bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychometric Properties of the Medical Outcomes Study Perceived Social Support Survey and a Brief Version in a Sample of Cuban Seniors Suffering from Chronic Pain
Authors: Martín-Carbonell Marta , Pérez-Díaz Raquel
Published: March 2022

Background: There is a consensus that receiving satisfactory social support is crucial for elderly people experiencing chronic pain; however, no instruments have been validated for the Cuban population. The Medical Outcomes Study (MOS) is an instrument that has been widely validated across several countries, indicating significant psychometric properties to measure perceived social support; however, MOS has never been applied to Cubans. This study obtained evidence of the internal and external validity of the original MOS survey structure and its brief 8-item version in a sample of Cuban seniors with chronic pain.Methods: The sample included 200 Cuban single and retired seniors, with an intermediate level of education. The MOS Social Support Survey and a structured interview were conducted to obtain socio-demographic information and learn about the support perceived by elders in pain. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to test the structure. Cronbach’s alpha and omega coefficients were considered for internal consistency, in addition to the relation between the item variance and error variance (Average variance extracted). Furthermore, Spearman’s rho coefficient was used to estimate the correlations between the MOS scores and the support assessment given by seniors in pain.Results: All the models assessed through the CFA indicated good adjustment indices. However, the brief version of the model gave better results. Of the coefficients assessing internal consistency, the 2-factor 8-item version indicated the best indicators and accounted for greater variance not attributable to the error. Both versions of the MOS and their corresponding sub-scales obtained significant positive correlations with the support received by seniors in pain.Conclusions: The MOS (4-factor) and the 8-item brief version (with 2 factors) present suitable evidence of structural validity, internal consistency, and external validity.
Persistence and genetic diversity of Lymantria dispar multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus in soil during an epizootic
Authors: Sato Narimasa , Takashima Ayaka , Pavlushin Sergey , Martemyanov Vyacheslav , Sawahata Takuo , Yamashita Megumi , Inoue Maki
Published: March 2022

Lymantria dispar (gypsy moth), one of the most destructive forest pests, causes periodic outbreaks culminating with an epizootic of the baculovirus L. dispar multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (LdMNPV). However, the source and mode of LdMNPV infection remain unclear. To examine whether LdMNPV in the soil acts as an inoculum source for an epizootic, we performed DNA analyses and bioassays using samples collected in Yamanashi, Japan. In the study area, L. dispar outbreak began in 2019 and an LdMNPV epizootic occurred in 2020. Using purified occlusion bodies (OBs), the LC50 value of the droplet-feeding bioassay was 1.9 × 105 OBs/mL and that of the soil-feeding bioassay was 6.4 × 104 OBs/mL. PCR assay could detect purified OBs dose-dependently but not soil-mixed OBs. Soil-feeding bioassays using field-collected soils and PCR assay revealed that LdMNPV OBs maintained their biological potency and were estimated to be approximately 104 OBs/g soil. Larvae fed soil from after the epizootic showed a significant lower survival rate than ones fed soil from before the epizootic. DNA sequencing showed increased LdMNPV genetic diversity in the same locality and a single host during the epizootic, suggesting the migration of LdMNPV-infected larvae into the study site. Furthermore, a few identical LdMNPV haplotype were dominant during the epizootic, and the pathogenicity such as mortality rate and the OBs yields did not significantly differ between the LdMNPV isolates. These results suggest that LdMNPV in the soil is an important source of inoculum infecting L. dispar.
Improvement and Application of GAN Models for Time Series Image Prediction—A Case Study of Time Series Satellite Nephograms
Authors: Wang Ruifu , Teng Dongdong , Yu Wenqing , Zhang Xi , zhu jinshan
Published: March 2022

Predicting the shape evolution and movement of nephograms is a difficult task required for the effective monitoring and rapid prediction of thunderstorms, gales, rainstorms, and other disastrous weather conditions. With time sequence information as a constraint, forecasting and outputting nephogram data in the future can effectively compensate for the deficiencies of traditional nephogram methods. To improve the visual effect as much as possible and ensure the accuracy of the shape and movement trends of time series nephogram predictions, a GAN (Generative Adversarial Network) is used. Through comparative experiments and analyses, the best combination of the Mish activation function and Huber loss function is selected. We propose an improved GAN model for time series nephogram prediction in the following 3 aspects. A multineighborhood gradient difference loss is adopted to improve the sharpness of the prediction nephogram, a multiscale structure is used to improve the long-term performance of nephogram prediction, and the Wasserstein distance is introduced to replace JS divergence to ensure the normal updating of generator parameters. Experimental Results show that the improved multiscale model can maintain good visual effects and accurately depict the overall changes in and movement trends of nephograms. For example, for the improved model using four-neighborhood gradient difference loss, the overall average improvement in PSNR (peak signal-to-noise ratio) is 6.42% and SSIM (structural similarity) is 35.57%.
Clinical outcomes after arthroscopic revision excision of recurrent dorsal wrist ganglion cyst: a case series study
Authors: Zheng Tong , Huang Xingjian , Yang Yong , Li Bin , Li Feng , Li Zhongzhe
Published: March 2022

Background
The recurrence of dorsal wrist ganglion (DWG) cyst following excision has been reported up to 40%. This study aimed to evaluate clinical outcomes regarding the functional evaluation and recurrence rate after the arthroscopic excision of recurrent DWG cysts.
Methods
From November 2017 to March 2020, 11 consecutive patients diagnosed as recurrent DWG cysts underwent revision excision in an arthroscopic approach. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination was performed routinely before the surgery to identify the location and limits of the cyst. All patients were followed up for a minimum of 2 years. The second recurrence was recorded if a mass reappeared at the same site, with a positive transillumination test. Pain during activity was evaluated by the visual analog scale (VAS). Active range of motion (ROM) of the wrist was measured by a goniometer, and the hand grip strength was measured using a digital dynamometer.
Results
After a mean follow-up period of 29.3 months (range, 24 to 34 months), no second recurrence of the cyst was recorded. The VAS score improved from 1.4 to 0.3 (P = 0.003), and the residual pain was reported by 3 patients (VAS score was 1 for each). The active wrist flexion increased from 73.6° to 78.2° (P = 0.016). No significant change was found in active wrist extension and hand grip strength (P > 0.05).
Conclusion
Arthroscopic excision of recurrent DWG cyst yielded satisfactory results with no second recurrence, significant pain relief, and good wrist function at a minimum 2-year follow-up. Clear identification of the location and limits of the ganglion based on the preoperative MRI could be helpful to achieve a complete excision and to prevent a second recurrence.
Brownian-Huygens propagation: modeling wave functions with discrete particle-antiparticle random walks
Authors: Hrgovcic Hrvoje J.
Published: March 2022

We present a simple method of discretely modeling solutions of the classical wave and Klein-Gordon equations using variations of random walks on a graph. Consider a collection of particles executing random walks on an undirected bipartite graph embedded in RD at discrete times Z, and assume those walks are “heat-like”, in the sense that a (conserved) density of particles obeys the heat equation in the continuum limit. If the particles possess a binary degree of freedom (so that they may be said to be either particles or “antiparticles”, i.e., “positive” or “negative), then there exist closely related branching random walks on the same graph that are “wave-like”, in the sense that their (also conserved) net density obeys the D-dimensional classical wave equation. Such wave-like paths can be generated even on random graphs. The transformation by which the heat-like random walks become wave-like branching random walks is as follows: at every time step, any “incoming” particle arriving at any node X of the graph along some edge eX creates a particle-antiparticle pair at that node, with the stipulation that the newly created particle with the opposite sign of the incoming particle must initially step (in “Huygens” back-propagation fashion) along eX in the reverse direction, while the other two take a step (in “Brownian” fashion) along any edge of X (including possibly eX) with equal likelihood, and chosen independently. An additional degree of freedom (resulting in “bra” and “ket” particles) leads to quasi-probability densities proportional to the square of the wave functions.
Drivers of ‘voluntary’ recruitment and challenges for families with adolescents engaged with armed groups: A conceptual framework from Central African Republic and Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Blackwell Alexandra , Agengo Yvonne , Ozoukou Daniel , Wendt Julia Ulrike , Nigane Alice , Goana Paradis , Kanani Bertin , Falb Kathryn
Published: March 2022

Background: Globally, armed conflicts have increased threefold since 2010. The number of children voluntarily engaging with armed groups is also rising around the world, despite increasing recognition and efforts to prevent this grave human rights violation. However, traditional approaches focusing on the prevention, release, and reintegration of children through forced recruitment do not adequately address the complex and interlinking push and pull factors of voluntary recruitment. This qualitative study sought to deepen understanding of the drivers and consequences of voluntary recruitment from the perspectives of adolescents and their caregivers, as well as to explore how to better support families living in conflict settings.Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted with 74 adolescents (44 boys and 30 girls aged 14 to 20 years) and 39 caregivers (18 men and 21 women aged 32 to 66 years) in two distinct conflict settings: the North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo and Ouham-Pendé, Central African Republic. Adolescents respondents were either formerly involved in armed groups or were at risk of engaging, and caregivers were the primary caregivers for children formerly involved in armed groups. Interviews with adolescents utilized a visual narrative technique.Results: The findings examine the unique perspectives of adolescents engaged with armed groups and their caregivers to understand how conflict experiences, economic insecurity, and social insecurity influence children’s engagement with armed groups and reintegration with their families. The study found that families living in conflict settings are subject to traumatic experiences and economic hardship that erode protective family relationships, leaving adolescent boys and girls particularly vulnerable to the systemic and overlapping economic, social, institutional push and pull factors that influence them to engage with and return to armed groups.Conclusions: The findings illustrate how these factors can disrupt protective social structures, and inversely how familial support can act as a potential protective factor against recruitment and break the cycle of reengagement. By better understanding the experiences and needs of children enduring recruitment and how to support caregivers of those children, more comprehensive programming models can be developed to adequately prevent voluntary recruitment and promote successful reintegration, enabling children to reach their full potential.
Symmetry-resolved dynamical purification in synthetic quantum matter
Authors: Vitale Vittorio , Elben Andreas , Kueng Richard , Neven Antoine , Carrasco Jose , Kraus Barbara , Zoller Peter , Calabrese Pasquale , Vermersch Benoit , Dalmonte Marcello
Published: March 2022

When a quantum system initialized in a product state is subjected to either coherent or incoherent dynamics, the entropy of any of its connected partitions generically increases as a function of time, signalling the inevitable spreading of (quantum) information throughout the system. Here, we show that, in the presence of continuous symmetries and under ubiquitous experimental conditions, symmetry-resolved information spreading is inhibited due to the competition of coherent and incoherent dynamics: in given quantum number sectors, entropy decreases as a function of time, signalling dynamical purification. Such dynamical purification bridges between two distinct short and intermediate time regimes, characterized by a log-volume and log-area entropy law, respectively. It is generic to symmetric quantum evolution, and as such occurs for different partition geometry and topology, and classes of (local) Liouville dynamics. We then develop a protocol to measure symmetry-resolved entropies and negativities in synthetic quantum systems based on the random unitary toolbox, and demonstrate the generality of dynamical purification using experimental data from trapped ion experiments [Brydges et al., Science 364, 260 (2019)]. Our work shows that symmetry plays a key role as a magnifying glass to characterize many-body dynamics in open quantum systems, and, in particular, in noisy-intermediate scale quantum devices.
Diagnóstico sobre la atención a la mujer víctima de violencia de género en la ciudad de Santiago de Cali
Authors: Bustamante Arango Diana Marcela , Puertas Milton
Published: March 2022

En este artículo de investigación se expone el resultado de un estudio de sondeo realizado a mujeres víctimas de violencia de género, usuarias de instituciones estatales, tales como ICBF, Defensoría, Fiscalía y Procuraduría, con el fin de verificar el nivel de cumplimiento en la aplicación de la normatividad interna que busca garantizar el ejercicio pleno de los derechos humanos de las mujeres, así como su derecho de acceso a la justicia.
Territorios, internacionalización y desarrollo. Aproximación teórica a una realidad evidente
Authors: Guillermo Jiménez William
Published: March 2022

El incremento en los flujos de información, de comercio y de personas está transformando las relaciones de los gobiernos territoriales con el mundo globalizado, lo cual abre nuevas oportunidades para que estos incorporen modalidades de internacionalización (redes, cooperación descentralizada y marketing territorial). El objetivo de este artículo es mostrar como los gobiernos sub-nacionales se insertan en el concierto internacional y la manera como este proceso se relaciona con el desarrollo. Se utiliza a tal efecto una metodología cualitativa basada en la técnica de revisión y análisis documental. Las conclusiones señalan los desafíos que el proceso representa para los gobiernos territoriales: a) superar la rigidez del marco competencial normativo existente; b) fortalecer su capacidad institucional; c) considerar la internacionalización como estrategia para el desarrollo.
The response of asset prices to monetary policy shock in Indonesia: A structural VAR approach
Authors: Suhendra Indra , Jandi Anwar Cep
Published: March 2022

This paper aims to determine the effect of central bank monetary policy on financial asset prices in Indonesia from 1990 Q1 to 2020 Q4. Furthermore, this study measures the responses of three different asset prices: bond yield, stock price and exchange rate to central bank rate shocks using the structural vector autoregression model. The impulse response functions showed that tightening monetary policy in Indonesia appreciated the exchange rate in four periods, lowered stock prices in five periods, and increased bond yield in all periods. These results imply that an increase in monetary policy interest rate appreciates exchange rate, lowers the stock price, and reduces bond yield. The result of variance decomposition showed that the most dominant central bank rate prediction was in predicting forecast error variance of bond yield but the smallest in predicting forecast error variance of the exchange rate. These results corroborated the hypothesis that tightening monetary policy in Indonesia increases financial asset prices. It also highlighted the informational role of monetary policy interest rate in stabilizing financial asset prices.
Product market competition and a firm’s R&D investment: New evidence from Korea
Authors: Shin Ilhang , Lee Hansol
Published: March 2022

This study aims to examine the effect of product market competition on a firm’s investments in research and development (R&D) and how this effect varies depending on the firm’s internal corporate governance. This study employs the regression method to analyze the association between product market competition and a firm’s R&D investment. Since product market competition works effectively as an external corporate governance mechanism that reduces agency problems and information asymmetry, this study hypothesizes that a competitive product market promotes R&D investments. Using 11,560 firm-year observations of Korean listed firms for 2001–2020, this study finds a positive association between product market competition and R&D investment. The result also shows this association is more pronounced for firms with weak internal corporate governance mechanisms. Furthermore, additional analysis shows that the effect of product market competition on a firm’s R&D investment is stronger for firms in the low-tech industry. This study provides new insights on the inconclusive association between product market competition and a firm’s R&D investment and practical implications that product market competition drives firms to invest in R&D.
AcknowledgementsThis work was supported by the Gachon University research fund of 2021.(GCU-202103550001)
Iron Recovery from Iron Ore Tailings by Direct Hydrogen Reduction at Low Temperature and Magnetic Separation
Authors: Pinto Paula , Milagre Luisa , Moreira Larissa , Rocha Junior Hamilton , Salviano Adriana , Ardisson José , Parreira Fabrício , Teixeira Ana Paula , Lago Rochel
Published: March 2022

In this work, we describe a sustainable alternative to recover iron from two iron ore tailings (IOT) using hydrogen reduction at relatively low temperatures followed by magnetic separation. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), inductively coupled plasma (ICP), atomic absorption (AA), Mössbauer, scanning electron microscopy (SEM/EDS), Raman and thermogravimetry (TG) analyses indicated that the Fe oxide present in the IOTs (sandy tailing (ST) and mud tailings (MT)), can be reduced with H2 at 500 ºC to produce α-Fe. Upon magnetic separation the mud tailing produced a 77 wt.% magnetic fraction increasing the Fe content from 19.2 to ca. 56 wt.% of Fe. On the other hand, the sandy tailing resulted in a 15 wt.% magnetic fraction increasing the Fe content from 19.2 to 70 wt.%. These results indicate that up to 86% of iron can be recovered from the IOT wastes already in the metallic form which can be very interesting for the steel industry.
Bilimsel Süreç Becerilerine Dayalı Laboratuvar Uygulamalarının Öğretmen Adaylarının Kavramsal Anlamalarına Etkisi: Kaldırma Kuvveti Örneği
Authors: ŞAHİN ÇAKIR Çiğdem , KARSLI BAYDERE Fethiye
Published: March 2022

Bu çalışmanın amacı, fen bilgisi öğretmen adaylarının kaldırma kuvveti kavramını anlamalarına bilimsel süreç becerilerine dayalı laboratuvar uygulamalarının etkisini incelemektir. Araştırma deneysel araştırma yöntemlerinden ön test- son test tek deney gruplu zayıf deneysel desene göre yürütülmüştür. Araştırmanın örneklemini Doğu Karadeniz Bölgesi’ndeki bir üniversitenin eğitim fakültesinde fen bilgisi öğretmenliği 3. sınıfta öğrenim gören toplam 34 öğretmen adayı (Nkadın =22, Nerkek =12) oluşturmaktadır. Araştırmada veri toplamak için kaldırma kuvveti ile ilgili kavram yanılgılarına yönelik olarak araştırmacılar tarafından hazırlanan kavram karikatürleri ve öğretmen adaylarının kaldırma kuvvetine yönelik çizdikleri kavram haritaları kullanılmıştır. Bilimsel süreç becerilerine dayalı laboratuvar uygulamalarından önce ve sonra olmak üzere öğretmen adaylarına kavram karikatürleri uygulanmış ve öğretmen adaylarından kaldırma kuvveti ile ilgili kavram haritası çizmeleri istenmiştir. Kavram karikatürlerinden elde edilen veriler betimsel olarak analiz edilirken, kavram haritasından elde edilen veriler içeriksel olarak analiz edilmiştir. Verilerin geçerliğini sağlamak için araştırmacılar verileri defalarca okuyup birlikte tartışarak verileri kodlamışlardır. Ayrıca öğretmen adaylarının ifadelerinden ve çizimlerinden alıntılar sunulmuştur. Araştırmada bilimsel süreç becerilerine dayalı laboratuvar uygulamalarının öğretmen adaylarının kaldırma kuvveti kavramını anlamalarına olumlu yönde etki ettiği sonucuna ulaşılmıştır.
Zasady aktualizacji tekstów biblijnych a interpretacja perykopy o uzdrowieniu teściowej Szymona (Mk 1,29-31) w ujęciu o. Adama Szustaka OP
Authors: Muzolf Rafał
Published: March 2022

Głoszenie Ewangelii stanowi istotę i misję Kościoła, która realizowana jest m.in. poprzez homilię. Należy ona do zadań niezwykle ważnych i odpowiedzialnych. W artykule odnaleźć można najistotniejsze wskazania dotyczące proforystyki w dokumentach Kościoła oraz przykład współczesnego kaznodziejstwa. Interpretacja perykopy o uzdrowieniu teściowej Szymona (por. Mk 1,29–31) w ujęciu o. Adama Szustaka ukazała pewien dysonans między orędziem tekstu źródłowego a tym, co dopowiedział kaznodzieja. Nadinterpretacja tekstu uwidoczniła się w kilku miejscach i doprowadziła do zniekształcenia, czy wręcz do zafałszowania przesłania biblijnego. Niniejszy artykuł podejmuje wciąż otwarty problem aktualizacji Pisma Świętego i odpowiedzialnej proklamacji Bożego słowa.
Desempenho entre os algoritmos de localização de faltas completo e simplificado para linhas de transmissão com 3 terminais e parâmetros elétricos diferentes
Authors: Nascimento Cleydson A. de C. , Oliveira NikolasI. F. de , Silva Iggor B. da
Published: March 2022

A linha de transmissão é o equipamento do sistema elétrico mais propício a uma falta elétrica. Com base nas condições dificultosas de acesso a essas linhas, como o distanciamento das cidades e por possuir grandes dimensões, torna-se imprescindível localizar uma falta elétrica com precisão e rapidez. O objetivo deste trabalho é realizar uma análise comparativa entre duas vertentes do Algoritmo de Girgis, Hart e Peterson (1992) para localizar uma falta elétrica: o modo completo e o simplificado. Para simular a linha de transmissão foi utilizado o software ATP® e os algoritmos foram desenvolvidos em um software voltado para cálculos numéricos. Os cenários de simulação levaram em consideração variações nos parâmetros resistivos e indutivos de alguns trechos da linha de transmissão, em busca da localização do ponto de falta e do respectivo erro de localização devido a essas modificações.
Estudo de caso da tarifa branca considerando a implementação de técnicas de GLD e uso de aquecedor solar de água
Authors: Gois Isabel Cristina Pinheiro de , Guerra Fabiana Karla de Oliveira Martins Varella
Published: March 2022

Uma das maneiras modernas de conter a expansão do consumo sem comprometer o desenvolvimento econômico é o estímulo do uso eficiente de energia. Dessa forma, a Agência Nacional de Energia Elétrica – ANEEL estabeleceu uma nova modalidade tarifária denominada Tarifa Branca que visa incentivar a redução do consumo de energia em horários de maior demanda. Entretanto, para que se torne viável ao consumidor, é necessário que haja deslocamento de carga para o período de menor demanda, já que neste horário, o valor da tarifa será menor. Sendo assim, o presente artigo tem como objetivo analisar o impacto técnico e econômico da aplicação de técnicas de Gerenciamento pelo Lado da Demanda (GLD) considerando a implementação da tarifa branca e a substituição do chuveiro elétrico por um sistema de aquecedor solar de água (SAS) em uma unidade residencial de baixa tensão. As técnicas de GLD aplicadas foram: deslocamento de carga e redução de pico. Para analisar a viabilidade da tarifa branca foram realizadas simulações no software HOMER PRO. Os resultados obtidos mostraram que a combinação das estratégias de GLD com a substituição do chuveiro elétrico pelo SAS viabilizam o uso da tarifa branca já que reduzem o custo de energia da unidade consumidora.
Estudo comparativo das propriedades mecânicas de polímeros usados na manufatura aditiva e plásticos de engenharia comuns usados na indústria
Authors: Lima Ramsés Otto Cunha , Martins Samuel de Oliveira , Sousa Kalyude Diógenes de , Medeiros MaylaAlencar
Published: March 2022

A aplicação da impressão 3D para manufatura rápida tem a proposta de produzir peças de geometrias complexas de acordo com projetos computacionais, além de ter o benefício de evitar desperdício de material, uma vez que não há necessidade de operações de usinagem nas peças fabricadas. Dessa forma, oferecem muitas vantagens na fabricação de compósitos poliméricos, como alta precisão dimensional, custo competitivo efetivo e geometria customizada. No entanto, devido às propriedades mecânicas relativamente limitadas dos materiais poliméricos aplicados como matéria-prima para essas máquinas, é necessário realizar um estudo comparativo em relação às propriedades mecânicas de outros materiais mais comumente aplicados na indústria a fim de avaliar se, de fato, os materiais impressos podem substituir os polímeros mais usuais. Nesta pesquisa, cinco amostras de cada material, impressas por prototipagem 3D, ou seja, acrilonitrila butadieno estireno (ABS) e ácido polilático (PLA), foram conduzidas para ensaios mecânicos de tração e flexão, tendo seus resultados comparados com as propriedades mecânicas do Nylon 6, submetido aos mesmos testes. A partir da comparação das propriedades mecânicas analisadas e da densidade específica dos materiais testados, verifica-se que os materiais usados na manufatura aditiva, em determinadas situações, podem substituir os plásticos de engenharia, comumente aplicados.
Protein Structure Readouts of Cancer Drivers for Precision Medicine
Authors: Dhanjal Jaspreet Kaur , Kalra Rajkumar Singh
Published: March 2022

Cancer is fundamentally a disease of perturbed genes. Although many mutations can be
marked in the genome of cancer or a transformed cell, the initiation and progression are driven by only
a few mutational events, viz., driver mutations that progressively govern and execute the functional impacts.
The driver mutations are thus believed to dictate and dysregulate the subsequent cellular proliferative
function/decisions, thereby producing a cancerous state. Therefore, identifying the driver events
from the genomic alterations in a patient’s cancer cell gained enormous attention recently for designing
better targeting therapies and paving the way for precision cancer medicine. With rolling advancements
in high-throughput omic technologies, analysis of genetic variations and gene expression profiles for
cancer patients has become a routine clinical practice. However, it is anticipated that protein structural
alterations resulting from such driver mutations can provide more direct and clinically relevant evidence
of disease states than genetic signatures alone. This review comprehensively discusses various
aspects and approaches that have been developed for the prediction of cancer drivers using genetic signatures
and protein structures and their potential application in developing precision cancer therapies.
New Aspects of the Virus Life Cycle and Clinical Utility of Next Generation
Sequencing based HIV-1 Resistance Testing in the Genomic, the Proviral,
and the Viral Reservoir of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells
Authors: Pröll Johannes , Paar Christian , Taylor Ninon , Skocic Matthias , Freystetter Andrea , Blaimschein Anna , Mayr Roland , Niklas Norbert , Atzmüller Sabine , Raml Edeltraud , Wechselberger Christian
Published: March 2022

Background:

Typically, genotypic resistance testing is recommended at the start of antiretroviral
therapy and is even mandatory in cases of virologic failure. The material of choice is
plasma viral RNA. However, in patients with low viremia (viral load < 500 copies/ml), resistance
testing by population-based sequencing is very difficult.

Objective:

Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether next generation sequencing (NGS) from proviral
DNA and RNA could be an alternative.

Material and Methods:

EDTA blood samples (n = 36) from routine clinical viral load testing were
used for the study. Viral loads ranged from 96 to 390,000 copies/mL, with 100% of samples having
low viremia. Distribution of subtypes; A (n = 2), B (n = 16), C (n = 4), D (n = 2), G (1), CRF02 AG
(n = 5), CRF01 AE (n = 5), undefined/mixed (n = 4). The extracted consensus sequences were uploaded
to the Stanford HIV Drug Resistance Data Base and Geno2pheno for online analysis of drug
resistance mutations and resistance factors.

Results:

A total of 2476 variants or drug resistance mutations (DRMs) were detected with Sanger
sequencing, compared with 2892 variants with NGS. An average of 822/1008 variants were identified
in plasma viral RNA by Sanger or NGS sequencing, 834/956 in cellular viral RNA, and
820/928 in cellular viral DNA.

Conclusions:

Both methods are well suited for the detection of HIV substitutions or drug resistance
mutations. Our results suggest that cellular RNA or cellular viral DNA is an informative alternative
to plasma viral RNA for variant detection in patients with low viremia, as shown by the high correlation
of variants in the different viral pools. We show that by using UDS, a plus of two DRMs per
patient becomes visible, which can make a big difference in the assessment of the expected resistance
behavior of the virus.
Sugar Consumption Pattern among Cardiometabolic Risk Individuals: A
Scoping Review
Authors: Azlan Azrina , Chiang Wan Ling , Yusof Barakatun-Nisak Mohd
Published: March 2022

Background:

The global prevalence of noncommunicable diseases has risen rapidly
over the past decade. Research has focused on dietary management, particularly dietary sugar, to
prevent and treat noncommunicable diseases.

Objective:

This study undertakes a scoping review of research on the impacts of dietary sugar on
cardiometabolic related health outcomes.

Methods:

Ovid Medline, Scopus and Web of Science Core collection databases were used to identify
papers published from January 1, 2010 onwards. The included studies had to be cross-sectional
or cohort studies, peered review, published in English and in adults, aged 18 years old and above.
Articles had to determine the impacts of sugar intake on cardiometabolic related health outcomes.
Study quality was measured using the Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and
Cross-sectional Studies. In addition, a narrative synthesis of extracted information was conducted.

Results:

Thirty-one articles were included in this review. All studies had a large sample size, and
the exposure measure was clearly defined, valid and applied consistently across all study participants.
Exposure was measured using validated questionnaires. All data were statistically analysed
and adjusted for critical potential confounding variables. Results showed that dietary sugar intake
was significantly associated with metabolic syndrome, blood pressure, blood glucose, blood lipids,
and body weight.

Conclusion:

Dietary sugar intake significantly increased cardiometabolic risks through mechanisms
dependent and independent of weight gain. It is essential to create public awareness on the
topics of cardiometabolic risk management and dietary sugars intake.
Analysis of Thyroid Gland Problems with Shear Wave Elastography in
Children with Celiac Disease
Authors: Basaran Meryem Keceli , Gurkan Okan
Published: March 2022

Background:

The rate of autoimmune thyroiditis in children with celiac disease (CD) is
high relative to the normal population. Since the majority of these patients are also euthyroid, thyroid
imaging methods are gaining significance in diagnosis and follow-up. This study examines the effectiveness
of thyroid ultrasonography (US) and thyroid shear wave elastography (SWE) in diagnosing
thyroid disease in children with CD.

Materials and methods:

This cross-sectional controlled study analyzed thyroid US, SWE, serum thyroid
function tests, and thyroid autoimmune antibodies of 106 CD patients and 103 control patients
without CD. An Aplio 500 ultrasound device with a linear array transducer and elastography software
was used for thyroid US and SWE measurement of all patients.

Results:

Right lobe thyroid volume, left lobe thyroid volume, total thyroid volume, thyroid mean elasticity
(m/s), right lobe elasticity (kPa), left lobe elasticity (kPa), and mean thyroid elasticity (kPa) levels
of the CD group were higher than those of the control group (p < 0.001). The relationships between
thyroid US and thyroid mean elasticity (m/s), thyroid mean elasticity (kPa), anti-thyroid peroxidase
antibody, and thyroid-stimulating hormone were positive and moderate, respectively (r = 0.612, 0.612,
0.636, and 0.565, respectively; p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

In this study, SWE findings were compatible with laboratory findings, as they constituted
a sensitive and useful method in the diagnosis and follow-up of autoimmune thyroid disease in children
with CD.
Clozapine in a Young Female with Drug-Resistant Schizophrenia: A Case
Report of Development of Serositis
Authors: Aguglia Andrea , Parisi Valentina Maria , Arduino Gabriele , Amerio Andrea , Costanza Alessandra , Serafini Gianluca , Amore Mario
Published: March 2022

Background:

Clozapine may be considered the first-line option for treatment-resistant
schizophrenia (TRS), a condition that occurs in more than 30% of patients with schizophrenia. Despite
its efficacy for treating TRS, clozapine use is limited by the occurrence of several adverse effects in
more than 70% of cases. Clozapine does not typically affect lung function, although a few cases have
been reported in the literature.

Case Presentation:

To gain a better understanding of this rare event, here we report the case study of a
young female with TRS, who was treated with clozapine and developed medium and bilateral pleural
effusion relief with contiguous atelectasis and polyserositis. Two weeks after stopping clozapine, the
follow-up chest scan showed complete remission of the pulmonary condition. We postulate that
clozapine might have caused, in this case, a specific immunoinflammatory response leading to serosal
complications.

Conclusion:

Although the underlying mechanisms of this adverse effect are not completely understood,
early manifestations, such as benign eosinophilia, fever, and flu-like symptoms need to be considered
a potential warning to facilitate an early diagnosis and carefully manage pulmonary complications
related to clozapine treatment.
The Immune Response, Safety, and Efficacy of Emergency Use Authorization-Granted COVID-19 Vaccines: A Review
Authors: Belete Tafere M.
Published: March 2022

COVID-19 has affected millions of people, causing a burden on healthcare systems as well as economies throughout the world. Antiviral drugs do not work well enough for everyone. The mortality rate in the world is still significant. Developing safe, effective, affordable, and fast-acting vaccines for COVID-19 is critical for reducing new viral strains in this pandemic and re-establishing normality in the future. Therefore, several pharmaceutical companies are racing to develop effective vaccines for COVID-19. Scientists have developed different kinds of candidate vaccines with various platforms. By March 2021, thirteen vaccines were approved for emergency use in several countries across the world, whilst over 90 vaccine candidates were under clinical trials. There are also several vaccine candidates in Phase 3 trials awaiting results and approval for their use. These candidate vaccines revealed positive results in the previous phase trials, whereby they can induce an immune response with less adverse reaction in the participants. This review focuses on the development of COVID-19 vaccines and highlights the efficacy and adverse reactions of vaccines authorized for emergency use.
Internet of Vehicles Employing Network as a Service
Authors: Kumar Pranjul , Kaur Sanmukh
Published: March 2022

Background:

Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks (VANETs) are built on the principles of Mobile Ad-hoc networks, and there are numerous approaches to achieve vehicular communication like vehicle to infrastructure or by vehicle to vehicle with the advantage of Ad-hoc networks. In VANETs, the vehicle to itself and vehicle to roadside architecture both coexist to lend safety, services, and navigation; therefore they are an integral element of the intelligent transportation systems framework. The routing protocols in vehicle-to-vehicle communication are used to optimize the propagation of the messages.

Objective:

The purpose of this study is to analyze the traits of the routing protocols on the basis of various performance metrics like end-to-end delay, packet drop ratio, and throughput. The routing protocols named Ad-Hoc on-demand Distance Vector (AODV), Dynamic Source Routing (DSR), and Destination Sequenced Distance Vector (DSDV) have been compared considering a real-life scenario.

Objective:

The purpose of this study is to analyze the traits of the routing protocols on the basis of various performance metrics like end-to-end delay, packet drop ratio, and throughput. The routing protocols named Ad-Hoc on-demand Distance Vector (AODV), Dynamic Source Routing (DSR), and Destination Sequenced Distance Vector (DSDV) have been compared considering a real-life scenario.

Methods:

It evaluates DSDV, DSR & AODV protocols in Simulation of Urban Mobility (SUMO) through the open street map. SUMO mobility file was configured to the Network Simulator 3 to study the performance of AODV, DSDV, and DSR.

Results and Conclusion:

By examining the protocols, we concluded that AODV is better when evaluated on the parameters named end-to-end delay, packet drop ratio, and throughput. The practical application of our study can be found in collision alert, emergency response community, highway/rail collision avoidance, etc.
Effects of Optimization on User-based Charging/Discharging Control
Strategy
Authors: Wang Yang , Khan Zohaib
Published: March 2022

With the increase in the number of Electric Vehicles (EVs), more power will be needed
from the grid. An increase in the load demand, losses, and grid operational costs will occur. Furthermore,
with the increasing number of EVs, there comes a possibility of user dissatisfaction which
can further lower the popularity of EVs.

Objective:

This article focuses on EV battery charging and discharging control optimization, i.e.,
optimizing load demand to minimize power grid system losses and reduce charging costs. It also
aids in the vehicle to grid (V2G) process while considering the "User Decision Variable" for each
prospective EV.

Methods:

As a load minimization problem, the optimal power flow model has been formulated first,
then the problem has been formulated for each EV. The operational cost of the charging station is an
objective function.

Results:

Further investigation of the load minimization of the IEEE33-bus system has been carried
out, and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm is proposed.

Conclusion:

MATLAB results show that the proposed strategy to charge and discharge can decrease
losses from the power grid, reduce the running operational cost while considering battery life
and the user's sense of security.
Exploring the Cultural Values of Kiki Ngi'i as the Basis for Youth Character Education in the Soa Community of Ngada Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province
Authors: Nuwa Gisela , Bebhe Maria , Syamsyah Nur
Published: March 2022

Indonesia is a country that has cultural diversity, one of which is the Kiki Ngi'i (Tooth Cutting) ceremony which takes place in the Ngada district of East Nusa Tenggara. The purpose of this study was to determine the process of the kiki ngi'i ceremony, which has recently begun to be born, to explore the values contained in the Kiki ngi'i culture as the basis for character education for adolescents in Soa village. The research method used is descriptive qualitative (ethnographic type). The result of his research is that the kiki ngi'i ceremony process includes three stages, namely the beginning, implementation, and closing. The values contained in the kiki ngi'i culture are kinship, democracy, moral, social and recognition. Kiki ngi'i as a source of strengthening character education, namely religious values, nationalism, integrity, cooperation, and independence. All of these values become the basic foundation for a girl to determine her existence as an adult and ready to marry.
Pengaruh adversity quotient dan task commitment terhadap kemampuan pemecahan masalah matematika
Authors: Kartika Rina Wiji , Megawanti Priarti , Hakim Arif Rahman
Published: March 2022

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripikan: (1) pengaruh adversity quotient dan task commitment secara bersama-sama terhadap kemampuan pemecahan masalah matematika; (2) pengaruh adversity quotient terhadap kemampuan pemecahan masalah matematika; dan (3) pengaruh task commitment terhadap kemampuan pemecahan masalah matematika. Metode penelitian adalah survei korelasional dengan teknik analisis regresi ganda. Sampel penelitian terdiri dari 83 siswa SMK di Jakarta Selatan yang diambil dengan teknik simple random sampling. Instrumen untuk mengukur adversity quotient dan task commitment menggunakan angket tertutup, sementara kemampuan pemecahan masalah matematika diukur dengan tes uraian. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa: (1) terdapat pengaruh positif signifikan adversity quotient dan task commitment secara bersama-sama terhadap kemampuan pemecahan masalah matematika  dengan kontribusi sebesar 12,3%; (2) terdapat pengaruh positif signifikan adversity quotient terhadap kemampuan pemecahan masalah matematika dengan kontribusi sebesar 5%; dan (3) terdapat pengaruh positif signifikan task commitment terhadap kemampuan pemecahan masalah matematika dengan kontribusi sebesar 7,3%.AbstractThis research aims to reveal: (1) the effect of adversity quotient and task commitment on mathematical problem solving abilities, (2) the effect of adversity quotient on mathematical problem solving abilities, and (3) the effect of task commitment on mathematical problem solving abilities. This research was a correlational survey with multiple regression analysis technique. The sample was 83 students of three state vocational high schools in South Jakarta, Indonesia, established using the random sampling technique. The instrument to measure independent variables (adversity quotient and task commitment) is a closed questionnaire and that to measure the dependent variable (the mathematical problem solving abilities) is a mathematics description test. The results show that: (1) there is a positive effect of adversity quotient and task commitment together on mathematical problem solving ability, with a contribution of 12.3%; (2) there is a positive effect of adversity quotient on mathematical problem solving abilities, with a contribution of 5%; (3) there is a positive effect of task commitment on the mathematical problem solving abilities, with a contribution of 7.3%.
Designing Formulae for Ranking Search Results: Mixed Methods Evaluation Study
Authors: Douze Laura , Pelayo Sylvia , Messaadi Nassir , Grosjean Julien , Kerdelhué Gaétan , Marcilly Romaric
Published: March 2022

Background

A major factor in the success of any search engine is the relevance of the search results; a tool should sort the search results to present the most relevant documents first. Assessing the performance of the ranking formula is an important part of search engine evaluation. However, the methods currently used to evaluate ranking formulae mainly collect quantitative data and do not gather qualitative data, which help to understand what needs to be improved to tailor the formulae to their end users.

Objective

This study aims to evaluate 2 different parameter settings of the ranking formula of LiSSa (the French acronym for scientific literature in health care; Department of Medical Informatics and Information), a tool that provides access to health scientific literature in French, to adapt the formula to the needs of the end users.

Methods

To collect quantitative and qualitative data, user tests were carried out with representative end users of LiSSa: 10 general practitioners and 10 registrars. Participants first assessed the relevance of the search results and then rated the ranking criteria used in the 2 formulae. Verbalizations were analyzed to characterize each criterion.

Results

A formula that prioritized articles representing a consensus in the field was preferred. When users assess an article’s relevance, they judge its topic, methods, and value in clinical practice.

Conclusions

Following the evaluation, several improvements were implemented to give more weight to articles that match the search topic and to downgrade articles that have less informative or scientific value for the reader. Applying a qualitative methodology generates valuable user inputs to improve the ranking formula and move toward a highly usable search engine.