bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protection of monuments of art and antiquity: the experience of German lands in the XVIII – early XX centuries
Authors:   South Ukrainian National Pedagogical University named after K. D. Ushynsky, Prysiazhniuk Oleksii
Published: July 2022

The first prescriptions aimed at protecting the historical heritage on the territory of the German states began to appear only at the end of the eighteenth century and were rather timid attempts to preserve the country’s heritage, and sometimes an instrument for achieving personal political goals. The impetus for their emergence was the increased interest in medieval architecture, which came primarily from creative architects and writers. The first orders were aimed at the fragmentary preservation of historic buildings, coins, texts and other relics. They set the task of preserving primarily moving objects, quenching the thirst for collecting a ruler. The idea of creating a specialized body for the preservation of architectural heritage first appeared in 1815 by Karl Friedrich Schinkel. Schinkel’s innovative and far-sighted ideas were far ahead of his time, influencing the emergence of legal acts and systems for monitoring their implementation, very similar to modern models. It was thanks to his efforts that since 1830, innovative laws have appeared in Prussia aimed at protecting the historical heritage of the kingdom. Developed in 1853 by order of King Frederick William IV of Prussia, the Bill on the Protection of Monuments first highlighted one of the key problems of modern legislation on the protection of historical heritage – the issue of private ownership and financing of monument protection. The beginning of the XX century in Germany was marked by the emergence of increased interest in historical heritage. The protection of historical heritage for the first time gained an important role in the life of the state during the First Reich, without losing it after the First World War or the revolution of 1918, that is, retaining this role in the Weimar Republic.
On the army that fought for Ukraine’s independence in extremely difficult conditions (Review of the book: Ofitsynskyy R. History of UPA. Kharkiv: Folio, 2021. 126 p.)
Authors:   State Institution Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University, Naboka Oleksandr
Published: July 2022

The article is an extended review of a new book by the famous historian and local historian from Zakarpattia R. Ofitsynskyy „History of UPA”. The author consistently and systematically considers issues related to the activities of UPA in the fight against the German and Soviet armies, examines the life and organization of military service of Ukrainian insurgents, analyzes their goals and political strategy. Calling UPA is a phenomenon of world history, Roman Ofitsynskyy shows the fighting spirit of the Ukrainian insurgents, the duration and scale of their war with powerful opponents. This army fought for independence in a colonial country on the European continent, showed extraordinary self-sacrifice, courage, heroism. Eventually, the USSR collapsed and was discarded, and national liberation triumphed. And Ukraine respects fighters, not those who destroyed it. The human dimension speaks of steady and enduring strength. Currently, UPA personnel belong to the participants in hostilities and fighters for Ukraine’s independence. The State has recognized their awards, titles, valor, and preserves the memory of them. According to Professor Ofitsynskyy, UPA entered world history by resisting the most powerful totalitarian states for the longest time and covering the largest territory among similar armed groups in Europe. For modern Ukrainians in the modern Russian-Ukrainian war, the combat experience of UPA is an inescapable example of uncompromising struggle in extremely difficult conditions. Defending the honor of the occupied nation, UPA laid a spiritual foundation for future generations, presented of people who valued freedom the most.
Flight reviews and manuscript reviews: editorial
Authors: Bennett Gisele
Published: July 2022

Editor-in-Chief Gisele Bennett discusses the benefits of manuscript reviews.
Nondipole effects in terahetz-pulse-assisted strong-field ionization
Authors: Milošević Dejan B. , Habibović Dino
Published: July 2022

Nondipole effects in processes assisted by a THz field having the strength of a few MV/cm can be significant due to its long wavelength. We illustrate this for strong-laser-field-induced ionization assisted by a THz field. To this end, we generalize our strong-field-approximation theory so that it includes the first-order term in a 1/c expansion of the vector potential. We show that in this case, in addition to a shift of the maximum of the photoelectron momentum distribution, the differential ionization probability as well as the cutoff energy can be significantly increased. For an explanation of these unexpected results we use the saddle-point method adjusted to include nondipole effects.
Temperature characteristic of a gain fiber core in distributed side-coupled cladding-pumped fiber amplifiers with different pump schemes
Authors: Lou Zhaokai , Huang Zhihe , Cui Wenda , Cao Jianqiu , Han Kai , Xu Xiaojun
Published: July 2022

In this paper, we study the temperature characteristic of a gain fiber core in distributed side-coupled cladding-pumped (DSCCP) fiber amplifiers by optical frequency domain reflectometry (OFDR). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first temperature distribution measurement of a fiber core in DSCCP fiber lasers. The temperature distributions are also firstly measured among forward, backward, and bidirectional pump schemes. In addition, the bidirectional pump scheme has lower temperature distribution than unidirectional pump schemes. The experimental fiber core temperature is in according with the numerical simulation, which was once introduced for the temperature study of DSCCP fiber amplifiers. By experimental measurement and theoretical modeling, it is found that the maximum core temperature is several tens of centimeters away from the injected end of the DSCCP fiber, such that it will distribute the heat load along the longitudinal direction and reduce the maximum thermal load with better thermal management advantages than ordinary double cladding fiber (DCF).
Effects of sociodemographic and health factors on the self-management of non-communicable diseases among Chilean adults during the Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Nicoletti-Rojas Daniela , Retamal Rodrigo , Cerda-Rioseco Ricardo , Rodríguez-Osiac Lorena , Fuentes-Alburquenque Mauricio , Araya-Bannout Marcela
Published: July 2022

Individuals with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are potentially at increased vulnerability during the Covid-19 pandemic and require additional help to reduce risk. Self-management is one effective strategy and this study investigated the effect of sociodemographic and health factors on the self-management of some non-communicable diseases, namely hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia, among Chilean adults during the Covid-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional telephone survey was carried out on 910 participants with NCDs, from Santiago, Chile. An adapted and validated version of the “Partners in Health” scale was used to measure self-management. Exploratory Factor analysis yielded five dimensions of this scale: Disease Knowledge, Healthcare Team Relationship, General Self-Management and Daily Routines, Drug Access and Intake, and Monitoring and Decision-Making. The average of these dimensions was calculated to create a new variable Self-Management Mean, which was used as a dependent variable together with the five separate dimensions. Independent variables included age, gender, years of schooling, number of diseases, the percentage of Multidimensional Poverty Index in the commune of residence, and self-rated health status. Beta regressions and ANOVA for the Beta regression residuals were utilized for analyses. Beta regression model explained 8.1% of the variance in Self-Management Mean. Age, years of schooling, number of diseases and self-rated health status were statistically associated with Self-Management Mean and dimensions related to daily routines and health decision making, such as Disease Knowledge, General Self-Management and Daily Routines, and Monitoring and Decision-Making. Gender and the percentage of Multidimensional Poverty Index in the commune of residence were insignificant. Strategies for self-management of NCDs during a crisis should consider age, years of schooling, number of diseases, and self-rated health status in their design.
Lifetime risk of developing diabetes in Chinese people with normoglycemia or prediabetes: A modeling study
Authors: Zhang Xinge , Wu Hongjiang , Fan Baoqi , Shi Mai , Lau Eric S. H. , Yang Aimin , Chow Elaine , Kong Alice P. S. , Chan Juliana C. N. , Ma Ronald C. W. , Luk Andrea O. Y.
Published: July 2022

Background

Little is known about the lifetime risk of progression to diabetes in the Asian population. We determined remaining lifetime risk of diabetes and life years spent with diabetes in Chinese people with normoglycemia and prediabetes.

Methods and findings

Using territory-wide diabetes surveillance data curated from electronic medical records of Hong Kong Hospital Authority (HA), we conducted a population-based cohort study in 2,608,973 individuals followed from 2001 to 2019. Prediabetes and diabetes were identified based on laboratory measurements, diagnostic codes, and medication records. Remaining lifetime risk and life years spent with diabetes were estimated using Monte Carlo simulations with state transition probabilities based on a Markov chain model. Validations were performed using several sensitivity analyses and modified survival analysis. External replication was performed using the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey (CHARLS) cohort (2010 to 2015).

The expected remaining lifetime risk of developing diabetes was 88.0 (95% confidence intervals: 87.2, 88.7)% for people with prediabetes and 65.9 (65.8, 65.9)% for people with normoglycemia at age 20 years. A 20-year-old person with prediabetes would live with diabetes for 32.5 (32.0, 33.1) years or 51.6 (50.8, 52.3)% of remaining life years, whereas a person with normoglycemia at 20 years would live 12.7 (12.7, 12.7) years with diabetes or 18.4 (18.4, 18.5)% of remaining life years. Women had a higher expected remaining lifetime risk and longer life years with diabetes compared to men. Results are subjected to possible selection bias as only people who undertook routine or opportunistic screening were included.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that Hong Kong, an economically developed city in Asia, is confronted with huge challenge of high lifetime risk of diabetes and long life years spent with diabetes, especially in people with prediabetes. Effective public health policies and targeted interventions for preventing progression to diabetes are urgently needed.
Age-related twin-peak prevalence profiles of H. pylori infection, gastritis, GIN and gastric cancer: Analyses of 70,534 patients with gastroscopic biopsies
Authors: Xu Meng Qing , Sun Ke , Cao Chong , Yin Hui Hui , Wang Xiao Jun , Yin Qi Hang , Wang Li Jie , Tao Lin , Wang Kui , Li Feng , Zhang Wen Jie
Published: July 2022

Objectives

H. pylori (Hp) infection has been indicated in the pathogenesis of gastric diseases including gastric cancer (GC). This study aimed at exploring the relationships between Hp infection and gastric diseases including GC in a large dataset of routine patients undergoing gastroscopy.

Methods

From November 2007 to December 2017, 70,534 first-time visiting patients aged 18–94 years with gastroscopic biopsies were histologically diagnosed and analyzed. Patients’ data were entered twice in an Excel spreadsheet database and analyzed using the SPSS (version 22.0) software package and statistical significance was defined as P<0.05 for all analyses.

Results

The first interesting observation was age-related twin-peak prevalence profiles (TPPs) for Hp infection, gastritis, and advanced diseases with different time spans (TS) between the first and second occurring peaks. Hp infection and gastritis had TPPs occurring at earlier ages than TPPs of gastric introepithelial neoplasia (GIN) and GC. More patients were clustered at the second occurring TPPs. The time spans (TS) from the first occurring peak of Hp infection to the first occurring peaks of other gastric diseases varied dramatically with 0–5 years for gastritis; 5–15 years for GINs, and 5–20 years for GC, respectively. The number of males with Hp infection and gastric diseases, excluding non-atrophic gastritis (NAG), was more than that of females (P<0.001).

Conclusions

We have first observed age-related twin-peak prevalence profiles for Hp infection, gastritis, GIN, and GC, respectively, among a large population of patients undergoing gastroscopy. The second prevalence peak of GC is at ages of 70–74 years indicating that many GC patients would be missed during screening because the cut-off age for screening is 69 years old in China.
Influence of epidemic situation on COVID-19 vaccination between urban and rural residents in China-Vietnam border area: A cross-sectional survey
Authors: Liu Bin , Zhang Min , Li Xiangang , Liu Li , Li Qin , Liang Zhengzhong , Xu Lin , Li Li , Su Yuekang
Published: July 2022

Background

The situation of the COVID-19 outbreak in the border areas of China and Vietnam is complex, and its progress may affect the willingness of urban and rural residents to receive the vaccine.

Objective

This study aims to understand the influence of the COVID-19 epidemic situation on the willingness of urban and rural residents in China-Vietnam border areas to get vaccinated and the factors that affect the vaccinations.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Hani-Yi Autonomous Prefecture of Honghe, a border area between China and Vietnam, using online and paper questionnaires from April 1 to June 4, 2021. A total of 8849 valid questionnaires were surveyed to compare the differences in the willingness of urban and rural residents to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Single factor analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to explore the influence of the epidemic situation on the willingness to be vaccinated.

Results

In the border areas between China and Vietnam in Yunnan Province, both urban and rural residents had a high willingness (> 90%) to receive the COVID-19 vaccination, with a higher level of willingness in urban than in rural areas and a higher willingness among residents aged ≥ 56 years. Rural residents mainly concerned about the vaccination were different from urban residents (p< 0.05). About 54.8% of urban respondents and 59.2% of rural respondents indicated that their willingness to get COVID-19 vaccine would be affected by new COVID-19 cases. Respondents who were divorced, had an occupation other than farming, had contraindications to vaccination, were concerned about the safety of vaccines and worried about virus mutation, thought that the epidemic situation would not affect their willingness to get vaccinated (p< 0.05).

Conclusion

The prevention and control of epidemics in border areas is of considerable importance. It is necessary to conduct targeted health education and vaccine knowledge popularization among urban and rural residents to increase the vaccination rate and consolidate the epidemic prevention and control at the border.
Smartphone-based Respondent Driven Sampling (RDS): A methodological advance in surveying small or ‘hard-to-reach’ populations
Authors: Sosenko Filip Lukasz , Bramley Glen
Published: July 2022

Producing statistically robust profiles of small or ‘hard-to-reach’ populations has always been a challenge for researchers. Since surveying the wider population in order to capture a large enough sample of cases is usually too costly or impractical, researchers have been opting for ‘snowballing’ or ‘time-location sampling’. The former does not allow for claims to representativeness, and the latter struggles with under-coverage and estimating confidence intervals. Respondent Driven Sampling (RDS) is a method that combines snowballing sampling with an analytical algorithm that corrects for biases that arise in snowballing. For all its advantages, a major weakness of RDS has been around data collection. Traditionally done on-site, the process is costly and lengthy. When done online, it is cheaper and faster but under a serious threat from fraud, compromising data quality and validity of findings. This paper describes a real-life application of a RDS data collection system that maximizes fraud prevention while still benefiting from low cost and speedy data collection.
What influences individuals to invest in improved sanitation services and hygiene behaviours in a small town? A formative research study in Babati, Tanzania
Authors: Malima Gabriel , Mshida Hoyce , Machunda Revocatus , Moyo Francis , Banzi Joseph , Gautam Om Prasad , Mbeguere Mbaye , Smith Kyla , Cairncross Sandy , Njau Karoli N.
Published: July 2022

Sub-Sahara African countries face immense challenges in ensuring adequate sanitation and hygiene behaviours to the rapidly growing populations. Attempts to address these challenges require empirical evidence to inform policy and planning. We contribute toward that goal by unveiling findings of formative research conducted in Babati, a rapidly growing town in Tanzania. We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 486 households, to unwind motives and barriers for individuals to invest in improved sanitation services and hygiene behaviour change. We used several methods including household survey, focus group discussions, behaviour observations and spot checks. The findings revealed that households derive their motivation to invest in improved sanitation and hygiene practices from comfort, raising social status, and the need for personal safety and privacy. Other motives include fear of penalties and fines and fear of disease outbreaks, whilst the barriers include, limited water availability and accessibility, environmental factors, property rights, cultural issues, financial constraints, and a person’s attitude. Quantitative data were subjected to multivariate analysis to identify determinants of households to invest in sanitation and hygiene practices. The logistic regression analyses revealed that sources of water, property rights, and education level were the main determinants of households to invest in sanitation and hygiene facilities, while household income was the main determinant for households to invest in both construction of handwashing facility and water treatment. We argue that the initiative to promote sanitation and hygiene behaviour change in small towns should focus on promoting motivation factors and abating the determinant factors identified in this study.
Can securities supervision reduce corporate tax avoidance?
Authors: Wu Yewei , Zhang Bofu
Published: July 2022

Based on the special stock exchange comment letter system in China, this paper explores the relationship between the exchange tax-related comment letters and corporate tax avoidance behavior from the standpoint of securities regulation. We document that firms that engage in more aggressive tax avoidance are more likely to receive a tax-related exchange comment letter. Also, relative to firms receiving a non-tax-related comment letter, firms receiving a tax-related comment letter reduce their tax avoidance behaviors in subsequent years. Further study shows that the more the number of questions and the greater the level of detail in the comment letter, the stronger the effect of tax-related comment letters on corporate tax avoidance. After examining the sample with different degrees of political connection, we find that tax-related comment letters inhibit tax avoidance among state-owned enterprises and private enterprises with close political connections. Finally, the monitoring effect of comment letters on corporate tax avoidance is more pronounced in regions where tax administration is weak, suggesting that the comment letter system can be used as a complementary mechanism for tax administration.
In-hospital survival paradox in patients with sleep apnea—A nation-wide nested case-control study
Authors: Moser Maurice , Baty Florent , Brutsche Martin H. , Schoch Otto D.
Published: July 2022

Background

Sleep apnea (SA) is a prevalent disorder characterized by recurrent events of nocturnal apnea originating from obstructive and/or central mechanisms. SA disrupts normal sleep and can lead to a series of complications when left untreated. SA results in intermittent hypoxia which has an impact on the cardio- and cerebrovascular system. Hospitalized patients with SA typically have a greater burden of comorbidity, a longer length of hospital stay, but may show an improvement of in-hospital mortality compared to patients without diagnosed SA. The reason for this survival benefit is controversial and we aimed to clarify this protective effect in the light of predictive factors including SA-associated comorbidities using a nation-wide hospitalization database.

Methods and findings

Data were extracted from a nation-wide hospitalization database provided by the Swiss Federal Office for Statistics. Hospitalized patients with a SA co-diagnosis were extracted from the database together with a 1:1-matched control population without SA. Overall, 212’581 patients with SA were hospitalized in Switzerland between 2002 and 2018. Compared to the controls, SA cases had a longer median length of hospital stay (7 days; 95% CI: 3 to 15 vs. 4 days; 95% CI: 2 to 10) (p < 0.001) and a higher median number of comorbidities (8 comorbidities; IQR: 5 to 11 vs. 3 comorbidities; IQR: 1 to 6) (p < 0.001). The risk of in-hospital mortality was lower in the SA cases compared to the controls (OR: 0.73; 95% CI: 0.7 to 0.76; p < 0.001). SA was associated with a survival benefit in hospitalizations related to 28 of 47 conditions with the highest rate of in-hospital death. Sixty-three comorbidities were significantly over-represented in SA cases among which obesity, hypertension and anatomic nasal deviations were associated with a significant decrease of in-hospital mortality.

Conclusions

Compared to matched controls, SA was associated with significant and relevant inpatient survival benefit in a number of most deadly conditions. Within SA-patients, associated comorbidities mostly correlated with a poorer prognosis, whereas obesity and hypertension were associated with an improved in-hospital mortality.
Vaccination status, favipiravir, and micronutrient supplementation roles in post-COVID symptoms: A longitudinal study
Authors: Herman Bumi , Wong Martin Chi-sang , Viwattanakulvanid Pramon
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Post-COVID symptoms are the new concern in the COVID-19 pandemic, where recovered patients experience residual symptoms affecting their quality of life. Therefore, it is imperative to evaluate the role of complete vaccination, prescribed medication, and micronutrients during COVID episodes in the occurrence of post-COVID symptoms.

Method

A longitudinal evaluation of Indonesia’s recovered COVID-19 patients was performed using the data collected from July 2021 and extracted in mid-February 2022. All participants were confirmed with a Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction test (PCR) and/or antigen test. This study collected demography and comorbidities information, symptoms and treatment of COVID-19, and collection of self-reported post-COVID symptoms every 30 days within 90 days after diagnosis/onset. Exposures of interest include vaccination status, Favipiravir administration, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and Zinc. A Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) was used to evaluate the longitudinal effect of exposures, presented with adjusted odds ratios and its 95% confidence interval.

Results

A total of 923 participants (18.2% fully-vaccinated) were involved in the study, with 79.7% being non-hospitalized. Only 25.7% did not develop any residual symptoms within 90 days. Fatigue was the most reported post-COVID symptom in each measurement time (39.5%, 16.3%, and 7.3%). Full-vaccination was effective against chronic cough (aOR 0.527, 95% CI 0.286–0.971), chronic headache (aOR 0.317, 95% CI 0.163–0.616), and chronic arthritis (aOR 0.285, 95% CI 0.116–0.703). The combination of micronutrient supplementations and Favipiravir gave no significant effect on all post-COVID symptoms. However, early initiation of Favipiravir and delaying vitamin D administration were associated with arthritis.

Conclusion

Full vaccination of COVID-19 prevents the disease and the development of residual symptoms when infected with SARS-COV-2. Hence, it is crucial to reconsider the prescription of micronutrient supplementation or adjust the dose of Favipiravir in the current guideline.
Hormetic and transgenerational effects in spotted-wing Drosophila (Diptera: Drosophilidae) in response to three commonly-used insecticides
Authors: Deans Carrie , Hutchison William D.
Published: July 2022

Although insecticide formulations and spray rates are optimized to achieve lethal exposure, there are many factors in agricultural settings that can reduce the effective exposure of insect pests. These include weather patterns, timing of application, chemical degradation/volatilization, plant structural complexity, and resistant populations. While sub-lethal exposure to insecticides can still have negative impacts on pest populations, they can also lead to stimulatory, or hormetic, responses that can increase the fitness of surviving insects. Sub-lethal concentrations may also produce increased tolerance in the offspring of surviving adults through transgenerational effects. Sub-lethal effects are pertinent for the invasive fruit pest, spotted-wing Drosophila,Drosophila suzukii(Matsumura), because its small size, diurnal movement patterns, and utilization of hosts with complex plant structures, such as caneberries and blueberries, make effective insecticide applications tenuous. In this study, we measured spotted-wing Drosophila survivorship, reproductive performance, and offspring tolerance in flies exposed to sub-lethal concentrations of three commonly-used insecticides (zeta-cypermethrin, spinetoram, and pyrethrin). We found some evidence for hormesis, with survival effects being sex- and concentration-dependent for all insecticides. Males were far more susceptible to insecticides than females, which in some cases exhibited higher eclosion success and reproductive rates when exposed to sub-lethal doses. We did not observe significant transgenerational effects at sub-lethal concentrations, despite trends of increased offspring viability for zeta-cypermethrin and spinetoram. More research, however, is needed to fully understand the role that sub-lethal effects may play in pest population dynamics, insecticide efficacy, and the development of genetic resistance.
Prevalence of visual impairment and associated factors among children in Ethiopia: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Anley Denekew Tenaw , Anteneh Rahel Mulatie , Tegegne Yibeltal Shitu , Ferede Oshe lemita , Zemene Melkamu Aderajew , Angaw Dessie Abebaw , Teym Abraham
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Visual impairment is a major public health problem in developing countries where there is no enough health-care service. It has a significant impact on the affected child’s psychological, educational and socioeconomic experiences, during childhood and beyond. Therefore, the aim of this review was to estimate the pooled prevalence of visual impairment and its associated factors among children in Ethiopia.

Method

This systematic review and meta-analysis was designed based on the PRISMA guidelines. Relevant published articles in Ethiopia from 2011–2021 were searched in PubMed/Medline, HINARI, Google scholar, and conference paper and thesis or research final reports were accessed from Ethiopian Universities’ repositories. Data was extracted in Microsoft excel by using JBI data extraction checklist. The pooled prevalence and odds ratio of associated factors with their 95% CI was computed by using STATA 14/SE software. A fixed effect meta-analysis model was employed for a Cochrane Q test statistic and I2 test showed there was no heterogeneity in the included studies.

Result

A total of 7,647 children from nine studies were included in this study. The overall prevalence of visual impairment among children in Ethiopia was 7% (95% CI: 6, 7%). The pooled prevalence of visual impairment by region was almost similar in Ethiopia. However, there was no significant association between the identified factors and visual impairment among children. But the result showed that being males (AOR 0.642, 95% CI: 0.357–1.156), Children in the age of 10–13 years (AOR 0.224, 95% CI: 0.046–1.102) and 14–18 years (AOR 0.508, 95% CI: 0.102–2.534) were found to be less likely to have visual impairment. On the other hand, children of parents with visual impairment (AOR 1.820, 95% CI: 0.381–8.698) more likely to have visual impairment.

Conclusion

Visual impairment among children in Ethiopia is still a public health problem one year later to VISION 2020, a global initiative aimed to eliminate avoidable blindness. All most one out of fourteen children in Ethiopia had visual impairment. Therefore, the government of Ethiopia should focus on effective, efficient, comprehensive eye health care services by integrating with the national health system to prevent avoidable visual impairment among children.
Ultrasonographic and cytologic assessments of follicular neoplasms of the thyroid: Predictive features differentiating follicular carcinoma from follicular adenoma
Authors: Ahn Hye Shin , Kim Hee Sung , Hong Min Ji
Published: July 2022

Background

The preoperative diagnosis of follicular neoplasm of the thyroid is challenging due to difficulties in the assessment of capsular invasion. This study aimed to identify ultrasonographic (US) and cytopathologic features that are characteristic of follicular adenoma and carcinoma to aid in their differential diagnosis.

Methods

A total of 98 surgically resected nodules diagnosed as follicular neoplasms between 2011 and 2012 were analyzed. US findings were reviewed according to the Korean Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (K-TIRADS). Six cytologic features (high cellularity, abundant microfollicles, cell crowding/nuclear overlapping, isolated cells, homogeneous nuclei, abundant colloid) were reviewed quantitatively. The radiologic findings and quantification of cytologic features were correlated with final diagnoses.

Results

In total, 70 (71.4%) and 28 (28.6%) of the nodules were follicular adenomas and follicular carcinomas, respectively. US findings of a heterogeneous echogenicity, speculated/ill-defined margin, and presence of calcifications were significantly associated with follicular carcinoma (p<0.05). Calcifications had a predilection for pericapsular areas than for stromal areas in follicular carcinomas, whereas their location was more varied in follicular adenomas. No cytologic feature was significantly different between follicular adenomas and carcinomas.

Conclusion

Distinct from follicular adenomas, follicular carcinomas are characterized by heterogeneous echogenicity, speculated/ill-defined margin, and presence of calcifications on US. Thus, US findings can be helpful to differentiate between these two follicular neoplasms.
Monitoring of cherry flowering phenology with Google Trends
Authors: Shin Nagai , Kotani Ayumi , Tei Shunsuke , Tsutsumida Narumasa
Published: July 2022

Google Trends (GT) is an online tool designed for searching for changes over time. We assessed its use for evaluating changes in the timing of cherry flowering phenology, which is of intense interest to Japanese people. We examined the relationship between time-series of relative search volume (RSV: relative change in search requests over time obtained from the GT access engine) and cherry flowering information published on websites (as ground truth) in relation to three famous ancient cherry trees. The time-series of RSV showed an annual bell-shaped seasonal variability, and the dates of the maximum RSV tended to correspond to the dates of full bloom. Our results suggest that GT allows monitoring of multiple famous cherry flowering sites where we cannot obtain long-term flowering data to evaluate the spatiotemporal variability of cherry flowering phenology.
Physical strain while wearing personal radiation protection systems in interventional radiology
Authors: Koenig Alexander M. , Schweer Anna , Sasse Daniel , Etzel Robin , Apitzsch Jonas , Viniol Simon , Thomas Rohit P. , Mahnken Andreas H.
Published: July 2022

Objectives

Multiple studies show orthopedic health problems for medical staff due to wearing radiation protection aprons. The aim of this study was to evaluate the weight pressure on the shoulder as a marker of physical strain caused by different radiation-protection devices.

Methods

For the weight pressure measurement, a pressure sensor (OMD-30-SE-100N, OptoForce, Budapest, Hungary) placed on the left and right shoulder was used. Wearing different radiation protection systems the force measurement system was used to quantify the weight pressure. Measurements were acquired in still standing position and during various movements.

Results

A mean significant decreasing weight pressure on the shoulder between 74% and 84% (p<0.001) was measured, when the free-hanging radiation protection system was used in comparison to one-piece and two-piece radiation protection aprons and coats. Using two-piece radiation protection aprons, the weight pressure was significantly lower than that of one-piece radiation protection coats. If a belt was used for the one-piece radiation protection coat, the weight pressure on the shoulder was reduced by 32.5% (p = 0.003). For a two-piece radiation protection apron and a one-piece radiation protection coat (with and without belt) a significant different weight pressure distribution between the right and left shoulder could be measured.

Conclusions

The free-hanging radiation protection system showed a significant lower weight pressure in comparison to the other radiation protection devices. Apart from this, use of a two-piece radiation protection apron or addition of a belt to a radiation protection coat proved to be further effective options to reduce weight pressure.
COVID-19 aerosol transmission simulation-based risk analysis for in-person learning
Authors: Swanson Tessa , Guikema Seth , Bagian James , Schemanske Christopher , Payne Claire
Published: July 2022

As educational institutions begin a school year following a year and a half of disruption from the COVID-19 pandemic, risk analysis can help to support decision-making for resuming in-person instructional operation by providing estimates of the relative risk reduction due to different interventions. In particular, a simulation-based risk analysis approach enables scenario evaluation and comparison to guide decision making and action prioritization under uncertainty. We develop a simulation model to characterize the risks and uncertainties associated with infections resulting from aerosol exposure in in-person classes. We demonstrate this approach by applying it to model a semester of courses in a real college with approximately 11,000 students embedded within a larger university. To have practical impact, risk cannot focus on only infections as the end point of interest, we estimate the risks of infection, hospitalizations, and deaths of students and faculty in the college. We incorporate uncertainties in disease transmission, the impact of policies such as masking and facility interventions, and variables outside of the college’s control such as population-level disease and immunity prevalence. We show in our example application that universal use of masks that block 40% of aerosols and the installation of near-ceiling, fan-mounted UVC systems both have the potential to lead to substantial risk reductions and that these effects can be modeled at the individual room level. These results exemplify how such simulation-based risk analysis can inform decision making and prioritization under great uncertainty.
The G allele of the IGF1 rs2162679 SNP is a potential protective factor for any myopia: Updated systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Meng Bo , Wang Kang , Huang Yingxiang , Wang Yanling
Published: July 2022

Background

The insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) gene is located within the myopia-associated MYP3 interval, which suggests it may play an important role in the progression of myopia. However, the association between IGF1 SNPs and any myopia is rarely reported.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was conducted on studies published up to July 22, 2021 in PubMed, EMBASE, CBM, COCHRANE, CNKI, WANFANG and VIP databases. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that have been evaluated in at least three studies.

Results

Nine studies involving 4596 subjects with any myopia and 4950 controls examined 25 SNPs in IGF1 gene, among which seven SNPs were included in this meta-analysis. Significant associations were not found in any genetic models between rs6214, rs12423791, rs5742632, rs10860862, rs5742629 and any myopia. Rs2162679 was suggestively associated with any myopia in the codominant model (GA vs. AA: OR = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.76–1.00) and the dominant model (GG+GA vs. AA: OR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.78–1.00).

Conclusion

Meta-analysis of updated data reveals that the G allele of the IGF1 rs2162679 SNP is a potential protective factor for any myopia, which is worth further researches.
In-vivo assessment of retinal vessel diameters and observer variability in mice: A methodological approach
Authors: Streese Lukas , Liffert Jeannine , Vilser Walthard , Handschin Christoph , Hanssen Henner
Published: July 2022

Background

Central retinal arteriolar (CRAE) and venular (CRVE) diameter equivalents are predictive for cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in humans. The aim of this study was to investigate the inter- and intraobserver variability for the assessment of CRAE and CRVE in mice using fluorescein contrast enhancement as compared to crude analysis.

Methods

Three high quality images with (F) and without fluorescein (NF) of eight mice (type C57BL) were recorded and analysed by two independent experienced investigators to investigate interobserver variability. In addition, one investigator analysed 20 F and 20 NF images twice to investigate intraobserver variability. The time course of CRAE and CRVE vessel responses after fluorescein injection were recorded in one mouse every 30 seconds for 15 minutes.

Results

The interobserver variability was lower in F images compared to NF images for CRAE (r = 0.99, p < 0.001 vs. r = 0.65, p = 0.083) and CRVE (r = 0.99, p < 0.001 vs. r = 0.79, p = 0.019). Intraobserver variability for CRAE (r = 0.99, p < 0.001 vs. r = 0.48, p = 0.032) and CRVE (r = 0.98, p < 0.001 vs. r = 0.86, p < 0.001) were lower in F compared to NF images. Fluorescein injection induced vascular staining mimicking vessel dilation (+14%) followed by a long-lasting stable staining phase well suited for precise measurements.

Conclusions

Measurement variability can be optimized by use of fluorescein as contrast enhancement in mice. Standardization for time of image acquisition after fluorescein injection is advisable. Translation of static retinal vessel analysis into a rodent model has the potential to bridge the research gap between proof of concept studies in animals and clinical studies in humans.
Field performance of the GaugeCam image-based water level measurement system
Authors: Birgand François , Chapman Ken , Hazra Arnab , Gilmore Troy , Etheridge Randall , Staicu Ana-Maria
Published: July 2022

Image-based stage and discharge measuring systems are among the most promising new non-contact technologies available for long-term hydrological monitoring. This article evaluates and reports the long-term performance of the GaugeCam (www.gaugecam.org) image-based stage measuring system in situ. For this we installed and evaluated the system over several months in a tidal marsh to obtain a good stratification of the measured stages. Our evaluation shows that the GaugeCam system was able to measure within about ±5 mm for a 90% confidence interval over a range of about 1 m in a tidal creek in a remote location of North Carolina, USA. Our results show that the GaugeCam system nearly performed to the desired design of ±3 mm accuracy around 70% of the time. The system uses a dedicated target background for calibration and geometrical perspective correction of images, as well as auto-correction to compensate for camera movement. The correction systems performed well overall, although our results show a ‘croissant-shaped’ mean error (-1 to +4 mm,) varying with water stage. We attribute this to the small, yet present, ‘fish-eye’ effect embedded in images, for which our system did not entirely correct in the tested version, and which might affect all image-based water level measurement systems.
If you are in, you will understand: A new ‘dress code’ on TikTok is reframing lesbian teens’ safe space
Authors: Lin Lu
Published: July 2022

I intend to offer in this article a visualized research of teenager lesbian style on TikTok and a discourse of queer safe spaces in networked contexts. Due to the influence of the queer feminist movement, the social acceptance of queerness has increased in most countries. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning groups are no longer limited by the gay ‘dress code’, which is historically used to protect queer identity from discrimination and violence. During my personal nomadic experience moving from China to the Netherlands, I noticed that it is hard to pick out someone who ‘looks gay’ in the street. The freedom of dressing and self-expression has gradually become universal in western countries. Whereas, without legalized same-sex marriage in mainland China, visibility in style is still a signification of sexuality and a way of communication. Beyond the diversity of style, a new form of lesbian ‘dress code’ on TikTok has triggered me to examine safe spaces for teenagers. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the fashion industry finds itself in a challenging condition, which is accelerating its digital transformation. An increasing number of fashion labels see potential in TikTok as a new public territory to practise self-exploration for numerous teens. By analysing the visual content and interviewing four TikTok creators, this article addresses the gap between public and insider prejudice around codes of dressing. It proposes not only to rethink the relation between fashion and identity but also to ruminate on queer safe space through researching ways of dressing.
Serial narratives in the new millennium: The decline and the future of daytime US soap operas
Authors: Atay Ahmet
Published: July 2022

Despite its cultural significance, soap opera as a television genre has been in decline in the United States since the early 2000s. While the nature of its audience has been changing, the media landscape also has been drastically shifting because of the wide expansion of new media technologies. In this article, I survey these reasons and examine the current state of the genre. To do so, I first briefly examine the history of the genre before I review the significant cultural and social forces that reshaped the US media landscape and eroded the popularity of the genre in certain segments of the audience.
Serial communities: The dynamics between individual and collective identity in Orange Is the New Black
Authors: Graour Kristina
Published: July 2022

The influence of soap operas on other forms of television narrative has long been remarked upon by television scholars, especially with regards to the increasing tendency towards serialized plotlines that contemporary dramas have exhibited over the last three decades. Nonetheless, the full impact of the soap opera form on the structural principles of ongoing television narratives is yet to be explored. A crucial part of this lineage is the privileged role granted to communities in soaps, a narrative strategy that has been embraced by an array of other types of serialized programming, including ‘premium’ dramas. Drawing on Christine Geraghty’s writing on soap operas’ construction of community, this article will examine how this storytelling strategy is reworked by contemporary ‘premium’ programmes. Using Orange Is the New Black () as a case study, I will explore how the patterns of interplay between the individual and the group can shape both the form and diegesis of a programme. I will analyse how Orange Is the New Black gradually shifts from being structured around a single protagonist to being structured around the community as a whole, demonstrating that the tension between individual and collective identities can be a productive force that proliferates and expands the narrative of a programme.
Notes towards a formal and social poetics of television drama
Authors: Zborowski James
Published: July 2022

This article seeks to build a bridge between approaches to television drama that explore form and style, and those that explore realism and representation. It proposes questions which can be applied to any television drama, and reveal meaningful distinctions. The argument is developed through comparative analysis of Sally Wainwright’s Happy Valley (2014–present) and long-running British soap opera Coronation Street (1960–present).
Nuevos materiales sostenibles para balasto, subbalasto y capa de forma en infraestructuras ferroviarias
Authors: Morata Royes Miquel , Peset Iribarren Joan , Fontserè Pujol Valentí
Published: July 2022

En este artículo se presentan tres soluciones innovadoras y sostenibles para mejorar las infraestructuras ferroviarias europeas. En primer lugar, se presenta Neoballast, nueva solución para balasto que ofrece mayor durabilidad, menor impacto ambiental y una reducción de ruido y vibraciones, entre otras muchas prestaciones. En segundo lugar, se presenta el árido siderúrgico desarrollado en el proyecto Gain para uso como subbalasto y capa de forma ferroviaria, el cual ofrece mayores prestaciones mecánicas a la vez que se valoriza un residuo de la producción de acero. En tercer lugar, se presenta el árido siderúrgico desarrollado en el proyecto Birbalas para su uso como balasto y subbalasto ferroviario, del cual se está a la espera de obtener resultados definitivos, si bien los resultados provisionales son muy positivos.
El problema de la caracterización ambiental de los RCD para su uso en la construcción de terraplenes en España
Authors: Santana María , Estaire José
Published: July 2022

El uso de residuos para la construcción de terraplenes es una medida que aumenta la sostenibilidad de estas obras de tierra y que está relacionada con las políticas de economía circular impulsadas por la Unión Europea (UE). Los residuos de construcción y demolición (RCD) representan un importante volumen dentro de los residuos generados. Su utilización para la construcción de terraplenes debe estar precedida por la verificación de que dichos materiales cumplan los requisitos técnicos y medioambientales de las normas correspondientes. Los requisitos medioambientales no están claramente definidos en la normativa española. La forma habitual de comprobar que los residuos no suponen un peligro para el medio ambiente es mediante la realización de ensayos de lixiviación. El problema surge en la elección del tipo de ensayo de lixiviación a emplear y la interpretación de los resultados obtenidos. En este trabajo se recoge la clasificación y usos de los RCD, los ensayos de lixiviación más habituales para su caracterización ambiental y los criterios con los que os resultados de dichos ensayos pudieran ser comparados para su correcta interpretación. Por último, se hace una reflexión sobre posibles escenarios en los que se utilicen RCD dentro de los terraplenes para evitar su afección al medio ambiente.