western Siberia middle-taiga subzone there are investigated correlations between elements content and soils characteristics that are mainly determined by specific peculiarities of ecosystem development.
Prospects for the peat using as the basis of the soil-like substrate in mini-ecosystems modelling
Authors: Tereshchenko N N , Zyubanova T I , Kravets A V , Akimova E E , Minaeva O M , Petrova T M
Published: December 2021

Global urbanization is causing a constant decline in arable land as cities and associated industrial zones are “attacking” adjacent agricultural areas. One of the promising ways to solve the problem of increasing food production for the constantly growing population of the planet against the background of rapidly decreasing land resources is the development of fundamentally new alternative methods for the production of crop products, including in greenhouses. The fundamental basis for technological optimization of plant cultivation parameters and the output of the productive process of a particular crop to the maximum of its genetic capacities can be the development of artificial mini-ecosystems based on the reproduction of nature-like processes, implying the balance and combination in one volume of the processes of plant production and reduction of organic waste, initiated directly in the zone of the rhizosphere of plants due to the introduction of technological earthworms into the reduction zone. According to the results of model studies presented in this article, peat is an acceptable basis for the substrate of the root block of a mini-ecosystem, and the introduction of earthworms Eisenia fetida Sav. into the reduction zone does not have a negative effect on lettuce plants, provided that it is used as an energy substrate for cattle manure worms in quantities not exceeding 10 - 20% of the total volume of the substrate.
Decomposition of Sphagnum mosses in Western Siberia bog ecosystems (on the example of Sphagnum fuscum)
Authors: Vishnyakova E K
Published: December 2021

On the base of experiments there were recorded the greatest mass losses of Sphagnum fuscum samples flat palsa mires in the first year of experiment, in the following years decay rate decreased significantly (from 24 % to 16 %). On middle taiga bogs there was observed decay rate increasing over the third year while on southern taiga bogs Sphagnum fuscum was decomposed almost evenly over three years. On ridges of ridge-hollow complex of middle taiga and southern taiga mass losses under destruction were greater than those in ryams. The most dynamic decomposition was recorded for forest-steppe ryam with decay mass losses over three years of 56% average.
ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF VEHICLE EMISSIONS ON THE ATMOSPHERE OF THE CITY OF VORONEZH AND THEIR MINIMIZATION
Authors: Ya. Manokhin V. , Manokhin M. V.
Published: December 2021

The paper considers the emissions of pollutants from road transport, in the total air pollution they make up 70 % on the example of a particular metropolis. The highway is considered as a linear source consisting of single point sources of pollution. Special attention is paid to suspended fine particles in the solid phase. It is determined that when assessing the level of environmental pollution, it is important to take into account not only the total number of vehicles, but also the ratio of cars of different categories, since they, having different emission factors, supply unequal volumes (mass) exhaust gas components. The variability of the traffic flow density on the streets of six administrative districts of Voronezh and the complexity of zoning the city territory because of three-year monitoring were established. It is proposed to place accounting points on streets that differ in their status in the general transport network of the city in order to obtain reliable data during the monitoring period [11]. The simulation of diffusion movements and migrations of solid-phase air pollutants of roadside territories is carried out. The model of diffusive displacements and migrations of heavy metals is considered in relation only to passive contaminants. The choice is implemented and the method of studying the level of dustiness of motor transport roads is recommended, which allows fixing dust particles from 0.1 microns to 250 microns in the air. An algorithm of an improved system for monitoring the content of fine dust in the atmosphere of a residential zone is proposed. [16]. To minimize the emission of suspended substances, a two-stage emission purification system consisting of a gas-liquid absorber and a catalytic adsorber is proposed.
The use of web technologies in the transportation of medical waste generated during the treatment of COVID-19 on the territory of the Russian Federation
Authors: Burlov V G , Mironova M V , Abramov V A , Yu Kapitsyn S
Published: December 2021

In this study, explores the use of web technologies as a way to ensure that medical waste transportation is undertaken in a proper and safe way. Insofar as an incorrect waste sorting is regarded as a source of an epidemiological threat within further transportation, is proposed a synthesis of a waste sorting model. The model is based on a natural science approach to managerial decision-making. The model enables to identify and prove violations concerning medical waste sorting. Described four interconnected components of the model: an initial stage, when vaccination processes are not taking place; the vaccination is completed and medical waste is sorted according to the rules; the vaccination is completed, but the rules of medical waste sorting are violated; all the problems related to medical waste sorting are solved, so its transportation is possible.
The Role of Secondary Resource Market in the Development of the Extended Producer Responsibility Mechanism in Russia
Authors: Liubarskaia M A , Putinceva N A
Published: December 2021

The paper is aimed at the evaluation of current state of secondary resource market in Russia and the determination of factors of their influence on the extended producer responsibility (EPR). Research objectives include scientific justification of directions for the improvement of solid waste management handling process in the Russian regions in order to provide the support for manufactories and importers performing the extended producer responsibility activities. GAP-analysis was used as a method of obtaining the systematic results on the basis of the information received about the current state of the Russian secondary resource market according to various criteria, including the product quality, processing methods, communication between producers and consumers, and state regulations. Research is executed on the grounds of collaborative use of positivistic and phenomenological approaches, where the findings are based on the comparison of experts’ opinions on the factors influencing the development of EPR mechanism, and statistics of the financial performance of main players of the Russian secondary resource market. As a scientific novelty, it is proposed to use the development of secondary resource market for enhancing of EPR mechanism in Russia. The study reveals that successful functioning of the extended producer responsibility mechanism depends not only on business representatives involved in the production of goods and packaging, but also on consumers and on the state authorities.
Biohydrogen production from food processing wastewater by a newly isolated thermophilic bacterium
Authors: Litti Yuriy V , Zhuravleva Elena A , Kovalev Andrey A , Kovalev Dmitriy A , Katraeva Inna V , Parshina Sofiya N
Published: December 2021

The aim of this work was a comparative study of biohydrogen production from cheese whey and confectionary wastewater by a newly isolated thermophilic microbial strain Thermoanaerobacterium thermosaccharolyticum SP-H2. Experimental results showed that the fermentative hydrogen was successfully produced with the highest hydrogen yield of 3.9 mL H2/mL cheese whey or 80 mL H2/g chemical oxygen demand. The profile of soluble metabolite products showed that hydrogen generation by a new isolate was mainly acetate-type fermentation in the case of confectionary wastewater and mixed ethanol-acetate-lactate type fermentation in the case of cheese whey. The more optimal metabolic pathway of confectionary wastewater fermentation was confirmed by the better kinetic characteristics according to the Gompertz model.
Comparative evaluation of environmental efficiency of the municipal solid waste treatment scenarios for St. Petersburg region with the life cycle assessment method
Authors: Mikhailova N V , Yasinskaya A V
Published: December 2021

The research focuses on complex comparative evaluation of environmental efficiency of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) treatment scenarios that can be implemented in St. Petersburg and Leningradskaya oblast’. Three scenarios were modelled that technically and economically meet the regional needs. The scenarios imply the following systems: 1) sorting, Mechanical-Biological Treatment (MBT), landfilling; 2) sorting, MBT, Waste-to-Energy (WTE), landfilling; 3) sorting, MBT, Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) for cement industry, landfilling. In comparison, the “zero” scenario implying landfilling untreated waste was modelled. A Life Cycle Assessment based approach was proposed, which allows comparing scenarios through converting heterogeneous impact categories to a single monetary index. The highest damage reduction (by 60-70% in comparison with the “zero” scenario) was shown in the complex scenarios, including both MBT and energy recovery. 40, 42 and 47% of the total damage in scenarios 1, 2, 3 accordingly is associated with MBT product landfilling. The results show that the main benefit of complex treatment cannot be fully realized without separate collection of food waste. In this situation the most environmentally soundable scenario comprises recyclables separation and subsequent WTE treatment of all the rest with the exception of some non-combustibles.
An environmental engineering approach to wastewater treatment with bivalves in the coastal zone
Authors: Gudimov AV
Published: December 2021

High tolerance to pollution and filtration capacity of some seston-eating bivalves and mussels of g. Mytilus first of all, principally determine mussel populations as a powerful natural biofilter. Both marine and freshwater mussels consume relatively large amounts of seston, feeding directly on the primary producers. Particles with contaminants extracted from ambient water during the filtration are accumulated in mussel pseudofaeces and faeces discharged after digestion. These specific particles of faeces and soft pseudofeaces become very suitable substrata for bacteria development with following contaminant destruction. Moreover, such biodeposits appeared to be the nutritious food for bottom detritophages, in particular of polychaetes and amphipods. Some fluid metabolites excreted by mussels, i.e. dissolved organic matter (DOM) have a pronounced biological activity to producers. In general, mussels possess high resistance to acute and chronic pollution stress, although their growth may slow down and even stops. In clean conditions food supply is the most important factor in determining activity and growth rate of mussels for northern environment. Mussel and some other aquaculture, as a relatively new application of environmental engineering is able to improve the recycling of nutrients from wastewater to bioproduction and greatly reduce the risk of environmental degradation in the coastal zone.
A Critical Review On Mixing Parameters For High Content Reclaimed Asphalt Mixtures
Authors: Rathore Mukul , Haritonovs Viktors , Zaumanis Martins
Published: December 2021

High content reclaimed asphalt (RA) mixtures have been identified as one of the options to reduce the environmental and economic impacts of pavements construction. However, the process of designing and producing high content RA mixtures is challenging and the asphalt industry have serious concerns towards quality and long-term performance these mixtures. In laboratory, several parameters affect mixture characteristic, and if not controlled, may results into inaccurate estimation of performance. This state- of-the-art study aims to identify critical parameters for high content RA mixture production and highlight the effects of these parameters on mixture performance. The mixing parameters adopted in several laboratory studies have been highlighted and compared. The best practices to mix recycled asphalt in laboratory are reviewed in order to optimize the laboratory mixing. Based on review, important considerations for evaluating laboratory performance have been discussed.
Enhancement of image quality in planar Airy light-sheet microscopy via subtraction method
Authors: Deng Suhui , Yuan Liusong , Cheng Peiwei , Wang Yuhao , Liu Mingping
Published: December 2021

The use of propagation-invariant Airy beams enables a light-sheet microscopy with a large field-of-view. Without relying upon two-photon excitation or deconvolution-based processing to eliminate out-of focus blur caused by the side lobes, here, we present how the subtraction method is applied to enhance the image quality in digital scanned light-sheet microscopy with Airy beam. In the proposed method, planar Airy beam with the symmetric transversal structure is used to excite the sample. A hollow Airy beam with zero intensity at the focal plane is created, which is mainly used to excite the out-of-focus signal. By scanning the sample twice with the normal planar Airy beam and the hollow Airy beam, digital post-processing of the obtained images by subtraction allows for the rejection of out-of-focus blur and improves the optical sectioning, the axial resolution and the intensity distribution uniformity of the light-sheet microscopy.
Study on dynamic mechanical properties of O-ring with large ring diameter ratio based on metal rubber
Authors: Zheng Xiaoyuan , Huang Wei , Ren Zhiying , Yang Yangyang , Bai Hongbai , Liang Yi , Lu Chunhong
Published: December 2021

The demand for high-temperature-resistant metal rubber seals (MRSs) with a large ring-to-diameter ratio is increasing. In this work, an O-type MRS with a large ring-to-diameter ratio was developed by embedding a spiral network metal rubber into a stainless-steel ring with a special preparation process. The effects of the frequency, porosity, and amplitude on the dynamic performance of this O-type MRS were studied in detail. The mechanical properties of the MRS were characterized through dynamic tests, and the damping sensitivity was analyzed using orthogonal tests. The results show that the MRS has a better stability under different vibration frequencies. The energy consumption and loss factor of the sample increase with increasing porosity. With an increase in the loading amplitude, the energy consumption and loss factor of the test samples with the same porosity increase, whereas the dynamic average stiffness of the specimen gradually decreases. Furthermore, the range analysis of the orthogonal experiment shows that the factors affecting the damping performance of the seal are in the following order: porosity > amplitude > frequency. This study presents the dynamic mechanical properties of O-shaped MRSs with a large ring-to-diameter ratio and provides a foundation for their engineering application.
Hard and soft materials: putting consistent van der Waals density functionals to work
Authors: Frostenson Carl M , Granhed Erik Jedvik , Shukla Vivekanand , Olsson Pär A T , Schröder Elsebeth , Hyldgaard Per
Published: December 2021

We present the idea and illustrate potential benefits of having a tool chain of closely related regular, unscreened and screened hybrid exchange–correlation (XC) functionals, all within the consistent formulation of the van der Waals density functional (vdW-DF) method (Hyldgaard et al (2020 J. Phys.: Condens. Matter
32 393001)). Use of this chain of nonempirical XC functionals allows us to map when the inclusion of truly nonlocal exchange and of truly nonlocal correlation is important. Here we begin the mapping by addressing hard and soft material challenges: magnetic elements, perovskites, and biomolecular problems. We also predict the structure and polarization for a ferroelectric polymer. To facilitate this work and future broader explorations, we present a stress formulation for spin vdW-DF and illustrate the use of a simple stability-modeling scheme. The modeling supplements density functional theory (DFT) (with a specific XC functional) by asserting whether the finding of a soft mode (an imaginary-frequency vibrational mode, ubiquitous in perovskites and soft matter) implies an actual DFT-based prediction of a low-temperature transformation.
‘What is infrastructure? What does it do?’: anthropological perspectives on the workings of infrastructure(s)
Authors: Kanoi Lav , Koh Vanessa , Lim Al , Yamada Shoko , Dove Michael R
Published: December 2021

Infrastructure is often thought of in big material terms: dams, buildings, roads, and so on. This study, instead, draws on literatures in anthropology and the social sciences to analyse infrastructures in relation to society and environment, and so cast current conceptions of infrastructure in a new light. Situating the analysis in context of President Biden’s recent infrastructure bill, the paper expands what is meant by and included in discussions of infrastructure. The study examines what it means for different kinds of material infrastructures to function (and for whom) or not, and considers how the immaterial infrastructure of human relations are manifested in, for example, labour, as well as how infrastructures may create intended or unintended consequences in enabling or disabling social processes. Further, in this study, we examine concepts embedded in thinking about infrastructure such as often presumed distinctions between the technical and the social, nature and culture, the human and the non-human, and the urban and the rural, and how all of these are actually implicated in thinking about infrastructure. Our analysis, thus, draws from a growing body of work on infrastructure in anthropology and the social sciences, enriches it with ethnographic insights from our own field research, and so extends what it means to study ‘infrastructures’ in the 21st century.
Infrastructure and SDG localization: the 21st century mandate
Authors: Hartley Kris
Published: December 2021

The United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs) propose a vision for policymaking at all scales and an institutional platform for producing knowledge and sharing experiences. National governments have the prerogative to determine their SDG planning and implementation strategies, with 169 targets and 232 indicators guiding efforts to achieve the 17 goals. At the same time, pursuing the SDGs is often a ground-level endeavor, highlighting the local and urban scale for policy concerns like infrastructure. In this way, cities are at the front lines of SDG implementation. This article considers how the global political economy of the SDGs—that is, the power and resource dynamics shaping sustainability narratives—imprints itself on relationships among cities and across levels of government in the planning of sustainable infrastructure.
First Identification of the New Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Omicron Variant (B.1.1.529) in Italy
Authors: Micheli Valeria , Bracchitta Fiorenza , Rizzo Alberto , Mancon Alessandro , Mileto Davide , Lombardi Alessandra , Stefanelli Paola , Gismondo Maria Rita
Published: December 2021

We identified the first case in Italy of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) B.1.1.529 variant, using whole-genome sequencing in an Italian subject traveling from Mozambique. Specific mutation profiles deserve further investigations to clarify potential effects on vaccination efficacy. This case highlights the crucial role of rapid and continuous surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 variant circulation.
Remote digital urinalysis with smartphone technology as part of remote management of glomerular disease during the SARS-CoV-2 virus pandemic: single-centre experience in 25 patients
Authors: Stauss Madelena , Dhaygude Ajay , Ponnusamy Arvind , Myers Martin , Woywodt Alexander
Published: December 2021

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated the provision of healthcare through remote and increasingly digitalized means. The management of glomerular pathology, for which urinalysis is crucial, has been notably affected. Here we describe our single-centre experience of using remote digital urinalysis in the management of patients with glomerular disease during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Method

All patients with native kidney glomerular disease who consented to participate in digital smartphone urinalysis monitoring between March 2020 and July 2021 were included. Electronic health records were contemporaneously reviewed for outcome data. Patient feedback was obtained through the testing portal.

Results

Twenty-five patients utilized the digital urinalysis application. A total of 105 digital urinalysis tests were performed for a wide variety of indications. Four patients experienced a relapse (detected remotely) and two patients underwent three successful pregnancies. The majority of patients were managed virtually (60%) or virtually and face to face (F2F) combined (32%). The average number of clinic reviews and urine tests performed during the pandemic either virtually and/or F2F was comparable to levels pre-pandemic and the ratio of reviews to urinalysis (R:U) was stable (pre-pandemic 1:0.9 versus during the pandemic 1:0.8). Patients seen exclusively F2F with supplementary home monitoring had the highest R:U ratio at 1:2.1. A total of 95% of users provided feedback, all positive.

Conclusion

Remote urinalysis proved a safe and convenient tool to facilitate decision-making where traditional urinalysis was difficult, impractical or impossible. Our approach allowed us to continue care in this vulnerable group of patients despite a lack of access to traditional urinalysis.
Competition of insect decomposers over large vertebrate carrion:Necrodesbeetles (Silphidae) vs. blow flies (Calliphoridae)
Authors: Matuszewski Szymon , MĄdra-Bielewicz Anna
Published: December 2021

Large carrion is inhabited by highly variable and interactive communities of insects. Positive interactions in carrion insect communities have been recently the focus in carrion ecology. In contrast, competition between carrion insects is rather undervalued. Here we provide evidence that blow flies (Calliphoridae) and Necrodes beetles (Silphidae), dominant decomposers of large carcasses in terrestrial habitats, compete over carrion. By reanalyzing the results from 90 pig carcasses, we demonstrated that the contribution of the flies and the beetles to the decay was negatively related. The greater part of the large carrion pool was monopolized by blow flies, whereas Necrodes beetles abundantly colonized carcasses, on which blow flies were less effective as decomposers. In behavioral assays, we found that adult beetles killed 4 times more frequently feeding than postfeeding third instar larvae of the flies, with the large decrease in the killing frequency after the larvae reached the age of early third instar. Therefore, adult Necrodes beetles preferentially killed the larvae that were before or in their peak feeding. The study provides evidence that the interaction between blow flies and Necrodes beetles is a combination of indirect exploitative effects of the flies and direct interference effects of the beetles (the mixed competition).
Disparities in esophageal cancer care based on race: a National Cancer Database analysis
Authors: Okereke Ikenna C , Westra Jordan , Tyler Douglas , Klimberg Suzanne , Jupiter Daniel , Venkatesan Rohit , Brooks Kaelyn , Kuo Yong-Fang
Published: December 2021

Esophageal cancer is one of the most common cancer killers in our country. The effects of racial disparities on care for esophageal cancer patients are incompletely understood. Using the National Cancer Database, we investigated racial disparities in treatment and outcome of esophageal cancer patients. The National Cancer Database was queried from 2004 to 2017. Logistic regression and survival analysis were used to determine racial differences in access, treatment and outcome. A total of 127,098 patients were included. All minority groups were more likely to be diagnosed at advanced stages versus Caucasians after adjusting for covariates (African American OR—1.64 [95% confidence interval 1.53—1.76], Hispanic OR—1.19 [1.08—1.32], Asian OR—1.78 [1.55—2.06]). After adjustment, all minorities were less likely at every stage to receive surgery. Despite these disparities, Hispanics and Asians had improved survival compared with Caucasians. African Americans had worse survival. Racial disparities for receiving surgery were present in both academic and community institutions, and at high-volume and low-volume institutions. Surgery partially mediated the survival difference between African Americans and Caucasians (HR—1.13 [1.10–1.16] and HR—1.04 [1.02–1.07], without and with adjustment of surgery).There are racial disparities in the treatment of esophageal cancer. Despite these disparities, Hispanics and Asians have improved overall survival versus Caucasians. African Americans have the worst overall survival. Racial disparities likely affect outcome in esophageal cancer. But other factors, such as epigenetics and tumor biology, may correlate more strongly with outcome for patients with esophageal cancer.
Percutaneous extraction of a large device-related thrombus on a Watchman™ device: a case report
Authors: Vyas Rhea , Kohler Cassidy , Pershad Ashish
Published: December 2021

Background

Left atrial appendage occlusion devices are commonly used to prevent stroke in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation who are unable to tolerate anticoagulation. However, certain patient- and device-related characteristics increase the risk for the development of a device-related thrombus (DRT). The presence of a DRT increases the risk of stroke and should be treated. Management of DRT lacks consensus but is mostly focused on anticoagulation. In patients with large thrombi that need to be managed urgently, percutaneous extraction may be a viable option.

Case summary

In this report, we describe the successful management of a DRT via percutaneous thrombus extraction technology in an 81-year-old woman with a large thrombus attached to a WATCHMAN™ device. The patient initially presented with shortness of breath, and on imaging a pedunculated thrombus was detected. The thrombus was extracted using a Penumbra Lightning 12™ (Penumbra Inc., Alameda, CA, USA) catheter with a Sentinel™ (Boston Scientific, Marlborough, MA, USA) cerebral embolic protection device. The patient had no neurologic sequelae and was started on anticoagulation.

Discussion

Percutaneous thrombectomy can be safely performed to extract large left atrial occlusion DRT that require urgent management, without any neurologic sequelae. We believe this can be used in patients with a large DRT who would not be adequately managed with anticoagulation and in whom surgery is not feasible.
Is the contemporary care of the older persons with acute coronary syndrome evidence-based?
Authors: Mills Greg B , Ratcovich Hanna , Adams-Hall Jennifer , Beska Benjamin , Kirkup Emma , Raharjo Daniell E , Veerasamy Murugapathy , Wilkinson Chris , Kunadian Vijay
Published: December 2021

Globally, ischaemic heart disease is the leading cause of death, with a higher mortality burden amongst older adults. Although advancing age is associated with a higher risk of adverse outcomes following acute coronary syndrome (ACS), older patients are less likely to receive evidence-based medications and coronary angiography. Guideline recommendations for managing ACS are often based on studies that exclude older patients, and more contemporary trials have been underpowered and produced inconsistent findings. There is also limited evidence for how frailty and comorbidity should influence management decisions. This review focuses on the current evidence base for the medical and percutaneous management of ACS in older patients and highlights the distinct need to enrol older patients with ACS into well-powered, large-scale randomized trials.
Risk factors for postoperative delirium after cardiac surgical procedures with cardioplegic arrest
Authors: Andrási Terézia B , Talipov Ildar , Dinges Gerhard , Arndt Christian , Rastan Ardawan J
Published: December 2021

OBJECTIVES

The pathophysiology of delirium after cardiac surgery is complex. The present study aims to determine perioperative risk factors and construct a scoring system for postoperative delirium based on the type of surgery.

METHODS

Three hundred patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG; n = 150) or valve and/or aortic surgery ± CABG (n = 150) were retrospectively evaluated.

RESULTS

The incidence of delirium (32%) was similar in subgroups (28.7% and 33.33%, P = 0.384). Delirium patients were older [71.3 (standard deviation: 8.5) vs 66.6 (standard deviation: 9.5), P < 0.001; 70.0 (standard deviation: 9.6) vs 62.5 (standard deviation: 12.6), P < 0.001] and required more packed red blood cell units [2.1 (standard deviation: 2.1) vs 4.2 (standard deviation: 4.0), P < 0.001; 2.4 (standard deviation: 3.3) vs 5.4 (standard deviation: 5.9), P < 0.001] and fresh frozen plasma units [6.1 (standard deviation: 2.9) vs. 8.0 (standard deviation: 4.2), P < 0.001; 6.3 (standard deviation: 3.4) vs 10.8 (standard deviation: 7.2), P < 0.001] in CABG and valve/aortic subgroups, respectively. Delirium was associated with longer operation time [298.3 (standard deviation: 98.4) vs 250.6 (standard deviation: 67.8) min, P < 0.001], cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time [171.5 (standard deviation: 54.9) vs 140.98 (standard deviation: 45.8) min, P < 0.001] and cardiac arrest time [112 (standard deviation: 35.9) vs 91.9 (standard deviation: 28.6), P < 0.001] only in the valve/aortic group (versus non-delirium). Multivariate regression analysis identified an association between delirium and age [odds ratio: 1.056 (95% confidence interval: 1.002–1.113), P = 0.041], CPB time [odds ratio: 1.1014 (95% confidence interval: 1.004–1.025), P = 0.007], fresh frozen plasma transfusion [odds ratio: 1.127 (95% confidence interval: 1.006–1.262), P = 0.039] and atrial fibrillation [odds ratio: 4.801 (95% confidence interval: 1.844–12.502), P < 0.001] after valve/aortic surgery (area under the curve 0.835, P < 0.001) and between delirium and age [odds ratio: 1.089 (95% confidence interval: 1.023–1.160), P = 0.007] and ventilation time [odds ratio: 1.068 (95% confidence interval: 1.026–1.113), P = 0.001] after isolated CABG (area under the curve 0.798, P < 0.001). The cross-validation of the results by k-fold logistic regression revealed for the entire patient cohort an overall average accuracy of the prediction model of 0.764, with a false-positive rate of 0.052 and a false-negative rate of 0.18.

CONCLUSIONS

Age, CPB time, ventilation, transfusion and atrial fibrillation are differently associated with delirium depending on the operative characteristics. Optimization of intraoperative parameters and use of risk calculators may enable early institution of pharmacotherapy and improve overall outcome after cardiac surgery.
Novel Functional, Health, and Genetic Determinants of Cognitive Terminal Decline: Kuakini Honolulu Heart Program/Honolulu-Asia Aging Study
Authors: Margrett Jennifer A , Schofield Thomas , Martin Peter , Poon Leonard W , Masaki Kamal , Donlon Timothy A , Kallianpur Kalpana J , Willcox Bradley J
Published: December 2021

To investigate interindividual differences in cognitive terminal decline and identify determinants including functional, health, and genetic risk and protective factors, data from the Honolulu Heart Program/Honolulu-Asia Aging Study, a prospective cohort study of Japanese American men, were analyzed. The sample was recruited in 1965–1968 (ages 45–68 years). Longitudinal performance of cognitive abilities and mortality status were assessed from Exam 4 (1991–1993) through June 2014. Latent class analysis revealed 2 groups: maintainers retained relatively high levels of cognitive functioning until death and decliners demonstrated significant cognitive waning several years prior to death. Maintainers were more likely to have greater education, diagnosed coronary heart disease, and presence of the apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε2 allele and FOXO3 G allele (SNP rs2802292). Decliners were more likely to be older and have prior stroke, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, and greater depressive symptoms at Exam 4, and the APOE ε4 allele. Findings support terminal decline using distance to death as the basis for modeling change. Significant differences were observed between maintainers and decliners 15 years prior to death, a finding much earlier compared to the majority of previous investigations.