bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Malaria prevalence in HIV-positive children, pregnant women, and adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mirzohreh Seyedeh-Tarlan , Safarpour Hanieh , Pagheh Abdol Sattar , Bangoura Berit , Barac Aleksandra , Ahmadpour Ehsan
Published: September 2022

Background

Malaria in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients is an ever-increasing global burden for human health. The present meta-analysis summarizes published literature on the prevalence of malaria infection in HIV-positive children, pregnant women and adults.

Methods

This study followed the PRISMA guideline. The PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Scopus and Cochrane databases were searched for relevant entries published between 1 January 1983 and 1 March 2020. All peer-reviewed original papers evaluating the prevalence of malaria among HIV-positive patients were included. Incoherence and heterogeneity between studies were quantified by the I2index and Cochran’s Q test. Publication and population biases were assessed with funnel plots, and Egger’s regression asymmetry test.

Results

A total of 106 studies were included in this systematic review. The average prevalence of malaria among HIV-positive children, HIV-positive pregnant women and HIV-positive adults was 39.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 26.6–52.9), 32.3% (95% CI = 26.3–38.6) and 27.3% (95% CI = 20.1–35.1), respectively. In adult patients with HIV, CD4+(cluster of differentiation 4) < 200 cells/µl and age < 40 years were associated with a significant increase in the odds of malaria infection (odds ratio [OR] = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.2–1.7 and OR = 1.1, 95% CI = 1–1.3, respectively). Antiretroviral therapy (ART) and being male were associated with a significant decrease in the chance of malaria infection in HIV-positive adults (OR = 0.8, 95% CI = 0.7–0.9 and OR = 0.2, 95% CI = 0.2–0.3, respectively). In pregnant women with HIV, CD4+count < 200 cells/µl was related to a higher risk for malaria infection (OR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.1–1.9).

Conclusions

This systematic review demonstrates that malaria infection is concerningly common among HIV-positive children, pregnant women and adults. Among HIV-positive adults, ART medication and being male were associated with a substantial decrease in infection with malaria. For pregnant women, CD4+count of < 200 cells/µl was a considerable risk factor for malaria infection.

Graphical Abstract
Sharp oscillation theorem for fourth-order linear delay differential equations
Authors: Jadlovská Irena , Džurina Jozef , Graef John R. , Grace Said R.
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we present a single-condition sharp criterion for the oscillation of the fourth-order linear delay differential equation $$ x^{(4)}(t) + p(t)x\bigl(\tau (t)\bigr) = 0 $$

x

(
4
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(
t
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p
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t
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(
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by employing a novel method of iteratively improved monotonicity properties of nonoscillatory solutions. The result obtained improves a large number of existing ones in the literature.
An eHealth intervention (ManGuard) to reduce cardiovascular disease risk in male taxi drivers: protocol for a feasibility randomised controlled trial
Authors: McMahon James , Thompson David R. , Brazil Kevin , Ski Chantal F.
Published: September 2022

Background

Men are at higher risk then women of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD), and male taxi drivers are a particularly high-risk group because of their typically unhealthy behaviours, such as poor eating habits, smoking and sedentary lifestyle. However, only two studies of behavioural interventions targeting taxi drivers have been identified, one of which reported a high attrition rate. Therefore, an eHealth intervention co-designed by taxi drivers may prove more acceptable and effective. The aim of this study is to assess the feasibility an eHealth intervention (ManGuard) to reduce CVD risk in male taxi drivers.

Methods

A randomised wait-list controlled trial will be conducted with a sample of 30 male taxi drivers to establish feasibility, including recruitment, engagement, and retention rates. Program usability and participant satisfaction will be assessed by a survey completed by all participants at 3 months after allocation. Additionally, an in-depth qualitative process evaluation to explore acceptability of the intervention will be conducted with a subset of participants by semi-structured telephone interviews. Preliminary efficacy of ManGuard for improving key CVD-related outcomes will be assessed, including biomarkers (total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and total/HDL cholesterol ratio), blood pressure, anthropometry (body mass index, body fat percentage, and waist circumference), physical activity (accelerometery, and self-report) and psychosocial status (health-related quality of life, self-efficacy, and social support). Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 7 weeks, and 3 months after group allocation. The wait-list control group will be offered access to the intervention at the completion of data collection.

Discussion

eHealth interventions show potential for promoting behaviour change and reducing CVD risk in men, yet there remains a paucity of robust evidence pertaining to male taxi drivers, classified as a high-risk group. This study uses a randomised controlled trial to assess the feasibility of ManGuard for reducing CVD risk in male taxi drivers. It is envisaged that this study will inform a fully powered trial that will determine the effectiveness of eHealth interventions for this high risk and underserved population.

Trial registration

This trial has been registered prospectively on the ISRCTN registry on 5 January 2022, registration number ISRCTN29693943
Unmarried Sri Lankan youth: sexual behaviour and contraceptive use
Authors: Kumarasinghe Malith , De Silva W. Indralal , de Silva Ranjith , Suranga M. Suchira
Published: September 2022

Background

Youth are at high risk for casual and unprotected sexual activities even before marriage. The objective of the study is to describe the sexual behavior, and contraceptive use among unmarried youth of Sri Lanka and to assess the factors associated with sexual behaviour.

Methods

An observational descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in three selected districts in Sri Lanka from 1st March 2019 to 31st January 2020 among 1057 never-married youth using a self-administered questionnaire. Both stratified cluster sampling and snowball sampling were used to select the eligible never-married youth. Factors associated with sexual intercourse were assessed using logistic regression.

Results

Compared to boys (26%), more girls (35%) were engaged in unprotected sexual intercourse. Among sexually active unmarried youth aged less than 20 years, 10% had sexual intercourse with an unknown person. Unmarried Tamil and estate sector youth displayed significantly lower chances of sexual intercourse compared to Sinhala and urban counterparts (OR = 0.390, CI = 0.213-0.715, p = 0.002 and OR = 0.807, CI = 0.709-0.978, p = 0.020 respectively). Youth in the rural (69.5%) and urban sectors (87.3%) tend to use contraceptives during intercourse compared to the youth in the Estate sector (51.1%).

Conclusions

A significant portion of youth are exposed to sexual risk behavior including unprotected sexual intercourse even before marriage which can contribute to many social and health consequences. Focus interventions are needed to address the issue.
Trans-eyebrow supraorbital endoscope-assisted keyhole approach to suprasellar meningioma in pediatric patient: case report and literature review
Authors: Safronova Elizaveta I. , Galstyan Suzanna A. , Kushel Yury V.
Published: September 2022

Background

Meningiomas are rather uncommon tumors in the pediatric population, differing significantly from those found in adults by their atypical location, higher rate of more malignant types, consequently higher risk of recurrence and a less favorable outcome. Even in children, suprasellar meningiomas without dural matrix are rare findings mimicking more common suprasellar lesions.

Case presentation

Here we describe a case of a 12-year-old girl who presented with a rapidly progressing chiasmal syndrome and was diagnosed by MRI with an unusual suprasellar tumor that could not fit the diagnoses expected in a case of a parasellar mass in a child, similar to a craniopharyngioma or optic pathway glioma. After multiple clinical investigations, the tumor etiology was still unclear, so the preferred option of treatment was surgical resection. An endoscope-assisted gross total resection through a supraorbital keyhole approach was performed uneventfully, with total vision recovery in a short time. Benign meningiomas located in the skull base without dural attachment appear to be rare, even in pediatric patients.

Conclusion

Differential diagnoses of suprasellar and para sellar tumor lesions in pediatric patients can be confusing. There are peculiar features of pediatric tumor diseases that should be considered while working out the management strategy. The main principle of meningioma treatment is the highest possible extent of resection minimally affecting the quality of life.
Patient life aspirations in the context of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: a mixed-methods case–control study
Authors: Schwartz Carolyn E. , Biletch Elijah , Stuart Richard B. B. , Rapkin Bruce D.
Published: September 2022

Background

Aspirations refer to wishes, ways of defining quality of life (QOL), and life goals. Living with chronic illness likely impacts a person’s life aspirations. Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is an inherited disorder characterized by the inevitable and progressive loss of ambulation and independence. The present cross-sectional case–control study investigated how aspirations differed between people with DMD and a stratified comparison group of nationally representative children/adults.

Methods

A web-based survey was administered October through December 2020. Recruitment was stratified by age group: 8–12, 13–17, and >  = 18, reflecting the DMD disability trajectory. Aspirations were measured using qualitative (open-ended) and quantitative (closed-ended) questions. Qualitative prompts asked participants about wishes, how they would define “QOL”; and goals; answers to the prompts were then coded by six trained raters. Quantitative questions included 29 closed-ended goal-delineation items from the QOL Appraisal Profilev2. These data were analyzed using multivariate models adjusting for propensity scores (demographic differences), and testing for the effects of role (patient or comparison), age, and role-by-age interactions.

Results

The study sample of DMD (n = 285) and comparison (n = 292) participants provided open-text data: 577 wishes statements, 283 QOL-definition statements, and 149 goals statements. Inter-rater reliability (kappa = 0.77) reflected good agreement between different raters’ codes. Results suggested that people with DMD have aspirations that differ from their peers in several important ways. Both open-text and closed-ended data in both unadjusted and adjusted analyses generally showed that people with DMD were more focused on intrinsic aspirations such as health, healthcare, and independence than their peers. Compared to non-DMD persons, DMD individuals were much less focused on financial or housing concerns, community contributions, or spiritual growth. With age, patients’ aspirations focused less on extrinsic aspirations such as careers and work and increasingly emphasized emotion-oriented goals. Patients were markedly less likely to give a direct answer to the open-ended goals question.

Conclusion

There were important differences in aspirations between people with DMD and their peers. These findings may be helpful for developing psychosocial interventions.
Effect of uniform capacitively coupled electric fields on matrix metabolism of osteoarthritic cartilage
Authors: Noruzi Kaleb , Swami Pooja , Frejo Lidia , Wright Jason , Wong Jason , Grande Daniel , Datta-Chaudhuri Timir
Published: September 2022

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common and debilitating condition characterized by degeneration of hyaline cartilage. Currently, there is no treatment for OA that directly targets degradation of cartilage matrix. Capacitively coupled electric fields (CCEFs) represent a noninvasive and cost-effective treatment modality that can potentially restore articular cartilage homeostasis. Previous studies showed that stimulation of articular cartilage with CCEFs resulted in upregulation of anabolic factors and downregulation of catabolic factors. These studies didn’t explain the derivation of the CCEFs or verify their uniformity and field strength, so it’s possible that cartilage wasn’t exposed to uniform field strength. The present study aims to employ CCEFs with verified uniform field strength in two in-vitro models of OA to investigate its potential to preserve cartilage matrix and validate the results of the aforementioned studies.

Methods

Rabbit hyaline chondrocytes and full-thickness bovine articular cartilage explants were cultured in the absence or presence of CCEF and in the absence or presence of Interleukin1-B (IL-1B). Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (QPCR) was performed on chondrocytes to measure gene expression of ADAM-TS4, MMP3, MMP9, IL-6, TIMP1, and TIMP2. QPCR was performed on explants to measure gene expression of MMP3, Aggrecan, Collagen-2, and TIMP1. Aggrecan concentration in explants was measured with histology. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance and Tukey–Kramer multiple comparison test.

Results

The treatment of chondrocytes with IL-1B resulted in upregulated expression of ADAM-TS4, MMP3, MMP9, and IL-6, while simultaneous administration of IL-1B and CCEF led to a relative decrease in ADAM-TS4, MMP3, MMP9, and IL-6 expression and a relative increase in TIMP1 and TIMP2 expression. Application of IL-1B and CCEF to the explants resulted in decreased expression of MMP3 and increased expression of Aggrecan, Collagen-2, and TIMP1 when compared to application of IL-1B alone.

Conclusion

The data indicate that application of a CCEF with verified uniformity may result in upregulation of cartilage anabolic factors even in the presence of IL-1B while attenuating IL-1B induced upregulation of catabolic factors in both monolayer culture and whole tissue. These results demonstrate the potential of CCEFs to suppress the progression of OA and regenerate articular cartilage matrix.
Development of a qualitative data analysis codebook informed by the i-PARIHS framework
Authors: Ritchie Mona J. , Drummond Karen L. , Smith Brandy N. , Sullivan Jennifer L. , Landes Sara J.
Published: September 2022

Background

The Integrated-Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (i-PARIHS) framework and its predecessor, PARIHS, have been widely utilized in implementation studies. Although i-PARIHS developers have focused on creating tools to guide facilitators in its application in practice, tools are also needed for evaluation and research. Codebooks with clear and meaningful code labels and definitions are an important component of qualitative data analysis and have been developed for other widely used frameworks. There is no such codebook for i-PARIHS. Additionally, sub-constructs for the Innovation, Recipients, and Context constructs lack definitions, and there is no sub-classification of facilitation activities for the Facilitation construct. The lack of a standardized codebook hinders our ability to synthesize research findings across studies, explore and test the range of activities that are utilized in facilitation efforts, and potentially validate and further refine i-PARIHS. This paper describes a rigorous process of developing a detailed qualitative codebook informed by the i-PARIHS framework.

Methods

A workgroup of qualitative researchers conducted a rigorous four-phase process to develop a codebook informed by i-PARIHS. In phase 1, workgroup members reviewed and discussed literature, consulted an organizational scientist, and drafted and refined subcodes and definitions for i-PARIHS constructs. In phase 2, they obtained feedback from an expert panel and further refined subcodes and definitions. In phase 3, they obtained feedback from i-PARIHS developers/experts and incorporated it into the codebook. Finally, two studies piloted the application of the codebook which informed the final version.

Results

The resulting i-PARIHS-informed codebook includes definitions for the four main constructs of the framework: Innovation, Recipients, Context, and Facilitation; subcodes and definitions for characteristics of each of these constructs; and instructions for the suggested application of individual codes and use of the codebook generally.

Conclusions

The standardized codes and definitions in the codebook can facilitate data exploration, pattern identification, and insight development informed by the i-PARIHS framework. Qualitative analysts can also use them to explore interactions between i-PARIHS constructs, maximize the potential for comparing findings across studies, and support the refinement of the i-PARIHS framework using empirical findings from multiple studies.
Angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1) blockade by Telmisartan attenuates hepatic steatosis in high-fat fed mice reducing Resistin, TRL4, and Myd88 expression
Authors: Borém Luciana Mendes Araújo , Freitas Daniela Fernanda , Machado Amanda Souto , Paraíso Alanna Fernandes , Caldas Bruna Viana , Neto João Felício Rodrigues , Lima Juliana Pinto , Guimarães André Luiz Sena , de Paula Alfredo Maurício Batista , Santos Sérgio Henrique Sousa
Published: September 2022

Background

Telmisartan is a non-peptide angiotensin II receptor antagonist which acts by ACE/AngII/AT1 axis blockade (ARB). In the last years increasing evidence of its metabolic benefits pointed out this drug as the most promising ARB for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) treatment. The aim of the present study was to investigate the Telmisartan effect on treating NAFLD in mice fed with a high-fat diet evaluating liver gene modulation. Twenty-four male mice were divided into four groups and fed for 60 days with a standard diet (ST), standard diet plus TEL (ST+TEL 5 mg/kg/day by gavage for 4 weeks), high-fat diet (HFD), or high-fat diet plus TEL (HFD+TEL 5 mg/kg/day by gavage for 4 weeks). Body weight, lipid profile, insulin, alanine transaminase, and aspartate aminotransferase were evaluated. Liver histology was analyzed. US imaging was performed to access liver dimension and echogenicity and also epididymal fat pad thickness. The expression of proinflammatory resistin/TRL4/MYD88 pathway was analyzed.

Results

The main findings showed that TEL reduced the resistin, TRL4, and Myd88 liver expression in the HFD + TEL group when compared to the obese control group (HFD). Decreased hepatic steatosis in the HFD + TEL group demonstrated by US measurements of the liver longitudinal axis and echogenicity were observed. In addition, TEL reduced epididymal adipose pad thickness, body weight, transaminases, and improved glucose tolerance test and HDL cholesterol.

Conclusions

We observed that Telmisartan treatment improved metabolism, decreasing NAFLD.

Graphical Abstract

Telmisartan improves metabolic and lipid profile and liver steatosis of obese mice
Surgical Site Infection in the Intensive Care Setting After Posterior Spinal Fusion: A Case Series Highlighting the Microbial Profile, Risk Factors, and the Importance of Comorbid Disease Burden
Authors: Cloney Michael Brendan , Hopkins Benjamin , Shlobin Nathan A. , Kelsten Max , Goergen Jack , Driscoll Conor , Svet Mark , Ordon Matthew , Koski Tyler , Dahdaleh Nader S.
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND:

Most posterior spinal fusion (PSF) patients do not require admission to an intensive care unit (ICU), and those who do may represent an underinvestigated, high-risk subpopulation.

OBJECTIVE:

To identify the microbial profile of and risk factors for surgical site infection (SSI) in PSF patients admitted to the ICU postoperatively.

METHODS:

We examined 3965 consecutive PSF patients treated at our institution between 2000 and 2015 and collected demographic, clinical, and procedural data. Comorbid disease burden was quantified using the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). We performed multivariable logistic regression to identify risk factors for SSI, readmission, and reoperation.

RESULTS:

Anemia, more levels fused, cervical surgery, and cerebrospinal fluid leak were positively associated with ICU admission, and minimally invasive surgery was negatively associated. The median time to infection was equivalent for ICU patients and non-ICU patients, and microbial culture results were similar between groups. Higher CCI and undergoing a staged procedure were associated with readmission, reoperation, and SSI. When stratified by CCI into quintiles, SSI rates show a strong linear correlation with CCI (P = .0171, R = 0.941), with a 3-fold higher odds of SSI in the highest risk group than the lowest (odds ratio = 3.15 [1.19, 8.07], P = .032).

CONCLUSION:

Procedural characteristics drive the decision to admit to the ICU postoperatively. Patients admitted to the ICU have higher rates of SSI but no difference in the timing of or microorganisms that lead to those infections. Comorbid disease burden drives SSI in this population, with a 3-fold greater odds of SSI for high-risk patients than low-risk patients.
Bezpieczeństwo energetyczne w zewnętrznej polityce energetycznej Stanów Zjednoczonych
Authors: Sargsyan Tigran
Published: September 2022

Energy security is a key idea of countries’ energy policy at both domestic and international levels. The aim of the paper is to reveal and describe the role and significance of the concept of energy security within the external energy policy of the USA with particular attention to its regional aspects. In a theoretical section, a number of definitions of energy security were discussed and summarized, presenting a brief theoretical overview of energy security. Besides, the need for a spatially diversified approach towards energy policy planning and implementation was described briefly. Analyzing relevant secondary data sources (Department of Energy and Congressional Research Service publications, energy statistics, etc.), the main priorities of U.S. external energy policy were identified and discussed: international assistance and capacity building, environmentally friendly energy development and ensuring energy security (of both the USA and its international allies and partners). Thus, the general framework of U.S. external energy policy was suggested and generalized. As a regional case overview, the main issues of European energy security and U.S. engagement were discussed in brief: geographical diversification of energy supply, legislative and institutional assistance, etc.
Novel concepts for optimizing the self-healing processes in advanced aerospace composite structures
Authors: Κοσαρλή Μαρία
Published: September 2022

Τα ινώδη σύνθετα υλικά πολυμερικής μήτρας αποτελούν μια από τις σημαντικότερες κατηγορίες υλικών καθότι παρουσιάζουν μια πληθώρα ιδιοτήτων οι οποίες διεγείρουν το ενδιαφέρον της επιστημονικής κοινότητας αλλά και της βιομηχανίας. Η χαμηλή τους δυσθραυστότητα οδηγεί σε σημαντικούς και «επικίνδυνους» για την δομική ακεραιότητα του συνθέτου, τύπους αστοχίας κατά την διάρκεια λειτουργίας του ενώ η επισκευή των ατελειών/βλαβών στο εσωτερικό του συνθέτου, χαρακτηρίζεται από υψηλή δυσκολία καθώς και αυξημένο κόστος. Πέραν των συμβατικών προσεγγίσεων επισκευής, η τεχνολογία της αυτο-ίασης (ΑΙ) έχει προκαλέσει μεγάλο ενδιαφέρον στην επιστημονική κοινότητα.Εμπνευσμένα από τους βιολογικούς οργανισμούς, τα αυτο-ιάσιμα υλικά επιτρέπουν την σχεδόν αυτόνομη διάγνωση και επούλωση των ατελειών που δύναται να σχηματιστούν στο εσωτερικό των υλικών χρησιμοποιώντας μία ή και περισσότερες από τις μεθόδους αυτο-ίασης. Η πρώτη βασίζεται στην ενσωμάτωση καψουλών στο υλικό, η δεύτερη στην ενσωμάτωση αγγείων ή δικτύων και η τρίτη σε εγγενώς αυτο-ιάσιμα πολυμερή.Σκοπός της παρούσας διατριβής είναι η παρασκευή προηγμένων έξυπνων πολυ-λειτουργικών σύνθετων υλικών πολυμερικής μήτρας με ικανότητα αυτο-ίασης της βλάβης. Συγκεκριμένα, πραγματοποιήθηκε η βελτιστοποίηση μέσω νανο-τροποποίησης της μεθόδου αυτο-ίασης με κάψουλες για την εισαγωγή τους σε σύνθετα υλικά όπου θα μπορούν να ανακτούν τις μηχανικές αλλά και τις ηλεκτρικές τους ιδιότητες ταυτόχρονα. Ο συνδυασμός της ανάκτησης των παραπάνω ιδιοτήτων μπορεί να οδηγήσει σε ένα σύνθετο το οποίο θα έχει την δυνατότητα αυτο-διάγνωσης της βλάβης και κατ’ επέκταση παρακολούθησης της δομικής του ακεραιότητας μέσω ηλεκτρικών μεθόδων. Στην διατριβή αυτή περιλαμβάνεται μόνο η μελέτη της αυτο-ίασης των μηχανικών και ηλεκτρικών ιδιοτήτων ταυτόχρονα και όχι της αυτο-διάγνωσης της βλάβης. Για την μέθοδο της εγγενούς αυτο-ίασης πραγματοποιήθηκε η κατασκευή πολυμερικών φιλμ ώστε να δίνεται η δυνατότητα στον κατασκευαστή να εισάγει την τεχνολογία με εύκολο τρόπο στο σύνθετο.
An investigation into innovation praxis
Authors: Μακρής Δημήτριος
Published: September 2022

Η διδακτορική αυτή έρευνα εστιάζει στην ενδυνάμωση της διαδικασίας παραγωγής καινοτομίας. Η καινοτομία ως αποτέλεσμα θεωρείται ζητούμενο στους οργανισμούς. Η καινοτομία ως διαδικασία, όμως, παραμένει σχετικά ασαφής. Η κεντρική συνεισφορά της παρούσας έρευνας είναι η παροχή πρωτότυπων θεωρητικών θεωρήσεων και εννοιών ώστε να προωθηθεί η διαδικασία παραγωγής καινοτομίας. Προτείνεται ένα πλήθος από νέες θεωρητικές έννοιες. Επιπλέον, περιγράφεται μία σημαντική μετατόπιση στην θεώρηση της διαδικασίας παραγωγής καινοτομίας μέσω της έννοιας του ικριώματος. Αποτέλεσμα μίας τέτοιας θεώρησης είναι η ευθυγράμμιση των ικριωμάτων με την στρατηγική, η δυναμική αναπροσαρμογή τους, και η εσωτερική συνέπεια και αρμονία του συστήματος των ικριωμάτων.Το κύριο θεωρητικό υπόβαθρο ήταν η προσέγγιση του ικριώματος (scaffolding), παροδικών βοηθητικών δομών. Οι τρεις βιβλιογραφικές κατευθύνεις που αξιοποιήθηκαν ήταν των μοντέλων διαδικασιών (process models) με κεντρική αναφορά το innovation journey, της έννοιας της πράξης με κεντρική αναφορά το bricolage, και της συσσώρευσης-ανάδυσης με κεντρική αναφορά τα microfoundations.Υιοθετήθηκε μεθοδολογία ποιοτικής έρευνας ως η καταλληλότερη λόγω της απαιτούμενης διερευνητικής εμβάθυνσης σε περίπλοκες έννοιες . Η κύρια πηγή δεδομένων ήταν συνεντεύξεις με επαγγελματίες της καινοτομίας, στελέχη, CEOs, ιδρυτές, και ειδικούς. Ακολούθησε ανάλυση δεδομένων με ανοικτή κωδικοποίηση και κωδικοποίηση κατά άξονα, προϊόν των οποίων ήταν οι σχετικές κατηγορίες και οι ευρύτερες θεωρητικές έννοιες (aggregates), σύμφωνα με την εδραιωμένη μεθοδολογία ποιοτικής έρευνας.Το κεντρικό αποτέλεσμα της έρευνας είναι μία σειρά πρωτότυπων εννοιών που οδηγούν στην ανάπτυξη ενός ολοκληρωμένου εννοιολογικού μοντέλου για την δημιουργία καινοτομίας στα πλαίσια ενός οργανισμού. Το μοντέλο αναδεικνύει πρωτότυπα διατυπωμένους παράγοντες που μπορούν να ιδωθούν ως ικριώματα και να επηρεάσουν καθοριστικά την δημιουργία της καινοτομίας.Το μοντέλο αποτελεί ένα εννοιολογικό εργαλείο που γεφυρώνει διακριτά θεωρητικές περιοχές στην μελέτη της καινοτομίας. Επιπλέον, προτείνει μία πρωτότυπη θεωρητική οπτική, μέσω της μέτα-ευφυΐας, που συνίσταται στην ικανότητα ενεργητικής επιλογής των ικριωμάτων.
Ανάπτυξη και χαρακτηρισμός νανοδομημένων υμενίων με βάση τα οξείδια των μετάλλων
Authors: Μπαρνασάς Αλέξανδρος
Published: September 2022

Στην παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή, έγινε προσπάθεια επιτυχούς ανάπτυξης και μελέτης υπερ-λεπτών ημιαγωγικών υμενίων. Η ανάπτυξη πραγματοποιήθηκε μέσω της τεχνικής της ιοντοβολής και σε συνδυασμό με τη μέθοδο ανόπτησης κατά περίσταση. Στόχος ήταν η μελέτη της δομής, οπτικών ιδιοτήτων και κβαντικών περιορισμών καθώς τα πάχη των υμενίων αυτών μειώνονταν (πάχη έως και < 1 nm). Η εύρεση των ενεργειακών χασμάτων γινόταν μέσω της τεχνικής της φασματοσκοπίας Uv-Vis. και επεξεργασίας των αποτελεσμάτων. Σημαντικός στόχος επίσης ήταν η σύγκριση των πειραματικών και θεωρητικών αποτελεσμάτων μέσω της μεθόδου PMM η οποία χρησιμοποιεί υπολογισμούς με βάση την προσέγγιση Hartree Fock όπως εφαρμόζεται σε ένα σύστημα οπών ηλεκτρονίων, στο πλαίσιο της αποτελεσματικής μαζικής προσέγγισης. Τα συστήματα που μελετήθηκαν είναι υμένια ZnO, TiO2, Co2O3 και MoO3. Επίσης, να σημειωθεί ότι έλαβαν χώρα προκαταρκτικά πειράματα με χρήση NiO, όπου και αποδεικνύεται η γενικότητα της μεθοδολογίας, που ακολουθείται. Έγινε επίσης ανάπτυξη θαλάμου κενού για τη μέθοδο της ιοντοβολής, και παράλληλα εξοικείωση γύρω από την τεχνολογία υπερύψηλου κενού.Στη συγκεκριμένη διατριβή γίνεται ακόμη αναλυτική παρουσίαση των αποτελεσμάτων από διάφορες πειραματικές τεχνικές όπως: διαγράμματα απορρόφησης UV /VIS, διαγράμματα κοκκoμετρίας και εικόνες από μικροσκοπία σάρωσης ακίδος AFM, εικόνες ηλεκτρονικής μικροσκοπίας (SEM-Scanning Electron Microscopy) και διαγράμματα ενεργειακής φασματοσκοπία ακτινών Χ ΕDS, διαγράμματα διάθλασης ακτινών Χ (XRD X–Ray Diffraction) και ανακλαστικότητας ακτινών Χ (ΧRR Χ-Ray Reflectivity) ακόμη έγιναν μετρήσεις φωτοφωταύγειας (PL Photoluminescence Spectroscopy) παραθέτοντας και τα συμπεράσματά τους αντίστοιχα. Επίσης, έγινε και προσπάθεια εφαρμογής του ΖnΟ ως φωτοκαταλυτικό υλικό με ενθαρρυντικά αποτελέσματα.
Pediatric headache: a narrative review
Authors: Kim Saeyoon
Published: September 2022

Headache is one of the most common neurological disorders in children and adults and can cause significant distress and disability in children and their families. The spectrum of pediatric headaches is broad, and the underlying etiology is variable. The symptoms and phenotypes of headaches in children may differ slightly from those in adults. It is important to have a good understanding of headaches in children and to distinguish between primary and secondary headaches through appropriate history assessment and neurological examination. Accurate diagnosis and appropriate drug selection are helpful for effective treatment. This article reviews headaches in children and adolescents, focusing on approaches for diagnosis and management.
Ranking of the Most Important Groups and Companies in the Field of Outsourcing of Accounting Functions: Results of 2021
Authors: Khanferyan V.
Published: September 2022

The next, the thirteenth ranking of the largest companies in the field of outsourcing of accounting functions, compiled by the RAEX agency, revealed a noticeable increase in demand in this market. However, the exit from the country due to the sanctions of many foreign companies that served as a traditional backbone in this service sector may negatively affect its immediate prospects.
Dictated by Law Enforcement Experience and Market Demands
Authors: Smirnov E.
Published: September 2022

In the process of improving national legislation, the Russian Parliament adopted Federal Laws No. 81-FZ and No. 66-FZ in the spring of this year, aimed at significantly improving the efficiency of legal mechanisms that operate respectively in the compulsory insurance market and in the management of special administrative regions.
Multidisciplinary approach for a severe head burn caused by high-voltage electrical shock - a case report
Authors: Hoffman Zofia , Homa Piotr , Gałązka Jakub Krzysztof , Sakwa Leon , Szymoniuk Michał , Domagalski Łukasz , Wdowiak Marcin , Czyżewski Wojciech , Rola Radosław , Antonov Sergey
Published: September 2022

In modern reconstructive medicine, personalized bone substitutes provide therapeutic hope for patients with non-standard bone defects. The study aims to present a description of a case of using a personalized bone substitute material, taking into account the vascular connections formed after a previous skin transplant. 

The 29-year-old patient was admitted to the plastic surgery department urgently after being electrocuted with high voltage. Due to extensive scalp burns, a skin graft was performed in the area of previously removed skin along with a charred skull bone vault. 

After a few months, the patient was qualified for cranioplasty with the use of personalized bone substitutes. The necessity to make cuts around the vascular connections present in the transplanted tissue was the main difficulty in the for the operator. 

The operation was successful and the recovery was uneventful. The patient was discharged home in good general and local condition. 

The presented case illustrates the need to take into account creating vascular connections with the use of personalized bone substitutes in patients after skin transplants.
Lidocaine, old drug - new possibilities. Treatment of postoperative pain and reduction of postoperative complications with intravenous administration
Authors: Budzeń Kamil , Wesołowski Paweł , Bąk Sebastian , Stachura Tomasz , Żelazny Przemysław
Published: September 2022

Introduction: The number of surgeries requiring sedation continues to increase worldwide. Analgesia is one of the main components of anesthesia used during surgical procedures. Despite improvements in surgical techniques, the invention of new analgesics and a significant expansion of knowledge about the pathophysiology of pain, more than 75% of patients experience postoperative pain. Adequate analgesia reduces postoperative complications and shortens the length of hospitalization. Lidocaine is a local anesthetic also used as an antiarrhythmic drug. Studies report that intravenous administration may find application in perioperative analgesia. Aim of the study: The purpose of our study was to determine in which types of surgery the benefits of IVL (Intravenous lidocaine) are greatest.Methods and Evidence: We reviewed the literature available on PubMed using the words "Intravenous lidocaine"; "Perioperative Lidocaine "; "Postoperative pain".Results: IVL has been shown to have a positive effect on reducing opioid doses, postoperative pain intensity, shortening the duration of postoperative bowel obstruction, faster patient rehabilitation and shortening hospitalization. In non-abdominal surgeries, the greatest benefits have been seen in breast surgery, urology and spinal surgery. Lidocaine has low toxicity; only doses several times higher cause adverse effects.Conclusions: IVL should be used during intraabdominal surgery due to its high efficacy. Further studies on a larger group of patients are needed to better determine the effects of IVL in other surgeries. Keywords: "Intravenous lidocaine"; "Perioperative Lidocaine "; "Postoperative pain".
My i oni, czyli o ludowym widzeniu etniczności
Authors: Gocół Damian
Published: September 2022

Recenzja publikacji: Monika Łaszkiewicz, Stereotypy etniczne w polskiej kulturze ludowej, Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Marii Curie-Skłodowskiej, Lublin 2021.
Dzieciństwo w muzeum
Authors: Kwiatkowska Olga
Published: September 2022

Recenzja publikacji: Dzieciństwo. Katalog zbiorów Państwowego Muzeum Etnograficznego w Warszawie, red. Anita Broda, Małgorzata Kunecka, Agnieszka Grabowska, Państwowe Muzeum Etnograficzne w Warszawie, Warszawa 2021.
NUMERICAL ESTIMATION OF VARIATION OF BLAST PRESSURE AND TEMPERATURE OF BLAST WAVE WITH TIME DUE TO DETONATION OF TNT IN AIR
Authors: KUMAR ADAPAKA SRINIVAS , RAO YELAMANCHILI  SREENIVAS , SATYAVANI TVSL , GOKUL KALAN UMAPATHY
Published: September 2022

High explosives on detonation generate high pressure shock waves moving initially at very high velocities in the ambient medium and damage the encountered targets. The expanding hot gases in blast waves are also responsible for the damage. The extent of damage to a target depends on the magnitude of pressure and impulse of the blast wave, and temperature due to explosion. A theoretical analysis is carried out to predict the pressure and temperature produced in the expanding blast as function of time by solving analytically the governing equations. The initial peak pressure and temperature of blast wave, which are required in the theoretical analysis, were calculated making use of the blast wave theory. Results obtained for blast pressures at different distances using this theory were published by the authors earlier. The same numerical analysis is used for obtaining variation of pressure and temperature with time and presented in this paper. The high explosive used in the experiments is TNT of varied weights.
FORMING CHARACTERISTICS AND DISPERSION PATTERN OF NON-AXISYMMETRIC MEFP WITH TA-2.5W LINER
Authors: DING LI , JI LIUQI
Published: September 2022

For the purpose of directional damage effects, two MEFP warhead schemes with non-axisymmetric charge structure were designed. The liners were made of Ta-2.5W alloy, and multi-points initiation method was adopted. By LS-DYNA hydrocode, the forming characteristics of directional MEFP was studied and the dispersion pattern of EFPs was obtained. With bigger dispersion angles both in the vertical and horizontal directions, one of the design schemes was chosen to test in experiment. The dispersion pattern obtained in experiment of the MEFP was consistent with the numerical simulation results, which validated the rationality of the design scheme and the numerical model. The MEFP with non-axisymmetric charge structure could be used for the directional damage purpose with higher penetration ability when compared fragment warhead.
FINDING ALTERNATIVES TO SANDY GRAVEL
Authors: DENEFELD V. , AURICH H.
Published: September 2022

In the STANAG 4569, AEP-55, Volume 2, a NATO standardization agreement defining the protection levels for the occupants of logistic and light armored vehicles, the testing conditions for underbelly improvised explosive devices (IEDs) are specified. This document regulates that for the loading tests, the underbelly threat has to be buried in water-saturated sandy gravel. However, the use of sandy gravel has some drawbacks, for instance reproducibility, time consumption, and cost. This paper focuses on the investigation of alternatives to sandy gravel, which could produce similar specific and cumulative impulses. The impulses are measured with a ring technology developed at the Fraunhofer EMI. These experimental results can be used to develop new test conditions at original scale that are more reproducible, easier to handle and cheaper than the actual tests made with STANAG sandy gravel.
INSTRUMENTATION, EVALUATION AND TEST METHOD OF CARTRIDGE ACTUATED DEVICE (CAD) FOR AIRCRAFT APPLICATION
Authors: PARATE B. A. , SINGH HIMANSHU , SAHU A. K. , SONAWANE P. W.
Published: September 2022

This research work describes a proficient method about the instrumentation, evaluation, and test method of cartridge actuated devices (CAD) using a velocity test rig (VTR) for aircraft applications. CADs are known as gas generating devices that are installed on various military aircraft of Naval bases and Air Force to perform a highly significant task such as deployment of parachute, catapult, ejection of seat, thrusters, release of bomb, cutting action of cable, fuel tanks etc. These devices produce high temperature and pressure combustion gases on initiation. As these devices are utilizing once in life time and their end use cannot be tested by non-destructive techniques. Therefore, such devices are developed with high quality and reliability. All the safety aspects are considered during various stages of development and testing. The device presented in this article has undergone rigorous qualification trials before assigning a useful and serviceable life. The projectile velocity was determined experimentally with a Doppler RADAR at cold and hot conditions. These velocities vary from 142.76 ms-1 to 164.23 ms-1. This study provides new insight into the measurement of projectile velocity using Doppler RADAR.
COMPARING LEAD-BASED (CCI 41) AND LEAD-FREE (RUAG SINTOX) PRIMER PERFORMANCE IN 5.56MM NATO
Authors: COURTNEY ELYA , COURTNEY AMY , COURTNEY MICHAEL
Published: September 2022

Previous work identified significant problems with lead-free primers reliably igniting propellant charges in 5.56 mm NATO and other cartridges. These problems include high incidence of misfires, increased barrel friction, and long ignition delays. To date, no lead-free primer has been identified which meets NATO ignition requirements and works with a range of propellant types after prolonged exposure to humidity. Ruag SINTOX primers are marketed to meet NATO specifications, but it was unclear how they would respond to exposure to humidity commonly encountered in real-world environments. This paper reports results of performance and ignition delay testing of lead-free Ruag SINTOX and lead-based CCI 41 primers after exposure to typical indoor ambient humidity (40-60% relative humidity) and 100% relative humidity for 8 months (both at ambient temperature). Tests were performed using four propellant types: Alliant Blue Dot (a flake powder), Hodgdon H4895 (a cylinder powder), St. Mark's SMP842 (a flash suppressed ball powder), and the Ruag ball powder that the SINTOX primers are paired with in Ruag's lead-free ammunition. The Ruag lead-free SINTOX primer performed comparably to the CCI 41 lead-based primer in all tests and met the NATO specification for ignition delay (< 4 ms), even after 8 months of storage exposed directly to 100% humidity.
APPLICATION OF WAVELET THRESHOLD ALGORITHM OPTIMIZED BY CHAOTIC ADAPTIVE FIREWORKS ALGORITHM IN THE DE-NOISING OF MUZZLE RESPONSE SIGNALS
Authors: DING YUGANG , ZHOU KEDONG , HE LEI , YANG HAOMIN
Published: September 2022

To extract the muzzle response signals effectively and reduce the noise in the signals, a novel de-noising method, i.e., wavelet threshold algorithm optimized by the chaotic adaptive fireworks algorithm, is proposed for the de-noising of the muzzle response signals. This method obtains the wavelet threshold by calculating the Stein’s unbiased risk estimate (SURE), and uses the chaotic adaptive fireworks algorithm to search for the global optimal threshold, which can avoid the threshold falling into local optimal value effectively. Meanwhile, a novel threshold function is adopted to keep the balance between the signal preservation and noise filtering. To verify the de-noising effect of this method, the wavelet threshold algorithm optimized by gradient descent algorithm and the wavelet threshold algorithm based on standard soft threshold function are introduced to compare the denoising effect of the Blocks signal, HeaviSine signal and the measured muzzle response signal under the interference of Gaussian white noise. The results show that the proposed method can effectively suppress the noise while retaining the details in the muzzle response signal, and exhibits a promising prospect in practical application.
QUANTIFICATION OF THE WEAR EFFECTS ON THE PERFORMANCE OF SMALL CALIBRE GUNS
Authors: DHOUIBI MOHAMED , STIRBU BOGDAN , CHABOTIER ANDRÉ , PIRLOT MARC , NASSRI RACHID
Published: September 2022

Internal barrel wear is considered as a key factor which affects the performance of small caliber guns in their different life stages. In order to improve the accuracy and the effectiveness of weapons, a wear analysis is deemed essential. The main aim of this research is the establishment of a new wear quantification technique using the profilometry method to quantify the influence of erosion on the performance of the gun. Thus, a Zeiss Micura Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) equipped with the VAST XTR gold high-end sensor and two NATO small caliber guns (5.56x45 mm and 7.62x51 mm) are considered. In order to quantify their wear volume after every N shots cycle, firstly, a new measurement approach is developed. Secondly, an uncertainty analysis is carried out for each measurement. Finally, a piezoelectric high-pressure transducer is used to measure the pressure inside the barrels after each CMM measurement. In order to evaluate the relationship between the latter and the wear volume, an experimental database is developed. The results show a similar correlation for the two NATO small caliber guns.
NUMERICAL STUDY ON PROJECTILE STOPPAGE INSIDE THE GUN BARREL
Authors: CHOPDE RAHUL
Published: September 2022

The effect of projectile stoppage inside the gun barrel is simulated using unsteady CFD simulation carried out using ANSYS Fluent Software. Nominal in-bore motion of the projectile is simulated using moving zones with sliding mesh approach. A special in-house developed user defined function is used to implement 1 DOF motion of the projectile. Abel- Noble equation of state is implemented in order to capture internal ballistics accurately. Projectile base pressure obtained from CFD simulation shows close agreement with the analytical data. The projectile stoppage is simulated by decoupling mesh motion from 1- DOF model. A pressure rise at the base of the projectile is estimated for stoppage of the projectile.
OVERRAMMING 16-INCH GUN PROPELLANT CHARGES
Authors: YAGLA JON J.
Published: September 2022

There was an explosion in the center gun of a 16-inch gun turret. The paper describes an investigation to see if the explosion could have been caused by over ramming the propellant charge. A sprocket driven chain pushes the projectile, then the charge, into the gun. A computer model was developed to calculate the response of a 16–inch charge assembly to overramming. The calculations with without explosions were studied to explain the physical process that results when an overram occurs: A strong stress wave starts at the contact point between the charge and projectile and propagates rearward through the charge assembly. Fracture of propellant grains can cause a spark that can ignite the 660 pound charge. When this occurs, the rammer and chain are driven violently backward by an explosion. The serpentine shape of the chain and its deep impression in the loading tray were accurately calculated.
QUANTIFYING HANDGUN RECOIL WITH HIGH SPEED VIDEO
Authors: COURTNEY ELIJAH , ANDRUSIV LUBOV , COURTNEY AMY , COURTNEY MICHAEL
Published: September 2022

In principle, handgun recoil is predictable using conservation of momentum and known mechanical laws. In practice, recoil is often considered subjective. The current study employed high speed video recording at 10,000 frames per second to quantify recoil of 11 different pistol loads representing a range of bullet weights and velocities in three different cartridges (9mm NATO, .40 S&W, and .357 SIG) fired from the same Sig P229 auto-loading pistol with the appropriate caliber barrel. Kinematic variables quantified by analyzing the video included: slide velocity, frame velocity, frame angular velocity, slide acceleration, frame acceleration, and frame angular acceleration. The correlation of these quantities with bullet momentum estimates suggests that the video method is reliable for quantifying handgun recoil and shows promise for testing models purporting to predict handgun recoil from mechanical laws. Future work should be able to test effects of recoil reducing devices and determine which kinematic variables are the best predictors of ergonomic effects such as accuracy and shot-to-shot time intervals.
INTERIOR BALLISTICS MODELLING FOR 40 MM CASED TELESCOPED AMMUNITION
Authors: CLOUGH AUBIN , BRATEAU MARION , DELAGRANGE ISABELLE , PICHOT PATRICE
Published: September 2022

Cased telescoped ammunition and associated cannon is a proven disruptive technology in medium calibre weapons, allowing increased lethality in a compact, multi role weapon system. From new ammunition development to support of serial production, an internal ballistics model is key to highlight design margins, support design improvement and performance increase. The architecture of the cannon and the ammunition result in a very specific internal ballistics mechanism which makes standard models unsuitable. This paper will detail the different steps of the internal ballistics cycle of the 40 mm cased telescoped ammunition and explain how each steps were studied from both theoretical and experimental point of view and aggregated to achieve the internal ballistics model of the CT cartridge.