bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biodegradable packaging materials based on low density polyethylene, starch and monoglycerides
Authors: Vasilyev I. Yu. , Ananyev V. V. , Chernov M. E.
Published: August 2022

Objectives. To investigate the production and biological degradation of biodegradable hybrid compositions (BHCs), dispersed-filled with starch-containing products of various origins and distilled monoglycerides, along with the biodegradation of compositions based on low density polyethylene and thermoplastic starch (TPS) of various origins: corn, pea, and rice.

Methods. Thermoplastic starch was obtained based on native starches of several types, which were processed in Brabender and MashkPlast (Russia) laboratory extruders. BHCs in the form of strands, granules, and films were obtained by mixing thermoplastic starches with polyethylene in extruders. Structural BHC parameters were studied by optical and electron scanning microscopy. The biodegradability of the composite films was evaluated by placing them in biohumus for six months; during storage, the change in water absorption of the films was determined. Before and after the biodegradation process, tensile fracture stress and elongation at rupture were determined to evaluate BHC performance (physical and mechanical characteristics of films). Changes in the chemical structure during biodegradation were determined by Fourier infrared spectroscopy.

Results. The positive effect (acceleration of the biodegradation process) of using a novel type of starch plasticizer—monoglycerides distilled in TPS–polyethylene compositions—was confirmed. After six months, intensive sporulation of active microorganisms was observed on the surface of the samples. At the same time, water absorption by the samples reached 30%. The observed 60% decrease in strength and deformation properties indicates an intensive process of biodegradation.

Conclusions. The biodegradation rate was shown to depend on the concentration and even distribution of the natural biodegradable filler in the synthetic polymer composition.
Reporte de la situación del microcrédito en Colombia - Junio de 2022
Authors:   Departamento de Estabilidad Financiera
Published: August 2022

En este reporte se exponen los resultados de la Encuesta sobre la situación actual del microcrédito en Colombia del primer trimestre de 2022. Esta encuesta fue diseñada por el Departamento de Estabilidad Financiera del Banco de la República, junto con Asomicrofinanzas, con el fin de conocer la percepción que tienen las entidades que realizan actividades de intermediación de microcrédito, incluyendo las que no son supervisadas por la Superintendencia Financiera de Colombia (SFC). Los objetivos de esta encuesta son indagar acerca del cambio en la percepción de oferta y demanda del mercado de microcrédito, la evolución de las políticas de asignación y evaluar, en particular, el riesgo de crédito de las entidades. De igual forma, se indaga sobre la frecuencia de prácticas relacionadas con reestructuraciones de microcrédito, venta de cartera y castigo de las deudas vencidas. Por último, se presentan los resultados de la pregunta coyuntural, que en esta versión de la encuesta indaga sobre el uso, penetración e importancia de los microseguros dentro de la actividad microcrediticia de las instituciones microfinancieras.
MNEs and capital flight: The case of Russia
Authors: Bulatov Alexander S.
Published: July 2022

This paper studies the participation of Russian multinational enterprises (MNEs) in the flight of capital from the native country. It estimates the mid-annual size of capital flight from Russia in 2015–2020 via channels of its MNEs at 0.8% of GDP. Theoretically and methodologically, this paper concentrates on two groups of motives and prerequisites for this flight — generated by tax-avoidance motives and domestic economic imperfections which lead to tax evasion­ and the institutional escape of national capital. Macro and micro analysis based on the balance of payments and company cases confirms that Russian MNEs are actively participating in capital flight from the country.
Thirty years of economic transition in the former Soviet Union: Macroeconomic dimension
Authors: Dabrowski Marek
Published: July 2022

The paper contains a retrospective analysis of macroeconomic policy and reforms in the countries of the former Soviet Union (FSU) from 1992 to 2021, after obtaining political and economic independence in 1991. Special attention is given to problems of macroeconomic stabilization and economic growth. As a result of structural distortions inherited from the Soviet economy and the slow pace of economic and institutional reforms, the FSU countries suffered from a long and deep output decline in the 1990s. Their post-transition growth recovery in the 2000s did not last long. Furthermore, they remain vulnerable to both domestic and external economic shocks. Given the limited predictability of post-COVID global economic trends and the damaging consequences of the war in Ukraine, this vulnerability will likely continue in the next couple of years.
On Postoperative Nursing of Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization Combined with Hard Passage Puncture Drainage of Chronic Subdural Hematoma
Authors: Xu Deli
Published: August 2022

Objective — To conduct analysis and summary on the nursing experience of 5 patients with chronic subdural hematoma treated by middle meningeal artery embolization and puncture and drainage of hard passage. Methods — 5 patients with chronic subdural hematoma were treated by middle meningeal artery embolization with puncture and drainage of hard passage based chronic subdural hematoma under local anesthesia. Besides, vital signs should be monitored, consciousness and pupil can also be observed, more attention was paid to postoperative nursing after embolization and hard channel puncture and drainage, as well as the prevention of complications. Results — 5 patients were well recovered after operation, and 1 patient developed urinary retention, which was relieved after given active nursing measures. Conclusion — Middle meningeal artery embolization with puncture and drainage for chronic subdural hematoma can be adopted to improve the quality of life of patients, enhance prognosis, as a result, avoiding recurrence. Top priority given to nursing after operation serves as the key to patients' rehabilitation.
Impacto do consumo de Melissa officinalis L. (Lamiaceae) em ratos wistar alimentados com dieta de cafeteria
Authors: Priscila Zampieri Da Silva Jéssica , Marcon Borges Letícia , Augusto Piva Pierre , Moreno Frederico Gustavo , Guimarães Drummond e Silva Fernanda , Maria Netto Flavia , Alexandre Vessaro Silva Sóstenez , Miotto Bernardi Daniela
Published: August 2022

Melissa officinalis (Lamiaceae) é reconhecida por diferentes propriedades fitoterápicas e fisiológico-funcionais. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar o efeito dos extratos dessa espécie sobre parâmetros de crescimento, histologia hepática e exames bioquímicos de ratos wistar alimentados com dieta de cafeteria. Foram utilizados 32 animais, divididos em quatro grupos (n=8): C – grupo controle, alimentados com ração comercial e água; DC – grupo alimentado com dieta de cafeteria e água; DCMD – alimentados por dieta de cafeteria com 2% de Melissa officinalis e água; DCMI – alimentados com dieta de cafeteria e infusão com 10% de Melissa officinalis. Foram avaliados: consumo de ração diário, consumo de líquido diário, ganho de peso diário, conversão alimentar, peso dos órgãos, exames séricos de glicemia, colesterol, triglicerídeos, oxidação lipídica e atividade antioxidante. Os resultados mostraram que Melissa officinalis administrada na forma de infusão atuou sobre a redução do peso corporal dos animais e teve efeito protetor sobre o tecido hepático resultando em menor vacuolização citoplasmática. Melissa officinalis administrada na dieta promoveu efeito protetor sobre os níveis de glicemia sérica dos animais. Portanto, a Melissa officinalis apresenta potencial de uso como agente dietético e fitoterápico coadjuvante no tratamento de hiperglicemia, dislipidemias e estresse oxidativo.
A Hybrid Cryptosystem Using Vigenère Cipher and Rabin-p Algorithm in Securing BMP Files
Authors: Budiman Mohammad Andri , Muhammad Yogi Saputra  , Handrizal
Published: August 2022

Vigenère cipher is a classical cryptography algorithm and similar to other classical algorithms, it produces smaller but less secure ciphertexts than a public key cryptography algorithm. Meanwhile, Rabin-p is a public key cryptography algorithm with a stronger encryption than Vigenère cipher. Nevertheless, as a public key algorithm, Rabin-p is inefficient to encrypt vast amounts of messages such as BMP image files, since the size of the cipherimages will increase manyfold and this would lead to a problem in storing and sending the cipherimages. To overcome these problems, in this study, we combined the Vigenère cipher and the Rabin-p algorithm in a hybrid cryptosystem scheme. In the experiment, the Vigenère cipher was used to encrypt the BMP files and the Rabin-p algorithm was used to encrypt the Vigenère keys. The result showed that the size of the cipherimages did not increase and the decryption procedure could recover the original BMP files while maintaining their integrity.
A Web-Based Diabetes Prediction Application Using XGBoost Algorithm
Authors: Herlambang Dwi Prasetyo  , Pandu Ananto Hogantara  , Ika Nurlaili Isnainiyah
Published: August 2022

One of the diseases that is generally characterized by symptoms of an increase in glucose levels in the blood and is one of the body diseases classified as chronic is diabetes. Diabetes suffered by a person from time to time can cause serious damage to other organs such as blood vessels, kidneys, heart and nerves. Machine learning provides various data mining algorithms that can be used to assist medical experts. The accuracy of machine learning algorithms is a measure of the effectiveness of decision support systems. Prediction of diabetes can be seen from the patient's medical record data, therefore the author wants to create a diabetes prediction system independently through a website-based application system. This application system will be combined with data observation, namely the science of data mining using the XGBoost algorithm. The dataset is divided into training data by 80% and testing data by 20%. Before the data modeling was carried out, we carried out various parameter setting scenarios with the hope of evaluating and evaluating the implementation to be applied, the parameters we adjusted were colsample_bytree, gamma, learning_rate, max_depth, n_estimators, reg_alpha, reg_lambda, and subsample. After sharing the data and tuning parameters, the resulting model by applying the XGBoost algorithm has an accuracy of 74.67%, the resulting precision value is 57.40%, the resulting recall value is 65.94%, the resulting specificity value is 78, 50%.
ЕКСПЕРТИЗА РОЗРОБЛЕНОЇ КОНСЕРВНОЇ ПРОДУКЦІЇ ФУНКЦІОНАЛЬНОГО ПРИЗНАЧЕННЯ «СВИНИНА З ГРИБАМИ»
Authors: Ряполова І. О. , Новікова Н. В. , Кіпіоро І. М.
Published: July 2022

Робота присвячена дослідженню якості розроблених в умовах приватного підприємства «Наш продукт» м’ясних консервів функціонального призначення. Вся консервована продукція яку виготовляє дане підприємство має торгову марку «Наш продукт» і представлена в різних регіонах країни. У склад консервів крім м’ясної сировини (свинини) було введено гриби, а саме гливу звичайну. Відомо, що глива володіє цілим спектром корисних властивостей: є низькокалорійним продуктом; є одним із найбагатших джерел цинку, джерелом калію; містить манітол, велику кількість вітамінів групи В і D, багато клітковини. Хімічний аналіз свинини і гливи звичайної свідчить про добрий баланс між складовими нутрієнтами. Такі складові гливи звичайної як вуглеводи, клітковина можуть компенсувати надмірну кількість жиру яку містить свинина, утворивши полікомпонентний комплекс. За рахунок введення грибів частково задовольняється потреба у цинку і вітамінах групи В. Проведені проробки з рецептурою дозволили встановити оптимальне співвідношення м’яса і грибів. Дослідження сенсорних властивостей та профільної оцінки розробленої продукції свідчить про досить привабливі і гармонійні поєднання компонентів консерви з вмістом грибної сировини 23%. Аналіз технологічної схеми виробництва запропонованої м’ясо-грибної консервованої продукції дозволив виділити декілька етапів на яких є ймовірність забруднення сировини, тобто ризик виникнення біологічних, хімічних, фізичних небезпек. Це дозволило виділити критичні контрольні точки на які слід звернути увагу під час процесу виробництва. Розроблена консервна продукція «Свинина з грибами» має функціональну спрямованість, добрі показники харчової цінності, сенсорного аналізу, фізико – хімічні властивості, готова до споживання як у холодному так і підігрітому вигляді. Це є передумовою для розробки технічних умов на м’ясо-грибні консерви «Свинина з грибами» і можливого подальшого впровадження у серійне виробництво на приватному підприємстві «Наш продукт» м. Херсон.
МОДИФІКАЦИЯ МЕТОДИКИ ВИЗНАЧЕННЯ ПАРАМЕТРІВ ЕКВІВАЛЕНТНОЇ ЕЛЕКТРИЧНОЇ СХЕМИ П’ЄЗОРЕЗОНАТОРА НА ОСНОВІ МОДЕЛІ BUTTERWORTH – VAN DYKE
Authors: Васильчук Д. П. , Залужна Г. В. , Романуша В. О.
Published: July 2022

У статті досліджуються методики визначення параметрів еквівалентної електричної схеми (ЕЕС) п’єзоелектричних резонаторів і перетворювачів на основі моделей Butterworth – Van Dyke (BVD) і Sherrita. Отримано аналітичні вирази для оцінки відносної похибки розрахунку резонансної частоти коливань п’єзоелемента, виходячи з параметрів ЕЕС для моделей BVD і Sherrita, для різних випадків граничних умов (ГУ), а саме нульових ГУ і ГУ з однобічним масонавантаженням і міжелектродним проміжком. Представлено результати чисельного аналізу визначення відносної похибки резонансної частоти, виходячи з параметрів ЕЕС для моделей BVD і Sherrita, побудовано графіки частотних характеристик для випадку АТ зрізу кварцу на резонансну частоту fs = 10 Мгц. Ці результати і графіки показують, що найбільш поширені методики, що засновані на моделі BVD, мають значну абсолютну і відносну похибки визначення резонансної частоти fs. Встановлено, що методика, заснована на моделі Sherrita, має нульову відносну погрішність визначення резонансної частоти, виходячи з ЕЕС. Крім цього, ця методика може бути застосована і для визначення ЕЕС п’єзорезонаторів з ненульовими граничними умовами, при цьому виключається поява вище вказаних похибок. Запропоновано модифікацію методики визначення параметрів ЕЕС на основі моделі BVD, в якій усунені вище приведені недоліки, тобто отримано подальший розвиток моделі BVD. Отримано аналітичні вирази для розрахунку параметрів ЕЕС модифікованої методики, які, на відміну від існуючих методик, враховують залежність Ln і C0 від гармонік n. Модифікована методика визначення параметрів ЕЕС може бути використана при моделюванні і проектуванні нових резонаторів, фільтрів, датчиків в пристроях контролю зв’язку, контрольно-вимірювальних приладах та в інших п’єзорезонансних коливальних системах.
РОЗРОБКА ВЕБ-ДОДАТКІВ В КОНТЕКСТІ ОПТИМІЗАЦІЇ ЇХ ШВИДКОДІЇ
Authors: Слабінога М. О. , Чабан С. В.
Published: July 2022

Метою даної статті є виділення рекомендацій щодо проектування веб-додатків для максимальної швидкості відображення інтерфейсу користувача та розробка веб- додатку, що буде базуватися на основі даних рекомендацій з метою підтвердження їх ефективності. Проблематика статті є актуальною, оскільки веб-додатки споживають все більше ресурсів як на стороні клієнта, так і на стороні сервера. Мережа стала великим звалищем цифрових відходів, і замість того, щоб врятувати планету від зростаючого забруднення через процеси цифровізації, вона постійно вимагає виробництва потужніших цифрових пристроїв для клієнтів і високонавантажених серверних систем для серверів даних, що в результаті призводить до збільшення забруднення через утилізацію застарілих пристроїв. Основною метою кожного розробника програмного забезпечення, включаючи розробників веб-додатків, має бути скорочення обсягу обчислень у додатках, де це можливо. Ось чому концепція веб-розробки в контексті сталого розвитку зараз настільки важлива для всього людства. У цій роботі наведено аналіз предметної області, проведено порівняльний аналіз підходів до проектування веб-орієнтованих додатків та сформовано критерії їх ефективності. Також визначено рекомендовані підходи до розробки веб-додатків, вибрано інструменти для розробки тестового веб-додатку, а також висвітлено процес проектування веб-додатка на основі попередньо визначених підходів та тестування його ефективності. Вдосконалені методи проектування веб-орієнтованого програмного забезпечення за рахунок розділення компонентів логіки та відображення, з урахуванням рекомендацій щодо підвищення продуктивності веб-додатку, що дозволяє досягти вищої швидкодії. Практичне значення статті полягає у розробці рекомендацій щодо підходів до проектування веб-додатків, які потім можуть бути використані у веб-розробці.
Faktor – Faktor Yang Mempengaruhi Nilai Perusahaan
Authors: Maharani Yustika
Published: August 2022

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh kinerja keuangan, kebijakan utang, kebijakan dividen, keputusan investasi, tanggung jawab sosial perusahaan, tata kelola perusahaan yang baik dan penghindaran pajak terhadap nilai perusahaan pada perusahaan manufaktur yang terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia (BEI) tahun 2017-2019. Berdasarkan metode purposive sampling, sampel penelitian yang diperoleh sebanyak 159 sampel. Pengujian hipotesis dalam penelitian ini dilakukan dengan menggunakan metode analisis regresi berganda pada aplikasi SPSS Versi 21. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa Variabel Kinerja Keuangan, Kebijakan Kehutanan, Keputusan Investasi, Dewan Komisaris Independen dan Komite Audit berpengaruh terhadap Nilai Perusahaan. Sedangkan variabel Kebijakan Dividen, Corporate Social Responsibility, Kepemilikan Manajerial, Direksi dan Penghindaran Pajak tidak berpengaruh terhadap nilai perusahaan.
Faktor-Faktor Yang Mempengaruhi Konsumen Dalam Melakukan Pembelian Produk Waleu Kaos Lampung
Authors: Wuryanti Lestari , Rizkiyawhan Oktha
Published: August 2022

This study aims to determine and provide empirical evidence regarding the factors that influenceconsumers in purchasing Waleu Kaos Lampung Products. The independent variables in this study arelocation, service, and brand image, while the dependent variable is the purchase decision. Thisresearch is quantitative, the study population is Waleu consumers in Lampung. The sample wasdetermined based on probability sampling technique using the Slovin formula with a total of 89samples. The data obtained directly by distributing questionnaires in Waleu Lampung, while the dataanalysis technique used multiple analysis techniques.The results of this study concluded that locationhas no effect on purchasing decisions, while service and brand image influence purchasingdecisions.Based on the results of this study, it is suggested that the location variable (X1) gets thelowest score compared to other variables. This indicates that the road access to the Waleu Lampunglocation should be the focus considered in choosing an outlet location, in order to contribute topurchasing decisions.Keywords: Location, Service, Brand Image, Purchase Decision
Göç ve Yalnızlık: Psiko-Sosyal ve Ekonomik Sonuçları
Authors: Sever Gökcan
Published: July 2022

Bu çalışmanın amacı, göç ve yalnızlık ilişkisini kuramsal boyutta ve olgubilim (fenomenoloji) deseni ile destekleyerek farklı bulgular ortaya koymaya çalışmaktır. Çalışmada araştırmacı tarafından geliştirilen yarı yapılandırılmış “Göçmenlerde Yalnızlık Görüşme Formu” veri toplama aracı olarak kullanılmıştır. Araştırmaya ilişkin veriler, araştırmacı tarafından Gaziantep İli Şehitkâmil İlçesinde bulunan ve rastgele seçilen 13’ü kadın, 11’i erkek toplam 24 Suriye vatandaşı ile yüz yüze iletişim kurmak suretiyle toplanmıştır. Verilerin çözümlenmesinde içerik analizi kullanılmıştır. Araştırmada elde edilen sonuçlara göre, Suriye vatandaşlarının ekonomik anlamda zorluk çektikleri, dil sorunu yaşadıkları ve bunun sonucunda yalnızlığın alt boyutları olan sosyal ve kültürel yalnızlık hissettikleri bulgulanmıştır. Ayrıca araştırmada, aile ve akrabasında kayıplar yaşayan ve yoğun özlem duyguları içinde olan katılımcıların olduğu görülmüştür.
Effectiveness of the Four-Frequency Protocol of Repetitive Peripheral Magnetic Stimulation (rPMS) for Chronic Pain
Authors: Sanansilp Virachat , Euasobhon Pramote , Than Quyen V. , Rushatamukayanunt Pranee , Jirachaipitak Sukunya , Eiamtanasate Sarasate
Published: August 2022

Objective: Repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS) is a noninvasive method of delivering a magnetic field to the periphery other than the brain. The treatment has shown positive outcomes for chronic pain and provides many advantages. This study investigated the effectiveness of the four-frequency protocol of rPMS in patients with chronic pain.Materials and Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of patients with chronic pain treated with the four-frequency protocol. Data on patient demographics, pain characteristics, quality of life, and satisfaction were collected and analyzed.Results: Forty-eight patients (174 sessions) were eligible for analysis. Most patients (81%) were diagnosed with chronic neuropathic pain. Upon completing the 4-week course of treatment, the mean � SD of percentage of pain reduction was 49.7% � 34.8%. The pain score also significantly decreased from baseline (mean difference, 3.3; 95% CI, 2.5�4.1; P < 0.001). Responses to treatment were observed for most patients (79.2%) and most treatment sessions (87.4%). For immediate effectiveness, the mean � SD of percentage of pain reduction at the end of each treatment session was 46.2% � 27.6%. Improvements in mood, function, and sleep were reported by 75.8%, 77.3%, and 79.5% of patients, respectively. Furthermore, most patients (72.5%) expressed satisfaction with the treatment.Conclusion: The four-frequency protocol of rPMS for patients with chronic pain significantly reduced their pain scores for immediate effect and after the 4-week treatment course. A positive treatment response, an improved quality of life, and satisfaction with the therapy were found for nearly 80% of the patients.
Mezolitik
Slovenije
Authors: Turk Matija
Published: July 2022

V članku predstavljamo zgodovino in stanje raziskav mezolitika ter pomembnejša mezolitska najdišča v Sloveniji. Poznavanje mezolitika v Sloveniji je kljub številnim novoodkritim najdiščem še vedno skromno. Razlog za to so neustrezne izkopavalne metode v preteklosti in pomanjkanje sistematičnih raziskav, ki bi zajele večje površine. Revizijsko mokro sejanje dela deponije izkopane mezolitske plasti Male Triglavce je na dan prineslo bogato zbirko mikrolitskih orodij, ki kažejo, da je na najdišču poleg kastelnovjenske zastopana tudi sovterjenska tehnološka tradicija. Obe mezolitski fazi sta verjetno zastopani tudi v najdišču Viktorjev spodmol. Pri podvodnih raziskavah struge potoka Ljubija na Ljubljanskem barju je bila poleg resedimentiranih kamnitih in koščenih orodij najdena človeška lobanja, radiokarbonsko datirana v zgodnji holocen. V gorah Zgornjega Posočja je bilo po zaslugi ljubiteljskih arheologov odkritih več planih najdišč kamnitih artefaktov. Na podlagi kamnitih najdb, zbranih s površinskim nabiranjem in pri arheoloških izkopavanjih, lahko nekatera izmed njih opredelimo v sovterjen, najdišče Leskovca II na planini Leskovca pa bi lahko pripadalo celo epigravetjenu. Na najdiščih, kjer so se ohranili živalski ostanki, sta med lovnimi živalmi najbolje zastopana navadni jelen in divja svinja.
Naselja
brončanog i željeznog doba na položaju Osijek – Ciglana i Zeleno polje
Authors: Krmpotić Marijana , Trbojević Vukičević Tajana , Essert Sara
Published: July 2022

Arheološkim istraživanjima na lokalitetu Osijek – Ciglana i Zeleno polje utvrđeni su ostaci naselja iz brončanoga i željeznoga doba. Najstarije naselje, osnovano tijekom srednjega brončanog doba, kontinuirano je živjelo do starije faze kasnoga brončanog doba. Nakon dužega hijatusa, položaj je ponovno naseljen u mlađoj fazi starijega željeznog doba te zatim ponovno u kasnolatenskome razdoblju. Istraženost veće površine omogućila je praćenje promjena u strukturi i organizaciji naselja, dok provedene arheozoološke i arheobotaničke analize svjedoče o privredi stanovništva naseljenoga na istome prostoru tijekom dužega vremenskog razdoblja. Na brončanodobnom naselju najveće su promjene primjetne na prijelazu starije u mlađu srednjobrončanodobnu fazu, što se poklapa s nestankom inkrustirane keramike srednjega brončanog doba te nešto češćom pojavom materijala kakav se pripisuje kulturi grobnih humaka. Rezultati arheozooloških i arheobotaničkih analiza pokazuju kako se, bez obzira na promjene arheoloških kultura i razdoblja, privreda stanovništva naseljenoga na istome mjestu nije bitno mijenjala.
THE EFFECT OF ANXIETY LEVELS OF TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS PATIENTS ON THEIR TREATMENT ADHERENCE IN THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC PERIOD
Authors: YILDIRIM KESKİN Alev , ŞENTÜRK Sibel , TEKE Zeynep Büşra
Published: July 2022

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of the anxiety levels of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) patients on their treatment adherence in the COVID-19 pandemic period. The sample of this descriptive and cross-sectional study consisted of 313 DM patients who presented to the internal medicine outpatient clinic between 01.01.2021 and 01.02.2021. The data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS), and the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8). Descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test and Spearman’s correlation test were used to analyze the data. The mean CAS score of the DM patients was 7.89±3.87, while their mean total MMAS-8 score was 4.06±1.56. It was determined that the patients who were using oral antidiabetic medications, those adhering to their medication and diet treatment, and those who were not COVID-19 had higher levels of anxiety. There was a negative significant relationship between the MMAS-8 and CAS scores of the patients (p
Development and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with diabetes
Authors: Nakatsuka Takuma , Tateishi Ryosuke
Published: July 2022

The incidence of diabetes mellitus and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been increasing worldwide during the last few decades, in the context of an increasing prevalence of obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Epidemiologic studies have revealed that patients with diabetes have a 2- to 3-fold increased risk of developing HCC, independent of the severity and cause of the underlying liver disease. A bidirectional relationship exists between diabetes and liver disease: advanced liver disease promotes the onset of diabetes, and HCC is an important cause of death in patients with diabetes; conversely, diabetes is a risk factor for liver fibrosis progression and HCC development, and may worsen the long-term prognosis of patients with HCC. The existence of close interconnections among diabetes, obesity, and NAFLD causes insulin resistance-related hyperinsulinemia, increased oxidative stress, and chronic inflammation, which are assumed to be the underlying causes of hepatocarcinogenesis in patients with diabetes. No appropriate surveillance methods for HCC development in patients with diabetes have been established, and liver diseases, including HCC, are often overlooked as complications of diabetes. Although some antidiabetic drugs are expected to prevent HCC development, further research on the optimal use of antidiabetic drugs aimed at hepatoprotection is warranted. Given the increasing medical and socioeconomic impact of diabetes on HCC development, diabetologists and hepatologists need to work together to develop strategies to address this emerging health issue. This article reviews the current knowledge on the impact of diabetes on the development and progression of HCC.
Annual, seasonal, and diel patterns in blue whale call occurrence off eastern Canada
Authors: Wingfield JE , Rubin B , Xu J , Stanistreet JE , Moors-Murphy HB
Published: August 2022

Little is known about the year-round occurrence of blue whales in Atlantic Canadian waters. We used passive acoustic monitoring to investigate blue whale call presence and increase our understanding of year-round blue whale occurrence along the eastern edge of the Scotian Shelf, Nova Scotia, Canada. Blue whale calls were recorded at 3 deep water sites within and near the Gully Marine Protected Area from October 2012 to September 2014 using bottom-mounted passive acoustic recorders. Calls were categorized as either tonal or downsweeping. At all 3 sites, tonal calls occurred most often from November through January in both years and in August 2014, while the majority of downsweeping calls occurred during May through September 2014. There was no discernible diel pattern in the occurrence of tonal calls. Downsweeping calls occurred most often during evening twilight, with a dramatic peak in occurrence during the hour of 19:00 Atlantic Standard Time at all 3 sites. The peak in downsweeping call occurrence during evening twilight may have been related to blue whale foraging ecology. This study sheds light on the poorly understood year-round occurrence of blue whales off Atlantic Canada. Understanding when and where blue whales occur will help to inform management decisions for the protection and conservation of this endangered population.
Servidão digital no trabalho: a escravatura dos tempos modernos
Authors: Corrêa Gomes Cardim Talita
Published: August 2022

O presente artigo objetivou realizar um estudo acerca da temática da escravidão moderna no Direito do Trabalho, sugerindo uma nova modalidade de trabalho análogo às condições de escravo, que não ocorre no campo de privação de liberdade física e sim de forma virtual, decorrente do uso excessivo das tecnologias da informação e comunicação sem regulação e limites, acarretando na eliminação da barreira entre tempo de trabalho e vida privada, com a incidência da telepressão ao trabalhador e finalmente refletindo no que atualmente se denomina como escravidão digital. Esta realidade ocorre pela falta de regulação e proteção eficaz no que se refere ao bom uso da tecnologia neste novo meio ambiente de trabalho. Serão expostas questões no que concerne a hiperconexão e a telepressão e consequentemente a eliminação de período de vida privada, com reflexos na saúde e riscos psicossociais ao trabalhador, chegando-se assim a servidão digital. Em seguida, analisa-se o direito à desconexão digital como um possível caminho para a garantia de direitos fundamentais e combate a escravidão psicológica que geraram a atual terminologia da escravidão digital. Atualmente, não se pode mais desmerecer os riscos virtuais e psicossociais no ambiente de trabalho. Por fim é realizada uma conclusão dos fatos expostos, com o intuito de provocar uma reflexão do leitor e juslaboralistas acerca da importância da prevenção e garantia da liberdade psicológica e virtual do trabalhador.
IMPLICATIONS OF MUHAMMAD IQBAL'S THINKING ON ISLAMIC RELIGIOUS EDUCATION AND CHARACTERISTICS
Authors: Fathirah Annisaul , Abu Bakar M. Yunus
Published: July 2022

AbstractIslamic Religious Education with all that is related to it is knowledge that only becomes a theory when it is not applied. Muhammad Iqbal is figures who reconstructed Islamic religious education and western education were able to run simultaneously which would create a perfect human being. The theory created by Muhammad Iqbal in this journal will be applied to students through”the subjects of Islamic Religious Education and character using learning methods that are in accordance with the curriculum,”both regarding the objectives, scope, field conditions, so that an educational atmosphere can be realized in accordance with the values Islam.
Investigating the effect of bacteriophages on bacterial FtsZ localisation
Authors: Dhanoa Gurneet K. , Kushnir Inbar , Qimron Udi , Roper David I. , Sagona Antonia P.
Published: July 2022

Escherichia coli is one of the most common Gram-negative pathogens and is responsible for infection leading to neonatal meningitis and sepsis. The FtsZ protein is a bacterial tubulin homolog required for cell division in most species, including E. coli. Several agents that block cell division have been shown to mislocalise FtsZ, including the bacteriophage λ-encoded Kil peptide, resulting in defective cell division and a filamentous phenotype, making FtsZ an attractive target for antimicrobials. In this study, we have used an in vitro meningitis model system for studying the effect of bacteriophages on FtsZ using fluorescent E. coli EV36/FtsZ-mCherry and K12/FtsZ-mNeon strains. We show localisation of FtsZ to the bacterial cell midbody as a single ring during normal growth conditions, and mislocalisation of FtsZ producing filamentous multi-ringed bacterial cells upon addition of the known inhibitor Kil peptide. We also show that when bacteriophages K1F-GFP and T7-mCherry were applied to their respective host strains, these phages can inhibit FtsZ and block bacterial cell division leading to a filamentous multi-ringed phenotype, potentially delaying lysis and increasing progeny number. This occurs in the exponential growth phase, as actively dividing hosts are needed. We present that ZapA protein is needed for phage inhibition by showing a phenotype recovery with a ZapA mutant strain, and we show that FtsI protein is also mislocalised upon phage infection. Finally, we show that the T7 peptide gp0.4 is responsible for the inhibition of FtsZ in K12 strains by observing a phenotype recovery with a T7Δ0.4 mutant.
Assessment of leopard translocations in South Africa
Authors: McManus Jeannine , Faraut Lauriane , Couldridge Vanessa , van Deventer Jaco , Samuels Igshaan , Cilliers Deon , Devens Carolyn , Vorster Paul , Smuts Bool
Published: July 2022

Translocations are commonly employed to mitigate human–carnivore conflict but rarely evaluated, resulting in conflicting reports of success, particularly for leopards (Panthera pardus). We evaluate the status of available leopard translocation data, the factors driving the intentional removal of leopards, and the potential causal factors associated with successful and failed translocation events. We obtained data on 60 leopard translocation events across five provinces in South Africa between 1994 and 2021. We considered a successful translocation outcome when (1) the animal was moved outside of its original home range, (2) the animal established a new home range away from the capture site, (3) no substantive livestock losses were linked to the translocated animal in the post-release monitoring period, and (4) the animal survived at least 6 months post-translocation. If mortality occurred due to factors that were equally likely to impact resident individuals and were unrelated to the translocation event (e.g., poaching), the event was not considered a failed effort. Most translocations were the result of human–carnivore conflict (HCC; 82%, n = 49), stressing the high prevalence of HCC and the importance of advocating preventative conflict mitigation efforts to conserve leopards. The leopards were moved distances from 2.5 to 196.3 km (63.3 ± 51.7km). Forty (67%) translocation events had unknown outcomes, indicating the limited data available on translocation outcomes. This also indicates the disparity in the objectives of translocations by various entities involved with translocations and suggests that monitoring be a prerequisite for future translocations. Twenty events offered reliable outcomes by means of post-event monitoring, with seven (12%) considered successful, with three (5%) as failures, and with four (7%) not moved beyond their original home ranges, while six (8%) ended in unrelated deaths. The failed events were attributed to inter/intra-specific competition, and one animal returned to its original home range after a translocation distance of 68 km. Translocation success was strongly explained by translocation distance. We found that damage-causing leopards were successfully translocated under specific conditions, and longer translocation distances increase success. Translocations are commonly employed but are still poorly monitored. We discuss basic standardized protocols to improve future leopard translocations (including pre- and post-monitoring) while advocating alternative non-lethal practices to reduce the prevalence of human–carnivore conflict.
Human phenotype ontology annotation and cluster analysis for pulmonary atresia to unravel clinical outcomes
Authors: Shu Bingyan , Shen Huayan , Shao Xinyang , Luo Fengming , Li Tianjiao , Zhou Zhou
Published: July 2022

Background

Pulmonary atresia (PA) is a heterogeneous congenital heart defect and ventricular septal defect (VSD) is the most vital factor for the conventional classification of PA patients. The simple dichotomy could not fully describe the cardiac morphologies and pathophysiology in such a complex disease. We utilized the Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO) database to explore the phenotypic patterns of PA and the phenotypic influence on prognosis.

Methods

We recruited 786 patients with diagnoses of PA between 2008 and 2016 at Fuwai Hospital. According to cardiovascular phenotypes of patients, we retrieved 52 HPO terms for further analyses. The patients were classified into three clusters based on unsupervised hierarchical clustering. We used Kaplan–Meier curves to estimate survival, the log-rank test to compare survival between clusters, and univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression modeling to investigate potential risk factors.

Results

According to HPO term distribution, we observed significant differences of morphological abnormalities in 3 clusters. We defined cluster 1 as being associated with Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), VSD, right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH), and aortopulmonary collateral arteries (ACA). ACA was not included in the cluster classification because it was not an HPO term. Cluster 2 was associated with hypoplastic right heart (HRH), atrial septal defect (ASD) and tricuspid disease as the main morphological abnormalities. Cluster 3 presented higher frequency of single ventricle (SV), dextrocardia, and common atrium (CA). The mortality rate in cluster 1 was significantly lower than the rates in cluster 2 and 3 (p = 0.04). Multivariable analysis revealed that abnormal atrioventricular connection (AAC, p = 0.011) and persistent left superior vena cava (LSVC, p = 0.003) were associated with an increased risk of mortality.

Conclusions

Our study reported a large cohort with clinical phenotypic, surgical strategy and long time follow-up. In addition, we provided a precise classification and successfully risk stratification for patients with PA.
Online searches for SGLT-2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists correlate with prescription rates in the United States: An infodemiological study
Authors: Dzaye Omar , Berning Philipp , Razavi Alexander C. , Adhikari Rishav , Jha Kunal , Nasir Khurram , Ayers John W. , Mortensen Martin Bødtker , Blaha Michael J.
Published: July 2022

Several clinical trials have demonstrated that many SGLT-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) and GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) can reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with Type 2 diabetes and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Recent reports indicate an underutilization of new cardiometabolic drugs, including SGLT2i and GLP-1 RA. We aimed to evaluate the use of online search volumes to reflect United States prescription rates. A repeated cross-sectional analysis of Google search volumes and corresponding data from the IQVIA National Prescription Audit (NPA) of pharmacy dispensing of newly prescribed drugs was performed. Monthly data for online searches and prescription between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2021 were collected for selected SGLT2i and GLP-1 RA. Prescription data for drugs classes (SGLT2i and GLP-1 RA) and individual drugs were calculated as the total of queried data for branded drug names. Trends were analyzed for visual and quantitative correlation as well as predictive patterns. Overall, online searches increased by 157.6% (95% CI: 142.2–173.1%) and 295.2% (95% CI: 257.7–332.6%) for SGLT2i and GLP-1RA between 2016 and 2021. Prescription rates raised by 114.6% (95% CI: 110.8–118.4%) and 221.0% (95% CI: 212.1–229.9%) for SGLT2i and GLP-1RA for this period. Correlation coefficients (range 0.86–0.99) were strongest for drugs with growing number of prescriptions, for example dapagliflozin, empagliflozin, ertugliflozin, dulaglutide, and semaglutide. Online searches might represent an additional tool to monitor the utilization trends of cardiometabolic drugs. Associations were strongest for drugs with reported cardioprotective effect. Thus, trends in online searches complement conventionally acquired data to reflect and forecast prescription trends of cardiometabolic drugs.
Automated risk assessment of newly detected atrial fibrillation poststroke from electronic health record data using machine learning and natural language processing
Authors: Sung Sheng-Feng , Sung Kuan-Lin , Pan Ru-Chiou , Lee Pei-Ju , Hu Ya-Han
Published: July 2022

Background

Timely detection of atrial fibrillation (AF) after stroke is highly clinically relevant, aiding decisions on the optimal strategies for secondary prevention of stroke. In the context of limited medical resources, it is crucial to set the right priorities of extended heart rhythm monitoring by stratifying patients into different risk groups likely to have newly detected AF (NDAF). This study aimed to develop an electronic health record (EHR)-based machine learning model to assess the risk of NDAF in an early stage after stroke.

Methods

Linked data between a hospital stroke registry and a deidentified research-based database including EHRs and administrative claims data was used. Demographic features, physiological measurements, routine laboratory results, and clinical free text were extracted from EHRs. The extreme gradient boosting algorithm was used to build the prediction model. The prediction performance was evaluated by the C-index and was compared to that of the AS5F and CHASE-LESS scores.

Results

The study population consisted of a training set of 4,064 and a temporal test set of 1,492 patients. During a median follow-up of 10.2 months, the incidence rate of NDAF was 87.0 per 1,000 person-year in the test set. On the test set, the model based on both structured and unstructured data achieved a C-index of 0.840, which was significantly higher than those of the AS5F (0.779, p = 0.023) and CHASE-LESS (0.768, p = 0.005) scores.

Conclusions

It is feasible to build a machine learning model to assess the risk of NDAF based on EHR data available at the time of hospital admission. Inclusion of information derived from clinical free text can significantly improve the model performance and may outperform risk scores developed using traditional statistical methods. Further studies are needed to assess the clinical usefulness of the prediction model.
Population-wide persistent hemostatic changes after vaccination with ChAdOx1-S
Authors: de Laat Bas , Stragier Hendrik , de Laat-Kremers Romy , Ninivaggi Marisa , Mesotten Dieter , Thiessen Steven , Van Pelt Kristien , Roest Mark , Penders Joris , Vanelderen Pascal , Huskens Dana , De Jongh Raf , Laenen Margot Vander , Fivez Tom , ten Cate Hugo , Heylen Rene , Heylen Line , Steensels Deborah
Published: July 2022

Various vaccines were developed to reduce the spread of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Cov-2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus. Quickly after the start of vaccination, reports emerged that anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, including ChAdOx1-S, could be associated with an increased risk of thrombosis. We investigated the hemostatic changes after ChAdOx1-S vaccination in 631 health care workers. Blood samples were collected 32 days on average after the second ChAdOx1-S vaccination, to evaluate hemostatic markers such as D-dimer, fibrinogen, α2-macroglobulin, FVIII and thrombin generation. Endothelial function was assessed by measuring Von Willebrand Factor (VWF) and active VWF. IL-6 and IL-10 were measured to study the activation of the immune system. Additionally, SARS-CoV-2 anti-nucleoside and anti-spike protein antibody titers were determined. Prothrombin and fibrinogen levels were significantly reduced after vaccination (−7.5% and −16.9%, p < 0.0001). Significantly more vaccinated subjects were outside the normal range compared to controls for prothrombin (42.1% vs. 26.4%, p = 0.026) and antithrombin (23.9% vs. 3.6%, p = 0.0010). Thrombin generation indicated a more procoagulant profile, characterized by a significantly shortened lag time (−11.3%, p < 0.0001) and time-to-peak (−13.0% and p < 0.0001) and an increased peak height (32.6%, p = 0.0015) in vaccinated subjects compared to unvaccinated controls. Increased VWF (+39.5%, p < 0.0001) and active VWF levels (+24.1 %, p < 0.0001) pointed toward endothelial activation, and IL-10 levels were significantly increased (9.29 pg/mL vs. 2.43 pg/mL, p = 0.032). The persistent increase of IL-10 indicates that the immune system remains active after ChAdOx1-S vaccination. This could trigger a pathophysiological mechanism causing an increased thrombin generation profile and vascular endothelial activation, which could subsequently result in and increased risk of thrombotic events.
Quantitative MRI evaluation of articular cartilage in patients with meniscus tear
Authors: Chen Enqi , Hou Wenjing , Wang Hu , Li Jing , Lin Yangjing , Liu He , Du Mingshan , Li Lian , Wang Xianqi , Yang Jing , Yang Rui , Zhou Changru , Chen Pinzhen , Zeng Meng , Yao Qiandong , Chen Wei
Published: July 2022

Purpose

The aim of this study was to assess quantitatively articular cartilage volume, thickness, and T2 value alterations in meniscus tear patients.

Materials and methods

The study included 32 patients with meniscus tears (17 females, 15 males; mean age: 40.16 ± 11.85 years) and 24 healthy controls (12 females; 12 males; mean age: 36 ± 9.14 years). All subjects were examined by 3 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with 3D dual-echo steady-state (DESS) and T2 mapping images. All patients underwent diagnostic arthroscopy and treatment. Cartilage thickness, cartilage volume and T2 values of 21 subregions of knee cartilage were measured using the prototype KneeCaP software (version 2.1; Siemens Healthcare, Erlangen, Germany). Mann-Whitney-U tests were utilized to determine if there were any significant differences among subregional articular cartilage volume, thickness and T2 value between patients with meniscus tear and the control group.

Results

The articular cartilage T2 values in all subregions of the femur and tibia in the meniscus tear group were significantly higher (p< 0.05) than in the healthy control group. The cartilage thickness of the femoral condyle medial, femur trochlea, femur condyle lateral central, tibia plateau medial anterior and patella facet medial inferior in the meniscus tear group were slightly higher than in the control group (p< 0.05). In the femur trochlea medial, patella facet medial inferior, tibia plateau lateral posterior and tibia plateau lateral central, there were significant differences in relative cartilage volume percentage between the meniscus tear group and the healthy control group (p< 0.05). Nineteen patients had no cartilage abnormalities (Grade 0) in the meniscus tear group, as confirmed by arthroscopic surgery, and their T2 values in most subregions were significantly higher (p< 0.05) than those of the healthy control group.

Conclusion

The difference in articular cartilage indexes between patients with meniscus tears and healthy people without such tears can be detected by using quantitative MRI. Quantitative T2 values enable early and sensitive detection of early cartilage lesions.