bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence and risk factors for urinary tract infections in the first year after renal transplantation
Authors: Velioglu Arzu , Guneri Gokhan , Arikan Hakki , Asicioglu Ebru , Tigen Elif Tukenmez , Tanidir Yiloren , Tinay İlker , Yegen Cumhur , Tuglular Serhan
Published: May 2021

Background

The most common infections among renal transplant patients are urinary tract infections (UTI). Our main objective in this study is to determine the incidence of UTIs in patients who have undergone renal transplantation in our hospital, to identify the causative microbiological agents, risk factors and determine the effects of UTI on short-term graft survival.

Methods

Urinary tract infections, which developed within the first year of renal transplantation, were investigated. Patients were compared regarding demographic, clinical, laboratory characteristics and graft survival.

Results

102 patients were included in our study. Fifty-three patients (53%) were male and 49 (48%) were female. Sixty-seven urinary tract infection attacks in 21 patients (20.5%) were recorded. Age (p = 0.004; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.032–1.184), longer indwelling urinary catheter stay time (p = 0.039; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.013–1.661) and urologic complications (p = 0.006; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 0.001–0.320) were found as risk factors for UTI development in the first year of transplantation. Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae were the most frequently isolated microorganisms. Of these bacteria, 63.2% were found to be extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) positive. Multidrug resistant microorganisms (MDROs) were more frequent in male patients (32 episodes in males vs. 14 episodes in females, p = <0.001). UTI had no negative impact on short-term graft survival.

Conclusion

Our study results represent the high incidence of UTI with MDROs in KT recipients. Infection control methods should be applied even more vigorously especially in male transplant patients since a higher incidence of UTI caused by resistant microorganisms was reported in male patients.
The estimation of non-irrigated crop area and production using the regression analysis approach: A case study of Bursa Region (Turkey) in the mid-nineteenth century
Authors: Ustaoglu Eda , Kabadayı M. Erdem , Gerrits Petrus Johannes
Published: April 2021

Agricultural land cover and its changing extent are directly related to human activities, which have an adverse impact on the environment and ecosystems. The historical knowledge of crop production and its cultivation area is a key element. Such data provide a base for monitoring and mapping spatio-temporal changes in agricultural land cover/use, which is of great significance to examine its impacts on environmental systems. Historical maps and related data obtained from historical archives can be effectively used for reconstruction purposes through using sample data from ground observations, government inventories, or other historical sources. This study considered historical population and cropland survey data obtained from Ottoman Archives and cropland suitability map, accessibility, and geophysical attributes as ancillary data to estimate non-irrigated crop production and its corresponding cultivation area in the 1840s Bursa Region, Turkey. We used the regression analysis approach to estimate agricultural land area and grain production for the unknown data points in the study region. We provide the spatial distribution of production and its cultivation area based on the estimates of regression models. The reconstruction can be used in line with future historical research aiming to model landscape, climate, and ecosystems to assess the impact of human activities on the environmental systems in preindustrial times in the Bursa Region context.
Public policies of connectivity in Latin America in the context of COVID-19
Authors: Califano Bernadette , Becerra Martín
Published: May 2021

This article analyses the digital policies introduced in different Latin American countries during the first three months after the outbreak of COVID-19 reached the region (March–June 2020). This analysis has a three-fold objective: (a) to give an overview of the status of connectivity in five big Latin American countries – Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Mexico; (b) to study comparatively the actions and regulations implemented on connectivity matters by the governments of each country to face the pandemic; and (c) to provide insights in relation with telecommunications policies in the context of pandemic emergence at a regional level. To that end, this study will consider legal regulations and specific public policies in this field, official documents from the public and private sectors, and statistics on ICT access and usage in the region.
Social Media Entertainment: The New Intersection of Hollywood and Silicon Valley, Stuart Cunningham and David Craig (2019)
Authors: Evens Tom
Published: May 2021

Review of: Social Media Entertainment: The New Intersection of Hollywood and Silicon Valley, Stuart Cunningham and David Craig (2019)

New York: New York University Press, 368 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-47984-689-4, p/bk, $30.00
Effect of weed management practices on weed cover in field pea (pisum sativum l.)
Authors: Kristó István , Tar Melinda , Irmes Katalin , Vályi-Nagy Marianna , Rácz Attila , Szalai Dóra
Published: April 2021

Field pea (Pisum sativum L.) are planted on small area in Hungary, although it is a precious source of protein (22-28%), and it also plays a significant role like a component in fodder mixture and green forage. It is a great part in crop rotation as a short growing-season legume. Furthermore, it has beneficial effects of nitrogen-fixing nodules being able to obtain N derived from air. One of the most critical limiting factors is to find out weed management practise for control of weeds in field pea.

Our field experiment was carried out on site of the National Agricultural Research and Innovation Centre, the Department of Field Crops Research in Öthalom for comparing weed management strategies by evaluate their efficacy and weed flora. We used 6 herbicides or herbicid combination and observed weed density in 5 times during the growing season.

The most important weeds were: common chickweed (Stellaria media), wild mustard (Sinapis arvensis), branching lackspur (Consolida regalis), meldweed (Chenopodium album). Among the treatments the highest weed cover was the weedy check, followed by Stomp Super, obtained maximum weed control and long lasting effect. With the application of Basagran 480 SL and Pulsar 40 SL have a significantly lower weed density was recorded than preemergence applications. In case of Corum application, it was the lowest weed cover of all even at harvesting time. According to our experiments use of Dash does not control weeds considerably.
Pharmaceutical cold chain and novel technological tools: a systematic review
Authors: M. Giset N. Montoya , Fontes Lima Jr. Orlando , Novaes Antonio G. N. , Jr. Jose Benedito S. Santos , Arias Jaime A.C.
Published: April 2021

The pharmaceutical cold chain (PCC) deals with specific logistics operational require-ments related to product quality, safety, and regulations that make the supply chain management process complex. Also, the pharma industry market growth increases the awareness, in terms of good's temperature monitoring and controlling, of the storage and transportation processes across the network. This study provides a novel approach to PCC, based on a systematic literature review with an extensive analysis of the main aspects that influence the supply chain processes. The major findings highlight the recently worldwide research progress on the PCC subjects related, the challenges involving the PCC and its associated technological advances based on three attributes (product characteristics, vehicle capabilities, and logistics service provider’s expertise) and, finally, the impact of technologies and its potential utilization to im-prove the decision-making process on integrated cold chain operations.
Espraiamento urbano e seus impactos nas desigualdades socioespaciais da acessibilidade ao trabalho em Fortaleza
Authors: Lima Lara Silva , Loureiro Carlos Felipe Grangeiro , Sousa Francelino Franco Leite de Matos , Lopes André Soares
Published: April 2021

O espraiamento urbano é um fenômeno comum nas metrópoles brasileiras. A população de alta renda conduz um processo de autossegregação socioespacial que, combinado à periferização de segmentos de baixa renda, tem contribuído para o agravamento da problemática das desigualdades na acessibilidade às atividades urbanas. Esta pesquisa exploratória buscou investigar os efeitos do espraiamento residencial urbano sobre os níveis de acessibilidade às oportunidades de emprego em Fortaleza, e como esses efeitos impactam de forma desigual os distintos grupos socioeconômicos. Para tanto, propôs-se uma representação conceitual dessa problemática e sua caracterização a partir da definição e territorialização de indicadores agregados de uso do solo e de acessibilidade aos postos de trabalho. Os resultados apontam processos de descentralização distintos por grupo de renda, com distribuições desiguais e não equânimes do acesso às oportunidades de empregos, configurando Fortaleza como uma produção de duas cidades díspares e segregadas, a dos ricos e a dos pobres.
Evaluating the Risk of Irreversible Intestinal Necrosis Among Critically Ill Patients With Nonocclusive Mesenteric Ischemia
Authors: Calame Paul , Winiszewski Hadrien , Doussot Alexandre , Malakhia Alexandre , Grillet Franck , Verdot Pierre , Vuitton Lucine , Ronot Maxime , Pili-Floury Sebastien , Heyd Bruno , Delabrousse Eric , Piton Gael
Published: April 2021

INTRODUCTION:

To identify factors associated with irreversible transmural necrosis (ITN) among critically ill patients experiencing nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI) and to compare the predictive value regarding ITN risk stratification with that of the previously described Clichy score.

METHODS:

All consecutive patients admitted to the intensive care unit between 2009 and 2019 who underwent exploratory laparotomy for NOMI and who had an available contrast-enhanced computed tomography with at least 1 portal venous phase were evaluated for inclusion. Clinical, laboratory, and radiological variables were collected. ITN was assessed on pathological reports of surgical specimens and/or on laparotomy findings in cases of open–close surgery. Factors associated with ITN were identified by univariate and multivariate analysis to derive a NOMI-ITN score. This score was further compared with the Clichy score.

RESULTS:

We identified 4 factors associated with ITN in the context of NOMI: absence of bowel enhancement, bowel thinning, plasma bicarbonate concentration ≤15 mmol/L, and prothrombin rate <40%. These factors were included in a new NOMI-ITN score, with 1 point attributed for each variable. ITN was observed in 6%, 38%, 65%, 88%, and 100% of patients with NOMI-ITN score ranging from 0 to 4, respectively. The NOMI-ITN score outperformed the Clichy score for the prediction of ITN (area under the receiver operating characteristics curve 0.882 [95% confidence interval 0.826–0.938] vs 0.674 [95% confidence interval 0.582–0.766], respectively, P < 0.001).

DISCUSSION:

We propose a new 4-point score aimed at stratifying risk of ITN in patients with NOMI. The Clichy score should be applied to patients with occlusive acute mesenteric ischemia only.
COUNTER-ROTATING DUAL ROTOR WIND TURBINE LAYOUT OPTIMISATION
Authors: Hetyei Csaba , Szlivka Ferenc
Published: April 2021

General energy demand is continuously increasing, thus the energy generating assets need to be optimised for higher efficiency. Wind turbines are no exception. Their maximum efficiency can be determined on a theoretical basis. The limit is approached by researches day by day, utilizing the latest developments in airfoil design, blade structure and new and improved ideas in conventional and unconventional wind turbine layouts. In this paper, we are reviewing the conventional and unconventional wind turbines and their place in smart cities. Then, an unconventional wind turbine design, the CO-DRWT (counter-rotating dual rotor wind turbine) is analysed with a CFD (computational fluid dynamics) code, varying the axial and radial distances between the two turbines. After the simulations, the power coefficients for the different turbine configurations is calculated. At the end of this paper, the simulations results are summarized and consequences are drawn for the CO-DRWT layouts.
¿Una cosmo-política del territorio? Diálogos entre la genealogía occidental y las geo-grafías latinoamericanas
Authors: Palladino Lucas
Published: May 2021

Se realiza un recorrido bibliográfico que se focaliza en un análisis de los usos y apropiaciones del concepto de territorio problematizando dos cuestiones. Por un lado, la génesis euro-occidental y la formación del concepto como categoría analítica. Por el otro lado, las emergencias epistémicas desde los movimientos étnicos-territoriales en latinoamérica y las contribuciones como categoría de la práctica. El trabajo se estructura en tres partes. En primer lugar, se aborda brevemente los sentidos construidos a partir de la genealogía (euro)occidental; en segundo lugar, los alcances epistemológicos de la perspectiva integradora en geografía; en tercer lugar, se presenta la emergencia de perspectivas interdisciplinares y prácticas, especialmente de las ontologías políticas y cosmopolíticas.
Analysis of driver behavior in Amman using Manchester Driver Behavior Questionnaire
Authors: Jadaan Khair , Albeetar Noor , Abuhalimeh Dania , Naji Yara
Published: April 2021

A key component in combating traffic accidents is to study the contributory factors behind them, among these factors, the driver behavior stands out as the main causative factor. One of the most effective tools used worldwide in measuring self-reported driving components is the Manchester Driver Behavior Questionnaire (DBQ), it investigates the relationship between the driver and accidents involvement, throughout the analysis of both sociodemographic characteristics of drivers, and the risky driving components practiced such as; violations, errors and lapses. The present study investigates the factor structure of the DBQ and examines the relationships between the driver behavior factors and accident involvement. A survey questionnaire including the DBQ and background information was filled by a randomly selected sample of drivers in Amman, the capital of Jordan and the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software was used for data analysis. Driver behavior differed according to the gender, educational level and driving experience of the respondents. The results reflected the lifestyle, way of thinking and the general attitude of the driver and its relationship with traffic safety.
Antegrade versus retrograde nailing techniques and trochanteric versus piriformis intramedullary nailing entry points for femoral shaft fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hussain Nasir , Hussain Farrah Naz , Sermer Corey , Kamdar Hera , Schemitsch Emil H. , Sternheim Amir , Kuzyk Paul
Published: April 2021

Background: There are several different techniques commonly used to perform intramedullary (IM) nailing of the femur to fix femoral fractures. We sought to identify significant differences in outcomes of studies comparing 1) trochanteric and piriformis entry and 2) antegrade and retrograde entry in IM nailing of the femur. Methods: We searched MEDLINE, Cochrane and Embase databases and the Orthopaedic Trauma Association and American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons websites for comparative studies published from inception to November 2015. Criteria used to select articles for detailed review included use of antegrade and retrograde entry point or use of trochanteric and piriformis entry point for IM nailing of the femur in adult patients. Functional and technical outcomes were extracted from accepted studies. Results: We identified 483 potential studies, of which 52 were eligible. Of these, we included 13 publications and 2 abstracts (2 level I, 7 level II and 6 level III studies). Trochanteric entry significantly reduced operative duration by 14 min compared with piriformis entry (p = 0.030). Retrograde nailing had a greater risk of postoperative knee pain than antegrade nailing (p = 0.05). On the other hand, antegrade nailing had significantly more postoperative hip pain (p = 0.003) and heterotopic ossification (p < 0.001) than retrograde nailing. No significant differences in functional outcomes were observed. Conclusion: Although some significant differences were found, the varying quality of studies made recommendation difficult. Our meta-analysis did not confirm superiority of either antegrade over retrograde or trochanteric over piriformis entry for IM nailing of the femur. Level of evidence: Level III therapeutic.
Classification of sleep apnea using EMD-based features and PSO-trained neural networks
Authors: Afrakhteh Sajjad , Ayatollahi Ahmad , Soltani Fatemeh
Published: April 2021

In this study, we propose a method for detecting obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) based on the features extracted from empirical mode decomposition (EMD) and the neural networks trained by particle swarm optimization (PSO) in the classification phase. After extracting the features from the intrinsic mode functions (IMF) of each heart rate variability (HRV) signal of each segment, these features were applied to the input of popular classifiers such as multi-layer perceptron neural networks (MLPNN), Naïve Bayes, linear discriminant analysis (LDA), k-nearest neighborhood (KNN), and support vector machines (SVM) were applied. The results show that the MLPNN learned with back propagation (BP) algorithm has a diagnostic accuracy of less than 90%, and this may be due to being derivative based property of the BP algorithm, which causes trapping in the local minima. For Improving MLPNN’s performance, we used the PSO algorithm instead of the BP method in training part. Therefore, the MLPNN’s accuracy improved from 89.36 to 97.66% after the application of the PSO algorithm. The proposed method has also reached to 97.78 and 97.96% in sensitivity and specificity, respectively. So, it can be concluded that the proposed method achieves better or comparable results when compared with the previous works in this field.
Effect of different types of soil tillage for sunflower on some soil physical characteristics. Part I: soil moisture
Authors: Yankov Peter , Drumeva Miglena
Published: April 2021

The investigation was carried out during 2014–2016 in the land of General Toshevo town in the South Dobrudzha region on slightly leached chernozem soil type. The effect of the types of soil tillage for sunflower given bellow was followed: ploughing at 24–26 cm, chisel-plough at 24–26 cm, disking with disk harrow at 10–12 cm and direct sowing (no-tillage) on the soil moisture content. Based on bulk density, wilting point and the determined soil moisture content the plant-available water was calculated. The additional soil tilths of the areas subjected to ploughing, chisel-ploughing and disking with disc harrow included double spring pre-sowing cultivation with harrowing. To destroy the emerging weeds in the variant with direct sowing, a total herbicide was applied. The soil moisture content was evaluated during three main stages of sunflower development: emergence, flowering and technical maturity. The investigated parameter was determined for each of the studied layers – 0–10, 10–20, 20–30, 30–40 and 40–60 cm. In years with normal amounts of rainfalls, no significant differences in the soil moisture under the different ways of soil tillage were observed. Conventional ploughing and tillage without turning of the soil layer contributed to accumulation of more moisture and to higher moisture storage down the soil profile under heavy and intensive rainfalls. Tillage without turning of the soil layer, minimal and no tillage maintained more and better soil moisture in years with limited precipitation and in periods of drought.
The Price of Nitrogen at the End of the Nineteenth Century
Authors: Page Arnaud , Herment Laurent
Published: April 2021

The second half of the nineteenth century was marked by the concomitant and entangled processes of the rise of agricultural chemistry and that of the fertiliser trade. Yet, while the two were undoubtedly related, the work of agricultural chemists was not necessarily characterized by the uniform and unequivocal promotion of fertilisers. This article looks at some of the complex ways in which chemists participated in the development of the fertiliser trade by studying how their work was used to ascribe a commercial price to a chemical element. It analyses the contested development of the idea that nitrogen, in particular, could be given a price, and shows how the rise of this quotation lay at the intersection of scientific and commercial considerations. More broadly, it argues that the importance of the new artificial fertilisers primarily lay not so much in yield increases as in inaugurating a new regime marked by a more comprehensive quantitative assessment of inputs and outputs, thereby playing a key role in the industrialisation of agriculture.
Die Gauwirtschaftsberater der NSDAP
Authors: Stremmel Ralf
Published: April 2021

At least 129 Gau economic advisers of the NSDAP worked at the intersection of politics and economics, wielding a considerable amount of power. At the regional level, they were able to have a say in the success and existence of corporations. The article examines this group’s organization and remit, as well as resources in power and capital. Along the lines of collective biographies, it covers the aspects of generation, origin, socioeconomic status, fluctuation, and entry into the Nazi party. While no homogenous type of Gau economic adviser or a pattern of action could be identified, the final part of the article outlines common aspects and presents five ideal types of Gau economic advisers.
Effect of l-carnitine supplementation on children and adolescents with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial
Authors: Saneian Hossein , Khalilian Leila , Heidari-Beni Motahar , Khademian Majid , Famouri Fatemeh , Nasri Peyman , Hassanzadeh Akbar , Kelishadi Roya
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common liver diseases in the pediatric population at global level. Present study aims to assess the effect of l-carnitine supplementation on the NAFLD in children and adolescents.

Methods

This randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted in 2018–2019. Study was carried out in NAFLD participants (5–15 years). They were randomly assigned to receive either 50 mg/kg/day l-carnitine twice a day or identical placebo per day for three months. Liver enzymes and liver ultrasonography were assessed before and after the intervention. Both groups received similar consultation for lifestyle changes.

Results

Overall, 55 participants completed the study, 30 patients in the l-carnitine group and 25 patients in placebo group. Mean changes of anthropometric measurements did not have significant differences between groups (p>0.05). No significant differences in the mean changes of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (p=0.82) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (p=0.76) levels were documented between two groups. Based on within-group analysis, there were significant changes in AST and ALT levels before and after the intervention in both groups. The sonographic grades of fatty liver were not significantly different between two groups before (p=0.94) and after intervention (p=0.93).

Conclusions

In the present clinical trial, L-carnitine did not have significant effect on improving biochemical and sonographic markers of NAFLD in children and adolescents. Future studies are necessary to evaluate the applicability and efficacy of long-term l-carnitine supplementation to treatment of NAFLD in pediatric population.

Trial registration

IRCT20170628034786N2.
Synthesis and crystal structure of poly[(μ3-2-(2-carboxylatophenyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-5-carboxylato-κO,O′:O′;:O″, O″′)-(μ2-1-(4-(1Himidazol-1-yl)phenyl)-1H-imidazole-κ2N:N′)cadmium(II)], C27H18CdN6O4
Authors: Yang Qing-Lin , Fu Peng-Kun , Xiong Ding-Qi , Zhang Xiao-Yu , Jia Mei-Mei , Dong Xiu-Yan
Published: May 2021

C27H18CdN6O4, triclinic,

P

1
‾

$P‾{1}$

(no. 2), a = 10.2994(8) Å, b = 10.7795(7) Å, c = 11.0038(7) Å, α = 89.778(5)°, β = 78.046(6)°, γ = 83.049(6)°, Z = 2, V = 1186.11(14) Å3, R

gt
(F) = 0.0402, wR

ref
(F
2) = 0.0809, T = 293 K.
Chemical computational approaches for optimization of effective surfactants in enhanced oil recovery
Authors: Banerjee Tandrima , Samanta Abhijit
Published: May 2021

The surfactant flooding becomes an attractive method among several Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) processes to improve the recovery of residual oil left behind in the reservoir after secondary oil recovery process. The designing of a new effective surfactant is a comparatively complex and often time consuming process as well as cost-effective due to its dependency on the crude oil and reservoir properties. An alternative chemical computational approach is focused in this article to optimize the performance of effective surfactant system for EOR. The molecular dynamics (MD), dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) and density functional theory (DFT) simulations are mostly used chemical computational approaches to study the behaviour in multiple phase systems like surfactant/oil/brine. This article highlighted a review on the impact of surfactant head group structure on oil/water interfacial property like interfacial tensions, interface formation energy, interfacial thickness by MD simulation. The effect of entropy in micelle formation has also discussed through MD simulation. The polarity, dipole moment, charge distribution and molecular structure optimization have been illustrated by DFT. A relatively new coarse-grained method, DPD is also emphasized the phase behaviour of surfactant/oil/brine as well as polymer-surfactant complex system.
Identification of potential histone deacetylase inhibitory biflavonoids from Garcinia kola (Guttiferae) using in silico protein-ligand interaction
Authors: Adewole Kayode E. , Ishola Ahmed A. , Omolaso Blessing O.
Published: May 2021

Overactivity of histone deacetylases (HDACs) is the underlying cause of some cancers, thus, inhibiting their overactivities is a rational treatment option. However, endeavors to employ current anti-HDACs agents in cancer treatment have yielded limited success. Consequently, there is need to explore anti-HDACs natural products, especially from plants sources, because of the intimate relationship plant products and drug discovery have enjoyed over the centuries. To identify possible HDACs inhibitors, Garcinia kola (Guttiferae) seed-derived compounds were screened in silico for HDAC-inhibitory tendencies because of their reported anticancer potentials. Fifteen G. kola-derived compounds and givinostat were docked with five selected HDACs using AutodockVina, while the binding interactions of the compounds with high binding affinities for the five HDACs were viewed with Discovery Studio Visualizer BIOVIA, 2016. Results indicated that four of the compounds studied, including amentoflavone, Garcinia biflavonoid 1, Garcinia biflavonoid 2 and kolaflavanone have higher binding propensity for all the five HDACs relative to givinostat, the standard HDAC inhibitor. This study indicated that inhibition of HDAC might be another key mechanism accountable for the bioactivities of G. kola and its intrinsic compounds. The results from this study implied that the compounds could be further investigated as drugable HDAC inhibitors with potential pharmacological applications in the treatment of cancers.
Heart rate variability in patients with low back pain: a systematic review
Authors: Bandeira Pamela M. , Reis Felipe J.J. , Sequeira Vanessa C.C. , Chaves Anna C.S. , Fernandes Orlando , Arruda-Sanchez Tiago
Published: April 2021

Objectives

Heart rate variability (HRV) is an important physiological measure of the capacity for neurogenic homeostatic regulation, and an indirect measure of emotional processing. We aimed to investigate whether HRV parameters are altered in people with chronic low back pain when compared to healthy controls.

Methods

We searched on PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and PsycINFO from inception to January 2018. The inclusion criteria were: patients with non-specific chronic low back pain, absence of radiculopathy, age from 18 to 65 years, and comparison with healthy controls. Data extraction was performed by two independent review authors. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the appraisal tool for cross-sectional studies.

Results

After screening 2,873 potential articles, two studies met the inclusion criteria. Studies were composed of 153 patients with chronic low back pain and 62 healthy controls. An electrocardiogram was used to record HRV and linear methods (time and frequency) were used to analyze the results. The main findings indicate that patients with chronic low back pain have a significant reduction in HRV, with sympathetic predominance compared to healthy controls.

Conclusions

There is limited evidence suggesting that chronic low back pain patients presented a lower vagal activity evidenced by HRV, when compared to healthy controls. The results of this systematic review should be interpreted with caution due to the restricted number of included studies, small sample sizes and different protocols used to measure HRV. The limited evidence about HRV alterations in low back pain also suggests the need of future studies to investigate if HRV parameters can be a useful measure in chronic pain samples or even if it can be used as an outcome in clinical trials aiming to investigate the effectiveness of interventions based on emotion regulation.
Comparing optimization methods for deep learning in image processing applications
Authors: Geng Alexander , Moghiseh Ali , Redenbach Claudia , Schladitz Katja
Published: May 2021

Training a deep learning network requires choosing its weights such that the output minimizes a given loss function. In practice, stochastic gradient descent is frequently used for solving the optimization problem. Several variants of this approach have been suggested in the literature. We study the impact of the choice of the optimization method on the outcome of the learning process at the example of two image processing applications from quite different fields. The first one is artistic style transfer, where the content of one image is combined with the style of another one. The second application is a real world classification task from industry, namely detecting defects in images of air filters. In both cases, clear differences between the results of the individual optimization methods are observed.
Metabolic Profile of Reciprocal Supersets in Young, Recreationally Active Women and Men
Authors: Realzola Rogelio A. , Mang Zachary A. , Millender Desmond J. , Beam Jason R. , Bellovary Bryanne N. , Wells Andrew D. , Houck Jonathan M. , Kravitz Len
Published: April 2021

Realzola, RA, Mang, ZA, Millender, DJ, Beam, JR, Bellovary, BN, Wells, AD, Houck, JM, and Kravitz, L. Metabolic profile of reciprocal supersets in young, recreationally active females and males. J Strength Cond Res 36(10): 2709–2716, 2022—Reciprocal supersets (RSSs) are a time-efficient style of resistance exercise (RE) that consist of performing 2 consecutive exercises with opposing muscle groups while limiting rest times between them. Previous research in men indicates a RSS has an increased physiological response when compared with traditional RE (TRAD). No between-sex comparison of metabolic data for RSSs exists. The purpose of this study was to create a metabolic profile for RSSs in men and women. Eighteen resistance-trained individuals underwent 2 bouts of volume-load equated RE: RSS and TRAD. Reciprocal superset exercises were split into 3 clusters: (a) hexagonal bar deadlift superset with leg press, (b) chest press superset with seated row, and (c) overhead dumbbell press superset with latissimus dorsi pull-downs. The TRAD protocol, doing the same exercises, emulated hypertrophy emphasis training. Oxygen uptake (V̇o
2), heart rate (HR), blood lactate ([BLa]), rate of perceived exertion (RPE), and excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) were measured. Aerobic and anaerobic energy expenditure were estimated using V̇o
2 and lactate, respectively. The level of significance set for this study was p ≤ 0.05. Regardless of sex, a RSS elicited significantly greater average V̇o
2, HR, [BLa], RPE, and anaerobic and aerobic energy expenditures, and was completed in a shorter time compared with TRAD (p ≤ 0.05). When compared with women, men had significantly greater EPOC, average [BLa], and anaerobic and aerobic energy expenditures during RSSs (p ≤ 0.05). The average [BLa] and aerobic energy expenditure of the men were also significantly greater than the women during TRAD (p ≤ 0.05). This study suggests that a RSS is a metabolically demanding RE session that may elicit increases in musculoskeletal, cardiorespiratory, and physiological adaptations while decreasing the duration of exercise.
Monitoring Prescribed and Actual Resistance Training Loads in Professional Rugby League
Authors: Redman Kellyanne J. , Connick Mark J. , Beckman Emma M. , Kelly Vincent G.
Published: May 2021

Redman, KJ, Connick, MJ, Beckman, EM, and Kelly, VG. Monitoring prescribed and actual resistance training loads in professional rugby league. J Strength Cond Res 35(6): 1604–1610, 2021—Coaches devote a considerable amount of time and effort prescribing and selecting exercises to elicit training adaptations. Adherence to the prescribed resistance training load may vary for a number of reasons. The aim of this study was to quantify the difference between prescribed and actual resistance training loads in a team of professional rugby league players. Training loads were quantified using volume load and training intensity throughout a season. The competition was categorized into preseason, early competition, mid-competition, and late competition. Twenty-seven players participated in this study. Four exercises were monitored: back squat, bench press, bench pull, and clean pull. A Friedman's test was used to assess differences between prescribed and actual training loads throughout different phases of the season, for different exercises, and during different weeks in a training block. There were significantly greater differences in prescribed and actual volume loads during the mid-competition in comparison to all other phases of the season (p < 0.01). Although players adherence to prescribed training intensity was significantly greater during the preseason compared with the remainder of the season (p < 0.05), they completed significantly less prescribed training load during week 1 in comparison to week 4 within a training block (p < 0.05). The results of this study demonstrate that regular monitoring of completed resistance training loads may be of greater importance to strength and conditioning coaches to assist in examining potential progress and fatigue or allow for more accurate prescription of load to enhance adaptation throughout a season.
Prediction of Anaerobic Power From Standing Long Jump in NCAA Division IA Football Players
Authors: Mann J. Bryan , Bird Michael , Signorile Joseph F. , Brechue William F. , Mayhew Jerry L.
Published: April 2021

Mann, JB, Bird, M, Signorile, JF, Brechue, WF, and Mayhew, JL. Prediction of anaerobic power from standing long jump in NCAA Division IA football players. J Strength Cond Res 35(6): 1542–1546, 2021—Despite the popularity of the standing long jump (SLJ), limited research has explored the estimation of power developed during this test. The purpose of this study was to determine SLJ power from jump distance and selected anthropometric measures in NCAA Division IA football players. Height (Ht), body mass (Wt), thigh length, and lower leg length (LL) were measured in 58 players, allowing calculation of leg ratios of thigh length·Ht−1, LL·Ht−1, and TL·SL−1. Players performed 2–3 maximal familiarization trials of SLJ followed by 2 maximal jumps from a 3-dimension force plate sampling at 1,000 Hz. Standing long jump distance (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.944) and power (ICC = 0.926) calculated from resultant force and velocity vectors were highly reliable. Standing Ht (r = 0.40), Wt (r = 0.36), lower leg length (r = 0.43), total leg length (thigh + LLs) (r = 0.38), and best SLJ (r = 0.52) were significantly related (p < 0.05) to peak power, but none accounted for more than 27% of the common variance. Step-wise multiple regression identified SLJ and body mass as the only significant variables necessary to predict peak power (Power [W] = 32.49·SLJ [cm] + 39.69·Wt [kg] − 7,608, R = 0.86, SEE = 488 W, CV% = 9.3%). Standing long jump contributed 56.8% to the known variance, whereas Wt contributed 43.2%. Thus, a combination of SLJ and Wt can be used to effectively estimate explosive power in Division IA college football players.
Supplemental O2 During Recovery Does Not Improve Repeated Maximal Concentric-Eccentric Strength-Endurance Performance in Hypoxia
Authors: Dünnwald Tobias , Morawetz David , Faulhaber Martin , Gatterer Hannes , Birklbauer Christina , Koller Arnold , Weiss Günter , Schobersberger Wolfgang
Published: April 2021

Dünnwald, T, Morawetz, D, Faulhaber, M, Gatterer, H, Birklbauer, C, Koller, A, Weiss, G, and Schobersberger, W. Supplemental O2 during recovery does not improve repeated maximal concentric-eccentric strength-endurance performance in hypoxia. J Strength Cond Res 36(11): 3065–3073, 2022—An alpine ski racing training session typically includes repeated bouts of maximal exercise at high altitude. We evaluated whether hyperoxic recovery between 5 sets of high-intensity strength-endurance exercises, which resembled ski racing activity and were performed in hypoxia, has beneficial effects on performance and acid-base status. In this randomized, single blinded crossover study, 15 highly skilled ski athletes (4 f/11 m; 29.7 ± 5.7 years) performed 5 90 seconds flywheel sets (S) in a normobaric hypoxic chamber (3,500 m). The flywheel sets were separated by 4 15-minute recovery periods. During recovery, subjects received either 100% O2 (hyperoxic setting [HS]) or hypoxic air (nonhyperoxic setting [NHS]; FiO2: 0.146). Performance outcomes (e.g., power output [PO], concentric peak power [Conpeak], and eccentric peak power [Eccpeak]) and physiological parameters (e.g., heart rate, blood gases, and blood lactate) were evaluated. Mean PO, Conpeak, and Eccpeak from S1 to S5 did not differ between settings (146.9 ± 45 W and 144.3 ± 44 W, 266.9 ± 80 W and 271.2 ± 78 W, and 271.0 ± 93 W and 274.1 ± 74 W for HS and NHS, respectively; p ≥ 0.05). SpO2, PaO2, and CaO2 were higher during recovery in HS than in NHS (p ≤ 0.001). Lactate levels were significantly lower in the last recovery phase in HS than in NHS (p = 0.016). Hyperoxic recovery has no impact on performance in a setting resembling alpine ski racing training. Positive effects on arterial oxygen content and cellular metabolism, as indicated by reduced blood lactate levels during recovery in the hyperoxic setting, seem to be insufficient to generate a direct effect on performance.
Development of the High School Sports Performance Program: Simple, Safe, and Successful
Authors: Kraemer William J. , Nitka Mike
Published: April 2021

The development of sports performance classes revolutionized a strength and conditioning approach to physical education. Efficiently using short 50-minute class times with a highly organized structure and objectives for teaching a “strength movement” on 3 class days and speed and agility drills on the other 2 days, a course was created. The resulting sports performance program would impact both student-athletes as well as provide needed fitness components for other students. Positive results were observed in both fitness testing scores and athletic accomplishments. Such a program, with its simplicity and effective teaching by a strength and conditioning professional, reflected a new direction in physical education curriculums and enhanced the importance of strength and conditioning programs in high schools.
Supercapacitor energy storage systems for lighting systems with combined power supply
Authors: Pekur D. V. , Kolomzarov Yu. V. , Kostilov V. P. , Sorokin V. M. , Kornaga V. I. , Korkishko R. M. , Nikolaenko Yu. E.
Published: April 2021

Modern continuous lighting systems use powerful high-performance LEDs as light sources and an important task is to begin using alternative renewable energy sources for their power supply (including during the day). The simplest of the renewable energy sources is photovoltaic solar energy converter. However, solar photovoltaic generation depends significantly on many factors - geographical location, time of day, state of the atmosphere, time of year and the like. In addition, photovoltaic generation depends on the weather conditions and cloudiness, which makes it unstable and prone to change drastically (by an order of magnitude) during daylight hours. Therefore, an important element of the power system based on renewable energy sources is the system of accumulation of generated energy. The method of power stabilization using supercapacitors for systems with a significant change in power generation in the electrical power system is analyzed. The paper offers design principles of the power supply systems for powerful LEDs with supercapacitor energy storage devices intended to make the use of energy from sources with variable generation more efficient. The systems with supercapacitor-based drives, which allow to ensure stable operation of the lighting system when the power supply from an alternative source is absent or reduced, provide high safety and reliability, and have a significantly longer service life than battery-based energy storage systems.
In Silico, Computer Simulations from Neurons up to the Whole Brain
Authors: Destexhe Alain
Published: April 2021

This commentary puts theIn Silicomovie in perspective of the Human Brain Project (HBP) and clarifies major differences between this project and the Blue Brain Project, emphasizing that the two projects are very different in scope.
Turing–Hopf bifurcation and spatiotemporal patterns in a Gierer–Meinhardt system with gene expression delay
Authors: Zhao Shuangrui , Wang Hongbin , Jiang Weihua
Published: April 2021

In this paper, we consider the dynamics of delayed Gierer–Meinhardt system, which is used as a classic example to explain the mechanism of pattern formation. The conditions for the occurrence of Turing, Hopf and Turing–Hopf bifurcation are established by analyzing the characteristic equation. For Turing–Hopf bifurcation, we derive the truncated third-order normal form based on the work of Jiang et al. [11], which is topologically equivalent to the original equation, and theoretically reveal system exhibits abundant spatial, temporal and spatiotemporal patterns, such as semistable spatially inhomogeneous periodic solutions, as well as tristable patterns of a pair of spatially inhomogeneous steady states and a spatially homogeneous periodic solution coexisting. Especially, we theoretically explain the phenomenon that time delay inhibits the formation of heterogeneous steady patterns, found by S. Lee, E. Gaffney and N. Monk [The influence of gene expression time delays on Gierer–Meinhardt pattern formation systems, Bull. Math. Biol., 72(8):2139–2160, 2010.]
Virtual reality adds value to analysis of aneurysms post-flow diversion, coiling, and clipping
Authors: Fourcand Farah , Kulhari Ashish , Mehta Siddhart , Zacharatos Haralabos , Singh Amrinder , Barbery Daniela , Shaikh Azka , Shaheid Nishad , Steineke Thomas , F Kirmani Jawad
Published: May 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to measure sensitivity of virtual reality (VR) in detecting biomarkers of neurovascular remodeling suboptimally evaluated in digital subtraction angiography (DSA) of treated unruptured, intracranial aneurysms. Methods: The sensitivity of virtual reality and digital subtraction angiography in detection of neurovascular biomarkers in aneurysms treated with flow diversion, coiling, and clipping were evaluated. Validated grading scales were integrated into a standardized rating platform. The respective novel and conceptual measures of minimal imaging important difference (MIID) and number needed to image (NNI) were calculated for each biomarker. Results: In flow diversion, coiling, and clipping, minimal imaging important difference and number needed to image were associated with virtual reality in detection of abnormal biomarkers, with the exception of stasis phase associated with digital subtraction angiography. Number needed to image was associated with flow diversion stent stenosis (RR: 7.00, 95% CI 0.37 to 131.97; OR: 7.46, 95% CI 0.38 to 148.49). Minimal imaging important difference was greatest in residual aneurysm filling (25%±66, 95% CI) in flow diversion and Meyer score in coiling (42.5%±17.69, 95% CI) and clipping (22.2%±13.58, 95% CI). Regression models demonstrated minimal imaging important difference and number needed to image shared a significant correlation (R20.99, 95% CI, p<0.001). Conclusion: Virtual reality adds value to digital subtraction angiography in evaluation of aneurysms treated with flow diversion, coiling, and clipping. Larger, prospective studies are warranted to increase statistical power and validate clinical significance.