bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Covid-19 pandemic and the economic results of agriculture in the European Union
Authors: Stanišić Tanja , Lazarević Sonja , Pantić Nemanja , Leković Miljan
Published: December 2022

The Covid-19 pandemic has brought numerous economic challenges to countries around the world. The specificities of certain economy sectors determined the character and intensity of the impact of this health crisis on their results. The purpose of the paper is to analyse the impact that the Covid-19 pandemic has had on the economic results of agriculture in the European Union countries. Comparative analysis and cluster analysis are used in the research. The general conclusion of the paper is that the Covid-19 pandemic did not change the economic importance and role of agriculture in the individual European Union countries. In addition, the European Union countries differ significantly according to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the contribution of agriculture to gross domestic product, while a significant difference between the countries has not been determined according to the impact of the pandemic on the contribution of agriculture to employment.
The effect of a country name on consumers' perception and assessment of agricultural products with protected designation of origin
Authors: Rakić Sandra , Bugarčić Marina , Drašković Bojana
Published: December 2022

The aim of the paper was to show that Serbia has favorable natural conditions (land and climate) for diverse agricultural production (plant- and animal-based), experienced manufacturers, experts and scientists, as well as world-famous selections of numerous plant cultures. Serbia's major agricultural products are corn, wheat (flour), sunflower (oil and pellets), sugar beet (sugar), soybean (oil and protein products), potatoes, raspberries, apples, plums, sour cherries, grapes, pork, beef and poultry, as well as milk.
Increasing sustainability of food production and ensuring human health through agriculture digitalization
Authors: Stoian Mirela , Dobre Iuliana , Popescu Cristian , Vasile Marius , Dimitriu Anton , Ion Ana
Published: December 2022

Ensuring safe food for a growing population is a challenge for agriculture. The current systems of intensive agriculture are based on important allocations of factors of production per unit area, like chemical fertilizers and pesticides, allocated in order to stimulate production. In doing so, food security is ensured, by obtaining high yields per hectare, but chemical residues may remain in food and human health is jeopardised. The aim of this research is to identify the role of digitalization in agriculture in balancing the binomial food security-organic farming, starting from the premise that smart agriculture has a significantly lower negative impact on the environment and human health compared to the conventional agricultural system. The relevance of research lies in raising awareness of the importance of smart agriculture in providing agricultural products obtained in accordance with the principles of sustainable development and moreover integrating it into policies and actions at all levels: individual, local, national and global.
Digital token in the business function of cooperatives
Authors: Dukić-Mijatović Marijana , Uzelac Ozren , Mirković Predrag
Published: December 2022

Cooperatives represent relevant and significant economic subjects of associations that promote the interests of their members and work affirmatively to improve their position. Since the digital economy is developing expansively, and new forms of digital technology are changing economic and other interactions every day, cooperatives must keep up with such processes. The authors of the paper analyze the legislative framework for issuing digital tokens in the Republic of Serbia, especially from the aspect of the legal subjectivity of the issuer of this form of digital property. The purpose of the research is to indicate the legislative framework and economic possibilities of issuing digital tokens by cooperatives in the Republic of Serbia. The methodological approach is based on the theoretical analysis of nationally relevant regulations that enable cooperatives to be issuers of digital tokens, while the empirical research shows and analyzes the current practice of issuing digital tokens.
Possibilities of applying organizational wellness programs
Authors: Trajkov Marija , Kljajić Dragana , Grbić Gordana , Šimpraga Liljana
Published: December 2022

Globalization, industrialization, and information technology, along with extended sitting periods, have caused many health problems for employees, from lifestyle-related diseases to musculoskeletal disorders and mental health problems. For most people, work is an important determinant of life that is necessary for the survival and well-being of an individual. On the other hand, a high degree of productivity, motivation and commitment of employees is important to the employer. Workplace health promotion plays an important role in achieving good employee health. The World Health Organization emphasizes that the workplace is a primary environment for the promotion of health and well-being, including the provision of a safe and healthy physical and psychosocial work environment. In developed countries, various approaches to health promotion have been implemented through organizational wellness programs for many years. However, there are a number of limiting factors for the implementation, efficiency and effectiveness of a wellness program in the workplace. This is especially true for countries that do not have a long tradition of implementing wellness programs. In accordance with the growing needs of our society for workplace wellness programs to be more represented, the aim of this paper is to point out the importance and need for the planning, implementation and evaluation of wellness programs.
The effects of trichloroacetic acid in the treatment of post-acne atrophic scars
Authors: Prodanović Anastasija , Milanović Isidora
Published: December 2022

Introduction: The atrophic scar treatment lasts for several months. The therapy should prevent or reduce scarring. The pathogenesis is the result of sebum hyperproduction, follicular epidermal hyperkeratinisation, the activity of Cutibacterium (Propionibacterium) acnes, and immune response. The TCA peeling stimulates tissue regeneration causing protein deposition, coagulation necrosis and exfoliation of photo-damaged cells. Goal: To demonstrate the effects of TCA peels and the significance of skin care in the treatment of atrophic scars. Methodology: The prepared skin was TCA solution-treated, in circular motions, in five steps. The eyes were covered and protected. The next peeling layers were applied in 3 steps. Case study: subject, skin phototype 3, with post-acne atrophic scars. The therapy: the treatment of TCA - 50% to atrophic regions, follow up on the frosting (coagulation of epidermal and dermal proteins) under the physician supervision. Results and Discussion: The first treatment decreased the number of active acne lesions and inflammation, atrophic scars were less visible. The skin was smooth and gentle. There were no postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. The chemical peels are simple to perform at the histological level, have a low complication rate, low costs. Skin care after surface chemical peeling involves gentle cleansing. Moisturizing, pH neutral creams are recommended for skin care. Sun protection is mandatory. Conclusion: TCA is stable, inexpensive, does not cause systemic toxicity. Peeling is easy to perform, the depth of peeling correlates with the intensity of frosting. There is no need to neutralize TCA. If performed correctly, TCA peels achieve histological and clinical improvement of the skin.
Prognostic values of baseline cortisol levels and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio in COVID-19
Authors: Erturk Sengel , Tukenmez Tigen , Ilgin Can , Korten Volkan , Odabasi Zekaver
Published: December 2022

Background: The prediction of disease severity in COVID19 could be a valuable tool for providing early treatment and reducing mortality. We aimed to evaluate the predictor value of baseline cortisol values on disease severity and assess the correlation between the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and cortisol levels. Methods: In this retrospective study, we compared the prognostic value of baseline NLR, morning cortisol, ferritin, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels among patients with severe and non-severe COVID-19. The association was assessed with Spearman's correlation. Results: 37.7% of the patients (n=63) had severe disease, and their baseline cortisol levels were higher than those in the non-severe group (522 nmol/L vs 380.7 nmol/L, p=0.011). The baseline cortisol level and NLR had area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.62 (95% confidence interval CI 0.53-0.71) and 0.70 (CI 95% 0.62-0.78) for the prediction of severe COVID-19, respectively. Severe disease was predicted in patients with a baseline cortisol cutoff ≥ 522 nmol/L with a specificity of 75.0%, a sensitivity of 50.79%. The cutoff value for the NLR on day 1 was ≥ 6.2, with a specificity of 93.27% and a sensitivity of 32.79%. Baseline cortisol levels showed a significant weakmoderate positive correlation with the NLR and levels of CRP and ferritin on day 1 (r=0.33, r=0.29, r=0.28, respectively, p<0.001 for all). Conclusions: The baseline cortisol level in COVID-19 patients is a good predictive marker for disease severity and non-inferior to the NLR. However, it is inferior to CRP and ferritin.
Linking residents' perceptions of pandemic quality of life with their support for sustainable tourism development in the post-COVID-19 era
Authors: Đorċević Nataša , Dimitrovski Darko , Leković Miljan , Weeden Clare
Published: December 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed tourist flows, reducing the number of international tourist arrivals around the world. One of the ways to protect the tourism industry from the ongoing health crisis was through the stimulation of domestic and proximity tourism. During the COVID-19 pandemic in Serbia, domestic tourists were attracted to spa destinations such as Vrnjačka Banja. Thus, residents of this small-town destination experienced a great influx of tourists, altering their everyday lives. This paper examines the quality of life domains of Vrnjačka Banja residents during the pandemic and their support for sustainable tourism initiatives in the viable future. Study findings suggest that spirituality and support from friends and general quality of life as identified domains of quality of life during the pandemic emerged as antecedents of support for sustainable tourism. The study contributes to the existing tourism knowledge by acknowledging the capacity of different domains of residents" quality of life in the pandemic context to frame future sustainable tourism initiatives.
The tourism sector as a determinant of reducing the balance of payments deficit in the Republic of Serbia
Authors: Janković Nenad , Čakajac Božidar , Luković Stevan , Mitrašević Mirela
Published: December 2022

The importance of the tourism sector for the successful functioning of the national economy differs considerably from one country to another. Economic research has mainly dealt with the impact of tourism on economic growth, development and employment. The subject of this paper is an examination of the tourism sector as a possible factor in reducing the balance of payments deficit in the Republic of Serbia. The goal of the research is to find out to what extent the tourism sector can contribute to the correction of the disequilibrium in balance of payments of the Republic of Serbia. Secondary data analysis, comparative methods and correlation analysis were used in the research. The results of the research indicate that the decline in imports of tourist services, due to the change of direction of domestic tourist demand, can have a positive effect on the reduction of the current account deficit and, consequently, the balance of payments deficit in the Republic of Serbia.
Analysis and optimization of the main girder of the bridge crane with an asymmetric box cross-section
Authors: Pavlović Goran , Savković Mile
Published: December 2022

The presented research deals with the optimal design of the main girder with an asymmetric box cross-section of the double-beam bridge crane. The Moth-Flame Optimization algorithm (MFO) is used for solving this multicriteria optimization problem. This algorithm is a relatively new population-based metaheuristic method. The paper takes the following criteria as the constraint functions: strength, local stability of the girder plates (webs and top flange), local stability of the longitudinal stiffeners, global stability of the main girder, deflections, and period of oscillation. The justification of the proposed procedure is shown in one example of a real solution of the double-beam bridge crane. Significant savings in material were achieved in this research, within the range of 19.42 to 25.49%. The use of this algorithm enables the application of a very large number of variables and constraint functions, whereby the optimal values are obtained in a relatively short period.
The utilizing Hall effect-based current sensor ACS712 for true RMS current measurement in power electronic systems
Authors: Lazarević Đorđe , Živković Marko , Kocić Đorđe , Ćirić Jovan
Published: December 2022

Current measurement in power electronic systems is a necessary part of the measurement process. There are different ways for current measurement like using current transformers or using the Rogowski coils which are not precise enough in many applications and not suitable for use in power electronic measurement systems. For that reason, the Hall effect-based sensor can be used as a very precise alternative with minimum external components. Presented in this paper is utilizing the Hall effect current sensor ACS712 for current measurement with a microcontroller system. The measurement with the Hall effect sensor is described with an appropriate comparison of the measurement values on a microcontroller system and multimeter and high precision power analyzer Chauvin Arnoux 8335.
Numerical analysis of initiation of main explosive charge in an artillery projectile
Authors: Tomić Stefan , Elek Predrag
Published: December 2022

The importance of investigation of main explosive charge initiation using booster charge stems directly from the objective to optimize the mass of booster charge needed to ensure steady state detonation of main explosive charge in order to achieve maximum projectile efficiency. Considered configuration consists of two explosives and three metal parts which represent elements of fuze and projectile. The main objective of this paper is to develop a numerical model of initiation of main explosive charge of an insensitive artillery ammunition. Through this research two variants of detonation point location were analyzed, ideal and stochastic one. The effects of the detonation transfer are analyzed using the Jones-Wilkins-Lee and Ignition and Growth equation of state models for explosives, applying the Coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian approach in the Abaqus/Explicit software. Analytical computation is introduced in this paper with a purpose to present P-u interaction between configuration elements and for comparison with results obtained by numerical method. The results of analytical and numerical approach are presented and discussed in detail. It is shown that suggested numerical model enables simulation and optimization of explosive train in fuzes of HE projectiles.
The effect of minimally invasive treatments on enamel microhardness and resistance to further demineralization
Authors: MOOSAVİ Horieh , REZAEE Fatemeh , AFSHARİ Safoora , SEKANDARİ Salehe , AHRARİ Farzaneh
Published: December 2022

Objectives: The present study aimed to compare microhardness of inactive proximal lesions treated by resin infiltration, Er:YAG laser + resin infiltration and Bioactive glass, and investigate the resistance of treated lesions to further demineralization challenge.
Methods: In this in-vitro study, 30 human molars with inactive proximal lesions were selected and randomly divided into three groups of 10. In group 1 (resin infiltration), the lesions were treated by a resin infiltrant (Icon). In group 2, the surface was conditioned by an Er:YAG laser prior to resin infiltration. The specimens in group 3 were remineralized by bioactive glass. The treated specimens were kept in artificial saliva for 1 week and then immersed in a demineralization solution for 8 weeks. Surface microhardness was measured at baseline (T0), after remineralization (T1) and after exposure to the demineralization solution (T2), and the difference in microhardness between time points (ΔVHN) was calculated.
Results: Microhardness after demineralization (T2) was significantly lower than those of other intervals (P0.05). The statistical analysis revealed no significant difference either in ΔVHNT1-T0 or in ΔVHNT2-T1 among the study groups (P>0.05)
Conclusion: Pretreatment by the Er:YAG laser prior to resin infiltration was more effective that other treatments in enhancing microhardness and protecting the tooth against acidic challenge. However, the difference between groups did not reach a statistical significance, implying the need for further studies to achieve more conclusive results.
Comparative Evaluation of the Shaping Ability of Five Different Nickel-Titanium Rotary File Systems in Simulated Canals
Authors: BİLGİN Ömer , ALTUNBAŞ Demet
Published: December 2022

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the simulated canal shaping efficiencies of five different NiTi rotary file systems.

Materials and Methods: In the study, 100 transparent resin blocks with J-shaped canals were randomly divided into five groups (n=20). Simulated canals were shaped with VDW.Rotate (VR), TruNatomy (TRN), HyFlex CM (HF), EdgeFile X7 (EF), or ProTaper Next (PTN) files. Ten measuring points were detected on the pre- and post-preparation images taken from the blocks and superimposed. After preparation, the total canal width and the amount of transportation were calculated for the determined measuring levels. Zipping and ledge formation, instrument fracture and deformation, and change in working length were evaluated. The data were statistically analyzed with the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, one-way ANOVA, Tukey test, Chi-Square test, and a Monte Carlo version of the Fisher Exact tests. The error level was taken as 0.05.

Results: There were significant differences between the groups at all measuring levels in terms of total canal width after instrumentation (p = 0.001). Significant differences in the amount of transportation were found between the groups (p = 0.001) except at levels 4 (p = 0.169) and 10 (p = 0.054). Zip and instrument fractures did not occur in any group. 3 EF size 25/.04 files were deformed (p = 0.021). There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of ledge formation and working length change (p > 0.05).

Conclusions: According to findings obtained in the study, transportation occurred at all 10 measuring levels with all file systems used. HF and EF systems were found to be more reliable in terms of transportation in the middle and coronal regions. Wider canal preparation was obtained with the PTN system in the middle and coronal regions.
Treatment of Apical Periodontitis Induced BRONJ with Endodontic Treatment
Authors: SANCAR Bahadır , TALAY Gönen Aras
Published: December 2022

Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ), which is one of the serious side effects of bisphosphonates, has an increasing clinical importance due to the widespread use of bisphosphonates in the treatment of many diseases such as osteoporosis, osteopenia, Paget's disease, osteogenesis imperfecta, and multiple myeloma. BRONJ can spontaneously develop in the jawbones. In addition, many factors such as tooth extraction, periodontal diseases, and local trauma can trigger BRONJ. In our case, it was detected that the lesion appearing like BRONJ in the left lower jaw of the 67-year-old female patient with a history of oral bisphosphonate use developed due to apical periodontitis resulting from the tooth numbered 34. Root canal treatment was administered to the relevant tooth of the patient, the fistula tract was closed after this treatment, and as a result of the CBCT examination, it was observed that the enlargement in the necrotic bone area stopped. In addition, the patient's complaints about the relevant tooth disappeared. As a result, endodontic treatment is an effective treatment approach in the treatment of BRONJ developing due to apical periodontitis. In order to avoid the risk of BRONJ, a detailed oral examination should be performed before starting the bisphosphonate treatment, and necessary endodontic, restorative and periodontal treatments should be followed.
On the blowing up solutions of the 4-d general q-Kuramoto-Sivashinsky equation with exponentially "dominated" nonlinearity and singular weight
Authors: Baraket Sami , Mahdaoui Safia , Ouni Taieb
Published: December 2022

Let \(\Omega\) be a bounded domain in \(\mathbb{R}^4\) with smooth boundary and let \(x^{1}, x^{2}, \ldots, x^{m}\) be \(m\)-points in \(\Omega\). We are concerned with the problem \[\Delta^{2} u - H(x,u,D^{k}u) = \rho^{4}\prod_{i=1}^{n}|x-p_{i}|^{4\alpha_{i}}f(x)g(u),\] where the principal term is the bi-Laplacian operator, \(H(x,u,D^{k}u)\) is a functional which grows with respect to \(Du\) at most like \(|Du|^{q}\), \(1\leq q\leq 4\), \(f:\Omega\to [0,+\infty[\) is a smooth function satisfying \(f(p_{i}) \gt 0\) for any \(i = 1,\ldots, n\), \(\alpha_{i}\) are positives numbers and \(g :\mathbb R\to [0,+\infty[\) satisfy \(|g(u)|\leq ce^{u}\). In this paper, we give sufficient conditions for existence of a family of positive weak solutions \((u_\rho)_{\rho\gt 0}\) in \(\Omega\) under Navier boundary conditions \(u=\Delta u =0\) on \(\partial\Omega\). The solutions we constructed are singular as the parameters \( ho\) tends to 0, when the set of concentration \(S=\{x^{1},\ldots,x^{m}\}\subset\Omega\) and the set \(\Lambda :=\{p_{1},\ldots, p_{n}\}\subset\Omega\) are not necessarily disjoint. The proof is mainly based on nonlinear domain decomposition method.
Lack of evidence for increased transcriptional noise in aged tissues
Authors: Ibañez-Solé Olga , Ascensión Alex M , Araúzo-Bravo Marcos J , Izeta Ander
Published: December 2022

Aging is often associated with a loss of cell type identity that results in an increase in transcriptional noise in aged tissues. If this phenomenon reflects a fundamental property of aging remains an open question. Transcriptional changes at the cellular level are best detected by single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq). However, the diverse computational methods used for the quantification of age-related loss of cellular identity have prevented reaching meaningful conclusions by direct comparison of existing scRNAseq datasets. To address these issues we created Decibel, a Python toolkit that implements side-to-side four commonly used methods for the quantification of age-related transcriptional noise in scRNAseq data. Additionally, we developed Scallop, a novel computational method for the quantification of membership of single cells to their assigned cell type cluster. Cells with a greater Scallop membership score are transcriptionally more stable. Application of these computational tools to seven aging datasets showed large variability between tissues and datasets, suggesting that increased transcriptional noise is not a universal hallmark of aging. To understand the source of apparent loss of cell type identity associated with aging, we analyzed cell type-specific changes in transcriptional noise and the changes in cell type composition of the mammalian lung. No robust pattern of cell type-specific transcriptional noise alteration was found across aging lung datasets. In contrast, age-associated changes in cell type composition of the lung were consistently found, particularly of immune cells. These results suggest that claims of increased transcriptional noise of aged tissues should be reformulated.
Computational design of peptides to target NaV1.7 channel with high potency and selectivity for the treatment of pain
Authors: Nguyen Phuong T , Nguyen Hai M , Wagner Karen M , Stewart Robert G , Singh Vikrant , Thapa Parashar , Chen Yi-Je , Lillya Mark W , Ton Anh Tuan , Kondo Richard , Ghetti Andre , Pennington Michael W , Hammock Bruce , Griffith Theanne N , Sack Jon T , Wulff Heike , Yarov-Yarovoy Vladimir
Published: December 2022

The voltage-gated sodium NaV1.7 channel plays a key role as a mediator of action potential propagation in C-fiber nociceptors and is an established molecular target for pain therapy. ProTx-II is a potent and moderately selective peptide toxin from tarantula venom that inhibits human NaV1.7 activation. Here we used available structural and experimental data to guide Rosetta design of potent and selective ProTx-II-based peptide inhibitors of human NaV1.7 channels. Functional testing of designed peptides using electrophysiology identified the PTx2-3127 and PTx2-3258 peptides with IC50s of 7 nM and 4 nM for hNaV1.7 and more than 1000-fold selectivity over human NaV1.1, NaV1.3, NaV1.4, NaV1.5, NaV1.8, and NaV1.9 channels. PTx2-3127 inhibits NaV1.7 currents in mouse and human sensory neurons and shows efficacy in rat models of chronic and thermal pain when administered intrathecally. Rationally designed peptide inhibitors of human NaV1.7 channels have transformative potential to define a new class of biologics to treat pain.
Edith Stein und Hedwig Conrad-Martius: eine Denk-Gemeinschaft
Authors:   Institute of Catholic Theology, Technische Universitat Dresden. Alemania, Gerl-Falkovitz Hanna-Barbara
Published: December 2022

Stein y Conrad-Martius fueron discípulas de Husserl. Sin embargo, se conocieron solo en 1920 cuando publicaron varios textos de Adolf Reinach conmemorando su fallecimiento como soldado en 1917. Este había sido profesor de ambas. Conrad-Martius fue una pensadora importante en el ámbito de la filosofía natural. Se apoyó principalmente en Aristóteles, pero igualmente con un vivo interés por la física y la biología modernas. Por su parte, Stein se centró en antropología, llegando a tocar también el ámbito de la filosofía religiosa. En 1936/37, cuando escribió su obra maestra “Ser finito y ser eterno”, obra que preparó con “Acto y potencia”, el intercambio entre las dos filósofas comenzó a ser muy profundo. Ambas se inspiraron tanto en un reconocimiento como en una crítica de la obra “Ser y tiempo” de Heidegger (1927). Además del intercambio intelectual, comenzó a crecer entre ellas una verdadera amistad, sobre todo a partir de 1921 cuando ambas se encontraban en una crisis religiosa. Fue en casa de Conrad-Martius en Berzabern donde Stein decidió bautizarse en la iglesia católica (1.1.1922) y, aunque un tiempo después, hacerse carmelita. Conrad-Martius fue su madrina de bautismo. En 1960, Conrad-Martius editó las cartas y postales de Edith Stein, mientras que existía una sola postal que ella misma había escrito a su gran amiga.
IPM – An Ecofriendly Approach to Manage the Pink Boll Worm (Pectinophora gossypiella) in Bt Cotton of Mancherial District, Telangana State
Authors: Alugoju Nagaraju , Malavath Rajeshwar , Kota Shivakrishna , Thirupathi I. , Sravanthi U. , Bollaveni Sathish Kumar
Published: December 2022

A Front Line Demonstration (FLD) on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices for the management of pink boll worm, Pectinophora gossipiella (Saunders) in Bt cotton has been conducted in different villages in various mandals of Mancherial district in Telangana state during Kharif (June – December) season of 2018–19, 2019–20 and 2020–21, respectively to create awareness about the IPM practices among the farming community. The adoption of IPM practices like installation of pheromone traps at 45 DAS, removal & destruction of rosette flowers, spraying of Azadiractin 1500ppm and need-based application of selective insecticides etc. were carried out. The results revealed that the lowest per cent rosette flowers (6.63, 6.52 and 2.84) and green boll damage (5.71, 8.91 and 13.39) was recorded in IPM demonstrated plots over farmers practice (per cent rosette flowers (11.69, 8.51 & 13.39), green boll damage (8.57, 10.46 and 21.84) with increased yields of 7.83, 9.98 and 9.85 during corresponding Kharif (June – December), 2018–19, 2019–20 and 2020–21. Further, the demonstration plots registered with higher cotton yield of 2079, 1785 and 1817 kg ha-1 as compared to 1928, 1623 and 1654 kg ha-1 under farmers practice. The Cost- Benefit ratio of 1.89, 1.90 and 1.80, respectively in the technology demonstrated plots whereas in farmers practice the recorded Cost - Benefit ratio of 1.55, 1.64 and 1.45 during corresponding Kharif (June – December), 2018–19, 2019–20 and 2020–21. Hence, need to popularize the IPM practices through FLD among the farming community to alleviate the gap between the improved technology and farmer’s practice.
Hydraulic and Numerical Tests on Wave Overtopping for Vertical Seawall with Relatively Shallow and Steep Sloped Water Depth
Authors: Kim Young-Taek , Choi Hyukjin , Lee Hwangki
Published: December 2022

In Korea, the hydraulic model tests for measuring the wave overtopping have been almost conducted with no bottom slope or single slope condition in Korea. In this study, the bottom seabed for the coastal road area was fabricated at the wave flume and the wave overtopping was measured. The overtopping rate was also measured with the numerical modelling by OLAFoam. The measuring data were compared with EurOtop manual. It could be known the the influence of the foreslope in front of the vertical wall was significant and the these effects should be concerned when designing the coastal structures. And also it could be known that OLAFoam could be used to predict the wave overtopping rate for the complex bottom topography.
Cobalt Iron-Metal Organic Framework Coordinated to CMC Aerogel by Solvothermal Method and Application to Tetracycline Antibiotics Adsorption
Authors: Tran Thi Kim Ngan , Nguyen Van Phuoc , Tran A Chau , Le Thi Hong Nhan , Tran Thi Thanh Ngan
Published: December 2022

In order to minimize the adverse impacts on the aquatic environment after treatment process, several attempts have been made to develop biodegradable, easy-to-recover, and environmentally friendly materials. The metal-organic framework material (CoFe-MOF) was developed in the CMC aerogel matrix by solvothermal method and applied in tetracycline antibiotic (TCC) adsorption. The morphological and structural properties of the materials were analyzed by scanning electron microscope (SEM), x-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infra Red (FT-IR), and  (Brunauer-Emmett-Teller)  (BET) to identify the crystals formed relative to the pristine MOF. The effects of various factors of the adsorption process such as time, pH, amount of adsorbent, and initial concentration of antibiotics were investigated. Results have shown that the adsorption capacity was 188.7 mg.g-1 at pH 4, the initial TCC concentration of 80 g.L-1 and equilibration time of 120 min. The experimental data describing the antibiotic adsorption process follows the Pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the Langmuir isothermal model. The CoFe-MOF aerogel material can recover and reuse all four cycles, thus it can be considered as a promising material for environmental remediation and other applications. Copyright © 2022 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Performance of Cardiovascular Risk Prediction Models Among People Living With HIV
Authors: Soares Cullen , Kwok Michael , Boucher Kent-Andrew , Haji Mohammed , Echouffo-Tcheugui Justin B. , Longenecker Christopher T. , Bloomfield Gerald S. , Ross David , Jutkowtiz Eric , Sullivan Jennifer L. , Rudolph James L. , Wu Wen-Chih , Erqou Sebhat
Published: December 2022

Importance

Extant data on the performance of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk score models in people living with HIV have not been synthesized.

Objective

To synthesize available data on the performance of the various CVD risk scores in people living with HIV.

Data Sources

PubMed and Embase were searched from inception through January 31, 2021.

Study Selection

Selected studies (1) were chosen based on cohort design, (2) included adults with a diagnosis of HIV, (3) assessed CVD outcomes, and (4) had available data on a minimum of 1 CVD risk score.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

Relevant data related to study characteristics, CVD outcome, and risk prediction models were extracted in duplicate. Measures of calibration and discrimination are presented in tables and qualitatively summarized. Additionally, where possible, estimates of discrimination and calibration measures were combined and stratified by type of risk model.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Measures of calibration and discrimination.

Results

Nine unique observational studies involving 75 304 people (weighted average age, 42 years; 59 490 male individuals [79%]) living with HIV were included. In the studies reporting these data, 86% were receiving antiretroviral therapy and had a weighted average CD4+ count of 449 cells/μL. Included in the study were current smokers (50%), patients with diabetes (5%), and patients with hypertension (25%). Ten risk prediction scores (6 in the general population and 4 in the HIV-specific population) were analyzed. Most risk scores had a moderate performance in discrimination (C statistic: 0.7-0.8), without a significant difference in performance between the risk scores of the general and HIV-specific populations. One of the HIV-specific risk models (Data Collection on Adverse Effects of Anti-HIV Drugs Cohort 2016) and 2 of the general population risk models (Framingham Risk Score [FRS] and Pooled Cohort Equation [PCE] 10 year) had the highest performance in discrimination. In general, models tended to underpredict CVD risk, except for FRS and PCE 10-year scores, which were better calibrated. There was substantial heterogeneity across the studies, with only a few studies contributing data for each risk score.

Conclusions and Relevance

Results of this systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that general population and HIV-specific CVD risk models had comparable, moderate discrimination ability in people living with HIV, with a general tendency to underpredict risk. These results reinforce the current recommendations provided by the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines to consider HIV as a risk-enhancing factor when estimating CVD risk.
Patient Portals to Support Care Partner Engagement in Adolescent and Adult Populations
Authors: Gleason Kelly T. , Peereboom Danielle , Wec Aleksandra , Wolff Jennifer L.
Published: December 2022

Importance

Family and other unpaid care partners may bridge accessibility challenges in interacting with the patient portal, but the extent and nature of this involvement is not well understood.

Objective

To inform an emerging research agenda directed at more purposeful inclusion of care partners within the context of digital health equity by (1) quantifying care partners’ uptake and use of the patient portal in adolescent and adult patients, (2) identifying factors involving care partners’ portal use across domains of the System Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety model, and (3) assessing evidence of perceived or actual outcomes of care partners’ portal use.

Evidence Review

Following Arksey and O’Malley’s methodologic framework, a scoping review of manuscripts published February 1 and March 22, 2022, was conducted by hand and a systematic search of PubMed, PsycInfo, Embase, and Web of Science. The search yielded 278 articles; 125 were selected for full-text review and 41 were included.

Findings

Few adult patient portal accounts had 1 or more formally registered care partners (<3% in 7 of 7 articles), but care partners commonly used the portal (8 of 13 contributing articles reported >30% use). Care partners less often authored portal messages with their own identity credentials (<3% of portal messages in 3 of 3 articles) than with patient credentials (20%-60% of portal messages in 3 of 5 articles). Facilitators of care partner portal use included markers of patient vulnerability (13 articles), care partner characteristics (15 articles; being female, family, and competent in health system navigation), and task-based factors pertaining to ease of information access and care coordination. Environmental (26 articles) and process factors (19 articles, eg, organizational portal registration procedures, protection of privacy, and functionality) were identified as influential to care partner portal use, but findings were nuanced and precluded reporting on effects. Care partner portal use was identified as contributing to both patient and care partner insight into patient health (9 articles), activation (7 articles), continuity of care (8 articles), and convenience (6 articles).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this scoping review, care partners were found to be infrequently registered for the patient portal and more often engaged in portal use with patient identity credentials. Formally registering care partners for the portal was identified as conferring potential benefits for patients, care partners, and care quality.
Newspaper Coverage of COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement for Organ Transplant
Authors: Zenone Marco , Caulfield Timothy
Published: December 2022

This qualitative study summarizes newspaper reporting on views supporting or opposing policies requiring COVID-19 vaccination for organ transplant candidates in the US, the UK, and Canada.
Numerical simulation of the cyclic‐loading behavior of steel chevron‐braced moment‐resisting frames
Authors: Dias Ilanildo , Seki Akiri , Okazaki Taichiro
Published: December 2022

A computational study was conducted to examine the seismic performance of steel moment‐resisting frames (MRFs) provided with chevron concentric braces. Such steel systems are widely used for buildings in Japan. Nonlinear finite‐element‐method models were validated against data and observations from previously tested chevron‐braced MRF specimens. The validated models were used to conduct a parametric study to understand how the cyclic‐loading performance of chevron‐braced MRFs may be affected by the torsional and translational restraint of the beam intersected by braces, the relative strength of the beam with respect to the braces, and the type of bracing connection. The results suggest that the lack of bracing of the beam intersected by braces may not be detrimental to the global hysteretic behavior of the structural system, although out‐of‐plane buckling of the braces can cause severe inelastic lateral‐torsional deformation of the beam. The torsional moment delivered by the braces was evaluated for the unfavorable arrangement where the bracing connections are rigid, and the braces are oriented to buckle out of the plane. A design procedure was examined that can account for the dependency of the energy dissipation mechanism on the cyclic loading history.
Effectiveness of robust optimization against geometric uncertainties in TomoHelical planning for prostate cancer
Authors: Yagihashi Takayuki , Inoue Kazumasa , Nagata Hironori , Yamanaka Masashi , Yamano Akihiro , Suzuki Shunsuke , Yamakabe Wataru , Sato Naoki , Omura Motoko , Inoue Tatsuya
Published: December 2022

Background

Geometrical uncertainties in patients can severely affect the quality of radiotherapy.

Purpose

We evaluated the dosimetric efficacy of robust optimization for helical intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) planning in the presence of patient setup uncertainty and anatomical changes.

Methods

Two helical IMRT plans for 10 patients with localized prostate cancer were created using either minimax robust optimization (robust plan) or a conventional planning target volume (PTV) margin approach (PTV plan). Plan robustness was evaluated by creating perturbed dose plans with setup uncertainty from isocenter shifts and anatomical changes due to organ variation. The magnitudes of the geometrical uncertainties were based on the patient setup uncertainty considered during robust optimization, which was identical to the PTV margin. The homogeneity index, and target coverage (TC, defined as the V100% of the clinical target volume), and organs at risk (OAR; rectum and bladder) doses were analyzed for all nominal and perturbed plans. A statistical t‐test was performed to evaluate the differences between the robust and PTV plans.

Results

Comparison of the nominal plans showed that the robust plans had lower OAR doses and a worse homogeneity index and TC than the PTV plans. The evaluations of robustness that considered setup errors more than the PTV margin demonstrated that the worst‐case perturbed scenarios for robust plans had significantly higher TC while maintaining lower OAR doses. However, when anatomical changes were considered, improvement in TC from robust optimization was not observed in the worst‐case perturbed plans.

Conclusions

For helical IMRT planning in localized prostate cancer, robust optimization provides benefits over PTV margin–based planning, including better OAR sparing, and increased robustness against systematic patient‐setup errors.
Burden, Causes, and Outcomes of Hospitalization in Patients With Giant Cell Arteritis: A US National Cohort Study
Authors: Goulabchand Radjiv , Qian Alexander S. , Nguyen Nghia H. , Singh Abha G. , Roubille Camille , Parreau Simon , Singh Namrata , Singh Siddharth
Published: December 2022

Objective

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) has a relapsing–remitting course and is associated with a high burden of comorbidities, leading to repeated hospitalizations. This study was undertaken to investigate the burden, risk factors, causes, and outcomes of hospitalization and readmission in GCA patients in a US national cohort.

Methods

Using the 2017 US National Readmission Database, we identified adults ≥50 years of age hospitalized with GCA between January and June 2017, with at least 6 months of follow‐up. We estimated the burden of hospitalization including 6‐month risk of readmission, total days spent in hospital, and costs, annually. We examined patient‐, hospital‐, and index hospitalization–related factors for 6‐month readmission and total days of hospitalization using binomial logistic regression.

Results

Our study included 1,206 patients hospitalized with GCA (70% women, median age 77 years), with 13% of patients experiencing GCA‐related ophthalmologic complications at index hospital admission. On follow‐up, 3% died, and 34% of patients were readmitted within 6 months, primarily for infections (23%) and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) (15%). Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) of ≥1, smoking, and obesity were associated with readmission. GCA patients spent a median of 5 days/year in hospital (interquartile range [IQR] 3–11), with those in the top quartile spending 19 days/year in hospital (IQR 14–26).

Conclusion

GCA patients frequently experience unplanned health care utilization, with 1 in 3 patients experiencing readmission within 6 months, and 3% dying within the follow‐up period. Infection and CVDs are common causes of readmission and may be related to glucocorticoid exposure. Population health management strategies are required in these vulnerable GCA patients.
Charge Booster Tags for Controlled Release of Therapeutics from a Therapeutic Carrier
Authors: Kim Seoungkyun , Kim Dong Hee , Cho Jinhwan , Kim Jaeyun , Kwon Inchan
Published: December 2022

Injectable hydrogels are promising delivery vehicles for the sustained release of therapeutic proteins. Electrostatic interactions between proteins and hydrogels often increase affinity to decelerate protein release. However, this approach is not suitable for weakly charged proteins. The current study shows that the genetic fusion of a highly charged protein segment (charge booster tag) with proteins can control their interactions with injectable gels. A positive or negative charge booster tag is introduced into urate oxidase (UOX), a therapeutic protein for gout, to generate UOX variants with varying net charges. When a positively‐charged injectable hydrogel is used, both the in vitro release rate and in vivo serum half‐life of UOX are correlated with the net negative charge. This modified delivery approach results in a serum half‐life of over 106 h for the UOX variant, which is substantially longer than that of free UOX (3.3 h). Hence, charge booster tags can be used as a systematic strategy for controlling the release of therapeutic proteins.
Hybridization Engineering of Oxyfluoride Aluminosilicate Glass for Construction of Dual‐Phase Optical Ceramics
Authors: Du Guanxin , Wen Shaofei , Zhao Junjie , Ran Peng , Wang Dazhao , Wei Lei , Qiao Xvsheng , Yang Yang , Qiu Jianrong , Zhou Shifeng
Published: December 2022

The construction of transparent ceramics under mild conditionsand standard atmospheric pressure has great scientific and technological potential; however, it remains difficult to achieve when conventional ceramic sintering techniques are used. Herein, a mild strategy for constructing dual‐phase optical ceramics with high crystallinity (>90%) based on the stepped dual‐phase crystallization of hybridized aluminosilicate glass is presented. Theoretical and experimental studies reveal that the hybridization of the glass system enables a new balance between the glass‐forming ability and crystallization and can overcome the uncontrolled devitrification phenomenon during the dense crystallization of glass. Transparent hybridized oxide‐fluoride ceramics with fiber geometry and dual‐phase microstructures are also successfully fabricated. The generality of the strategy is confirmed, and transparent ceramics with various chemical compositions and phase combinations are prepared. Additionally, the cross‐section of the ceramic fibers can be easily tuned into a circle, square, trapezoid, or even a triangle. Furthermore, the practical applications of optical ceramics for lighting and X‐ray imaging are demonstrated. The findings described here suggest a major step toward expanding the scope of optical ceramics.
Police decisions to found sexual assault cases: The influence of community‐level factors and space
Authors: Hoffman Erin E. , Greeson Megan R. , Hwang Sungsoon
Published: December 2022

Previous research has examined the influence of individual‐ and case‐level factors on police decisions in sexual assault cases, with little attention paid to community‐level factors. This study examined the association between community‐level factors and police decisions to found sexual assault cases. Founding is the first decision officers make and determines whether a case is investigated. An archival data set ofN = 8015 sexual assaults reported to a Midwestern city police department was used. Ordinary least squares (OLS) regression was first used to examine the relationship between six community‐level factors and founding rates within the city's 77 communities. Geographically weighted regression (GWR) was then used to examine whether these relationships varied by space. OLS results revealed communities with a greater proportion of Black residents, Latinx residents, Asian residents, and higher income had significantly higher founding rates. GWR results replicated these findings indicating these relationships varied significantly by space throughout the city. In contrast to the OLS, GWR results indicated communities farther from a rape crisis center had higher founding rates. Findings underscore the importance of analyzing localized effects and examining individual‐, case‐, and community‐level factors on sexual assault case outcomes in the criminal legal system.