bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Sterilization on the Degree of Esterification, FTIR Analysis, and Antibacterial Activity of Durian-Rind Pectin
Authors: Inas Suci Rahmawati Inas Suci Rahmawati , Harsi Dewantari Kusumaningrum Harsi Dewantari Kusumaningrum , Nancy Dewi Yuliana Nancy Dewi Yuliana
Published: January 2023

Pectin is a common food ingredient used as a rheology modifier and recently recognized as an emerging bioactive compound. Degree of esterification (DE) and molecular weight (MW) are important determinants of its bioactivity. This study evaluated the effect of moist heat sterilization (121 °C, 15 min) on pectin from Indonesian durian rind as an alternative method to modify pectin. Sterilized pectin was compared in terms of DE, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis, gel-forming ability, and antibacterial activity to non-sterilized pectin and standard citrus-peel pectin. Durian-rind pectin was identified as a low-methoxyl pectin with DE of 26.50% and weak antibacterial activity. After sterilization, the DE and pH decreased. It lost the ability to form a gel which indicated pectin was degraded to lower molecules. Loss of bands at 1760-1745 cm-1 indicated that pectin underwent ester hydrolysis and generated free carboxyl groups. On the other hand, the sterilized durian-rind pectin showed strong antibacterial activity towards Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, with a reduction of 5 log cycles and 3 log cycles, respectively (with the initial bacterial level of 5 log cfu/mL). These results indicated that depolymerization and deesterification of pectin by heat sterilization was able to improve the antibacterial activity of durian-rind pectin.
Effects of Starter Culture and Sweetener on Biochemival Compounds and Microbial Diversity of Kombucha Tea
Authors: Ahmad Azfaralariff , Batul Vohra , Shazrul Fazry Shazrul Fazry , Law Douglas , Sairi Fareed , Othman Babul Airianah
Published: January 2023

Kombucha tea has been claimed to have several health benefits. Many factors influence the properties of kombucha tea produced. This study focused on the effects of starter cultures (kombucha liquid broth (KLB) and cellulosic pellicle (KCP)) and sweetener (white sugar (S), honey (H) and jaggery (J)) used in the production of kombucha tea. The results showed that all kombucha teas prepared using KLB had a lower pH and a higher concentration of acetic acid during fermentation. The ethanol content for samples prepared using KLB increased (0.7 ± 0.26 mg/L to 1.73 ± 0.58 mg/L) during the fermentation period, compared to KCP which was the maximum after 72 h fermentation, and continued to decrease (2.97 ± 1.24 mg/L to 0.90 ± 0.44 mg/L). Although not too much differences in pH and ethanol content were observed when different sweetener sources were used, they did have significant differences in antioxidant properties and antimicrobial activity. Samples prepared using jaggery had the lowest antioxidant activity while kombucha tea prepared using KLB and white sugar (KLB-S) had the highest antioxidant and antibacterial activity and was mostly colonized by Acetobacteracea and Aspergillus fumigatus. Fermentation significantly increases the number of active compounds present in KLB-S from 11 to 25 compounds. New compounds such as docosanedioic acid, muramic acid and thiolactomycin were formed. Thiolactomycin, a natural antibiotic is suggested to contribute to the high antimicrobial activity of KLB-S. In conclusion, KLB and white sugar are better suited in preparing kombucha tea as more benefits and consistent results were observed.
Confidence Interval for Parameters Estimates in Circular Simultaneous Functional Relationship Model (CSFRM) for Equal Variances using Normal Asymptotic and Bootstrap Confidence Intervals
Authors: Badarisam Fatin Najihah , Mohamad Anuar Mohd Syazwan , Hussin Abdul Ghapor , Rambli Adzhar , Zulkifli Nurul Raudhah
Published: January 2023

Few studies have considered the functional relationship model for circular variables. Anuar has proposed a new model of Circular Simultaneous Functional Relationship Model for equal variances. However, the confidence interval for all parameter estimates in this model has not received any consideration in any literature. This paper proposes the confidence interval for all parameter estimates of von Mises distribution in this model. The parameters are estimated using minimum sum (ms) and polyroot function provided in (built-in package) Splus statistical software. The parameters confidence may be obtained from parameter estimation. Those estimation values are obtained by minimizing the negative value of the log-likelihood function. Then, the confidence interval for all parameters based on the bootstrap method will be compared with the normal asymptotic confidence interval via simulation studies. It is found that bootstrap method is the superior method by measuring the performance using coverage probability and expected length. The confidence intervals are illustrated using real wind direction data of Bayan Lepas that collected at 16.3 m above ground level, latitude 05°18’N and longitude 100°16’E. The results showed that the estimate parameters fall between the estimate interval, and we note that the method works well for this model.
NEOLOGISMS IN THE MODERN ITALIAN LANGUAGE
Authors: Lakhtionova Kateryna
Published: January 2023

The article considers and analyzes the appearance of modern neologisms in the Italian language, the first references to the fixation of such neologisms, their use in the scientific and linguistic environment (modern lexicology). The structure of recorded new words is studied using the most common prefixes of Latin and Greek origin, nouns, adjectives and adverbs. The analysis of such vocabulary aims to explain their meaning and excludes words such as snobbery, linguistic doublets, slang and vulgarisms. Italian language, as any other language has its mechanisms of word formation and composition related to the enrichment of the vocabulary and the resolution of its lexical problems. It is not easy for Italian language to administer these mechanisms, its structures and microstructures of word formation. It is in a situation which it has to deal with the systems of word formation, which come from Latin, and also that derives from and functions from the nature of Italian. The systems of word-formation, which come from Latin, can be called to be in a “numb” situation, but also in a state that can be used dynamically in Italian language. The phenomenon of word formation stats as a morphological one, but certainly it develops and interferes as a lexical-semantic phenomenon, too. Neologisms in Italian, as in other languages, come from other foreign languages that are called “borrowed words”. Italian language, concerning neologisms, that derive other languages, has a special “attitude”, compared to other European languages. Some European languages have a more refraction attitude in relation to neologisms and their reaction is very interfering and modifying, even alternating. Whereas, concerning Italian, there is a specific reaction, which comes from the phonetic aspect. Surprisingly, phonetics seems to have a very affective role in lexicology and semantics of a language, in our case of Italian, but that does not result like this. The author's personal contribution consists in the study and systematization of modern Italian neologisms, which are recorded in modern basic dictionaries.
CONTACT PERSON IN FAMILY LEGAL RELATIONS
Authors: Vanaga Gunta
Published: January 2023

One of the issues that parents need to agree on when separating a relationship is the issue of the child's communication with the separated parent, it is a question of exercising the right of access. In disputes over the child's right to maintain personal and direct contact with a parent with whom the child does not live together on a daily basis, a contact person is often involved. Analyzing the involvement of the contact person in the process of communication between the child and the parent, several problems crystallize that affect the course of exercising the right of access. The article will analyze the legal and factual aspects of the contact person's participation, focusing on the involvement of the Orphan's Court as a contact person in this process.
LEGAL CHARACTERISATION OF THE TRANSPLANT
Authors: Tropa Santa
Published: January 2023

The quality of life and increased life expectancy in many ways is dependent of the level of medicine, including the development of transplantation, because the need for cells, tissues and organs is increasing every year. There isn’t clear answer in legal system as to whether human tissues and organs are objects of civil turnover, respectively, whether they are to be consired as things. Consequently, the problems arise medical staff taking decisions on the removal of organs and for the law enforcement authorities deciding, or the action of a medical employee is not contrary to human rights.
RIGHTS TO THE COMPLETION OF CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS IN A REASONABLE TERM
Authors: Timofejevs Nauris
Published: January 2023

The publication is dedicated to reflect problems related to the completion of the criminal proceedings within a reasonable time. The author analyzes the judicial decisions, opinions of legal experts, Criminal procedure law, Criminal law. The nominated hypothesis is the rights of victims with regard to a reasonable time are incomplete
THE CONCEPT OF MONEY LOUNDERING AND CONSTITUENT ELEMENTS THEREOF
Authors: Streļča Ina
Published: January 2023

The number of offences related to money laundering continues to grow recently. In Latvia, the prevention of money laundering is relatively new in terms of laws and legal practices. This work is based on a study of the composition of a criminal offence committed in the legalization of proceeds, an analysis of the objective and subjective features of Article 195 of the Criminal Law, as well as an examination of the concept of money laundering. The work also explores the essential preconditions for the prevention and combating of money laundering of documents issued by international organizations, as well as the conformity of the Latvian legal base with the requirements of international organizations in this regard.
LEGAL UNDERSTANDING OF BURIAL AND HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF ITS TRADITION
Authors: Romane Zane
Published: January 2023

Burial traditions are an integral part of society. The evolution of burial traditions from ancient times to the present day is a phenomenon worth exploring, providing important information about the beginnings of burial traditions and their changes to the present day. From a health and safety point of view, burial cannot be left to its own devices, so from the very beginning of burial, countries have established a legal framework that provides for burial procedures. In Latvia, the establishment and maintenance of cemeteries is not regulated at the state level. Thus, each local government, at its own discretion, develops binding regulations that differ in the range and detail of regulated issues. The article analyses the legal understanding of burial and the historical development of its tradition.
LEGAL STATUS OF THE APARTMENT OWNER IN THE MANAGEMENT OF THE RESIDENTIAL HOUSE
Authors: Rizga Egita
Published: January 2023

This article examines the legal status of the apartment owner in managing the residential house. An apartment property is being studied, which together with other apartment properties forms the joint ownership of the residential house and the apartment owner, who manages the separate apartment property and, together with other apartment owners, forms a community of the residential house, which together decides issues relating to the joint ownership of the residential house. The handling of apartment property to the extent of the legal capacity of the apartment owner and the community of the residential house in relation to the detached apartment property and joint ownership of the residential house will be considered. The rights and obligations of the apartment owner are analyzed. As well as exploring the rights and responsibilities of the residential house manager. And how closely the apartment owner is associated with the residential house manager. In order to fully realize the maintenance of the residential house and the well-being of apartment owners, there must be understanding and receptivity between the residential manager and apartment owners.
ADMINISTRATIVE TERRITORIAL REFORM
Authors: Malinovska Guna
Published: January 2023

The study analyzes the administrative-territorial reform started in 2019. There are a large number of administrative units in Latvia – 119 municipalities. Compared to other European countries, Latvia has a low population density of 1 km2. The population remains below each year and therefore financial resources to cover administrative expenditure are increasing every year. Many municipalities no longer comply with the statutory requirements and are unable to provide the functions specified for them. In 2019, the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development has launched an administratively territorial reform to reduce the number of administrative units. The article aim to explore the forthcoming administratively territorial reform and its impact on residents in Latgale. The author of the article studied the reform, its purpose and substance, profiles of municipalities established by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development, carried out a survey of Latgale residents in order to find out the opinion of the population on the reform, as well as analysing the migration of Latgale municipalities' labour force.
LEGAL AND PRACTICAL ASPECTS OF STUDENT MOBILITY
Authors: Kalniņa Laura , Kauliņa Sanda
Published: January 2023

All higher education institutions in the world, including Latvia, are increasingly involved in the internationalization of education, increasing student mobility, implementing joint programs and attracting students from all countries. Internationalization is one of the key elements influencing and developing higher education, as it provides an opportunity to gain experience - academic, linguistic, cultural - by studying abroad. Mobility or student movement between countries promotes personal growth, as well as prepares highly skilled professionals for international market. The aim of the research is to analyze the tendencies and legal aspects of attracting foreign students. Within the framework of the research, the normative regulation of foreign student attraction has been analyzed, as well as the tendencies of foreign student attraction statistical indicators have been described.
LEADERSHIP STYLE AND LEADER-MEMBER EXCHANGE RELATIONSHIP
Authors: Darša Zane , Jacquemod (Žakemo) Jūlija
Published: January 2023

Leader is the one who uses collaboration which is based upon mutual relationship and enhances further mutual communication and cooperation in the organisation. This research is aimed at addressing whether there is a relationship between the leadership style and LMX (LMX - Leader-Member Exchange) on the basis of „Rīgas siltums” company in order to develop recommendations to the studied company’s management and also to management of other companies on the matters of relationship quality improvement. The main tasks are to distinguish the features of various leadership styles within the company, as well as to realise the meaning of the concept of LMX and find out how LMX is evaluated within the company; on the grounds of collected data elaborate conclusions and perspectives for the future studies. Applying the Managerial grid and LMX scale instruments the questionnaire for the employees and the managers was created. It was found that in the company there is a rather high relationship quality among the leaders and subordinates. It was also proven that there is a relationship between the Leadership style oriented to personality and the Leader – member exchange.
THE CONCEPT AND LEGAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE INSTITUTE OF MEDIATION
Authors: Burmeisters Ivo
Published: January 2023

Mediation is one of the alternative dispute resolution methods. In recent years, mediation as an institute has developed very rapidly. Resolving disputes through alternative methods can be much faster, more efficient and the end result is satisfactory to both parties. Disputes as such have existed since the beginning of humanity. Therefore, in today's world, this type of alternative dispute resolution needs to be developed in order to deal more successfully and effectively with the relations of modern society. Nowadays, there is an increasing development of society and technology, as a result of which mediation as a legal institution will develop more and more rapidly. In Latvia, mediation is regulated by the Mediation Law. The regulation of Latvian legislation must be developed so that mediation as an institute can also develop.
CRIMINAL LIABILITY OF MINORS IN LITHUANIA
Authors: Kovalenkovienė Nerija , Šemiotienė Rasa
Published: January 2023

The basic principles of criminal law applicable to juveniles were formed more than a century ago, and this area of law is constantly changing in an attempt to strike a balance between the protection of the rights of the offender and the public interest. As minors are the most vulnerable and affected group of individuals, they must be punished differently from adults. Although the basic regulations applied to juvenile offenders are the same as those applied to majors, Lithuanian law nevertheless provides features that alleviate or otherwise mitigate the situation of the accused persons who have not reached the age of majority at the time of the offence. However, do the exceptionally applied rules on the imposition of penalties on minors ensure the purpose of the sentence and are those sentences effective?
PROTECTION OF BONA FIDE ACQUIRERS OF REAL ESTATE
Authors: Rancāne Elvita
Published: January 2023

Good faith acquisition in real estate in Latvian law is very little regulated, and is not defined directly in the regulatory enactments, while the protection of the good faith acquirer stems from interpretations of the legal provisions. In view of the lack of material-legal regulation and uncertainties in it, in particular, the question of obtaining good faith acquisition in real estate refers to conflicting and unpredictable case law - in seemingly similar situations, the court tends to take diametrically opposed decisions. The legislator has not developed guidelines and clear criteria for how, when and by which time, a good faith acquirer of real estate is protected. These conflicting decisions give rise to a debate in the public on the good faith acquirer institute in general and on how the legal provisions relating to it are to be interpreted.
THE COMPARISON OF THE COW MILKING AND HOLDING CONDITIONS IN “SPRŪŽEVA M” LTD OF REZEKNE REGION
Authors: Semenecs Nikolajs
Published: January 2023

Milk production is one of the main sectors of agricultural production. In recent years, milk production has intensified and large dairy farms are emerging. New technologies are entering the industry, and the conditions for keeping and milking cows are changing more and more. The study compares two dairy cow farms in “Sprūževa M” Ltd. of Rēzekne region: one has a milking parlor carousel from company GEA, and the other has nine milking robots from enterprise DeLaval. The paper compares the conditions of keeping and milking cows, studies the consumption of labor resources and the costs of milk production.
RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY MANAGER AND LEGAL ASPECTS OF CHANGING THE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY MANAGER
Authors: Tropa Santa
Published: January 2023

The residential house management institute consists of a complex design involving legal entities such as apartment owners who own a certain number of alleged parts of the residential house, land owner, residential house manager, different service providers, engineering providers etc., which leads to responsibilities imposed by law on the parties concerned, the rights and rights that need to be respected.
Administrative Law Forms and Methods of Corruption Prevention in Public Administration in the Mechanism of Ensuring Protection of the Rights and Freedoms of Citizens of the Russian Federation
Authors: Antonyan E. A. , Migachev Yu. I. , Polyakov M. M.
Published: January 2023

The study is devoted to a comprehensive analysis of the content and features of the currently existing administrative law forms and methods used to prevent corruption in public administration of the Russian Federation. The authors draw attention to the high level of public danger of corruption and its manifestations. It is emphasized that corruption is one of the main threats to Russia’s national security. The paper describes the main universal legal and doctrinal approaches to corruption prevention and corruption manifestations in public administration bodies at federal, regional and municipal levels of government. The authors have revealed the main causes of corruption in public administration; their detailed classification is given. The paper also considers the main directions of the state anti-corruption policy of the Russian Federation in public administration bodies. Attention is focused on the participation of civil society institutions in the implementation of certain areas of anti-corruption. The paper presents the authors’ proposals for improving legal foundations of the currently existing domestic system of anti-corruption forms and methods aimed at preventing and minimizing corruption manifestations. The paper analyzes types, content, and features of their application in public administration activities.
Evolving Roles of the International Institutions in the Implementation Mechanisms of the Rules of International Humanitarian Law
Authors: Nnawulezi U. , Magashi S. B.
Published: January 2023

The dire need to expand the frontiers of the enforcement mechanism of the rules of international humanitarian law through the international institutions has been of a global concern for ages. Driven primarily by efforts to enforced and promote the rules of international humanitarian law, there is a need to develop measures capable of promoting the rules of international humanitarian law through the international institutions. The objective of this paper is to analyze and establish that expanding the frontiers of the enforcement mechanism of the rules of international humanitarian law through the international institutions bothering on individual or state responsibility will further strengthen the low level of enforcement of these rules. However, this paper noted that there is a significant enforcement gap both at the regional and international levels. Further, this paper argues that in order to guarantee a high level of enforcement of these rules both at the regional and universal levels, a more integral approach on the role of international institutions is capable of addressing the enforcement gap of the rules of international humanitarian law. This paper adopts a diagnostic approach based on a review of literatures, which is achieved by synthesis of ideas. This paper concludes with recommendations among others that in order to boast the purpose for which the rules of international humanitarian law were made, the level of enforcement of these rules should be expanded to fill the enforcement gaps at the domestic, regional and universal levels.
Dynamics of the content of immunoglobulin G to severe acute respiratory syndrome-2 in convalescents who have had a new coronavirus infection
Authors: Fateev Ivan V. , SchÖfer Timur V. , Chepur Sergey V. , Ivchenko Evgeniy V. , Minnullin Timur I. , Shubina Alla A. , Stepanov Alexander V.
Published: January 2023

The study investigated the dynamics of class G immunoglobulins to severe acute respiratory syndrome-2 coronavirus in the blood serum of convalescents who had a new coronavirus infection for 6 months after the polymerase chain reaction conversion. Among the most common symptoms, 30 (73.8%) convalescents had an increase in body temperature to 38C, 32 (83.3%) had asthenia, 21 (59.5%) had cough, 29 (73.8%) had perversion or loss of sense of smell, pain, and throat discomfort. The duration of symptoms varied from 34 days to 34 weeks. Within a month after the end of the acute disease period, 8 (20%) patients had a decrease in working capacity, 13 (33%) had difficulty breathing, 9 (22%) had a cough, and 4 (10%) had pain and sore throat. During severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 infection, the virus activates the innate and adaptive immunity, resulting in the formation of specific class G immunoglobulins to the pathogens. After leveling the clinical manifestations, class G immunoglobulins were detected in the majority of convalescents (79%90%) during the first 6 months, starting from day 14 from disease onset with a predominantly high ( 10 conl. units) positivity coefficient. Moreover, this pattern occurred in both men and women; however, in some studies, the levels of the positivity coefficient of class G immunoglobulins began to decrease by the fifth month of follow-up and sometimes at an earlier time (2 months). Perhaps, this is due to the different functional activities of the immune system of each convalescent, infecting dose of the pathogen, and peculiarities of its interaction with the macroorganism and its immune system. Nevertheless, the class G immunoglobulins identified in the study do not yet indicate the probability of reinfection of convalescents with the same pathogen. The protective titer of antibodies has yet to be investigated further.
Results of using the multilevel personality questionnaire “Adaptability” during professional psychological selection in the armed forces of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam
Authors: Bak Fam Hong , Bilyi Andrei M. , Sysoev Vladimir N.
Published: January 2023

The study examined the potential use of a multilevel personality questionnaire Adaptability during professional and psychological selection in the Armed Forces of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. A total of 445 men aged 1826 years who were indigenous Vietnamese living in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and undergoing military service in the Peoples Navy and Land Forces of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam were examined. An adapted version of the multilevel personality questionnaire Adaptability-4 was used and translated to Vietnamese. The success of military professional activity was assessed based on the results of a survey of direct supervisors who evaluated their subordinates according to a specially designed questionnaire. Based on the statistical analysis of the results, the indicators of the multilevel personality questionnaire Adaptability were normalized, and a table was formed for the translation of raw scores into normalized scores (walls). A formula has also been developed to calculate the success rate according to the discipline criterion, which reveals significant differences between the successful group (average value 5.35 walls) and the unsuccessful group (average value 4.22 walls) at the level of difference p 0.01. The results indicated that the modified version of the multilevel personality questionnaire Adaptability-4 adapted for the military personnel of the Vietnamese Peoples Army and Navy can predict the success of military professional activities according to the discipline domain. The questionnaire can be used during professional psychological selection in the Armed Forces of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
Effect of the COVID-19 on the reproductive health indicators of cadets
Authors: Ivchenko Evgeniy V. , Schmidt Andrey A. , Ovchinnikov Dmitriу V. , Zakharov Igor S. , Popov Alexey S. , Timoshkova Yulia L. , Gadzhiev Said Z.
Published: January 2023

The study investigated the influence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 on the reproductive health indicators of cadets of military educational organizations. In the Department of Assisted Reproductive Technologies at the Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the Kirov Military Medical Academy, 183 male cadets aged 2127 years were divided into two groups and examined. The first group consisted of 132 cadets who had mild and moderate COVID-19, and the second group included 51 cadets without COVID-19 in the anamnesis. COVID-19 was found negatively affect the reproductive health of cadets. Individuals who previously had COVID-19 were found to have a significant decrease in the level of total testosterone and decreased concentration and mobility of sperm in the ejaculate. Moreover, in cadets without COVID-19 who were vaccinated with the combined vector vaccine Gam-COVID-Vac, the indicators of the hormonal profile and spermograms were within the reference values. The results indicate the need for further investigation of the effect of various negative factors, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, on the reproductive health of cadets of military educational organizations. Moreover, the development of preventive, therapeutic, and rehabilitation measures will reduce the risk of infertility and reproductive losses, which is consistent with the interests of national projects on healthcare and demography.
Application of augmented reality technology in the surgical treatment of patients with primary and recurrent pelvic tumors
Authors: Grebenkov Vladimir G. , Rumyantsev Valery N. , Ivanov Vladimir M. , Surov Dmitry A. , Strelkov Sergey V. , Korzhuk Mikhail S. , Balura Oleg V. , Svyatnenko Andrey V. , Dymnikov Denis A. , Demko Andrey E.
Published: January 2023

Surgical treatment of locally spread tumors of pelvic organs remains an urgent and complicated oncological problem. The recurrence rate after radical treatment ranges from 15.1% to 45.2%. The key to a successful and safe surgical intervention is careful planning and intraoperative navigation, including the use of augmented reality technology. The study presents the experience in the clinical testing of augmented reality technology in the surgical treatment of 11 patients. The paper also described the main stages of the algorithm. Radical operations with intraoperative application of augmented reality technology were performed in eight patients with favorable outcomes. One patient underwent palliative intervention, and two patients did not undergo surgery. In the eight patients who underwent surgery, the median operation time was 202.5 (117.5282.5) min, the median volume of blood loss was 300 (187.5625) mL, and the median duration of hospital stay was 21 (17.7527.75) days. Three patients (37.55%) developed complications, namely, necrosis of the perineal edges of the wound, ascending pyelonephritis, and intrahospital pneumonia. No hospital fatality has been registered. In the postoperative morphological examination, a negative peripheral resection boundary (R0 resection) was achieved in all patients. Subsequently, these patients were referred for dynamic monitoring and systemic antitumor therapy. The application of an augmented reality algorithm in the surgical treatment of primary and recurrent pelvic tumors is feasible and reproducible in clinical practice. Augmented reality technology, with its innovative nature and obvious advantages, opens up certain prospects for improving the results of multivisceral resections of pelvic organs; however, further study and implementation in clinical practice are necessary.
Interseismic Strain Accumulation between the Colorado Plateau and the Eastern California Shear Zone: Implications for the Seismic Hazard near Las Vegas, Nevada
Authors: Young Zachary M. , Kreemer Corné , Hammond William C. , Blewitt Geoffrey
Published: January 2023

Crustal deformation in the central Basin and Range between the Colorado plateau and the Eastern California Shear Zone is active but slow, making it a challenge to assess how strain is distributed and crustal motion transferred. However, knowledge of strain rates is very important, particularly for addressing the seismic hazard for both the Las Vegas urban area and the site of the proposed Yucca Mountain nuclear waste repository, in southern Nevada. Global Positioning System (GPS) data provide important constraints, particularly now that the GPS network in the area has substantially expanded in recent years. However, because deformation is slow, it is important to mitigate any transient tectonic and nontectonic signals to obtain the most accurate long-term interseismic motion and robust estimation of strain rates. We use data from all GPS stations in the region including both long-running continuous and semicontinuous stations. We model and remove postseismic displacements at these stations using source parameters for 41 events, dating back to the 1700 Cascadia megathrust earthquake, which contribute significantly to the deformation field within the central Basin and Range. We also remove correlated noise from the time series with the common-mode component imaging technique. We find that removal of both the postseismic transients and common-mode noise substantially reduces the uncertainties and spatial variation in the velocities. We find east–west extension across the Las Vegas Valley of 0.5–0.6 mm/yr. The interseismic strain rate field, calculated with the final velocities, reveals higher strain rates through southern Nevada than in previous studies, with rates within Las Vegas Valley of 8.5±2.4×10−9  yr−1. Our results also confirm shear along the Pahranagat shear zone, but the estimated amplitude is strongly affected by postseismic relaxation.
Does maximum earthquake size depend on focal depth?
Authors: Frohlich Cliff
Published: January 2023

While the Gutenberg-Richter “law” (GR) with b-value of 1.0 is an inexact description of the earthquake frequency-magnitude distribution, it does provide a convenient statistical basis for identifying when the largest earthquakes in a catalog are either anomalously large or anomalously small. When the largest earthquakes are as predicted by the GR distribution, it is inappropriate to infer that the largest historically known earthquake is the largest possible. Only when the largest observed earthquakes are significantly smaller than predicted can we infer that the largest possible earthquakes have occurred. Analysis of the global historical catalog demonstrates that at nearly all depths, the largest deep and intermediate earthquakes have sizes close to those predicted by a GR distribution with b of 1.0. Only between about 300 to 450 km and beneath 600 km are the largest known earthquakes somewhat larger than predicted. However, when geographically isolatable subgroups within catalogs are considered separately, largest earthquakes that are either anomalously large or small are quite common. Often this is because individual regions have b-values much different than 1.0; alternatively, sometimes there appear to be physical constraints limiting the size of the largest possible earthquake. As examples illustrating these assertions, this article evaluates two subgroups—deep-focus earthquakes occurring beneath Spain and intermediate-depth earthquakes in the Bucaramanga, Colombia, “nest.”
The spectral element method: An efficient tool to simulate the seismic response of 2D and 3D geological structures
Authors: Komatitsch Dimitri , Vilotte Jean-Pierre
Published: January 2023

We present the spectral element method to simulate elastic-wave propagation in realistic geological structures involving complieated free-surface topography and material interfaces for two- and three-dimensional geometries. The spectral element method introduced here is a high-order variational method for the spatial approximation of elastic-wave equations. The mass matrix is diagonal by construction in this method, which drastically reduces the computational cost and allows an efficient parallel implementation. Absorbing boundary conditions are introduced in variational form to simulate unbounded physical domains. The time discretization is based on an energy-momentum conserving scheme that can be put into a classical explicit-implicit predictor/multi-corrector format. Long-term energy conservation and stability properties are illustrated as well as the efficiency of the absorbing conditions. The associated Courant condition behaves as ΔtC < O (nel−1/ndN−2), with nel the number of elements, nd the spatial dimension, and N the polynomial order. In practice, a spatial sampling of approximately 5 points per wavelength is found to be very accurate when working with a polynomial degree of N = 8. The accuracy of the method is shown by comparing the spectral element solution to analytical solutions of the classical two-dimensional (2D) problems of Lamb and Garvin. The flexibility of the method is then illustrated by studying more realistic 2D models involving realistic geometries and complex free-boundary conditions. Very accurate modeling of Rayleigh-wave propagation, surface diffraction, and Rayleigh-to-body-wave mode conversion associated with the free-surface curvature are obtained at low computational cost. The method is shown to provide an efficient tool to study the diffraction of elastic waves by three-dimensional (3D) surface topographies and the associated local effects on strong ground motion. Complex amplification patterns, both in space and time, are shown to occur even for a gentle hill topography. Extension to a heterogeneous hill structure is considered. The efficient implementation on parallel distributed memory architectures will allow to perform real-time visualization and interactive physical investigations of 3D amplification phenomena for seismic risk assessment.
Identification of presumed shallow underwater chemical explosions using land-based regional arrays
Authors: Baumgardt Douglas R. , Der Zoltan
Published: January 2023

Seismic events located in the Gulf of Bothnia, the Baltic Sea, and the North Sea, recorded at the regional seismic arrays NORESS and FINESA, have characteristics of underwater blasts observed hydroacoustically. Spectral analysis of regional phases associated with the events reveals strong time-independent spectral scalloping indicating that the waveforms are made up of correlated “pulse-echo” type signals. Cepstral analysis gives consistent delay times between the pulse-echo pairs with the most common delays between 400 and 600 msec. Some cepstra also have negative peaks at quefrencies between 150 and 350 msec. The cepstral peaks are observed in all phases associated with the event, and events recorded at both arrays have the same delay times. The higher time delays are consistent with bubble-pulse delays commonly observed in underwater blasts recorded hydroacoustically. The lower-quefrency negative peaks are caused by echoes with reversed polarities relative to the primary pulse and are consistent with reflections from the top of the water column. Generally, these events have large Pn/Lg amplitude ratios similar to those observed from quarry blasts. Somewhat smaller high-frequency Pn/Lg ratios are observed for Baltic Sea events compared with the North Sea events, which may be due to differences in the water-bottom geologies of the two regions. Simple source models of underwater blasts explain many of the features of the observed cepstra and indicate that the shot depths had to be shallow (around 40 to 80 m) for shot sizes between 75 and 150 kg. This study shows that the seismic sensor network, called for by the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), can augment the smaller network of hydroacoustic stations for the detection and identification of clandestine under-water nuclear-explosion tests in the near offshore environment.
Finite-element numerical simulation of tsunamis generated by earthquakes near a circular island
Authors: Piatanesi Alessio , Tinti Stefano
Published: January 2023

A numerical model for the propagation of tsunamis generated by earthquakes is applied to study the impact of the water waves against the coast of a circular island. The hydraulic source is modeled by means of the static deformation of the seafloor produced by an offshore seismic fault. The initial sea-surface disturbance is assumed to equal the seabed displacement that is computed analytically through the classical dislocation theory of plane faults with uniform slip. The wave propagation is described by means of the shallow-water approximation of the Navier-Stokes equations and is computed in a radially symmetric domain for which a quasi-analytical solution is available. The governing equations are solved numerically by means of a finite-element (FE) method making use of the Galerkin procedure, the mesh consisting of triangular elements of variable size. After a preliminary test of the numerical model against the analytical results, several simulations are performed by varying the fault location, dimension, and dip as well as by varying the radial profiles of the basin bathymetry. Most attention is devoted to studying the amplification of tsunami waves impacting the island coast. What is seen is that, depending on the source characteristics (namely, fault length, dip, strike, and distance from the island) and on the basin bathymetry, high amplifications (in the range 1 to 5) are normally obtained not only in the front of the island as is expected but also on the lee side of the island, because of positive interference of waves traveling around the island in both directions. Under particular conditions (downwardly concave bathymetry), the largest amplifications are found neither on the front side nor on the lee side, but at intermediate places along the island coast.
Bacteremia in Cancer Patients as a Prognostic Factor and the Relationship with Chemotherapy
Authors: Macedo Filipa , Monteiro Joana , Julio Neidy , Bonito Nuno
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Bacteremia is a cause of morbi-mortality in cancer patients, due to its severity, longer hospital stays, chemotherapy withdraw, and increased costs. The study aimed to clarify if bacteriemia in cancer patients is associated with higher mortality rates and alert the community to this emerging problem.   Methods: The authors collected every cancer patient hospitalized in our cancer center, who developed bacteremia during their stay in hospital or at admission, in the last 9 years. Data was treated with SPSS. The p-values <0.05 were considered to be statistically significant.   Results: From 204 bloodstream infections, almost half of the patients had gastrointestinal cancer (49%). Males were predominant (54,4%) and the median age was 66 years-old. The catheter-totally-implanted was responsible in 38,7% of the cases. From all bacteria, 20,5% were multidrug-resistant and 48% were resistant to at least one antibiotic. From all patients, 61,5% received chemotherapy the month before the infection. The survival of those that did received chemotherapy was significantly different from patients that did not, t(203)= 2,06, p=0,04. Chemotherapy the month before was correlated with lower survival rates, r(203)=-0,15, p=0,03, and Kaplan-Meyer curve showed a tendency towards statistically significance (p=0,06). The stage of the oncologic disease was not associated with the mortality of the patient (p>0,05). The infection contributed or was the cause of death in 45% of the patients. The 3 months mortality rate of the patients that had bacteriemia was 74,5%.   Conclusion: Currently there are no guidelines regarding prescription of antimicrobial therapy in cancer patients. Three quarters of the cancer patients that suffer bacteriemia died in 3 months, and active chemotherapy treatment is associated with lower survival rates. Keywords: oncology; bloodstream infection; multidrug-resistant bacteria; antibiotic stewardship.
Measuring the Efficiency in Energy Distribution Firms in LAC: A Service Provision and Financial Performance Approach
Authors: Arias Karla , Camino-Mogro Segundo , Weiss Mariana , Matías David , Daltro Yuri , Carvajal Franco , Carvalho Metanias Hallack Michelle
Published: January 2023

This study identifies and analyzes the evolution of efficiency in providing services and in the financial performance of the LAC electricity distribution companies between 2014-2020. In addition, it examines firms characteristics that might be related to efficiencies, such as quality of service, corporate governance, firm size, and ownership. This paper uses a twostep procedure. First, it considers the efficiency levels and the total factor productivity (TFP) changes using the Malmquist index and breaks down the total change by relying on a nonparametric data envelopment analysis (DEA) approach. The second stage focuses on the drivers of efficiency obtained in the first stage using the Tobit technique. The main results suggest that there is no significant improvement in the levels of efficiency in the period analyzed in the energy distribution firms in LAC. When analyzing the heterogeneity of a company's efficiency, the evidence shows a relation between companies efficiency and the quality perceived by users, higher efficiency is related to better-perceived quality. Besides, companies characteristics, such as firm size, corporate governance, and ownership, are related to the heterogeneity of efficiency.
TELEA: plataforma electrónica de asistencia sanitaria domiciliaria: fortalecimiento de las capacidades de los países de América Latina y el Caribe para la implementación de metodologías de compra pública de innovación
Authors: Lovera Viloria Victor Alfonzo , Quiles del Río Javier , Sinde Cantorna Sandra
Published: January 2023

Este documento introduce la Compra Pública de Innovación (CPI), una herramienta para promover la innovación desde la demanda pública, y analiza la experiencia con la CPI de la Comunidad de Galicia, España en el desarrollo de TELEA, una plataforma de teleasistencia (solución innovadora) para el seguimiento de diferentes pacientes en el sistema sanitario. Pese al impulso que se le ha dado recientemente desde organismos supranacionales e internacionales a la CPI, todavía existe poca documentación y son insuficientes los estudios de casos que han permitido llegar a soluciones innovadoras para retos planteados desde el sector público, todo ello mediante el diálogo, la co-creación y la compartición de riesgos entre las administraciones y el ecosistema innovador. El documento detalla los aspectos más importantes del caso TELEA, incluidos las herramientas utilizadas, el procedimiento de contratación, las fechas, las acciones realizadas y los productos obtenidos por la Administración. El caso aporta a la discusión tanto académica como en los espacios de toma de decisiones a nivel gubernamental sobre la utilidad de la CPI como herramienta de promoción a la innovación. A su vez, demuestra cómo una solución innovadora, avanzada en sus tiempos, pudo apoyar en la gestión de la crisis de la pandemia en 2020.
Large Adrenal Ganglioneuroma Presenting with Clinical Pheochromocytoma: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Farashi Ebrahim , Rasihashemi Seyed Ziaeddin , Halimi Monireh
Published: January 2023

Adrenal ganglioneuromas are rare benign and non-secretory neoplasms that, in the majority of cases, are unexpectedly discovered during imaging studies. In this study, we reported a large adrenal ganglioneuromas in a young patient, clinically presented as a pheochromocytoma. Laboratory evaluation and tumor markers were also reported in the normal range. The mass was then resected through laparoscopy. Ultimately, histopathology revealed the diagnosis of Ganglioneuroma. Large adrenal ganglioneuromas can be resected laparoscopically without any complications. An accurate pathological examination is usually essential for definitive diagnosis. Prognosis of mature adrenal ganglioneuromas is excellent.