bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiscale Optical Imaging with Real Time Projection of Cancer Risk and Biopsy Guidance Maps for Early Oral Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
Authors: Coole Jackson , Brenes David , Mitbander Ruchika , Vohra Imran , Hou Huayu , Kortum Alex , Tang Yubo , Maker Yajur , Schwarz Richard , Carns Jennifer , Badaoui Hawraa , Williams Michelle , Vigneswaran Nadarajah , Gillenwater Ann , Richards-Kortum Rebecca
Published: July 2022

When detected early, oral precancer and cancer can be treated with surgical resection with successful long-term clinical outcomes. Despite easy accessibility of the oral cavity, conventional oral examination has limited sensitivity and specificity to detect early neoplastic changes. Several optical imaging tools have shown promise to improve early detection of oral neoplasia, but they do not provide visible guidance to help clinicians determine when and where to biopsy suspicious oral lesions. Here, we demonstrate a low-cost, portable Active Biopsy Guidance System (ABGS) that uses multi-scale optical imaging with deep learning algorithms to create and directly project cancer risk maps onto clinically visible oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) to guide biopsy locations in real time. Representative patient examples highlight these clinically actionable visualizations that are provided in real-time during an imaging procedure through automated processing of imaging data. Results show multiscale optical imaging with cancer-risk map projection offers a versatile, quantitative and precise tool to guide biopsy site selection and improve the early detection of oral epithelial cancers and their precursors.
Rubber-dam usage by dentists and the pandemic: a questionnaire study
Authors: TURHAN Zübeyde Gökçe , KAPLAN Gizem , TINAZ Ali Cemal
Published: July 2022

ObjectivesThis study aimed to compare the frequency of rubber-dam usage by dentists in different specialties before and after the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.Materials and MethodsA questionnaire was delivered electronically to dentists in different specialties during May 2021. This questionnaire included questions about the demographics and professional backgrounds of the dentists, and their opinions about and the frequencies of use of the rubber-dam. Additionally, whether their rubber-dam usage approaches were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic was also questioned.ResultsRegardless of the specialty, it was found that the frequency of using rubber-dams decreased inversely as the years of professional experience increased (P < 0.05). When specialties were considered, endodontists used rubber-dams during endodontic and restorative procedures significantly more often than the others (P < 0.05). When the workplaces were compared, it was seen that rubber-dams were used significantly more often in university clinics (P < 0.05). Among the participants, 36.4% said that the frequency of using rubber-dams increased after the pandemic. In addition, it was seen that the frequency of rubber dam usage increased statistically significantly after pandemic among dentists from all specialties who agreed with the statement “Using a rubber dam is always beneficial in restorative and endodontic procedures” (P < 0.05).Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceDespite the quality guideline recommendations, the use of rubber dams is still not at the desired level; however, there has been an increase in the number of dentists using them after the pandemic began.
Identification of microfilariae in canine blood samples from the city of Aracaju (Sergipe, northeastern Brazil)
Authors: Lee Daniel
Published: July 2022

This study reported the occurrence of microfilariae from blood samples of dogs from the city of Aracaju, Sergipe, and correlate the prevalence of those infections with the age and sex of the analyzed animals. Each blood samples collected from the cephalic, radial, or jugular veins was processed under modified Knott’s technique and analyzed in triplicates. A total of 378 dogs were analyzed during the study and a total of 15 (4%) animals were positive to circulating microfilariae, being 14 (3.7%) positive for Dirofilaria immitis and 1 (0.3%) for Acanthocheilonema reconditum. The statistical analysis of the results demonstrated a significant correlation between the prevalence of D. immitis and A. reconditum and age of animals, with the rate of infections increasing with the age. A total of 7 females and 8 males were positive to circulating microfilariae, with no significant statistical correlation between those variables. Those results evidence the presence of mosquito-borne blood filarial diseases in dogs from the city of Aracaju and the need to reinforce the diagnosis, treatment and control of these potentially zoonotic diseases.
The circadian clock gene ARNTL overexpression suppresses oral cancer progression by inducing apoptosis via activating autophagy
Authors: Li Hanxue , Li Meng , Chen Kuichi , Li Yueheng , Yang Zhengyan , Zhou Zhi
Published: July 2022

Objective The study aimed to explore tumor suppressor mechanism of ARNTL from the perspective of autophagy in oral cancer Methods Human oral squamous carcinoma HN6 cells stably overexpressing ARNTL were established, cell viability and apoptosis were detected by CCK-8 and TUNEL assays, and intracellular autophagosomes were observed under electron microscopy. Western Blot detected expressions of Beclin1, LC3 II/I, ATG-12, P62, BAX and BCL-2. Bafilomycin A1 was used to detect autophagic flux, and Western Blot was used to detect changes of LC3II and P62 proteins. Autophinib was added to cells with ARNTL overexpression for recovery experiments, and cell proliferation and apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry. In vivo tumorigenesis experiment was used to evaluate the in vivo anti-tumor efficacy of ARNTL, and Western blot simultaneously detected ARNTL, LC3 II/I, Beclin1, P62 and ATG-12 expressions. Results ARNTL overexpression promoted apoptosis and autophagy and inhibited cell viability. In ARNTL-overexpressing cells, expressions of Beclin1, LC3 II/I, and BAX were significantly up-regulated, while P62 and BCL-2 expressions were decreased, and ATG-12 expression wasn't significantly changed. When the autophagy inhibitor Autophinib was used, expressions of elevated BAX and decreased BCL-2 were reversed effectively, as were decreased cell proliferation index and increased apoptosis index. An in vivo tumorigenesis assay also showed ARNTL overexpression inhibited tumor growth, and autophagy-related protein expressions were consistent with the in vitro data. Conclusions The research demonstrated for the first time that ARNTL induced apoptosis and inhibit cell proliferation dependent on autophagy in oral cancer, which provides theoretical basis for potential therapeutic targets.
A progressive phased attention model fusing histopathology and genomic features for lung cancer staging
Authors: Cai Meiling , Zhao Lin , Zhang Yanan , Wu Wei , Jia Liye , Zhao Juanjuan , Yang Qianqian , Qiang Yan
Published: July 2022

Morphological information from histopathology slides and molecular profiles from genomic data are important for predicting the staging of lung cancer. However, most deep learning-based prediction results are based on histopathology or genomics alone, which do not fully utilize the complementary information of both and ignore staining differences in histopathology images due to different staining conditions. In this study, we propose a Multimodal Multi-scale Attention Model (MMAM) to predict patients’ lung cancer staging outcomes by end-to-end multimodal fusion of patients' multi-scale histopathology image features with genetic features by augmented attention. The proposed MMAM consists of two phases. In the first phase, a Staining Difference Elimination Network (SDEN) is proposed for stable detection of histopathology image features to eliminate differences arising from different hospital/specimen staining conditions. In the second phase, we design a Multimodal Multi-scale Fusion Network (MMFN) to efficiently fuse different modality features. We have validated our approach on the lung cancer dataset from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). The results show that the proposed MMAM improves the staging effectiveness of the fusion network of histopathological and genomic features, reduces the effect of appearance variability due to staining differences on blurred pictures, achieves an AUC of 88.51%, and outperforms other popular methods in predicting lung cancer staging.
A batch parameter elimination algorithm for improving the efficiency of multi- GNSS integrated orbit determination
Authors: Yan Xingyuan , Liu Chenchen , Yang Meng , Feng Wei , Zhong Min
Published: July 2022

The increased number of satellites and stations expands the dimensions of the normal equation system (NEQ), which lead to the serious time consumption of the integrated precise orbit determination (POD), especially in the current Global Navigation satellite system (GNSS) with more than 120 satellites. To improve the computational efficiency of multi-GNSS integrated POD, this paper proposes a novel parameters elimination algorithm based on intel oneAPI High-Performance Computing (HPC), where the parameters are only divided into active and inactive parts. Among them, the inactive parameters are concentrated at the beginning of the NEQ, and eliminated in a batch based on matrix block computation. Compared with the classical "one-by-one" elimination method, it can significantly improve the efficiency of Least Square Adjustment (LSQ), with ratios of 2.53, 4.21, and 5.38 for 79, 126, and 171 stations’ POD, respectively. Meanwhile, its advantage is that as the number of stations increases, the time consumption is still closer to a linear trend than the classical and parallel elimination methods. Moreover, this algorithm adopted serial programming, which also retained the advantage of the serial algorithm to the small CPU occupancy. Therefore, multi-day POD parallelism based on the proposed algorithm can further improve the efficiency of the whole post-processing task, for instance, satellite antenna phase center offset modeling.
What Goes in Must Come Out? The Metabolic Profile of Plants and Caterpillars, Frass, and Adults of Asota (Erebidae: Aganainae) Feeding on Ficus (Moraceae) in New Guinea
Authors: Segar Simon , FONTANILLA ALYSSA M. , AUBONA GIBSON , SISOL MENTAP , KUUKKANEN ILARI , SALMINEN JUHA-PEKKA , MILLER SCOTT E. , HOLLOWAY JEREMY D. , NOVOTNY VOJTECH , VOLF MARTIN
Published: July 2022

Insect herbivores have evolved a broad spectrum of adaptations in response to the diversity of chemical defences employed by plants. Here we focus on two species of New Guinean Asota and determine how these specialist moths deal with the leaf alkaloids of their Ficus fig hosts. As each focal Asota species is restricted to one of three chemically distinct species of Ficus, we also test whether these specialised interactions lead to similar alkaloid profiles in both Asota species. We reared Asota caterpillars on their respective Ficus hosts in natural conditions and analysed the alkaloid profiles of leaf, frass, caterpillar, and adult moth samples using UHPLC–MS/MS analyses. We identified 43 alkaloids in our samples. Leaf alkaloids showed various fates. Some were excreted in frass or found in caterpillars and adult moths. We also found two apparently novel indole alkaloids—likely synthesised de novo by the moths or their microbiota—in both caterpillar and adult tissue but not in leaves or frass. Overall, alkaloids unique or largely restricted to insect tissue were shared across moth species despite feeding on different hosts. This indicates that a limited number of plant compounds have a direct ecological function that is conserved among the studied species. Our results provide evidence for the importance of phytochemistry and metabolic strategies in the formation of plant–insect interactions and food webs in general. Furthermore, we provide a new potential example of insects acquiring chemicals for their benefit in an ecologically relevant insect genus.
Impact of modified multiple thread ligations on operative outcomes of grade III hemorrhoids: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zhou Xile , Sheng Guixian , Zhao Long , Jiang Weiqing , Liu Chaoxu , Wu Guosheng
Published: July 2022

Objective
To explore the operative outcomes of patients underwent modified technique of multiple thread ligations (MTL) with the stapled hemorrhoidopexy (SH) technique for the management of grade III hemorrhoids.
Methods
This retrospective cohort study included patients who underwent MTL (MTL group) or SH (SH group) for grade III hemorrhoids in the first affiliated hospital of Zhejiang University between June 2019 and May 2021. The primary outcome was the recurrence of prolapse within six months. Secondary outcomes were operative time, postoperative pain scores, hospital stay, the incidence of complications, Wexner incontinence score on day 1 postoperative, and quality of life of patients with constipation (Patient Assessment of Constipation-Symptoms [PAC-SYM] questionnaire and Patient Assessment of Constipation-Quality of Life [PAC-QOL] questionnaire).
Results
A total of 115 patients in MTL group and 115 matched (age, sex, incontinence score, baseline PAC-SYM and baseline PAC-QOL) patients in SH group were finally included. MTL and SH resulted in comparable recurrence within six months of follow-up, with five and seven cases of recurrence respectively (P = 0.352). The two groups had comparable outcomes in terms of postoperative pain, hospital stay, Wexner incontinence scores, and constipation-related quality of life (all P > 0.05). Multivariate analysis suggested the MTL technique was not associated with a lower risk of postoperative bleeding than the SH technique (OR(95%CI): 8.332(0.923 ~ 75.200), P = 0.059).
Conclusion
The modified MTL technique might achieve comparable operative outcomes compare to the SH technique for the management of grade III hemorrhoids.
Usability of Open Educational Resources among Students of Al Kabir Polytechnic, Jamshedpur, India: A Case Study
Authors: Francis Ogunbodede Kolawole , Antique Mohammad
Published: July 2022

The purpose of this study is to determine the extent to which Al Kabir Polytechnic students in Jamshedpur, India, find Open Educational Resources (OER) useful. The investigation was directed by four research questions and a hypothesis. A descriptive survey was used by the researchers. A total of 1000 students from Al Kabir Polytechnic were included in the study. The sample size, which is 300 students, represents 30% of the overall population. The study's sample size was determined using the Taro Yamane sample size formula. For data gathering, a questionnaire was used. Educational technology professionals helped to validate the questionnaire. Cronbach Alpha was used to determine the instrument's reliability, and the result was 0.98. The mean and standard deviation were calculated using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) version 23, and Pearson's product-moment correlation coefficient was used to test the hypothesis at 0.05 significant levels. The students had a high level of awareness and the use of OER. Students had a high level of usage of OER, according to the survey. It was also shown that a lack of digital literacy abilities was the most significant barrier to effective OER use. Finally, the hypothesis test reveals that there is a substantial link between student awareness and the use of OER. The positive link implied that students' awareness of OER had a favorable impact on their use in the study. The researchers proposed that the school administration and library management provide training on digital literacy skills for students to effectively use these resources based on the findings. Again, librarians and lecturers should continue to promote OER use among students to sustain its use.
An optimized Low-Cost 4X4 Multiplier circuit design using Reversible logic gates
Authors: Bhattacharya Soham , Bhattacharya(Mitra) Sriparna , Adak Asima , Sen Anindya
Published: July 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Zinc Levels Assay in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder by Quantum Magnetic Resonance Analyzer and Direct Colorimetry
Authors: Zayed Khalid Mahmoud El Sayed , Ibrahim Mostafa Azzaz
Published: July 2022

Background: Autism is a long-term disability and a developmental disorder in which many studies suggested an association with serum low levels of zinc. In addition, the zinc to copper (Zn/Cu) ratio can be a biomarker of ASD as it is abnormally low in individuals with autism.Aim: The present study aimed to determine the levels of Zn in the bodies of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The assay is done using new technology, the quantum magnetic resonance analysis (QMRA) method, and comparing its results with a reference testing laboratory method to determine the validity, sensitivity, and specificity of the new measurement method.Method: The study was performed in a group of children (M=19; F=11; age range=3-15 years) with ASD (n=30) and a control group of typically developing children (n=30) matched in terms of sex and age. The main variables in this study were the body values of Zn measured with a QMRA-998 8th Generation device and in patients’ sera by the reference direct colorimetric method.Statistical Analysis: Results were compared across groups using descriptive statistics, Pearson and Spearman’s correlation coefficients, Chi-Square significance, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and linear regression. In addition, a sensitivity and specificity cross-tabulation test was performed to evaluate the QMRA method in measuring Zn levels.Results: Both methods showed lower means for Zn levels in the ASD group than in the control group with a significant correlation between the two methods when measuring Zn levels. With the QMRA method, the sensitivity was 84% and specificity was 87%.Conclusion: It is suggested to test blood levels of Zn in all autistic children and give them a Zn supplement if needed. Non-invasive health measurement devices such as QMRA can be used as a screening or adjunct tool for the measurement of Zn levels in humans.
Characteristics of DH type IIs, CMEs and flares of geoeffective and non-geoeffective storm events in Solar Cycle 24
Authors: Pant Charita , Pande Bimal , Pande Seema
Published: July 2022

In this paper, a statistical study on geoeffectiveness of CMEs integrated with DH-type II radio bursts, association of Dst with plasma and interplanetary field parameters (T,V,P,β,Bz,Bt,E) and their product function BzV for solar cycle 24 is presented. We have selected 119 DH-CME events from March 2008 to December 2015. Based on minimum Dst index ≤−50 nT of geo­magnetic storm, the events are assorted into two groups, specifically (i) Geoeffective events (ii) Non-geoeffective events. The geoeffective events are found to have high start frequency, low end frequency, broad bandwidth, long duration, slower drift rate than non-geoeffective events. CME speed and flare flux for geoeffective events are moderately correlated(r=0.50) which shows that flares may be related to geomagnetic storms through CMEs. Higher speed of CMEs associated with geoeffective events suggests that CME speed is an important pa­rameter for geoeffectiveness. A large fraction of CME associated with DH-type-II radio bursts are linked with geomagnetic storm which again indicates that CMEs accompanied by DH-type-II radio bursts are effectively responsible for producing geomagnetic storms. A good correlation of Dst with BzV(r>0.5) reflects that interplanetary field and plasma parameters also play an important role in the occurence of geomagnetic storms.
Valorization of pineapple peels: Production of vinegar enriched with red-Jambo (Syzygium malaccense) leaf extract
Authors: Bertan Fernanda Aparecida Brocco , Ronning Eduardo da Silva Pereira , Marchioro Marcelo Luis Kuhn , Oldoni Tatiane Luiza Cadorin , Dekker Robert F. H. , Cunha Mário Antônio Alves da
Published: July 2022

Pineapple peel vinegar was produced by the traditional system and enriched with the leaf extract of Syzygium malaccense (L.) Merr. & L.M. Perry. Appreciable phenolic contents and antioxidant potential were found in pulp and peel vinegar added of the extract. Catechin, epicatechin and caffeic, p-coumaric, ferulic, and gallic acids were the main phenolic compounds found in peel vinegar. The enrichment of the vinegar with the extract promoted an increase in the content of polyphenols (443.6-337.3 mg GAE/L) and antioxidant activity. Peel wines presented higher luminosity (L*) and higher saturation index (C*), and their color tended more towards yellow than pulp wines. Acetification reduced the saturation index (C*) and led to the intensification of the hue angle in the peels vinegar. All types of vinegar showed biocidal activity against different bacteria and yeast, and the addition of the extract potentiated the antimicrobial activity of peel vinegar, especially against S. aureus.
Effect of the Duty-Free and Quota-Free Market Access Initiative in favour of Least developed countries on Domestic Investment in Least developed countries
Authors: GNANGNON Sèna Kimm
Published: July 2022

Trade Ministers of the World Trade Organization adopted in 2005 an important Decision ("DFQF Decision") that aimed to provide duty-free-quota-free market access for products originating from least developed countries (LDCs). The present analysis has investigated the effect of the DFQF Decision on domestic investment in LDCs. The study has been performed in the difference-in-difference analytical framework, and using the two-step system generalized method of moments estimator. The panel dataset covers the period from 1996 to 2019, and contains 40 LDCs (which is the treatment group) and 15 low-income countries (designated as such by the International Monetary Fund) in the control group (which is the main control group). For a robustness check analysis, we use an alternative control group, which contains countries that had not been in the LDC category, but would not have met the criteria for graduating from this category if they were included in the category. Results suggest a negative effect of the DFQF Decision on domestic investment in LDCs. The intensity of adverse environmental and exogenous shocks that affect LDC economies is an important factor that prevented LDCs from expanding domestic investment further to the DFQF market access initiative. At the same time, the DFQF Decision led to the expansion of domestic investment in LDCs that enjoyed higher development aid flows, with the magnitude of this positive effect increasing as the amounts of development aid rose. These outcomes, therefore, underline the importance of not only helping LDCs cope with the adverse effects of environmental and external shocks on their economies, but also enhancing incentives for both LDC governments and private firms to expand domestic investment, which is key for exports, economic growth and development.
Renewable Energy and Energy Innovations: Examining Relationships Using Markov Switching Regression Model
Authors: Kolosok Svitlana , Saher Liudmyla , Kovalenko Yevhen , Delibasic Milica
Published: July 2022

Accelerating the development of new energy infrastructure in the EU based on renewable energy sources is necessary for the targeted reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and increase in energy production from renewable sources. This article reviews current renewable energy development issues and research on energy innovations within the European energy policy. The effectiveness of energy generation from renewable resources and adaptation of energy innovations may be limited to the challenges of ensuring the flexibility of the pan-European energy system, as the development of energy storage systems and technologies to respond to demand is much slower than the development of renewable energy. Therefore, the study's primary purpose was to explain by mathematical modelling the determinism of variation in electricity production in the EU27 due to predictors of net electricity generation from certain types of renewable resources for 2017-2020. To identify the effects of the deployment of renewable energy in the EU27, a regression model of Markov switching for three regimes was chosen, consisting of selected predictors of clean energy generation from renewable sources (hydro, geothermal, wind, and solar). The statsmodels v0.13.2 toolkit in Python 3.10.5 was used to conduct this study. The variation between total electricity production and net electricity generation in the EU27 is not constant and depends on the mode of electricity production. That is, there is an asymmetry in the relationship between these parameters. The results also show that when the electricity generation rate in the EU27 is moderate, the net wind energy generation rate is not significant. Furthermore, the negative link between clean solar energy generation and electricity production in the EU is significant for all three regimes.
Methodological Approach to Identification of Innovative Determinants of Human Capital Management
Authors: Safarov Qenimet , Sadiqova Sabina , Urazayeva Milyanat
Published: July 2022

This article summarizes the arguments and counter-arguments in the scientific discussion on identifying the essential characteristics of human capital and key quantitative indicators of its evaluation. The article determined the evolutionary patterns of changing approaches to interpreting the essence of human capital. The study's main purpose is to form an integrated indicator of human capital assessment and identify the most relevant innovative drivers and inhibitors of its development. Systematization of literature sources and approaches to solving the human capital evaluation problem has shown a significant variation in both national approaches to solving the problem and their supranational counterparts. Given the lack of a unified approach to evaluating human capital, the article proposes an author's approach to solving the problem using the Fishburne formula and additive convolution. The relevance of the selection of normalized partial indicators to the integrated indicator is confirmed based on the Cronbach's alpha test. The composite human capital evaluation indicator includes several social, economic, and institutional indicators. Given the transformation of all components of the business environment and the national economy due to the formation of Industry 4.0, it is necessary to determine the most relevant innovative factors of human capital development. A sample of potential drivers and inhibitors of impact on the composite indicator of human capital evaluation, which have an innovative nature, is formed to achieve this goal. The panel data regression model was built. All calculations were performed using Stata 12/SE software product. Modeling results showed that most determinants of innovation development do not have a statistically significant impact on Human Capital Index and vice versa. Human Capital Index is positively influenced by information and communication technology exports but negatively influenced by the imports of computers, communications and services, and high-tech exports. At the same time, the growth of the Human Capital Index has a negative impact on the growth of the share of exports of computers, communications, and services in the structure of commercial imports and high-tech exports. The study results could be useful to scientists, public authorities, local governments, businesses, and entrepreneurs.
An Empirical Analysis of Ergonomic Gaming Peripherals Improving Gaming Performance
Authors: Martha Gede Indra Raditya , Budaya I Gede Bintang Arya , Agustino Dedy Panji , Harsemadi I Gede , Pande I Made Suandana Astika
Published: July 2022

The gaming industry is a huge industry that is based on creativity and the use of media as well as the latest technology. According to the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) in 2021 more than 227 million Americans playing video games, and 75% of USA households have at least one person who plays games and has a gaming device on their home. The facts mentioned before makes this industry very profitable to enter. In hardware aspect, some company innovates to make a specific device which is used special for gaming needs. This gaming device main selling points is high specification and ergonomics factor for improving gaming performance. Despite the successful sale of this product, many people still doubt the effectiveness of gaming peripheral products to improve gaming performance and whether the higher specification of gaming peripheral can truly improve player performance during gameplay. The Study is based on the effectiveness of peripheral on human perception sensor that can be used in the implementation of ergonomic science / physical engineering or HCI (Human Computer Interaction), namely vision, hearing, and touch. In that case, with qualitative research method (direct observation, interview & simulation) this study found as the result, that was true the gaming peripherals are able to improve the performance of the user, but not for all types of users. The competitive gamer who has high gameplay hours can benefit the most and use maximum potential performance of gaming peripherals.
Quality of Housing in Native Ethnic Tribes of Cold Desert Leh-Ladakh
Authors: Rather G. M.
Published: July 2022

The present study was carried out to assess the quality of housing of native ethnic tribes of cold desert, Leh-Ladakh. These ethnic tribes being the inhabitants of remote areas of cold desert are lacking behind in almost all the basic facilities. The study reveals that 40% of households were having Kacha houses. Most of the houses (55.77%) had two rooms for human use. Nearly, 23.10% households were having the size of the rooms as less than 100 ft2. The average number of persons sharing each room was less than the recommended standard. About 85.44% households have improper ventilation and 38.59% households have traditional/pit latrines and even 63.35% of households were having pit latrines inside the house. About 49.27% of households have a cowshed located inside the courtyard. Majority of households (96.36) were not satisfied with their housing conditions. Very high quality of housing has been reported in the urban area. Both high and medium quality of housing has been noted in five blocks each, and low/very low quality of housing has been reported also in five blocks. The improvement in housing will lead to better health conditions and overall quality of life.
Isoflavonoids in Soy and Soy-Containing Foods
Authors: Statsenko Ekaterina , Shtarberg Mikhail , Borodin Eugene
Published: July 2022

Soy is exceptionally rich in isoflavonoids, which are linked to various health benefits. The aim of the research was to determine the content of isoflavonoids in soy and some soy-containing foods.

The research featured the Sentyabrinka soy variety developed at the All-Russian Research Institute of Soy, as well as such novel soy-containing foods as soy-and-pumpkin drinks and desserts, e.g. soy-and-pumpkin okara crackers. The content of isoflavonoids was determined by high performance liquid chromatography using a Millichrom F-02 chromatograph.

The total content of isoflavonoids was 221.10 mg/100 g in the soy beans, 44.50 mg/100 g – in the soy-and-pumpkin dessert, 36.15 mg/100 g – in the soy-and-pumpkin jelly, 30.80 mg/100 g – in the cracker with soy-and-pumpkin okara, 21.19 mg/100 g – in the protein drink, 12.72 mg/100 g – in the vitamin drink. The samples were tested for such isoflavonoids as genistein, diadzein (major), and glycetein (minor), which took the form of aglycones, glycosides (genistin, diadzin, and glycitein), and malonyl derivatives of glycosides. The highest content of malonyl diadzin and malonyl genistin was registered both in the soy beans and the soy-containing foods: from 42.56 in the crackers to 67.50% in the soy beans.

The content of isoflavonoids in the soy-containing food products depended on the formulation and production technology, namely, on the amount of soy. A daily intake of 200 g of soy-and-pumpkin drink or 100 g of soy-containing dessert could provide the daily intake of isoflavonoids, which makes these products beneficial for human health.
Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Pretreated Miscanthus Biomass
Authors: Kalashnikova Olga , Budenkova Ekaterina , Ulrikh Elena , Chupakhin Evgeny , Kriger Olga , Masiutin Yakov , Smaga Maria , Basova Yulia
Published: July 2022

Forests being mostly non-renewable, miscanthus seems to be a promising alternative energy resource. This study investigates the enzymatic hydrolysis of pretreated miscanthus biomass. The research featured Miscanthus sinensis Strictus biomass. The methods included raw material pretreatment, enzymatic hydrolysis, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF) of monosaccharide residues, and nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectrometry of non-hydrolyzed lignin. A hammer mill with a particle size of 0.2–0.3 mm proved to be effective for preliminary mechanical processing of miscanthus. This type of treatment provided the maximal yield of carbohydrate-containing biomass (62.33 ± 1.87%). The optimal multi-enzyme composition included Cellulase Ultra obtained from Trichoderma reeseii, xylanase obtained from Thermomyces lanuginosus, and β-gluconase obtained from Myceliophtorafergusii. The fermentation temperature was 50 ± 1°C (72 ± 1 h). At these parameters, the conversion of holocellulose of miscanthus biomass was 96.0 ± 4.8%, and the yield of reducing substances was 97.00 ± 4.85%. The article introduces the optimal enzymatic hydrolysis parameters for pretreating Miscanthus sinensis Strictus biomass as a source of carbohydrate-containing substrates and describes their subsequent use for bacterial cellulose biosynthesis. The carbohydrate composition of hydrolysates included residual lignin, such polysaccharides as glucan and xylan, and various monosaccharides, namely arabinose, xylose, galactose, glucose, and uronic acids. Hydrolyzed miscanthus proved to be an effective renewable and environmentally friendly biodiesel.
The Impact of Value Chains on Food Security
Authors: Kazantseva Elena , Lyamkin Igor
Published: July 2022

Value chains are conduits that play an important role in global food security. The purpose of the study was to analyze the increasing impact of global value chains on national food security and develop proposals for improving the level of food security in Russia.

The research featured the impact of value chains on food security. The study was based on a systematic analysis of data obtained from national statistical services, information and rating agencies, international organizations, etc.

The impact of value chains on food security proved to be complex. On the one hand, they combine disparate links into a single system and allow for the rapid delivery of food to the end consumer. On the other hand, they increase the monopolization of the control links. The article introduces key features of the transformation of food value chains in recent decades. First, the list of participants often changes due to the growing contradictions between different countries and unpredictable foreign policy. Second, processing, logistics, and trade chains often get monopolized. Third, companies from other industries enter value chains from outside. Fourth, the distribution of income among chain participants becomes more uneven. Fifth, the influence methods of control links get more elaborate, etc. In general, companies tend to globalize their value chains while national governments strive to keep the chains within the country.

The results of the study can improve value chains and food security in the country, while taking into account the interests of both chain participants and society, as well as the principles of sustainable development.
Color Sensors “In Intelligent Food Packaging”
Authors: Kryuk Roman , Kurbanova Marina , Kolbina Anastasia , Plotnikov Konstantin , Plotnikov Igor , Petrov Andrey , Khelef Mohammed El Amine
Published: July 2022

The quality of food products depends not only on the technological parameters of production process, but also on storage conditions. Smart packaging controls storage conditions and tracks violations. The research objective was to review the use of sensors in food storage.

The study featured publically available information on sensor-equipped smart food packaging. The information was obtained from open sources published in 2016–2021.

The paper describes biosensors, chemical sensors, and indicators that determine some of the characteristics of food products and provide information to the producer, retailer, and consumer. Indicators proved to be the most promising type of sensors used in smart packaging. This type of sensor indicates the presence and concentration of various analytes through color change. The best indicators are those based on radio frequency (RFID), poison identifiers, compaction/leaks indicators, indicators of freshness/ripeness, etc. All the considered indicators visualize their data by changing color, which makes it possible to assess the quality of food products on the market.

Sensor-based smart packaging is a promising direction in food industry because they make it possible to monitor and control product quality. Smart packaging allows consumers to check the freshness of products by themselves.
Pâté with Inulin Supplement
Authors: Kusova Irina , Ildirova Svetlana , Fedotova Nelya , Bystrov Dmitriy
Published: July 2022

Pâté are very comfortable for consumption, which makes them very popular. Pâté also has a good functional potential. The research objective was to assess the composition and sensory properties of new functional pâtés with chicory powder.

The study featured beef liver pâté and chicken liver pâté with hydrated inulin-containing chicory powder. The tests relied on standard methods.

The new pâté had 3% of hydrated inulin-containing chicory powder. The sensory assessment proved that the appearance, taste, and texture complied with the normative documentation. The function product had a high content of carbohydrates, including inulin.

100 g of ready-made pâté provide 13% of the daily intake of prebiotics.
Ativo não circulante mantido para venda e operações descontinuadas: uma análise no nível de evidenciação e nas características das companhias de capital aberto brasileiras
Authors: Silva Andressa Fernanda da , Melo de Souza Maíra
Published: July 2022

Objetivo: O objetivo desta pesquisa é analisar o nível de evidenciação e as características das companhias de capital aberto brasileiras em relação aos ativos não circulantes mantidos para venda e operações descontinuadas.

Metodologia: Para analisar o nível de evidenciação, elaborou-se uma lista de verificação com base no CPC 31 (2009). Este estudo se enquadra como documental, tendo em vista que foram analisadas as Notas Explicativas, o Balanço Patrimonial (BP) e a Demonstração do Resultado do Exercício (DRE) das empresas componentes da amostra. A abordagem do problema foi qualitativa. A amostra é constituída por todas as companhias da Brasil, Bolsa, Balcão (B3) que apresentaram ativos não circulantes mantidos para venda (ANCMV) e/ou operações descontinuadas (OD) no ano de 2018, o que corresponde a 67 empresas divididas em 10 setores de atuação. As características analisadas foram: setor de atuação, governança corporativa, rentabilidade, empresa de auditoria, e se negociam ações na New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).

Resultados: Os resultados sugerem que as companhias que se enquadram no Novo Mercado, possuem rentabilidade negativa e negociam ações na NYSE tendem, em média, a realizar um maior nível de evidenciação dos ANCMV e OD. Os setores que apresentaram maior concentração dos ANCMV e OD foram o de Bens Industriais e Consumo Cíclico, ambos compostos por 16 empresas das 67 da amostra. A natureza do ANCMV que mais se destacou foram as controladas, com representatividade de 49%. Observou-se que as empresas ainda precisam melhorar quanto a evidenciação, pois a média da amostra foi de 44%.

Contribuições do Estudo: A realização da presente investigação contribui no sentido que a prática contábil pertinente aos ANCMV e OD é relativamente recente no Brasil e muitos acadêmicos ainda podem ter dúvidas sobre o tema, considerando que o pronunciamento contábil CPC 31 trouxe novos procedimentos de evidenciação. Nesse sentido, esta pesquisa contribui no sentido de apresentar a maneira como as companhias de capital aberto brasileiras estão evidenciando os ANCMV e das OD num contexto atualizado, demonstrando que elas precisam melhorar o nível das informações divulgadas para atender plenamente o CPC 31.
Historical VaR as a stock fund diversification assessment tool
Authors: Oliveira Victor Amancio de , Antônio Rafael Moreira , Gatsios Rafael Confetti
Published: July 2022

Purpose: The aim of this study is to assess the potential maximum loss in more concentrated investment portfolios and more diversified portfolios using the VaR calculation as a tool for controlling and managing market risk. For this, the study proposes to answer the following research question: "Do more diversified equity funds present less risk?"

Methodology: The historical simulation model was applied, considering seven portfolios of equity investment funds (FIAs) and 493 daily returns, under the 95% confidence level.

Results: The results indicated that the maximum expected loss is higher in more concentrated portfolios. Therefore, the diversification strategy helped to reduce risk and is an important instrument to be considered in a stock portfolio.

Contributions of the Study: The main contribution of the study is to provide subsidies for investors and asset managers, while providing a simulation and practical application of VaR in the analysis of portfolio diversification in equity investment funds.
Identification and Validation of Co-Expressed Immune-Related Gene
Signature Affecting the Pattern of Immune Infiltrating in Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Dong Birong , Cheng Rui , Zeng Hao , Chen Linyan , Zhou Lixing
Published: July 2022

Objective:

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a common malignant tumor
of the digestive tract, and its molecular mechanisms have not been fully clarified. This study aimed
to evaluate the immune infiltration pattern of esophageal cancer through a gene co-expression network,
and to provide biomarkers for immunotherapy of esophageal cancer.

Methods:

We downloaded RNA-seq data of ESCC samples from GSE53625 and GSE66258 datasets,
then assessed the immune score and tumor purity through the ESTIMATE algorithm. Next,
a co-expression network was constructed by the weighted gene co-expression network analysis,
and the key co-expressed immune- related genes were identified on the basis of existing human
immune-related genes. Afterward, we utilized bioinformatics algorithms including GSVA,
CIBERSORT, and ssGSEA to clarify the relationship between hub genes and immune infiltration
patterns. Finally, these hub genes were used to evaluate the sensitivity to immunotherapy by the
subclass mapping algorithm, which were further validated by digital pathology through the Hover-
Net algorithm.

Results:

Sixteen immune-related genes with robust expression characteristics were identified and
used to build gene signatures. The expression of gene signature was significantly related to the
immune infiltration pattern and immunotherapy sensitivity prediction in patients with esophageal
cancer. Consistent with previous studies, genetic changes at the level of somatic mutations such as
NFE2L2 were revealed.

Conclusion:

A total of 16 immune-related genes with the total expression gene signature can be
used as biomarkers for immunotherapy of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Its molecular
mechanisms deserve further study to guide clinical treatment in the future.
Adult Stem Cell Research in Light of the Bovine Mammary Gland Regenerative
Medicine
Authors: Gugjoo Mudasir Bashir , Farooq Fajar , Dar Ejaz Rasool , Ahmad Syed Mudasir , Shah Riaz Ahmad , Amarpal  , Parrah Jalal ud Din
Published: July 2022

The bovine mammary gland has vital importance in the dairy sector, as it is considered a
source of basic dairy product, milk. Mammary gland affections are widespread, which affect the dairy
industry economically and pose a potential public health hazard. Current therapeutic options are ineffective
in controlling the infection and regenerating the gland effectively. Antimicrobials commonly used
against mastitis make their way into the milk . In order to find a solution to these problems, advanced
therapeutic options, like the one for stem cells, are considered. Mammary gland stem cells (MaSCs) are
considered to maintain tissue homeostasis. The characterization of these cells and their derived lineages
(progenitor cells and mammary epithelial cells) may potentially provide the physiological status or production
potential of the gland. However, current isolation methods are cumbersome and fall short to isolate
a pure line of cattle MaSCs from progenitors or other differentiated epithelial cells. An alternative to
the therapeutic application of MaSCs is the mesenchymal stem cell (MSC). These cells can potentially
control microbial infection, show anti-inflammatory and other pro-healing effects, and furthermore enhance
mammary epithelial cell secretory potential to ensure tissue regeneration. The current review focuses
on MaSCs and MSCs properties in light of the bovine mammary gland regeneration.
Do We Have Another Option to Treat Bleeding Hemorrhoids? The Emborrhoid Technique: Experience in 16 Patients
Authors: Moggia Elisabetta , Talamo Giuseppina , Gallo Gaetano , Bianco Angelo , Barattini Matteo , Salsano Giancarlo , Zefiro Daniele , Stefanini Teseo , Berti Stefano
Published: July 2022

Background:

Hemorrhoidal disease is very common in western countries and rectal
bleeding is the main symptom complained by patients. Nowadays the ultimate goal of treatment is
to block the bleeding with minimally-invasive techniques to minimize post-procedural pain.

Objective:

The aim of this study is to assess the preliminary results of the emborrhoid technique
(embolization of the superior rectal arteries branches) as a new tool for the proctologist to treat severe
bleeding hemorrhoids causing anemia. Many categories of patients might benefit from this
treatment, such as patients not eligible for conventional surgery, patients not responding to conventional
treatment and fit patients with severe bleeding who refused endorectal surgical therapy.

Methods:

From May 2017 to November 2018 a total of 16 patients with chronic rectal bleeding
due to hemorrhoids underwent super-selective embolization of the superior rectal arteries at the department
of General Surgery in La Spezia, S. Andrea Hospital, Italy. Median age was 59 years. 14
patients were males (87.5%).

Results:

No post-procedural and short-term complications were observed at maximum follow up
(12 months). The reduction of rectal bleeding with improvement of the quality of life was obtained
in 14 patients (87.5%).

Conclusion:

Our study, although small in number, demonstrates that embolization of superior rectal
arteries with coils to treat severe bleeding due to hemorrhoids is safe and effective and does not
lead to immediate complications.