bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The extract of concentrated growth factor enhances osteogenic activity of osteoblast through PI3K/AKT pathway and promotes bone regeneration in vivo
Authors: Dong Kai , Zhou Wen-Juan , Liu Zhong-Hao , Hao Peng-Jie
Published: August 2021

Background

Concentrated growth factor (CGF) is a third-generation platelet concentrate product; the major source of growth factors in CGF is its extract; however, there are few studies on the overall effects of the extract of CGF (CGF-e). The aim of this study was to investigate the effect and mechanism of CGF-e on MC3T3-E1 cells in vitro and to explore the effect of combination of CGF-e and bone collagen (Bio-Oss Collagen, Geistlich, Switzerland) for bone formation in cranial defect model of rats in vivo.

Methods

The cell proliferation, ALP activity, mineral deposition, osteogenic-related gene, and protein expression were evaluated in vitro; the newly formed bone was evaluated by histological and immunohistochemical analysis through critical-sized cranial defect rat model in vivo.

Results

The cell proliferation, ALP activity, mineral deposition, osteogenic-related gene, and protein expression of CGF-e group were significantly increased compared with the control group. In addition, there was significantly more newly formed bone in the CGF-e + bone collagen group, compared to the blank control group and bone collagen only group.

Conclusions

CGF-e activated the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway to enhance osteogenic differentiation and mineralization of MC3T3-E1 cells and promoted the bone formation of rat cranial defect model.
Treatment outcome clustering patterns correspond to discrete asthma phenotypes in children
Authors: Banić Ivana , Lovrić Mario , Cuder Gerald , Kern Roman , Rijavec Matija , Korošec Peter , Turkalj Mirjana
Published: August 2021

Despite widely and regularly used therapy asthma in children is not fully controlled. Recognizing the complexity of asthma phenotypes and endotypes imposed the concept of precision medicine in asthma treatment. By applying machine learning algorithms assessed with respect to their accuracy in predicting treatment outcome, we have successfully identified 4 distinct clusters in a pediatric asthma cohort with specific treatment outcome patterns according to changes in lung function (FEV1 and MEF50), airway inflammation (FENO) and disease control likely affected by discrete phenotypes at initial disease presentation, differing in the type and level of inflammation, age of onset, comorbidities, certain genetic and other physiologic traits. The smallest and the largest of the 4 clusters- 1 (N = 58) and 3 (N = 138) had better treatment outcomes compared to clusters 2 and 4 and were characterized by more prominent atopic markers and a predominant allelic (A allele) effect for rs37973 in the GLCCI1 gene previously associated with positive treatment outcomes in asthmatics. These patients also had a relatively later onset of disease (6 + yrs). Clusters 2 (N = 87) and 4 (N = 64) had poorer treatment success, but varied in the type of inflammation (predominantly neutrophilic for cluster 4 and likely mixed-type for cluster 2), comorbidities (obesity for cluster 2), level of systemic inflammation (highest hsCRP for cluster 2) and platelet count (lowest for cluster 4). The results of this study emphasize the issues in asthma management due to the overgeneralized approach to the disease, not taking into account specific disease phenotypes.
Health Monitoring of Fattening Pigs – Use of Production Data, Farm Characteristics and On-Farm Examination
Authors: Grosse-Kleimann Julia , Wegner Birte , Spiekermeier Ines , grosse Beilage Elisabeth , Kemper Nicole , Nienhoff Hendrik , Plate Heiko , Meyer Henning , Gerhardy Hubert , Kreienbrock Lothar
Published: August 2021

Background

The use of processed secondary data for health monitoring of fattening pigs has been established in various areas, such as the use of antibiotics or in the context of meat inspection. Standardized scores were calculated based on several sources of production data and can be used to describe animal health in a large collective of pig units. In the present study, the extent to which these scores are related to different farm characteristics and management decisions were investigated. In addition, slaughter scores were compared with the results of a veterinary examination on the farms.

Results

The comparison of the results of the uni- and multifactorial analyses revealed that almost all of the examined factors play a role in at least one of the scores when considered individually. However, when various significant influencing factors were taken into account at any one time, most of the variables lost their statistical significance due to confounding effects. In particular, production data such as production costs or daily feed intake remained in the final models of the scores on mortality, average daily gain and external lesions. Regarding the second part of the investigation, a basic technical correlation between the slaughter scores and the on-farm indicators could be established via principal component analysis. The modelling of the slaughter scores by the on-farm indicators showed that the score on external lesions could be represented by equivalent variables recorded on the farm (e.g., lesions caused by tail or ear biting).

Conclusions

It has been demonstrated that the examined health scores are influenced by various farm and management characteristics. However, when several factors are taken into account, confounding occurs in some cases, which must be considered by consultants. Additionally, it was shown that on-farm examination content is related to the scores based on equivalent findings from slaughter pigs.
Paraphrase type identification for plagiarism detection using contexts and word embeddings
Authors: Alvi Faisal , Stevenson Mark , Clough Paul
Published: August 2021

Paraphrase types have been proposed by researchers as the paraphrasing mechanisms underlying acts of plagiarism. Synonymous substitution, word reordering and insertion/deletion have been identified as some of the common paraphrasing strategies used by plagiarists. However, similarity reports generated by most plagiarism detection systems provide a similarity score and produce matching sections of text with their possible sources. In this research we propose methods to identify two important paraphrase types – synonymous substitution and word reordering in paraphrased, plagiarised sentence pairs. We propose a three staged approach that uses context matching and pretrained word embeddings for identifying synonymous substitution and word reordering. Our proposed approach indicates that the use of Smith Waterman Algorithm for Plagiarism Detection and ConceptNet Numberbatch pretrained word embeddings produces the best performance in terms of $$\hbox {F}_1$$

F
1

scores. This research can be used to complement similarity reports generated by currently available plagiarism detection systems by incorporating methods to identify paraphrase types for plagiarism detection.
Validation of a novel patient reported tool to assess the impact of treatment in erythropoietic protoporphyria: the EPP-QoL
Authors: Biolcati G. , Hanneken S. , Minder E. I. , Neumann N. J. , Wilson J. H. P. , Wolgen P. J. , Wright D. J. , Lloyd A. J.
Published: August 2021

Background

A novel treatment has been developed for erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) (a rare condition that leaves patients highly sensitive to light). To fully understand the burden of EPP and the benefit of treatment, a novel patient reported outcome (PRO) measure was developed called the EPP-QoL. This report describes work to support the validation of this measure.

Methods

Secondary analysis of trial data was undertaken. These analyses explored the underlying factor structure of the measure. This supported the deletion of some items. Further work then explored the reliability of these factors, their construct validity and estimates of meaningful change.

Results

The factor analyses indicated that the items could be summarised in terms of two factors. One of these was labelled EPP Symptoms and the other EPP Wellbeing, based on the items included in the domain. EPP Symptoms had evidence to support its reliability and validity. EPP Wellbeing had poor psychometric properties.

Conclusions

Based on the analysis it was recommended to drop the EPP Wellbeing domain (and associated items). EPP Symptoms, despite limitations in the development of items, showed evidence of validity. This work is consistent with the recommendations of a task force that provided recommendations regarding the development, modification and use of PROs in rare diseases.
Case report on Cotard’s syndrome (CS) in a patient with schizophrenia: a rare case from Malaysia
Authors: Subhas Natasha , Naing Khin Ohnmar , Su Chaw , Loo Jiann Lin , Shahbudin Aishah Farhana , Sivasubramaniam Vevehkanandar , Thyagarajan Reenisha
Published: August 2021

Background

Cotard’s syndrome (CS) is a neuropsychiatric condition marked by nihilistic delusional(s). Due to its rarity, misdiagnosis of the syndrome often occurs. The current case study is of a Malaysian woman who was misdiagnosed for several years by professionals due to the presence of hypochondriac symptoms before receiving the correct diagnosis.

Case presentation

In this case presentation, we describe the case of L, a 42-year-old Malaysian lady who was first misdiagnosed with depression. The diagnosis of schizophrenia and CS was confirmed after thorough clinical examination, diagnostic investigations, and deliberation at a departmental forum. The patient improved after receiving electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) along with antipsychotic medications.

Conclusions

This case study highlights the importance of early recognition of CS by professionals as it can save time for both parties when setting up a treatment plan. Essentially, early recognition of CS in schizophrenia is paramount in the process of rapid stabilization through ECT and promotion of patient recovery.
SARS-CoV-2 infection: a global outbreak and its implication on public health
Authors: Mohan Sankari , Anjum M. Reshma , Kodidasu Anusha , Prathyusha T. V. N. Sai , Mrunalini Nunna Venkata , Kishori B.
Published: August 2021

Background

A novel corona virus is formally named as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which results in causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). It is the latest prevalent pandemic worldwide when compared to other infectious diseases like Avian flu, Middle East respiratory syndrome and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).

Main body

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is currently occurring pandemic over world. It was emerged in Wuhan, China, in the end of December 2019 and spreading across worldwide. As the coronavirus is spreading easily through direct contact with infected people droplets, inhalation, and also air droplets, it hit up a huge amount of population even reported with death. Still, with small amounts of asymptomatic transmission between people it spreads throughout the globe. People need special care to protect from the transmission of disease. However, there are no drugs so far that shows efficacy; there is an immediate need for the development of vaccines. In order to decrease the COVID-19 cases, organizations rapidly involve in the preparation of vaccine and many vaccines have been developed by various countries. The governments took safety measures to control the spread of virus and also to minimize morbidity and mortality rate to least possible.

Conclusion

The purpose of this review article is to increase our understanding of COVID-19 and facilitate the people to take a move in facing challenges of the world.
Reliability and validity of the Hebrew version of the forgotten joint score for assessing the outcomes of total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Pansky Amit , Bar-Ziv Yaron , Tamir Eran , Finestone Aharon , Agar Gabriel , Shohat Noam
Published: August 2021

Background

This prospective study aimed to assess the reliability and validity of the Hebrew version of the forgotten joint score-12 in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty, because it is going to be used in the Hebrew-speaking populations in Israel.

Methods

The English version of forgotten joint score-12 was translated into Hebrew version by using the standard procedures and in collaboration with its authors. The consecutive patients who had undergone total knee arthroplasty in a single hospital were asked to fill out the Hebrew version of forgotten joint score-12, Oxford knee score, Short Form 12, and visual analog scale. A random subgroup of 60 patients were then asked to fill out a second Hebrew version of forgotten joint score-12 at a minimum of 2-week interval. The reliability was assessed in terms of internal consistency, test-retest reliability and split-half reliability. The validity was measured in terms of the outcomes as mentioned above.

Results

A total of 102 patients participated in the study. The Hebrew version of forgotten joint score-12 showed high reliability. The internal consistency was excellent (Cronbachs’ α = 0.943) and test-retest reliability was high (Intraclass correlation = 0.97). The forgotten joint scores were correlated with the Oxford knee score, Short Form 12, and visual analog scale (r = 0.86, r = 0.72, and r=-0.8, respectively), indicating a high validity.

Conclusions

The Hebrew version of forgotten joint score-12 has excellent reliability, excellent test-retest reliability and good validity. It can be safely used for assessing outcomes of TKA.
Valsartan in combination with metformin and gliclazide in diabetic rat model using developed RP-HPLC method
Authors: Patra Rasmita , Kollati Yedukondalu , NS Sampath Kumar , Dirisala Vijaya R.
Published: August 2021

Background

Oral administration of biguanides (metformin) and sulfonylureas (gliclazide) are the most common approach of management of type 2 diabetes in humans. Among these diabetic patients, approximately 40–60% suffers from hypertension. Hence, the need of the day is application of polytherapy. A major challenge in polytherapy is the drug-drug interactions that may arise. Hence, this study is focused to develop a reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method for concurrent estimation of diabetic drug metformin and hypertension drug valsartan using C18 column and find any possible pharmacokinetic interactions between the two drug combinations strategies, i.e., metformin-valsartan and gliclazide-valsartan in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Result

The bioanalysis of drug-drug interaction pharmacokinetic result showed no significant difference in the tmax of single treatment of gliclazide and single treatment of metformin or upon co-administration with valsartan.

Conclusion

Our study has shown that polytherapy of valsartan, a drug administered for hypertension along with hypoglycemic drugs metformin and gliclazide, can be advantageous and safe in patients suffering from both diabetes and hypertension.
Towards forming a socio-ecological action model for urban open spaces’ design in New Cairo, Egypt
Authors: Rasmi Dalia M. , Zayed Mohamed A. , Dewidar Khaled M. , Gabr Hisham S.
Published: August 2021

Under the supervision of UN-Habitat, the Egyptian General Organization of Physical Planning started its first phase of “Promoting Better Quality and More Manageable Public Spaces Project, 2021” that targets enhancement and development of open spaces quality in New Cairo, Egypt. This project is functioning under three main objectives: (1) recognize the most occupied urban open spaces in New Cairo, (2) identify the required community needs in these urban open spaces, and (3) evaluate quality and suitability of these open spaces for public usage. In this paper, we are attempting to achieve the 2nd objective addressed previously by laying hands on hidden correlations among socio-ecological community needs. This is achieved in two phases; the first phase is mainly concerned with adapting thematic analytical method to tackle multiple correlations while reviewing literature, while the second phase is focusing on conducting a pilot study survey in East Academy district to validate the previously concluded socio-ecological correlations. Also findings indicate that East-Academy’s open spaces have strong correlations with multiple socio-ecological attributes and that ten urban qualities showed the highest positive measures. These correlations, in the future, can be used to establish an intervention action model.
Adjuvant PARP Inhibitors in Patients With High-Risk Early-Stage HER2-Negative Breast Cancer and Germline BRCA Mutations: ASCO Hereditary Breast Cancer Guideline Rapid Recommendation Update
Authors: Tung Nadine M. , Zakalik Dana , Somerfield Mark R. ,   for the Hereditary Breast Cancer Guideline Expert Panel
Published: August 2021

ASCO Rapid Recommendations Updates highlight revisions to select ASCO guideline recommendations as a response to the emergence of new and practice-changing data. The rapid updates are supported by an evidence review and follow the guideline development processes outlined in the ASCO Guideline Methodology Manual. The goal of these articles is to disseminate updated recommendations, in a timely manner, to better inform health practitioners and the public on the best available cancer care options.
Incidence of Benign and Malignant Tumors in Patients With Acromegaly Is Increased: A Nationwide Population-based Study
Authors: Esposito Daniela , Ragnarsson Oskar , Johannsson Gudmundur , Olsson Daniel S
Published: August 2021

Context

Whether cancer risk in acromegaly is increased remains controversial, and the risk of benign tumors has been little studied.

Objective

To investigate the incidence of benign and malignant tumors in acromegaly in a nationwide population-based study.

Methods

Adult patients diagnosed with acromegaly between 1987 and 2017 were identified in the Swedish National Patient Registry. The diagnoses of benign and malignant tumors were recorded. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) and standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) for neoplasms with 95% CIs were calculated using the Swedish general population as reference.

Results

The study included 1296 patients (52% women). Mean (SD) age at diagnosis was 51.6 (14.7) years. Median (range) follow-up time was 11.7 (0-31) years. Overall, 186 malignancies were identified in acromegalic patients compared with 144 expected in the general population (SIR 1.3; 95% CI 1.1-1.5). The incidence of colorectal and anal cancer (SIR 1.5; 95% CI 1.0-2.2), and renal and ureteral cancer (SIR 4.0; 95% CI 2.3-6.5) was increased, whereas the incidence of malignancies of the respiratory system, brain, prostate, and breast was not. Only 3 cases of thyroid cancer were recorded. Mortality due to malignancies was not increased (SMR 1.1; 95% CI 0.9-1.4). Incidence of benign tumors was increased more than 2-fold (SIR 2.4; 95% CI 2.1-2.7).

Conclusion

Patients with acromegaly had an increased risk of both benign and malignant tumors, including colorectal and anal cancer, and renal and ureteral cancer. Whether this is associated with acromegaly itself or due to more intensive medical surveillance remains to be shown.
Pilot Trial of Vitamin D3 and Calcifediol in Healthy Vitamin D Deficient Adults: Does It Change the Fecal Microbiome?
Authors: Shieh Albert , Lee S Melanie , Lagishetty Venu , Gottleib Carter , Jacobs Jonathan P , Adams John S
Published: August 2021

Context

Experimental studies suggest that vitamin D receptor signaling may benefit the gut microbiome. In humans, whether vitamin D supplementation directly alters the gut microbiome is not well studied.

Objective

To determine whether correcting vitamin D deficiency with cholecalciferol (vitamin D3, D3) or calcifediol (25-hydroxyvitamin D3, 25(OH)D3) changes gut microbiome composition.

Methods

18 adults with vitamin D deficiency (25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] <20 ng/mL) received 60 µg/day of D3 or 20 µg/day of 25(OH)D3 for 8 weeks. Changes in serum 25(OH)D, 1,25-diydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D), and 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (24,25(OH)2D) were assessed. We characterized composition of the fecal microbiota using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and examined changes in α-diversity (Chao 1, Faith’s Phylogenetic Diversity, Shannon Index), β-diversity (DEICODE), and genus-level abundances (DESeq2).

Results

Vitamin D3 and 25(OH)D3 groups were similar. After 8 weeks of vitamin D3, mean 25(OH)D and 24,25(OH)2D increased significantly, but 1,25(OH)2D did not (25(OH)D: 17.8-30.1 ng/mL, P = .002; 24,25(OH)2D: 1.1 to 2.7 ng/mL, P =0.003; 1,25(OH)2D: 49.5-53.0 pg/mL, P = .9). After 8 weeks of 25(OH)D3, mean 25(OH)D, 24,25(OH)2D, and 1,25(OH)2D increased significantly (25(OH)D: 16.7-50.6 ng/mL, P < .0001; 24,25(OH)2D: 1.3-6.2 ng/mL, P = .0001; 1,25(OH)2D: 56.5-74.2 pg/mL, P = .05). Fecal microbial α-diversity and β-diversity did not change with D3 or 25D3 supplementation. Mean relative abundance of Firmicutes increased and mean relative abundance of Bacterioidetes decreased from baseline to 4 weeks, but returned to baseline by study completion. DESeq2 analysis did not confirm any statistically significant taxonomic changes.

Conclusion

In a small sample of healthy adults with vitamin D deficiency, restoration of vitamin D sufficiency with vitamin D3 or 25(OH)D3 did not lead to lasting changes in the fecal microbiota.
Cytoplasmic factories for axonemal dynein assembly
Authors: King Stephen M.
Published: August 2021

Axonemal dyneins power the beating of motile cilia and flagella. These massive multimeric motor complexes are assembled in the cytoplasm, and subsequently trafficked to cilia and incorporated into the axonemal superstructure. Numerous cytoplasmic factors are required for the dynein assembly process, and, in mammals, defects lead to primary ciliary dyskinesia, which results in infertility, bronchial problems and failure to set up the left-right body axis correctly. Liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) has been proposed to underlie the formation of numerous membrane-less intracellular assemblies or condensates. In multiciliated cells, cytoplasmic assembly of axonemal dyneins also occurs in condensates that exhibit liquid-like properties, including fusion, fission and rapid exchange of components both within condensates and with bulk cytoplasm. However, a recent extensive meta-analysis suggests that the general methods used to define LLPS systems in vivo may not readily distinguish LLPS from other mechanisms. Here, I consider the time and length scales of axonemal dynein heavy chain synthesis, and the possibility that during translation of dynein heavy chain mRNAs, polysomes are crosslinked via partially assembled proteins. I propose that axonemal dynein factory formation in the cytoplasm may be a direct consequence of the sheer scale and complexity of the assembly process itself.
Pedunculated mucinous cystic neoplasm of the liver: a case report
Authors: Ha Sang-Woo , Hwang Shin , Han Hyejin , Han Song Ie , Hong Seung-Mo
Published: August 2021

In 2010, the World Health Organization classified mucin-producing bile duct tumors of the liver into two distinct entities; mucinous cystic neoplasm of the liver (MCN-L) and intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the bile duct. We present the case of a patient with MCN-L having a uniquely pedunculated shape. A 32‐year‐old woman was referred to our institution with a diagnosis of biliary cystic neoplasm. She had undergone left salpingo-oophorectomy for ovarian cancer 15 years ago. Imaging studies showed an 8 cm-sized well defined, multiloculated cystic lesion suggesting a mucinous cystic neoplasm. The cystic mass was pedunculated at the liver capsule and pathologically diagnosed as MCN-L. The mass was resected with partial hepatectomy. The patient recovered uneventfully. She was discharged 7 days postoperatively. The patient has been doing well for 6 months after the operation. The patient will be followed up annually because of the favorable postresection prognosis of MCN-L.
IMPROVEMENT OF METHODOLOGICAL SUPPORT FOR CONTROL OF THE AVAILABILITY AND SAFETY OF STOCKS IN THE ENTERPRISE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Authors: Klychova Guzaliya , Zakirova Alsu , Zalilova Zariya , Gimadiev Il'dus
Published: August 2021

Stocks are one of the key factors ensuring the constancy and continuity of reproduction. In this regard, their internal control serves as the most important element of enterprise management and ensures stable and secure financial and economic activities. The purpose of the study is to improve the methodological support of internal control of the availability and safety of stocks to prevent distortions and illegal actions in terms of their movement, to ensure the reliability of information in accounting, operational and management accounting. To prove the effectiveness of accounting and analytical support for controlling the acquisition, storage, write-off of inventories, it is advisable to use the working document “Test for assessing the inventory accounting system”, which contains topical issues that allow assessing the effectiveness of organizing inventory accounting at the enterprise. The working document of internal control, proposed in the framework of the study, “The program of internal control of the availability and safety of stocks”, includes a list of control areas, a regulatory framework and sources of information, determines the nature of the audit and control procedures that are necessary to achieve the goal and practical solution of the audit tasks. The working document of internal control “Questionnaire for checking the state of storage facilities and safety of stocks” contains questions that allow the internal controller to fully assess the conditions of storage of stocks, the state of fire safety of warehouses, the equipment of warehouses with equipment, machinery, instruments and the correctness of their operation, the state of security warehouse premises. At the same time, the controller has the ability to clarify and concretize the options for answering the questions posed in the working document. This, in turn, will allow, based on the results of the audit, to provide the manager with all the information necessary for making effective management decisions
ANALYSIS OF THE STRUCTURE OF THE SPRING WHEAT CROP IN VARIOUS WEATHER CONDITIONS IN THE TYUMEN REGION
Authors: Zemcova Elena , Bome Nina
Published: August 2021

Abstract. During the growing seasons of 2014-2016, 22 varieties of spring soft wheat were evaluated according to economically valuable characteristics. The purpose of the work was to determine the features of the formation of the yield of the studied varieties based on the analysis of the variability of the main elements of its structure in the conditions of the taiga agro-climatic zone of Tyumen region. Varieties belonging to two groups of ripeness (medium-early and medium-ripe) were evaluated on plots with an accounting area of 1 m2, the repetition of the experiment was 4-fold. The soil is loamy in terms of granulometric composition, the humus content is 4.5 %, pH=7.1. The limiting factor of the wheat harvest in the first year of the study was insufficient heat supply (the average daily air temperature is 1.4 0C lower than the average long-term value) against the background of a lack of precipitation (62 % relative to the norm), which caused the formation of a puny grain. In the second year, heavy precipitation (155 % of the norm for the growing season) and having a stormy character in July led to the lodging of plants and an increase in the contamination of grain with fungal diseases. In the third year, the high air temperature (3.2 0C higher than long-term indicators) caused a reduction in the duration of the tillering phase and a decrease in the number of productive shoots. The signs - the number of shoots, the weight of grain from the ear, the weight of 1000 grains and the length of the stem (the coefficients of variation (CV) were – 20...22 %) were subject to a significant degree of variation during the study period, the number of grains in the ear and the length of the ear (CV – 2...3 %) practically did not change. We observed the compensation of some elements of the crop structure by others. Thus, the insufficient number of stems was compensated by an increase in the share of productive stems, a low number of productive shoots – by a higher productivity of the ear, a relatively low water content of the ear – by an increase in the mass of 1000 grains. As a result, the yield level varied slightly over the years of the study (CV-7 %)
Doing Less to Do More? Optimal Service Portfolio of Non-profits That Serve Distressed Individuals
Authors: Arora Priyank , Rahmani Morvarid , Ramachandran Karthik
Published: August 2021

Problem definition: Many nonprofit organizations (NPOs) serve distressed individuals who seek relief from hardships such as domestic abuse or homelessness. These NPOs aim to maximize social impact by allocating their limited amount of resources to various activities. Academic/practical relevance: NPOs that serve distressed individuals face a complex task because their clients are often unable to articulate their specific needs. As a result, NPOs are driven to not only offer a variety of services to fulfill different needs, but also engage in advisory activities to minimize mismatches between services clients receive and their true needs. Methodology: We develop a model to study an NPO’s service portfolio and effort allocation decisions under resource constraint. Clients’ progress from distress to resolution is stochastic and depends on the NPO’s efforts in different stages of the service offering. Results: We show that it is optimal for resource-constrained NPOs to offer fewer services and invest more in advisory activities when different types of clients are not evenly mixed in the population, when delays in achieving resolution can significantly blunt the social impact created, when the loss of impact due to not serving a fraction of clients is low, or when there is a limited amount of earmarked funds. Otherwise, it is optimal for NPOs to diversify their service offerings and invest less in advisory activities. Managerial implications: Many NPOs are drawn to maximize the number of clients they serve by increasing the number of services they offer. However, we show that, depending on the characteristics of clients and services, NPOs might be able to generate higher social impact by prioritizing the speed of resolution rather than focusing on the number of clients who achieve resolution. We also present a practical application of our model in the context of domestic abuse.
A Tale of Diagnostic Delay with Detrimental Consequences: Illustrating the Challenging Nature of Diagnosing Giant Cell Arteritis
Authors: van Nieuwland Marieke , Dennis Boumans Dennis Boumans , Gerben Jan Jacob Plas Gerben Jan Jacob Plas , Onno Dirk Vijlbrief Onno Dirk Vijlbrief , Celina Alves Celina Alves
Published: August 2021

Giant cell arteritis is a medical emergency as severe, irreversible complications may occur if it is not treated in a timely manner. However, in daily practice early diagnosis can be challenging. We report the case of a 70-year-old woman who presented with multiple ischaemic cerebral vascular accidents related to newly diagnosed giant cell arteritis. Review of her charts revealed a substantial delay from the onset of symptoms to diagnosis. This case demonstrates the need for additional efforts to reduce delay in referring patients with giant cell arteritis and the need to implement fast-track clinics to prevent serious complications.
Bladder and bowel management in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Young Jane , Bradley Joan
Published: August 2021

Jane Young and Joan Bradley discuss the impact and management of neurogenic bladder and bowel dysfunction in multiple sclerosis.
Bridging the gap: the MS Trust health professionals programmes
Authors: Roberts Megan
Published: August 2021

Megan Roberts outlines a forward view of the plans for the health professionals programmes at The MS Trust, as momentum is gained following the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Development of a spatially structured polymeric matrix under UV irradiation of polylactide-based composites filled with aluminosilicate microspheres
Authors: PSYANCHIN Artur A. , ZAKHAROVA Elena M. , KHUSNULLIN Aigiz G. , ZAKHAROV Vadim P.
Published: August 2021

The relevance of the study is conditioned by the fact that increased consumption of synthetic polymers leads to an increase in environmental pollution due to the long decomposition time of plastic waste. As a result, it is necessary to develop polymer composites based on a biodegradable polymer matrix, and to improve the performance properties of finished plastic products, it is necessary to purposefully select cheap and affordable inorganic fillers. Thus, the purpose of this study is to investigate the regularities in the generation of a spatially structured polymer matrix under UV irradiation of polylactide-based composites filled with aluminosilicate microspheres (ASM). The leading approach to the given problem is to melt polymer composites of various compositions and to determine the physical, mechanical, and thermophysical characteristics of the prototypes, including the supermolecular structure of the polymer matrix under the influence of ultraviolet irradiation. The study suggests that the filling of polylactide with ASM particles leads to an increase in the elastic modulus, a decrease in the strength at static rupture and resistance to dynamic destructive effects, as well as heat resistance. Small aluminosilicate microspheres, when added to polylactide, perform the function of nucleation and, even with a small content, increase the crystallinity degree by 3.7 percentage points. In the range of ASM content from 1 pph to 10 pph, the absolute value of the crystallinity degree practically does not depend on the filler concentration in the polymer composite. UV (ultraviolet) irradiation in the presence of air oxygen initiates the thermooxidative destruction of polylactide and leads to the establishment of a spatially structured polymer phase using the electrostatic intermolecular interaction of additionally formed oxygen-containing functional groups in macrochains, as well as partial intermolecular crosslinking during recombination of macroradicals. The establishment of spatial structures in the polymer matrix under UV irradiation determines an increase in the resistance of experimental samples to thermal effects. It is manifested in an increase in the bending temperature under load by 7-10 percentage points, a decrease in the crystallinity degree by 1.2-2.6 percentage points, a decrease in the fluidity of the meltage and also an increase in the glass transition and melting temperature. The materials of the study are of practical value for the development of biodegradable composites based on polylactide filled with inorganic components.
Numerical and experimental studies of deflections of conventional and strengthened reinforced concrete bendable elements under short-term dynamic loading
Authors: SARKISOV Dmitry Yu. , ODNOKOPYLOV Georgy I. , KRYLOV Vladimir V. , ANNENKOV Andriy O.
Published: August 2021

The relevance of this study is conditioned by the technical complexity of the design solutions for construction projects of ground-based space infrastructure. It is associated with the possibility of special loads in the form of an air shock wave in the event of a launch abort, a fall of a fragment, an emergency shutdown of engines, an air shock wave from the indirect impact of nuclear weapons, seismic loads, accidental cargo falls, terrorist attacks, etc. Such impacts with a high degree of probability lead to damage to building structures and in the future, they need to be reinforced. These building structures must have survivability under special loads and deform without collapsing. Under the dynamic loading, the energy intensity of the bendable structures is important, to determine which it is necessary to know the magnitude of the acting force and deflections. The effective load in a wide class of problems refers to the initial data, and the determination of reliable values of the dynamic deflection of the bendable structure is an actual problem. The purpose of this study is to conduct a numerical and experimental investigation of the deflection of conventional and strengthened reinforced concrete structures under short-term dynamic loading. This study used the following research methods: measurements of deflections and loads by strain measurement, graphical analytic research using Microsoft Excel, numerical calculation in the environment of the Explicit Dynamics module of the Ansys software package. As a result of the study, experimental investigation of conventional and strengthened bendable reinforced concrete elements under short-term dynamic loading was carried out, the values of the effective force and deflections were obtained. The same experiment was modelled in the environment of the Explicit Dynamics module of the Ansys software package. A comparison of the deflection parameters was made, based on the results of numerical and physical experiments on the example of a specific design, which showed satisfactory convergence.
A mathematical model for describing the operation of airborne gun-laying radars in conditions of active counteraction to enemy interference and military-economic assessment of the feasibility of its implementation
Authors: SEMENENKO Oleh , KHOMCHAK Ruslan , KIRSANOV Serhii , DOBROVOLSKYI Uzef , SHYHYDA Andrii
Published: August 2021

The combat capabilities of modern means of warfare in the air largely depend on the reliable operation of on-board electronic means (OEM) and weapon control systems of fighter aircraft. Therefore, in the course of military operations, each of the warring parties seeks to disorganise the operation of the enemy's radio-electronic systems and weapon controls as much as possible and ensure the stable operation of their own OEM by all means. This task is assigned to the means of electronic warfare (EW). During air combat, this task is assigned to the aircraft jamming station, whose place and role in modern air combat is constantly growing. The efficiency of the operation of this system is directly related to the aircraft survivability during a combat mission. This study considers the developed approach to the output of initial data on modelling the operation of airborne radars in conditions of interference and simultaneous active counteraction to enemy interference stations. The authors in this study have suggested a mathematical description of the air combat situation, which occurs when using methods of active countermeasures to enemy airborne interference systems by changing the parameters of the operation of the airborne gun-laying radar (AGLR). Indicators and criteria that characterise the effectiveness of the operation of airborne radars, depending on the method of counteraction used, were proposed, including a sequence of possible applications of the known four methods of counteraction, taking into account the features of their application.
Methodology for substantiating the choice of the optimal aerial and ground reconnaissance-strike complexes according to the integral criterion “efficiency-cost-time”
Authors: SEMENENKO Oleh , REMEZ Artem , KLEPIKOV Valerii , CHEREP Vasyl , KHARITONOV Konstantin
Published: August 2021

In the modern realities of the development of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the current issue is the search for ways to create new aerial and ground integrated reconnaissance-strike complexes that are capable of quick reconnaissance and attack of an enemy. However, a reasonable choice of such a system should not create an excessive burden for the state economy in terms of its development, maintenance, and application, and must also have the prospect of timely bringing it to combat readiness. Therefore, this study considers a methodology for substantiating the choice of an optimal option of the reconnaissance-strike complex or system for its use in operations when developing programmes and development plans of the AF of Ukraine. The proposed methodology has an integral criterion for choosing a rational option of a reconnaissance-strike complex, which combines indicators for assessing the efficiency of the combat use of these systems under various conditions, the sufficiency of the state economic capabilities for its creation, maintenance, and use, and assessing the timeliness of its creation and bringing it to combat readiness. The method is based on a mathematical model of game theory. The decision to choose a particular option of the reconnaissance-strike complex occurs in conditions of uncertainty of the combat situation and the volume of tasks that would rely on these systems when performing combat tasks.
Timoshenko beam and plate non-stationary vibrations
Authors: FEDOTENKOV Grigory V. , GRITSKOV Andrey V. GRITSKOV , LEVITSKIY Dmitry Y. , VAHTEROVA Yana A. , SUN Ying
Published: August 2021

The problems of Timoshenko beams and plates lateral vibrations under the influence of unsteady loads are considered. Both beam and plate is supposed to be unlimited. In case of the plate the problem has been simply studied. The approach to the solution was based on dominant function method and principle of superposition. Integral models of solutions with cores as dominant functions were built which could be analytically found with the help of the Fourier and Laplace integral transforms. Two original analytical methods for Fourier and Laplace transforms were offered and realized. The examples of calculations were given.
Simple demodulation method for optical property extraction in spatial frequency domain imaging
Authors: Dai Liyu , Luo Yifeng , Fu Xiaping
Published: August 2021

Different demodulation methods affect the efficiency and accuracy of spatial frequency domain imaging (SFDI). A simple and effective method of sum-to-product identities (STPI) demodulation was proposed in this study. STPI requires one fewer image than conventional three-phase demodulation (TPD) at a spatial frequency. Numerical simulation and phantom experiments were performed. The result proved the feasibility of STPI and showed that STPI combined with subtraction can achieve high-precision demodulation in the low spatial frequency domain. Through extraction of phantom optical properties, STPI had similar accuracy compared with other demodulation methods in extracting optical properties in phantoms. STPI was also used to extract the optical properties of milk, and it had highly consistent results with TPD, which can distinguish milk with different fat content. The demodulation effect of this method in the low spatial frequencies is better than other fast demodulation methods.
Metamaterial-inspired optically transparent active dual-band frequency selective surface with independent wideband tunability
Authors: Yang Jianfeng , Chen Juan , Quan Lei , Zhao Zhenzhen , Shi Hongyu , Liu Yajun
Published: August 2021

This paper presents an optically transparent active bandstop frequency selective surface (FSS) with wideband tunability of two resonance frequencies using the concept of miniaturized element FSS (MEFSS). The proposed design consists of metallic square loop arrays on a new optically transparent substrate as the top layer, a glass interlayer, and periodic patterns of cross dipoles on the substrate as the bottom layer. Two kinds of resonant elements loaded with varactors and the designed bias networks achieve two independent tunable stopbands. The proposed FSS has two large tuning ranges, one is from 1.20 GHz to 2.63 GHz and another is from 2.0 GHz to 5.9 GHz (75% and 99% with respect to the center frequency, respectively). The wideband dual-tuning mechanism is theoretically analyzed and demonstrated by deriving its equivalent circuit (EC) model. The experiment results exhibit reasonable agreement with the numerical simulation responses. This proposed design, with low profile, angular stability, polarization insensitivity, optical transparency, and wideband dual-tunability can play an important role in manipulating electromagnetic wave propagation for manifold applications.
THz-driven dielectric particle accelerator on chip
Authors: Liu Weihao , Sun Li , Yu Zijia , Liu Yucheng , Jia Qika , Sun Baogen , Xu Hongliang
Published: August 2021

Recently, terahertz (THz)-driven particle accelerators have drawn increasing attention. The development of high-energy-gain THz accelerators on chip has been a challenge. Here we propose a concept of an on-chip THz-driven particle accelerator that uses few-cycle THz pulses to drive dielectric prisms. It avoids the serious waveguide dispersion of previous THz linacs based on dielectric lined waveguides and enhances the electron-energy gain. In addition, we propose to use prism stacks to overcome the asynchronization effect when accelerating low-energy particles, by which a longer acceleration length with even higher energy gain can be realized. Compared with the available on-chip dielectric laser accelerators, the proposed scheme avoids serious dielectric dispersion and enhances accelerated bunch charge. Hence, it promises an attractive particle accelerator on chip.
Short-circuited stub-loaded spoof surface plasmon polariton transmission lines with flexibly controllable lower out-of-band rejections
Authors: Zhang Dawei , Sun Yaxiu , Zhang Kuang , Wu Qun , Jiang Tao
Published: August 2021

This Letter proposes an approach to develop a spoof surface plasmon polariton (SSPP) transmission line (TL) by loading short-circuited (SC) shunt stubs. Lower out-of-band rejections can be flexibly controlled without affecting the upper cutoff frequency by independently modifying the stubs. Dispersion analysis of the SSPP unit is realized by theoretical calculation and circuit simulation to predict the upper cutoff frequency of the proposed SSPP TL simultaneously. Also, parametric sweeping of the SC shunt stubs is performed based on circuit simulation to investigate their impacts on the lower and upper out-of-band rejections of the proposed SSPP TL. In addition, electric field distributions of different types of TLs are simulated and compared to study the transmission characteristics of the proposed SSPP TL. The lower cutoff frequency can be flexibly tuned in a wide range, from 1.2 to 2.1 GHz, in the simulations. The measured 3-dB fractional bandwidth is about 128.1%, covering a range from 1.19 to 5.43 GHz. The numerical and experimental results are compatible, which verifies the feasibility of the proposed approach. This approach can offer more convenience and flexibility for controlling the rejections of the SSPP by introducing up to four tuning parameters. More importantly, the proposed SSPP TL avoids using the substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) technique, which shows the potential to decrease the transverse width (

0.44

λ
g

), especially at lower frequencies (e.g.,  1.2 GHz), and to reduce the complexity in designing the high-efficiency transition. This work paves the way for the development of novel SSPP-based microwave devices.
Deep UV to NIR frequency combs via cascaded harmonic generation in a silica nanowire using nanojoule pulse energies
Authors: Mishra Akhileshwar , Pant Ravi
Published: August 2021

Compact, turnkey frequency combs in the deep ultraviolet (UV) to near-infrared (NIR) wavelength region are important for applications ranging from ultralow power spectroscopy and quantum memory to light–atom interactions. Translation of an IR (1550 nm) comb from a compact mode-locked laser (MLL) to visible wavelength region, using cascading of optical nonlinearities, provides the simplest way to realize an on-demand deep UV to NIR comb. However, the translation of an IR comb to the visible region extending from deep UV to NIR has been difficult to achieve in a single device. We exploit chirped pulsed compression and dispersion engineering to report the simultaneous generation of second- (780 nm), third- (520 nm) and sixth-order (260 nm) harmonics of a 1560 nm MLL in a 10 mm long silica nanowire using nanojoule pulse energies. RF spectrum measurements of the 520 nm signal show that the 82 MHz frequency comb at 1560 nm is translated to visible. The use of a single-mode fiber nanotaper and turnkey mode-locked IR laser creates a hybrid platform that provides deep UV to NIR comb and enables applications in quantum optics through trapping and probing of atoms using the evanescent field of nanotaper.