bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computer modeling of electromagnetic data for mineral exploration: Application to uranium exploration in the Athabasca Basin
Authors: Lu Xushan , Farquharson Colin , Miehé Jean-Marc , Harrison Grant , Ledru Patrick
Published: February 2021

Electromagnetic (EM) methods are important geophysical tools for mineral exploration. Forward and inverse computer modeling are commonly used to interpret EM data. Real-life geology can be complex, and our computer modeling tools need to faithfully represent subsurface features to achieve accurate data interpretation. Traditional rectilinear meshes are less flexible and have difficulty conforming to the complex geometries of realistic geologic models, resulting in large numbers of mesh cells. In contrast, unstructured grids can represent complex geologic structures efficiently and accurately. However, building realistic geologic models and discretizing these models with unstructured grids suitable for EM modeling can be difficult and requires significant effort and specialized computer software tools. Therefore, it is important to develop workflows that can be used to facilitate model building and mesh generation. We have developed a procedure that can be used to build arbitrarily complex geologic models with topography using unstructured grids and a finite-volume time-domain code to calculate EM responses. We present an example of a trial-and-error modeling approach applied to a real data set collected at a uranium exploration project in the Athabasca Basin in Canada. The uranium mineralization is closely related to graphitic fault conductors in the basement. The deep burial depth and small thickness of the graphitic fault conductors demand accurate data interpretation results to guide subsequent drill testing. Our trial-and-error modeling approach builds initial realistic geologic models based on known geology and downhole data and creates initial geoelectrical models based on physical property measurements. Then, the initial model is iteratively refined based on the match between modeled and real data. We show that the modeling method can obtain 3D geoelectrical models that conform to known geology while achieving a good match between modeled and real data. The method can also provide guidance of where future drill holes should be directed.
Reviews
Authors: Krebes Edward S.
Published: February 2021

Numerical Modeling of Seismic Responses from Fractured Reservoirs by the Grid-characteristic Method, by Vladimir Leviant, Igor Kvasov, and Igor Petrov, ISBN 978-1-560-80366-9, SEG, 272 p.
Impact of a Gluten-Free Diet on Quality of Life and Health Perception in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes and Asymptomatic Celiac Disease
Authors: Weiman Daniel I , Mahmud Farid H , Clarke Antoine B M , Assor Esther , McDonald Charlotte , Saibil Fred , Lochnan Heather A , Punthakee Zubin , Marcon Margaret A ,   CD-DIET Study Group, Mahmud Farid H , Clarke Antoine B M , Assor Esther , McDonald Charlotte , Saibil Fred , Lochnan Heather A , Punthakee Zubin , Parikh Amish , Advani Andrew , Shah Baiju R , Perkins Bruce A , Zuijdwijk Caroline S , Mack David R , Koltin Dror , De Melo Emilia N , Hsieh Eugene , Mukerji Geetha , Gilbert Jeremy , Bax Kevin , Lawson Margaret L , Cino Maria , Beaton Melanie D , Saloojee Navaaz A , Lou Olivia , Gallego Patricia H , Bercik Permysl , Houlden Robyn L , Aronson Ronnie , Kirsch Susan E , Paterson William G , Marcon Margaret A
Published: February 2021

Context

Celiac disease (CD) is a common comorbidity seen in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and is frequently asymptomatic. As chronic conditions requiring significant lifestyle changes, there are limited reports assessing changes in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) during transition to a gluten-free diet (GFD) in patients with T1D who are asymptomatic for CD.

Objective

This work aims to prospectively assess HRQoL and health perception in children and adults with T1D and asymptomatic CD after random assignment to GFD vs usual diet.

Methods

Patients with T1D aged 8 to 45 years without CD symptoms were serologically screened for CD, with positive results confirmed with intestinal biopsy. Participants were randomly assigned in an open-label fashion to a GFD or gluten-containing diet (GCD) for 12 months. Generic and diabetes-specific HRQoL and self-perceived wellness (SPW) were assessed longitudinally.

Results

A total of 2387 T1D patients were serologically screened. CD was biopsy-confirmed in 82 patients and 51 participants were randomly assigned to a GFD (N = 27) or GCD (N = 24). Excellent adherence to the assigned diets was observed. Overall, no changes in generic (P = .73) or diabetes-specific HRQoL (P = .30), or SPW (P = .41) were observed between groups over 12 months. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and gastrointestinal symptoms were consistent predictors of HRQoL and SPW.

Conclusion

HRQoL and SPW were not significantly affected by the adoption of a GFD over 12 months, but worsened with symptom onset and increased HbA1c. Our findings indicate that transition to a GFD can be made successfully in this population without adversely affecting quality of life.
The Association of Lactation Duration with Visceral and Pericardial Fat Volumes in Parous Women: The CARDIA Study
Authors: Appiah Duke , Lewis Cora E , Jacobs David R , Shikany James M , Quesenberry Charles P , Gross Myron , Carr Jeff , Sidney Stephen , Gunderson Erica P
Published: February 2021

Background

Lactation is associated with lower risks for cardiovascular disease in women. Organ-related adiposity, which plays significant roles in the development of cardiometabolic diseases, could help explain this observation. We evaluated the association of lactation duration with visceral (VAT) and pericardial (PAT) fat volumes in women.

Methods

Data were obtained from 910 women enrolled in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study (1985-1986) without diabetes prior to pregnancy who had ≥1 birth during 25 years of follow-up and had VAT and PAT measured from computed tomographic scans in 2010-2011. Cumulative lactation duration across all births since baseline was calculated from self-reports collected at periodic exams.

Results

At baseline, the average age of women (48% black, 52% white) was 24 ± 3.7 years. After controlling for baseline age, race, smoking status, body mass index, fasting glucose, family history of diabetes, fat intake, total cholesterol, physical activity, and follow-up covariates (parity, gestational diabetes), the mean fat volumes across categories of lactation [none (n = 221), 1-5 months (n = 306), 6-11 months (n = 210), and ≥12 months (n = 173)] were 122.0, 113.7 105.0, and 110.1 cm3 for VAT and 52.2, 46.7, 44.5, and 43.4 cm3 for PAT, respectively. Changes in body weight from the first post-baseline birth to the end of follow-up mediated 21% and 18% of the associations of lactation with VAT and PAT, respectively.

Conclusions

In this prospective study, longer cumulative lactation duration was associated with lower VAT and PAT volumes, with weight gain partially mediating these associations.
Organoid Cultures Derived From Patients With Papillary Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Chen Dong , Tan Yawen , Li Zhichao , Li Wujiao , Yu Lei , Chen Wei , Liu Yuchen , Liu Lisa , Guo Liangfeng , Huang Weiren , Zhao Yongsheng
Published: February 2021

Context

Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) has been one of the most frequent endocrine malignancies around the world. Although most PTC patients have a favorable prognosis, a subgroup of patients die, especially when disease recurrence occurs. There is a pressing need for clinically relevant preclinical thyroid cancer models for personalized therapy because of the lack of in vitro models that faithfully represent the biology of the parental tumors.

Objective

To understand thyroid cancer and translate this knowledge to clinical applications, patient-derived PTC organoids as a promising new preclinical model were established.

Methods

Surgically resected PTC primary tissues were dissociated and processed for organoid derivation. Tumor organoids were subsequently subjected to histological characterization, DNA sequencing, drug screen, and cell proliferation assay, respectively.

Results

We describe a 3-dimensional culture system for the long-term expansion of patient-derived PTC organoid lines. Notably, PTC organoids preserve the histopathological profiles and genomic heterogeneity of the originating tumors. Drug sensitivity assays of PTC organoids demonstrate patient-specific drug responses, and large correlations with the respective mutational profiles. Estradiol was shown to promote cell proliferation of PTC organoids in the presence of estrogen receptor α (ERα), regardless of the expression of ERβ and G protein–coupled ER.

Conclusion

These data suggest that these newly developed PTC-derived organoids may be an excellent preclinical model for studying clinical response to anticancer drugs in a personalized way, as well as provide a potential strategy to develop prevention and treatment options for thyroid cancer with ERα-specific antagonists.
Problems of the Effectiveness of Human Capital Formed in the Education System of Russia
Authors: Basovskiy Leonid , Basovskaya Elena
Published: February 2021

The paper hypothesizes that the quality of education in the country is decreasing, the existing education management system is not effective, and contributes to a decrease in the quality of education. To assess the hypotheses, the profitability of human capital formed in education systems according to Rosstat data on the amount of remuneration of workers with different levels of education was considered. It was found that in 2009-2013, an increase in the level of education ensured an increase in the level of remuneration - receiving a bonus for the years of study, but during this period the premium over the years of study steadily decreased. In 2015-2019, the premium for obtaining all types of education, except for higher education, was completely lost. The higher education award has dropped significantly. These phenomena indicate a drop in the quality of education. They are due to the low level of funding for education and the archaic command and control system of education management, based on the administrative and control style of management, the instruments of which are orders, binding standards and control.
Origin and Stages of Formation of Medium and Small Businesses in the Northern Region
Authors: Mahmudova Muhabbat
Published: February 2021

The analysis of statistical indicators of the development of the business sector in the Tyumen region allowed us to assume the activity of a dynamically developing segment of the regional economy. Entrepreneurship in the region is characterized by stabilization and strengthening of positions in the regional market as a result of effective adaptation of the sector in the conditions of macroeconomic instability.

Operating in a large sector of the regional economy, small businesses provide the domestic consumer market with the necessary goods and services, maintain a high level of competition, create jobs, are an active participant in investment and innovation processes in the region and contribute to increasing the share of the middle class in society.

However, the history of the origin and formation of the entrepreneurial sector of the Tyumen region is not uninteresting, which is what this article is devoted to.
A Model for Managing a Regional Coal and Energy Cluster on the Example of the Kemerovo Region — Kuzbass
Authors: Kudrevatyh N. , Frolova K.
Published: February 2021

The development of the region directly depends on the work of economic entities, especially if they belong to the basic industries of specialization. Kuzbass was remains industrial region. Therefore, for its development in modern conditions of an unstable and constantly changing environment, a high level of competitiveness of enterprises of the fuel and energy complex is required, to achieve which it is necessary to develop relevant directions for increasing the economic security of enterprises. One of these areas is the creation of the Kuzbass coal and energy cluster in the region. The effectiveness of the functioning of such a structure largely depends on competent management. In this paper, a model for managing a regional coal-energy cluster proposed using the example of the Kemerovo region - Kuzbass.
B. Situación en Libia, Caso de la Fiscalía c. Saif Al Islam Gaddafi y Abdullah Al-Senussi
Authors: Fierro Barreto Paula Viviana
Published: February 2021

Análisis de la decisión sobre la apelación de Abdullah Al-Senussi frente a la decisión de la Sala de Cuestiones Preliminares I, del 11 de octubre de 2013, denominada “Decisión sobre la admisibilidad del caso en contra de AbdullahAl-Senussi”
A. Observaciones sobre la situación en la República Democrática del Congo, Caso de la Fiscalía c. Thomas Lubanga Dyilo
Authors: Serebrenik Beltrán Steffany
Published: February 2021

Sentencia sobre la apelación de la Fiscalía y Thomas Lubanga Dyilo frente a la decisión relativa a la pena, de conformidad con el Artículo 76 del Estatuto de Roma, de 1 de diciembre de 2014
Nurses opinions about patients’ spiritual needs
Authors: Florek-Tarczoń Krystyna , Romanowska Urszula
Published: February 2021

Introduction. The patient’s spiritual needs are an important part of providing hospital care. Health care providers often fail to take the patient’s spirituality into consideration. The patients’ religious needs are often ignored and omitted while preparing care plans. These issues should be looked at by both the members of therapeutic teams and religious ministers. The Polish law regulates allows patients to have access to religious care. Preparing nurses to assist in realizing is an important part of education preparing to care. Aim. The aim of the study was to elicit nurses’ opinions about the patients’ spiritual needs and the role of nurses in the implementation of spiritual care. Material and method. The study included 88 nurses working in health care sector in the province of Malopolska, currently studying at Higher Vocational School in Tarnow majoring in nursing through part-time first-cycle studies (bridging) and the second-cycle studies. The study was conducted in November 2013. Due to its specificity, it has not required obtaining any approval papers from the Bioethical Committee. The authors conducted the study using a diagnostic survey with a questionnaire of their own making. Results. A vast majority of the respondents (76.1%) believe that the spiritual needs of patients are often ignored by health care providers. Some 98.9% of students (participants in the study) stated that nurse should actively participate in identifying and meeting spiritual needs of patients. According some 80.7% of the participants, most employers do not gather any information regarding the patients’ worldview or religious needs. Conclusions. Studies have shown that: 1. Spiritual needs of patients are rarely included in care plans. 2. Nurses should participate in identifying and meeting spiritual needs of patients. 3. Health care institutions rarely collect any information about the worldview and spiritual needs of their patients.
Rehabilitation specialty nursing in Poland – is it justified?
Authors: Słota Diana , Niezbecka Joanna , Jabłoński Mirosław
Published: February 2021

Nurses enjoy a special status in the treatment teams due to their most intimate and frequent relations to the patients, both ambulatory and stationary ones. Hence, appropriate nursing care serves vast rehabilitation purposes and helps to prevent undesired events improving patient’s quality of life. Particularly important is rehabilitation performed by nurses during care of the disabled and aged persons with co-morbidities. In light of the fact that the population is aging, it is essential to introduce the appropriate rehabilitation learning programs as part of the nursing faculty. Although some of these practical treatment aspects are defined by the Polish law, nurses still cannot obtain a specialization degree in the field of rehabilitation in Poland. Yet, it is well established and developed in other countries, like Canada which could serve as a model.
Induced abortions in Pakistan: an afflicting challenge needing addressal
Authors: Baig Marina , Ali Sadia Abbas , Mubeen Kiran , Lakhani Arusa
Published: February 2021

Unintended pregnancies due to low prevalence of contraceptive use in Pakistan leads to a huge burden of induced abortions. These abortions are a major cause of concern, as a majority of these abortions are performed in an unhygienic environment by untrained providers, leading to maternal morbidities and mortalities. Some of the contributing factors of unsafe abortions are lack of availability of quality services, financial barriers, stigma associated with abortion and lack of awareness about abortion law. Therefore, there is an urgent need to invest on family planning and post-abortion care services through health system strengthening approach. The proposed comprehensive strategy for actions at the individual, facility, community and policy levels can address the issue of unsafe abortion in the country.
Simple steps to prevent hospital-acquired pneumonia in non-intubated patients: a quality improvement project
Authors: Wilkinson Alice , Singal Anousha , Ramadan Ghada
Published: February 2021

Background:

Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) affects approximately 1.5% of UK inpatients. As well as leading to significant morbidity and mortality, HAP increases burden on hospitals by lengthening hospital stay. At a district general hospital in Kent, a quality improvement project (QIP) was designed that introduced simple preventive measures that could be implemented by ward nurses and allied health professionals.

Methods:

Three audit cycles studying a total of 222 inpatients on elderly care wards were undertaken over a 6-month period to assess staff compliance at various stages of the project, with interventions between each cycle. Actions included raising bedheads to 30°, sitting patients out of bed for meals, discouraging use of drinking straws, and regular mouth care.

Results:

Overall, improvements were seen in three of the measures. Considering the percentage of patients, there was a 23% increase in patients with bedheads >30°, 21% increase in use of adult feeding cups rather than straws, and 26% rise in patients sitting out of bed for meals.

Conclusion:

The main objective of this QIP was to show that these simple yet potentially life-saving interventions are easy to implement on a busy ward, and the results have shown this to be true.
Improving the care of patients with pleural disease
Authors: Sammons Lisa
Published: February 2021

Lisa Sammons, Pleural Nurse Practitioner, The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust ( lisasammons@nhs.net ), runner-up in the Respiratory Nurse of the Year category in the BJN Awards 2020
Considering reasonable standards
Authors: Tingle John
Published: February 2021

John Tingle, Lecturer in Law, Birmingham Law School, University of Birmingham, discusses some recent patient safety reports that have important implications for patients and for all those who work in the NHS
Small animal Review
Authors: Tennant Bryn
Published: February 2021

Summary: In the Small Animal Review, we summarise three papers published recently in other veterinary journals. This month includes a paper on creating antibiograms, pathogenesis of gall bladder mucocoeles and using non-invasive high-flow nasal catheters to provide supplemental oxygen in hypoxemic animals.
Reviewing general practice nurse pay, terms and conditions
Authors: Gregory Ann , Cunliffe Sam
Published: February 2021

With pay, terms and conditions a limiting factor to attracting new nurses into general practice, Ann Gregory and Sam Cunliffe decided to collect data to help investigate the problem and drive change in future
El «cuentero» como punto de encuentro entre la literatura popular y el cine moderno: Alias Gardelito
Authors: Rodríguez Riva Lucia Agustina
Published: February 2021

Un cuento de 1956 (escrito por Bernardo Kordon) y la película que lo traspone en 1961 (dirigida por Lautaro Murúa) eligen como su protagonista a un joven migrante de provincia que vive en la ciudad de Buenos Aires. Toribio Torres, alias «Gardelito», busca su manera de sobrevivir en la gran urbe a través de pequeñas mentiras, fraudes y robos, constituyéndose como «cuentero». Considero que en esa característica central del personaje se cifran tanto algunas de las transformaciones de los nuevos modos narrativos cinematográficos de la década de los sesenta, así como también un síntoma de las transformaciones sociales en aquellos sujetos que quedaban por fuera de la «modernización» económica. Asimismo, gracias a la manera en que cada texto se relaciona con sus correspondientes tradiciones narrativas se pueden apreciar las operaciones realizadas en la transposición. La marginalidad se revela aquí como la condición clave para indagar el cuento y la película, tanto en su carácter simbólico como en el material.
Afocal catadioptric optical assembly for Fourier-sampling computational microscopy
Authors: Nowicki Keith , Wagner Kelvin H. , Cormack Robert , Feldkhun Daniel
Published: February 2021

This paper describes a fast, wide-angle, afocal, catadioptric optical assembly designed and used for the projection of coherent collimated beams in Fourier-sampling computational microscopy, which demands an unorthodox set of optical requirements unmet by traditional imaging designs. The system accepts a diverging set of collimated beams as an input and produces a converging set of collimated beams that overlap on the surface of a target at 5 m scale distances. We derive equations for the focal surfaces relevant for system alignment and report the results of simulations of the optical performance of the system for axially symmetric and asymmetric beam interferometry. We also describe a method to vary the microscope imaging distance by up to one meter through small positional shifts in the optical elements.
Silicon electronic–photonic integrated 25  Gb/s ring modulator transmitter with a built-in temperature controller
Authors: Kim Minkyu , Kim Min-Hyeong , Jo Youngkwan , Kim Hyun-Kyu , Lischke Stefan , Mai Christian , Zimmermann Lars , Choi Woo-Young
Published: February 2021

We demonstrate a silicon electronic–photonic integrated 25 Gb/s nonreturn-to-zero transmitter that includes driver circuits, depletion-type Si ring modulator, Ge photodetector, temperature sensor, on-chip heater, and temperature controller, all monolithically integrated on a 0.25 μm photonic BiCMOS technology platform. The integrated transmitter successfully provides stable and optimal 25 Gb/s modulation characteristics against external temperature fluctuation.
Mode-conversion-based silicon photonic modulator loaded by a combination of lateral and interleaved p-n junctions
Authors: Jafari Omid , Zhalehpour Sasan , Shi Wei , LaRochelle Sophie
Published: February 2021

We experimentally demonstrate a silicon photonic modulator that can be loaded with a combination of lateral and interleaved p-n junctions to enhance its phase modulation. We use an asymmetric Bragg grating to introduce mode conversion in the active area, allowing the modulator to operate in reflection without introducing additional on-chip loss. With a compact footprint (phase shifter length of 290 μm), the modulator demonstrates a modulation speed up to 45 Gb/s with a bit error rate below the 7% forward-error-correction (FEC) threshold (up to 55 Gb/s with 20% FEC), and a low power consumption of 226 fJ/bit.
Neural surprise in somatosensory Bayesian learning
Authors: Gijsen Sam , Grundei Miro , Lange Robert T. , Ostwald Dirk , Blankenburg Felix
Published: February 2021

Tracking statistical regularities of the environment is important for shaping human behavior and perception. Evidence suggests that the brain learns environmental dependencies using Bayesian principles. However, much remains unknown about the employed algorithms, for somesthesis in particular. Here, we describe the cortical dynamics of the somatosensory learning system to investigate both the form of the generative model as well as its neural surprise signatures. Specifically, we recorded EEG data from 40 participants subjected to a somatosensory roving-stimulus paradigm and performed single-trial modeling across peri-stimulus time in both sensor and source space. Our Bayesian model selection procedure indicates that evoked potentials are best described by a non-hierarchical learning model that tracks transitions between observations using leaky integration. From around 70ms post-stimulus onset, secondary somatosensory cortices are found to represent confidence-corrected surprise as a measure of model inadequacy. Indications of Bayesian surprise encoding, reflecting model updating, are found in primary somatosensory cortex from around 140ms. This dissociation is compatible with the idea that early surprise signals may control subsequent model update rates. In sum, our findings support the hypothesis that early somatosensory processing reflects Bayesian perceptual learning and contribute to an understanding of its underlying mechanisms.
Patient and allograft outcomes after kidney transplant for the Indigenous patients in the United States
Authors: Seipp Regan , Zhang Nan , Nair Sumi Sukumaran , Khamash Hasan , Sharma Amit , Leischow Scott , Heilman Raymond , Keddis Mira T.
Published: February 2021

Background

The objective is to assess cardiovascular (CV), malignancy, infectious, graft outcomes and tacrolimus levels for the Indigenous patients compared to Whites after kidney transplant (KTx).

Methods

165 Indigenous and 165 White patients matched for the KTx year at Mayo Clinic Arizona from 2007–2015 were studied over a median follow-up of 3 years. Propensity score was calculated to account for baseline differences.

Results

Compared to Whites, Indigenous patients had the following characteristics: younger age, more obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and required dialysis prior to KTx (p<0.01). Indigenous patients had longer hospital stay for KTx, shorter follow-up and lived further from the transplant center (p<0.05). 210 (63.6%) received deceased donor KTx and more Whites received a living donor KTx compared to Indigenous patients (55.2% vs 17.6%, p<0.0001). Post-KTx, there was no difference in the CV event rates. The cumulative incidence of infectious complications was higher among the Indigenous patients (HR 1.81, p = 0.0005, 48.5% vs 38.2%, p = 0.013), with urinary causes as the most common. Malignancy rates were increased among Whites (13.3% vs 3.0%, p = 0.001) with skin cancer being the most common. There was a significant increase in the dose normalized tacrolimus level for the Indigenous patients compared to Whites at 1 months, 3 months, and 1 year post-KTx. After adjustment for the propensity score, there was no statistical difference in infectious or graft outcomes between the two groups but the mean number of emergency room visits and hospitalizations after KTx was significantly higher for Whites compared to Indigenous patients.

Conclusions

Compared to Whites, Indigenous patients have similar CV events, graft outcomes and infectious complications after accounting for baseline differences.
Analysis of the operating conditions for UAV-based on-board antenna radiation pattern measurement systems
Authors: Núñez José , Orgeira-Crespo Pedro , Ulloa Carlos , García-Tuñón Inés
Published: February 2021

Communications, navigation, and other related systems need to have a well-defined antenna radiation pattern. In onboard vessel systems, the radiation pattern can be much different than the one obtained for an isolated antenna (because of the vessel’s structure and other nearby radiating systems interference). Finding out the onboard antenna’s radiation pattern is a well-known problem for any shipbuilder/owner. The conventional method consists of measuring radiation patterns from a fixed antenna on the coast while the ship is navigating in circles. Recent electronic systems in the market now allow for an alternative method: keeping the ship static while an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) circles it, measuring the antenna’s transmitted power. This research paper examines the airspace volume and optimal flight path of an off-the-shelf UAV system for measuring the onboard antenna’s radiation pattern in the presence of physical constraints such as the vessel’s dimensions, safety zone, distance to base, Fresnel’s and multipath distances, and considering the loss due to polarization decoupling between the antenna under test and UAV’s antenna.
Clinical and whole genome characterization of SARS-CoV-2 in India
Authors: Muttineni Radhakrishna , Kammili Nagamani , Bingi Thrilok Chander , Rao M. Raja , Putty Kalyani , Dholaniya Pankaj Singh , Puli Ravi Kumar , Pakalapati Sunitha , S. Saritha , K. Shekar , Doodipala Mallikarjuna Reddy , Upadhyay Amit A. , Bosinger Steven E. , Amara Rama R. , Kondapi Anand K.
Published: February 2021

We report clinical profile of hundred and nine patients with SARS CoV-2 infection, and whole genome sequences (WGS) of seven virus isolates from the first reported cases in India, with various international travel histories. Comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease were frequently associated with severity of the disease. WBC and neutrophil counts showed an increase, while lymphocyte counts decreased in patients with severe infection suggesting a possible neutrophil mediated organ damage, while immune activity may be diminished with decrease in lymphocytes leading to disease severity. Increase in SGOT, SGPT and blood urea suggests the functional deficiencies of liver, heart, and kidney in patients who succumbed to the disease when compared to the group of recovered patients. The WGS analysis showed that these isolates were classified into two clades: I/A3i, and A2a (four according to GISAID: O, L, GR, and GH). Further, WGS phylogeny and travel history together indicate possible transmission from Middle East and Europe. Three S protein variants: Wuhan reference, D614G, and Y28H were identified predicted to possess different binding affinities to host ACE2.
The unspoken reality of gender bias in surgery: A qualitative systematic review
Authors: Lim Wen Hui , Wong Chloe , Jain Sneha Rajiv , Ng Cheng Han , Tai Chia Hui , Devi M. Kamala , Samarasekera Dujeepa D. , Iyer Shridhar Ganpathi , Chong Choon Seng
Published: February 2021

Objective

This study was conducted to better understand the pervasive gender barriers obstructing the progression of women in surgery by synthesising the perspectives of both female surgical trainees and surgeons.

Methods

Five electronic databases, including Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL and Web of Science Core Collection, were searched for relevant articles. Following a full-text review by three authors, qualitative data was synthesized thematically according to the Thomas and Harden methodology and quality assessment was conducted by two authors reaching a consensus.

Results

Fourteen articles were included, with unfavorable work environments, male-dominated culture and societal pressures being major themes. Females in surgery lacked support, faced harassment, and had unequal opportunities, which were often exacerbated by sex-blindness by their male counterparts. Mothers were especially affected, struggling to achieve a work-life balance while facing strong criticism. However, with increasing recognition of the unique professional traits of female surgeons, there is progress towards gender quality which requires continued and sustained efforts.

Conclusion

This systematic review sheds light on the numerous gender barriers that continue to stand in the way of female surgeons despite progress towards gender equality over the years. As the global agenda towards equality progresses, this review serves as a call-to-action to increase collective effort towards gender inclusivity which will significantly improve future health outcomes.
Measuring cognitive fusion through the Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire-7: Measurement invariance across non-clinical and clinical psychological samples
Authors: Donati Maria Anna , Berrocal Carmen , Bernini Olivia , Gori Costanza , Primi Caterina
Published: February 2021

Cognitive fusion (CF) occurs when people are entangled in their private experiences. Rigid patterns of CF are a risk factor for various forms of psychopathology. The most widely used self-report instrument for assessing CF is the Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire–7 (CFQ-7), a unidimensional scale with good reliability and validity. However, its psychometric properties have been studied mainly in non-clinical samples and by applying Classical Test Theory. The goal of this study was to use Item Response Theory to investigate the adequacy of the scale in a non-clinical sample and to test measurement invariance across non-clinical and clinical psychological samples. The non-clinical sample consisted of 258 undergraduate students (68.2% females, Mage = 24.3), while the clinical sample consisted of 105 undergraduate students with psychological distress (60.7% females, Mage = 23.8). The results showed that CFQ-7 assesses a wide range of CF severity among non-clinical subjects and that it is useful to discriminate different levels of CF. Moreover, the results showed the scale was sufficiently informative for a broad range of the trait. The relationships of CFQ-7 scores with theoretically related constructs provided further support to the validity of the scale. The Differential Item Functioning analysis showed that CFQ-7 is invariant across different types of population. Overall, findings in this study provide support for the adequacy of the CFQ-7 both in non-clinical and clinical contexts.
Desinformação e fake news
Authors: Morais Nídia Salomé , Cardoso Manuel
Published: February 2021

O estudo apresentado neste artigo aborda a problemática da desinformação e procura propostas de combate atuais para este fenómeno. Neste sentido, realizou-se um estudo de caso numa Instituição de Ensino Superior em Portugal, no ano letivo de 2019/2020, envolvendo 56 estudantes de um curso na área da comunicação e com o objetivo de se perceber o modo como futuros profissionais de comunicação lidam com informação online. Os dados obtidos via inquérito por questionário revelam que os alunos usam todos os dias as redes sociais para acederem a material de informação e reconhecem a promoção da literacia mediática como o meio mais eficaz à desinformação, embora eles próprios tenham apresentado algumas vulnerabilidades nesta matéria. Esta investigação permitiu ainda concluir que os estudantes conseguem distinguir textos credíveis de textos com notícias falsas, embora tenham revelado dificuldades em distinguir websites conceituados de websites que partilham fake news.
Phytochemical analysis, cytotoxicity and antioxidant activity of cuckoo pint (Arum maculatum) leaf extract
Authors: Al-Shmgani Hanady SA , Kadri Zahraa Hussein M , Al-Halbosiy Mohammad MF , Dewir Yaser Hassan
Published: February 2021

Arum maculatum is traditionally used for the control of many diseases and illnesses such as kidney pain, liver injury, hemorrhoids. However, the detailed biomedical knowledge about this species is still lacking. This study reports on the bioactive components and the possible mechanisms underlying the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activity of A. maculatum leaf extract. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used for phytochemical analysis. Assay of 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide ) (MTT) was used to determine the cytotoxicity in the murine cell line L20B upon exposure to different extract concentrations for 24 h. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect pro-inflammatory cytokines and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). GC-MS analysis identified the presence of important phytochemical components, e.g., 9-octadecenoic acid, methyl ester, (E), hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester, followed by benzenepropanoic acid, 3,5-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-hydroxy-, methyl ester (17.74%), heptadecanoic acid, 16-methyl-, methyl ester and dibutyl phthalate. The results indicated a significant dose-dependent decrease in L20B cell growth at a dose of 400 μg/ml (IC50) that is associated with a significant 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity. The results suggested that the aqueous extract of A. maculatum leaves have potent antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity against L20B cell line with potential pro-inflammatory activity.
Monitoring the Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Urban Green Space and Its Impacts on Thermal Environment in Shenzhen City from 1978 to 2018 with Remote Sensing Data
Authors: Liu Yue , Li Hui , Gao Peng , Zhong Cheng
Published: February 2021

In a developing city, urban green space (UGS) plays an increasingly significant role in improving the urban environment and beautifying the urban landscape. In the meantime, UGS has been substantially and frequently interfered with by human activities. Taking Shenzhen
city (a great metropolis of China) as an example, this study investigated the spatio-temporal dynamics of UGS and its influence on the urban thermal environment with Landsat images. From 1978 to 2018, all croplands and more than 50% of water bodies disappeared, while the built-up area
increased more than 6 times. The rapid expansion of impervious surface and loss of UGS led to the spread of a surface urban heat island. The study shows that UGS has a significantly mitigating impact on urban land surface temperature, with cold islands mainly located at city
parks. The results will be of great significance for improving UGS management, alleviating the urban heat island effect, and establishing a sustainable eco-environment.
Efficiency of nitrogen use by sesame genotypes under brazilian semi-arid conditions
Authors: Dos Santos Manoel Galdino , Ribeiro Rayanne Maria Paula , Lins Hamurábi Anizio , Oliveira Giordanio Bruno Silva , Alburquerque José Ricardo Tavares de , Dos Santos Allysson Pereira , Barros Júnior Aurélio Paes , De Oliveira Fernando Sarmento
Published: February 2021

Nitrogen (N) is an essential macronutrient for plant growth and rate applications can influence the performance of sesame, and when applied in excess can cause nitrogen loss in the environment, and consequently make the cost of production more costly to the producer. Therefore, the objective of this work was to evaluate the efficiency of nitrogen use by different cultivars of irrigated sesame seeds under the edaphoclimatic conditions of the northeastern semi-arid region in two harvests. The experiments were carried out from February to May (1st harvest) and from July to October (2nd harvest) in 2016. The treatments were arranged in a split plot scheme, in which the plots were the five nitrogen doses (0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 kg ha-1), and in the subplots, the four sesame genotypes (CNPA G2, CNPA G3, CNPA G4 and BRS Seda), the design was in randomized complete blocks with four replications. The nitrogen use efficiency assessments evaluated were: agronomic efficiency (AE), physiological efficiency (PE), agrophysiological efficiency (APE), recovery efficiency (RE) and efficiency of use (EU). The rate that provided the greatest efficiency of use was 30 kg ha-1 of N applied. The cultivar BRS Seda had greater efficiency of use in relation to the other cultivars studied. The crop that had better efficiency of use was the 2nd agricultural harvest.
Block Chain based Grey Hole Detection Q Learning based CDS Environment in Cloud - MANET
Authors: Prasanna D.S. John Deva , Aravindhar Dr.D. John , Sivasankar Dr.P.
Published: February 2021

Cloud MANET is a latest technique in which individual smart devices joins the Cloud MANET and can communicate in a distributed fashion. This is advantageous, as the Smart device does not need any infrastructural establishments. These nodes communicate together. Several MANETS formed in manner can be connected to cloud and can avail cloud services in real time. In this paper we attempt to establish a virtual backbone of Cloud MANET nodes using the concept Connected Dominating Sets, we also introduced a lightweight security scheme in order to avoid blackhole and greyhole attacks. The algorithm uses Q learning technique for learning about the capacity of nodes and establishes the CDS in Cloud MANET. The entire set up is established with public key infrastructure to emulate block chain based security. The concept of smart contract is used to ensure that every transaction is recorded and any compromised nodes in the CDS is discovered and eliminated.
Mapping of Public Space for Cultural Celebration Chinese Ethnic in Chinatown Semarang
Authors: Kurniati Rina , Soetomo Sugiono , Buchori Imam
Published: February 2021

Chinatown, often called Chinezen Wijk, is one of the centers of the city's economic activity. This area is developing very fast, plus the characteristics of worship activities and cultural celebrations that use public space in the form of roads, so that the area becomes crowded. Based on these problems, this study aimed to map the celebration of Chinese ethnic culture in the public space of the Semarang Chinatown. The research method is quantitative descriptive with GIS to map cultural celebration activities in the public space. The analysis results show that cultural celebration activities in the public space are influenced by the duration of the event, location selection, smooth traffic, parking conditions, and road conditions. The results of this study are expected to contribute to better spatial planning policy.
Japan’s Balanced Strategy to Face China’s Threat in South China Sea Dispute
Authors: Darmawan Arief Bakhtiar
Published: February 2021

This paper aims to analyze Japan’s foreign policy related to the dispute in the South China Sea (SCS). Even though Japan has no sovereignty claims, it has considerable interests in the SCS region. Japan, which is poor in natural resources, depends on energy imports, most of which are shipped through SCS. As an advanced industrial state, Japan must continue to meet domestic energy demand. However, the SCS area has a potential conflict due to Chinese assertive behavior as the main factor that could threaten Japanese interests. The author use qualitative method with relevant literature studies and official government documentation to conduct a descriptive analysis of the research findings. The results of the study indicate that Japan is implementing a balanced strategy to deal with the potential threat of China. Balancing against threats is conducted in internal ways, e.g. internal reinforcement, and external ways, e.g. forming and strengthening cooperation with other countries outside the United States (US). Since Japan's limitations in military aspect hindered their internal reinforcement, this study emphasizes Japan's external balance strategy. The increasingly dubious US commitment in the Asia Pacific has made Japan strengthen defense cooperation with Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam. The three countries have interest in SCS and provide access that conforms to Japanese interests.
Slope Stability Analysis with Vetiver Plant Reinforcement using 3D Finite Element Method
Authors: Hamdhan Indra Noer , Pratiwi Desti Santi , Rahmah Rizka Adisya Kamila
Published: February 2021

A landslide is the downslope movement of a soil mass or rock or debris of both (Bobrowski and Highlind, 2008). One of the measures to mitigate slope erosion that causes landslide is by applying bio-engineering system using a vegetation called Vetiver (Vetiveria Zizanioides). The purpose of  this study is to analyze slope stability with a vegetation system using PLAXIS 3D software based on finite elements method and referring to the guidelines from the Ministry of Public Works and Housing with the title Guidelines for Vetiver Grass Planting for Surface Erosion Control and Prevention of Shallow Landslides on Road Slopes.The result shows that the deeper the Vetiver root modelled will increase the value of the safety factor, reinforcement using vegetation is effective on 30° slopes in PLAXIS 3D. The percentage increase in the value of the safety factior generated by PLAXIS 3D is 10.94%.
Éclosion d’Escherichia coli O121 associée à un fromage au lait cru de type Gouda en Colombie- Britannique, au Canada, 2018
Authors: Boyd Eva , Trmcic Aljosa , Taylor Marsha , Shyng Sion , Hasselback Paul , Man Stephanie , Tchao Christine , Stone Jason , Janz Loretta , Hoang Linda , Galanis Eleni
Published: February 2021

Contexte : En 2018, une éclosion d’Escherichia coli O121 produisant la toxine de Shiga avec sept cas a été associée à la production de fromage au lait cru de type Gouda en Colombie-Britannique, au Canada. Objectifs : Décrire l’enquête sur l’éclosion d’E. coli O121 et recommander des mesures de contrôle plus strictes pour les fromages au lait cru de type Gouda. Méthodes : Les cas d’E. coli O121 ont été identifiés grâce aux résultats d’analyses en laboratoire et aux données de surveillance épidémiologique. Ils ont ensuite été interrogés en fonction de l’exposition d’intérêt, puis analysés en fonction des valeurs du Rapport Foodbook pour la Colombie-Britannique. Une investigation a été effectuée dans l’usine laitière et des prélèvements ont été effectués dans les produits de fromage afin de déterminer la source de contamination. Le typage de séquence multilocus pour le génome entier a été effectué sur tous les isolats cliniques et alimentaires positifs pour E. coli O121 au laboratoire provincial. Résultats Quatre des sept cas avaient consommé le même fromage au lait cru de type Gouda entre août et octobre 2018. Ce fromage avait été affiné pendant une période supérieure au minimum requis de 60 jours, et aucun défaut n’a été constaté dans sa production. Un échantillon du fromage visé a cependant obtenu un résultat positif à l’analyse de dépistage de la bactérie E. coli O121. Sept isolats cliniques et un isolat de fromage ont été jugés identiques par typage de séquence multilocus pour le génome entier avec une différence de 0 à 6,5 allèles. Conclusion Le Gouda au lait cru et les fromages de type Gouda au lait cru avaient déjà été impliqués dans trois éclosions antérieures d’E. coli producteur de toxines Shiga en Amérique du Nord. Il a donc été recommandé d’étiqueter les produits afin de sensibiliser les consommateurs au risque et de thermiser le lait afin de réduire le risque de maladie associé au Gouda au lait cru et au fromage de type Gouda au lait cru.
Gérer la douleur et la peur : Jouez vos « cartes» pour améliorer l’expérience de vaccination
Authors: Taddio Anna , Ilersich Anthony , McMurtry C Meghan , Bucci Lucie M , MacDonald Noni E
Published: February 2021

La plupart des vaccins sont administrés avec une aiguille, ce qui peut provoquer des douleurs et des réactions liées à la douleur, tels que la peur et l’évanouissement. À l’heure actuelle, les interventions visant à prévenir la douleur et les réactions connexes ne sont pas systématiquement intégrées dans le processus d’administration de vaccins, bien qu’elles contribuent aux expériences négatives de la vaccination et à la non-adhésion occasionelle. Cet article examine une nouvelle démarche pour l’administration de vaccins, appelée le système CARDMC. CARD est l’acronyme de Confort, Aide, Relaxation et Distraction, où chaque lettre est associée à une catégorie d’interventions fondées sur des preuves pour réduire la douleur, la peur et les réactions connexes. Le système CARD peut être intégré dans les activités habituelles de planification et d’administration des vaccinations dans de nombreux contextes afin d’améliorer l’expérience de vaccination et de réduire la douleur et la peur qui font obstacle à la vaccination. Les vaccinateurs de tous les milieux et les responsables des organisations sont invités à revoir leurs services de vaccination par rapport au système CARD afin de cerner les possibilités d’améliorer la qualité des soins fournis.