bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, and C-reactive protein concentration in female domestic cats subjected to ovariohysterectomy
Authors: BOJARSKI BARTOSZ , CHMURSKA-GĄSOWSKA MARIA , SZAŁA LESZEK , TOMBARKIEWICZ BARBARA
Published: February 2022

This study assessed hematological parameters (especially the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio) and the C-reactive protein concentration in the plasma of female cats subjected to ovariohysterectomy: prior to surgery as well as 2 and 10 days after surgery. The animals (n = 26) were patients of a private veterinary clinic between July 2019 and March 2021 and were brought there for ovariohysterectomies. The blood was sampled from the cephalic vein into two tubes. One of the tubes was sent to a commercial veterinary laboratory, where a hematological examination was performed. The second tube was centrifuged (2000 g, 10 min). After separation, plasma samples were stored at –80°C. Next, the CRP concentration was determined using an ELISA kit. We noted a statistically significant increase in NLR two days after surgery. The difference in the NLR value before the surgery and after a 10-day recovery period failed to reach statistical significance. Changes in PLR and the CRP concentration during the experiment were insignificant. The results indicate that NLR is an effective marker of stress and inflammation caused by surgery in female cats, whereas the CRP concentration is of no use in this species.
Viral co-infections of the porcine respiratory tract: Insight into the local cytokine response
Authors: TURLEWICZ-PODBIELSKA HANNA , AUGUSTYNIAK AGATA , POMORSKA-MÓL MAŁGORZATA
Published: February 2022

Infections of the porcine respiratory tract are frequently multifactorial, with more than one pathogen involved. They have a significant impact on the efficiency of pig production. One example of such a mixed infection is the porcine respiratory disease complex (PRDC). PRDC can be caused by various viral or bacterial agents. The main viral agents associated with PRDC and considered the primary pathogens are porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), swine influenza virus (SIV), and porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2). PRRSV, SIV, and PCV2 are known as inducers of inflammatory cytokines. Cytokines play an important role in all aspects of immune responses, but their uncontrolled release in virus-induced diseases may aggravate the course of the disease and the severity of pathological lesions. Although data regarding the kinetics of the local cytokine response in porcine lungs during mono-infection with these pathogens are abundant, their impact on each other during simultaneous infection in different combinations is not thoroughly understood. This paper aims to present the available data on interactions between SIV, PRRSV, and PCV2 in mixed infections of the porcine respiratory tract and the influence of co-infections on local cytokine profiles in the lungs.
Manejo de planta y aplicación de AIB en el enraizado de estacas de Pinus patula
Authors: Bautista-Ojeda Georgina Irasema , Vargas-Hernández J. Jesús , Jiménez-Casas Marcos , López-Peralta María Cristina Guadalupe
Published: February 2022

El enraizado de estacas es una alternativa para la clonación masiva de árboles seleccionados, con características deseables y superiores para plantaciones comerciales. Sin embargo, la capacidad de enraizado disminuye rápidamente a los 2 o 3 años de edad en especies de coníferas. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la capacidad de enraizamiento de estacas de plantas madre de Pinus patula de 15 y 18 meses de edad, con diferente dosis de fertilización y condición de crecimiento (manejo), y con la aplicación de 5000 × 10-6 (5000 ppm) de ácido indol-3-butírico (AIB) en solución líquida o con el producto comercial Radix® en pasta. A las 14 semanas de establecido el ensayo se evaluó el porcentaje de supervivencia, estacas con callo y raíces, así como el número, longitud de raíces primarias y presencia de raíces secundarias. Se encontraron efectos significativos (p ≤ 0.05) en los factores evaluados y en su interacción. La aplicación de AIB en solución durante 10 s o 20 s ocasionó el mayor porcentaje de enraizamiento (> 25%), 2-3 veces más que el testigo (8.5%). La fertilización de la planta madre con 7 g L-1 de Osmocote® bajo malla sombra provocó una mortalidad elevada de las estacas (30%). No se encontraron diferencias en longitud de raíz más larga, ni en longitud promedio de raíces primarias. La combinación de planta madre de 18 meses con fertilización de 5 g L-1 de Osmocote® en invernadero y la aplicación de AIB en solución líquida por 20 s produjo 73.8% de enraizado, valor aceptable en un programa operativo de clonación de Pinus patula.
Attitudes towards nursing research for students from different regions of Perú, 2020
Authors:   Research Directorate, Universidad María Auxiliadora, Lima, Perú, et al. Perez-Siguas
Published: February 2022

The attitude towards research emphasizes the ability of pronunciation and understanding of the nursing student when carrying out research work, therefore the objective is to determine the attitude towards the research of nursing students from different regions of Peru. It is a quantitative, descriptive, and cross-sectional study, with a population of 149 nursing students from different regions of Peru, who responded to a survey with sociodemographic data and the scale of attitudes towards research. In the results, it was obtained that the attitude towards the research of nursing students, 95.3% have a moderately positive attitude towards research. In conclusion, teaching with respect to research should be strengthened so that they encourage the student to enhance their investigative capacities.
Mnemohistory of Exodus and apocalyptic in Paul's Picture of Christians' New Existential Condition in the Epistle to the Galatians
Authors:   University of Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski in Warsaw, Sztuk Dariusz
Published: February 2022

It seems unquestionable today that the tradition of the exodus recurrently appears in the form of reminiscences, or theological reflection in some books of the OT, however, there are numerous hypotheses that this motive could have also been used in NT texts. In the present article, the author formulates a hypothesis that St. Paul in his Letter to the Galatians uses in the mnemohistoric manner the topos of theological exodus when he presents the picture of the new, existential condition of Christians, and that he simultaneously employs the apocalyptics as a form of expression representative of his epoch and appropriate for the context of his argumentation.
Dissecting the relationship between artificial insemination success and bull semen quality in the arid region of Tiaret (Algeria)
Authors: Khaled Taïbi Mohamed Achir, , Ait Abderrahim Leila , Boussaid Mohamed , Souana Kada , Tadj Abdelkader , Benaissa Toufik , Gouchich Tayeb
Published: February 2022

Despite being subject to prior assortment, frozen bull sperms commercialized for artificial insemination may present certain morphological defects. The present study aims (i) to assess the artificial insemination success of the most common cattle breeds in Algeria and (ii) to evaluate the possible effects of commercialized bull’s semen quality on this operation. Artificial insemination was assessed through four years of field monitoring by inseminating different cattle breeds of normal fertility. However, semen quality was evaluated using light microscopy by measuring viability, motility, and morphological abnormalities of spermatozoa. Field study revealed a high percentage of normal calving in red and white Holstein breed (44.83 %) against the high percentage of embryonic mortality (46.43 %) and calving with a malformation (10.71 %) in Montbéliarde breed. Semen quality assessment revealed that sperm viability and motility were higher in Holstein breeds than in Montbéliarde. Furthermore, significant differences between semen bulls were found in the proportion of abnormal spermatozoa; a higher rate of sperms with the abnormal head was observed in the black and white Holstein breed (69.3±10.98 %). However, the percentage of abnormal sperms with tail defects was higher in the Montbéliarde breed (67.5±10.74 %). The lousy quality of the selected semen and/or the poor handling and storage of frozen semen constitute a determinant factor that hinders the success of artificial insemination in the arid region of Tiaret (Algeria).
Evaluation of X-ray ionizing radiation on Plasmodium berghei invasion of erythrocytes
Authors: Nava-Lausón Carina , Spencer Lilian M. , Sajo-Bohus Laszlo , Dávila Jesús , Tellkamp Markus P.
Published: February 2022

Developing new strategies for designing effective vaccines has become a priority for parasitologists worldwide. There is high interest in designing a vaccine against malaria since it is considered one of the most prevalent infectious diseases in the tropics. We evaluated the effects of X-rays irradiation on the erythrocytic stage of Plasmodium berghei ANKA merozoites and schizonts using doses of ionizing radiation ranging between 10 and 300 Gy on parasitized red blood cells (PRBC) to study the attenuating effects of radiation on the merozoites. Parasitic activity diminution was observed starting at 50 Gy, and the dose for complete attenuation was established at 200 Gy, corresponding with a 100% survival rate of mice. In vivo invasion experiments and immunofluorescence assays (IFA) showed inhibition of merozoite invasion of the host red blood cells (RBC). Nonetheless, immunization with irradiated parasitized red blood cells (IPRBC) was ineffective in protective assays. We perform cytoadherence and inhibition of cytoadhesion assays on irradiated merozoites. The results showed that high irradiation doses caused an unspecific cellular adhesion phenomenon independent of the ICAM-1 and CD36 interaction, which was determined by Cytoadhesion assays. Our results show that, even though X-ray irradiation is an effective method to induce complete parasite attenuation, it might affect the parasite's membrane surface structures triggering unspecific adhesion.
Characteristics of patients with low back pain treated at a primary care center in Ecuador
Authors: Fuseau Michelle , Garrido David , Toapanta Edgar
Published: February 2022

Low back pain is a public health problem due to its high prevalence and burden of the disease. This study aimed to determine the characteristics of patients with low back pain treated at the Centro de Salud N1 from Ibarra, between January 2017 and November 2020. Two-thousand fifty-five consultations for low back pain were included, observing an increase during the study period, except for 2020 (53.78% fewer consultations than 2019). Consultation for low back pain was more frequent in women than men (64.18% vs 35.82%; z-score 12.87, p <0.05). The age in men (median 49 years, interquartile range 30.75 years) was significantly higher (p=0.003) than in women (median 46 years, interquartile range 25 years). The cumulative frequency of consultations was higher between 28-60 years, mostly (67.98%) due to unspecified low back pain. Four-point seventy-nine percent of the consultations were referred to secondary care, where most (69.77%) had a specific diagnostic coding for low back pain. Regarding subsequent consultations (220 patients), most had 2 (9.05%) and less frequent ≥3 (1.65%) yearly consultations. In conclusion, there was an increase in the frequency of consultations for low back pain, predominant in the working-age groups, with a low percentage referred to secondary care.
A Single Web-Platform for Invitation or Advertisement of Online Courses and Webinars in These Covid Virus Time
Authors: Saha Anupam
Published: February 2022

Innovation is a critical phase in the pharmaceutical enterprise and the healthcare community. And advances in the healthcare era have caused significant upgrades within the greatness of healthcare, in populace fitness, and have contributed to growth in actual fitness expenditure in parallel. Its pursuit is a commercial enterprise, vital for maximum industrialized nations over the latest decades. Advances in the healthcare era have caused significant upgrades withinside the excellent healthcare and feature contributed to will increase in actual fitness expenditure in maximum industrialized nations over the latest decades.
The presence of Neopterin in the sera of a sample of Iraqi acromegalic patients (Type 2 diabetics and nondiabetics)
Authors: Hamodi Hamza Sabreen , Fadhel Ashoor Zainab , Mahdi Rahmah Abbas
Published: February 2022

Back ground: Acromegaly is a rare endocrine disease; its incidence is 4-6 million per year, while its prevalence is 40-60 million per year. They are separating acromegaly from gigantism that occurs before growth plates are closed. Neopterin is a systemic adaptive immune activation biomarker produced upon interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) stimulation by monocyte-derived macrophages and dendritic cells. Eighty acromegalic patients (50% diabetic acromegalic and 50% nondiabetic acromegalic) and forty healthy control groups were enrolled in the study to find out the level of Neopterin and insulin-like growth factor-1 in the sera of the study population; the results showed both molecules (neopterin and Insulin-like growth factor-1 were found to be high in acromegalic subjects when there is concomitant diabetes, and insulin-like growth factor-1 correlates positively with total cholesterol and neopterin. At the same time, neopterin correlates positively with HbA1c. This study was aimed to find out the difference in neopterin level in diabetic acromegalic versus n0n-diabetic acromegalic patients;
Eighty acromegalic subjects were enrolled in across sectional study by measuring the neopterin level in the sera of diabetics and nondiabetics as 39 have diabetes while the remaining 41 patients are nondiabetic. Neopterin is high among diabetic acromegalic patients when compared with nondiabetic acromegalic subjects. Insulin-like growth factor-1 correlates positively with neopterin and total cholesterol; (4) Conclusions: Across sectional-study enrolling eighty acromegalic patients registered in the National Diabetes Center. Thus they were subdivided into two groups: - diabetic and nondiabetic the level of neopterin was found to be among diabetic versus nondiabetics.
Suitability of some well water for different human uses by studying some physicochemical properties
Authors: Salman Dalas Israa , Altae Muqdad , Mukdad Mahmood Raghad
Published: February 2022

The present study is carried out to identify (pH, EC, TDS, alkalinity, total hardness, calcium Ca, magnesium Mg, sulfate SO4, chloride Cl,) and Mpn cell / 100ml Total number of coliform bacteria of groundwater indicators in some wells within villages of Al-Dhuluiya, Al-Alam in Salahuddin and wells from Kayara (Al-Jawaana and Al-Jadaa villages). Four wells were studied for two seasons from November, December 2016 and January 2017. Results of this study showed that there was a seasonal variation in some chemical and physical factors. The groundwater was neutral because pH values were ranged (7-8.6). Electrical conductivity values were between (2543-50305) micro siemens. Total hardness values were within permissible limits (1200-2800 mg/L). Calcium and magnesium hardness between (1000-1950) mg /L, (100-1282) mg /L, respectively. Total dissolved solids were between (261-3245). Chloride ions (Cl-) in groundwater of studied samples were within the permissible limits for watering of animals and irrigation of plants, with values range (79-259 mg/l) and sulfate values were in range (460-1055) mg/L. The total number of coliform were between (3-240) cell/100 ml.
Diesel Engine Performance Improvement by adding ZnO nanoparticles to diesel fuel
Authors: Segovia Carlos , Benavides Ignacio , Melo Jorge , Montenegro Víctor
Published: February 2022

The behavior of a CI (Compression Ignition) engine was analyzed when ZnO (Zinc Oxide) nanoparticles were added, in proportions of 144, 233 and 377 ppm. The tests were developed using diesel fuel with a concentration of 300 ppm sulfur to analyze consumption and how it influences pollutant emissions and engine performance. The tests used a 2.6 ID (direct injection) 4-cylinder in-line truck, with an output of 85.57 HP at 4000 rpm and a torque of 167 Nm at 2200 rpm, a gas analyzer, an opacimeter and a dynamometer. The tests were carried out at an altitude of 2200 m.a.s.l., with an atmospheric pressure of 78.5 kPa. Obtained results in terms of torque indicate an increase of 3.82%, while in power, an increase of 3.46% is evident with the addition of ZnO to diesel; in terms of polluting emissions of CO, a decrease of 35% was obtained. As for CO2, the results showed a decrease of 4%. HC decreased from 86% to 59%. O2 decreased by 1%. The addition of nanoparticles showed no improvement in the mitigation of NOx. Finally, the opacity test shows a decrease of 39.67%. The applicability of this study corroborates that the addition of nanoparticles to diesel fuel mitigates pollutant emissions without significantly sacrificing the performance of CI engines.
Study single nucleotide polymorphism in Promoter region of UGT1A1 Gene in Iraqi Patients with Gilbert's syndrome
Authors: Kubba Marwa A. , Ali Marhoon Abeer , Abbas Kadhum Rafed
Published: February 2022

This study aimed to detect genetic variants of the UGT1A1 gene in patients with Gilbert's syndrome. To detect this, primers were designed; PCR and direct sequencing were done for the promoter area of the gene as a diagnostic tool for the detection of any polymorphism. Variation and polymorphism were detected within the promoter mutants of the UDP glycosyltransferase _UGT1A1 gene that causes hyperbilirubinemia in a group of Iraqi patients compared with a group of the normal healthy individual as controls. The patients with hyperbilirubinemia in this study were 30 in which the total bilirubin level was more than 12 mg/dl serum; they included 25 males and 5 females, while the control group consisted of 20 healthy individuals. This study was carried out from September 2019 till April 2021. The result displayed high occurrence of Gilbert syndrome within male patients than in females, and regarding the analyses of mutation of bilirubin UDP glycosyltransferase _UGT1A1 gene, it is clear that the genotypic distribution of variation among the hyperbilirubinemia patients included all 30 patients, while SNP was detected in 18 patients out of 30 which indicate that the UGT1A1 gene mutation was a likely risk factor for the development of hyperbilirubinemia related Gilbert syndrome in Iraq. The homozygous and heterozygous polymorphisms A/G inside the promoter region of the UGT1A1 gene were effectively identified by sequencing. Our finding suggests that TA repeats and allele of UGT1A1 polymorphism A/G are associated with Gilbert's syndrome and act as genetic markers of this disease in Iraqi patients. To analyze data and sequence variation in gene, generous software was used after amplifying the gene. All processes include DNA extraction, PCR amplification, sequencing, and assembly.
Recent advances on the development of a universal blood type
Authors: Guamba Esteban , Cevallos Alejandra
Published: February 2022

Blood transfusion is the most common form of tissue transplant, and correct blood type matching is decisive for the success of this procedure. However, the availability of different blood types depends on each population, leading to a shortage of blood units from uncommon types. Then, it represents a problem for patients who need a blood transfusion because the supply for their blood type is scarce. Fortunately, researchers have been developing different techniques to engineer universal red blood cells (RBC) that could be transplanted to any human being independent of its blood type. This paper details the main features of blood transfusion and red blood cells maintenance and the two more recent procedures used to produce universal RBCs, the Enzymatically Converted Group O (ECO) and the antigen masking methods.
Porous frameworks from Ecuadorian clays
Authors: Calle Luzuriaga María , Ávila Edward E. , Viloria Dario Alfredo
Published: February 2022

This research provides a literature review on several topics as a foundation to comprehend porous materials, their structure, and behavior to explore how they can be derived from clays and nanoclays. In this case, considering the several minerals present in some Ecuadorian clays, which are a potential starting material for the synthesis of porous frameworks, they constitute a solid source of metal atoms such as Silicon or Aluminum. This research presents the evaluation and characterization via XRD and AAS of clay samples collected in the southeast of Ecuador in the provinces of Azuay, Morona Santiago and Zamora Chinchipe, which present diversified soil mineralogy with many chemical and crystallographic features for suitable precursors in nanomaterials design.
Temporal progress of web blight in three common bean genotypes on the central coast of Ecuador
Authors: Chávez-García Walter R. , Mera-Vera Fiorella N. , Portalanza Diego , Garcés-Fiallos Felipe R.
Published: February 2022

Web blight caused by Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn is one of the main common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) diseases of the Ecuadorian central coast. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the progress of web blight incidence using nonlinear models in promising genotypes SER 03 and SER 08, using the commercial cultivar INIAP 473 as a control. This study was carried out between the 2010 and 2012 seasons in Quevedo, Ecuador. Epidemiological parameters such as initial disease (y0), disease progress rate (r), final incidence and the area under the disease progress curve were estimated using the Exponential, Logistic, and Gompertz models. In general, progress curves, epidemiological parameters and other evaluated plant health variables were lower in the INIAP 473 cultivar than the other genotypes in 2011 and 2012, especially in the last season when higher y0 and r were observed in the commercial cultivar. It seems that soil and seeds inoculum and temperature play an important role in standard bean crop disease progress. While the response of genotypes and each location conditions influenced the epidemic modeling, the Logistic model better described the web blight progress under these conditions.
T and B Cells Immune Response and the importance of vaccines Against SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Ordoñez Ronny , Solano Dulexy , Granizo Gustavo
Published: February 2022

SARS-CoV-2 has become a global pandemic because it is a severe respiratory syndrome that attacks many people worldwide and can lead to death depending on the severity. In recent years, the study of the acquired immune response (T cells) and innate (B cells) has increased to better treat the disease from the quantitative cell count. A picture has begun to emerge revealing that CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and neutralizing antibodies contribute to the control of SARS-CoV-2 in COVID-19 cases. This work studies the three fundamental components of the adaptive immune system: B cells (the source of antibodies), CD4+T cells, and CD8+T cells and their function against SARS-CoV2. The importance of vaccines and the different types of existing vaccines are discussed. Implications of covid-19 variants on Immunity and vaccine types are also analyzed to understand how the action of the immune system will help treat the disease.
Formative Provider Testing of a New Encounter Decision Aid for Smoking Cessation: Questionnaire Study
Authors: Hollanda De Sa Neto Herul , Habfast-Robertson Ines , Hempel-Bruder Christina , Durand Marie-Anne , Jacot-Sadowski Isabelle , Khazaal Yasser , Berlin Ivan , Selby Kevin
Published: February 2022

Background

Smoking cessation is an essential part of preventing and reducing the risk of smoking-associated morbidity and mortality. However, there is often little time to discuss smoking cessation in primary care. Decision aids (DAs) designed for clinic visits (encounter DAs) need to be clear, short, and concise to optimize therapeutic education, increase interaction, and improve the therapeutic alliance. Such a DA for smoking cessation could potentially improve counseling and increase the use of pharmacological treatments.

Objective

We aimed to collect feedback on an electronic encounter DA that facilitates physician-patient interaction and shared decision-making for smoking cessation in primary care.

Methods

We developed an electronic, encounter DA (howtoquit.ch) from a paper version created by our team in 2017 following user-centered design principles. The DA is a 1-page interactive website presenting and comparing medications for tobacco cessation and electronic cigarettes. Each smoking cessation medication has a drop down menu that presents additional information, a video demonstration, and prescribing information for physicians. To test the DA, we submitted a questionnaire to approximately 20 general practitioner residents of an academic general medicine department, 5 general practitioners, and 6 experts in the field of smoking cessation. The questionnaire consisted of 4 multiple-choice and 2 free-text questions assessing the usability or acceptability of the DA, the acquisition of new knowledge for practitioners, the perceived utility in supporting shared decision-making, perceived strengths and weaknesses, and whether the participants would recommend the tool to other clinicians.

Results

In all, 6 residents, 3 general practitioners in private practice, and 2 tobacco cessation experts completed the questionnaire (N=11), with 4 additional experts providing open-text feedback. On the 11 questionnaires, the DA was rated as practical and intuitive (mean 4.6/5), and providers felt it supported shared decision-making (mean 4.4/5), as comparisons were readily possible. Inclusion of explanatory videos was seen as a bonus. Several changes were suggested, like grouping together similar medications and adding a landing page to briefly explain the site. Changes were implemented according to end-user comments.

Conclusions

The overall assessment of the encounter DA by a group of physicians and experts was positive. The ultimate objective is to have the tool deployed and easily accessible for all to use.
Assessment of a Mobile Health iPhone App for Semiautomated Self-management of Chronic Recurrent Medical Conditions Using an N-of-1 Trial Framework: Feasibility Pilot Study
Authors: Mande Archana , Moore Susan L , Banaei-Kashani Farnoush , Echalier Benjamin , Bull Sheana , Rosenberg Michael A
Published: February 2022

Background

Management of chronic recurrent medical conditions (CRMCs), such as migraine headaches, chronic pain, and anxiety/depression, remains a major challenge for modern providers. Our team has developed an edge-based, semiautomated mobile health (mHealth) technology called iMTracker that employs the N-of-1 trial approach to allow self-management of CRMCs.

Objective

This study examines the patterns of adoption, identifies CRMCs that users selected for self-application, and explores barriers to use of the iMTracker app.

Methods

This is a feasibility pilot study with internet-based recruitment that ran from May 15, 2019, to December 23, 2020. We recruited 180 patients to pilot test the iMTracker app for user-selected CRMCs for a 3-month period. Patients were administered surveys before and after the study.

Results

We found reasonable usage rates: a total of 73/103 (70.9%) patients who were not lost to follow-up reported the full 3-month use of the app. Most users chose to use the iMTracker app to self-manage chronic pain (other than headaches; 80/212, 37.7%), followed by headaches in 36/212 (17.0%) and mental health (anxiety and depression) in 27/212 (12.8%). The recurrence rate of CRMCs was at least weekly in over 93% (169/180) of patients, with 36.1% (65/180) of CRMCs recurring multiple times in a day, 41.7% (75/180) daily, and 16.1% (29/180) weekly. We found that the main barriers to use were the design and technical function of the app, but that use of the app resulted in an improvement in confidence in the efficiency and safety/privacy of this approach.

Conclusions

The iMTracker app provides a feasible platform for the N-of-1 trial approach to self-management of CRMCs, although internet-based recruitment provided limited follow-up, suggesting that in-person evaluation may be needed. The rate of CRMC recurrence was high enough to allow the N-of-1 trial assessment for most traits.
Accuracy of Wearable Transdermal Alcohol Sensors: Systematic Review
Authors: Brobbin Eileen , Deluca Paolo , Hemrage Sofia , Drummond Colin
Published: February 2022

Background

There are a range of wearable transdermal alcohol sensors that are available and are being developed. These devices have the potential to monitor alcohol consumption continuously over extended periods in an objective manner, overcoming some of the limitations of other alcohol measurement methods (blood, breath, and urine).

Objective

The objective of our systematic review was to assess wearable transdermal alcohol sensor accuracy.

Methods

A systematic search of the CINAHL, Embase, Google Scholar, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PubMed, and Scopus bibliographic databases was conducted in February 2021. In total, 2 team members (EB and SH) independently screened studies for inclusion, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias. The methodological quality of each study was appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. The primary outcome was transdermal alcohol sensor accuracy. The data were presented as a narrative synthesis.

Results

We identified and analyzed 32 studies. Study designs included laboratory, ambulatory, and mixed designs, as well as randomized controlled trials; the length of time for which the device was worn ranged from days to weeks; and the analyzed sample sizes ranged from 1 to 250. The results for transdermal alcohol concentration data from various transdermal alcohol sensors were generally found to positively correlate with breath alcohol concentration, blood alcohol concentration, and self-report (moderate to large correlations). However, there were some discrepancies between study reports; for example, WrisTAS sensitivity ranged from 24% to 85.6%, and specificity ranged from 67.5% to 92.94%. Higher malfunctions were reported with the BACtrack prototype (16%-38%) and WrisTAS (8%) than with SCRAM (2%); however, the former devices also reported a reduced time lag for peak transdermal alcohol concentration values when compared with SCRAM. It was also found that many companies were developing new models of wearable transdermal alcohol sensors.

Conclusions

As shown, there is a lack of consistency in the studies on wearable transdermal alcohol sensor accuracy regarding study procedures and analyses of findings, thus making it difficult to draw direct comparisons between them. This needs to be considered in future research, and there needs to be an increase in studies directly comparing different transdermal alcohol sensors. There is also a lack of research investigating the accuracy of transdermal alcohol sensors as a tool for monitoring alcohol consumption in clinical populations and use over extended periods. Although there is some preliminary evidence suggesting the accuracy of these devices, this needs to be further investigated in clinical populations.

Trial Registration

PROSPERO CRD42021231027; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=231027
Objective Measurement of Hyperactivity Using Mobile Sensing and Machine Learning: Pilot Study
Authors: Lindhiem Oliver , Goel Mayank , Shaaban Sam , Mak Kristie J , Chikersal Prerna , Feldman Jamie , Harris Jordan L
Published: February 2022

Background

Although hyperactivity is a core symptom of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), there are no objective measures that are widely used in clinical settings.

Objective

We describe the development of a smartwatch app to measure hyperactivity in school-age children. The LemurDx prototype is a software system for smartwatches that uses wearable sensor technology and machine learning to measure hyperactivity. The goal is to differentiate children with ADHD combined presentation (a combination of inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive presentations) or predominantly hyperactive/impulsive presentation from children with typical levels of activity.

Methods

In this pilot study, we recruited 30 children, aged 6 to 11 years, to wear a smartwatch with the LemurDx app for 2 days. Parents also provided activity labels for 30-minute intervals to help train the algorithm. Half of the participants had ADHD combined presentation or predominantly hyperactive/impulsive presentation (n=15), and half were in the healthy control group (n=15).

Results

The results indicated high usability scores and an overall diagnostic accuracy of 0.89 (sensitivity=0.93; specificity=0.86) when the motion sensor output was paired with the activity labels.

Conclusions

State-of-the-art sensors and machine learning may provide a promising avenue for the objective measurement of hyperactivity.
COVID-19 Surveillance in the Biobank at the Colorado Center for Personalized Medicine: Observational Study (Preprint)
Authors: Johnson Randi K , Marker Katie M , Mayer David , Shortt Jonathan , Kao David , Barnes Kathleen C , Lowery Jan T , Gignoux Christopher R
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND

Characterizing the experience and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic among various populations remains challenging due to the limitations inherent in common data sources, such as electronic health records (EHRs) or cross-sectional surveys.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to describe testing behaviors, symptoms, impact, vaccination status, and case ascertainment during the COVID-19 pandemic using integrated data sources.

METHODS

In summer 2020 and 2021, we surveyed participants enrolled in the Biobank at the Colorado Center for Personalized Medicine (CCPM; N=180,599) about their experience with COVID-19. The prevalence of testing, symptoms, and impacts of COVID-19 on employment, family life, and physical and mental health were calculated overall and by demographic categories. Survey respondents who reported receiving a positive COVID-19 test result were considered a “confirmed case” of COVID-19. Using EHRs, we compared COVID-19 case ascertainment and characteristics in EHRs versus the survey. Positive cases were identified in EHRs using the International Statistical Classification of Diseases, 10th revision (ICD-10) diagnosis codes, health care encounter types, and encounter primary diagnoses.

RESULTS

Of the 25,063 (13.9%) survey respondents, 10,661 (42.5%) had been tested for COVID-19, and of those, 1366 (12.8%) tested positive. Nearly half of those tested had symptoms or had been exposed to someone who was infected. Young adults (18-29 years) and Hispanics were more likely to have positive tests compared to older adults and persons of other racial/ethnic groups. Mental health (n=13,688, 54.6%) and family life (n=12,233, 48.8%) were most negatively affected by the pandemic and more so among younger groups and women; negative impacts on employment were more commonly reported among Black respondents. Of the 10,249 individuals who responded to vaccination questions from version 2 of the survey (summer 2021), 9770 (95.3%) had received the vaccine. After integration with EHR data up to the time of the survey completion, 1006 (4%) of the survey respondents had a discordant COVID-19 case status between EHRs and the survey. Using all longitudinal EHR and survey data, we identified 11,472 (6.4%) COVID-19-positive cases among Biobank participants. In comparison to COVID-19 cases identified through the survey, EHR-identified cases were younger and more likely to be Hispanic.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that the COVID-19 pandemic has had far-reaching and varying effects among our Biobank participants. Integrated data assets, such as the Biobank at the CCPM, are key resources for population health monitoring in response to public health emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Model for Enhancing the Science Workforce
Authors: Oppenheimer Steven B.
Published: February 2022

This mini-review will focus on a US Presidential Award/National Science Foundation/ AAAS recognized program that offers research experiences for all interested students. The quality of the research experiences will be documented by citations of student (208 students) co-authored peer reviewed papers and evidence will be presented that students are turned on to research by the method of Oppenheimer mentoring, that will be described. The career outcomes of the students will be detailed and it will be shown that this program is a model for enhancing the science workforce.
The Polyphonic World in Toni Morrison’s Fiction: A Study of The Bluest Eye
Authors: Verma Rashmi
Published: February 2022

Toni Morrison employs polyphony as a powerful narrative tool to explore collective memory and the enduring impact of history, particularly in the context of slavery, discrimination, and resilience. Through novels like Beloved, Jazz, Song of Solomon, and The Bluest Eye, Morrison constructs a multi-voiced tapestry that interweaves diverse perspectives, capturing the complexities of shared histories and social injustices. By elevating marginalized voices often silenced in mainstream narratives, she compels readers to confront uncomfortable realities about the intersections of personal and collective experiences. This paper examines use of polyphony by Morrison’s in The Bluest Eye for giving space to marginalized voices. The depth of Morrison’s intertextual and polyphonic craftsmanship, recognizing the novel’s the profound and lasting impact on African American literature, will also be the focus of this paper.
Mechanical and Tribological Behavior of AA 6082 with Hybrid Metal Matrix Composites
Authors: Bharatharajana V. , Muruganandam C. N.
Published: February 2022

Abstract: Among automobile manufacturers, in recent times, a paramount importance has been given to less fuel consumption of the vehicles by utilizing lightweight and high strength materials. Metal matrix composites (MMCs) have been used commercially in the automotive market for nearly twenty years. Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs) have very light weight, high strength, stiffness and exhibit greater resistance to corrosion, oxidation, and wear. Tensile and compressive strength is an especially important property of Aluminium matrix composites which is essential for automotive application. In this study hybrid Aluminium matrix composite was fabricated through crucible casting route. Zirconium di Oxide (ZrO2) and Egg shell particles were used as reinforcement phases for the present study. The hybrid MMCwas prepared with varying the ZrO2 particles weight ratio ranging from 2% to 4% and Es were varied 3% to 5% fixed quantity 1% of magnesium. The various mechanical properties were investigated and compared with non-metal matrix alloy of Al6082. Finally mediumlevel of reinforcement enhanced the tensile and compressive strength moderately. Keywords: AA6082, MMC, Pin on Disc, Stir Casting, Tensile Strength
Post Vaccination Symptoms among I Dose Covid-19 Vaccinated Adults in Puducherry
Authors: B Pushpa , J Jasmine
Published: February 2022

Abstract: The aim was to understand the prevalence of post COVID-19 (COVISHIELD) vaccination symptoms among I dose COVID-19 vaccinated adults in Puducherry through a descriptive study and analyze the association with epidemiologic factors. 100 participants were selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria by systematic random sampling technique. A descriptive research design was used for the study. Data was collected using symptom questionnaire among the participants at PHC Mudaliarpet, Puducherry between the age group of 19-70 years. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. Out of the 100 samples majority, 36 (36%) of study population were in the age group of above 50 years whereas 57 (57%) were male and 48 (48%) had no co-morbidity. The overall results of the study shows that 68 (68%) had fatigue, 41 (41%) had fever, 33 (33%) ad pain at the injection site, 26 (26%) had malaise, 9 (9%) had headache, 7 (7%) had nausea and vomiting, 4 (4%) had diarrhoea and 3 (3%) had chills. The demographic variables age have shown statistically significant association with nausea and vomiting among the selected participants with chi-square value of  2 =7.941 (d.f=3) at p<0.05 level. The study concluded stating that fatigue is the most commonly prevailing post COVID-19 vaccination symptom among I dose COVID-19 vaccinated adults. Keywords: COVID-19 Vaccination, Side effects, Symptoms
Overview of Co-Operative Communication Model Using Esp8266 for Triangulation of Network Model for IoT Environment
Authors: Badwaik Payal , Nipane Harshal , Dhopte Anjali , Kaypurkar Saurabh , Mahawadiwar Prof. Vivek. N.
Published: February 2022

Abstract: The Internet of Things (IOT) allows objects to connect over the internet in order to gather and exchange data. Microcontrollers like as Arduino, sensors, selectors, and internet comparability are commonly used in these devices. In this context, the MQTT is critical for exchanging data or information between devices in the Internet of Things without knowing one other's identities. This paper discusses various communication service models in the Internet of Things. Model A uses serial USB as a transmission medium, whereas Model B employs the Message Queuing Telemetry Transport protocol, which connects the system to the internet via a Wi-Fi module (ESP8266-12). The concept of author and subscriber is utilised in communication. A agentor server is used to publish or subscribe to messages. The agent is in charge of disseminating messages to consumers based on the message's topic. In MQTT, the agent is also known as the server. -Mosquitto, Adafruit, and hiveMQ are some of the agents utilised in MQTT. We have demonstrated the applications of triangulation network for NODE-MCU using co-operative communication using hardware with MQTT protocol.
Mental Health Prediction Using Deep Learning
Authors: Sairam U. , Voruganti Santhosh
Published: February 2022

Abstract: Mental health is the aggregation of emotional, social and psychological well-being of a person. These problems at workplace can lead to an increased amount of substance abuse, work errors, workplace accidents, poor decision-making, poor timekeeping and a general deterioration in planning and control of work, which all contribute to an overall reduction in work output. Mental Health Prediction application, a one stop solution for all the employees where they can check their mental health regularly Scope of mental health maintenance isn’t solely a requirement of seeing a mental health professional, but rather creating a routine of self-check ins, and proper maintenance of our mental states.
Parametric Optimization of PMEDM Process with Aluminium Oxide Powder Suspended Dielectric for Copper Electrodes
Authors: Dinesh B. S. , Arunachalam M. Eswar , Kumar A. Dinesh , Rajamanickam S.
Published: February 2022

Abstract: Electrical Discharge Machining is a commercially utilized technique for manufacturing of various shapes of materials that serve as the base material in a wide range of industries. This report presents the results of the experimental studies carried out on the influence of Powder Mixed Electrical Discharge Machining (PMEDM) input parameters on the various attributes of EDM process while using EDM oil and vegetable oil as dielectric fluid. The experiments performed under the designed full factorial procedure. Machining features, embracing material tool wear ratio, material removal rate and over cut with Ti-6Al-4V as workpiece are the parameters that were assessed in the study. The EDM input parameters - Peak Current, Duty factor and Gap voltage were studied. The results of this study could be utilized in the selection of optimum process parameters to achieve the desired EDM efficiency, surface roughness, and surface integrity when machining Ti-6Al-4V workpiece. Keywords: Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM), Outer Cut (OC), Tool Wear Ratio (TWR)
An Effective Framework for Enhancement of Hazed and Low-Illuminated Images
Authors: Bhadouria Aashi Singh , Agarwal Khushboo
Published: February 2022

Abstract: Haze removal is important for computer photography and computer vision applications. However, most of the existing methods for removing theha- ziness are designed for daytime images and may not always work well at hazy night images. Unlike image conditions during the sunny day, images captured in winter night conditions can suffer from irregular lighting due to artificial light sources with varying colors and non-uniform illumination, which show low brightness, contrast and color distortion. In this paper, we propose a new frame- work for presenting night-time hazy imaging, which works on haze removal and low-illumination correction algorithm taking into consideration both the non-uni- form illumination of artificial light sources and the effects of dispersion and at- tenuation of fog. Therefore, firstly, we will give a hazy low-illuminated image having low light as input and then apply a technique to clarify the visibility of the input image. Then, apply the contrast enhancement and after that apply the LIME technique and finally, apply the white balance technique and we will get our improved output image. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm can achieve an illumination balance, results without haziness and good color cor- rection capacity. Keywords: Image Enhancement, Low Illumination, Reflectance, Low Contrast, Low Light Images, Nighttime Images, Low Visibility Images, Nighttime Haze Removal.
Underwater Image Enhancement Techniques: An Exhaustive Study
Authors: Bhadouria Aashi Singh
Published: February 2022

Abstract: This paper discusses the various different techniques and their comparative study that will help us for improving underwater image enhancement, These underwater images usually suffer from motion blur effect due to turbulence in the flow of water and non-uniform illumination and limited contrast, Due to the presence of distortion captured underwater image needs to be processed in different ways because the underwater images captured in deep low light environment are of worst quality and these images are low contrast, cause blurring effect, limited range visibility, low contrast, hazy, light transportation is very less, scattering, absorption, noise, natural light absorption, dispersion, color variations, clarity of image is reduced, absence of natural colors, quality of the image degrades and these underwater images cannot be directly used for various computer vision techniques, experiments, object tracking system, scientific research, marine biology research, underwater vehicles, detecting system, counting system, submarine operations, underwater navigation system, disaster prevention system, maintenance of oil rigs. When captured in the underwater environment as compared to images from a clearer environment, The turbid nature of water due to the presence of particles such as minerals, salt, sand, planktons is the major obstacle in the area of underwater research. These particles produce haziness in the deep underwater captured images and it is suitable for use and many other fields. Different methods made for processing of these underwater images there are different filtering techniques, enhancement techniques preprocessing and image restoration techniques are available and some of them are discussed in this paper with their results. Keywords: Underwater Image, Image Enhancement, Image Dehazing, Light Scattering, Filtering Technique, Pre-processing Technique, Haze Environment, Multi-scale wavelet.
Cryptography: A Brief Review
Authors: Kaushal Milind
Published: February 2022

Abstract: This paper reviews the concept of cryptography and some of the cryptographic algorithms. It discusses the importance of cryptography and how it is useful in the data security world. The history of this concept goes way back and has found uses in the times of wars. It has become way more advanced and complicated than it used to be but is still not perfect. Keywords: Cryptography, Asymmetric Cryptosystem, Cipher text, Encryption Algorithm, Diffie-Hellman, DES, 3DES