bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computer Modeling of Fiducial Markers Images to Estimate the Accuracy of Object Positioning in Space
Authors: Sivov N.Yu. , Poroykov A.Yu.
Published: November 2022

Fiducial markers are widely used in machine vision systems. One of the main ways of their application is to estimate the relative position of the camera and marker in space. The latter are visual artificial objects, which are designed for their robust detection among other objects in the environment of the images. Examples of fiducial marker accuracy estimation are found in many studies. Usually such studies are conducted for one or two or three code marker systems. And accuracy estimates are given only for specific parameters of the machine vision system, which is designed by the authors of the work. This approach is not universal, and for other parameters it is necessary to carry out the error estimation again. This paper presents an approach to determining the error for comparing more fiducial marker systems with each other using more universal metrics. For this purpose, computer simulations of marker images were performed for five different systems with different spatial orientations. The images were processed using detection algorithms proposed by the authors of the marker systems. The processing results were compared with the specified parameters in the simulations. Relative error estimates were obtained for the five different code marker systems.
Planar Test Objects for Photogrammetric Calibration of Enhanced Vision Systems Cameras: Application Practice
Authors: Kholopov Ivan Sergeevich , Kudinov Igor Alekseevich , Nikiforov Mikhail Borisovich
Published: November 2022

Two variants of constructs of planar test objects, which can be used to evaluate the internal and external parameters of video cameras operating as part of an enhanced vision system consisting of several video cameras in the visible and infrared wavelength ranges, are considered: with stationary electric heater and with portable electric heater like dock station. The design of both planar test objects consists of the light planar aluminum plate, squares from dark vinyl film, electric heating element and thermostat. The design of the device for performing automated camera calibration is presented. It is shown that the evaluation of the homography matrix based on the results of the performed preliminary calibration makes it possible to superimpose visible and long wave infrared images with an absolute error of the order of units of pixels.
Research of the Exposure Time Correction Algorithm for Vision Systems
Authors: Babayan P.V. , Burkina O.N. , Muraviev V.S.
Published: November 2022

Computer vision is used in many areas, from stationary video surveillance systems to mobile robots with artificial intelligence. The ability of video sensors to automatically adapt to changes in illumination is significant for high image quality, so the development and research of exposure correction algorithms is an important problem. In the paper an exposure time correction algorithm designed for use in computer vision systems is described. There three main ways to change light sensitivity in video camera is known: controlling the camera's exposure time, changing the sensor sensitivity, and lens aperture size. Each of these approaches affects the properties of the generated images in its own way and has its own advantages and limitations. The most simple to implement approaches are often based on exposure time correction. The authors propose a heuristic algorithm based on image entropy maximization. The results of simulation and testing of the algorithm in real conditions are presented. A comparison has been made with the camera auto exposure mode. Based on the results of the research, it has been concluded that the proposed algorithm has better performance with a similar final exposure time, while it has a low computational complexity.
Combining Several Algorithmsto Increase the Accuracy of Pedestrian Detection and Localization
Authors: Strotov V.V. , Zhgutov P.E.
Published: November 2022

In this paper, the problem of developing an algorithm for detecting pedestrians in a sequence of images is considered. The concept of a combined algorithm combining a pedestrian detector with an aggregation function of several channels, together with a motion detection algorithm and a tracking function is proposed. The paper describes the stages of the algorithm, as well as experimental studies that were conducted on a set of test videos. During the study of the combined algorithm, the quality of detection of the combined algorithm and the pedestrian detector was compared separately. The study of the dependence of the results of the algorithms on changes in the detector parameters was carried out. Based on the results of experimental studies, a conclusion was made about the best indicators of accuracy and quality of detection in a combined algorithm that can find application in computer vision systems.
Effective Simulation of Spatial Daylight Autonomy and Annual Sunlight Exposure
Authors: Ershov Sergey Valentinovich , Sokolov Vadim Gennadjevich , Voloboy Alexey Gennadievich , Galaktionov Vladimir Alexandrovich
Published: November 2022

Nowadays the daylight analysis is widely used by architects because it influences on the room usage and comfortability. The natural daylight has a lot of benefits. There are many issues related to the daylight which affects the function and perception of the illuminated area. The issues are direct sunlight and discomfort glare, illumination level and distribution on the working plane. The correct building design that takes into account the daylight analysis aspects leads to decrease of the artificial light usage and energy saving. So simulation of the metrics used in daylight analysis is an important task. The paper considers the simulation of two main standard characteristics widely used in the modern daylight estimation: spatial Daylight Autonomy (sDA) and Annual Sunlight Exposure (ASE). The calculation of both metrics is regulated by the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) standards. The metric calculation provides daylight illumination data for whole year with one hour step. This means that several thousand simulations have to be run. So effective light simulation methods must be elaborated and used here. The paper presents the methods which deal with rather complex and precise building models under daylight illumination and realistic environment. Spatial Daylight Autonomy metric is calculated considering blinds control that opens or closes them depending on the over-exposure by the direct sunlight. Thus, simulation of sDA involves an optimization procedure defining blinds configuration at each hourly moment. The sDA and ASE calculations for architecture scene are provided as examples.
Geometric Bases of Parallel Computing in Computer Modeling and Computer-Aided Design Systems
Authors: Konopatskiy E.V.
Published: November 2022

The concept of developing a geometric CAD kernel based on the invariants of parallel projection of geometric objects on the axes of the global coordinate system, which combines the potential of constructive geometric modeling methods that can provide paralleling of geometric constructions by tasks (message passing), and the mathematical apparatus "Point calculus" capable of implementing data paralleling by means of subordinate calculations (data parallel) is proposed. Use of subordinate calculation of point equations allows not only to parallelize calculations along coordinate axes, but also to provide coherence of computational operations by threads, which significantly reduces downtime and optimizes the performance of CPU to achieve the maximum effect of parallel computations. The greater the dimensionality of the modeled geometric object, the more it lends itself to paralleling computational flows. This leads to the fact that the computation time of a multidimensional problem becomes a value independent of the number of measurements. All calculations will run in parallel and finish simultaneously. The example of parallel computational algorithm for topographic surface modeling demonstrates the possibilities of realization of the offered concept for definition of continuous and discrete geometrical objects, the analytical description of which is carried out in point-calculus. As a result, to build a single 16-point patches, the distribution of parallel computing on 12 threads for the 4 direction lines and 3 threads for the formative line is obtained. Further, the number of simultaneously involved computational threads is a value proportional to the number of 16-point patches and can be further optimized by calculating several forming lines in parallel. In the above example, all computational threads are fully balanced in the number of calculations, which greatly minimizes the downtime of calculations and optimizes the performance of the processor. Also the proposed approach to the organization of parallel computations can be effectively used for the numerical solution of differential equations using geometric interpolants, which together with the development of models of geometric objects in the point calculus creates a closed loop digital production, which by analogy with the isogeometric method eliminates the need to coordinate geometric information in the interaction between CAD and FEA systems.
Functional-voxel Modeling of the Toolpath when Milling a Pocket Area
Authors: Sycheva A.A. , Plaksin A.M.
Published: November 2022

Increasing the accuracy of manufactured details requires the improvement of workpiece machining processes. It also requires the development of new and the upgrading of existing computer models of details and technological processes. The production of details with complex geometric shapes, such as pocket areas, requires the simulation of all physical processes occurring in the material to take into account their influence on the shape of the resulting part and further adjustment of the control program. The method of functional-voxel modeling has previously been applied to the simulation of thermal stress arising in the process of cutting during machining of details. The application of functional-voxel approaches to tool path design will extend the field of application of the method in technological processes, complementing the earlier research. The pocket area proposed in the earlier works is chosen for the development and investigation of the required tool. The method of motion relative to the gradient direction is proposed for modeling the tool path. Specifically, the motion along the direction perpendicular to the vector of the highest rate of change of function values. Functional-voxel modeling of the contour is carried out by R-function interruption of zero segments, expressed by the local zeroing function (FLOZ), on the positive area. Applying the gradient descent method to the resulting model allowed us to construct a path that uniformly fills the contour, simulating the motion of the machining tool.
Web-based Guide for Students Studying the Course of Descriptive Geometry
Authors: Zhirova A.A. , Popov E.V. , Rotkov S.I.
Published: November 2022

The KinPerGeo program is intended for use in the process of teaching students of higher educational institutions the basics of descriptive geometry. The program allows students to visually demonstrate in the form of interactive videos the basics of the projection apparatus, the laws for the formation of drawings of basic figures, the transformation of drawings and the solution of positional and metric problems on them. 3D models of figures and modeling scenes are widely used to form demonstration videos. The program was written using the JavaScript programming language and the Three.js and OrbitControls.js libraries. The program has the ability to animate models, as well as control the viewpoint of a 3D scene with the mouse, which helps students understand the algorithms for forming, converting drawings and solving descriptive geometry problems on them.
Pengembangan Bahan Ajar Matematika Bidang Kajian Bilangan Berbasis Computer Science Unplugged (CSU) untuk Siswa Sekolah Dasar
Authors: Mufliva Rosiana , Iriawan Sandi Budi
Published: November 2022

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengembangkan bahan ajar sebagai upaya meningkatkan kompetensi siswa khususnya pada bidang kajian bilangan dalam rangka mendukung tercapainya indikator hasil belajar siswa serta untuk memperoleh gambaran mengenai kelayakan dan respon siswa terhadap penggunaan bahan ajar matematika berbasis Computer Science unplugged (CSU) pada bidang kajian bilangan. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan dengan menerapkan metode Research and Development (R&D) dengan model pengembangan ADDIE. Model ini terdiri dari lima langkah, yaitu: 1) analisis, 2) perancangan, 3) pengembangan, 4) penerapan dan 5) evaluasi. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa  bahan ajar matematika bidang kajian bilangan berbasis CSU layak untuk digunakan dengan persentase sebesar  91 % dengan kategori sangat layak menurut ahli materi dan ahli desain bahan ajar. Sedangkan hasil uji coba terhadap peserta didik menunjukkan bahwa bahan ajar matematika bidang kajian bilangan berbasis CSU ini menunjukkan persentase sebesar 90% dengan kategori sangat layak. Simpulan dari penelitian ini adalah bahwa bahan ajar matematika bidang kajian bilangan berbasis CSU ini dapat digunakan untuk membantu siswa dalam memahami materi bilangan siswa kelas 1 SD.
REPRESENTASI VARIASI KEFORMALAN BAHASA PADA DIALEKTIKA MATA NAJWA “COBA-COBA TATAP MUKA”
Authors: Soleh Anjas Rusdiyanto , Sabardila Atiqa
Published: November 2022

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji lebih dalam mengenai 1) variasi keformalan yang terdapat pada gelar wicara Mata Najwa “Coba-coba Tatap Muka”; 2) penggunaan kode bahasa yang terdapat pada gelar wicara Mata Najwa “Coba-coba Tatap Muka”; dan 3) fungsi keragaman bahasa yang terdapat pada gelar wicara Mata Najwa “Coba-coba Tatap Muka”. Penelitian ini menggunakan jenis penelitian kualitatif dengan menerapkan metode deskriptif. Sumber data dalam penelitian ini yaitu akun Youtube Najwa Shihab pada tayangan tanggal 1 September 2021. Data dalam penelitian ini yaitu tuturan yang dihasilkan oleh pengisi acara pada gelar wicara Mata Najwa Coba-coba Tatap Muka yang menunjukkan adanya representasi variasi keformalan dan fungsi keragaman bahasa serta penggunaan kode bahasa yang ada di dalamnya. Teknik pengumpulan data yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini yaitu teknik simak dan teknik catat. Analisis data dalam penelitian ini menggunakan teknik padan dengan teknik lanjutan menerapkan teknik hubung banding membedakan (HBB). Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa variasi keformalan bahasa terdapat 5 variasi secara utuh sesuai dengan teori Martin Joos yaitu ragam beku, raga resmi, ragam usaha, ragam santai, dan ragam akrab. Mengenai kode bahasa yang digunakan, terdapat kode bahasa Indonesia, bahasa Inggris, dan bahasa Arab. Selain itu, kaitannya dengan fungsi keragaman bahasa, ditemukan fungsi emotif, direktif, fatik, dan referensial.
KONDISI KEJIWAAN TOKOH NEDENA, RIANTO, DAN KEN DALAM NOVEL DADAISME KARYA DEWI SARTIKA
Authors: Faqih Fiyan Ilman , Setyawan Arief
Published: November 2022

Salah satu novel yang menarik untuk dikaji dari sisi psikologi ialah novel Dadaisme. Secara garis besar, tokoh-tokoh yang ada di dalam novel Dadaisme memiliki kondisi kejiwaan yang menarik untuk dikaji. Seperti halnya tiga tokoh dalam novel Dadaisme, yaitu Nedena, Rianto, dan Ken. Ketiga tokoh ini memiliki kejiwaannya yang unik. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan kondisi kejiwaan tokoh Nedena, Rianto, dan Ken. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian deskriptif yang menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif. Tokoh Nedena, Rinto, dan Ken mengalami trauma. Nedena mengalami trauma pada suatu peristiwa yang membuat mama dan dan dapurnya terbakar. Rianto diduga mengalami trauma. Ketidakberdayaan itulah yang menyebabkan ia bunuh diri. Ken juga mengalami trauma. Ken mengalami trauma yang disebabakan oleh pelecahan seksual yang dilakukan oleh Jing terhadap dirinya.
Innovation in the Ecuadorean public sector during the COVID-19 pandemic: current trends and prospects for future research
Authors: Cisneros Paul
Published: November 2022

Objective: ?e aim of the article is to identify the types of innovations produced by public sector organizations in Ecuador duringthe first months of the COVID-19 pandemic.Theoretical framework: ?e paper builds on systematic reviews of publications on public sector innovation to identify types ofinnovations, antecedents of organizations, both at the external and internal organizational levels, and outcomes of the innovations.Methodology: ?e paper is exploratory in nature and mixes quantitative and qualitative data to characterize innovations. For this,an online survey questionnaire was sent to public servants to identify innovations, and a structured interview was then carried outto flesh out some of the details of the processes of innovation reported.Results: Findings show that most innovations in the Ecuadorean public sector are top-down in nature, and relate to adoptingtechnologies to support existing interventions. ?ese technologies; however, go beyond those used for facilitating telework.Moreover, most innovations are produced in organizations perceived as centralized, where there is continuous support forinnovation. The main finding of this research relates to the presence of specialized units within public sector organizations, whichsupport innovation and help the development of interorganizational networks. This type of unit has been overlooked in theliterature and require further investigation in regards to when and how they bridge between organizations to facilitate lastinginnovations.Originality: The article introduces a distinction between organizations that have direct or indirect interactions with clients orcitizens which helps to take stock of the incentives they may have for innovating. ?e article then identifies the different types ofinnovations produced in public sector organizations when this substantive difference is taken into account.Teoretical and practical contributions: ?e study offers support to findings made in other contexts, while also contributeswith findings that add qualitative depth to the relationships between organizational characteristics, innovation processes, externalfactors and outcomes. It highlights the importance of supporting and strengthening the units specialized on innovation to makethe most out of crises and structural reform.
Barreiras de Acessibilidade para Pessoas com Deficiência no Ensino Superior
Authors: De Santana Porte Marcelo , Damião Trindade Rocha José , Augusto Pereira Cleber
Published: November 2022

Objetivo da pesquisa: O objetivo do estudo foi realizar uma revisão de literatura sobre as barreiras de acessibilidade sofridas pelas Pessoas com Deficiência (PcD) no ensino superior.
Enquadramento teórico: Os artigos foram analisados à luz da Lei Brasileira de Inclusão n. 13.146/2015 para categorizar as suas barreiras de acessibilidade (Urbanísticas; Arquitetônicas; nos Transportes; nas Comunicações e na Informação; Atitudinais; e Tecnológicas).
Metodologia: Para a metodologia, utilizou-se a análise léxica aplicada à Classificação Hierárquica Descendente, associada a Análise de Similitude e Nuvem de Palavras das publicações da SciELO Citation Index, coleção SciELO Brasil, indexadas na base de dados da Web of Science de 2002 a 2019, sendo analisados 45 estudos científicos.
Resultados: Os resultados demonstram a existência de duas classes como tendência para as publicações na área, sendo a primeira voltada para o ensino superior público e privado; e a outra, para Institutos e Universidades Federais. Além disso, há um direcionamento para realização de estudos para PcD visual e auditiva, e a principal limitação evidenciada na literatura é a Barreira nas Comunicações e na Informação.
Originalidade: O presente estudo se torna original por não ter sido encontrado nenhum outro trabalho científico que realizasse uma Meta-Revisão Sistemática de Literatura das publicações em periódicos no Brasil, com o uso de análise de classes realizadas por um sistema de análise qualitativa para o presente tema.
Contribuições teóricas e práticas: Ressalta-se que, normalmente, os trabalhos que utilizam as Barreiras nas Comunicações e na Informação como uma das variáveis em seus estudos, possuem também como variável indicadores de Barreiras Tecnológicas. A principal política pública evidenciada para o ensino superior no país é o Programa Incluir, do Governo Federal.
Bibliometric Study on Spirituality in Organizations: An Overview of the Field
Authors: Da Silva Lopes Junior Derson , Figueiredo Milani Filho Marco Antonio , Hayashi Junior Paulo , Torriani Tristan Guillermo
Published: November 2022

Research Aim: ?is article carries out a bibliometric study on the topic Spirituality in Organizations of all articles in Web ofScience until 2021.?eoretical Framework: Quantitative bibliometric analysis of the published literature on spirituality in organizations.Methodology: Based on a theoretical survey supported by the bibliometrics technique, we delve into the main authors and journalsin the area and provide some suggestions for future development.Results: Among the themes interwoven with spirituality in organizations, some worth highlighting are leadership, the workenvironment, individual and organizational values, and performance. Spirituality should not be reduced to economic and financialissues, since its nature goes beyond material aspects. Although the topic of spirituality arose in the 1920s, there are still majorchallenges in the field. In light of the rapid changes in the world, whether in terms of technology, public health, or the pandemic, therewards from a spiritual attitude seem to surpass its drawbacks. Furthermore, despite the close connection between spirituality andreligion, the former is not restricted to the latter. ?ere is a richer field of potential development, especially within the willingnessto achieve individual and collective well-being, that positively impacts employee performance. ?is concept seems to be in linewith the ultimate goal of modern organizational management.Originality: Spirituality in organizations is still a relatively new topic in management literature, as this article shows. Fewbibliometric studies were conducted on the subject, which makes this article original in its objective. In addition, it contributes tothe discussion of spirituality in the organizational context by breaking away from the instrumental view of spirituality as a meansto improve organizational performance; by conceptualizing the individual as a holistic being in order to overcome the dualisticapproach to the mind-body relation; by understanding the workplace not only as a place for the body; and by analyzing spiritualityin organizational contexts other than just business.?eoretical and Practical Contributions: Despite the topic’s recent growth, spirituality in organizations still presents greatchallenges due to its inherent nature. A closer look at what has been achieved so far in the field of spirituality in organizationsshows the benefit of learning from the past, as well as reflecting on the future.
Predictors of Severe COVID-19 among Healthcare Workers in Sabah, Malaysia
Authors: Joo Lim Kai , Sazali Mohd Fazeli , Goroh Michelle , Zefong Abraham Chin , Maluda Marilyn Charlene Montini , Avoi Richard , Gantul Valentine Japulee
Published: November 2022

Background: Healthcare workers ((HCWs) is the high-risk group for COVID-19 infection due to increased workplace exposure. However, evidence of the disease burden and factors associated with the severe COVID-19 infection among HCW is limited. Therefore, this article aims to describe the prevalence of severe COVID-19 disease among healthcare workers in Sabah, Malaysia, and to determine the factors associated with severe COVID-19 infection.
Method: A retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out by assessing the data of COVID-19 infected HCWs in Sabah, Malaysia, from 1st March 2021 until 30th September 2021. Logistic regression analysis was used in this study.
Results: 3040 healthcare workers were diagnosed with COVID-19 from 1st March 2021 until 30th September 2021. Of the 3040 HCWs, 2948 (97.0%) HCWs were mild, whereas 92 (3.0%) were severe. The multivariate logistic regression model showed that severe COVID-19 among HCWs in Sabah was associated with those do not receive any COVID-19 vaccination (aOR 6.061, 95% CI 3.408 – 10.780), underlying co-morbidity (aOR 3.335, 95% CI 2.183 – 5.096), and female (aOR 1.833, 95% CI 1.090 – 3.081).
Conclusion: HCWs should strictly adhere to preventive measures, including vaccination, personal protective equipment, and early referral to a physician upon identifying severe COVID-19 infection. Early screening and aggressive co-morbidity treatment among healthcare workers are essential for public health practitioners to prevent severe COVID-19 disease. Healthcare workers with uncontrolled co-morbidities are the group to be prioritised to get the vaccination.
Ancestral social environments plus nonlinear benefits can explain cooperation in human societies
Authors: Kristensen Nadiah Pardede , Ohtsuki Hisashi , Chisholm Ryan Alistair
Published: November 2022

Human cooperation (paying a cost to benefit others) is puzzling from a Darwinian perspective, particularly in groups with strangers who cannot repay nor are family members. The beneficial effects of cooperation typically increase nonlinearly with the number of cooperators, e.g., increasing returns when cooperation is low and diminishing returns when cooperation is high. Such nonlinearity can allow cooperation between strangers to persist evolutionarily if a large enough proportion of the population are already cooperators. However, if a lone cooperator faces a conflict between the group's and its own interests (a social dilemma), that raises the question of how cooperation arose in the first place. We use a mathematically tractable evolutionary model to formalise a chronological narrative that has previously only been investigated verbally: given that ancient humans interacted mostly with family members (genetic homophily), cooperation evolved first by kin selection, and then persisted in situations with nonlinear benefits as homophily declined or even if interactions with strangers became the norm. The model also predicts the coexistence of cooperators and defectors observed in the human population (polymorphism), and may explain why cooperators in behavioural experiments prefer to condition their contribution on the contributions of others (conditional cooperation in public goods games).
Geological perspectives of future equatorial sea level from the Sunda Shelf and Singapore
Authors: Shaw Timothy , Li Tanghua , Ng Trina , Cahill Niamh , Chua Stephen , Majewski Jedrzej , Nathan Yudhish , Garner Greg , Kopp Robert , Hanebuth Till , Switzer Adam , Horton Benjamin
Published: November 2022

Low-lying equatorial islands are susceptible to relative sea level (RSL) rise. Here, we quantify magnitudes and rates of RSL change since the last glacial maximum (LGM) to provide probability perspectives of future sea level. Geological reconstructions and instrumental records from the Sunda Shelf and Singapore show RSL rose ~ 121 m at rates up to ~ 15 mm/yr since the LGM, which reduced the paleogeographic landscape by ~ 2.3 million km2. In the 20th century, RSL began to rise, increasing at a rate of ~ 1.7 mm/yr to ~ 2.2 mm/yr between 1915 and 2020 CE. Future projections under a moderate emissions scenario show RSL rising 0.95 m at a rate of 7.3 mm/yr by 2150 which has only been exceeded (at least 99% probability) during rapid ice melting events ~ 14.5 and ~ 9 thousand years ago. Future projections under a high emissions scenario incorporating low confidence ice-sheet processes, however, have no precedent since the LGM.
Sleep disturbances and retardation in the prediction of cognitive impairments in patients with major depressive disorder
Authors: Wang Mi , Chen Wentao , Liu Bangshan , Ju Yumeng , Dong Qiangli , Lu Xiaowen , Sun Jinrong , Zhang Liang , Guo Hua , Zhao Futao , Li Weihui , Zhang Li , Li Zexuan , Liao Mei , Zhang Yan , Liu Jin , Li Lingjiang
Published: November 2022

Background: Symptoms of depression and comorbid anxiety have been regarded as risk factors responsible for cognitive impairment in major depressive disorder (MDD). However, it remains unclear which dimension of the depressive and anxiety symptoms predicts cognitive impairment during a depressive episode.
Methods: A comprehensive neurocognitive test battery was used to assess executive function, attention, processing speed, and memory in 162 medication-free patients with MDD and 142 matched healthy controls (HCs). The 24-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) was used to assess depressive symptoms (including 7 dimensions: retardation, cognitive disturbances, sleep disturbances, anxiety/somatization, weight loss, diurnal variation and hopelessness), and the 14-item Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A) was used to assess anxiety symptoms. Linear regression analyses and mediation analyses were conducted to evaluate the impact of depressive and anxiety symptoms, as well as their interactions, on cognitive impairments.
Results: Among the depressive symptoms, sleep disturbances were associated with poorer executive function, lower processing speed, and memory impairments, and retardation was associated with lower processing speed in patients with MDD. Notably, retardation was found to mediate the impact of sleep disturbances on the processing speed. With regard to anxiety symptoms, psychic anxiety, rather than somatic anxiety, was associated with cognitive impairments of all the four aspects. Furthermore, sleep disturbances were found to mediate the impact of psychic anxiety on executive function and memory, while retardation was found to mediate the impact of psychic anxiety on processing speed.
Conclusions: The present study provided preliminary evidence that sleep disturbances might be a significant predictor for poorer executive function, lower processing speed, and memory loss, while retardation might be a major factor for lower processing speed during a depressive episode.
Environmental predictors of SARS-CoV-2 infection incidence in Catalonia (northwestern Mediterranean)
Authors: Morató Jesús Planella , Pelegrí Josep Lluís , Rey Marta Martín , Abelló Anna Olivé , Vallès Xavier , Roca Josep , de Liria Carlos Rodrigo Gonzalo , Estrada Oriol , Casanova Ignasi Vallès
Published: November 2022

Numerous studies have explored whether and how the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) responds to environmental conditions without reaching unique or consistent answers. Sociodemographic factors such as variable population density or mobility as well as the lack of effective epidemiological monitoring difficult establishing robust correlations. Here we carry out a regional cross-correlation study between nine atmospheric variables and an infection index (Ic) estimated from standardized positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test cases. The correlations and associated time-lags are used to build a linear multiple-regression model between weather conditions and the Ic index. Our results show that surface pressure and relative humidity can predict COVID-19 outbreaks during periods of relatively minor mobility and meeting restrictions. The occurrence of low-pressure systems, associated with the autumn onset, leads to weather and behavioral changes that intensify the virus transmission. These findings suggest that surface pressure and relative humidity are key environmental factors in the seasonal dynamics of the COVID-19 spread, which may be used to improve COVID-19 forecast models.
Efficacy and tolerability of SEDIFLÙ® in treating dry or productive cough in the paediatric population (SEPEDIA). A pilot, randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre clinical trial.
Authors: Nuñez Carlos , Chiatti María Cristina , Tansella Francesco , Coronel Cristóbal , Risco Ester
Published: November 2022

Background: Nonpharmacological interventions, such as throat and pharynx demulcents and emollients, are an alternative for cough management and mucosa protection, especially in children, who experience upper respiratory infection-associated acute cough almost four times more than adults. The aim of this trial was to assess the effectiveness of Sediflù®, a medical device containing active herbal ingredients, on nocturnal and diurnal persistent coughs in children, with a duration of 3 to 7 days.
Methods: Children with a dry and/or productive cough were enrolled in this prospective, interventional, multicentre, placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized clinical study. Clinical efficacy was assessed through the evaluation of the soothing action of Sediflù® against dry and/or productive coughing, both at night and during the day and other effects of coughing associated with quality of sleep: frequency, child’s quality of sleep, parental quality of sleep, severity and bothersomeness.
Results: Treatment with Sediflù® improved both night- and day-time cough scores from D2. The improvement of the night-time cough score is statistically significantly higher in the Sediflù® group (28% and 71% lower) at D4 and D7, respectively, in comparison to the placebo group (p<0.05). The diurnal score improved significantly in the Sediflù® group (22% and 71% lower) at D3 and D7, respectively, in comparison to the placebo group (p<0.05 and p<0.01, respectively).
There was also a significant decrease in the scores of five nocturnal variables associated with sleep quality (frequency, severity, bothersomeness, child’s and parental quality of sleep) from D2, and it was maintained throughout the rest of the days (D3-D7). Considering the inter-group analysis, Sediflù® showed a more significant improvement for frequency, severity, bothersomeness, child’s and parental quality of sleep (70%, 51%, 52%, 58% and 66% lower, respectively) at D7, in comparison to the placebo group (p<0.01).
The analysis of a subgroup of children, with cough scores ≥ 3, showed a significant reduction of both frequency and severity scores from the first day of treatment with Sediflù® (p<0.05).
Conclusions: Sediflù® syrup can be considered a valid treatment for cough management, especially in younger children with upper respiratory tract infections, shortening the cough duration in children, with a very good safety profile.
Trial registration: NEOPS-AEMPS, NEOPS Num 20-0040, Registered 22 December 2020, https://neops.aemps.es/
A randomized controlled trial of adjuvant inhalable sodium bicarbonate role in treatment of COVID-19
Authors: El-Badrawy Mohammad , Elmorsey Rehab , shehta Mohammed , El-Hadidy Tamer , abdelwahab ibrahim , El-Badrawy Adel , Shokeir Ahmed
Published: November 2022

Entry of coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) into a host cell is pH dependent. Intracellular alkalinization by sodium bicarbonate (SB) could elevate endosomal pH and block viral entry into the host cells. So, we assessed the role of inhalable SB as an adjuvant treatment for COVID-19 in the study groups of this randomized, controlled trial. Here we show a significantly shorter duration to clinical improvement and hospital stay in the study group, while the number of deaths is significantly less only in severe grade of the study group. But the time to death is not significantly different in both groups. CRP and d-dimer levels are significantly lower in the severe cases of the study group. The overall median CT score is significantly better in the study group at one & 2 months. Our data thus suggest that inhaled SB (8.4%) could be a possible adjuvant therapy for patients with moderate and severe COVID‑19 pneumonia.
Ultrasonic Measurement of the Narrowest Transverse Diameter of Subglottic Airway in Children Undergoing Elective Tracheal Intubation under General Anesthesia
Authors: Zheng Fang , Dou Zhilan , Lin Yawen , Ding Leiming , Zhu Kailai , Cheng Hao
Published: November 2022

Backgroud: it was to study the application effect of ultrasonic measurement of the narrowest airway transverse diameter (TD) at the horizontal position of subglottic cricoid cartilage in the selection of endotracheal tube (ETT) in children with elective tracheal intubation (TI) under general anesthesia (GA).
Methods: 65 children undergoing elective TI under GA were enrolled as research objects, including 29 males and 21 females. There were 35 cases received uncuffed ETT while 30 cases adopted cuffed one. The type of ETTs was selected by ultrasonic measurement of TD of the subglottic airway and the age equation. The correlation between age, height, weight, subglottic airway TD and clinical optimal inner diameter (ID) of ETT was analyzed statistically. Results: The accuracy of ultrasonic measurement method and age equation method with uncuffed ETT were 91.42% and 54.28%, respectively (P<0.05). The accuracy with cuffed ETT turned out to be 86.66% and 36.66%, respectively (P<0.05). There were correlations of age, height, weight, and subglottic airway TD with ID of the uncuffed or cuffed ETTs. The higher correlation was shown between subglottic airway TD and ID of ETT. Conclusion: The narrowest airway measurement by ultrasonography at the horizontal position of subglottic cricoid cartilage could be applied to evaluate the selection of uncuffed or cuffed ETT during TI under GA in children. This method was simple to operate, accurate, and worthy of clinical application significance.
Betaine suppresses hepatic steatosis: Inhibition of FoxO6 and PPARγ interaction
Authors: Kim Mi Eun , Park Min Hi , Lee Jun Sik , Kim Dae Hyun
Published: November 2022

Betaine is the major water-soluble component of Lycium chinensis. Although there are reports of a protective effect of betaine on fatty liver disease, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. We investigated the effects of betaine on forkhead box O6 (FoxO6) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) expression, which are associated with hepatic lipid accumulation. In this study, we attempted to elucidate the molecular regulation of betaine on hyperglycemia-induced lipid accumulation via FoxO6 activation. HepG2 cells and liver tissue isolated from db/db mice treated with betaine at a dose of 50 mg/kg/day for 3 weeks were used. In the present study, we investigated whether betaine ameliorates hepatic steatosis by inhibiting FoxO6/PPARγ signaling in liver cells. Interestingly, betaine notably decreased lipid accumulation in FoxO6-induced mRNA expression of lipogenesis-related genes. In addition, hepatic insulin signaling was decreased; and activation of FoxO6, which is negatively regulated by Akt, was reduced by betaine treatment. Furthermore, betaine inhibited the FoxO6 interaction with PPARγ and cellular triglycerides in high-glucose- or FoxO6-overexpression-treated liver cells. In addition, we confirmed that betaine administration via oral gavage significantly ameliorated hepatic steatosis in db/db mice. The protein level of PPARγ, a lipogenic transcription factor, was decreased in the livers of db/db mice. Therefore, it has previously been shown to induce hepatic steatosis. We conclude that betaine ameliorates hepatic steatosis, at least in part, by inhibiting the interaction between FoxO6 and PPARγ, thereby suppressing lipogenic gene transcription.
Global health open-source goggles for fluorescence-guided surgery
Authors: Shmuylovich Leonid , O'Brien Christine , Nwosu Karen , Achilefu Samuel
Published: November 2022

Fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS), coupled with novel near infrared (NIR) fluorescent contrast agents, has significant potential to improve health but in current practice is less suitable for low resource settings. Although there are efforts to simplify FGS systems, technical, economic, and logistic challenges have hampered its global adoption. To overcome these impediments, we developed a low-cost, open-source, battery-powered and fully wearable FGS system called the fluorescence imaging augmented reality Raspberry Pi-based goggle system (FAR-Pi). Compared to current technologies that are expensive, bulky, and wall-powered, FAR-Pi has higher spatial resolution, depth of focus and fluorescence sensitivity. The FAR-Pi system has broad appeal by detecting the diverse fluorescence of NIR contrast agents undergoing clinical trials, as demonstrated by the successful identification of tumors in vivo with LS301, a tumor-targeting NIR contrast agent. As an open-source, inexpensive, and modifiable system, FAR-Pi promises to broaden access to FGS, thereby improving health worldwide.
Assessment of small scale mine rock slope stability and blast induce effect monitoring as a way forward to a sustainable dolomite mining in Akoko Edo, Nigeria
Authors: Taiwo Blessing Olamide , Yewuhalashet F. , Ogunyemi O.B. , Babatuyi V.A , Okobe E.I. , Orhu E.A.
Published: November 2022

Blast-induced noise and ground vibrations are two of the most significant challenges in blast rock fragmentation, and they can have an impact on mine stability and the safety of personnel and machines nearby. As a result, evaluating the slope stability and the contribution of powder factor on ground vibration and noise induced by blasting in small scale mines plays an important role in improving mine sustainability. The results of slope stability assessment and the effect of explosive charge on blast induced ground vibration and noise level at selected carbonate rock quarries in Akoko Edo, Nigeria are presented in this paper. The purpose of this research is to examine the slope stability of a mine using kinematic analysis and slope mass rating techniques, as well as to determine the relationship between powder factor and ground vibration and noise caused by blasting. According to the study results, the average blast induced noise and ground vibration from the nine blast rounds are 123–151 Kb and 2.43 mm/s to 5.03 mm/s, respectively. According to the findings, the powder factor has a positive relationship with blast-induced ground vibration and noise level. The findings also show that the results of SMR and kinematic slope analysis techniques are similar with less variation and can be used to assess slope stability in practice.
The role of experts and expertise in practices of citizen engagement in climate policy: a comparative analysis of two contrasting cases
Authors: Beek Lisette van , Mouter Niek , Pelzer Peter , Hajer Maarten , Vuuren Detlef van
Published: November 2022

The need for engaging citizens in climate policymaking is increasingly recognised. Despite indications that the form of expert involvement can strongly shape the outcomes, this remains scarcely researched. We analysed two unique and contrasting cases of citizen engagement in national climate mitigation policy: 1) the Irish Citizens’ Assembly (ICA), the first national climate assembly involving live expert presentations and face-to-face deliberations; and 2) the Participatory Value Evaluation (PVE) on Dutch climate policymaking, where more than 10,000 citizens compared policy options in an online environment based on expert-based information on policy effects. Taking a dramaturgical approach, we found that the opening-up and closing-down of policy options and perspectives was influenced by the setting, staging and scripting of expertise. The simple and online format of the PVE allows for opening-up towards a diverse set of normative perspectives, but a small set of policy options. In contrast, the deliberative setting of a climate assembly enables deliberation on a wider set of policy options, but a limited range of normative perspectives. Apart from providing information on policy options, experts had significant roles in design choices and formulating recommendations, which further shaped citizens’ deliberations and policy advice. Future research should further investigate the role of experts and expertise across a wider range of practices. Nevertheless, we conclude that the high degree of required technical knowledge in climate mitigation policy naturally implies a strong influence of expert involvement, which concomitantly steers the results. Alternatively, we may search to enhance citizens’ engagement in guiding climate policymakers focusing on citizens’ normative perspectives.
Functional assessment of renal damage in children with primary vesicoureteral reflux
Authors: Zhu Yaju , Li Yufeng , Jin Jing , Ni Jiajia
Published: November 2022

Objectives: To evaluate the renal function damage in children with primary vesicoureteral reflux (VUR).
Methods: A total of 226 children with VUR (65 cases with left, 39 with right, and 122 cases with bilateral VUR) were screened. Eighty-five urinary tract infection (UTI) cases, without urinary malformations, during the same period were collected as controls. Age at diagnosis, body weight, renal ultrasound, VUR grade, serum creatinine level, dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) level, and effective renal plasma flow (ERPF) values were retrospectively analyzed.
Results: There were no significant differences in age at diagnosis between study groups. Total ERPF was significantly lower in the bilateral VUR group than in the control group. The ERPF in unilateral VUR was significantly lower than that in the contralateral or ipsilateral side in the control group (P<0.001). The mean split renal function, as assessed by DMSA of VUR, was 28.00% and 29.12% on the left and right sides, respectively, both of which were lower than the control group’s 40.27%. Renal deterioration was also correlated with renal scarring (P=0.003), a VUR grade (P=0.008), a transverse diameter (P=0.002), and renal pelvic separation (P=0.037).
Conclusion: Split renal function was impaired in the reflux kidney. The total ERPF in the bilateral VUR group was lower than that in the unilateral VUR group. Renal deterioration was correlated with renal scarring, a VUR grade, a transverse diameter, and renal pelvis separation.
Conventional v/s Microsurgical Approach in the Management of Gingival Recession Using De – Epithelialized Gingival Graft - A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Patil Pooja , NK Sowmya , GV Gayathri , MG Triveni
Published: November 2022

OBJECTIVE: The use of a surgical microscope in periodontal plastic surgeries enhances the visual perception and illuminates the surgical field leading to precise incisions and adaptation of the flap resulting in aesthetically acceptable root coverage. Hence, the aim of the study was to compare and evaluate the clinical outcome of conventional and microsurgical approaches in the management of isolated gingival recession using a de-epithelialized gingival graft. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 24 patients exhibiting either Miller Class I or II recession were treated using coronally advanced flap with de-epithelialized gingival graft. 12 patients were managed using conventional technique and other 12 patients under surgical microscope. Clinical parameters included gingival index, plaque index, probing depth, recession depth, width of keratinized gingiva, and gingival thickness were measured at baseline and 4 months post-operatively. Visual analog scale for pain was recorded on day 3, 5 and 7 and wound healing index was recorded on 3rd and 5th day. Root surface area covered was analysed using ImageJ software. RESULTS: Both the groups demonstrated clinically significant improvements in terms of clinical parameters from baseline. There was a statistically significant reduction in pain on the 3rd and 5th day in the microsurgical group compared to the conventional group. The microsurgical group showed a significant improvement in healing on 3rd day than the conventional group. CONCLUSION: Within the limits of this study, it can be concluded that the use of magnifying tools like surgical microscope along with microsurgical instruments and sutures aids in aesthetically accepted outcomes with less post-operative morbidity.CLINICAL RELEVANCE:Use of magnification tools aid in precise handling of the tissue and better healing.TRIAL REGISTRATION:Clinical Trials Registry – India, Identification number CTRI/2021/07/035251.