bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cognitive patterns of thought
Authors:   Bauman Moscow State Technical University, Kupavtsev Anatoly V.
Published: May 2023

Three hypostases of human existence are considered: the natural-scientific material world, the animate object of which he is, the biological form of life of an animate subject-individual, characterized by the presence of highly organized matter — the human brain, and the society of joint work, communication and ethic-cultural community of people, — and activity as an attribute of human life. The ability to act in the objective world, as well as to think in the cognitive world of human existence, are not transmitted genetically, but are assimilated in life and constitute the fundamental basis of all cognition. Socially confirmed experience of activity acquires the value of standards, cognitive “units” of reality. Cognition expresses the unity of dialectical reflection of the material world, socially-mediated historically-developing collective subject-practical practice and communication (communication) of all participants in the cognitive relationship. The material substrate, the psychophysiological basis of thinking are the functional systems of the brain, the afferent fields of the brain. A brief description of modern types of thinking is given.
The image of the future of Russia in the publications of the ruling elite and the systemic opposition
Authors:   Academy of Management of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, Kozyrev Maxim S.
Published: May 2023

The purpose of the article is to analyze the images of the future in Russia described in the publications of representatives of the ruling elite and the systemic opposition. The results of the analysis became the basis for determining the characteristics of the social status of these groups. Methodologically, the work is based on the assertion that a certain social position corresponds to certain points of view and a type of thinking. Significant metamorphosis of the latter is possible only together with a change in social status. Based on the results of the study, it was concluded that the ruling elite is conservative and the current social order in which it occupies a privileged position suits it. Such intentions lead to a deformation of consciousness, which is characterized by a predominance of synthetic and a deficit of analytical thinking. The systemic opposition consists of professional politicians who have occupied their own special niches and are striving to expand them. The images of the future of the systemic opposition either reproduce the present or repeat the past with some amendments and reservations. The counter-elite demonstrates deformations of thinking similar to those of the elite groups. Neither the ruling elite nor the systemic opposition offer any fundamentally different image of Russia’s future. Their ideological projects are a continuation of the present and, in part, a remembrance of the past.
Roberto Sambonet em São Paulo: experiências no museu de arte e projetos para a cidade
Authors:   Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Canas Adriano Tomitão
Published: May 2023

No período em que viveu no Brasil, entre os anos 1948 e 1953, Roberto Sambonet contribuiu com as ações culturais desenvolvidas pelo recém-criado Museu de Arte de São Paulo que buscavam a difusão da arte moderna no ambiente paulistano no início dos anos 50. No MASP, Sambonet desenvolveu uma série de experiências nos campos da arte, do design e em trabalhos que tiveram seu desdobramento em obras na cidade.
A bienal de São Paulo e a globalização da arte moderna
Authors:   Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Pereira Verena Carla
Published: May 2023

O objetivo deste artigo é discutir de que maneira os processos de globalização cultural transformaram as relações da arte dentro das grandes exposições. Analisaremos, de modo particular, o caso da Bienal de São Paulo como ferramenta para o posicionamento da arte moderna brasileira como arte global. Buscaremos investigar em que medida o conceito de globalizar, cobiçado pelo mecenas e criador da Bienal, Ciccillo Matarazzo, atingiu seus objetivos. O projeto de criação da Bienal previa para a mostra as responsabilidades de inserir a produção artística brasileira no processo de globalização do sistema da arte e de posicionar São Paulo como centro artístico de projeção internacional.
The Role of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Detection on Oral Mucosa in Diagnosis of Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Authors: Bakti Reiska Kumala , Soebadi Bagus , Ernawati Diah Savitri , Mertaniasih Ni Putu Made
Published: May 2023

Background. Tuberculosis is one of the world's health problems, with larger mortality rate than HIV/AIDS. In order to control this disease, a new and inexpensive diagnostic method is needed. Oral samples, such as buccal mucosa epithelium, can be an alternative specimen, other than sputum, in the diagnosis of tuberculosis. Purpose. This study aimed to analyze the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis on buccal swabbing of tuberculosis patients. Method. Study was conducted on 18 new pulmonary tuberculosis patients in TB DOTS unit of Dr. Soetomo General Hospital. Each subject was swabbed on the buccal mucosa of the oral cavity for subsequent examination of PCR, AFB, and culture to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the oral cavity. Result. The results showed that Mycobacterium tuberculosis was detected from 2 study subjects (11%) using PCR, whereas in AFB and culture examination methods no Mycobacterium tuberculosis was detected on buccal mucosa of the oral cavity. Conclusion. This study showed that Mycobacterium tuberculosis was detected on buccal mucosa swab of tuberculosis patients based on PCR technique, but this method is less suitable in diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis.
High-throughput screening of B/N-doped graphene supported single-atom catalysts for nitrogen reduction reaction
Authors: Cao Ning , Zhang Nan , Wang Ke , Yan Keping , Xie Pengfei
Published: May 2023

Transitional metal single atom (TM1) doped graphene catalysts have been widely applied in electrochemical N2 reduction reaction (NRR). However, it remains a challenge for the rational design of highly active and selective electrocatalysts owing to limited knowledge of structure-activity correlations. Here, we adopted first-principle calculations to high-throughput screen the NRR performance of TM1 coordinated with two boron and two nitrogen atoms in graphene (TM1-B2N2/G). A “five-step” strategy was implemented by progressively considering different metrics such as stability, N2 adsorption, N2 activation, potential-determining step, and selectivity. As a result, a volcano plot of reactivity is established by using the valence electron number of TM1 as the descriptor. Among all catalysts, Cr1-B2N2/G exhibits superior performance with a limiting potential of -0.43 V with high selectivity of NRR interpreted by better spatial symmetry and excellent compatibility in terms of energy when N2 interacts with TM1. Our work reveals the general strategy of computational efforts to predict the next generation of advanced catalytic materials for NRR.
Evaluation of The Special School Criteria in Meeting the Needs of Students with Mentally Disabled
Authors: Wijaya Ega Kresna , Raharjo Wiryono
Published: May 2023

The needs of people with cognitive impairment are rarely accommodated in the field of architecture and design. There have been a few standards of design in assessing the suitability of building design for children with the mentally disabled. Evaluation of the design standards for special school inclusion as stipulated in the Education Law No. 33 of 2008 in meeting the needs of mentally disabled students needs to be carried out. This research examined the school design standards for students with mentally disabled based on the relevant literature. The inclusive design proposed in this study can be used to assess the implementation of the inclusive design in meeting the needs of students mentally disabled at special schools. The results of this research add up to the references in the design literature that fit the needs of people with the mentally disabled. Keywords: Design criteria; Inclusive design; Mentally disabled; Special Schools.
Daylight And Artificial Lighting Integration In Achieving Lighting Uniformity In Educational Building
Authors: Zaky Hazimah Ulfah Az , Dewi Ova Candra , Widyarko Widyarko , Sulistiani Coriesta Dian
Published: May 2023

Cities are currently facing many difficulties and challenges from the effects of climate change, population growth, infrastructure, cyber attacks, to disease outbreaks. The Malioboro area is a tourist, cultural, and economic center in Yogyakarta. The Malioboro area is also one of the cultural heritage areas in the Special Region of Yogyakarta based on the Governor's Decree No. 186/2011. The Covid-19 pandemic is a newly discovered type of coronavirus which is a new virus and disease that was previously unknown before the outbreak in Wuhan, China, in December 2019 and did not take long to spread to all corners of the world (WH0,2020), including in the cultural heritage area. This paper raises research on the resilience of cultural heritage to hazards in cultural heritage areas with the aim of research as an effort to preserve cultural heritage areas with the method used is Content Analysis by collecting literature studies related to the extent to which Urban Heritage Resilience has developed to date. especially in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic. Keywords: Content Analysis; Covid-19; Malioboro; Urban Heritage Resilience
Treatment of proximal hypospadias after repeated surgery in children
Authors:   Russian Children’s Clinical Hospital, N.I.Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation, Аbdulkarimov G.А. , Kozyrev G.V. ,   Russian Children’s Clinical Hospital, N.I.Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation, Nikolaev V.V. ,   Russian Children’s Clinical Hospital, N.I.Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation, Аbdullaev F.K. ,   Russian Children’s Clinical Hospital, N.I.Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation, Manasherova D.Т. ,   M.V.Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: May 2023

The aim of the work was to study and analyse the methods of treatment of proximal hypospadias, including patients after repeated failed repairs. Surgical treatment of proximal hypospadias in children is especially challenging because of a great number of complications. The main kinds of complications are urethral defect (fistula), stenosis, urethral diverticulum, scarring, shortage of local plastic material. We analysed literature dealing with various methods of urethroplasty for treatment of children with proximal hypospadias after repeat operations. A promising direction in treatment of this cohort of patients is two-stage urethroplasty with the use of a buccal mucosa graft according to A.Bracka. The use of this method permits to create a urethra from buccal mucosa – the material that has a similar histological structure with the native urethra, and at the same time to solve the problem of tissue shortage. In the published results of treatment, one of the causes limiting the use of this technique is the presence of such a complication as hyperplasia or scarring degeneration of the mucosal graft after its transplantation. Publications dealing with the study of the histological structure of the transplanted buccal mucosa graft are reviewed. Key words: proximal hypospadias, urethroplasty, buccal mucosa graft, complications of hypospadias, urethral plate
Efectividad de la telemedicina en la prevención de hospitalización por insuficiencia cardiaca descompensada de un Hospital de las Fuerzas Armadas
Authors:   , Ale Gonzales Haydi Andrea
Published: May 2023

Objetivos del estudio: Evaluar la efectividad de la introducción de la telemedicina en el tratamiento y seguimiento de los pacientes con el diagnostico de insuficiencia cardiaca en el Hospital Central de la Fuerza Aérea del Perú. Metodología: Se trata de un estudio cohorte retrospectivo. Se evaluará el beneficio del uso de la telemedicina en los pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca del hospital. Se ejecutó el cálculo del número de la muestra para el estudio a través del programa EPIDAT, obteniéndose un intervalo de confianza del 95%, Se evaluará reducción de ingresos hospitalarios con el uso de la telemedicina en comparación a la consulta presencial.
Factores sociodemográficos y conductuales asociados a crisis hipertensivas en mayores de 18 años en el Perú entre los años 2014-2019
Authors:   , Cueva Peredo Fiorella Alejandra , Calderón Ocón Víctor Oswaldo
Published: May 2023

Objetivos: Determinar la prevalencia y tendencia en el tiempo de la crisis hipertensiva, así como los factores sociodemográficos y conductuales asociados a esta en adultos peruanos. Materiales y métodos: Análisis transversal de la Encuesta Demográfica y Salud Familiar (ENDES) desde el 2014 al 2019. La variable dependiente fue estado hipertensivo, con tres categorías: normotensos, hipertensos y aquellos con crisis hipertensivas (CH). Esta última categoría se definió como la presencia de presión arterial sistólica ≥180 mmHg o diastólica ≥110 mmHg, independiente de un diagnóstico previo de hipertensión. Las variables asociadas de interés se evaluaron usando regresión logística multinomial, el cual se repitió para la población sin diagnóstico previo de hipertensión; mientras que para evaluar la tendencia de CH a través de los años se utilizó la prueba Cochrane Armitage. Resultados: Se analizó un total de 166.741 participantes, edad media de 43,5 (± 16,4) años, 54,4% fueron mujeres, y 75,5% provenían de áreas urbanas. La prevalencia de crisis hipertensiva fue de 1,3% (IC 95%: 1,2% - 1,4%), y dicho estimado cayó de 1,6% en el 2014 a 1,1% en el 2019 (p<0.001). Los casos de crisis hipertensivas fueron más frecuentes en aquellos con mayor edad, especialmente en aquellos con 60+ años (OR = 80,6), en los varones (OR = 1,43), vivir en zona urbana (OR = 1,25), tener sobrepeso (OR 1,65) u obesidad (OR = 2,41) y tener diabetes (OR = 2,22); mientras que un mayor nivel educativo (OR = 0,83) y vivir sobre los 2.500 metros sobre el nivel del mar (OR = 0,90) se asociaron negativamente.
Esquemas maladaptativos y dependencia emocional en mujeres víctimas de violencia por parte de la pareja en pandemia COVID-19
Authors:   , Llancachahua Pezo Silvia Victoria
Published: May 2023

En esta investigación se propuso como objetivo conocer la relación de los Esquemas Maladaptativos con la Dependencia Emocional en mujeres víctimas de violencia por parte de su pareja en contexto de pandemia – COVID 19. El estudio es cuantitativo y presenta un diseño no experimental descriptivo correlacional de tipo transversal. La muestra fue constituida por 120 mujeres entre edades de 17 a 45 años de un Centro de Salud de Lima Metropolitana en Perú. Se utilizó el Cuestionario de Esquemas Maladaptativos adaptado por Matute y la Escala de Dependencia Emocional adaptado por Anicama. Los resultados indican que existe relación significativa entre los Esquemas Maladaptativos con la dependencia emocional por lo que este estudio servirá para realizar programas de prevención de violencia de género y promoción de la convivencia saludable en parejas.
Economic and legal issues of mineral deposits development
Authors:   North Caucasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (State Technological University), ALEKSEYEV Igor , HASHEVA Zarema ,   Kuban State Technological University
Published: May 2023

The relevance of the work is explained by the need to increase the mineral raw materials extraction volume to meet the demands of industries. The purpose of the work. Formation of new relations in the field of extraction and processing of mineral resources, reducing the contradictions between technology, society and the environment. Materials and methods: systematization, generalization and analysis of theoretical studies using predictive methods. Results. A reference is given on the consumption of mineral resources and the formation of waste from the processing of raw materials. The features of the possession of minerals and the influence of this factor on the formation of world politics are characterized. The urgency of the problem of preserving the natural environment and rational use of subsurface reserves is substantiated. The growth rates of resource production up to 2025 are given. The main directions in the field of mineral resources development are formulated. The article describes an instrument for the implementation of state control over the protection of the subsoil, in which the preservation of the Earth’s surface and its restoration in case of violation by mining operations play a priority role. Recommended measures for rational and integrated use to prevent the loss of raw materials. A model of the economic efficiency of nature conservation according to the criterion improve environmental management. The expediency of cooperation between industrial enterprises in order to increase production efficiency through waste disposal is substantiated. It is shown that the future of mankind depends on the reasonable treatment of nature and the rational use of natural resources, and the efficiency of subsoil use is ensured by the solution of legal and economic problems. Resume. 1. The article substantiates the formation of new relations in the field of extraction and processing of mineral resources, reducing the contradictions among technology, society and the environment. 2. The results of the article can be in demand as an element of the methodology of educating a new attitude to nature which is a link in the system of overcoming antagonistic contradictions between technology and nature.
Assessment of Ulaаnbaаtar sustainable development on the basis of soils geochemical analysis
Authors:   Irkutsk National Research Technical University, SARAPULOVA Galina
Published: May 2023

Introduction. Assessment of the ecological state of mountainous areas and, especially, large cities, in particular the city of Ulaanbaatar, the study of anthropogenic pressure on sensitive mountain landscapes is very relevant. This is important from the point of view of the contribution of the ecological structural component to the sustainable development of the mountainous area. However, the lack of data on the spatial distribution of the microelement composition of the soil of the urbanized mountainous landscape, especially heavy metals, does not allow a Complex estimationof the ecological state of the territory of the mountainous capital of Mongolia. The purpose of the research: ecological assessment of the soil cover of the metropolis of Ulaanbaatar using geochemical parameters and GIS technologies. Materials and methods of research. Field and physico-chemical methods of studying soils, as well as GIS technologies were used to obtain halo maps of the distribution of anthropogenic pollutants - heavy metals Pb, Cu, Ni, Zn, Hg and oil products. Research results. It was revealed that the key parameter of the state of the soil, the pH indicator, reaches 8-9 units, which means alkalization of the surface soil layer. An active ion-exchange complex has been formed, which leads to the accumulation of technogenic pollutants in the soil. The contents of metals Pb, Cu, Ni, Zn, Hg exceed their standard values based on MPC (MAC). With the use of GIS, halos of their distribution, as well as oil products in the territory of Ulaanbaatar, were obtained. Discussion. Sources of heavy metals are emissions from thermal power plants operating on lignite. Yurts also contribute to severe soil pollution, as they are heated by coal stoves. A large number of personal vehicles and a chaotically located network of gas stations supply metals and petroleum products to the soil. The formation of sparingly soluble fixed forms of metals as a result of alkalization led to their accumulation in the soil. Linear local fields of metal pollution have been identified, which clearly indicate the ecological trouble in the city and the need to take environmental protection measures. Conclusion. The parameters of the geochemical state of techno-genically altered mountain soils in the city of Ulaanbaatar revealed contamination with heavy metals and NPs. Local pollution modules with the accumulation of chemical toxicants have been formed. The halo maps of their distribution are obtained, the formation of a spatially linear type of pollution of the mountain landscape is shown. Offers. The possibility of zoning the territory according to the degree of environmental safety is shown. This should be taken into account in the social and economic aspects of the development of the metropolis, as well as to create a safe living environment for people, to optimize architectural development, to regulate the placement of a network of gas stations, highways and, especially, yurts.
Public Health Events Emergency Management Supervision Strategy with Multi-agent Participation
Authors: Lu Bingjie , Wen Decheng
Published: May 2023

The outbreak of COVID-19 has once again made people realize the great danger of public health events. To cope with public health events, the central governments in many countries have established emergency management systems and took many measures including non-pharmaceutical interventions, but the implementation efforts of local governments varied. And, the extent to which local governments implement emergency management measures affects the effectiveness of those measures. That indicates that the supervision and regulation to local government are needed in emergency management. As the participants of emergency management, many agents like central government, citizens, and new media all can be regulators or the subjects of supervision. So, how can these agents be prompted to make strategy choices in favor of emergency management supervision in public health events? To answer the question, we construct a game model with multi-participation. Pure strategy Nash equilibrium, dominant strategy equilibrium and mixed strategy Nash equilibrium are solved and analyzed. Besides, we conduct simulation analysis with Matlab 2020b to further analyze the model. The paper enriches the theoretical basis of emergency management in public health events, and provides suggestions for the supervision.
A Fractional Differential Approach to Plant Pest Mature and immature Biological Enemy
Authors: Shukla Anil Kumar , Dhar Joydip , Mishra Rajshree
Published: May 2023

The Plant Pest problem is a crucial area of investigation for the present time. Myriad chemical solutions are available to solve this issue, but due to their toxic outcomes, the Natural enemy of pests is come across to be a better solution. This article proposes a fractional calculus approach to a plant pest mature and immature Natural enemy model. Existence and uniqueness of the solution and non-negativity of the solution is being discussed also reached on the Global and Local stability of the equilibrium point. As memory is always present in biological system that is the reason the suggested technique is more advantageous due to the memory effect of fractional derivatives and produces more appropriate solutions. Simulation study for different fractional parameters generates the optimum solution.
3D plasmonic SERS aptasensor for rapid detection of aflatoxin B1 combined with Au@Ag bimetallic nanostars and Fe3O4@MoS2 magnetic nanoflowers
Authors: Chen Peifang , Jiang Caiyun , Wang Zhouping , Lian Hong-zhen , Ma Xiaoyuan
Published: May 2023

As a virulent metabolite, aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) presented in various cereal grain is tightly implicated in severe human diseases. In this study, 3D plasmonic nanohybirds of Raman molecule 4-mercaptobenzoic acid (4-MBA)-embedded and AFB1 aptamer-modified bimetallic nanostars as probes bound to magnetic nanoflowers were fabricated and demonstrated as a high-performance SERS-active aptasensor to quantitatively analyze AFB1. Bimetallic Au@Ag SERS plasmonic nanoprobes with enhanced properties were capable of enhancing discriminative Raman peaks of 4-MBA. Then, the integration of iron tetroxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NPs) and molybdenum disulfide nanosheets (MoS2 NSs) with huge specific surface area constituted stable 3D Fe3O4@MoS2 plasmonic nanoflowers, facilitating the bind of numerous aptamer-based SERS probes via the non-covalent interaction between MoS2 NSs and aptamer, which were ideal candidates for SERS-active substrates. Additionally, Fe3O4 NPs as magenetic core endowed 3D nanocomposites with specific magnetic separation characteristic that caused the collected SERS hotspots to exhibit superior signal response, and further strengthening the sensitivity in a complex food matrix. Aptamer-target AFB1 specific recognition triggered linearly diminished 4-MBA signal intensity (I4-MBA) on the substrate to achieve a low detection limit of 58.9 pg/mL. Furthermore, the sensor has the potential to be a promising monitoring tool for trace contaminants.
Water distribution networks optimization considering uncertainties in the demand nodes
Authors: Ravagnani Mauro A. S. S. , Cassiolato Gustavo H. B. , Ruiz-Femenia Ruben , Salcedo-Diaz Raquel
Published: May 2023

The design of water distribution networks (WDN) can be formulated as an optimization problem. The objective function, normally, is the network cost, given by the installation cost, which depends on the pipe diameters and by the operation cost, given by the pumping costs associated to the network, which depends on the hydraulic pumps necessary in the system. The water demand can be variable in the network nodes and this variability can be modeled by a finite set of scenarios generated by a normal distribution. In the present paper a disjunctive Mixed Integer Nonlinear Programming (MINLP) formulation optimization problem is proposed to model the design of WDN under uncertainties in the nodes demand. Flow directions are considered unknown and a deterministic approach is used to solve the problem in three steps. Firstly, the problem is solved considering only a nominal value to each uncertain parameter. In the second step, the problem is solved for all the scenarios, being the scenario independent variables fixed to the solution achieved in the first step, which is a deterministic solution. Finally, all the scenarios are solved without fixing any variable value, in a stochastic approach. Two case studies were used to test the model applicability and global optimization techniques were used to solve the problem. Results show that the stochastic solution can lead to optimal solutions for robust and flexible WDN, able to work under distinct conditions, considering the nodes demand uncertainties.
Simply Adding Oral Nutritional Supplementation to Haemodialysis Patients May Not Be Enough: Real-life Prospective Interventional Study
Authors: Ocepek Andreja , Ekart Robert , Bržan Petra Povalej , Bevc Sebastjan
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Protein energy wasting (PEW) is a common and serious co-morbidity in haemodialysis patients. Its importance as a prognostic factor has been increasingly recognised during past decades. Much effort has been invested in the improvement of nutritional status and amelioration of consequences through different therapeutic approaches, either intradialytic parenteral nutrition or more commonly oral nutritional supplementation. In the article, we present the results of a prospective study in haemodialysis patients after 12 months of therapeutic intervention with ONS.
Methods: 92 HD adult patients were enrolled in the study after three months wash-out period. At baseline nutritional status was assessed using composite scores, laboratory markers, bioelectrical impedance analysis and hand-grip strength test. Patients recognised as undernourished or at high risk for undernutrition received renal-specific commercially available ONS on haemodialysis day in addition to their regular diet. After 12 months, the effect of ONS on surrogate markers of undernutrition, serum albumin level, phase angle and hand-grip strength was analysed in 71 surviving patients.
Results: After 12 months data for 71 patients, 39 (54.9%) male, 62.4±12.9 years, median haemodialysis vintage 53.3 (IQR 65.3) months, was available. Patients were divided into three groups: in group A were patients with normal nutritional status at baseline not necessitating ONS; in group B were patients who received ONS; and in group C were patients entitled to receive but refused to take ONS. Baseline results showed statistically significant differences between groups in serum albumin levels and phase angle but not hand-grip strength. Differences between groups remained statistically significant at month 12; we did not find any statistically significant positive changes within groups indicating no positive effect of intervention with ONS.
Conclusions: In a prospectively designed interventional single-centre study, we did not find a statistically significant change of surrogate markers of PEW in our cohort of haemodialysis patients receiving ONS for 12 months. Since PEW is an independent risk factor influencing the survival of haemodialysis patients, efforts should be directed towards a timely and comprehensive nutritional approach, including intensive, personalised dietary counselling, increase in protein and energy intake and advocating tight control of nutritional status during haemodialysis treatment, possibly providing psychological support and motivation.
Study Protocol for A Statewide Educational Intervention Focused on Reducing COVID-19 Health Disparities Through a Quality Improvement Approach
Authors: Tarfa Adati , Fadul Nada , Stohs Erica J , Wetherhold Jeffery , Kebede Mahelet , Mirghani Nuha , Ashraf Muhammad Salman
Published: May 2023

Objective
To describe the protocol of a statewide educational program for healthcare professionals (HCP) addressing COVID-19 disparities using quality improvement (QI) approach.
Intervention
A 19-month program to educate HCP has been developed in the priority areas of health equity, cultural sensitivity, infection prevention and control (IPC), and QI to address COVID-19 disparities.
Method
This innovative approach combines the Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHOTM) model of learning with one-on-one coaching to assist participants with practical application. Participants are a diverse group of HCP and stakeholders working in healthcare and public health organizations. Participants meet twice monthly for 90-minute virtual interactive sessions led by subject matter experts and project consultants. The sessions are divided into didactic presentations, case discussions, COVID-19 updates, and pre/post-session assessments, and are eligible for continuing education credits. Participants are supported to develop a QI project addressing an area for health disparities in their work setting under the guidance of QI and health equity coaches.
Using the RE-AIM framework, a mixed-mode approach is used to collect quantitative data on continuing education credit claims, participants’ characteristics, participation, satisfaction, and learning competence. Semi-structured qualitative interviews are used to gain insights into participants’ application of ECHO training and the project's impact on their competence and plan to implement relevant changes using QI approach.
Conclusion
The ECHO model has significant strengths based on its multidisciplinary approach and case-based learning that help interlinks priority areas to uniquely address COVID-19 disparities. Disseminating protocol for this novel intervention has the potential to generate additional projects addressing health disparities using this educational platform.
Preclinical Diagnosis of Schizophrenia using EEGTime-Frequency Analysis During Motor Function and verbal Fluency Tests
Authors: Arikumar K. S. , Tamilarasi K. , Baza Mohamed , Srivast Gautam , Alsabaan Maazen , Gadekallu Thippa Reddy , Prathiba Sahaya Beni , Ganapathy Senthilkumar
Published: May 2023

Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness that impairs the way a person perceives reality. It causes a variety of issues related to behavior, emotions, and thinking (cognition). Patients experience auditory hallucinations, delusion, and sleep deprivation. Although the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) IV version helps in diagnosis, the lack of clinical tools available leads to delayed diagnosis. To ease preclinical diagnosis, this study conducted two tests, namely Motor Function Test (MFT) and the verbal Fluency Test (VFT). The neural activity of the brain during these two tests is captured by an Electroencephalogram(EEG). However, EEG signals are not widely used for clinical analysis, as the signals are blurred during acquisition, random, and shortcoming of the signal processing algorithm. Hence, in this paper, we propose a Preclinical Diagnosis of Schizophrenia using Multi-SynchroSqueezing Transform (MSST) (PDS-M) to analyze the blurred EEG signal with Time-frequency analysis.PDS-M produces a sharper signal and achieves perfect signal reconstruction. The mono component of MSST in each mode is termed intermediate frequency and it is used as the feature (such as lack of emotion, hallucinations, or disorganized thinking)for discriminating schizophrenic subjects from normal ones. The results show that the MFT is better than the VFT for preclinical study and this study also suggests that MSST is more suitable for time-frequency analysis of EEG signal since all the three modes multi-components are different from normal having a low p-value of p=0, p=0, and p=0.008, respectively, where p is the probability of data having occurred under the null hypothesis of a statistical test.
Impact of cancer stem cell marker expression in vestibular schwannoma progression
Authors: Klause Clara Helene , Schildhauer Paola , Strauss Christian , Rampp Stefan , Scheller Christian , Leisz Sandra
Published: May 2023

Background: Vestibular schwannoma (VS), a benign tumor originating from the Schwann cells surrounding the 8th cranial nerve, is one of the most common intracranial tumors. Affected patients suffer from symptoms such as impaired hearing, dizziness and dysfunction of surrounding cranial nerves, which increase with the size of the VS. Although various factors influencing VS growth have been investigated, the molecular causes remain unclear. Cancer stem cells (CSC) are already known from malignant tumor entities to have the ability to self-renew and differentiate to generate and drive tumor growth. Therefore, our study investigated the influence of the expression of cancer stem cell markers in the VS progression.
Methods: An exploratory study of eleven CSC markers was performed in 165 VS of different tumor volume by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and correlated with preoperative tumor volume. In addition, we investigated the CSC markers Nestin, Nanog, CD44 and CD45 in selected VS primary cultures by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. Finally, a copy number variation analysis of 26 tumor samples was performed to investigate gain or loss of CSC markers at DNA level.
Results: Our results showed a strong correlation among CSC marker expression and a correlation of the tumor volume with eight CSC markers. In the VS, in particular, the expression of the markers CXCR-4 (r=0.23, p=0.0045), CD44 (r=0.24, p=0.0041), CD45 (r=0.17, p=0.046), Nestin (r=0.21, p=0.014), and CD133 (r=0.23, p=0.0057) were related to volume increase, whereas expression of SOX2 (r=-0.24, p=0.0031), c-myc (r=-0.19, p=0.020) and Klf4 (r=-0.22, p=0.0088) showed a negative correlation with the tumor volume. Using flow cytometry and immunofluorescence analysis, population of cells were detected expressing CD44 and CD45 as well as Nestin and Nanog simultaneously.
Conclusion: This suggests that there is a not previously described subpopulation of CSC in VS, which is associated with an increasing tumor volume. Due to the limited treatment options available for VS, these findings could offer the possibility of targeting CSC pharmacologically to prevent tumor progression in the VS.
Evaluation of water from Lake Coatetelco in central-south Mexico and surrounding groundwater wells for drinking and irrigation, and possible health risk
Authors: Roy Priyadarsi D. , García-Arriola Oscar Agesandro , Selvam Sekar , Vargas-Martínez Irma Gabriela , Zavala José Luis Sánchez
Published: May 2023

With an increasing reduction of hydrological resources across Mexico and their growing contamination due to global warming and anthropogenic activities, this study evaluated water from the perennial Lake Coatetelco (Ca–Mg–HCO3) in tropical central-southern Mexico and groundwater (Ca–Mg–HCO3 and Na–HCO3–Cl) from the surrounding wells for drinking as well as irrigation qualities. Comparison with the WHO guidelines, and the estimated water quality indices (DWQI and IWQI) grouped almost all the samples collected after the warm season rainfall in excellent and good categories (DWQI < 100) for drinking, even though fluoride remained > 1.5 mg/L in 50% samples. Except for one groundwater sample, all showed > 25% permeability (classes I and II) in Donnen classification indicating their suitability for irrigation. USSL and Wilcox classifications, however, catalogued some in the high-salinity hazard group and some as doubtful for irrigating regular plants. Samples from about 53% wells are also in high and severe restriction irrigation categories of IWQI. Total Hazard Quotient Index (THQI) of non-carcinogenic risk results (HQfluoride>1) shows that at least one lake water sample and 47% of groundwater might expose both adult and child population to possible risk of dental and skeletal fluorosis. This baseline information about water quality might be useful for both the short- and long-term monitoring and evaluation in this region.
A Bayesian model of visual search in natural images and the role of memory
Authors: Rashidi Shima , Turpin Andrew , Kulik Lars , Ehinger Krista A.
Published: May 2023

Modelling human eye movements during visual search has been a research topic of interest for many years. Here, we investigate if a Bayesian ideal observer model can be configured to effectively explain human eye movements when searching for a known object target in natural images. We collected eye movements from participants who searched for a known target in 18 different natural textured images and compared their performance and strategy to the ideal observer model. Our model chooses search fixations that maximize information gain, given a probabilistic model of target detectability, at various eccentricities which is in turn approximated from features of a convolutional neural network. We collect and use ground truth data from a second experiment with human observers (observers detecting a target at various eccentricities on the 18 natural textured backgrounds) to fine-tune the parameters of our proposed pipeline for detectability estimation and verify our results. We further study the role of short-term memory in the ideal observer model and find that a model with limited memory best fits the human search patterns. Our results suggest that the visual system's strategy for choosing next fixation location in a visual search task is consistent with a Bayesian ideal observer model.
Role of nitrate in the production of iron-modified hydrochar for arsenic removal
Authors: Zhang Yiwei , Chen Dandan , Xing Yutong , Liu Bangwei , Zhou Yan , Lu Ping
Published: May 2023

Iron-modified biochar is a promising As adsorption material. Compared to biochar, hydrochar has better As adsorption characteristics due to its abundant functional group. Many studies on iron modification of biochars have been reported. However, there are no reports focusing on the iron modification of hydrochars with different iron species. In this paper, a novel As adsorption material, iron-modified hydrochar, was synthesized through one-step hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) of poplar sawdust by different iron species, i.e., FeCl3·6H2O (FC), FeSO4·7H2O (FS) and Fe(NO3)3·9H2O (FN). The physicochemical properties, Fe binding stability, and As adsorption properties of hydrochars were examined to see how preparation conditions and iron species affected them. Results showed that the iron retention rate and As adsorption capacity of hydrochar modified by FN were much higher than those modified by FS and FC. Moreover, these two increased proportionally with the increasing iron dosage. However, preparation time had limited effect on them. In addition, the functioning of FN in HTC was investigated to determine the key to enhancing the iron content of hydrochars in HTC. The As adsorption mechanism of iron-modified hydrochars was also studied to analyze the key to improve its As adsorption capacity. This paper will provide useful information for improving the preparation of iron-modified hydrochars and its As adsorption capacity.
Regulation of myogenesis and adipogenesis by the electromagnetic perceptive gene
Authors: Hwang Jangsun , Jung Haewoon , Kim Kyung Min , Jeong Daun , Lee Jinhyuck , Hong Jeong-Ho , Jang Woo Young
Published: May 2023

Obesity has been increasing in many regions of the world, including Europe, USA, and Korea. To manage obesity, we should consider it as a disease and apply therapeutic methods for its treatment. Molecular and therapeutic approaches for obesity management involve regulating biomolecules such as DNA, RNA, and protein in adipose-derived stem cells to prevent to be fat cells. Multiple factors are believed to play a role in fat differentiation, with one of the most effective factor is Ca2+. In particular, Ca2+ plays an important role in different stages of cell development and is introduced into it by various mechanisms, including calcium channels. We recently reported that the electromagnetic perceptive gene (EPG) regulated intracellular Ca2+ levels under various electromagnetic fields. This study aimed to investigate whether EPG could serve as a therapeutic method against obesity.
We confirmed that EPG serves as a modulator of Ca2+ levels in primary adipose cells, thereby regulating serval genes during the adipogenesis. In addition, this study also identified EPG-mediated regulation of myogenesis that myocyte transcription factors were elevated in C2C12 cells and satellite cells. In conclusion, the in vitro and in vivo experiments carried out in this study indicates that owing to its regulatory function, EPG could serve as a potent therapeutic agent against obesity.
Using mice from different breeders fails to improve replicability of results
Authors: Würbel Hanno , Jaric Ivana , Voelkl Bernhard , Amrein Irmgard , Wolfer David , Novak Janja , Detotto Carlotta , Weber-Stadlbauer Ulrike , Meyer Urs , Manuella Francesca , Mansuy Isabelle
Published: May 2023

Theoretical and empirical evidence indicates that low external validity due to rigorous standardization of study populations is a cause of poor replicability in animal research. Here, we report a multi-laboratory study to test whether heterogenization of study populations by using animals from different breeders increases the replicability of results from single-laboratory studies. We found that heterogenization by breeder was not potent enough to increase external validity sufficiently to improve replicability.
Drivers of Early Childhood Vaccination Success in Nepal, Senegal, and Zambia: A Multiple Case Study Analysis Using the Consolidated Framework of Implementation Research
Authors: Escoffery Cam , Ogutu Emily Awino , Sakas Zoe , Hester Kyra A , Ellis Anna , Rodriguez Katie , Jaishwal Chandni , Yang Chenmua , Dixit Sameer , Bose Anindya , Sarr Moussa , Kilembe William , Bednarczyk Robert A , Freeman Matthew
Published: May 2023

Introduction
The fundamental components of a vaccine delivery system are well-documented, but robust evidence is needed on how the related processes and implementation strategies - including the facilitators and barriers- contribute to improvements in childhood vaccination coverage. The purpose of this study was to identify critical facilitators and barriers to the implementation of common interventions across three countries that have dramatically increased coverage of early childhood vaccination over the past 20 years, and to qualify common or divergent themes in their success.
Methods
We conducted 277 key informant interviews and focus group discussions with public health leaders at the regional, district, and local levels and community members in Nepal, Senegal, and Zambia to identify intervention activities and the facilitators and barriers to implementation. We used thematic analysis grounded in the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to identify immunization program key facilitators and barriers.
Results
We found that the common facilitators to program implementation across the countries were the CFIR inner setting constructs of 1) networks and communications, 2) goals and feedback, 3) relative priority, and 4) readiness for implementation; and outer setting constructs of 4) cosmopolitanism and 5) external policies and mandates. The common barriers were incentives and rewards, available resources, access to knowledge and information, and patients needs and resources. Critical to the success of these national immunization programs were prioritization and codification of health as a human right, clear chain of command and shared ownership of immunization, communication of program goals and feedback, offering of incentives at multiple levels, training of staff central to vaccination education, the provision of resources to support the program, key partnerships and guidance on implementation and adoption of vaccination policies.
Conclusion
Adequate organizational commitment, resources, communication, training, and partnerships were the most critical facilitators for these countries to improve childhood vaccination.
Micro problems with Macro Consequences: Accumulation of Persistent Organic Pollutants and Microplastics in Human Breast Milk and in Human Milk Substitutes
Authors: Caba-Flores Mario Daniel , Martínez-Valenzuela Carmen , Cardenas-Tueme Marcela , Camacho-Morales Alberto
Published: May 2023

Massive increases of industrial activities provide a modern human lifestyle with filled with advances and comforts in every field. However, such demands from consumers have brought several negative issues. Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and a growing plastic usage together with the byproducts of their degradation, namely microplastics (MPs) are some of the current environmental problems found in every ecosystem, disturbing all forms of life. POPs and MPs accumulation are also found in products for human consumption including animal and vegetal food derivates, human milk substitutes and critically in human breastmilk. To date, it is currently unknown what are the effects of MPs and POPs when ingested during the first 1000 days of life that represents the first and most important stage for health programming of the offspring. Here, we will add epidemiological and clinical evidence supporting major sources of POPs and MPs in the ecosystem. Also, we will precisely describe the effect of POPs and MPs accumulation in animal- or plant- based infant formulas and human breastmilk, modulating health outcomes in the newborn. We conceive that this review provides a rational to incentive the POPs and MPs identification in human milk and human milk substitutes to provide an early and prompt advise avoiding susceptibility to negative health outcomes for the newborn during the first 1000 days of life.