bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adaptive application of machine learning models on separate segments of a data sample in regression and classification problems
Authors: Lebedev Iliya
Published: June 2022

Introduction: Achievement of specified qualitative indicators in machine learning solutions depends not only on the efficiency of algorithms, but also on data properties. One of the lines for the development of classification and regression models is the specification of local properties of data. Purpose: To improve the qualitative predictors when solving classification and regression problems based on the adaptive selection of various machine learning models on separate local segments of data sample. Results: We propose a method that uses a combination of different models and machine learning algorithms on subsamples in regression and classification problems. The method is based on the calculation of qualitative predictors and the selection of the best models on the local segments of data sample. The finding of transformations of data and time series allows to create sample sets, with the data having different properties (for example, variance, sampling fraction, data range, etc.). We consider the data segmentation based on the change point detection algorithm in time series trends and on analytical information. On the example of the real dataset, we show the experimental values of the loss function for the proposed method with different classifiers on separate segments and on the whole sample. Practical relevance: The results can be used in classification and regression problems for the development of machine learning models and methods. The proposed method allows to improve classification and regression qualitative predictors by assigning models that have the best performance on separate segments.
Рівень домагань і самооцінка у підлітковому та юнацькому віці
Authors: Шматок Ірина Олексіївна
Published: June 2022

Підлітковий вік – це самий найскладніший етап періоду становлення особистості тому, що у цей період життя відбувається завершення усіх новоутворень, а у юнацькому віці йде закріплення і у вдосконалення їх.
Transactional Sex Relationships and HIV Risk among Female University Students in Gauteng Province, South Africa
Authors: Lentoor Antonio G.
Published: June 2022

This study explored the psychosocial dynamics of transactional sex relationships and HIV vulnerability among female university students. Using non-probability sampling methods, ten female university students aged 18 to 25 years, who were involved in transactional sex relationships, were recruited from a local medical university. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted, audio recorded, and transcribed data was analysed using thematic analysis. The findings suggest that complex psychosocial and economic factors drive transactional sex relationships among university female students. Importantly, the female students’ inability to negotiate safe sex practices increases their risk of sexually transmitted illnesses, especially HIV, but this is overshadowed by their desire to have their ‘wants and needs’ satisfied. This study emphasises the importance of recognising that transactional sex relationships are frequent among university students, with serious psychosocial and health consequences. HIV prevention programmes at higher education institutions should directly address the underlying drivers of transactional sex relationships amongst university students.
Anti-inflammatory effects of anthraquinones of Polygonum multiflorum roots
Authors: Mariyah Ulfa Siti , Shirako Saki , Sato Mariko , Rizqi Dwijayanti Dinia , Okuyama Tetsuya , Horie Seiji , Watanabe Jun , Ikeya Yukinobu , Nishizawa Mikio
Published: June 2022

Background: The roots of Polygonum multiflorum Thunberg (Polygonaceae) are a crude drug known as Kashu and are thought to improve blood deficiency as a Kampo concept. Kashu is added to Kampo formulas, including Tokiinshi, which is used to treat eczema and dermatitis with itchiness by facilitating blood circulation in the skin. Although anti- inflammatory effects were expected, the reports on anti-inflammatory constituents of Polygonum roots are very few. Objective: To purify pharmacologically active constituents from Polygonum roots and compare their anti- inflammatory potency using hepatocytes. Methods: Polygonum roots were extracted and fractionated based on hydrophobicity to three fractions, the ethyl acetate (EtOAc)-soluble, n-butanol-soluble, and water-soluble fractions. Constituents were purified from the EtOAc- soluble fraction, and its contents were measured using liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. The interleukin (IL)-1β-induced production of nitric oxide (NO), a proinflammatory mediator, in rat hepatocytes was monitored to assess anti-inflammatory activity. Results: The EtOAc-soluble fraction inhibited IL-1β-induced NO production, whereas the other fractions did not. Six constituents were isolated from the EtOAc-soluble fraction and identified as (E)-2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β- D-glucoside, emodin, emodin-8-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, physcion, physcion-8-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, and catechin. Emodin and emodin-8-O-β-D-glucopyranoside significantly inhibited NO production in hepatocytes, and the others showed less potency in suppressing NO production. These two anthraquinones decreased the protein and mRNA levels of inducible NO synthase, as well as the mRNA levels of tumor necrosis factor α. In a search of the literature to date, the comparison of pharmacological activity of the constituents of Polygonum roots was not reported.Conclusion: These results suggest that hydrophobic constituents in the EtOAc-soluble fraction, especially anthraquinones, may exert the anti-inflammatory effects by treatment with Polygonum roots.Keywords: anthraquinone, nitric oxide, inflammation, Kampo medicine, LC–MS/MS.
Variation of Platelet Indices in Sepsis
Authors: Sharma Shivani , Sharma Kavita , Kumar Vanita
Published: June 2022

Introduction: Almost every organ can be affected in the case of sepsis. In fact, the hemostatic system has also been known to be adversely affected in case of sepsis. Platelet indices are cheap and readily accessible, laboratory parameters that can be used to assess the severity of sepsis.

Aims and objectives- This study was aimed at comparing the parameters of platelet indices in patients with fever and sepsis leading to multiorgan dysfunction.

Materials and methods: This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study conducted in our pathology department in patients admitted with sepsis in the medicine in-patient department over 1 year. Inclusion criteria were patients with sepsis. Two ml of blood was withdrawn from the antecubital vein of the cases and samples were collected in an EDTA vial, which was kept at room temperature on day 1 and day 7 of admission. The complete hemogram reports were analyzed. The collected data was recorded on a prestructured proforma.

Results: This study included 100 serially recruited patients having sepsis. The mean age of cases was 48.3 ± 16.3 years. While 63% of cases were male, 37% were females. The rise of PDW from day 1 to day 7 was statistically insignificant (p value= 0.24). However, the plateletcrit (PCT) fell significantly from day 1 to day 7 (p value=0.02). In our study, there were 76% survivors and 24% non-survivors. Platelet volume (MPV) rose significantly (p value=0.01), and TC fell significantly (p value<0.0001). Similarly, the platelet count also fell significantly (p value<0.05).

Conclusion: Platelet indices, especially MPV, PDW, and platelet count are reliable indicators of sepsis prognosis.
Kocaeli İline Ait Yapılaşma Değişiminin Uzaktan Algılama Yöntemleriyle Değerlendirilmesi
Authors: TEKİN Senem , OKUYAN AKCAN Seyhan , ZÜLFİKAR A. Can
Published: June 2022

Deprem riski, belirli bir zaman diliminde meydana gelebilecek depremlerin olası ekonomik, sosyal ve çevresel sonuçlarının belirlenmesi olarak tanımlanabilir. Risk çalışmalarında öncelikle tehlikenin tanımlanması gerekmektedir, sonrasında ise risk altındaki unsurların belirlenmesi ve risk kontrol noktalarının geliştirilme planları yapılmalıdır. Ülkemiz tektonik ve jeolojik yapısı sebebiyle depremlere sık sık maruz kalmakta olup, depremler arşiv kayıtlarına göre can ve mal kaybının en çok yaşandığı doğal afet türüdür. Bu çalışmada, uzaktan algılama tekniklerinden kontrollü sınıflama yöntemi ile farklı yıllara ait Landsat-OLI 8 uydu görüntüleri yardımıyla yapılaşma bölgelerinde değişim tespit analizleri yapılmıştır. CORINE arazi örtü haritasındaki sınıflar temel alınarak analizler gerçekleştirilmiştir. Sonuç olarak bu çalışma ile bölgesel ve kentsel deprem risk değerlendirmelerinde yapılaşmanın planlı yapılmasının önemine dikkat çekilmiştir. Uzaktan algılama teknikleriyle elde edilen sonuçlar bölgede yapılması planlanan deprem risk çalışmaları için önemli altlık bilgisini oluşturacaktır. Fiziksel ve sosyo-ekonomik kayıpların azaltılması açısından da önemli bir çalışmadır.
Elit Genç Erkek Boks ve Tekvando Sporcularının Fiziksel Uygunluk ve Somatotip Özellikleri: Kıyaslama Çalışması
Authors: KARAHAN Mustafa , KAYA Volkan
Published: June 2022

Boks ve tekvando sporcularının fiziksel uygunluk ve vücut kompozisyonu ile ilgili birçok spesifik çalışma olmasına rağmen, şimdiye kadar karşılaştırmalı bir çalışmaya rastlanmamıştır. Bu nedenle bu çalışma, fiziksel uygunluk ve somatotip özellikleri açısından elit genç erkek boks ve tekvando sporcuları arasında fark olup olmadığını belirlemeyi amaçlamıştır.Bu çalışmaya 19 boks (ortalama yaş: 17.6 yıl) ve 21 tekvando (ortalama yaş: 17.4 yıl) elit sporcu gönüllü olarak katıldı. Sporcular, T-run, mekik-koşu, anaerobik sprint koşu ve karşı hareket dikey sıçrama, görsel ve işitsel reaksiyonu içeren bir dizi test protokolü gerçekleştirdiler. İlave olarak, somatotip özelliklerini belirlemek için çeşitli antropometrik ve vücut kompozisyonu ölçümleri yapıldı.Boksörler tekvandocular arasında sadece patlayıcı güç (%9.8) ve görsel reaksiyon süresi (%9.1) açısından anlamlı bir fark (p<0.05) tespit edildi. Tekvando sporcuları anaerobik güç (%9), 20-m sprint (%3,3) boks sporcuları ise işitsel reaksiyon süresi (%9,5), yön değiştirme yeteneği (%1,8) ve maks. VO2 bakımından (%5.4) daha yüksek fiziksel performans özelliklerine sahip olmasına rağmen bu değerler istatistiksel olarak anlamlı değildi. Boks ve tekvando sporcuları arasında somatotip profilleri açısından anlamlı fark bulunmadı. Ancak mezomorf bileşen, her iki grupta da endomorf ve ektomorf bileşenlerinden daha yüksekti (<0.05).Bu çalışma, boks ve tekvando sporcularının dikey sıçrama ve görsel reaksiyon dışında, benzer fiziksel uygunluk ve somatotip profillerine sahip olduklarını ortaya koymuştur.
The relationship between Education area, Architecture and Environment
Authors: Baysen Engin
Published: June 2022

Human needs to be protected from nature and shelter in natural space conditions. Therefore, people need an environment to sustain their lives. Environment; It is divided into two as natural and artificial. The natural environment is the environment in which people and other creatures maintain their relationships and interact with each other. What is done by people who do not form spontaneously is called Artificial Environment. An art branch that designs civil structures to meet people's housing needs is called architecture. But not every design is architecture. In order for a building to be accepted as an architectural product, it is essential to apply the mathematical symmetry called golden ratio throughout the building. The aim of this research is to find the effects of environmental arrangements on the aesthetic, emotional and behavioral outputs of individuals in educational spaces. The importance of this aim is to find the relationship between environment, architecture and education. As a result of the survey conducted in the findings, which locations are liked most are presented in the data analysis. The questionnaire was asked 5 different photographs of the participants in 3 different question titles. As a result of the percentages taken, the participants mostly chose places that are intertwined with nature.

Keywords: Education, environment, architecture, nature.
Leashing the Dogs of Cyber War
Authors: Jančárková Taťána
Published: June 2022

States have increasingly been engaged in the development of cyber capabilities which can act across the full spectrum of effects. The structures competent to deliver these effects are usually institutionally tied to armed forces or intelligence services, or represent a mixture of the two. Both types of organizations are typically subject to strict oversight and control mechanisms due to the nature of their activities and their potential to impact on the constitutional foundations of a democratic state. Yet, there is limited research available on the respective national frameworks governing offensive cyber capabilities, and similarly little information on the applicable control mechanisms. This article provides an overview of the areas of oversight, explores the challenges related to cyber capabilities, and offers possible avenues for future research.
Learning from Experience: Old Lessons for a New Battlefield
Authors: Pizarro Ignacio
Published: June 2022

The implementation of the cyberspace domain and capabilities into multi-domain operations has been plagued with difficulties, many of which come from a misperception of the nature of this domain as a technical field, detached from the usual understanding of combat operations. This has made leaders wary of addressing this domain, which has caused a delay in the adaptation of our military thinking to this new environment. In the article, we seek to point out the shortcomings and possible reasons for this delayed approach, and highlight areas in which established military knowledge, existing doctrine and even ancient principles can be used to meet the challenge of bringing cyber capabilities to their full potential in military operations.
Impacto do método pilates sobre a força muscular ventilatória em idosos: uma revisão sistemática
Authors: Lima Aline Miranda , Rosario Queila Moreira do , Cordeiro André Luiz Lisboa
Published: June 2022

Introdução: A redução da capacidade muscular respiratória está correlacionada a sarcopenia e, com isso, ocorre declínio da atividade diafragmática, gerando dificuldade em realizar atividades de vida diária. No Pilates é realizado padrão respiratório que é conciliado com cada movimento, gerando aumento da força muscular respiratória em idosos. Objetivos: Revisar a influência do método Pilates na força muscular respiratória em idosos. Métodos: Trata-se de uma revisão sistemática ultilizando a metodologia PICO e palavras-chave (força muscular, idoso, exercícios físicos, Pilates, respiração, consciência corporal). Foram inclusos estudos publicados do tipo ensaios clínicos randomizados que abordaram o impacto do método Pilates sobre a força muscular ventilatória em idosos, disponíveis em inglês e português, publicados entre 2011 e 2020 com o objetivo de atualizar o tópico. Resultados: A busca resultou no início 169 artigos, dos quais 100 foram excluídos, restando 69 artigos. Ao final foram incluídos 5 artigos. As amostras variaram de 16 a 80 participantes. Os estudos selecionados demonstraram melhoras significativamente na força muscular atribuidas ao treinamento de resistência muscular, assim como relataram mudanças positivas em relação ao fortalecimento muscular nos membros inferiores e superiores, e também apresentaram alterações significativas em relação do Pilates com a força muscular dos idosos. Além disso, foi possível notar que há melhorias nos parâmetros respiratórios e condicionamento físico dos idosos. Conclusão: Conclui-se que o método Pilates aumentou a força muscular ventilatória em pacientes idosos.
Análise baropodométrica de indivíduos com doença de Parkinson
Authors: Uliam Nicoly Ribeiro , Furuta Débora Toshimi , Souza Mariana  da Cruz , Oliveira Dyenifer Fernandes de , Valença Elisa Moriel , Akiyama Igor Takashi , Silva Julia  Teixeira Magalhães , Leoci Isabella Cristina , Fregonesi Cristina  Elena Prado Teles , Barbatto Lúcia Martins , Tacao Guilherme Yassuyuki , Carvalho Augusto  Cesinando de
Published: June 2022

Introdução: A Doença de Parkinson (DP) apresenta uma característica assimétrica em sua maior parte, além disso um distúrbio do controle postural também pode ser evidenciado. Com isso, análises na distribuição de massa e pressão plantar se apresentam importantes, e como ferramenta para essas avaliações temos a plataforma de baropodometria como um recurso de análise quantitativa. Objetivo: Analisar a pressão plantar e distribuição de massa de indivíduos com DP, de forma estática utilizando uma plataforma de baropodometria eletrônica. Métodos: Foram incluídos no estudo 18 voluntários, 10 deles com diagnóstico médico de DP, grupo experimental (DP), e 8 indivíduos sem diagnóstico de DP, grupo controle (GC). Inicialmente foram questionados sobre informações sociodemográficas e posteriormente submetidos a uma avaliação das variáveis antropométricas (altura e peso) e da pressão plantar na plataforma de baropodometria eletrônica FootWalk Pro. Resultados: Os indivíduos com DP apresentaram pressão máxima maior do lado esquerdo (p = 0,017*) e uma porcentagem de massa maior do lado direito (p = 0,026*). Na distribuição de massas houve uma diferença estatisticamente significante entre os grupos (DP > lado esquerdo; GC > lado direito; p = 0,042*). Conclusão: Essa população apresenta, quando submetidos a avaliação na plataforma eletrônica de pressão, alterações na distribuição da pressão plantar e divisão de massas.
Avaliação da autoimagem corporal e genital em mulheres com dispareunia
Authors: Brondani Isadora , Cuty Danielle Deponti , Filippin Nadiesca Taisa , Frigo Leticia Fernandez
Published: June 2022

Introdução: A dispareunia é subclassificada em distúrbio de penetração/dor gênito-pélvica no qual a mulher apresenta dor genital frequente. A apreensão com a autoimagem corporal e genital podem causar diminuição no interesse e prazer sexual. Objetivo: Avaliar a autoimagem corporal e genital de mulheres em idade reprodutiva com dispareunia autorrelatada. Métodos: Estudo do tipo transversal com abordagem quantitativa. Participaram desta pesquisa 127 mulheres com dispareunia autorrelatada. As participantes responderam a um questionário online que possuía questões relacionadas ao perfil clínico e sociodemográfico e as escalas Body Apreciation Scale-2 (BAS) e Female Genital Self Image Scale (FGSIS). Resultados: Entre as variáveis analisadas foi possível observar diferença significativa da BAS somente em relação ao questionamento sobre ter ou não filhos. Na FGSIS esta diferença ocorreu na classificação da dor (p = 0,016). Foram identificadas diferenças entre as classificações leve e moderada (p = 0,045) e leve e grave (p = 0,042), mostrando que a classificação leve teve resultados superiores do FGSIS em ambas as comparações. Conclusão: Mulheres com filhos possuem uma menor apreciação corporal e mulheres com maior idade e com uma dispareunia classificada como leve possuem uma autoimagem genital mais positiva.
Micropropagation of Alocasia amazonica through Indirect Shoot Organogenesis
Authors: Raju Raihan Iqbal , Hashi Asma Kanon , Jazib Ahshan , Hossain Mohd Talim
Published: June 2022

The present experiment was conducted to establish an efficient in vitro regeneration protocol for Alocasia amazonica through indirect organogenesis from young leaf segment. For callus induction, leaf explants were inoculated on MS medium containing different concentrations of 2,4-D. Highest callus induction frequency (90%) was recorded on MS medium supplemented with 4.0 mg/l 2,4-D. Remarkable results on indirect shoot organogenesis and multiplication (86.67%) with maximum shoot number per unit callus (11.64 ± 0.37) and shoot length (10.13 ± 0.24 cm) were observed when the leaf derived callus were transferred on MS medium fortified with 1.5 mg/l BAP and 0.5 mg/l NAA. Additionally, the incorporation of 10% coconut water with the medium showed satisfactory shoot growth and development. The best response towards root induction (85%) was achieved on ½ MS medium fortified with 3.0 mg/l IBA, 2.0 mg/l IAA and 2.0 mg/l NAA with an average 22.20 ± 0.87 roots per unit shoot. Well rooted plantlets were successfully acclimatized to the soil where the survival rate was 90%.
Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 32(1): 13-20, 2022 (June)
In vitro Regeneration of two BINA Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) Varieties of Bangladesh
Authors: Yesmin Sabina , Mollika Sanjida Rahman , Islam Md Nazrul , Nasrin Shamima
Published: June 2022

Cotyledonary leaf from 12 days old aseptically grown seedlings were used as explant. Cotyledonary leaf explants of two BINA varieties of tomato were cultured on MS medium containing different concentrations and combinations of BAP, Kn and IAA for multiple shoot formation via organogenesis. 100% shoot induction was observed when the explants were cultured on MS medium supplemented with BAP, Kn and IAA. Earliest shoot induction was observed within four weeks. The MS media supplemented with 1.5 mg/l BAP + 0.5 mg/l Kn + 0.2 mg/l IAA found to be the best medium with regards to number of days required for the initiation of regeneration, no. of multiple shoot formation and regeneration frequency in case of both the varieties. Shoot elongation was obtained in the same regeneration medium. The elongated shoots were rooted on half strength MS medium supplanted with 0.2 mg/l IBA. The in vitro rooted plantlets were successfully established in soil with 97% survival rate. Subsequently, the plantlets were transferred to large earthen pot for acclimatization and finally, transferred to the open field for further growth and development.
Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 32(1): 43-51, 2022 (June)
Küreselleşme ve Ekonomik Büyüme Arasındaki İlişki Türkiye için Ampirik Bir Çalışma
Authors: KAYA Levent , ÇADIRCI Çiğdem
Published: June 2022

Küreselleşmenin ülke ekonomileri üzerindeki etkisi ve ekonomik büyüme ile ilişkisi önem kazanmıştır. Bu çalışmada Türkiye’de küreselleşme ile ekonomik büyüme ilişkisi araştırılmıştır. Bu amaçla küreselleşmeyi kapsamlı şekilde değerlendiren KOF Ekonomik küreselleşme Endeksi ile kişi başına Gayrisafi Yurtiçi Hasıla’ya ait 1980-2019 dönemi yıllık veriler kullanılmıştır. KOF Ekonomik küreselleşme Endeksi ile kişi başına Gayrisafi Yurtiçi Hâsıla arasındaki ilişki, Fourier SHIN eşbütünleşme testi ile incelenmiş ve kişi başına Gayrisafi Yurtiçi Hasıla ile ekonomik küreselleşme endeksi arasında uzun dönemli bir ilişki bulunmuştur. Kişi başına Gayrisafi Yurtiçi Hâsıla ile ekonomik küreselleşme endeksi arasında pozitif bir ilişki bulunmuştur. Tahmin modeli için uzun dönem katsayıları dinamik en küçük kareler yöntemi ile incelenmiş ve istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bulunmuştur. Ekonomik küreselleşme endeksinde meydana gelen %1’lik artış, kişi başına Gayrisafi Yurtiçi Hasıla’yı yaklaşık %0.49 arttırmaktadır. Kişi başına Gayrisafi Yurtiçi Hâsıla ile ekonomi küreselleşme endeksi arasındaki nedensellik ilişkisi, Hacker ve Hatemi nedensellik testi ile incelenmiş ve değişkenler arasında nedensellik ilişkisi bulunamamıştır.
PRESERVICE ENGLISH TEACHERS’ ATTITUDES AND BELIEFS ABOUT LEARNING AND TEACHING PRONUNCIATION
Authors: UZUN Tarık
Published: June 2022

Language teachers’ beliefs and attitudes about various aspects of teaching are shaped during teacher education. Investigating preservice English teachers’ (PrETs) perspectives on certain areas can be useful in better understanding the dynamics of teacher education and taking further actions on teachers’ developmental processes. This study examines PrETs’ beliefs and attitudes towards learning and teaching pronunciation in Turkey. With a descriptive methodology, a 40-item questionnaire based on Sardegna and Kusey (2014) and Seyedabadi et al., (2014) was presented to PrETs (N=150) enrolled in the English Language Teaching (ELT) programs of three state universities in Turkey. The results of the study indicate that PrETs consider pronunciation an essential part of language learning; yet they need further training on how to teach pronunciation in class. PrETs commonly considered native-like pronunciation an ideal goal for themselves, which implies a tendency to associate an English teacher’s pronunciation with perfection. The results also suggest a reconsideration of the content of pronunciation classes in ELT programs.
Religious Identity Representation of Arab Diaspora in the Linguistic Landscape of Shop Signs in Sydney, Australia
Authors: Yusuf Kamal
Published: June 2022

One of the fascinating issues concerning the Arab diaspora is the way they represent their identity in the new environment in which they live, interacting with the indigenous and other communities. This identity representation can be expressed through language and religion. This study aimed at describing the language use and religious identity representation of Arab diaspora depicted from shop signs in Sydney. The data consisted of pictures that were collected from commercial shops along the Haldon Street of Sydney, Australia. The findings demonstrated that language choices are varied in the linguistic landscape of shop signs. English is the predominant language used, while Arabic is used in the domain related to religion. This study also found the use of Islamic expressions in commercial signage is not only informative but also a symbolic function. The use of Islamic expressions is intended to assert their Islamic identity representation through the linguistic landscape of shop signs.
Mineralizing Coating on 3D Printed Scaffolds for the Promotion of Osseointegration
Authors: Hasan Abshar , Bagnol Romain , Owen Robert , Latif Arsalan , Rostam Hassan M. , Elsharkawy Sherif , Rose Felicity R. A. J. , Rodríguez-Cabello José Carlos , Ghaemmaghami Amir M. , Eglin David , Mata Alvaro
Published: June 2022

Design and fabrication of implants that can perform better than autologous bone grafts remain an unmet challenge for the hard tissue regeneration in craniomaxillofacial applications. Here, we report an integrated approach combining additive manufacturing with supramolecular chemistry to develop acellular mineralizing 3D printed scaffolds for hard tissue regeneration. Our approach relies on an elastin-like recombinamer (ELR) coating designed to trigger and guide the growth of ordered apatite on the surface of 3D printed nylon scaffolds. Three test samples including a) uncoated nylon scaffolds (referred to as “Uncoated”), b) ELR coated scaffolds (referred to as “ELR only”), and c) ELR coated and in vitro mineralized scaffolds (referred to as “Pre-mineralized”) were prepared and tested for in vitro and in vivo performance. All test samples supported normal human immortalized mesenchymal stem cell adhesion, growth, and differentiation with enhanced cell proliferation observed in the “Pre-mineralized” samples. Using a rabbit calvarial in vivo model, ‘Pre-mineralized’ scaffolds also exhibited higher bone ingrowth into scaffold pores and cavities with higher tissue-implant integration. However, the coated scaffolds (“ELR only” and “Pre-mineralized”) did not exhibit significantly more new bone formation compared to “Uncoated” scaffolds. Overall, the mineralizing coating offers an opportunity to enhance integration of 3D printed bone implants. However, there is a need to further decipher and tune their immunologic response to develop truly osteoinductive/conductive surfaces.
Development of an Efficient, High Purity Continuous Flow Synthesis of Diazepam
Authors: Nicholas Robert J. , McGuire Michael A. , Hyun Seok-Hee , Cullison Madeline N. , Thompson David H.
Published: June 2022

In an effort to strengthen the resiliency of supply chains for active pharmaceutical ingredients (API), continuous manufacturing processes may be optimized with respect to improved chemoselectivity, production rate, yield, and/or process intensity. We report an efficient two-step continuous flow synthesis of diazepam, an agent on the World Health Organization’s (WHO) list of essential medicines. Different conditions were rapidly screened in microfluidic chip reactors by varying residence times, temperatures, solvents, and ammonia sources to identify the best telescoped reaction conditions. We report a telescoped flow synthesis that uses two microreactors in series set to 0°C and 60°C, respectively, to produce a 96% yield of 91% pure diazepam within 15 min using an NH4Br/NH4OH solution in the second step. Diazepam of >98% purity was obtained after a single recrystallization.
Irish English as a World English
Authors: Kirk John
Published: June 2022

The objective of this chapter is to apply a synthesis of models for world Englishes to Irish English, for which data from ICE-corpora, theHandbook of Varieties of English, theMouton Atlas, eWAVE, and the GloWbE corpus are used, and to which many approaches are applied: geo-political, dynamic-model, corpus, statistical, and multi-functional factor analysis. The chapter's relevance lies in its bringing together wide-ranging and seemingly disparate material through the lens of Irish English as a common denominator. The chapter shows the difficulties of applying top-down models to empirical corpus data and concurs that the gap is ultimately unbridgeable. Nevertheless, in so far as status distinctions can be inferred, this chapter also concurs with the many different findings that, as a standardized variety, despite a historical legacy of contact, Irish English is indeed an L1.
Digital Inequalities in Cancer Care Delivery in India: An Overview of the Current Landscape and Recommendations for Large-Scale Adoption
Authors: Venkataramanan Ramachandran , Pradhan Akash , Kumar Abhishek , Purushotham Arnie , Alajlani Mohannad , Arvanitis Theodoros N.
Published: June 2022

Introduction

COVID-19 pandemic has caused major disruptions to delivery of various cancer care services as efforts were put to control the outbreak of the pandemic. Although the pandemic has highlighted the inadequacies of the system but has also led to emergence of a new cancer care delivery model which relies heavily on digital mediums. Digital health is not only restricted to virtual dissemination of information and consultation but has provided additional benefits ranging from support to cancer screening, early and more accurate diagnosis to increasing access to specialized care. This paper evaluates the challenges in the adoption of digital technologies to deliver cancer care services and provides recommendation for large-scale adoption in the Indian healthcare context.

Methods

We performed a search of PubMed and Google Scholar for numerous terms related to adoption of digital health technologies for cancer care during pandemic. We also analyze various socio-ecological challenges—from individual to community, provider and systematic level—for digital adoption of cancer care service which have existed prior to pandemic and lead to digital inequalities.

Results

Despite encouraging benefits accruing from the adoption of digital health key challenges remain for large scale adoption. With respect to user the socio-economic characteristics such as age, literacy and socio-cultural norms are the major barriers. The key challenges faced by providers include regulatory issues, data security and the inconvenience associated with transition to a new system.

Policy Summary

For equitable digital healthcare, the need is to have a participatory approach of all stakeholders and urgently addressing the digital divide adequately. Sharing of health data of public and private hospitals, within the framework of the Indian regulations and Data Protection Act, is critical to the development of digital health in India and it can go a long way in better forecasting and managing cancer burden.
Pharmacological Versus Non-Pharmacological and Ancillary Mechanisms in Eye Drops Used in the Treatment of Glaucoma
Authors: Marchesi Nicoletta , Fahmideh Foroogh , Barbieri Annalisa , Racchi Marco , Pascale Alessia , Govoni Stefano
Published: June 2022

Medical Devices Made of Substances (MDMS) are increasingly used in the healthcare system alongside classic medicinal products and constitute an important field of experimentation and innovation in the biomedical field. In fact, these products are rapidly establishing themselves as a valuable therapeutic resource and are available in various forms including, but not limited to, creams, syrups, nasal or oropharyngeal sprays, and eye drops. MDMS are marketed to treat different diseases and the advantages and benefits of the use of these products can be claimed, once proven their clinical activity. What are the differences between medicinal products and MDMS? The substantial difference lies in the mechanism of action: the first case is based on pharmacological, metabolic, and immunological actions while the second one is based on mechanical, or chemical/physical action. Sometimes the boundaries are not well defined and there is a need for a reassessment and a consensus on the underlying concepts and definitions, also in the light of the increasing ability to recognize molecular mechanisms underneath the action of several substances not acting through an easy recognizable unique target (as a receptor, for example). In the present paper, we discuss the role of eye drops as an example of MDMS used in glaucoma, a widely diffused eye disease. The choice is due to the fact that some products used in this field of application and containing similar substances are marketed either as medicinal products or as medical devices or, using other dosage forms, as food supplements. Accordingly, it is important to underscore in the various cases what may be the principal mode of action and the contribution of additional mechanisms as derived, for example, from system pharmacology data. Their analysis may help to exemplify some of the problems around the sometimes fuzzy border between MDMS and medicinal products suggesting the need for new definitions and regulatory decisions about MDMS.
Effects of Permafrost Degradation on Soil Carbon and Nitrogen Cycling in Permafrost Wetlands
Authors: Wang Di , Zang Shuying , Wang Lingyan , Ma Dalong , Li Miao
Published: June 2022

Climate change is one of the greatest threats to high-latitude permafrost and leads to serious permafrost degradation. However, few attention has been paid to whether peat soil carbon or nitrogen is sensitive to permafrost degradation. This study has selected three typical sample areas (MoHe-continuous permafrost, TaHe-Island-shaped melting permafrost, Jagdaqi-Island-shaped melting permafrost) as research object to compare the response rate and degree of peat soil carbon and nitrogen under permafrost degradation. The results show that soil organic carbon and nitrogen contents are the highest in 0–10 cm soil and permafrost regions show obvious surface aggregation. The carbon content of different types of frozen soil decreases with the depth of soil layer, and the differences are significant (p < 0.01). The distribution pattern of total nitrogen content in each soil layer among different permafrost types is Mohe < Tahe < Jagedaqi. And when it is getting vertically deeper than the surface layer, there is no significant difference between the soil layers in soil profile. The study also focuses on the variations of carbon and nitrogen content in different soil layers of peatland in typical permafrost regions. The results show that soil carbon responds faster to the degradation of frozen soil than soil nitrogen. Moreover, the accumulation degree of soil carbon is also significantly higher than soil nitrogen. Under climate change and for better permafrost conservation, it is necessary to study how the peatland’s soil carbon and the nitrogen are influenced by the permafrost degradation in high latitude.
Multi-Phases Fluid Activity Characteristics of Longmaxi Formation and Its Impact on Resistivity in the Changning Area, Southern Sichuan Basin, Southwest China
Authors: Cui Yue , Li Xizhe , Han Lingling , Feng Yong , Guo Wei , Lin Wei , Qian Chao , Feng Tao
Published: June 2022

Wells with low gas content and low resistivity in the Changning area, southern Sichuan Basin were selected for this study. The burial-thermal history was reconstructed and the characteristics of multi-phase fluid activity were clarified using microscopic observation and testing of fluid inclusions in the Longmaxi shale fracture veins. Compared with wells with a high gas content and high resistivity, the influence of fluid activity on resistivity was analyzed. The results showed that the thermal evolution of the bituminous inclusions trapped in the veins has reached the stage of carbonaceous-metamorphic bitumen, and the organic matter is fully cracked for gas generation, with some organic matter exhibiting the phenomenon of “graphitization.” The synchronous fluid with bitumen was existed due to shallow burial with a middle-low maturity stage of about 280 and 292 Ma. Two phases of fluids existed in the deep burial stage, thus maturing for about 103 Ma, and the uplift stage at about 28 and 32 Ma, with high homogenization temperatures (Th) (varying from 185 to 195°C and 165–180°C). The corresponding pressure coefficients varied between 1.67 and 2.09, 1.56 and 1.92 in a moderate-strong high-pressure state. The last two phases of fluid formation in the late uplift stage for about 4 to 19 Ma and 6 to 10 Ma were characterized by low salinity at medium-low Th (varied from 140 to 155°C and 120–135°C), with pressures of 57.47–74.50 MPa and 51.44–59.41 MPa (pressure coefficients of 1.09–1.41 and 1.18–1.37), in an atmospheric-weak overpressure state. In the initial uplift stage after deep burial, the fluid closure in the Changning area was good. In contrast, the wells are filled with low gas content because of the strong tectonic forces causing the shale gas to be released and the multi-phase fluid activity that happens during the late uplift stage. New evidence indicates that the emergence of low resistance in the localized Changning area is not only related to the high degree of evolution of organic matter but is also affected by the multi-phase fluid modification in the late uplift stage.
Dyslipidemia Risk in Thyroid Cancer Patients: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Song Youhyun , Lee Hye Sun , Park Goeun , Kang Sang-Wook , Lee Ji Won
Published: June 2022

Objective

Thyroid cancer (TC) prevalence has been rapidly increasing. While the relationship between thyroid hormones and lipids has been widely investigated, studies regarding dyslipidemia in patients with TC have been scarce and controversial. We aimed to investigate dyslipidemia risk after TC diagnosis compared to the general population without TC.

Method

A population-based prospective study was conducted using data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort Database 2.0 (NHIS-NSC DB 2.0), with health insurance claim data of 1,108,369 subjects between 2002 and 2015. The final study sample comprised 466,735 adult subjects without TC or dyslipidemia diagnoses before the index year, 2009. Bidirectional analyses were performed using prospective and retrospective concepts. In the prospective analysis, Kaplan-Meier estimates were calculated and log-rank tests and univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses were performed to determine the relationship between TC and dyslipidemia. The retrospective analysis involved 1:5 nested case-control matching based on dyslipidemia status and conditional logistic regression analysis.

Results

No significant difference in dyslipidemia incidence was observed between TC patients and the control group, in either the prospective matched (log-rank P = 0.483) or non-matched (log-rank P = 0.424) analyses, or the retrospective analysis (P = 0.3724). In the prospective analysis, 193 patients after TC diagnosis showed similar risk of developing dyslipidemia with the 466,542 controls during the median 7 years of follow-up (unadjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.102; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.878-1.383; adjusted HR, 0.932; 95% CI, 0.707-1.230). Multiple propensity score-adjusted models showed similar results, and 114 patients and 570 matched controls showed an HR of 0.818 (95% CI, 0.598-1.120). In the retrospective comparison of dyslipidemia risk in 170 patients and 277,864 controls, the odds ratio was 0.822 (95% CI, 0.534-1.266).

Conclusions

Dyslipidemia risk was not significantly different between patients with TC and the general population, in both prospective and retrospective analyses.
Ultrasonography-Guided Thermal Ablation for Cervical Lymph Node Metastasis of Recurrent Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: Is it Superior to Surgical Resection?
Authors: Zhang Xu , Ni Tu , Zhang Wenzhi
Published: June 2022

Aim

The study aimed to systematically evaluate the safety and efficacy of ultrasonography-guided percutaneous thermal ablation in the treatment of cervical lymph node metastasis (LNM) of recurrent papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).

Methods

PubMed, PubMed Central (PMC), Embase, and Cochrane were examined. The inclusion and exclusion criteria were determined and the relevant data were extracted from the library and other databases for LNM thermal ablation of recurrent PTC. The data were analyzed using Stata15.1, Revman5.3 software, and the standard errors of 95% confidence intervals were estimated using fixed or random effects models. Volume reduction rate (VRR), Serum thyroglobulin (Tg) level before and after thermal ablation, the total complications and major complications incidence were analyzed.

Results

A total of 18 literature articles were included, namely, 10 radiofrequency ablation (RFA), 4 laser ablation (LA), and 4 microwave ablation (MWA). A total of 321 patients had 498 LNM. LNM volume changes before and at the last follow-up of thermal ablation (SMD = 1.04, I2 = 8%, 95% CI 0.86–1.21, P <0.0001). The postoperative lymph node VRR was 88.4% (95% CI 77.8–97.3%, I2 = 34%, P = 0.14). Tg measurements before and after thermal ablation (SMD = 1.15, 95% CI 0.69–1.60, I2 = 84%, P <0.0001). The incidence of total complications was 5.0% (95% CI 3.0–7.0%, I2 = 0.0%, P = 0.915), and the incidence of major complications was 4.0% (95% CI 2.0–6.0%, I2 = 0.0%, P = 0.888). A total of 131 LNM were located in the central region, and the major complication rate was 12.0% (95% CI 6.0–18.0%, I2 = 0.0%, P = 0.653).

Conclusion

Ultrasonography-guided thermal ablation is safe and effective in the treatment of LNM of recurrent PTC. The ablation strategy of central LNM needs to be further explored and improved. It can be used as an alternative to surgery for patients with high surgical risk or who refuse resurgery.

Systematic Review Registration

10.37766/inplasy2022.6.0004, identifier INPLASY202260004.
Diluted Bitumen: Physicochemical Properties, Weathering Processes, Emergency Response, and Recovery
Authors: Zhong Xiaomei , Li Pu , Lin Xiaoyu , Zhao Zeyuan , He Quan (Sophia) , Niu Haibo , Yang Jie
Published: June 2022

Bitumen, an unconventional crude oil, has received much attention with the increasing consumption and the shrinking storage of conventional crude oils. Bitumen is highly viscous and, thus, is commonly diluted for transportation purposes. Spills of diluted bitumen could occur during the transportation from reservoirs to refineries via pipeline, rail, and marine vessels. Although some laboratory and numerical modeling studies have been contributed to study the spill of diluted bitumen from different aspects, there is no systematic review in the field yet. Therefore, this study first conducted a review on different types of diluted bitumen based on their physicochemical properties, followed by their weathering processes including spreading, evaporation, emulsification, photooxidation, biodegradation, and sinking. Second, the numerical modeling on the fate and behavior of spilled diluted bitumen was summarized and analyzed. Finally, the techniques for spilled oil recovery were discussed, as well as the disposal/treatment of oily waste. Currently, a rare attempt has been made to turn the recovered oily waste into wealth (reutilization/valorization of oily waste). Using the recovered oily waste as the feedstock/processing medium for an emerging thermochemical conversion technique (hydrothermal liquefaction of biomass for crude bio-oil production) is highly recommended. Overall, this article summarized the state-of-the-art knowledge of the spill of diluted bitumen, with the hope to create a deep and systematic understanding on the spill of diluted bitumen for researchers, relevant companies, and decision makers.
Performance of Problem-Based Learning Based Image Teaching in Clinical Emergency Teaching
Authors: Xu Xiaohong , Wang Yingcui , Zhang Suhua , Liu Fengting
Published: June 2022

At present, with the rapid increase of emergency knowledge and the improvement of people’s requirements for medical quality, the traditional teaching mode cannot fully meet the needs of emergency teaching in the new era. PBL is a project-based teaching that allows students to have a deeper understanding of content knowledge and to better apply what they have learned to their lives. This paper aims to improve the clinical emergency teaching mode by PBL teaching method, and improve the comprehensive ability of clinical emergency of medical students. This article proposes a problem-based PBL imaging teaching method, combining the characteristics and content of clinical emergency courses, focusing on students, highlighting the problem-solving process, and improving students’ creative thinking ability. To cultivate students’ interest in clinical learning, develop their self-learning ability, train their teamwork and communication skills, and cultivate their ability to set, question and solve questions, so as to promote medical students’ overall comprehensive ability to integrate specialized knowledge and clinical practice. In this paper, the PBL teaching method and the traditional teaching method of comparative experiments show that the PBL teaching method can more effectively highlight the characteristics of clinical emergency medicine teaching mode, and make full use of the limited emergency teaching resources, so as to improve the quality of clinical emergency teaching. Compared with the traditional teaching mode, the theoretical knowledge and clinical operation skills of medical students under the PBL teaching mode are improved by 13%, Autonomous learning ability, communication ability and creative thinking ability have also been relatively improved.