bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does a 30-minute introductory visit to the operating room reduce patients’ anxiety before elective surgery? A prospective controlled observational study
Authors: Bidgoli Zеinab Asilian , Sadat Zohreh , Zarei Mohammadreza , Ajorpaz Nеda Mirbaghеr , Hossеinian Masoumеh
Published: December 2023

Background

Patients scheduled for elective surgery typically suffer from preoperative anxiety related to the unknown environment and unclear expectations. We hypothesized that a virtual or in-person introductory visit to the operating room one day before surgery may decrease the extent of preoperative anxiety by familiarizing patients and their families with the operating room environment. So, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of operating room visits, conducted both in-person and virtual reality, on patients’ preoperative anxiety.

Methods

This prospеctivе controllеd obsеrvational study еxaminеd patiеnts who wеrе candidatеs for gеnеral surgеry in a tеaching hospital in Iran. All patiеnts agеd bеtwееn 18–60 yеars, who wеrе undеrgoing gеnеral surgеry bеtwееn April and Sеptеmbеr 2022 and had prеopеrativе anxiеty basеd on thе Spiеlbеrgеr quеstionnairе, wеrе sеlеctеd. Patients who had emergency surgery or were taking anti-anxiety drugs were excluded from the study. Patiеnts wеrе thеn randomly assignеd to thе in-pеrson visit, virtual rеality visit, and control groups. In thе in-pеrson group, individuals visitеd thе opеrating room for 30 minutеs on thе day bеforе surgеry. In contrast, in thе virtual rеality group, visits wеrе conductеd via a ‘livе’ virtual vidеo tour of thе opеrating room for thе samе duration on thе day bеforе surgеry. The control group received routine care such as prе-surgеry hospitalization and mеdication. All participants completed the Spielberger questionnaire before the intervention (the day before surgery) and again two hours before surgery. Data were analyzed using variance analysis, t-tests, and Chi-square tests in SPSS 22 software.

Results

Wе idеntifiеd 105 patiеnts undеrgoing gеnеral surgеry who wеrе dividеd into thrее groups of 35 pеoplе еach. Thе rеsults showеd that, bеforе thе intеrvеntion, thеrе wеrе no statistically significant diffеrеncеs among thе thrее groups in tеrms of dеmographic data and prеopеrativе anxiеty (p > 0.05). Aftеr thе intеrvеntion, thе mеan scorеs of prеopеrativе anxiеty in thе in-pеrson visit, virtual rеality visit, and control groups wеrе 52.82 ± 4.51, 54.48 ± 5.04, and 53.42 ± 4.62, rеspеctivеly, with no significant statistical diffеrеncе (p = 0.33). Furthermore, there was no significant difference in preoperative anxiety scores before and after the intervention in the in-person visit (p = 0.13), virtual reality visit (p = 0.10), and control (p = 0.33) groups.

Conclusion

A 30-minute visit to familiarize patients with the operating room environment, equipment, and staff, whether conducted in-person or virtually, does not significantly affect patients’ preoperative anxiety or reduce their anxiety levels.
Frostbite treatment: a systematic review with meta-analyses
Authors: Regli Ivo B. , Oberhammer Rosmarie , Zafren Ken , Brugger Hermann , Strapazzon Giacomo
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Our objective was to perform a systematic review of the outcomes of various frostbite treatments to determine which treatments are effective. We also planned to perform meta-analyses of the outcomes of individual treatments for which suitable data were available.

Main Body

We performed a systematic review and meta-analyses in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. We searched PubMed, Cochrane Trials, and EMBase to identify primary references from January 1, 1900, to June 18, 2022. After eliminating duplicates, we screened abstracts to identify eligible studies containing information on treatment and outcomes of Grade 2 to 4 frostbite. We performed meta-analyses of groups of articles that provided sufficient data. We registered our review in the prospective registry of systematic reviews PROSPERO (Nr. 293,693).

We identified 4,835 potentially relevant studies. We excluded 4,610 studies after abstract screening. We evaluated the full text of the remaining 225 studies, excluding 154. Ultimately, we included 71 articles with 978 cases of frostbite originating from 1 randomized controlled trial, 20 cohort studies and 51 case reports. We found wide variations in classifications of treatments and outcomes. The two meta-analyses we performed both found that patients treated with thrombolytics within 24 h had better outcomes than patients treated with other modalities. The one randomized controlled trial found that the prostacyclin analog iloprost was beneficial in severe frostbite if administered within 48 h.

Conclusions

Iloprost and thrombolysis may be beneficial for treating frostbite. The effectiveness of other commonly used treatments has not been validated. More prospective data from clinical trials or an international registry may help to inform optimal treatment.
Impact of a disability-targeted microentrepreneurship programme in Kenya: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial of the InBusiness programme
Authors: Banks Lena Morgon , Kepha Stella , Zinke-Allmang Anja , Gichuki Paul M. , Scherer Nathaniel , Mwandawiro Charles , Carew Mark , Njomo Doris , Chen Shanquan , Okoyo Collins , Davey Calum , Shakespeare Tom , Pereira Maria Antonella , Goyal Divya , Kuper Hannah
Published: December 2023

Background

There is a lack of evidence on the effectiveness of livelihood interventions amongst people with disabilities. In many countries, self-employment or microentrepreneurship is a dominant source of livelihoods for people with disabilities and their caregivers. However, this group may face heightened barriers to successful microentrepreneurship, including discrimination, exclusion from training or inaccessible transport, infrastructure and communication systems. The InBusiness programme is a livelihoods programme targeted to microentrepeneurs with disabilities or their caregivers delivered by a consortium of non-governmental organisations. The programme focuses on improving the skills, practices and opportunities of microentrepreneurs while linking them with procurement opportunities with private and public institutions. This protocol describes a randomised controlled trial of the InBusiness programme in eight counties of Kenya.

Methods

The randomised controlled trial will involve 495 microentrepreneurs who have been verified as eligible for InBusiness by programme implementers. Individuals will be randomised within counties, either being invited to enrol in InBusiness in March 2023 or allocated to a control group. Participants in the control arm will receive information about compliance with business-related laws and available social protection programmes. The trial will assess the impact of InBusiness on household consumption and individual economic empowerment (primary outcomes) as well as food security, well-being, social attitudes, unmet need for disability-related services and microenterprise profits (secondary outcomes). Baseline was conducted in March 2023, and follow-up will be 24 months from baseline (12 months from completion of the programme). Analysis will be through intention to treat. A process evaluation will explore fidelity, mechanisms of impact and the role of context, and complementary qualitative research with participants will be used to triangulate findings across the trial.

Discussion

This study will provide evidence on the impact of a large-scale disability-targeted livelihood programme on household and individual financial security and well-being. Currently, there is a lack of evidence on the effectiveness of livelihood programmes amongst people with disabilities, and so this trial can help inform the design and delivery of InBusiness as well as other livelihood programmes targeted to people with disabilities.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov ISRCTN13693137. Registered on April 24, 2023.
4,8-Dicarboxyl-8,9-iridoid-1-glycoside inhibits apoptosis in human osteoarthritis chondrocytes via enhanced c-MYC-mediated cholesterol metabolism in vitro
Authors: Wang WeiBing , Mai HaiMin , Xu Huang , Jing BaoSheng , Yu CuiYu , Li XiaoTing , Chen DanGui , Huang Yuan , Shao MeiMang , Pan Tao
Published: December 2023

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease related to cholesterol metabolism disorders. However, current therapies for OA are insufficient and no convincing disease-modifying OA drugs exist. Therefore, we aimed to elucidate the mechanism by which borojoa iridoid glycoside (BIG) inhibits chondrocyte apoptosis in OA.

Methods

Borojoa pulp was heated to 70 °C, and the main active substance in borojoa, BIG, was extracted by fractionation at an ultraviolet 254-nm absorption peak. Chondrocytes were identified by immunohistochemistry and visualized by immunofluorescence confocal microscopy. The proliferation of chondrocytes cultured with BIG was determined by MTS assay. The apoptosis of chondrocytes cultured with BIG was tested by Annexin V-FITC/PI, and the cytokine, protein, and cholesterol levels in chondrocytes were detected by ELISA, RT‒qPCR, Western blot, and biochemistry analyses. Protein‒protein interactions were verified by a coimmunoprecipitation (Co-IP) assay.

Results

BIG promoted chondrocyte proliferation and reduced apoptosis in vitro. BIG induced an alteration of the total RNA profiles in chondrocytes, and bioinformatic analysis showed that BIG inhibited chondrocyte apoptosis by promoting c-MYC expression; KEGG analysis confirmed that BIG-inhibited apoptosis was enriched in the cell cycle pathway. Flow cell cycle experiments confirmed that BIG promoted chondrocyte proliferation by significantly increasing the S phase cell number. The c-MYC inhibitor 10058-F4 stimulated the increased expression of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and AGEs and suppressed the cholesterol metabolism, which promoted chondrocyte apoptosis and autophagy. Co-IP analysis showed that BIG promoted the interaction of c-MYC and CH25H, Bcl-2, which suggests that BIG could inhibit chondrocyte apoptosis in part by enhancing c-MYC-mediated cholesterol metabolism.

Conclusions

This study confirmed that BIG promotes chondrocyte proliferation and inhibits apoptosis and autophagy, and BIG improving OA is associated with cholesterol metabolism. The results identify a potential mechanism by which BIG enhances c-MYC-mediated CH25H regulation of cholesterol metabolism in vitro and suggest that BIG might be a promising new drug against OA.
The molecular footprints of BK virus in the product of conception over the second and third gestational trimesters
Authors: Shokoofeh Mona , Malekshahi Somayeh Shatizadeh , Soltanghoraee Haleh
Published: December 2023

Objective

Prior studies have shown controversial results on the vertical transmission of BK virus (BKV). The present study aimed to assess the possibility of BKV vertical transmission from mother to fetus in the product of conception (embryo, fetuses, and/or placentas) over the three stages of pregnancy.

Results

Of the 26 placental studied tissues, 6 were in the first trimester, and none of which were positive. Only one out of the 13 (7.7%) placental materials in the second trimester was positive. Only one out of 7 (14%) placental materials of the third trimester was positive. There were cases that no virus was detected in their placental but BKV was detected in their other tissues. Among 26 conceptuses, 17 (65%) were negative for BKV and 9 (34.6%) were positive, 7/13 (54%) were positive in the second, and 2/7 (29%) were positive in the third trimester fetuses. BKV was most frequently detected in the liver (eight cases), heart (three cases), and placenta (2 cases). There were cases that no virus was detected in their placental but BKV was detected in their other tissues.
Asynchrony enhances uncanniness in human, android, and virtual dynamic facial expressions
Authors: Diel Alexander , Sato Wataru , Hsu Chun-Ting , Minato Takashi
Published: December 2023

Objective

Uncanniness plays a vital role in interactions with humans and artificial agents. Previous studies have shown that uncanniness is caused by a higher sensitivity to deviation or atypicality in specialized categories, such as faces or facial expressions, marked by configural processing. We hypothesized that asynchrony, understood as a temporal deviation in facial expression, could cause uncanniness in the facial expression. We also hypothesized that the effect of asynchrony could be disrupted through inversion.

Results

Sixty-four participants rated the uncanniness of synchronous or asynchronous dynamic face emotion expressions of human, android, or computer-generated (CG) actors, presented either upright or inverted. Asynchrony vs. synchrony expressions increased uncanniness for all upright expressions except for CG angry expressions. Inverted compared with upright presentations produced less evident asynchrony effects for human angry and android happy expressions. These results suggest that asynchrony can cause dynamic expressions to appear uncanny, which is related to configural processing but different across agents.
Reduced blood glucose levels by the combination of vadadustat in an elderly patient with chronic kidney disease who was receiving mitiglinide and sitagliptin: a case report
Authors: Takakura Ayumi , Hirai Toshinori , Hamaguchi Naomi , Mukohara Rika , Matsumoto Kazutaka , Yano Yutaka , Iwamoto Takuya
Published: December 2023

Background

Our case is the first report showing the development of hypoglycemia following the administration of vadadustat in a patient with chronic kidney disease being treated with mitiglinide and sitagliptin, possibly due to drug–drug interaction between vadadustat and sitagliptin under the administration of mitiglinide.

Case presentation

A 72-year-old man with type 2 diabetes mellitus had received sitagliptin 50 mg once daily and mitiglinide 10 mg three times daily over the last 3 years. He initiated vadadustat 300 mg once daily orally on day X owing to renal anemia (hemoglobin A1c: 7.4% and estimated glomerular filtration rate: 28.0 mL/min/1.73 m2). On day 23, he developed hypoglycemia with a blood glucose level of 67 mg/dL. The mean blood glucose level ± standard deviation was lower in the first 24 days of co-administration of vadadustat (before breakfast: 94 ± 14 mg/dL, before lunch: 109 ± 24 mg/dL, and before dinner: 126 ± 39 mg/dL) than in the last 2 weeks (before breakfast: 108 ± 14 mg/dL, before lunch: 122 ± 24 mg/dL, and before dinner: 158 ± 39 mg/dL). Considering the timing of the concomitant administration of vadadustat, hypoglycemia may have been caused by the drug–drug interaction between sitagliptin and vadadustat, and he discontinued treatment with vadadustat. The mean blood glucose levels improved two weeks after the discontinuation of vadadustat (before breakfast: 121 ± 25 mg/dL, before lunch: 147 ± 38 mg/dL, and before dinner: 161 ± 36 mg/dL). The drug interaction probability scale was classified as "Probable" (5 points).

Conclusions

Hypoglycemia was observed when sitagliptin, mitiglinide, and vadadustat were concomitantly administered, which may have resulted in a drug–drug interaction between vadadustat and sitagliptin via OAT3 inhibition in the renal tubules.
A pan-cancer analysis of Dyskeratosis congenita 1 (DKC1) as a prognostic biomarker
Authors: Liu Xin-ying , Tan Qing , Li Lin-xiao
Published: December 2023

Background

Dyskeratosis congenita 1 (DKC1), a critical component of telomerase complex, is highly expressed in a variety of human cancers. However, the association of DKC1 with cancer occurrence and development stages is not clear, making a pan-cancer analysis crucial.

Methods

We conducted a study using various bioinformatic databases such as TIMER, GEPIA, UALCAN, and KM plotter Analysis to examine the different expressions of DKC1 in multiple tissues and its correlation with pathological stages. Through KEGG analysis, GO enrichment analysis and Venn analysis, we were able to reveal DKC1-associated genes and signaling pathways. In addition, we performed several tests including the CCK, wound healing assay, cell cycle arrest assay, transwell assay and Sa-β-gal staining on DKC1-deleted MDA-231 cells.

Results

Our study demonstrates that DKC1 has relatively low expression specificity in different tissues. Furthermore, we found that in ACC, KICH, KIRP and LIHC, the expression level of DKC1 is positively correlated with pathological stages. Conversely, in NHSC, KIRP, LGG, LIHC, MESO and SARC, we observed a negative influence of DKC1 expression level on the overall survival rate. We also found a significant positive correlation between DKC1 expression and Tumor Mutational Burden in 14 tumors. Additionally, we observed a significantly negative impact of DKC1 DNA methylation on gene expression at the promoter region in BRCA. We also identified numerous phosphorylation sites concentrated at the C-terminus of the DKC1 protein. Our GO analysis revealed a correlation between DKC1 and ribosomal biosynthesis pathways, and the common element UTP14A was identified. We also observed decreased rates of cell proliferation, migration and invasion abilities in DKC1-knockout MDA-MB-231 cell lines. Furthermore, DKC1-knockout induced cell cycle arrest and caused cell senescence.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the precise expression of DKC1 is closely associated with the occurrence and developmental stages of cancer in multiple tissues. Depletion of DKC1 can inhibit the abilities of cancer cells to proliferate, migrate, and invade by arresting the cell cycle and inducing cell senescence. Therefore, DKC1 may be a valuable prognostic biomarker for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in various tissues.
Comparative analysis of two timepoints on [18F]FAPI-42 PET/CT in various cancers
Authors: Mu Xingyu , Mo Biyun , Qin Jie , Li Zuguo , Chong Weixia , Zeng Yulong , Lu Lu , Zhang Lei , Fu Wei
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to assess the biodistribution, detection rate, and uptake of the [18F]FAPI-42 at two distinct time intervals.

Methods

This prospective study enrolled 60 consecutive patients (median age 59; range 35–74) referred to [18F]FAPI-42 PET/CT. [18F]FAPI-42 PET/CT was performed early and late timepoint after tracer injection for staging or restaging. Positive lesions specified for anatomic locations (primary or recurrent tumor, LN metastasis and other metastasis) by visual analysis at both timepoints. Semiquantitative analysis of the tracer activity in lesions as well as normal tissues at both time points were measured and compared. In a subgroup analysis, eleven patients underwent 2-[18F]FDG PET/CT within 1 week, the detection rate and uptake of lesion were compared between early [18F]FAPI-42 and 2-[18F]FDG.

Results

Uptake of [18F]FAPI-42 in the late timepoint was significantly lower than the early timepoint in most organs (all p < 0.05), except for bone (SUVmean 0.88 vs. 0.85; p = 0.218). Tracer retention at biliary system showed less frequent at early timepoint than late timepoint. A total of 194 lesions were detected in 60 patients. One lesion was only seen at early timepoint but not at late timepoint. Lesions on early [18F]FAPI-42 PET/CT had higher visual score than that of late image(23 vs. 6). The uptake of lesion decreased significantly from early to late timepoint (all p < 0.05). In subgroup analysis, early [18F]FAPI-42 illustrated higher detection rate, visual score, and uptake of lesion than that of 2-[18F]FDG PET/CT.

Conclusion

Early [18F]FAPI-42 PET/CT provided consistent detection rates and lesion uptake, but less tracer retention in the biliary system compared to late images. Therefore, acquisition at early timepoint could be a feasible strategy for improving acquisition protocols of [18F]FAPI-42 PET/CT.

Trial registration: ChiCTR2200063441. Registered 28 September 2022—Retrospectively registered, https://www.chictr.org.cn/bin/project/edit?pid=149714.
A scientometric analysis of entrepreneurship research in the age of COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Lwesya Francis , Mwakasangula Eliza
Published: December 2023

This article conducted a scientometric analysis of entrepreneurship research during the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath. The results show that the research focused on four thematic research clusters, namely (a) entrepreneurship and crisis management (b) social entrepreneurship and collaborative networks (c) entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial intentions, and (d) entrepreneurship and adaptation measures to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our analysis shows that while the COVID-19 pandemic has had significant negative impacts on entrepreneurship, innovation, digital transformation, resilience and adaptability, dynamic capabilities and organisational learning, collaborative networks, government support and customer-centric approaches enabled entrepreneurs to navigate the crisis. The review highlights the role of digital technologies, self-efficacy, organisational resilience, social entrepreneurship and entrepreneurship education in promoting small business development in the post-pandemic era.
The development of the Helping your Anxious Child programme: a parent-mediated group intervention for parents of autistic children in South Asia
Authors: Kittridge Caitlin , Rob Priyanka , Fisher-Rogers Amy , Anis Tarana , Attygalle Udena , Islam Farzana , Sharma Aditya Narain , Rodgers Jacqui
Published: December 2023

Autistic children are at increased risk of experiencing a range of mental health difficulties, including anxiety. A number of intervention programmes are now available in high-income countries to support autistic children. However, to date there are no evidence-based interventions to support families of such children in South Asia. Based on consultations with clinicians, researchers and parents in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, we developed a culturally tailored two-session skills-based group programme for parents whose autistic children present with anxiety. This paper describes the process of creating this programme, to be delivered by mental health professionals.
Classifying deviation from standard quantum behavior using the Kullback-Leibler divergence
Authors: Wani Salman Sajad , Al-Kuwari Saif , Shi Xiaoping , Chen Yiting , Naqash Abrar Ahmed , Rubab Seemin , Faizal Mir , Kannan S.
Published: December 2023

In this letter, we propose a novel statistical method to measure which system is better suited to probe small deviations from the usual quantum behavior. Such deviations are motivated by a number of theoretical and phenomenological motivations, and various systems have been proposed to test them. We propose that measuring deviations from quantum mechanics for a system would be easier if it had a higher Kullback-Leibler divergence. We show this explicitly for a non-local Scrödinger equation and argue that it will hold for any modification to standard quantum behavior. Thus, the results of this letter can be used to classify a wide range of theoretical and phenomenological models.
Unspooled
Authors: Drew Rob
Published: December 2023

Well into the new millennium, the analog cassette tape continues to claw its way back from obsolescence. New cassette labels emerge from hipster enclaves while the cassette's likeness pops up on T-shirts, coffee mugs, belt buckles, and cell phone cases. In Unspooled, Rob Drew traces how a lowly, hissy format that began life in office dictation machines and cheap portable players came to be regarded as a token of intimate expression through music and a source of cultural capital. Drawing on sources ranging from obscure music zines to transcripts of Congressional hearings, Drew examines a moment in the early 1980s when music industry representatives argued that the cassette encouraged piracy. At the same time, 1980s indie rock culture used the cassette as a symbol to define itself as an outsider community. Indie's love affair with the cassette culminated in the mixtape, which advanced indie's image as a gift economy. By telling the cassette's long and winding history, Drew demonstrates that sharing cassettes became an acceptable and meaningful mode of communication that initiated rituals of independent music recording, re-recording, and gifting.
Allometry: revealing evolution's engineering principles
Authors: Lindstedt Stan L. , Hoppeler Hans
Published: December 2023

An animal's body size impacts many aspects of its structure and function (Y); insights that only become apparent when viewed over several orders of magnitude of body mass (M) and expressed allometrically in the form of power law equations (Y=aMb). The resulting relationships are apparent clusters of similar exponents (b) revealing emergent ‘patterns of design’ that shed light on the universal principles of structure and function. Basic physical principles of surface area, volume and heat exchange apply to all objects, including animals, and many consequences must be attributed to these fundamental properties. Starting with Galileo's description of the shapes of bones in the 16th century and extending to 19th century explanations of heat production and loss by Sarrus and Rameaux, allometric patterns have provided numerous biological insights. Here, we examine several of these insights and explore how the selective pressures and scaling may differ when comparing animals in a vegetative (basal) state and those utilizing their maximum metabolic capacities. It seems that the selective pressures under those two conditions differ. We caution that allometric patterns invite explanations that lack supporting data or may be dismissed because there is hesitation among biologists to make comparisons lacking phylogenetic support. We argue that emergent allometric patterns have inherent value and continue to be the fodder for many fruitful hypotheses.
Cross-species gut microbiota transplantation predictably affects host heat tolerance
Authors: Dallas Jason W. , Kazarina Anna , Lee Sonny T. M. , Warne Robin W.
Published: December 2023

The gut microbiome is known to influence and have regulatory effects in diverse physiological functions of host animals, but only recently has the relationship between host thermal biology and gut microbiota been explored. Here, we examined how early-life manipulations of the gut microbiota in larval amphibians influenced their critical thermal maximum (CTmax) at different acclimation temperatures. We stripped the resident microbiome from egg masses of wild-caught wood frogs (Lithobates sylvaticus) via an antibiotic wash, and then inoculated the eggs with pond water (control), no inoculation, or the intestinal microbiota of another species that has a wider thermal tolerance – green frogs (Lithobates clamitans). We predicted that this cross-species transplant would increase the CTmax of the recipient wood frog larvae relative to the other treatments. In line with this prediction, green frog microbiome-recipient larvae had the highest CTmax while those with no inoculum had the lowest CTmax. Both the microbiome treatment and acclimation temperature significantly influenced the larval gut microbiota communities and α-diversity indices. Green frog microbiome-inoculated larvae were enriched in Rikenellaceae relative to the other treatments, which produce short-chain fatty acids and could contribute to greater energy availability and enhanced heat tolerance. Larvae that received no inoculation had a higher relative abundance of potentially pathogenic Aeromonas spp., which negatively affects host health and performance. Our results are the first to show that cross-species gut microbiota transplants alter heat tolerance in a predictable manner. This finding has repercussions for the conservation of species that are threatened by climate change and demonstrates a need to further explore the mechanisms by which the gut microbiota modulate host thermal tolerance.
Αστικό συνδεδεμένο ευφυές σύστημα μεταφορών (Urban C-ITS) για πιο πράσινες και ασφαλείς μετακινήσεις στο πλαίσιο των έξυπνων πόλεων
Authors: Κουκουνάρης Αθανάσιος
Published: December 2023

Το αυξημένο κοινωνικό κόστος των οδικών μετακινήσεων στα αστικά οδικά δίκτυα αποτελεί σοβαρό πρόβλημα με πολλαπλές κοινωνικές και περιβαλλοντικές επιπτώσεις που επιβαρύνουν όχι μόνο τους οδηγούς και επιβάτες αλλά και τους μόνιμους κατοίκους των περιοχών αυτών. Η μείωση του κοινωνικού κόστους των οδικών μετακινήσεων μπορεί να επιτευχθεί με την αποδοτικότερη διαχείριση της κυκλοφορίας. Για τον λόγο αυτό, η παρούσα έρευνα προτείνει ένα Αστικό Συνδεδεμένο Ευφυές Σύστημα Μεταφορών (Urban C-ITS). Το προτεινόμενο Σύστημα διαχειρίζεται δυναμικά την κυκλοφορία δίνοντας τις απαραίτητες εντολές στα συνδεδεμένα οχήματα σχετικά με την ταχύτητα κίνησης και την επιτάχυνση που θα πρέπει να ακολουθήσουν ώστε να προκύπτει το ελάχιστο κοινωνικό κόστος για την λειτουργία του αστικού δικτύου. Επιπρόσθετα, το Σύστημα επεμβαίνει στους κύκλους των φωτεινών σηματοδοτών επιμηκύνοντας την πράσινη φωτεινή ένδειξη ανάλογα με τις ανάγκες του δικτύου εξασφαλίζοντας το ελάχιστο κοινωνικό κόστος. Στα πλαίσια της παρούσας διατριβής, το κοινωνικό κόστος απαρτίζεται από τέσσερις επιμέρους παράγοντες: το χρόνο μετακίνησης ή χρόνο ταξιδίου, τα τροχαία ατυχήματα, την κατανάλωση καυσίμου και τις εκπομπές ρύπων. Συνεπώς, η διατριβή συνεισφέρει στην επίτευξη πιο πράσινων και ασφαλών οδικών μετακινήσεων σε αστικά δίκτυα στο πλαίσιο των Έξυπνων Πόλεων μέσω της ελαχιστοποίησης του κοινωνικού κόστους. Τα τελευταία τεχνολογικά επιτεύγματα και οι εξελίξεις στα δίκτυα επικοινωνιών βοηθούν στην εφαρμογή Συνδεδεμένων Ευφυών Συστημάτων Μεταφορών (C-ITS) για την διαχείριση της κυκλοφορίας επιτρέποντας την συνεχή επικοινωνία των οχημάτων-χρηστών και των υποδομών. Η ιδέα των Urban C-ITS έχει ξεκινήσει να μελετάται στην Ευρώπη, αλλά ακόμα υπάρχουν λίγες σχετικές έρευνες στην βιβλιογραφία. Με την παρούσα διατριβή συνεισφέρουμε στην συζήτηση για την εφαρμογή μοντέλων Urban C-ITS σε Έξυπνες Πόλεις και την μείωση του κοινωνικού κόστους των μετακινήσεων σε αστικό περιβάλλον σε αντίθεση με την υπάρχουσα βιβλιογραφία που αναλύει το κοινωνικό κόστος σε αυτοκινητοδρόμους.
Freie Strasse – Ein Weg durch 2000 Jahre Basler Geschichte
Authors: Bernasconi Marco , Savary Johann , Schmidig Roman , Wicki Sarah
Published: December 2023

Die neuen Ausgrabungen am Marktplatz, in der Freien Strasse und ihren Nebengassen erbrachten viele neue Erkenntnisse zur Basler Stadtgeschichte in einem zentralen, archäologisch bisher nur vage bekannten Gebiet. Im wissenschaftlichen Bericht werden die vorläufigen Ergebnisse erstmals zusammengestellt. Während im oberen Teil der Freien Strasse eine römische Strasse am Hangfuss nachgewiesen ist, dürfte in der unteren Hälfte der mittelalterliche Strassenbau und die angrenzende Besiedlung im 9./10. Jahrhundert eingesetzt und sich kontinuierlich entwickelt haben. Mehrere übereinanderliegende Strassenkörper und Reste von Gebäuden konnten freigelegt werden.

Das Inventar aus einem Haus, das gegen Ende des 14. Jahrhunderts am Marktplatz abbrannte, gewährt einen faszinierenden Einblick in den spätmittelalterlichen Alltag. Objekte aus früheren Grabungen wie im Spiegelhof (UMIS) und beim Amt für Umwelt und Energie (AUE) unterstreichen den gewerblichen Kontext der neuen Entdeckungen. Ein Katalog mit ausgewählten Funden, die ab 18. Mai 2024 im Museum Kleines Klingental ausgestellt werden, ergänzt den Bericht.
Onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy: an explorative case-control study with viral metagenomic analyses on Onchocerca volvulus
Authors: Hadermann Amber , Jada Stephen Raimon , Sebit Wilson J. , Deng Thomas , Bol Yak Y. , Siewe Fodjo Joseph N. , De Coninck Lander , Matthijnssens Jelle , Mertens Inge , Polman Katja , Colebunders Robert
Published: December 2023

Background A high prevalence of onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy (OAE) has been observed in onchocerciasis-endemic areas with high ongoing Onchocerca volvulus transmission. However, the pathogenesis of OAE remains to be elucidated. We hypothesise that the O. volvulus virome could be involved in inducing epilepsy. With this study, we aim to describe the O. volvulus virome and identify potential neurotropic viruses linked to OAE. Methods In Maridi County, an onchocerciasis endemic area in South Sudan with a high prevalence of OAE, we will conduct an exploratory case-control study enrolling 40 persons aged 12 years and above with palpable onchocerciasis nodules. Cases will be participants with OAE (n=20), who will be age- and village-matched with controls without epilepsy (n=20). For each study participant, two skin snips at the iliac crest will be obtained to collect O. volvulus microfilariae, and one nodulectomy will be performed to obtain adult worms. A viral metagenomic study will be conducted on microfilariae and adult worms, and the O. volvulus virome of persons with and without OAE will be compared. The number, size, and localisation of onchocerciasis nodules in persons with and without OAE will be described. Moreover, the pre- and post-nodulectomy frequency of seizures in persons with OAE will be compared. Ethics and dissemination The protocol has been approved by the Ethics Committee of the University of Antwerp and the Ministry of Health of South Sudan. Findings will be disseminated nationally and internationally via meetings and peer-reviewed publications. Registration ClinicalTrials.gov registration NCT05868551 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05868551). Protocol version 1.1, dated 09/05/2023.
Linear programming
Authors: Shevchenko Alesya
Published: December 2023

The textbook contains practical tasks and theoretical information necessary to study the section "Linear programming". The presentation is accompanied by examples of solving typical tasks. The manual also contains examples of solving typical linear programming problems using the Mathcad Prime computer-aided design system and the Maple computer algebra system.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of secondary vocational education of the latest generation.
It is intended for students studying in the specialty 09.02.07 "Information systems and programming".
Economic analysis and evaluation of the effectiveness of the organization's investment activities
Authors: Plaskova Nataliya
Published: December 2023

The textbook contains theoretical, methodological and practical issues related to the formation of a reliable information and analytical base for managing the investment process at enterprises in the real sector of the economy. A set of methods of economic investment analysis is presented, which in business management practice make it possible to assess project risks and economic benefits at the stages of preparing investment projects to expand production activities,
re-equip it with modern technologies and equipment, ensuring the strengthening of the competitiveness of project-building enterprises, increasing their investment attractiveness and contributing to sustainable
business development. Along with the issues of investment financial and economic design, the textbook reveals methods and techniques for retrospective assessment of the use of investment objects in the life of an enterprise.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
For master's degree students studying in the fields of Economics, Management, Finance and Credit, State and Municipal Management, Economic Security, and a number of other areas, the curricula of which provide disciplines that reveal the basics of investment activities of enterprises, investment design, assessment of investment risks associated with capital investments.
Providing medical care to women during pregnancy, childbirth, the postpartum period and in women with common gynecological diseases
Authors: Nizhegorodceva Elena
Published: December 2023

The textbook outlines algorithms for basic manipulations performed by an employee with secondary medical education in the management of women during pregnancy, childbirth, the postpartum period and with common gynecological diseases, as well as those related to the care of a newborn child. The algorithms are designed with the division into stages, comments, criteria of professional and general competencies. References to current regulatory legal acts are provided.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of secondary vocational education of the latest generation.
It is intended for the development of practical skills and abilities by students studying in the specialties 31.02.02 "Obstetrics", 31.02.01 "Medical care", 34.02.01 "Nursing". It will also be useful for teachers of secondary vocational educational institutions.
Educational language policy in the modern world
Authors: Marusenko Nataliya
Published: December 2023

The monograph is devoted to the analysis of world experience in the field of language learning and teaching in those countries that represent the "growth points" of an unevenly developing global system. The study of languages, first, second and foreign, occupies a significant part of the curricula of educational institutions in any country and consumes a considerable part of material, intellectual and human resources. Much less often, the object of study is the relationship between the study of languages and concepts such as national identity, national unity, nation-building and territorial integrity, which are becoming particularly relevant in the era of globalization, which aims to weaken national states and build new and rebuild existing national, cultural and linguistic identities. In the Russian Federation, this field of research is little known, and the experience gained in the world is practically not used.
For specialists, students and postgraduates interested in the problems of educational language policy.
Forensic medical examination in civil proceedings: subject area, limits and ways of improvement
Authors: Barinov Evgeniy , Kalinin Ruslan , Kameneva Kseniya
Published: December 2023

The monograph presents the issues of forensic medical examination in civil proceedings: on the problems, subject matter and limits of improving forensic medical examination in "medical" disputes.
It is designed for specialists in the field of forensic medicine, public health and public health, lawyers, students and postgraduates of medical universities.
Investigative actions in Russia in the first quarter of the XXI century
Authors: Lapin Evgeniy
Published: December 2023

The monograph presents a scientific (criminal procedure and criminalistic) view of the history of investigative actions in the Russian Federation in the first quarter of the twenty-first century. The result of studying the real history of the investigative system was a description of it from the side of a socially useful phenomenon. The forecast of the main trends in the development of the domestic system of investigative actions is given. The research is not only theoretical and cognitive, but also practical and applied.
For students and teachers of law institutions of higher education, as well as practitioners of criminal justice.
Fundamentals of biological safety
Authors: Azaev Mamed'yar , Kosogova Tat'yana , Agafonov Aleksandr , Netesov Sergey
Published: December 2023

The training manual contains definitions of terms in the field of biosafety, its basic principles and application practice. The manual summarizes the authors' long-term practical experience of working with pathogens of dangerous human viral infections.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
It is intended for students of higher educational institutions studying in the fields of Medicine, Biology, Veterinary medicine, as well as for biomedical specialists, biotechnologists, specialists and engineers working in the field of microbiology, virology, industrial microbiology and biotechnology.
Idols: from imitation to creativity
Authors: Harchenko Vera
Published: December 2023

The monograph examines various aspects of imitation as a necessary stage of the creative process: Renaissance people, time and place, objects, portraits, idols, the energy of mystery, the ethics of children's reading. The role of imitation in the formation of personality is emphasized.
It is addressed to general philologists, journalists, sociologists, as well as anyone interested in the problems of speech development. It can serve as an additional reading in the courses "Culture of speech", "Modern Russian language", "Personnel management", "Organization of work with youth".
Towards a new paradigm of the global economy
Authors: Zenkina Elena , Begma Yuriy
Published: December 2023

The monograph is devoted to the study of the transformation of the principles and mechanism of international economic cooperation between countries, understanding the goals and objectives of economic activity caused by the rapid entry into the life of humanity of humanitarian spheres of activity.Based on extensive material, the conceptual problems of the neoclassical model of economics are analyzed, the purpose of economic activity and the criterion of its effectiveness are revealed, and the evolution of capital in modern social production is shown. Forecasts of the development of the world economy are considered as a reflection of the search for ways of a new world order.
For students, researchers and specialists involved in international cooperation between countries.
Discursive transformations of urban spaces: cultural heritage and the link between generations
Authors: Shirokalova Galina
Published: December 2023

The monograph shows the systemic nature of intergenerational dynamics in the development of urban discourse. The results of an international sociological study of the most active part of the urban population — students of universities and institutions of secondary vocational education — "Cultural heritage and the connection of generations" are analyzed. The study was conducted by the Russian Society of Sociologists.
It is addressed to teachers and students of humanitarian fields of study and specialties, researchers, as well as to a wide range of readers whose sphere of interest includes problems of urban and intergenerational dynamics.
VARIATIONAL MODE SPECTRUM ESTIMATION FOR WIRE ROPE DEFECT INSPECTION SIGNALS ANALYSIS AND QUANTITATIVE EVALUATION
Authors: LIU SHIWEI , LIU YONG , WANG QIAOHUA , LIN WEIGUO
Published: December 2023

Wire rope is one of the most significant parts in guaranteeing the safety and health of infrastructures and practical structures. However, the defect frequently occurs when the wire rope is operating under sophisticated conditions, which makes the servicing wire rope and its related structures full of risk. Although many nondestructive testing techniques have been considered to solve the defect inspection and structural health monitoring (SHM) problems for wire rope, the inspection and monitoring results are greatly influenced by the testing environments. To deal with the challenges of quantitative wire rope nondestructive evaluation and SHM, a new variational mode decomposition and spectrum estimation method is proposed here. The preliminary signal analysis for typical wire broken defects under different wire rope operating speed is conducted in time, frequency and statistical domain. Then, a new quantitative wire rope evaluation method based on different defect signals features analysis, principle introduction, spectrum estimation and comparison with other mode decomposition techniques is presented, which demonstrate the feasibility and application promise for wire rope SHM and accurate evaluation.
INVESTIGATION OF IMPACT DAMAGE ON GFRP/MWCNT FOR STRUCTURAL HEALTH MONITORING
Authors: ZEHNI OZAN CAN , KINLOCH IAN , BISSETT MARK , VALLES CHRISTINA
Published: December 2023

The primary objective of the present study was to investigate the detection of Barely Visible Impact Damage (BVID) in composites, a crucial problem that needed to be addressed. To accomplish this, the researchers measured the resistance changes in two glass fibre layers coated with Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs), embedded in the laminate, during the impact test. The results of the experiments performed at various impact energy levels indicated that resistance change could be effectively used to detect BVID. Furthermore, the maximum average resistance change ratio was found to be 9 % for 20J impact tests. The system's capability to detect repeated impact damage was further demonstrated through the execution of repeated impact tests. Additionally, the remaining strength values of the samples were determined by conducting compression tests after the impact tests. It was observed that the samples subjected to 20J impact damage experienced a loss of approximately 50 % in their strength. These findings emphasize the system's potential to predict the remaining strength of the material.
DATA ACQUISITION AND HEALTH ANALYSIS OF IN-SERVICE RAILWAY VEHICLE FOR STRUCTURAL HEALTH MONITORING
Authors: ZU LEI , PENG CHANG , MA LONG , GAO SHI-PING , ZHOU PING-YU , NIU BUZHAO , LI FRANKLIN , KUMAR AMRITA
Published: December 2023

The enormous number of trains, increasing operation speeds, and complex line environments places greater urgency on ensuring the service safety of rail vehicle structures. This paper focuses on the application of structural health monitoring techniques to perform online monitoring of rail vehicle structural components. An onboard monitoring system was designed and installed, which uses piezoelectric sensors to perform ultrasonic guided wave acquisition, temperature compensation, and damage detection in a particular area during an online tracking test. Ultrasonic guided waves are affected by temperature and stress/loading conditions. The damage indices after temperature compensation change rapidly at different stations and different positions of the railway line, which may be affected by passenger load or line conditions, but remain at a low level after the train has entered the warehouse. The results show that the system can adapt to the railway line environment and automatically collect ultrasonic guided wave data that can be used to assess damage.
PHYSICALLY INFORMED AND DATA DRIVEN DIRECT MODELS FOR LAMB WAVES BASED SHM: ADVANTAGES AND DRAWBACKS OF EXISTING APPROACHES
Authors: REBILLAT MARC , MONTEIRO ERIC , MECHBAL NAZIH
Published: December 2023

Validation and testing of Lamb wave based SHM algorithms requires numerous simulations that require themselves qualitatively and quantitatively consistent models representative of the physical behavior of the monitored structures and that are in agreement with experimental data. Finite elements models appear as an interesting solution to achieve this goal but are associated with large computational costs and low generalization abilities. On the other hand, data driven machine learning approaches are computationally very efficient and can predict fine details but at the cost of low physically interpretability. Original approaches trying to build physically informed models balancing the advantages and drawbacks of physics-based approaches and of machine learning approaches also exist and will be discussed in the context of Lamb waves based SHM of aeronautical structures.