bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increased BMSC Exosomal miR-140-3p Alleviates Bone Degradation and Promotes Bone Restoration by Targeting Plxnb1 in Diabetic Rats
Authors: Wang Ning , Liu Xuanchen , Tang Zhen , Wei Xinghui , Dong Hui , Liu Yichao , Wu Hao , Wu Zhigang , Li Xiaokang , Ma Xue , Guo Zheng
Published: November 2021

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is considered to be an important factor for bone degeneration disorders such as bone defect nonunion, which is characterized by physical disability and tremendous economy cost to families and society. Exosomal miRNAs of BMSCs have been reported to participate in osteoblastogenesis and modulating bone formation. However, their impacts on the development of bone degeneration in DM are not yet known. The role of miRNAs in BMSCs exosomes on regulating hyperglycemia bone degeneration was investigated in the present study. Results: The osteogenic potential in bone defect repair of exosomes derived from diabetes mellitus BMSCs derived exosomes (DM-Exos) were revealed to be lower than that in normal BMSCs derived exosomes (N-Exos) in vitro and in vivo. Here, we demonstrate that miR-140-3p level was significantly altered in exosomes derived from BMSCs, ADSCs and serum from DM rats. In in vitro experiments, upregulated miR-140-3p exosomes promoted DM BMSCs differentiation into osteoblasts. The effects were exerted by miR-140-3p targeting plxnb1, plexin B1 is the receptor of semaphoring 4D(Sema4D) that inhibited osteocytes differentiation, thereby promoting bone formation. In DM rats with bone defect, miR-140-3p upregulated exosomes were transplanted into injured bone and accelerated bone regeneration. Besides, miR-140-3p in the exosomes was transferred into BMSCs and osteoblasts and promoted bone regeneration by targeting the plexin B1/RohA/ROCK signaling pathway. Conclusions: Normal-Exos and miR-140-3p overexpressed-Exos accelerated diabetic wound healing by promoting the osteoblastogenesis function of BMSCs through inhibition plexin B1 expression which is the receptor of Sema4D and the plexin B1/RhoA/ROCK pathway compared with diabetes mellitus-Exos. This offers a new insight and a new therapy for treating diabetic bone unhealing.
Diagnostic performance of total-body 18F-FDG PET/CT with fast 2-min acquisition for liver tumours: Comparison with conventional PET/CT
Authors: Hu Yan , Liu Guobing , Yu Haojun , Gu Jianying , Shi Hongcheng
Published: November 2021

PurposeTo comparatively evaluate the diagnostic performances of total-body 18F-FDG PET/CT with fast 2-min acquisition and conventional PET/CT in liver cancer patients.Methods This study included 156 patients with liver tumours. Seventy-eight patients underwent total-body PET/CT. PET raw data were reconstructed using acquisition durations of 2 min (G2) and 15 min (G15). Another 78 patients with liver lesions (control patients) underwent conventional uMI780 PET/CT (G780). All patients were evaluated based on TNM staging. The maximum tumour standardized uptake value (tumour SUVmax), mean normal liver SUV (SUVmean), and tumour SUVmax-to-liver SUVmean ratio (TLR) were determined for all patients. G15 data were used as the reference in the lesion detectability analysis. The diagnostic performances of PET/CT in terms of visual parameters and of PET in terms of semi-quantitative parameters such as SUVmax and TLR were evaluated. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis of SUVmax and TLR at G2 was performed. Pathologic findings of surgical specimens served as the gold standard for all patients.Results The lesions found in G15 were also noted in G2; three lymph nodes were missed in G2; however, no significant difference was found in the TNM stage among G2, G15, and G780. For benign and malignant lesions, the liver SUVmean in G2 and G15 was higher than that in G780 (all P < 0.05). The tumour SUVmax and TLR in G2 were equivalent to those in G15 and G780 regardless of whether the lesions were benign or malignant. ROC curve analysis (SUVmax cut-off: 4.34, TLR cut-off: 1.34) demonstrated that G2 also had good sensitivity in detecting liver cancer. ﻿Conclusion The diagnostic performance of total-body PET/CT in G2 was comparable to that in G15 among liver cancer patients. Further, the diagnostic efficiency of total-body PET/CT imaging with fast 2-min acquisition and conventional PET/CT was similar.
Discussion on the Key Factors for the Treatment of Extremely High-risk Abdominal Trauma Patients With Partial Full-thickness Abdominal Wall Defects
Authors: Gong JiaQing , Pang MingHui , Li Wei , Luo GuoDe , Yuan ZhiBing , Zhang Bin
Published: November 2021

BackgroundPatients with extremely high-risk abdominal trauma and full-thickness necrosis and defects of the partial abdominal wall are clinically rare, and the treatments for these patients are very difficult and complex . In this study, we will explore the key factors for successful treatment of these patients . MethodsThree patients with extremely high-risk abdominal trauma and partial full-thickness abdominal wall defects were involved in this retrospective study, and one representative case was emphatically reviewed. According to the theory of damage control surgery,the consultation and coordinated treatment of multidisciplinary team(MDT) were involved firstly, then, stepped multiple operations,such as partial perforated small bowel resection, full-thickness abdominal wall defects repair, vacuum sealing drainage (VSD), and wounds skin grafts, were performed, meanwhile, systemic life resuscitation was strengthened. ResultsTwo patients were cured and discharged after 3 and 9 operations respectively. One patient suffered 2 operations and eventually died of lung infection and respiratory failure. ConclusionThe determination and responsibility of surgeons, rational use of damage control theory and multidisciplinary cooperation should be the keys for successful treatment.
Expression Profile and Prognostic Value of CXCR Family Members in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Shen Yiming , Zhou Chongchang , Cao Yujie , Li Qun , Deng Hongxia , Gu Shanshan , Wu Yidong , Shen Zhisen
Published: November 2021

Background: CXC chemokine receptor gene family consists of seven well-established members which are broadly involved in biological functions of various cancers. Currently, limited studies have shed light on the expression profile of CXCR family members (CXCRs), as well as their prognostic value, in head and neck squamous cells carcinoma (HNSCC). Methods: The data for this study were retrieved from the Cancer Genome Atlas database and other publicly available databases, including gene expression, methylation profiles, clinical information, immunological features and prognoses. The expression pattern and prognostic values of CXCRs were identified, and the potential mechanism underlying CXCRs function in HNSCC was investigated by gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Results: CXCRs were differentially expressed in HNSCC. As shown by Kaplan Meier analysis, high CXCR3-6 expression was significantly associated with better prognostic outcomes of HNSCC patients, including overall survival and progression-free survival. According to the results of univariate and multivariate Cox proportional risk regression analysis, it was demonstrated that upregulation of CXCR3-6 was an independent factor for better prognosis, while the two other clinical features, age and stage, were factors for worse prognosis. A significant positive correlation between CXCR3-6 and tumor-infiltrated immune cells was revealed by results from Tumor Immune Estimation Resource and CIBERSORT analysis database. The main involvement of CXCRs in immune and inflammatory responses was further confirmed by GSEA. Conclusions: Overall, this study provided a rationale for targeting CXCRs as a promising therapeutic strategy of HNSCC.
Predicting Survival in Patients with Glioblastoma Using MRI Radiomic Features Extracted from Radiation Planning Volumes
Authors: Geraghty Benjamin , Dasgupta Archya , Sandhu Michael , Malik Nauman , Maralani Pejman Jabehdar , Detsky Jay , Tseng Chia-Lin , Soliman Hany , Myrehaug Sten , Husain Zain , Perry James , Lau Angus , Sahgal Arjun , Czarnota Gregory
Published: November 2021

Background: Quantitative image analysis using pre-operative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been able to predict survival in patients with glioblastoma (GBM). The study explored the role of postoperative radiation (RT) planning MRI-based radiomics to predict the outcomes, with features extracted from the gross tumor volume (GTV) and clinical target volume (CTV). Methods: Patients with IDH-wildtype GBM treated with adjuvant RT having MRI as a part of RT planning process were included in the study. 546 features were extracted from each GTV and CTV. A LASSO Cox model was applied, and internal validation was performed using leave-one-out cross-validation with overall survival as endpoint. Cross-validated time-dependent area under curve (AUC) was constructed to test the efficacy of the radiomics model, and clinical features were used to generate a combined model. Analysis was done for the entire group and in individual surgical groups-gross total excision (GTR), subtotal resection (STR), and biopsy. Results: 235 patients were included in the study with 57, 118, and 60 in the GTR, STR, and biopsy subgroup, respectively. Using the radiomics model, binary risk groups were feasible in the entire cohort (p<0.01) and biopsy group (p=0.04), but not in the other 2 surgical groups individually. The integrated AUC (iAUC) was 0.613 for radiomics-based classification in the biopsy subgroup, which improved to 0.632 with the inclusion of clinical features. Conclusion: Imaging features extracted from the GTV and CTV regions can lead to risk-stratification of GBM undergoing biopsy, while it was redundant for patients with GTR and STR.
Could the candidate causal gene (LZTFL1) identified by Oxford University scientists, which doubles the risk of COVID-19-related respiratory failure, be used to boost the Weak immunogenicity of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines in patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)???. A double edged sward
Authors: Elkazzaz Mahmoud Ramadan , Abo-Amer Yousry Esam-Eldin , Ahmed Amr , Haydara Tamer
Published: November 2021

Patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) have an increased risk of severe infections due to disease- and treatment-related immunodeficiency. As a result, patients with hematologic malignancies have been given priority for primary COVID-19 vaccination. Unfortunately, many studies have suggested that patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) who have been fully vaccinated can develop severe and often fatal complications. Therefore, adjuvants that can induce mRNA vaccine efficacy are desperately needed for this category of patients with haematological malignancies. A recent, study by Oxford University scientists showed that leucine zipper transcription factor-like 1(LZTFL1), as a candidate causal gene and its enhancer the rs17713054 A risk allele was significantly responsible for the twofold increased risk of respiratory failure from COVID-19 associated with 3p21.31.By using sequence analysis, the risk allele generates a second CCAAT/enhancer binding protein beta (CEBPB) motif in the enhancer. Moreover, neither LZTFL1 variants found in T cells nor B cells are responsible for increasing death risk from COVID-19 infection according to oxford study. Here, we propose attestable hypothesis that trans retinoic acid could enhance the immune response in vaccinated patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) according to the recent findings of Oxford scientists by inducing the casual gene(LZTFL1) in CD4 T cells and inhibiting (CEBPB) motif.
Could the candidate causal gene (LZTFL1) identified by Oxford University scientists, which doubles the risk of COVID-19-related respiratory failure, be used to boost the Weak immunogenicity of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines in patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)???. A double edged sward
Authors: Elkazzaz Mahmoud Ramadan , Abo-Amer Yousry Esam-Eldin , Ahmed Amr , Haydara Tamer
Published: November 2021

Patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) have an increased risk of severe infections due to disease- and treatment-related immunodeficiency. As a result, patients with hematologic malignancies have been given priority for primary COVID-19 vaccination. Unfortunately, many studies have suggested that patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) who have been fully vaccinated can develop severe and often fatal complications. Therefore, adjuvants that can induce mRNA vaccine efficacy are desperately needed for this category of patients with haematological malignancies. A recent, study by Oxford University scientists showed that leucine zipper transcription factor-like 1(LZTFL1), as a candidate causal gene and its enhancer the rs17713054 A risk allele was significantly responsible for the twofold increased risk of respiratory failure from COVID-19 associated with 3p21.31.By using sequence analysis, the risk allele generates a second CCAAT/enhancer binding protein beta (CEBPB) motif in the enhancer. Moreover, neither LZTFL1 variants found in T cells nor B cells are responsible for increasing death risk from COVID-19 infection according to oxford study. Here, we propose attestable hypothesis that trans retinoic acid could enhance the immune response in vaccinated patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) according to the recent findings of Oxford scientists by inducing the casual gene(LZTFL1) in CD4 T cells and inhibiting (CEBPB) motif.Conclusions Haematological malignancies (blood cancers) patients are more vulnerable to COVID-19 disuse severity and mortality. Un fortunately mRNA vaccine seem to be less effective with weak immune response and insufficient level of generated antibodies in this category of patients. Therefore we suggest all trans retinoic acid is a good candidate as mRNA COVID-19 vaccine adjuvant via inducing LZTFL1 gene in CD4Tcells and this activation could improve the immune response and increase the level of the generated antibodies. Moreover LZTFL1 gene in CD4 T cells is not associated with increasing risk of COVID-19 infection because of absence of its enhancer(The risk allele of the SNP, rs17713054 A) in immune cells according to oxford recent study. In addition to all trans retinoic acid could inhibit CCAAT/enhancer binding protein beta motif that is generated by The risk allele of the SNP, rs17713054 A
Tree Diet: Reducing the Treewidth to Unlock FPT Algorithms in RNA Bioinformatics
Authors: Marchand Bertrand , Ponty Yann , Bulteau Laurent
Published: November 2021

Hard graph problems are ubiquitous in Bioinformatics, inspiring the design of specialized Fixed-Parameter Tractable algorithms, many of which rely on a combination of tree-decomposition and dynamic programming. The time/space complexities of such approaches hinge critically on low values for the treewidth tw of the input graph. In order to extend their scope of applicability, we introduce the Tree-Diet problem, i.e. the removal of a minimal set of edges such that a given tree-decomposition can be slimmed down to a prescribed treewidth tw. Our rationale is that the time gained thanks to a smaller treewidth in a parameterized algorithm compensates the extra post-processing needed to take deleted edges into account. Our core result is an FPT dynamic programming algorithm for Tree-Diet, using 2^O(tw)n time and space. We complement this result with parameterized complexity lower-bounds for stronger variants (e.g., NP-hardness when tw or tw − tw is constant). We propose a prototype implementation for our approach which we apply on difficult instances of selected RNA-based problems: RNA design, sequence-structure alignment, and search of pseudoknotted RNAs in genomes, revealing very encouraging results. This work paves the way for a wider adoption of tree-decomposition-based algorithms in Bioinformatics.
Placing equity at the heart of eHealth implementation: A qualitative pilot study
Authors: Heinsch Milena , Tickner Campbell , Kay-Lambkin Frances
Published: November 2021

Background
There is a growing urgency to tackle issues of equity and justice in the implementation of eHealth technologies.
Methods
Qualitative interviews were conducted with 19 multidisciplinary health professionals to explore the implementation and uptake of eHealth technologies in practice. Results were analysed using Nancy Fraser’s social justice framework to identify key dimensions and patterns of distribution, recognition, and participation in the implementation of digital health services.
Results
Health professionals reported that eHealth offered their clients a greater sense of safety, convenience, and flexibility, allowing them to determine the nature and pace of their healthcare, and giving them more control over their treatment and recovery. However, they also expressed concerns about the use of eHealth with clients whose home environment is unsafe. Application of Fraser’s social justice framework revealed that eHealth technologies may not always provide a secure clinical space in which the voices of vulnerable clients can be recognised and heard. It also highlighted critical systemic and cultural barriers that hinder the representation of clients’ voices in the decision to use eHealth technologies and perpetuate inequalities in the distribution of eHealth services.
Conclusions
To facilitate broad participation, eHealth tools need to be adaptable to the needs and circumstances of diverse groups. Future implementation science efforts must also be directed at identifying and addressing the underlying structures that hinder equitable recognition, representation, and distribution in the implementation of eHealth resources.
Visualising and predicting the COVID-19 outbreak in Malaysia using network analysis and support vector regression
Authors: Sharin Siti Nurhidayah , Radzali Mohamad Khairil , Sani Muhamad Shirwan Abdullah
Published: November 2021

Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) was first discovered in December 2019 in Wuhan, China and spread quickly throughout the world, affecting the economy, social disruption, and public health. Concerning confirmed and death COVID-19 cases in Malaysia, the correlation of states and prediction model using support vector regression (SVR) associated with COVID-19 in Malaysia are yet to discover. Hence, the proposed works employ network analysis and SVR from July 2020 (Q3 2020) until June 2021 (Q2 2021) based on given data by the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MoH) (i) to correlate and visualise the COVID-19 pandemic spread between the states and (ii) to predict the cumulative number of COVID-19 confirmed and death cases. Network analysis was employed using Spearman rank coefficients and revealed an increasing degree of connectedness between different states, thus pinpointing key actors of transmission. Meanwhile, the proposed SVR predictive model could forecast the future COVID-19 cases and deaths (July 2021 to December 2021), with an excellent regression score (R2 = 0.829) and low mean squared error (MSE = 0.171), as well as root mean square error (RMSE = 0.413); hence, making this model reliable enough. Current data demonstrate that network analysis and the SVR model provide insightful and potential information to minimise COVID-19 transmission.
Kilometer-scale structure on the core-mantle boundary
at the source of the Hawaiian mantle plume
Authors: Li Zhi , Leng Kuangdai , Jenkins Jennifer , Cottaar Sanne
Published: November 2021

The lowermost mantle right above the core-mantle boundary is highly heterogeneous containing multiple poorly understood seismic features visible across a wide range of length scales. The smallest but most extreme heterogeneities yet observed are 'Ultra-Low Velocity Zones' (ULVZ), several of which have recently been linked to the base of mantle plumes. We exploit seismic shear waves that diffract along the core-mantle boundary to provide new insight into these enigmatic structures. We demonstrate that these waves have a strong frequency-dependent sensitivity to structure at different length scales above the core-mantle boundary. We measure a rare core-diffracted signal refracted by a ULVZ at the base of the Hawaiian mantle plume at unprecedentedly high frequencies. This signal shows remarkably longer time delays at higher compared to lower frequencies, indicating extreme internal variability within the Hawaiian ULVZ. Utilizing the latest computational advances in 3D synthetic waveform modeling, we are able to model this high frequency signal and constrain high-resolution structure on the scale of kilometers at the core-mantle boundary, for the first time. Results reveal that the lowermost part of the Hawaiian ULVZ is extremely reduced in shear wave velocity, by up to -40%. This new observation suggests a chemically distinct ULVZ with increasing iron content towards the core-mantle boundary, which has implications for Earth’s early evolutionary history and core-mantle interaction.
What Makes Community Health Worker Models for Tuberculosis Active Case Finding Work? A Cross-Sectional Study of TB REACH Projects to Identify Success Factors for Increasing Case Notifications
Authors: Dam Thu A. , Forse Rachel , Tran Phuong M.T. , Vo Luan N.Q. , Codlin Andrew J. , Nguyen Lan P. , Creswell Jacob
Published: November 2021

Background
In the field of tuberculosis (TB), Community Healthcare Workers (CHWs) have been engaged for advocacy, case detection, and patient support in a wide range of settings. Estimates predict large-sale shortfalls of healthcare workers in low- and middle-income settings by 2030 and strategies are needed to optimize the health workforce to achieve universal availability and accessibility of healthcare. In 2018, the World Health Organization (WHO) published guidelines on best practices for CHW engagement, and identified remaining knowledge gaps. Stop TB Partnership’s TB REACH initiative has supported interventions using CHWs to deliver TB care in over 30 countries, and utilized the same primary indicator to measure project impact at the population-level for all TB active case finding projects, which makes the results comparable across multiple settings. This study compiled 10 years of implementation data from the initiative’s grantee network to begin to address key knowledge gaps in CHW networks.
Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional study analyzing the TB REACH data repository (n=123) and primary survey responses (n=50) of project implementers. We designed a survey based on WHO guidelines to understand projects’ practices on CHW recruitment, training, activities, supervision, compensation, and sustainability. We segmented projects by TB notification impact and fitted linear random-effect regression models to identify practices associated with higher changes in notifications.
Results
Most projects employed CHWs for advocacy alongside case finding and holding activities. Model characteristics associated with higher project impact included incorporating e-learning in training and having the prospect of CHWs continuing their responsibilities at the close of a project. Factors that trended towards being associated with higher impact were community-based training, differentiated contracts, and non-monetary incentives.
Conclusion
In line with WHO guidelines, our findings emphasize that successful implementation approaches provide CHWs with comprehensive training, continuous supervision, fair compensation, and are integrated within the existing primary healthcare system. However, we encountered a great degree of heterogeneity in CHW engagement models, resulting in few practices clearly associated with higher notifications.
Site Specific Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Model for Isfahan, Iran: Estimates and Uncertainties
Authors: Kohrangi Mohsen , Safaei Homayon , Danciu Laurentiu , Tajmir-Riahi Hossein , Ajalloeian Rassoul , Bazzurro Paolo
Published: November 2021

We present a seismic source characterization model for the probabilistic seismic hazard assessment (PSHA) of the Isfahan urban area, Iran. We compiled the required datasets including the earthquake catalogue and the geological and seismotectonic structure and faults systems within the study region to delineate and characterize seismic source models. We identified seven relatively large zones that bound each region with similar seismotectonic characteristics and catalogue completeness periods. These regions were used for calculating the b-value of the Gutenberg-Richter magnitude recurrence relationship and for estimating the maximum magnitude value within each region. The recurrence parameters were then used to build a spatially varying distributed seismic source model using a smoothed kernel. Additionally, based on a fault database developed in this study and on a local expert’s opinion about their slip velocity, an active faults based model is also created. We further performed sets of sensitivity analyses to find stable estimates of the ground motion intensity and to define alternative branches for both the seismogenic source and ground motion prediction models. Site amplification is considered based on a Vs30 map for Isfahan compiled within this study. The alternative source and ground motion prediction models considered in the logic tree of this study are then implemented in the software Open Quake to generate hazard maps and uniform hazard spectra for return periods of interest. Finally, we provide a detailed comparison of the PSHA outcomes of the current study both with those presented in the 2014 Earthquake Model of Middle East (EMME14) and with the national seismic design spectrum to further discuss the discrepancies between hazard estimates from site-specific and regional PSHA studies.
Spectral and ASE Properties of 1-(4-Methylsulfonyl Phenyl)-3-(4-N, N Dimethyl Amino Phenyl)-2-Propen-1-One (MSPPP)
Authors: Attia Mohana , Elbadawi Abdelrahman A. , Ibnaouf K.H.
Published: November 2021

This work demonstrates the spectral and amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) properties of a new chalcone laser dye material of 1-(4-methylsulfonyl phenyl)-3-(4-N, N dimethyl amino phenyl)-2-propen-1-one (MSPPP). The absorption, fluorescence, Stokes’ shift and quantum yield were obtained using different organic solvents. The energy band gap was calculated and compared with that of 3-[4-(dimethylamino) phenyl]-1-phenyl-(2E)-propen- 1-one (DAPPP). These include absorption, fluorescence, stokes shift, and amplified spontaneous emission (ASE). The absorption spectra of MSPPP showed a wavelength band in the range 403–427 nm, whereas the fluorescence spectra exhibited a band at 472–533 nm. ASE was observed under pump pulse laser excitation, and the wavelengths were attuned from 511 to 548 nm.
COVID-19 Mortality in Italy Varies by Patient Age, Sex and Pandemic Wave
Authors: Minnai Francesca , Bellis Gianluca , Dragani Tommaso A. , Colombo Francesca
Published: November 2021

SARS-CoV-2 has caused a worldwide epidemic of enormous proportions, which resulted in different mortality rates in different countries for unknown reasons. We analyzed factors associated with mortality using data from the Italian national database of SARS-CoV-2-positive cases, including more than 4 million cases, >415 thousand hospitalized for coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) and >127 thousand deceased. For patients for whom age, sex and date of infection detection were available, we determined the impact of these variables on mortality 30 days after the date of diagnosis or hospitalization. Multivariable Cox analysis showed that each of the analyzed variables independently affected COVID-19 mortality. Specifically, in the overall series, age was the main risk factor for mortality, with HR >100 in the age groups older than 65 years compared with a reference group of 15-44 years. Male sex presented a two-fold higher risk of death than females. Patients infected after the first pandemic wave, defined up to 30 June 2020, had about 3-fold lower risk of death than those infected during the first wave. Thus, in a series of all confirmed SARS-CoV-2-infected cases in an entire European nation, elderly age was by far the most significant risk factor for COVID-19 mortality, confirming that protecting the elderly should be a priority in pandemic management. Male sex and being infected during the first wave were additional risk factors associated with COVID-19 mortality.
Conventional Low-density Particleboards Produced With Particles From Mauritia Flexuosa and Eucalyptus Spp. Wood
Authors: Faria Douglas Lamounier , Guimarães Jane Cecília Oliveira , Protásio Thiago de Paula , Mendes Lourival Marin , Junior José Benedito Guimarães
Published: November 2021

The use of alternative raw materials to produce particleboards is an interesting strategy to add value to lignocellulosic biomass and diversify the forest products industry. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential for using Mauritia flexuosa particles in association with Eucalyptus spp. wood for the production of particleboards. Prior to the production of the panels, the raw materials were evaluated for basic density and chemical composition. The panels were produced with particles of Eucalyptus spp. and Mauritia flexuosa in mass proportions of 100/0%, 90/10%, 80/20%, 70/30% and 60/40%, respectively. The quality of the particleboards was evaluated by water absorption and thickness swelling, internal bonding and static bending tests. As Eucalyptus spp. particles were replaced by Mauritia flexuosa, the panels showed less dimensional stability, due to the fact that the compression ratio increased due to the lower density of Mauritia flexuosa particles. The substitution of 1% of Mauritia flexuosa particles caused a reduction of 10.49 MPa for MOE, 0.09 MPa for MOR and 0.01 MPa for internal bonding. The results demonstrate that it is feasible to replace up to 17.5% of Eucalyptus spp. wood with particles from Mauritia flexuosa so that the panels have physical and mechanical properties appropriate to the marketing standards.
Theoretical Formulation/Development of Signal Sampling with an Equal Arc Length Using the Frame Theorem
Authors: Xu Chunying , Hu Junwei , Chen Jiawang , Cao Chen , Ge Youngqiang , Li Miao
Published: November 2021

Non-uniform sampling with equal arc length intervals can be found in shape measurements with contact sensor arrays. In this study, the conditions of non-uniform spatial sampling with an equal arc length interval are derived from two frame theorems. First, for general non-uniform sampling, the condition is that the equal arc length interval of the sensors should be less than 1/4Ω. Second, for strictly increasing sampling, the condition is that the equal arc length interval of the sensors should be less than 1/2Ω. The Ω is the maximum frequency of the detected object. For the latter, if the sampling frequency is more twice than the sampling frequency required, the reconstruction error (RRMSE and MRE) is less than 5%. If the sampling frequency is more than 2.5 times, the reconstruction error is less than 3%. The simulation and the experiment are carried out and the results show that a sensor array with equal arc length interval can reconstruct the detected object with high accuracy.
Immunogenicity of COVID-19 mRNA Vaccines in Immunocompromised Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Mehrabinejad Mohammad-Mehdi , Moosaie Fatemeh , Dehghanbanadaki Hojat , Hajighadery Abdolkarim , Shabani Mahya , Tabary Mohammadreza , Aryannejad Armin , SeyedAlinaghi SeyedAhmad , Rezaei Nima
Published: November 2021

Background

Immunocompromised (IC) patients are at higher risk of severe SARS-CoV-2 infection, morbidity, and mortality compared to general population. They should be prioritized for primary prevention through vaccination. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines in IC patients through a systematic review and meta-analysis approach.
Method

PubMed-MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for original articles reporting the immunogenicity of two doses of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines in adult patients with IC condition between June 1, 2020 and September 1, 2021. Meta-analysis was performed using either random or fixed effect according to the heterogeneity of the studies. Subgroup analysis was performed to identify potential sources of heterogeneity.
Results

A total of 26 studies on 3207 IC patients and 1726 healthy individuals were included. The risk of seroconversion in IC patients was 48% lower than those in controls (RR= 0.52 [0.42, 0.65]). IC patients with autoimmune condition were 54% and patients with malignancy were 42% more likely to have positive seroconversion compared to those with transplant (P<0.01). Subgroup meta-analysis based on type of malignancy, revealed significantly higher proportion of positive seroconversion in solid organ compared to hematologic malignancies (RR= 0.88 [0.85, 0.92] vs. 0.61 [0.44, 0.86], P= 0.03). Subgroup meta-analysis based on type of transplantation (kidney vs. others), showed no statically significant between group difference of seroconversion (P= 0.55).
Conclusions

IC patients, especially transplant patients, developed lower immunogenicity with two-dose of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. Among patients with IC, those with autoimmune condition and solid organ malignancies are mostly benefited from COVID-19 vaccination. Findings from this meta-analysis, could aid health care policy makers upon making decision regarding the importance of the booster dose or more strict personal protections in the IC patients.
Soziale Präsenz in Zeiten von CoViD-19 Distanz-Lehre
Authors: Gabriel Sonja , Pecher Helmut
Published: November 2021

Der vorliegende Beitrag beschreibt – nach Klärung der grundlegenden Begriffe des Emergency Remote Teaching (ERT) und des Konzepts der sozialen Präsenz - eine qualitative Studie, die an der KPH Wien/Krems von April bis November 2020 durchgeführt wurde. Lehramtsstudierende wurden befragt, wie sie die Umstellung auf Emergency Remote Teaching (= die Umstellung von Präsenz- auf Online-Lehre aufgrund der CoViD-19 Massnahmen) empfunden haben. Ein Kernstück der online durchgeführten Interviews war die Wahrnehmung sozialer Präsenz, also das Wahrnehmen anderer Personen (Lehrende und Studierende) als Gegenüber. Gezeigt hat sich, dass die Studierenden der Umstellung auf ERT zu Beginn grossteils positiv gegenüberstanden, allerdings unter den mangelnden Möglichkeiten des synchronen Austausches (besonders zu Beginn der Massnahmen) litten. Dies lag vor allem daran, dass die Lehrenden an der KPH Wien/Krems teilweise mit den Anforderungen des ERT überfordert und daher für die Studierenden weniger präsent waren. Eine besondere Rolle spielten auch die asynchron erteilten Studienaufträge sowie das Feedback darauf, das nicht für alle Befragten zur Zufriedenheit ausfiel und daher negative Auswirkungen auf die Motivation der Studierenden zeigte.
MECHANISMS OF INVESTMENT SUPPORT FOR SCALING ECO-INNOVATIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Shkarupa O.V. , Ignatchenko A.S. , Vlasenko K.A.
Published: November 2021

The article examines the issues of financial support for eco-innovations in Ukraine. The problems of scaling up projects for the implementation of eco-innovations in the context of sustainable development of Ukraine are theoretically substantiated. The problems and directions of improvement of innovative activity in Ukraine in the sphere of implementation of "green" projects have been identified. Based on the analysis of statistical data on the development of environmentally innovative activities, the trends of financial support for eco-innovation at industrial enterprises have been identified. Based on the study of the statistical reporting of Ukraine, it was determined that the growth of eco-innovations does not occur, and the financing of eco-innovative activities occurs mainly at the expense of enterprises' own funds. It was found that investment support for the implementation of eco-innovations does not have an established trend and is based on government support, and the system for encouraging private investment in green projects is not supported at the legislative level. This affects the efficiency of eco-innovation scaling processes in the country, provided that the financing of green projects is an important component of the innovative development of the business and public sectors. According to the results of the research, the mechanisms of regulation of eco-investments under the condition of optimal combination of normative-legal acts with economic means and methods of management are analyzed and offered. With effective government encouragement and provision of optimal conditions, the situation with investment support for eco-innovation can have a positive trend in the future. It has been established that when forming a mechanism for investment support for the implementation and scaling of eco-innovations, it is necessary to develop a system of standards, in particular in the context of the use of financial instruments for attracting "green" investments and investments in eco-innovations. It was revealed that the number of problems limiting investment support and the development of "green" financing includes both problems associated with the semantics of the terms "green" and eco-innovative, and problems characteristic of the development of financing of innovative projects in general (underdeveloped capital markets , discrepancy in terms of financing, etc.).
BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF PUBLICATIONS ON MIGRATION, ECONOMY AND SECURITY OF THE COUNTRY
Authors: Didenko I. , Volik K.
Published: November 2021

The paper presents a bibliometric analysis of publications on migration, economy and security of the country. The visualization method was used to visualize the results of the study. The study was conducted in VOSviewer.
Publications from the scientometric database Scopus for the period 1645-2020 were taken for analysis. The search query was formed from the following keywords: "migration", "human mobility", "econom *", "security", "safety". In addition, for a more accurate search, the query was limited to the following areas of knowledge: Social Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Agricultural and Biological Sciences, Economics, Econometrics and Finance, Arts and Humanities, Business, Management and Accounting, Multidisciplinary, Decision Sciences. A total of 1,781 documents were processed, of which 1,192 were scientific articles. The article analyzed the sharing of keywords in publications using VOSviewer.
Analysis of scientists' publication activity has shown that there is a growing interest in studying issues related to the relationship between migration, economy, and security in the scientific community. The largest number of publications on the researched issue during the analyzed period was recorded in 2020 and amounts to 179 documents.
The publications' geography showed that scientists made the most significant contribution to the development of research on this issue from the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Germany, Australia and China. An analysis of scientific cooperation on the research topic showed that the United States and the United Kingdom have the largest number of relationships with other countries to conduct joint research in this area.
Keyword clustering has made it possible to identify four clusters, including words grouped by the most common areas of research. The most popular areas are research on the impact of climate change on migration, the relationship of migration processes with a socio-economic change in countries, the connection between migration and national security, etc.
Creative human capital as a basis for the functioning of creative corporations
Authors: Posnova Tetiana V.
Published: November 2021

The paper aimed to investigate the core and the conditions of functioning of creative corporations and creative human capital.It is determined that creative corporations are the constituent parts of creative industries which perform the production of creative products, and creative human capital is one of the key factors of production and innovation in such corporations. It is outlined that the main potential of the creative corporation is achieved by creative abilities of the employees such as creativity, integration and transformation of their competencies and creative skills in accordance with the creative economy requirements. The article figures out the main features that distinguish between creative corporations and other types of corporations, and at the same time, it describes the factors of formation and development of creative human capital. It is resumed that for effective creative capital management it is necessary to operate appropriate management approaches and, at the same time to understand the peculiarities of creative activity of such corporations.
Structural Equation Model (SEM) of Matrilineal Parenting, Family and Community Environments on Adolescent Behavior in Padang City, Indonesia
Authors: Natsir Muhammad , Suryadi Ace , Kamil Mustofa , Sudiapermana Elih , Julia J.
Published: November 2021

Introduction:

This research aims to explain the effect of family and community environment on the causal relationship between matrilineal parenting and adolescent behavior.

Methods:

This research employs a survey with a cross-sectional design. The population was mothers with adolescent children living in Padang City, Indonesia. The survey was distributed using Google Form, and the data were analyzed using Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM).

Results:

The analysis revealed five findings as follows: (1) family environment has a significant positive influence on adolescent behavior; (2) family environment has a positive influence on matrilineal parenting; (3) community environment does not have an influence on adolescent behavior; (4) community environment does not have an influence on matrilineal parenting; and (5) matrilineal parenting has a positive influence on adolescent behavior.

Conclusion:

Matrilineal parenting and the family environment greatly influence the behavior of adolescents. There are three matrilineal parenting components that provide guidance and direction to adolescents, namely mothers, fathers, and Mamak (uncle). When the matrilineal parenting style and family environment are good, adolescents have a strong personality that is not easily influenced by other factors.
Power converters for three phase electric locomotives
Authors: Suresh H. , Vaibhav A. M. , Suresh H. N.
Published: November 2021

This paper is about the simulation study of auxiliary converters used in 6000 HP electric locomotives used in India. Simulation is a mirror of the operation of a real-world method or system. The process of simulating a system first requires that a model be designed. This model represents the key behaviors, characteristics, and functions of the selected physical or abstract system. It helps to analyze the behavior of the system without even building it. The results obtained are accurate in general when compared to the analytical model. It also helps to find unexpected errors and behavior of the system. Simulation is easy to perform “What-If” analysis. For this purpose, MATLAB/Simulink was used.
Un enfoque de seguridad multidimensional para la biodefensa de Colombia ante futuras pandemias
Authors: Álvarez-Calderón Carlos Enrique , Ramírez-Pedraza Yesid , Botero-Murillo Diego
Published: November 2021

Antes de la irrupción del COVID-19, las enfermedades infecciosas no atraían mayor atención política ni social en Colombia, pero ahora es claro que una enfermedad infecciosa puede imponer una carga intolerable a la sociedad y el Estado. Este artículo tiene como propósito determinar si las probables pandemias futuras se pueden considerar una amenaza a la seguridad multidimensional de Colombia. A partir de lo planteado en la primera entrega de esta investigación, se comienza por estudiar los principales brotes epidemiológicos en lo que va corrido del siglo XXI. A continuación se analiza la evolución de la amenaza de la actual pandemia, así como sus efectos en términos sociales, económicos y geopolíticos. Luego se reflexiona acerca de si este tipo de pandemias deben considerarse una amenaza a la seguridad multidimensional. Y finalmente se proponen algunas recomendaciones al Gobierno de Colombia para la preparación y anticipación de la biodefensa del Estado ante una próxima pandemia.
Potentials of associated traditional knowledge on marine resources for economic and general well-being among coastal communities in Terengganu, Malaysia
Authors:   Faculty of Business, Economics and Social Development, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia, et al. Arzaman
Published: November 2021

This study was conducted to explore the potential of associated traditional knowledge on marine resources for the sustainability of economic and general well-being among coastal communities in Terengganu. Using a qualitative study, twenty-six interviews were conducted. The study used convenience and snowball sampling to identify the other potential participants who had knowledge and experience about the topic. The study used thematic analysis to identify the required themes according to the objectives. Drawing upon sustainable livelihood theory for data interpretation, the findings indicate that traditional knowledge of marine resources plays an essential role in achieving economic well-being for the coastal community in Terengganu. This is viewed from the aspect of increased living standards and improved health quality. Although exploration of traditional knowledge on marine resources is limited among the modern generation, the implications of this study highlight that identification of certain marine resources as traditional medicine for health problem solutions, selling fresh marine resources, and production of processed food from marine resources could offer ways to improve the economy of coastal communities. The study was carried out during the Covid-19 pandemic, which had limited the number of participants interviewed. Therefore, the sample size obtained is relatively small to find more significant results. Future studies can be expanded through quantitative approach methods among traditional medicine practitioners and other communities in different regions that use marine resources in their daily life.