bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antiphospholipid Antibodies and Vascular Thrombosis in Patients with Severe Forms of COVID-19
Authors: Zlatković-Švenda Mirjana , Ovuka Milica , Ogrič Manca , Čučnik Saša , Žigon Polona , Radivčev Aleksandar , Zdravković Marija , Radunović Goran
Published: August 2023

Background: Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) are a laboratory criterion for the classification of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), and are known to cause clinical symptoms: vascular thrombosis or obstetric complications. It is suggested that aPL may be associated with thromboembolism in severe COVID-19 cases. Aim: to combine clinical data with aPL findings at 4 time points (admission, worsening, discharge, 3-month follow-up) in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 pneumonia. Methods: current and past history of thrombosis and obstetric complications; aPL determined at 4 time points: anticardiolipin (aCL), anti-β2-glycoprotein I (anti- β2GPI) and antiphosphatidylserine/prothrombin (aPS/PT) of the IgM, IgG or IgA isotypes. Results: 111 patients with COVID-19 pneumonia were enrolled. During hospitalization, 7 patients died, 3 of them due to pulmonary artery thromboembolism (none was aPL positive). Only one of the five who developed pulmonary artery thrombosis was aPL positive. Of 9/101 patients with a history of thrombosis, 5 had arterial thrombosis and none was aPL positive at admission and follow-up; 4 had venous thrombosis and one was aPL positive at all time points (newly diagnosed APS). Of these 9/101 patients, 55.6% were transiently aPL positive at discharge only, compared to 26.1% without history of thrombosis (p=0.05). Conclusions: aPL were not associated with fatal outcomes and vascular thrombosis; aPL were transiently positive in more than half of patients with a history of thrombosis.
BIM Manager: Responsibility, Coordination and Data Exchange Regulator
Authors: Sampaio Alcinia , Azevedo Gonçalo , Gomes Augusto M
Published: August 2023

Abstract: Building Information Modelling (BIM) methodology has been empowering the quality of the construction activity in all sectors: multidisciplinary designs development; construction planning and monitoring; building management and maintenance. A BIM environment aggre-gates several disciplines and different professional skillsets and in order to control and improve the quality of a BIM project, a BIM manager is required. The BIM manager has the responsibility to coordinate all tasks involved in a building design and associated activities usually workout over the project documents. This professional can access to the distinct discipline models, located in a shared platform, and request for amendments if inconsistencies are detected. The topic of the present study is illustrated with three building cases were distinct specific projects, disciplines and tasks were elaborated: collaboration between disciplines (architecture, structures and con-struction); structural analyses and reinforcement details; quantity take-off of materials and cost estimation; construction scheduling and simulation. Although there are still limitations in the implementation of BIM methodology in all sectors and stages, within the construction industry, BIM has been bringing an important improvement in the quality of a building design, reflected in the quality of the final product. The present study put in evidence the BIM manager role in pro-jects that aggregates several disciplines and experts, bringing an important contribution in the quality of a building design. BIM methodology is a current demand in the construction industry supported on advanced technology and in an adequate management of projects.
Viral and Bacterial Etiology of Common Respiratory Infections in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Review
Authors: DEMBOUX Jordy Exaucé , ISSAMOU MAYENGUE PEMBE , KOUKOUIKILA-KOUSSOUNDA Felix , LEROY Eric Maurice , BECQUART Pierre , NIAMA Fabien Roch
Published: August 2023

(1) Background: Respiratory infections are a major public health problem worldwide, with potentially serious consequences. Indeed, these infections remain one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in children under 5 years old in developing countries. Etiological information on respiratory infections is crucial for prevention and case management strategies. This systematic review aims to describe the etiology of respiratory infections reported in studies carried out in sub-Saharan African countries; (2) Methods: Using PubMed, HINARI and Google scholar search engines, a systematic search was carried out to identify published articles on the etiology of viral and/or bacterial respiratory infections in sub-Saharan Africa in patients of all ages. We have only considered data from sub-Saharan Africa. Papers published from 2010 to 2021, in English or French have been included in this review; (3) Results: After reviewing 115 articles reporting studies carried out in the African continent, only 32 articles were selected of which, studies were conducted in 15 sub-Saharan African countries, including 6/32 (18.75%) in Cameroon. Twenty (62.5%) were cross-sectional studies, and twenty-four (75%) were hospital-based investigations. In these studies, RT-PCR and culture methods were respectively used for viruses and bacteria investigations. Respiratory syncytial virus was the most frequently identified, with prevalence ranging from 0.6% to 59%, followed by rhinovirus (9.3% -73%), influenza virus (flu) A/B (0.9%-69.1%), and human adenovirus (0.9% - 30.8%). Streptococcus pneumoniae (14.2% - 96%), followed by Haemophilus influenzae type b (2.5% - 54%), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (1.4% - 49.9%) were the most frequently detected bacteria; (4) Conclusions: This review has reported that many pathogens, mainly viruses, are associated with acute respiratory infections in sub-Saharan Africa in both children and adults. Unfortunately, the limited geographical distribution of data across sub-Saharan Africa does not allow most of countries to develop an effective strategy for the prevention and treatment of respiratory infections.
An Integrated Computational and Experimental Approach to Formulate Tamanu Oil Bigels as Anti-Scarring Agent
Authors: Krishnappa Megha , Abraham Sindhu , Furtado Sharon Caroline , Krishnamurthy Shwetha , Rifaya Aynul , Chidamabaram Kumarappan , Pavadai Parasuraman
Published: August 2023

Tamanu oil has traditionally been used to treat various skin problems. The oil has wound-healing and skin-regenerating capabilities, and encourages the growth of new skin cells, all of which are helpful for fading scars and hyperpigmentation, as well as promoting an all-around glow. The strong nutty odor and high viscosity are the major disadvantages associated with their application. The aim of this study was to create bigels using tamanu oil for its anti-scarring properties. Bigels were prepared with Tamanu oil ranging from 5 to 20% along with micronized xanthan gum and evaluated for their pH, viscosity, and spreadability. In silico studies were performed to analyze the binding affinity of the protein with the drug, and the anti-scarring activity was established using a full-thickness excision wound model. In silico studies have reported that the components Calanolide A, Inophyllum C, and 4-Norlanosta-17(20),24-diene-11,16-diol-21-oic acid, and 3-oxo-16,21-lactone had docking scores of -9.8, -11.3, and -11.1, respectively with the cytokine TGF- β1 receptor. An acute dermal irritation study in rabbits showed no irritation, erythema, eschar, or edema. In vivo excisional wound healing studies performed on wistar rats and subsequent histopathological studies showed that bigels had better healing properties when compared to the commercial formulation (Murivenna oil). This study substantiates the wound healing and scar reduction potential of Tamanu oil bigels.
Enumeration of Self-Avoiding Random Walks on Lattices as Model Chains in Polymer Crystals
Authors: Benito Javier , Urrutia Unai , Karayiannis Nikos Ch. , Laso Manuel
Published: August 2023

Recent simulation studies have revealed a wealth of distinct crystal polymorphs encountered in the self-organization of polymer systems driven by entropy or free energy. The present analysis, based on the concept of self-avoiding random walks on crystal lattices, is useful to calculate upper bounds for the entropy difference of the crystals that are formed during polymer crystallization and thus provide predictions on polymorph thermodynamic stability. Here, we compare two pairs of crystals sharing the same coordination number, ncoord: hexagonal close packed (HCP) and face centered cubic (FCC), both having ncoord = 12 and the same packing density, and the less dense hexagonal (HEX) and body centered cubic (BCC) lattices, with ncoord = 8. In both cases, once a critical step length is reached, one of the crystals shows a higher number of SAWs compatible with the crystal. We explain the observed trends in terms of the bending and torsion angles corresponding to the different chain geometry as imposed by the geometric constraints of the crystal lattice.
Quantifying Tissue Response after Intraovarian Platelet-Rich Plasma: Experimental Approach to Assess NF-κB and TNF-α as Mediators to Reduce Local Entropy
Authors: Sills E. Scott
Published: August 2023

Diminished ovarian reserve can be regarded as a sentinel indicator to foreshadow severe follicular loss and, ultimately, systemic aging. The negative slope of human ovulatory fidelity begins with a robust follicular endowment which gradually declines over time. In contrast, the youthful ovarian phenotype requires the coordinated work of endothelial, granulosa, immune, perivascular, stromal and possibly germline stem cells. Such a diverse tissue matrix can, in general, be influenced by platelet (PLT)-derived factors but this has not yet been specifically confirmed in the ovary after platelet-rich plasma (PRP). How could a comparable response be validated? Here a prospective, experimental study is proposed whereby eligible patients already undergoing scheduled laparoscopy provide ovarian tissue via biopsy submitted for co-culture with autologous Ca+2 activated PRP. Recognizing the interlocking, central roles of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), incubated samples would be assessed for these in vitro before vs. after PRP exposure, in addition to stereomicroscopy. A mathematical model is available to track NF-κB oscillations and estimate gene expression, cell development, growth, apoptosis, and key immune and inflammatory actions. Since NF-κB and TNF-α are discharged in activated PLT releasate (or react to its cargo proteins) this audit permits extraction of response markers observed post-stimulus, thus linking discrete signals to transcriptional output, cellular fitness, and ovarian cytoarchitecture. From this, a hypothesis could emerge where intraovarian PRP is found to make no direct impact on follicles, although modified ovarian field function and curtailed local entropy incidentally favor optimized oocyte competence as a secondary effect.
Graph Neural Networks (GNN) for Tensile Strength Prediction in Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Mishra Akshansh , Jatti Vijaykumar S.
Published: August 2023

This paper presents the use of Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) to predict the tensile strength of Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) specimens. In the present work, there are four main input parameters i.e. Infill percentage, Layer height, Print speed and Extrusion temperature while the Tensile Strength is an output parameter were considered. This study includes use of central composite design based response surface methodology to finalize the experimental layout. 3D printed specimen were manufactured as per the ASTM E8 standard on FDM printer using Polylactic Acid (PLA) as filament. Micro-tensile test were performed on the printed specimen as per ASTM E8 standard. The GNN algorithm was trained on a dataset of FDM specimens, achieving a mean squared error (MSE) of 2.47, mean absolute error (MAE) of 1.14, and R-squared value of 0.78. An adjacency matrix, which shows the connections between nodes in a graph. The obtained plot for nodes and weights in a GNN provide valuable information about the model and its performance. The results show the potential of using GNNs in predicting the mechanical properties of additively manufactured specimens and provide a promising direction for further research in this field.
Diabetic Endothelial Cell Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3β Activation Induces VCAM1 Ectodomain Shedding
Authors: Brishti Masuma Akter , Raghavan Somasundaram , Lamar Kennedy , Singh Udai P. , Collier Daniel M. , Leo M. Dennis
Published: August 2023

Soluble cell adhesion molecules (sCAMs) are secreted ectodomain fragments of surface adhesion molecules, ICAM1 and VCAM1. sCAMs have diverse immune functions beyond their primary function, impacting immune cell recruitment and activation. Elevated sVCAM1 levels have been associated with poor cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes, supporting its role as a potential diagnostic marker and therapeutic target. Inhibiting sVCAM1 release or interaction with immune cells could offer cardioprotection in conditions such as diabetes. Membrane bound surface adhesion molecules are widely expressed in a wide variety of cell types with higher expression in endothelial cells (ECs), but the source of sCAMs in the circulation is not clear. Hypothesizing that endothelial cells (ECs) could be a potential source of sCAMs, this study investigated whether dysfunctional EC signaling mechanisms during diabetes cause VCAM1 ectodomain shedding. Our results from samples from a inducible diabetic mouse model revealed increased sVCAM1 plasma levels in diabetes. Protein analysis indicated upregulated VCAM1 expression and metalloproteases ADAM10 and ADAM17 in diabetic ECs. ADAMs are known for proteolytic cleavage of adhesion molecules, contributing to inflammation. GSK3β, implicated in EC VCAM1 expression, was found to be activated in diabetic ECs. GSK3β overexpression in control ECs increased ADAM10/17 and VCAM1. A GSK3β inhibitor reduced active GSK3β and VCAM1 ectodomain shedding. These findings suggest that diabetic ECs with elevated GSK3β activity led to VCAM1 upregulation and ADAM10/17-mediated sVCAM1 shedding. This mechanism underscores the potential therapeutic role of GSK3β inhibition in reducing the levels of circulating sVCAM1. The complex roles of sCAMs extend well beyond CVD. Thus, unraveling the intricate involvement of sCAMs in the initiation and progression of vascular disease particularly in diabetes, holds significant therapeutic potential.
Review of Nature-Based Echo-Hydraulic Aqua-Forest Technology for Coastal Resilience and Sea Level Rise Climate-Induced Adaptation
Authors: Olanrewaju Oladokun Sulaiman , Lazzaro Unberto
Published: August 2023

One-fifth of the world’s population and critical infrastructures are near the coast and regions at high risk of sea level elevation. Climate change is expected to increase coastal extreme events, rising sea levels, and impact on the ecosystem. Hard engineering, like seawalls, has been used to prevent, protect, and control water-based environmental forces with an extended impact on the land. A nature-based engineering solution, such as growing vegetation, is being adopted as a sustainable solution to help make existing technology live its design life and provide climate change adaptation and resilience for coastal and riverine communities. This paper presents review of seaweed farms as an advanced nature-based mitigation approach. The paper also presents the result obtained from experiments conducted at RWTH Aachen University hydraulic lab on a model test of the wave damping system using seaweed as a nature-based solution to test the hypothesis. One result involving a system with two lines of seaweed revealed 15 percent wave damping. A soft engineering approach to designing future vegetated protection systems using seaweed as a nature-based solution can help existing coastal infrastructure design life and protect against climate-induced SLR rise and adaptation, coastal risk mitigation, ecosystem restoration, and blue bio-economic development.
Southern European Atlantic Diet and Its Supplements: Chemical Bases of Its Anticancer Properties
Authors: Vivanco Pablo G. , Taboada Pablo , Coelho Alberto
Published: August 2023

Scientific evidence increasingly supports the strong link between diet and health, acknowledging that a well-balanced diet plays a crucial role in preventing chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular issues, and certain types of cancer. This perspective opens the door to developing precision diets, particularly tailored for individuals at risk of developing cancer. It encompasses a vast research area and involves the study of an expanding array of compounds with multi-level "omics" compositions, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, epigenomics, miRNomics, and metabolomics. We review here the components of the Southern European Atlantic Diet (SEAD) from both a chemical and pharmacological standpoint. The information sources consulted, complemented by crystallographic data from the Protein Data Bank, establish a direct link between SEAD and its anticancer properties. The data collected strongly suggest that SEAD offers an exceptionally healthy profile, particularly due to the presence of beneficial biomolecules in its foods. The inclusion of olive oil and paprika in this diet provides numerous health benefits, and science supports the anti-cancer properties of dietary supplements with biomolecules sourced from vegetables of the brassica genus. Nonetheless, further research is warranted in this field to gain deeper insights into the potential benefits of SEAD's bioactive compounds against cancer.
Modelisation of the Biomethane Accumulation in Anaerobic Co-digestion of Whey and Sugarcane Molasse Mixtures
Authors: Arotingo Guandinango Huaita Pacari , Espín Valladares Rosario del Carmen , Núñez Pérez Jimmy , Lara Fiallos Marco Vinicio , Pereda Reyes Ileana , Pais-Chanfrau José Manuel
Published: August 2023

The biomethane accumulation of several combinations of whey and sugarcane molasses, inoculated with sludge from a treatment facility of one of the dairy enterprises of Imbabura, was assessed in the current experiment at a concentration of 0.5 g/l COD. The whey: molasses (W: M) ratios for each treatment were 0:100, 25:75, 50:50, 75:25, and 100:0, with a constant temperature of 37°C and an initial pH adjustment of 7.5. Half a litre of total mixes was used for each treatment in duplicate. Six kinetic models were evaluated to account biomethane accumulation in anaerobic co-digestion processes in batch of whey and sugarcane molasses. Five of these have been tested by other researchers, and one was developed by modifying a first-order model to consider changes in the biomethane accumulation profile. This proposed model, along with the modified two-phase Gompertz model, resulted in the ones that were best able to adjust the experimental data, obtaining in all cases an R² ≥ 0.949, indicating the accuracy of both models. In addition, the proposed here model has five parameters, one less than the modified two-phase Gompertz model, making it more straightforward and robust.
Experimental Early Stimulation of Bone Tissue Neo-Formation for Critical Size Elimination Defects in the Maxillofacial Region
Authors: Patlataya Nadezhda N. , Bolshakov Igor Nikolaevich , Levenets Anatoli A. , Medvedeva Nadezhda N. , Cherkashina Mariya A.
Published: August 2023

Rationale. A biomaterial is proposed for closing extensive bone defects in the maxillofacial region. The composition of the biomaterial includes high molecular weight chitosan, chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronate, heparin, alginate and inorganic nanostructured hydroxyapatite. The purpose of the study is to demonstrate morphological and histological early signs of reconstruction of a bone cavity of a critical size. Materials and methods. The studies were carried out on 84 white female rats weighing 200 g. The control group of animals consisted of 44 individuals, the study group - 40. In all animals, three-walled bone defects 0.5 cm in size were applied subperiosteally in the region of the angle of the lower jaw and filled in the experimental group with a gel mass of chitosan -alginate-hydroxyapatite (CH-SA-HA). In control animals, the bone cavities were filled with an auto-blood clot. The follow-up periods were 3.5.7 days, 2.3.4.6.8 and 10 weeks. Results. The chitosan construct after implantation actively replaced defects early with the formation of a full-fledged new bone tissue compared to control animals. Morphological analysis of the walls of the bone defect on the 7th day showed signs of the formation of spongy bone tissue, after two weeks - a pronounced increase in bone volume (P<0.01), after 6 weeks after surgery, the closure of the defect was 70-80%, after 8 weeks - 100% without disturbing bone morphology with a high degree of mineralization. Conclusion The use of modified chitosan after filling eliminates bone defects of critical size in the maxillofacial region, reveals early signs of bone neoformation, and serves as a promising material in reconstructive dentistry.
A novel dynamic model describing the spread of virus
Authors: Shakhmurov Veli , Kurulay Muhammet , Sahmurova Aida , Gursesli Mustafa Can , Lanata Antonio
Published: August 2023

This study proposes a nonlinear mathematical model of virus transmission based on the SEIR model. In this study, the interaction between viruses and immune cells is investigated using phase-space analysis of a mathematical model. Specifically, it is focused on the dynamics and stability behavior of the mathematical model of a virus spread in a population and its interaction with human immune systems cells. The endemic equilibrium points are found and local stability analysis of all equilibria points of the related model is obtained. Further, the global stability analysis either, at disease-free equilibria, or in endemic equilibria is discussed by constructing the Lyapunov function which shows the validity of the concern model exists. Finally, a simulated solution is achieved and the relationship between viruses and immune cells is highlighted.
A Novel Non-Invasive Ocular Delivery Platform
Authors: Wang Jenny , Snider Nonna
Published: August 2023

To this day, use of oily eye drops and non-invasive retinal delivery remains a major challenge. Oily eye drops usually cause ocular irritation and interfere with normal function of the eye, while ocular injections for retinal drug delivery cause significant adverse effects and a high burden on the healthcare system. Here the authors report a novel topical Non-Invasive Ocular Delivery Platform (NIODP) through the periorbital skin for high efficiency anterior and posterior ocular delivery in a non-human primate model (NHP). A single dose of about 7mg JV-MD2 (omega-3 DHA) via the NIODP reached the retina at Cmax of 111µg/g and the cornea at Cmax of 66µg/g. NIODP also delivered JV-DE1, an anti-inflammatory agent in development for dry eye diseases, as efficiently as eye drops did to anterior segments of NHP. The topical NIODP seems to transport drug candidates through the cornea pathway to the anterior and via the conjunctiva/sclera pathway to the posterior segments of the eye. The novel NIODP method has the potential to reshape the landscape of ocular drug delivery, especially for oily eye drops and retinal delivery, where the success of treatment lies in the ocular tolerability and bioavailability of drugs in the target tissue.
Insight into the Experiences of Caregivers of Older Adults in Long-Term Care Homes: A Photovoice Study
Authors: Boamah Sheila A. , Yous Marie-Lee , Gao Harrison , Weldrick Rachel , Dal Bello-Haas Vanina , Durepos Pamela
Published: August 2023

Background: Carers (or care partners) of adults in LTC contribute substantially to the health and well-being of their loved ones by providing physical care, emotional support, and companionship. Despite their critical role, little is known about how caregivers have been impacted by the pandemic. The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of caregivers of people living in long-term care (LTC) homes during the initial phases of the COVID-19 pandemic and potential supports and resources needed to improve caregivers’ quality of life.Design: An interpretive descriptive approach that incorporated photovoice method was used. Methods: Using purposive sampling strategy, six family carers in Ontario, Canada were recruited between September and December 2021. Over a four-week period, caregivers took pictures depicting their experience of the pandemic that were shared in a virtual focus group. Visual and text data were analyzed using thematic analysis with an inductive approach.Findings: Caregivers expressed feelings of frustration, confusion, and joy. Emerging themes included: (i) feeling like a “criminal” amidst visitor restrictions and rules; (ii) experiencing uncertainty and disappointment in the quality of care of long-term care homes; (iii) going through burnout; and (iv) focusing on small joys and cherished memories.Conclusions: The combination of visual and textual methods provided unique insight into the mental distress, isolation, and intense emotional burdens experienced by caregivers during the pandemic. Impact: Our findings underscore the need for LTC organizations to work in unison with caregivers to optimize the care of residents and support mental health of caregivers.
PCL-PEG Nanoparticle Functionalized with A6 Peptide: A Promising Delivery System for Curcumin Against Cancer Cells
Authors: Rostami Neda , Ghebleh Aida , Noei Hadi , Salimian Zahra , Moeinzadeh Alaa , Eslami Sayed Sadegh , Gomari Mohammad Mahmoudi , Tarighi Parastoo , Uversky And Vladimir N.
Published: August 2023

Polymeric based nanoparticles are garnering significant interest for their potential in drug delivery. Specially, nanopolymers that have been functionalized with molecules, such as proteins or peptides, are a versatile vehicle for drug delivery. Curcumin (Cur) is one of the most commonly studied anticancer compounds and is widely acknowledged as having positive effects on human health. However, its insolubility and low bio-distribution greatly hinder the exploitation of its beneficial traits. In this study, our team created a nano delivery system which utilized a nanopolymer called PCL-PEG (poly(ε-caprolactone)-poly (ethylene glycol)). This system was functionalized with A6 peptide to enable targeted delivery of Cur. The system was designed with advantageous nanoparticles (NPs), including a stable zeta potential (–32.7), small size (54.3), uniform surface morphology, and high hydrophilicity (13.72°). In addition, targeted delivery systems exhibited high encapsulation efficacy (93 ± 0.89 %), and drug loading (16.7 ± 0.9 %), and were characterized by a slow and gradual release profile with a release of approximately 83.13 ± 0.12%. The MTT assay results showed that the formulation known as Cur-NPs-A6 caused a significant increase in cell death in MDA-MB-231 cancer cells (IC50 = 23.31 ± 0.85 µM). The designed delivery system did not cause any harm to the noncancerous MCF-10A cells (normal group). Furthermore, the results of both the RT-qPCR and invasion assays demonstrated that the designed system was able to effectively activate the apoptosis pathway and inhibit cell invasion. Our findings suggest that the use of the designed smart delivery system, which is functionalized with A6 peptide that has a high affinity for CD44 receptor - known to be upregulated in numerous malignant conditions, could be a highly efficient approach to treating cancer.
Prediction of the risk of adverse perinatal outcomes in pregnant women with fetal growth fetal restriction
Authors:   N.I.Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation, Sichinava L.G. , Shishkina D.I. ,   N.I.Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation, Breusenko L.E. ,   N.I.Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation, Spiridonov D.S. ,   N.I.Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation, Lebedev E.V. ,   N.I.Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation, Meretukova M.B. ,   N.I.Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation, Harutyunyan A.A. ,   N.I.Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: August 2023

Objective. Development of additional Doppler criteria for predicting the risk of adverse perinatal outcomes in pregnant women with fetal growth restriction (FGR) Patients and methods. 161 patients with singleton pregnancies were examined: 100 women were diagnosed with АПК, and 31 women had fetuses that were low in weight by gestational age; The control group consisted of 30 patients with normal fetal growth. Ultrasound, in addition to fetometry, included Doppler sonography of blood flow in the uterine arteries, umbilical arteries and the fetal middle cerebral artery. The cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) and cerebro-placental-uterine ratio (CPUR) were determined. Reference values of CPUR in patients with FGR have been developed. Results. The ROC analysis in 100 patients with FGR showed that using of CPUR predict a high risk of adverse perinatal outcomes with a sensitivity of 60% and a specificity of 82%. The positive predictive value of CPUR was 91% (83% for CPR). In pregnant women with severe FGR (<3rd centile), the positive prognostic value was – 97%, the highest values were founded in patients with an early phenotype – 100% (with late – 93%). Conclusion. CPUR has a high prognostic significance in relation to the risk of adverse perinatal outcomes in patients with FGR, which indicates the using this indicator along with CPR in the examination of patients with low fetal weight. Key words: fetal growth restriction, early phenotype, late phenotype, cerebro-placental ratio, cerebro-placental-uterine
Professional Human Resources to Create Consumer Satisfaction and The Impact on Purchasing Intention.
Authors: Mega Zahera , Marwan Jubery
Published: August 2023

Knowledge and skills possessed by individuals will lead to behavior. Meanwhile, the behavior will produce performance. A person's ability, both knowledge or skills possessed in carrying out work will encourage them to perform well. Individual aspects related to individual abilities and work professionalism, group aspects related to the environment in which they work; such as discipline, job compensation, and job satisfaction as well as aspects of the organizational system related to the extent to which the employee adheres to a commitment to growing the company. The responsibility of human resource management in carrying out their duties is to be able to provide suitable substrates for talented and capable personnel in the organization such as; individual ability, work professionalism, organizational commitment, work discipline, work compensation, and job satisfaction so that they can carry out their duties with good quality. Thus, according to the results and objectives of this study, professional human resources can directly create consumer satisfaction and its impact on purchasing intention.

This type of research is explanatory research with a quantitative approach. To test the developed hypothesis using path analysis. Data were obtained from the results of distributing questionnaires to culinary tourism actors using a survey method. The sampling technique used the entire population as a sample (census) with a Likert scale. Primary data analysis was carried out after testing the validity and reliability and normality of the data.

 

Keyword :  Customer Satisfaction, Purchasing Intention, Professional Human Resources.
The Influence of Agile Strategies and Methods on MSMES in Indonesia
Authors: Hosen Chandra
Published: August 2023

This study is based on the importance of MSMEs in Indonesia, since they have their own role in economic development, specifically in their ability of absorbing labor. On the other hand, there is changing situation of MSMEs in Indonesia due to post Covid-19 Pandemic. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to measure the influence of Agile Strategies and Methods on MSMEs in Indonesia, using quantitative method. This study takes data from one of the businesses or MSMEs in Indonesia as main core of influence research and presents the results of responses from various MSMEs (only 30 businesses) and company position holders, as validation of the findings on the business that became the study. Furthermore, from 60 employees in one of the MSMEs from a total of 30 MSMEs as research object, the results showed that Agile strategies and methods have significant influence to improve employee performance in MSMEs in Indonesia, such as working faster, performing better, increasing productivity, effective working, making work easier, and usefully affecting employee performance. The writer concluded that the use of agile methods has an influence on performance of business organizations and research interprets that their use is able to improve performance, productivity, save costs, and of course as a matter of nature, become more flexible and agile to develop.
Factors Influencing Employee’s Well-Being and Job Performance: The Perspective of State-Owned Enterprise Employee
Authors: Muhammad Ihsan Mustika  , Fanny Martdianty
Published: August 2023

State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) play a crucial role in ensuring stability and control in Indonesia's economy, especially before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic COVID-19 has accelerated the digitization of public and private sector activities in Indonesia and other countries. To adapt to the accelerated digitization caused by the pandemic, SOEs must continue to grow and develop to achieve their targets and goals. The intended goal of this study is to inquire into the impact of technostress, perceived organizational support (POS), total reward systems (TRS), and work-life balance (WLB) on job performance, as mediated by employee well-being (study of SOEs employee). This research employs a quantitative approach to investigate the direct and indirect impacts of the dependent variable through the utilization of the Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) technique. The study focuses on a sample of 263 respondents who are employees of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs). This research highlights the role of perceived organizational support as a key driver of job performance mediated by employee well-being. The findings emphasize the significance of effectively engaging all generations, particularly Generation Y and Generation Z, within SOEs to strengthen job performance and accomplish organizational success. Furthermore, the study uncovers that employee well-being acts as a full mediator in constructing the connection between the variables under consideration and job performance. This finding emphasizes the importance for companies to continuously maintain perceived organizational support, ensuring that employees feel their well-being is being taken care of and their contributions are valued, especially for the younger generations (Generation Y and Z) who are the successors within the company.
Cervicothoracic Morel-Lavallée Lesion After a High-Speed Motor Vehicle Crash
Authors: Scuderi Giuliana S. , Vaccaro Alexander R. , Scuderi Gaetano J.
Published: August 2023

The Morel-Lavallée (ML) lesion occurs as a result of a shearing force that separates the subcutaneous tissue from fascia, with no discontinuity with the dermis to the environment. Although most commonly occurring in the proximal lower extremity and pelvis, awareness of the injury has led to recognition of ML lesion in other regions of the body such as the thoracolumbar and lumbar spine. Late or misdiagnoses can lead to complications and increased morbidity. Awareness and early recognition of these lesions, which can occur anywhere in the spine posteriorly, often lead to successful conservative management. A complete physical examination during patient follow-up will likely lead to increased diagnoses of these lesions in a subacute setting. We present a unique case of a patient with 2 ML lesions a first report of this, with one ML lesion involving the cervicothoracic junction, previously unreported, and the other involving the thigh, the most common site for ML lesions, in the patient after a high-speed rollover motor vehicle collision. The etiology and pathophysiology of these lesions are discussed.
Internal Architectural Patterns of Bar Fingers Within Digitate Shallow-Water Delta: Insights from the Shallow Core, GPR and Delft3D Simulation Data of the Ganjiang Delta, China
Authors: Xu Zhenhua , Wu Shenghe , Wang Quanlin , Zhang Pan , Deng Meng , Feng Wenjie , Zhang Jiajia , Zhang Changmin
Published: August 2023

Digitate shallow-water deltas are commonly found in modern lakes and bays, as well as within cratonic petroliferous basins. They develop one or multiple sinuous finger-like sands (i.e., bar fingers), including high-RSI (sinuosity ratio of distributary channel and bar finger ≥1) and low-RSI (RSI < 1) types. Bar fingers consist of four types of subenvironments, that is, distributary channels, point bars, mouth bars, and levees. However, the internal architecture within the above subenvironments is still unclear. This paper documents the internal architecture of a digitate delta based on the integration of shallow-core and ground-penetrating radar data from the Ganjiang Delta, China, coupled with Delft3D simulations. Our results show that multiple convex-up muddy-silty accretion beds are developed in mouth bars, which top lap the side of the distributary channels or point bars and down lap the bottom of the mouth bar. The accretion beds have low dip angles (<2°), which is slightly higher for the upper accretion beds. Point bars, unique to the high-RSI bar finger, develop multiple inclined silty drapes, which top lap the top of the point bar. The cohesive levee and backwater effect impede the migration of the distributary channel, resulting in silty drapes with high-dip angles (can be >10°) compared with those in the supplying river. This dip angle exhibits a negative relationship with downstream distance and a positive exponential relationship with lateral migration distance. Silty drapes become dense along the migration direction of the distributary channel. The levee develops multiple horizontal muddy accretion beds. The high-RSI bar finger develops a large number (>3) of accretion beds in mouth bars with high dip angles, and a large number of accretion beds in thick levees, compared with the low-RSI bar finger. The results of this paper provide insights into the prediction and development of cratonic digitate shallow-water delta reservoirs.
Enhancing Productive Zakat Programs in Light of Maqāṣid Syarī’ah: Chance and Challenge in Contemporary Aceh
Authors: Mubarrak Husni , Munir Badrul , Achyar Gamal
Published: August 2023

Abstract: Introduction: As the main pillar of Islam, zakat is still convinced being an effective instrument in order to realize poverty alleviation and social equilibrium. Background Problems: This article discusses about implementation, challenge and moment that could be seized by Baitul Mal as an independent institution, to compile and distribute zakat in Aceh, after a broader jurisdiction that it has, to reduce poverty. However, the reality in Aceh currently shows that the poverty is still becoming the main broadly challenged social problems that faced. Research Method: This study is a qualitative one using semi-structured interviews with purposive sampling to stakeholders who are directly engaged in zakat management in Baitul Mal Aceh and other parties like academician and practician, as well as observation and documentation. Finding/Results: The finding of this research shows that as an independent board in Aceh province, Baitul Mal Aceh has a big chance and broader authority to maintain, manage and develop zakat based on Islamic sharia law in Aceh, although it has also many obstacles to realize it. This article suggests and proposes maqāṣid syarī’ah should be the parameter of any zakat programs conducted. By using maqāṣid syarī’ah, hopefully it could be the parameter of innovating and conducting any productive zakat programs for realizing a more welfare and beneficial (mashlahat) purposes.
Geothermal Energy Storage (Geo-TES) Using Traditional Oil Reservoirs
Authors: Berger Eric , Lawrence Frank , Umbro Mike , Harness Paul , Lederhos Jim
Published: August 2023

Developing power grid stabilizing, zero emissions power production projects is a critical component to meeting California’s year 2045 greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets and clean power requirements. Established oilfields in the San Joaquin Valley, coupled with favorable solar irradiance characteristics, offer a transformational opportunity for the oil and gas industry that could meet the state’s long-duration storage needs through the use of synthetic geothermal methods, integrating Geothermal Energy Storage (GeoTES) practices. Premier Resources Management (PRM) is planning a demonstration project which demonstrates that this innovative process, appropriately expanded, can meet the electric power production needs for the people of California. Application of unguided process application can result in uneconomic investment practices, however.
The Carbon Storage Three-Legged Stool to Facilitate Deployment
Authors: Koperna G. J. , Riestenberg D. E. , Ombudstvedt I. , Ness R.
Published: August 2023

Nearly 25 years ago, publicly funded research into the suitability of permanently storing CO2 in the subsurface was initiated in many parts of the globe to mitigate CO2 emissions. Over time, this work developed capacity assessments and conducted pilot tests to demonstrate storage efficacy. Results of these assessments suggested that large volumes of CO2 can be stored in many global basins. In parallel with this research, regulatory authorities developed frameworks to govern the injection and storage processes to assure permanency and to minimize environmental impacts.

However, these R&D and regulatory developments, by themselves, were not enough to kick-start an industry. A "third leg" of the stool was required, which is a viable commercial model. In a limited number of sites around the world, commercial storage projects were developed to mitigate carbon emission taxes. However, momentum has not been maintained and the portfolio of large projects has not grown. In the United States, however, the advent of tax incentives has spurred intensive commercial interest in carbon storage. This confluence of incentivization, decades long research, and an established regulatory framework has led to significant growth in carbon storage activity in projects great and small.
Addressing Data Center Cooling Needs through the Use of Subsurface Thermal Energy Storage Systems
Authors: Zhang Y. , Acero-Allard D. , Atkinson T. , Beckers K. , Dobson P. , Jin W. , Lei N. , Oh H. , Peng P. , Sartor D. , Sickinger D.
Published: August 2023

This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of addressing the cooling needs for information technology (IT) equipment in data centers by using reservoir thermal energy storage (RTES) to provide reliable and sustainable low-temperature fluid. This project focuses on the technical viability of operating such a system in Houston, Texas, which is a representative location for crypto mining data centers. An analysis has been performed to investigate the technical feasibility with climate data for Houston. Results show that data centers on the scale of 30 MW, and operating at a temperature of 27°C, can be reliably cooled by a combined RTES and dry coolers setup. A techno-economic analysis will be performed and energy/water saving benefits will be quantified in the future. In addition, the study will be extended to other representative data center locations with different climates and geographical locations.
Pseudo-classification of natural elements and atomic total energy prediction
Authors: Belahcene Brahim
Published: August 2023

This paper presents an artificial classification and atomic energy correlation analysis of the periodic table. The choice of data mining method is due to its robustness, which can explore intrinsic or hidden relationships between chemical elements and their properties. The Mendeleev table is probably the earliest example of the data analysis technique in materials science. However, the classical periodic table represents the arrangement of chemical elements based on specific periodicities that have the problem of continuity of properties for some chemical elements.
In this research, we used one of the unsupervised data mining methods (Principal Component Analysis) to investigate the chemical elements based on all the ready properties.
The main objective is to make a pseudo-classification of natural and synthetic chemical elements based on their physicochemical and energy-available properties. The results revealed the effectiveness of the data mining method in appreciating the relationships between the variables and properties that offer a new way of viewing a Mendeleev table. The last step of this work highlights the importance of predictive polynomial that allows the scientific community to make atomic total energy predictions for each natural periodic element, from helium to lawrencium.
Persistent anomalies in the geomagnetic field arise from top-down control on the geodynamo
Authors: Beguin Annemarieke , Panovska Sanja , de Groot Lennart
Published: August 2023

The most prominent feature of the current geomagnetic field is arguably the South Atlantic Anomaly (SAA), a region where the geomagnetic field is exceptionally weak. The origin and evolution of the SAA are still enigmatic. Recent geomagnetic field models put its origin under the Indian Ocean, but this contradicts a suggested link between the SAA and the large low-shear-velocity province (LLSVP) underneath the African continent. This contradiction arises from a sparse paleomagnetic data kernel especially lacking Southern Hemisphere data. Here we present a global geomagnetic field model that includes new paleomagnetic data from Réunion Island located in the Indian Ocean – a key region to unravel the history of the SAA. Our model reveals that not only the SAA but also other anomalous features of the geomagnetic field arise from two distinct latitudinal bands just East of both LLSVPs. This suggests that the LLSVPs disturb the generally westward flow in the top of the outer core, either through topography on the core-mantle-boundary, by thermal gradients, or a combination of both. Such local disturbances in the geodynamo may then evolve chaotically while moving slowly westwards and dwindling in strength.
Investigation of Optimized Observation Periods for Estimating a Representative Home Range of Free-Roaming Domestic Dogs
Authors: Sousa Filipe Maximiano , Warembourg Charlotte , Abakar Mahamat Fayiz , Alvarez Danilo , Berger-Gonzalez Monica , Odoch Terence , Wera Ewaldus , Chitnis Nakul , Silva Laura Cunha , Alobo Grace , Sikko Maria M , Roquel Pablo , Hernandez Alexis Leonel López , Dürr Salome
Published: August 2023

Free-roaming domestic dogs (FRDD), as vectors of zoonotic diseases, are of high relevance for public health. Understanding roaming patterns of dogs can help to design disease control programs and disease transmission simulation models. Studies on GPS tracking of dogs report starkly differences in recording periods. So far, there is no accepted number of days required to capture a representative home range (HR) of FRDD. The objective of this study was to evaluate changes in HR size and shape over time of FRDD living in Chad, Guatemala, Indonesia and Uganda and identify the period required to capture stable HR values. Dogs were collared with GPS units, leading to a total of 46 datasets with a minimum of 19 recorded days. For each animal and recorded day, HR sizes were estimated and percentages of daily change in size and shape calculated and taken as metrics. The analysis revealed that the required number of days differed substantially between individuals, isopleths and countries, with the extended HR requiring a longer recording period. To reach stable HR size and shape values for 75% of the dogs 26 and 21 days, respectively, seemed to be enough. However, certain dogs required more extended observational periods.