bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Graphic materials of the National Library of Spain. From the paper to the cloud
Authors: Represa Martín María
Published: April 2022

This article exposes the collection of graphic materials preserved in the Drawings and Engravings Service of the National Library of Spain. It is an essential source of information for many disciplines, composed of drawings, engravings, photographs, posters, and ephemera. It is also presents the impact and implications of the digital transformation in the management of this collection, the staff responsible for it and its provision to the end-user. On the other hand, it is stood out the different ways of access and dissemination, emphasizing new products as a result of reuse and collaborative work for the creation of new knowledge.
Arte contemporáneo en Cataluña a través de Papers d’Art (1987-2008)
Authors: Espuny Aguiló Joaquim
Published: April 2022

La práctica artística contemporánea tuvo un espacio de reflexión y creación de opinión en las páginas de Papers d'Art. De la mano de un conjunto de voces propias e independientes se visibilizaron formas de producción artística multidisciplinarias, desde la perspectiva divulgadora de una crítica que conectaba dinámicamente los significados artísticos con los sociales y culturales. Los contenidos de la publicación se mostraban alejados de la condescendencia y la superficialidad, y aparecían desvinculados de los intereses materiales y las demandas del mercado.Conviene resaltar el desplazamiento del significado de la concepción del arte contemporáneo en calidad de pieza clave en la cultura intelectual, incluyendo política, filosofía, ciencia u otros formatos de creación como la música y la literatura. Partiendo del análisis de la conciencia crítica de los diferentes colaboradores y la investigación historiográfica en torno a cuestionamientos estéticos y simbólicos, se despliega una revisión del conjunto de los discursos que incluye la revista para contribuir a una mejor comprensión del campo de la crítica de la producción creativa y el devenir, socialmente útil, de la contemporaneidad artística.
Research trends in management of cultural and creative industries in the Ibero-American network
Authors: Sycheva Liudmila , Alos-Simó Lirios , Verdú-Jover Antonio José
Published: April 2022

Although cultural and creative industries are considered as drivers of social and economic progress, they have received little attention from a managerial perspective in the Ibero-American context. To develop more in-depth knowledge of this topic, we conducted a bibliometric analysis of cultural and creative industries management in Ibero-American countries, using the Scopus database and VOSviewer and Bibliometrix R tools. The findings show that, despite general growing interest in recent years, exploration of the Ibero-American network is still in the early stages. The results also shed light on the complex, multifaceted relationship between cultural and creative industries management and innovation. Finally, sustainability and digitization were identified as the most prominent research trends.
The impact of COVID-19 lockdown on internet use and escapism in adolescents
Authors: Fernandes Blossom , Nanda Biswas Urmi , Tan-Mansukhani Roseann , Vallejo Alma , Essau Cecilia A.
Published: April 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on everyday functioning, considerable measures being taken to reduce the spread of the virus. Schools and social avenues have been placed on prolonged lockdowns, with people continuing to maintain physical distance. Adolescents and young people have had to endure significant stress alongside dealing with developmental characteristics. Amidst all of this, studies report an increase in gaming addiction and internet use with detrimental impact on psychosocial well-being. The aim of the present study was to examine the impact of lockdown on internet use in adolescents, comparing their habits from before the pandemic. Furthermore, this research aimed to investigate the relationship between gaming addiction, internet use and COVID-19 worries. Adolescents from several countries (e.g., India, Malaysia, Mexico and the UK) completed online questionnaires, shared via social media and youth networks. These measures included questions on internet, social media, gaming, depression, loneliness, escapism and COVID-19. Results show that adolescents generally have increased their use of social media sites and streaming services. Further, those who scored highly on gaming addiction, compulsive internet use and social media use also reported high scores of depression, loneliness, escapism, poor sleep quality and anxiety related to the pandemic. Our findings indicate that, regardless of country of residence, the COVID-19 outbreak has had a significant effect on adolescent internet use and psychosocial well-being. The need to address pandemic related distress to reduce the effect of maladaptive coping strategies is highlighted
Adaptación lingüística al español y validación de la estructura factorial de la Escala para el Manejo de la Tristeza CSMS-E
Authors: Restrepo Dayana , Sabatier Colette , Millán Anthony , Palacio Jorge , Moreno Mayilín , Hoyos Olga
Published: April 2022

Entre los países de habla hispana existen limitantes cuando se desea investigar el rol de la tristeza en la adolescencia debido a que no existen instrumentos en español válidos y confiables que permitan evaluar la regulación de ésta emoción en población en desarrollo. Por esta razón se realizó la adaptación lingüística y validación psicométrica de la Escala Infantil para el Manejo de la Tristeza CSMS (Zeman, Shipman, & Penza-Clyve, 2001) con una muestra de 597 adolescentes Colombianos entre 11 y 18 años de edad (48% sexo femenino). A partir del método del comité se hicieron adecuaciones en el lenguaje de la prueba para su ajuste cultural a la población hispanoparlante. El comportamiento psicométrico de la escala fue analizado en dos pasos: en el primero se observaron diez modelos factoriales posibles (Análisis Factorial Exploratorio), y en el segundo se descartaron los de menor ajuste (Análisis Factorial Confirmatorio), hasta elegir el óptimo. Los resultados señalan que la versión en español del CSMS-E (“E” por Español), mantiene validez de constructo comparable a la original, con una estructura de tres componentes que revisan estrategias adaptativas y maladaptativas para regular la tristeza: afrontamiento, inhibición y desregulación. Se ofrece un baremo para su corrección.
Perfil emocional de adolescentes en riesgo de un uso problemático de internet
Authors: Arrivillaga Christiane , Rey Lourdes , Extremera Natalio
Published: April 2022

Las tecnologías digitales brindan numerosos beneficios para nuestra vida cotidiana. Sin embargo, la investigación actual sugiere que los adolescentes se encuentran en un mayor riesgo de desarrollar un uso problemático de dichas herramientas. Dadas las consecuencias negativas para su salud y bienestar, es necesaria investigación que examine factores de detección de este riesgo. El presente estudio pretende analizar un perfil de riesgo del uso problemático de Internet, en el que se contemplan aspectos familiares (ej. monitoreo parental), comportamentales (frecuencia de uso) y psicológicos (habilidades de inteligencia emocional). La muestra estaba compuesta por 2195 adolescentes (45.9% varones y 54.1% mujeres) de entre 12 y 19 años (M = 14.6; DE = 1.65) del sur de España, quienes completaron las versiones en español del Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence Scale y el Internet Addiction Test. Se analizaron las diferencias entre adolescentes en riesgo de PIU y sin riesgo con un MANOVA. Posteriormente, se realizó un análisis de regresión logística para determinar las variables predictoras del perfil de adolescentes con uso problemático de Internet. Los resultados mostraron el siguiente perfil: un menor monitoreo parental de las actividades fuera de casa, mayor frecuencia de uso, mayor edad y menor edad de inicio de uso, junto con niveles más elevados de percepción interpersonal y menor facilitación y regulación emocional predecían el perfil de usuario problemático de Internet. Los hallazgos pueden contribuir al diseño de intervenciones efectivas para disminuir el riesgo de que los adolescentes desarrollen un uso problemático de las nuevas tecnologías digitales y sus posibles consecuencias psicosociales
Impact of a combined cognitive and response inhibition training in school-age children
Authors: Aydmune Yesica , Lipina Sebastián , López-Ramón María Fernanda , Introzzi Isabel
Published: April 2022

The aims of this work were: (1) to implement a brief 6 sessions intervention, which combines training activities of Cognitive Inhibition (CI) and Response Inhibition (RI), in a group of schoolchildren aged from 6 to 8 years (M = 6.8, SD = .61; n = 38; 60.5% girls, 39.5% boys); (2) to analyze the effects of the intervention on training tasks performances, on untraining inhibitory tasks (near transfer) and on performance in a FI task (far transfer); and (3) to study individual differences in training effects associated with baseline inhibitory performance. An experimental design, pre-test, post-test and control group (CG), was implemented. The main results indicate an improvement in performance in trained tasks -differences between first and last session: CI training Z = -3.455, p = .001; RI training Z = -3.758, p < .001-, low effects of the intervention on performance in an untrained CI task -experimental group (EG), difference pre/post-test performance: F(1,16) = 3.893, p = .066, np2 = .196- and effects on performance in the FI task -F(1,36) = 6.484, p = .015, np2 = .153. In the first two cases, it was observed that the students with a lower base line inhibitory performance, showed greater profits -CI training, r = -.524, p = .031; RI training, r = -.470, p = .057; untrained CI task, r = .755, p = .001. We discussed the transfer based processing on short interventions and the use of different tasks measurements
Factores influyentes de la deserción estudiantil en la Universidad de La Salle (2018-2020)
Authors: Romero-Contreras Karen Yisell , Castillo-Gil Daniela , Higuera-Hurtado Danna Julieth , Villalba-Gómez Carlos Eduardo
Published: April 2022

Colombia es el segundo país en América Latina con mayor tasa de deserción en educación superior —42 %— . Frente a este panorama, la Universidad de La Salle ha desarrollado algunos proyectos para favorecer los índices de retención, mejorar los niveles de satisfacción en la comunidad universitaria y crear un programa de permanencia estudiantil. En este sentido, en el presente artículo se realiza una primera aproximación analítica sobre la deserción estudiantil, desde un abordaje descriptivo-exploratorio, con el objetivo de identificar y analizar los diferentes factores de riesgo que llevaron a la deserción de estudiantes en la Universidad de La Salle durante el periodo 2018-2020. Esta investigación realiza una exploración de la base de datos del Censo Lasallista 2018 y otras fuentes institucionales de información del periodo 2018-2020, a fin de identificar a los efectivos desertores y las razones por las cuales, tanto ellos como los estudiantes que continúan su proceso formativo, contemplan interrumpir sus estudios. De esta forma, se halló que, del total de estudiantes que contemplaban suspender su proceso académico —3090—, el 15,2 % se convirtió en desertor para el año 2020, mientras que el 84,8 % continúo. De estos desertores efectivos, más de la mitad —el 56,8 %— señaló que su principal motivación para desertar era los costos educativos altos o la falta de dinero. Sin embargo, también se encontraron aspectos relacionados con el manejo del tiempo, las expectativas frente al programa, la cercanía con el lugar de estudios y la salud físico-emocional.
Effect of Cutter Shape on the Resistance of PDC Cutters Against Tip Impacts
Authors: Wei Jiusen , Liu Wei , Gao Deli
Published: April 2022

Under harsh downhole conditions, the quasibrittle characteristics of polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) cutters are a serious drawback, which readily causes the cutters’ premature failure under impact loads. Innovating 3D cutter shapes is an effective solution for optimizing the cutter’s interaction with the rock and improving the impact resistance of PDC cutters. However, the mechanism of how the cutter shape affects the impact resistance is rarely studied or published.

In this work, the quantitative energy analysis method was used to create a cutter-impactor interaction model where the interaction was assumed as a process of energy transformation and dissipation. To validate the developed mathematical model, cutters with various geometric shapes were designed and evaluated by laboratory progressive drop tests (PDTs) as well as field trials. The investigations revealed that the predictions of the mathematical model were consistent with both the laboratory results and the field feedback when the relative sharpness evaluation parameter was less than 0.3. The tip impact resistance was positively related to the relative sharpness evaluation parameter. However, when the S is more than 0.3, the cutter shape will present poor tip impact resistance and is not recommended to fabricate in terms of tip impact resistance. In these cases, the protruding tip did not have sufficient support and caused a premature impact failure under the tangential forces. The developed cutter-impactor interaction model filled the technical void of current studies on shaped cutters, which could guide the innovations of the cutter shapes to obtain better tip impact resistance.

Field testing indicated that PDC cutters suffered both front and tip impacts under downhole. If the cutter shape matched with the front or tip impact form, the cutters would fulfill satisfactory field performance. Field testing also indicated that the vulnerability of PDC bit under impact loads was strongly related to the regions of the cutting structure. The bit’s impact resistance could be greatly improved by placing the cutters with the right cutter shape at the right regions of the cutting structure. For example, the rhino-horned cutters were placed at the nose and shoulder to fight against the front impacts but were not suggested to deploy at the regions near the gauge because of poor tip impact resistance.
Asymmetrical attention to gambling-related stimuli and pupillary dilation in response to wins and losses in problem gamblers
Authors: Shigemune Yayoi , Midorikawa Akira
Published: April 2022

Gambling disorder and problem gambling are characterized by persistent and repetitive problematic gambling behavior. Attentional bias toward gambling-related stimuli such as casino chips, dice, roulette, etc. have been observed in problem gamblers, but it remains unclear whether stimuli in gambling tasks elicit greater attention and pupillary responses in problem gamblers. To address this issue, we administrated problem and non-problem gamblers a gambling task accompanied by eye-tracking measurements, in which the participants were required to choose one of the paired pictures to receive monetary rewards and avoid punishments. Concerning attentional allocation, problem gamblers showed a greater attentional preference for the right-hand pictures in the decision and feedback phases, and compared to non-problem gamblers, problem gamblers’ attention was particularly high around the center. Concerning pupillary dynamics, pupillary dilation in response to rewards and punishments was observed only in problem gamblers. Accordingly, asymmetrical allocation of attention by problem gamblers may reflect greater concentration on the gambling task, and pupillary dynamics in problem gamblers may reflect hypersensitivity to wins and losses.
Advanced Optimization Models for Bandwidth Provisioning and Routing in Fixed Microwave Backhaul Networks
Authors: Mehadji Djamil , Kaddour Mejdi
Published: April 2022

This paper addresses the problem of determining bandwidth allocation and traffic routes in fixed microwave networks such that overall bandwidth cost is minimized while traffic demands are satisfied with a required reliability level. These networks exhibit high variability in link throughput as modulations schemes are adapted dynamically to ensure acceptable bit-error rate at the receivers according to external conditions such as the weather. First, we formulate an optimal optimization approach based on mixed-integer linear programming, which is subsequently reinforced by inserting problem-specific valid inequalities based on global network capacity and feasible bandwidth/modulation combinations. Then, we introduce a Lagrangian-based heuristic that provides near optimal solutions while reducing drastically the computation time. In comparison to previous work, our experimental results show that our approaches are capable to solve large real-world network instances in an effective manner. Furthermore, the results evaluate the impact of reliability and transported traffic demands on bandwidth cost.
Sequential nephron blockade in acute kidney injury in critically ill patients.
Authors: Samprathi Abhishek , V Padmakumar A , Parekh Aashish
Published: April 2022

Background: Diuretic use in acute kidney injury (AKI) is debatable. Contrasting outcomes have been reported regarding its efficacy in AKI. Sequential nephron blockade (SNB) has never been studied in a diverse ICU population admitted with AKI.Methods: Consecutive patients admitted to medical ICU with oliguric AKI over 1-year period were recruited. SNB as a diuretic strategy was administered. Responders (R) and non-responders (NR) were compared. Demographic data, clinical profile, treatment and outcomes were compared between the groups using t-test and Chi-square test as appropriate. Predictors of mortality were explored using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis and expressed as Odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Of the 331 ICU patients admitted with AKI, 312 patients received SNB. The mean (SD) age was 64.14±14·79 years with male preponderance (196:116). Admission SOFA score was significantly (p<0·001) higher (9.6±3.8) in non-responders than responders (6·3±3.6). Overall, 80.13% patients were responders and 19.6% patients received RRT. Significant difference (p<0·001) for diuretic response and dialysis were seen with pre-existing diabetes, higher KDIGO stage and SOFA score (>9) at ICU admission, sepsis, shock, mechanical ventilation, positive fluid balance, lengthy ICU stay and mortality. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, SOFA score >9(OR 4.50; 95%CI 2.30-8.80), negative diuretic response (OR 0.45; 95%CI 0.34-0.59), RRT need (OR 1.78; 95%CI 1.25-2.19) and a higher positive fluid balance (OR 2.82; 95%CI 1.76-3.89) were independently associated with death. Conclusions: SNB in oliguric AKI patients resulted in lesser need for dialysis and better outcomes. A negative response, need for dialysis and a higher positive fluid balance were independently associated with mortality.
Is volume-controlled ventilation superior to pressure-controlled ventilation in patients with severe brain lesions? A pilot study
Authors: Roth Christian , Laakmann Jan-David , Gehling Markus
Published: April 2022

Background: Is there an advantage of volume-controlled ventilation (VCV) over pressure-controlled ventilation (PCV) in the management of patients with intracranial pathology? Methods: Between August 2015 and March 2017, a prospective monocentric crossover trial was performed in neurocritical care patients with invasive ICP monitoring and mechanically controlled ventilation. Two different ventilation modes (VCV and PCV) were applied during a night shift for two hours in each intervention group. The primary end point was the dispersion of ICP and CPP. Secondary endpoints included the differences between mean ICP and CPP, and the incidence of critical ICP or CPP values (ICP > 20 mmHg, CPP < 50 mmHg).Results: Data from a total of 32 patients were analysed. VCV was associated with increased dispersion of maximum ventilation pressure. PCV resulted in elevated dispersion of minute volume and tidal volume. Differences in the dispersion of ventilation parameters did not result in increased dispersion of ICP and CPP. However, we found a significant decrease in mean CPP values with VCV (76.2 mmHg versus 80.1 mmHg; p = 0.03). Furthermore, VCV was associated with a significantly increased rate of adverse events with a CPP < 50 mmHg (VCV: 4.4% versus PCV: 2.6%, p = 0.03). Conclusions: In our study population, VCV was not superior to PCV with regard to ICP and CPP. Moreover, our data suggest that PCV may lead to higher CPP values and may reduce the rate of decreased CPP in patients with acute brain diseases. Trial registration: German trial register (ID: DRKS00009832; date of registration: 30/12/2015; website: www.germanctr.de).
Managing clustering effects and learning effects in the design and analysis of randomised surgical trials: A review of existing guidance
Authors: Conroy Elizabeth Jane , Blazeby Jane M , Burnside Girvan , Cook Jonathan A , Gamble Carrol
Published: April 2022

BackgroundThe complexities associated with delivering randomised surgical trials, such as clustering effects, by centre or surgeon, and surgical learning, is well known. Despite this, approaches used to manage these complexities, and opinions on these, vary. Guidance documents have been developed to support clinical trial design and reporting. This work aimed to identify and examine existing guidance and consider their relevance to clustering effects and learning curves within surgical trials.MethodsA review of existing guidelines, developed to inform the design and analysis of randomised controlled trials, is undertaken. Guidelines were identified using an electronic search, within the Equator Network, and by a targeted search those endorsed by leading UK funding bodies, regulators, and medical journals. Eligible documents were compared against pre-specified key criteria to identify gaps or inconsistencies in recommendations. ResultsTwenty-eight documents were eligible (12: Equator Network; 16 targeted search). Twice the number of guidance documents targeted design (n/N=20/28, 71%) than analysis (n/N=10/28, 36%). Managing clustering by centre through design was well documented. Clustering by surgeon had less coverage and contained some inconsistencies. Managing the surgical learning curve, or changes in delivery over time, through design was contained within several documents (n/N=8/28, 29%), of which one provided guidance on reporting this and restricted to early phase studies only. Methods to analyse clustering effects and learning were provided in five and four documents respectively. (N=28)ConclusionsTo our knowledge this is the first review as to the extent to which existing guidance for designing and analysing randomised surgical trials covers the management of clustering, by centre or surgeon, and the surgical learning curve. Twice the number of identified documents targeted design aspects than analysis. Most notably, no single document exists for use when designing these studies, which may lead to inconsistencies in practice. The development of a single document, with agreed principles to guide trial design and analysis across a range of realistic clinical scenarios, is needed.RegistrationNot applicable.
Lyapunov-Guided Embedding for Hyperparameter Selection in Recurrent Neural Networks
Authors: Vogt Ryan , Zheng Yang , Shlizerman Eli
Published: April 2022

Recurrent Neural Networks (RNN) are ubiquitous computing systems for sequences and multivariate time series data. While several robust architectures of RNN are known, it is unclear how to relate RNN initialization, architecture, and other hyperparameters with accuracy for a given task. In this work, we propose to treat RNN as dynamical systems and to correlate hyperparameters with accuracy through Lyapunov spectral analysis, a methodology specifically designed for nonlinear dynamical systems. To address the fact that RNN features go beyond the existing Lyapunov spectral analysis, we propose to infer relevant features from the Lyapunov spectrum with an Autoencoder and an embedding of its latent representation (AeLLE). Our studies of various RNN architectures show that AeLLE successfully correlates RNN Lyapunov spectrum with accuracy. Furthermore, the latent representation learned by AeLLE is generalizable to novel inputs from the same task and is formed early in the process of RNN training. The latter property allows for the prediction of the accuracy to which RNN would converge when training is complete. We conclude that representation of RNN through Lyapunov spectrum along with AeLLE, and assists with hyperparameter selection of RNN, provides a novel method for organization and interpretation of variants of RNN architectures.
Early Thermographic Screening of Breast Abnormality in Women with Dense Breast by Thermal, Fractal, and Statistical analysis
Authors: Singh Deepika , Singh Ashutosh Kumar , Tiwari Sonia
Published: April 2022

Objectives: Breast cancer is the prime reason for mortality due to cancer in women across the globe and India. Early screening to identify breast abnormality before the actual symptoms are visible, is the only effective way of reducing associated mortality. Breast thermography, which is a non-invasive, painless, non-toxic, and cost-effective method, can potentially be used for early screening, especially to identify lesions in dense breasts. Methods: The current study is a single-center preliminary thermography based study of 5 malignant and 7 benign female subjects that highlights the correlation of thermal, statistical, and fractal features obtained from thermograms (malignant and benign), with the clinical characteristics of the patients. Results: Comparison of mean surface temperatures of 12 subjects shows that the contralateral breast temperature difference is more than 0.5˚C for malignant cases, whereas, for benign cases, the value is between 0 to 0.2˚C. Also, the fractal dimension of the hot spot boundary in the malignant breast side is greater than the corresponding fractal dimension on the contralateral side. Conclusion: The proposed study is able to identify malignancy in dense breasts cases and benign cases requiring follow-up after screening to reduce the chances of breast cancer progression.
Molecular characterization of a novel polymycovirus identified from phytopathogenic fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides
Authors: Cao Jun Jie , Xie Fang Ling , Zhang Zheng Bing , Zhu hong Jian , Zhou Xin Yu
Published: April 2022

A novel polymycovirus isolating from plant-pathogenic fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides was identified. The virus were composed nine RNA segments, ranging from 699 bp to 2,444 bp, and except that RNA5 contains two open reading frames (ORF5-1 and ORF5-2), other RNA segement contain only one ORF. In addition,the proteins encoded by ORFs 1-8 were homologous to the protein encoded by ORFs 1-8 in Colletotrichum camelliae filamentous virus 1(CcFV-1) by BLASTp. The amino acid sequence between the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) encoded by ORF1 and the viral methyltransferase encoded by ORF3 shared 87.6% and 83.3% identity with CcFV-1. The proline-alanine-serine-rich protein (PASrp) encoded by ORF4 shows 86.6% sequence homology to that of CcFV-1. The sequence homology of proteins encoded by ORFs2, 5-1, 6, 7 and 8 with the corresponding proteins of CcFV-1 was 86.6%, 82.5%, 89.0%, 45.7% and 95.5%, respectively. However, RNA9 is a defective RNA of RNA2, missing the 1556 bp (nt 519 to nt 2074) intermediate fragment of RNA2. Phylogenetic analysis based on RdRp protein indicated that the virus, which is the phylogenetically closest relative of CcFV-1, clustered with members of the family Polymycoviridae, so we tentatively named it "Colletotrichum gloeosporioides polymycovirus virus 1" (CgPmV1). To our knowledge, this is the first report of a defective polymycovirus in C. gloeosporioides.
Radicals Persistent above 300 ℃: from Framework Design to Solar Vapor Generation
Authors: Ye Xinhe , Chung Lai-Hon , Li Kedi , Zheng Saili , Lung Wong Yan , Feng Zihao , He Yonghe , Chu Dandan , Xu Zhengtao , He Jun
Published: April 2022

The strong, stable radical signal is forged from two levels of structural design. On the molecular level, we fused terephthalic acid with two 1,4-dithiin (-S-CH = CH-S-) units to afford a polycyclic (3-ring), sulfur-rich linker (TTA) with versatile reactivity—e.g., for generating stable radicals. On the solid-state level, the linker was crystallized with Eu(III) to form EuTTA as a 3D metal-organic framework (MOF) featuring stacks of TTA molecules along the Eu-carboxyl rod domain. As revealed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, the slightly loosened packing of the TTA molecules allows wiggle room for uniquely selective thermal reactions: among the repeat of three TTA molecules along the stack, one first transforms into benzodithiophene (by extruding one S atom from each of the dithiin wings) at 230°C, while the other two TTA molecules only react at higher temperatures (e.g., 300–350°C)—to form bis(dithiole) and other sulfur-stabilized radicals, as well as covalent crosslinks thereof. Aside from the highest thermal stability observed of its radicals (above 300°C), the black MOF product (i.e., EuTTA-350; obtained from heating at 350°C) remain crystalline, and water/air-stable, and features strong broad absorption in the visible and near IR region. As a result, EuTTA-350 achieves highest efficiencies in both photothermal conversion and solar-driven water evaporation among MOF materials, holding promise in solar steam generation.
Patient-Level Cost Estimation for Health Services at Secondary Hospital, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Mehmood Asim , Ahmed Zafar , Ghilan Khalid , Azeez Fahad Khan , Rehman Wajiha , Idrees Sumaira , Akhtar Sohail , Dohare Sushil , verghase Joe
Published: April 2022

Background: Costing information can help to improve the quality of medical care budgeting. It can also improve the efficient allocation of resources and patient outcomes. In recent years, cost analysis studies have increased awareness of hospital cost structures that are considered important to improving the quality and efficiency of healthcare services. The objective of this study was to estimate the inpatient unit cost of healthcare services in a secondary hospital, Saudi Arabia. Methodology: A cross-sectional retrospective approach was applied to categorize the inpatients discharged from the hospital from January 2018 to December 2018. A top-down costing method for cost estimation was applied because it is less time-consuming, cheaper, and at the same time, provides an accurate method for the regular hospital costing exercise. Results: The hospital departments were divided into three cost centers, namely, overhead center, intermediate cost center and final care cost center. We found that the overhead cost center that includes the supporting departments of the hospital holds 40.17% of the total hospital cost. Intermediate cost center and final care cost center consumed 25.50% and 34.33% respectively. Among inpatients wards, the Surgical ward had the highest operational cost (39.27%) as well as had the highest per patient cost. Human resource consumed highest resources (75%) of the hospital in terms of salaries. Conclusion: The cost structure of the hospital was not remarkable and needs revolutionary changes to adopt the new payment mechanism envisioned in 2030 Saudi vision. However, this study can be used as benchmark to conduct costing studies in other hospitals of the country.
Comparison of arthroscopic internal drainage and open excision for the treatment of popliteal cysts
Authors: You Chao , Cheng Zhen , Xia Yongjie , Deng Chao , Zhou Yibiao
Published: April 2022

Background The purpose of this study was to introduce the arthroscopic internal drainage with anterior-anteromedial approach for the treatment of popliteal cysts in children. To compare its clinical efficacy with open surgery.Methods This was a retrospective case-control study of 102 patients diagnosed with popliteal cysts from January 2018 to February 2020 who received surgery. The study included 27 cases with minimally invasive group (MI group) and 75 cases with open surgery group (OS group). The MI group included 21 males and 6 females, age 6.71±2.16 years who received arthroscopic internal drainage of the cysts to adequately widen the valve opening between the cyst and the articular cavity, excised the fibrous diaphragm without complete excision of the cyst wall. The OS group included 57 males and 18 females, age 6.21±1.67 years who received open excision. The clinical parameters regarding the preoperative characteristics and surgical results were compared. Ultrasound or MRI was used to identify the recurrence of the popliteal cysts. Rauschning-Lindgren grade was recorded to evaluate the clinical outcome.Results All patients were followed up for at least 24 months. There were no significant differences between the two groups in age, gender, left and right sides, disease time, cyst size, length of hospitalization, preoperative Rauschning-Lindgren grade (p>0.05). At the last follow-up, the preoperative and postoperative Rauschning-Lindgren grade was improved in both groups. Compared with the OS group, operation time was significantly shortened in the MI group (28.89±4.51 min vs 52.96±29.72 min, p<0.05). The MI group was superior to the OS group in terms of blood loss and plaster fixation, with statistical significance (p<0.05). There was obvious difference in recurrence rate between the two groups (0% vs 17.33%, p=0.018). No postoperative complications occurred during the follow-up period.Conclusions Compared with open excision, the treatment of popliteal cyst in children by arthroscopic internal drainage to expand the articular cavity and eliminate the “one-way valve” mechanism between the cyst and the articular cavity exhibits better clinical outcomes and significantly reduces the recurrence rate, which is worthy of further clinical promotion.
Short-term outcomes of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) for ankle fracture: a single-center retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zeng Hui , Yao Yuefeng , Li Guoqing , Liu Su , Chen Yixiao , Li Jing , Deng Jiapeng , Wei Yihao , Gao Liang , Wang Deli
Published: April 2022

Background: Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) has been successfully adopted for the improvement of medical quality and efficacy in many diseases but the effect among the ankle fracture patients is variable. We intended to explore the short-term outcomes of ERAS among ankle fracture patients.Methods: One hundred sixty ankle fracture participations (41.71 ± 14.51 years-old) grouped into two groups (non-ERAS Vs. ERAS) with an average of 24 months follow-up were included in the retrospective study. Multivariable linear regression analysis and generalized estimating equation (GEE) model were performed to assess the association of outcomes including American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS), length of stay (LOS), and hospital cost.Results: Analysis revealed that the patients in the ERAS group could obtain higher AOFAS score with LOS or hospital cost reduction than that in the ERAS group (p＜0.05) at month 3 postoperatively (PO3M) and month 6 postoperatively (PO6M). However, outcomes were comparable at month 12 postoperatively (PO12M) and later.GEE analysis and group by time interaction of AOFAS revealed the ERAS protocol could help ankle fracture patients recover faster and better in the short-term.Conclusions: Ankle fracture patients could recover better with the application of the ERAS protocol, especially in the short-term periods, all patients would obtain comparable function PO12M later. The ERAS protocol might improve medical quality and efficacy by reducing LOS and hospital costs as well. The current study would provide a realistic evaluation and comparison of the ERAS protocol among the ankle fracture patients for the surgeons in the short-term.
Homo-oligomer models prediction, functional characterization, and Ab initio docking analysis of hypothetical protein HP33 from Vibrio harveyi strain
Authors: Islam Sk Injamamul , Sanjida Saloa , Mou Moslema Jahan , Mahfuj Sarower , Rahman MD. Habibur , Islam Md Jakiul , Yeasmin Syeda Maksuda , Nasir Saad
Published: April 2022

It is reported that antigenicity of a unique hypothetical protein named HP33 of Vibrio harveyi Y6 strain causes scale drop and muscle necrosis disease (SDMND) in Lates calcarifer. This distinct protein was found from only V. harveyi SDMND and is responsible for 40-50% mortality. Despite these devastating complications, there is still no cure or vaccine for the disease. As a result, the current work sought to elucidate the roles of HP33 protein. The sequence similarity was searched across the available bioinformatics databases to find the homologous protein. This hypothetical protein is known to be an unstable, nonpolar, and outer membrane protein based on its subcellular localization and physicochemical properties. Functional annotation tools predicted our target protein has only a single domain. The random coil was found to be predominant in the secondary structure. Quality evaluation methods were used to predict and confirm the secondary and tertiary structure. After YASARA energy minimization, the 3D structure became more stable, which was confirmed by many quality assessment methods. Additionally, the active site and interacting proteins were examined. An important biological activity of the HP is that it contains single functional domains that may be responsible for representing a biosynthetic gene cluster. In addition, protein-ligand docking analysis showed two possible drug molecules against HP33 pathogenesis. Finally, the homo-oligomers models prediction and ab-initio docking results will provide good insights for further immunological study which might be of significant relevance to future V. harveyi genetics research.
The clinical significance of Body Mass Index in evaluation of acute pancreatitis in China
Authors: Zheng Zhi Xue , Bi Jing Tao , Cai Xuan , Liu Ya Qi
Published: April 2022

ObjectiveThe main objective was to investigate the early assessment value of Body Mass Index in the prediction of severity in acute pancreatitis. MethodsThe retrospective analysis was designed to assess the relationship between Body Mass Index and the severity of acute pancreatitis in Beijing Jishuitan Hospital from January 2018 to December 2019. Using SPSS 20.0 software for statistical analysis, and Logistic Regression for the factors affecting the severity of acute pancreatitis, and draw the ROC curve to test the effectiveness to the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. ResultsThe BMI was significantly correlated with the Ranson scoring and MCTSI scoring (P=0.000, 0.000). The difference of BMI in MAP and SAP patients was statistically significantly (P=0.000). The Logistic Regression indicated that BMI was an independent risk factor for the severity of acute pancreatitis. Combined detection of BMI, WBC, serum calcium, and SAMY in prognosis of the severity of acute pancreatitis positive rate is higher than single positive rate. ConclusionThe BMI gradually increased with the severity of acute pancreatitis, and was an independent risk factor for the condition. Combined detection of BMI, WBC, serum calcium, and SAMY can effectively improve the acute pancreatitis patients’ clinical diagnostic accuracy and early treatment, and help to reduce the complications.
Low N2O emissions induced by root-derived residues compared to aboveground residues of red clover or grasses mixed in the soil hinge on slow decomposition rate
Authors: Bleken Marina Azzaroli , Rittl Tatiana Francischinelli , Nadeem Shahid
Published: April 2022

IPCC default guidelines assume a constant N 2 O emission factor (EF N2O ) for belowground residues (BGR) as for aboveground residues (AGR) and that following the renewal of temporary grasslands, BGR contribute ~70% of total N 2 O emissions from nonremovable residues (BGR+Stubble). However, empirical data on N 2 O emissions from BGR not confounded with AGR are lacking. We hypothesized that in leys EF N2O would be considerably lower for BGR than AGR because root chemical composition and tight interaction with soil particles provide protection from decomposition.Soil rich in fresh BGR (in situ roots of a grass mixture or of red clover) and BGR-free soil were incubated alone or mixed with stubble or herbage and different KNO3 doses, over 107 days in a clay loam kept at 15 °C and 60% water-filled pore space. The results indicate that the effect of plant residues on N2O emissions depends on the enhancement of soil respiration. The carbon decay rate was an abundant order of magnitude lower in BGR than in AGR. Correspondingly the ratio of BGR EFN2O to that of AGR was ~0.06. Furthermore, the EFN2O of BGR remained low also in presence of an abundant dose of KNO3. In contrast, the EFN2O of AGR depended on their C:N ratio or on the presence of NO3 - in the soil. The recalcitrance of BGR was not linked to common quality parameters as C:N. Improved N2O accounting should consider the effect of labile carbon in crop residues and the singular recalcitrance of the roots, in addition to the residue N content.
Association between cancer stem cell gene signature and prognosis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Kim Su Il , Woo Seon Rang , Noh Joo Kyung , Lee Min Kyeong , Lee Young Chan , Lee Jung Woo , Kong Moonkyoo , Ko Seong-Gyu , Eun Young-Gyu
Published: April 2022

Background: Various cancer stem cell (CSC) biomarkers and genes encoding them in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) have been identified and evaluated. However, the validity of these factors in the prognosis of HNSCC has been questioned and remains to be ascertained. In this study, we examined the clinical significance of CSC biomarker genes in HNSCC by using five publicly available HNSCC cohorts.Methods: To predict the prognosis of patients with HNSCC, we developed and validated CSC gene signatures whose mRNA expression was correlated with at least one of four CSC genes, CD44, MET, ALDH1A1, and BMI1.Results: Patients in TCGA HNSCC cohort were classified into CSC gene-associated high-risk (CSC-HR; n=285) and CSC gene-associated low-risk (CSC-LR; n=281) subgroups. The 5-year overall survival and recurrence-free survival rates were significantly lower in the CSC-HR subgroup than in the CSC-LR subgroup (p=0.04 and 0.02, respectively). The clinical significance of the CSC gene signature was validated using four independent cohorts. Cox proportional hazards models showed that the CSC gene signature was an independent prognostic factor for patients with HNSCC. Furthermore, CSC gene signature was associated with the prognosis of patients with HNSCC who received radiotherapy or those with HPV (-) status.Conclusion: The CSC gene signature was associated with the prognosis of HNSCC and may help in personalized treatments for patients with HNSCC.
A simple cognitive method improving prediction for matters of taste: exploiting the wisdom-of-crowd effect within-person
Authors: Fujisaki Itsuki , Honda Hidehito , Ueda Kazuhiro
Published: April 2022

We often need to predict how much others will be satisfied with something they have not experienced thus far. In such a situation, how can we accurately predict it? Previous studies have indicated that by referring to the extent to which people themselves have enjoyed something, they could predict others’ future satisfaction to some extent. In this study, we proposed a method that can further improve such predictions. This method is expected to allow the participants to exploit the Wisdom of crowd within a person for a matter of taste. Specifically, for a single target, the participants produced two opinions from different perspectives: the degree to which they preferred something and the estimated ‘public opinion’. Through two behavioural studies and computer simulations, we confirmed the effectiveness of our method; specifically, blending the two opinions could enhance individual’s predictions. Subsequently, we mathematically analysed how our method worked and identified several factors that influenced our method’s efficiency. Several contributions of the wisdom-of-crowd research were discussed.
SSR marker-based genetic characterization of Turkish Oriental Tobaccos
Authors: Saygili Ibrahim , KANDEMIR Nejdet , KINAY Ahmet , AYTAC Selim , AYAN Ali Kemal
Published: April 2022

Background Turkey is one of the traditional oriental tobacco producing countries. Oriental tobaccos produced in Turkey are ecotypes specific to certain regions, local varieties and landraces, and they have unique characteristics. The present study was conducted to reveal the general and interregional genetic diversity levels of tobacco genotypes collected from different regions of Turkey based on DNA markers. Methods and Results 319 ecotypes/lines of Turkish Oriental Tobaccos collected from different regions (Aegean Region, Marmara Region, Karadeniz Region, and East and Southeast Anatolia Regions) of Turkey and cultivars Xanthi 81, Xanthi 2A, Canik Sitmasuyu, Katerini, Canik 190-5 and NC 55 were subjected to SSR marker analysis. A total of 89 alleles were obtained from 21 markers examined, and the average number of alleles per marker was 4.05. Nineteen polymorphic SSR markers find outed 314 unique genotypes among 319 tobacco plants evaluated. In the dendrogram constructed SSR marker data, genotypes were divided into six clades in account geographic regions and levels of genetic diversity. Conclusions The fact that only five of these genotypes were the same as another, in other words, the presence of 314 unique genotypes among 319 tobacco plants evaluated was another finding indicating the high level of genetic diversity in Turkish tobaccos. These genotypes could be tobaccos of different origins, and they merit further agronomic and technological characterizations.
Comparative spectroscopic study of aluminum nitride grown by MOCVD in H2 and N2 reaction environment
Authors: HASAN SAMIUL , Jewel Mohi Uddin Uddin , Karakalos Stavros G. , Gaevski Mikhail , Ahmad Iftikhar
Published: April 2022

We report a comparative spectroscopic study on the thin films of epitaxial aluminum nitride (AlN) on basal plane sapphire (Al2O3) substrates grown in hydrogen (H2) and nitrogen (N2) gas reaction environments. AlN films of similar thicknesses (~ 3.0 µm) were grown by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) for comparison. The impact of gas environment on the AlN epilayers was characterized using high-resolution x-ray diffraction (HR-XRD), x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman scattering (RS), secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS), cathodoluminescence (CL), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The study showed that AlN layers grown in a N2 environment have 50% less stress (~ 0.5 GPa) and similar total dislocation densities (~ 109/cm2) as compared to films grown in a H2 environment. On the other hand, AlN films grown in a H2 gas environment have about 33% lesser carbon and 41% lesser oxygen impurities than films grown in a N2 growth environment and have close to the ideal Al:N stoichiometric ratio. This paper will discuss the possible mechanisms that influenced the structural quality and impurity incorporation for two different gas environments to grow AlN epilayers in the MOCVD system on sapphire substrates.
Amide directed selectivity switch in distal C-H arylation of α-naphthoic acids
Authors: Pradhan Sukumar , Biswas Jyoti , Elsaid Mazen , Ge Haibo , Maiti Debabrata
Published: April 2022

Remote C4-H functionalization of a-naphthoic acids is highly challenging due to the presence of proximally more accessible C-H bonds at the C2 and C8 positions. Herein, we report the first palladium-catalysed direct C4 arylation of 1-naphthamides with high regioselectivity and excellent functional group compatibility. The regioselectivity of this one-step reaction could be switched to the C7 position by simply changing the directing group under otherwise identical conditions. Diverse aryl couples were found compatible for both C4 and C7 arylation. Control experiments and kinetic studies were carried out to identify the mechanistic motives of the unique selectivity switch.