bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Standard of Crime Scientific Analysis (to the 100th Anniversary of Semyon Samuilovich Ovchinsky)
Authors:   Irkutsk Institute (Branch), All-Russian State University of Justice, Bychkova A.M.
Published: October 2022

Semyon Samuilovich Ovchinsky (1922–1993) had his 100-years anniversary in 2022. He was a distinguished Soviet and Russian scientist, professor and doctor of law. This article is prepared based on S.S. Ovchinsky biography information that is contained in the preface to the book «Operational investigative information» (2019). The author of the article cites the information about outstanding contribution of S.S. Ovchinsky in the entire complex of legal disciplines that are aimed at the crime fighting and crime prevention. These disciplines are criminology, criminalistics, administrative law, criminal law and criminal procedure. The author describes the process of creation by the scientist of operational and investigative activities and the basics of its information support. The article mentions the contents of three books that were published after the death of their author but that continue to influence modern scientific life. The article emphasizes the innovative nature of the S.S. Ovchinsky works that were ahead of time and that stay relevant nowadays. These works represent a solid theoretical foundation for creating information-search, information-analytical, information-identification and the most promising information-diagnostic systems of the new generation.
Okul Müdürlerinin Güçlendirici Liderlik Davranışları İle Öğretmenlerin Psikolojik Dayanıklılık Düzeyleri Arasındaki İlişki
Authors: SOYLU Selen , OKÇU Veysel
Published: October 2022

Bu çalışmada, lise yöneticilerinin güçlendirici liderlik davranış düzeyleri ileöğretmenlerin psikolojik dayanıklılıkları arasındaki ilişkinin belirlenmesiamaçlanmaktadır. İlişkisel tarama modeli kullanılarak araştırmagerçekleştirilmiştir. Araştırmanın evrenini 2020-2021 öğretim yılında Batmanilinin merkezindeki 43 Anadolu ve 2 Fen Lisesi olmak üzere toplam 45 okuldagörev yapan 1265 branş öğretmeni oluşturmaktadır. Araştırmada, 318öğretmenden elde edilen veriler analiz edilmiştir. Bu araştırmada, “GüçlendiriciLiderlik Ölçeği”, “Psikolojik Dayanıklılık Ölçeği” kullanılmıştır. Yapılanaraştırma sonucunda, lise yöneticilerinin güçlendirici liderlik davranışlarınailişkin öğretmen algılarının "iyi düzeyde" olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Öğretmenlerinpsikolojik dayanıklılıklarına ilişkin kendi algılarının "orta düzeyde" olduğubelirlenmiştir. Araştırmada yapılan korelasyon analizi sonucunda, okulyöneticilerin güçlendirici liderlik davranışları ile öğretmenlerin psikolojikdayanıklılık düzeyleri arasında pozitif yönde ve orta düzeyde anlamlı bir ilişkiolduğu saptanmıştır. Ayrıca yapılan regresyon analizi sonucunda ise, genel olarakokul yöneticilerinin güçlendirici liderlik davranışları öğretmenlerin psikolojikdayanıklılık düzeylerini anlamlı bir şekilde yordamaktadır.
Sosyal Bilgiler Öğrencilerinin İnsan Ve Çevre Öğrenme Alanı İle İlgili Kavram Yanılgılarına İlişkin Öğretmen Görüşleri
Authors: Kahveci Muhammet , Şeker Mustafa
Published: October 2022

Eğitim kuramları etkisinde hazırlanan eğitim programları, eğitim ve öğretimin bütün ortamlarını şekillendirdiği gibi sosyal bilgiler dersinin içerikleri üzerinde de etkili olmuştur. Türkiye’de ki sosyal bilgiler derslerinin içeriğinde ve uygulamasında aktif öğrenme ilkelerine uygun etkinliklere yer verilmemesi nedeniyle kavramların ve bilgilerin gündelik yaşama aktarılmasında güçlükler ortaya çıkmaktadır. Buna karşın 2004’te yayınlanan eğitim-öğretim programı ile Türkiye’de yapılandırıcı eğitim benimsenmiştir. Bu araştırmanın amacı da sosyal bilgiler öğretmenlerinin görüşlerine göre 5.sınıf öğrencilerinin İnsan ve Çevre öğrenme alanına ilişkin kavram yanılgılarını belirlemek, bu kavram yanılgılarının oluşma sebeplerini ortaya koymak, kavram yanılgısının önlenmesi ve giderilmesi için hangi etkinliklerin yapılması gerektiğine yönelik öğretmenlerin önerilerini belirlemektir. Araştırmanın problemini; “sosyal bilgiler öğretmenlerine göre, insanlar ve çevre öğrenme alanında yer alan kavramlara ilişkin öğrencilerin yaşadıkları kavram yanılgıları nelerdir?” sorusu oluşturmaktadır. Araştırmada veriler dört sorudan oluşan yapılandırılmış görüşme formu ile toplanmıştır. Araştırmanın çalışma grubunu 2021-2022 eğitim-öğretim yılında İstanbul ili Esenler ilçesindeki 10 resmi ortaokulda görev yapan 40 sosyal bilgiler öğretmeni oluşturmuştur.
Up-regulation of Core 1 Beta 1, 3-Galactosyltransferase Suppresses Osteosarcoma
Growth with Induction of IFN-γ Secretion and Proliferation of
CD8+ T Cells
Authors: Chen Haidan , Cai Huili , Tang Lei , Cegang Fu , Zhao Hongwei , Wang Bofei , Jia Siyu
Published: October 2022

Purpose:

Abnormal glycosylation often occurs in tumor cells. T-synthase (core 1 beta 1,3-
galactosyltransferase, C1GALT1, or T-synthase) is a key enzyme involved in O-glycosylation. Although
T-synthase is known to be important in human tumors, the effects of T-synthase and T-antigen
on human tumor responses remain poorly defined.

Methods:

In this study, a T-synthase-specific short hairpin RNA (shRNA) or T-synthase-specific eukaryotic
expression vector(pcDNA3.1(+)) was transfected into murine Osteosarcoma LM8 cells to
assess the effects of T-synthase on T cells and cytokines.

Results:

The up-regulation of T-synthase promoted the proliferation of osteosarcoma cells in vitro, but
it promoted the proliferation of tumor initially up to 2-3 weeks but showed significant growth inhibitory
effect after 3 weeks post-implantation in vivo. Osteosarcoma cells with high T-synthase expression
in vitro promoted the proliferation and inhibited the apoptosis of CD8+ T cells. Further, T-synthase upregulation
promoted CD8+ T-cell proliferation and the increased production of CD4+ T cell-derived
IFN-γ cytokines to induce the increased tumor lethality of CTLs.

Conclusion:

Our data suggest that high T-synthase expression inhibits tumor growth by improving the
body's anti-tumor immunity. Therefore, using this characteristic to prepare tumor cell vaccines with
high immunogenicity provides a new idea for clinical immunotherapy of osteosarcoma.
Unveiling the Potential of Polyphenols as Anti-Amyloid Molecules in Alzheimer’s
Disease
Authors: Kabir Eva Rahman , Chowdhury Namara Mariam , Yasmin Hasina , Kabir Md. Tanvir , Akter Rokeya , Perveen Asma , Ashraf Ghulam Md. , Akter Shamima , Rahman Md. Habibur , Sweilam Sherouk Hussein
Published: October 2022

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease that mostly affects the
elderly population. Mechanisms underlying AD pathogenesis are yet to be fully revealed, but
there are several hypotheses regarding AD. Even though free radicals and inflammation are
likely to be linked with AD pathogenesis, still amyloid-beta (Aβ) cascade is the dominant
hypothesis. According to the Aβ hypothesis, a progressive buildup of extracellular and
intracellular Aβ aggregates has a significant contribution to the AD-linked neurodegeneration
process. Since Aβ plays an important role in the etiology of AD, therefore Aβ-linked pathways
are mainly targeted in order to develop potential AD therapies. Accumulation of Aβ plaques in
the brains of AD individuals is an important hallmark of AD. These plaques are mainly
composed of Aβ (a peptide of 39–42 amino acids) aggregates produced via the proteolytic
cleavage of the amyloid precursor protein. Numerous studies have demonstrated that various
polyphenols (PPHs), including cyanidins, anthocyanins, curcumin, catechins and their gallate
esters were found to markedly suppress Aβ aggregation and prevent the formation of Aβ
oligomers and toxicity, which is further suggesting that these PPHs might be regarded as
effective therapeutic agents for the AD treatment. This review summarizes the roles of Aβ in AD
pathogenesis, the Aβ aggregation pathway, types of PPHs, and distribution of PPHs in dietary
sources. Furthermore, we have predominantly focused on the potential of food-derived PPHs as
putative anti-amyloid drugs.
In Silico Analysis of the Antidepressant Fluoxetine and Related Drugs at
SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease (Mpro) and Papain-like Protease (PLpro)
Authors: Teixeira Rocha João Batista , Tronco Pauletto Pedro José , Omage Folorunsho Bright , Delgado Cássia Pereira , Nogara Pablo Andrei
Published: October 2022

Background:

SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro or 3CLpro) and papain-like protease (PLpro) are common viral targets for repurposed drugs to combat COVID-19 disease. Recently, several anti-depressants (such as fluoxetine, venlafaxine and citalopram) belonging to the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and the Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRI) classes have been shown to in vitro inhibit viral replication.

Aim:

Investigate a possible action of fluoxetine and derivatives on SARS-CoV-2 protease sites.

Methods:

molecular docking was performed using AutoDock Vina. Both proteases structures and different drugs conformations were used to explore the possibility of SARS-CoV-2 inhibition on a Mpro or PLpro related pathway. Drug structures were obtained by optimization with the Avogadro software and MOPAC using PM6 method. Results were analysed on Discovery Studio Visualizer.

Results:

The results indicated that Mpro interacted in a thermodynamically favorable way with fluoxetine, venlafaxine, citalopram, atomoxetine, nisoxetine and norfluoxetine in the region of the active site, whether PLpro conformers did not come close to active site.

Conclusion:

In an in silico perspective, it is likely that the SSRIs and other anti-depressants could interact with Mpro and cause the enzyme to malfunction. Unfortunately, the same drugs did not present similar results on PLpro crystal, therefore no inhibition is expected on an in vitro trial. Anyway, in vitro test are necessary for the better understanding the links between SARS-CoV-2 proteases and anti-depressants.
Studying the Role of Alveolar Exhaled Nitric Oxide in Combination with
Bronchial Nitric Oxide to Predict Asthma Control in Children with Asthma:
A Real-Life Prospective Study
Authors: Duong-Quy Sy , Nguyen-Thi-Dieu Thuy , Do-Thi Hanh , Nguyen-Thi-Quynh Huong , Le-Thi-Minh Huong
Published: October 2022

Background:

Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) is currently used as a biomarker of
airway inflammation in patients with asthma. However, the role of alveolar nitric oxide (CANO) in
asthmatic children has not been clearly demonstrated

Methods:

It was a prospective and descriptive study. The measurement of FENO and CANO, spirometry, blood eosinophil counts (BEC), and total IgE levels were performed for each study subject.

Results:

This study included 109 uncontrolled asthmatic children without inhaled corticosteroid
(ICS) treatment. The exhaled NO level in asthmatic patients was significantly higher than in control
subjects: FENO: 22.5 vs. 8.4 ppb; CANO: 5.9 vs. 2.8 ppb; J’awNO (maximum airway nitric oxide
flux): 56.9 vs. 18.7 ppb; respectively. The sensitivities and specificities for asthma diagnosis with
the cut-off of CANO at 3.5 ppb and 5.0 ppb were 74.3% and 73.3%, and 46.0% and 83.3%, respectively. There were the moderate and the weak correlations between CANO with FENO and CANO
with IgE in asthmatic patients (r = 0.465, 95%CI (0.133-0.659), P=0.001; r=0.133, 95%CI (0.068-
0.497), P=0.184; respectively). The percentage of controlled asthma in patients with CANO ≥5 ppb
at inclusion was higher than that in CANO <5 ppb group.

Conclusion:

Exhaled NO is a relevant biomarker of allergic asthma. The level of FENO and CANO
might be used to predict asthma control in children.
Anti-cancer and Anti-venom Analysis of a Gedunin
Authors: Dagar Priya , Mishra Abha
Published: October 2022

Background:

A Member of the Malvaceae family, Azadirachta indica (Neem) is well-known for its secondary metabolites, including limonoids, flavonoids, triterpenoids, and tetraterpenoids. These compounds have been studied for decades for their bioactivities, including antihemorrhagic and antiproteolytic, which provides information about the use of triterpenoids.

Methods:

Gedunin was purified by chromatography after being extracted using the Soxhlet method to ensure that it was present in the fruit of the (neem) A. indica plant. ICM Molsoft was used to test the substance for a potential inhibitory effect on the enzymes found in all species of snake venom, including 5'-nucleotidase, acetylcholinetrace, L-aao, metalloproteinase,

Results:

Our goal is to forecast the pharmacological characteristics of gedunin, which have demonstrated a wide range of action as a possible antidote for treating patients with snake bites. Our research also shows that gedunin has some anti-cancer action that was seen in experiments using the cell line HepG2.

Conclusion:

Gedunin has potential as a medication.
Ant Colony Optimization of Fractional-Order PID Controller based on
Virtual Inertia Control for an Isolated Microgrid
Authors: Mohamed Ahmed H. , Bahgat Mohiy , Abdel-Ghany A.M. , El-Zoghby Helmy M.
Published: October 2022

Background:

Increasing the penetration of renewable energy sources has become necessary,
especially in isolated microgrids. This increase leads to a decrease in the total inertia of the
microgrids, which affects microgrid stability. Moreover, voltage and frequency control in lowinertia
microgrids is more difficult and sensitive.

Objective:

Improve low inertia isolated microgrids' dynamic response and save the microgrid stability
at different contingency and uncertainty conditions. Moreover, it allows for more penetration of
renewable energy sources.

Method:

Proposing different control strategies based on virtual inertia control. The first is a proportional-
integral-derivative (PID) controller, and then, to allow for more tuning flexibility, a fractional-
order proportional-integral-derivative (FOPID) controller is used. MATLAB TM/Simulink is used to
compare the response of the isolated microgrid without virtual inertia control, with conventional
virtual inertia control, PID-based virtual inertia control, and FOPID-based virtual inertia control.
The PID and FOPID controllers’ parameters are tuned using the ant colony optimization (ACO)
technique.

Results:

The proposed control techniques save the isolated microgrids' stability at different penetration
levels of renewable energy sources and operating conditions. At the same time, the isolated microgrid
without virtual inertia control or conventional virtual inertia control can not save its stability
in many operating conditions.

Conclusion:

The proposed fractional-order proportional-integral-derivative (FOPID)-based virtual
inertia control has proven its effectiveness in saving the isolated microgrid stability and gives the
best controller response. FOPID-based virtual inertia control minimizes the frequency deviation
with different disturbances and operating conditions.
Regional economy management
Authors: Nainggolan Benny Rojeston Marnaek , Sinulingga Gairah , Muhammad Nurdin I. , Hayati Diana , Sunarmie Sunarmie
Published: October 2022

This paper focused on the discussion to answer the problems of regional economic governance and how scientific evidence of the use of Technology can be a prospect and challenge in Indonesia's efforts to develop poor areas into prosperous areas. We study with a phenomenological approach that begins with in-depth data analysis techniques, thorough evaluations, and high interpretations to obtain valid data to answer existing problems. After we develop the data and discuss the results, it can be concluded that the government and other parties can develop the national and local economy by utilizing what Technology works with the prospects and challenges. Technology has brought a life that is now wholly industrialized. Therefore, resources are needed that can manage to see Technology in terms of prospects and challenges so that regional economic governance in Indonesia can be implemented.
Research on improving the lunch environment for female workers to build an improved dietary environment
Authors: Satomi Maruyama
Published: October 2022

Nutritional health is important and in order to ensure that dietary needs are being met, research on this area, leading to recommendations that can help adjust behaviour, is key. In Japan, the dietary needs of working women are often not met. Professor Satomi Maruyama, Faculty of Human
Life and Environment, Kinjo Gakuin University, is a registered dietitian who is investigating the dietary environment of working women in Japan. This includes factors such as where to buy food, whether they cook at home and what kind of diet they choose. Maruyama and her team found that women
with a social network have a healthier ‘dietary consciousness’, enjoying meals and having an awareness of the benefits of a balanced diet, while those outside of a social network have poorer diets, leading to negative impacts on health. A key negative impact of interest for the
researchers is salt consumption, which is prevalent in Japan. Maruyama conducted a survey on the dietary intake of female workers and found the salt content to be high. The researchers explored the impact of the use of tabletop memos containing information on the negative impact of too much
salt and found that having this information on view raised awareness of salt reduction which led to changes in behaviour. A current focus for Maruyama and the team is on how the lunch environment for female workers can be improved.
Employing AI Chatbot-Based Tutoring Systems and STEAM 6e Scaffold to Implement Cooperative Learning of Maker Education
Authors: Koong Lin Hao-Chiang
Published: October 2022

Students’ progression relies on teachers' commitment to understanding and acknowledging different ways of learning. Learning technologies have the potential to enhance learning and affective computing, which is a type of artificial intelligence (AI) that uses emotion to enhance
interactions between humans and robots, is one way to do so. Dr Hao-Chiang Koong Lin, Head of the Department of Information and Learning Technology, National University of Tainan, Taiwan, is seeking to improve the effectiveness of learning technology and he and his team are exploring interrelated
topics such as AI chatbot-based affective tutoring system and incorporating alternative reality into learning, collaborating with artists and engineers and Professor Yu-Chuang Tseng. In one project, the team sought to integrate somatosensory interactive visual music creation with maker teaching
strategy, which involved the creation of interactive artworks and explored visitors’ interactions with the artworks. They discovered that the artworks created with kinect were most popular and witnessed enhanced playfulness and positive emotions while learning. In another project, Lin
and the team are designing an interdisciplinary creative course combining technology and art. This involves creating an emotional learning system based on an AI chatbot and applying affective computing techniques to better understand the emotional responses of learners.
Planning Theory for Sustainable Community Resettlement and Environmental Transfer in the Context of Natural Disaster and Climate Change
Authors: Mori Suguru
Published: October 2022

The Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011 was the first time that a single disaster relocated hundreds of districts, and it was completely unprecedented. Professor Suguru Mori is an expert in the field of helping communities rebuild after natural disasters who is interested in taking
lessons learned from the Great East Japan Earthquake in the establishment of community relocation that places emphasis on human rights and ethics. As a bachelor student, Mori experienced the Great Hanshin Awaji Earthquake in 1995, gaining the dual perspective of victim and researcher. This
highlighted a disconnect. Mori is based in the Division of Architecture, Hokkaido University, Japan, where he is exploring planned community relocation in the context of large-scale disasters and climate change in the Asia-Pacific region, with a particular focus on Koizumi district in Kesennuma
city and looking at both past and future risks. In addition to being a researcher, Mori is an architect and planner and a key approach is Action Research, which integrates research and practice to catalyse transformative change. He also uses approaches from the unique academic field of architectural
planning research (APR), which was developed in academic circles of the Architectural Institute of Japan (AIJ) and scientifically examines architecture and its design methods.
Translation/Adaptation in the late Edo and English literature in the early Meiji: From the perspectives of Translation Studies
Authors: Sato Miki
Published: October 2022

It is said that the literary texts cannot be fully appreciated unless it is read in the original text in its native language. Professor Miki Sato agrees that reading the original version is vital and also believes that considering translations of the work can be an important tool to
understand the impact of literature. Sato is based at Sapporo University, Japan, and her work involves a contextual approach in which she focuses on the translation of foreign works into Japanese. Currently, she is exploring the reception of foreign literature from the Edo period (1603-1868)
to the Meiji (1868-1912) periods. Sato is working to connect knowledge of foreign literature from the early-modern era with that of the modern period and showcase the role of translation studies (TS) in bridging the divide between research on literary translations of these two time periods.
Her own field of TS can traverse boundaries created by vertically-divided academic fields. The key to translation is considering what can be gained. Sato believes it is important to clarify the sometimes ambiguous terminology regarding translation, which will ultimately lead to greater understanding
of literary works. By focusing on the translations and the context around them, Sato is seeking to put together a map of similarities, differences and the impact of translations beyond the disciplinary boundaries.
High Road Strategy in the Era of Eco-friendly Car Paradigm - Making of Korean Production System Version 4.0
Authors: Jo Hyung Je
Published: October 2022

R&D enables car manufacturers to remain innovative and competitive. For example, producing eco-friendly cars in light of environmental concerns. Professor Hyung Je Jo, Faculty of Social Sciences, Ulsan University, South Korea, has studied the development process of the Korean automobile
industry for more than 30 years and is conducting research to help this industry transition to the ‘green car’ paradigm and overcome interrelated challenges. A current research focus for Jo and the team is how internal combustion and electric vehicle production systems are impacted
when this is transferred to a different country. The researchers have performed a case study looking at Hyundai’s motor plant in Alabama, US for which Jo visited the plant for a week in July 2009, during which time he conducted interviews and performed participant observation and then
published a paper. He revisited the plant in July 2012 for a complementary study. The team also compared German and Korean automotive manufacturers in Central-Eastern Europe, discovering that the disparate strategies and labour-management relations of the mother company have different effects
on the product development and human resource management methods of local factories in Slovakia. Now, the researchers are working on a ‘high road strategy’ in the era of the eco-friendly car paradigm.
Optical, Charge Transport, Thermal, Magnetic, Plasmonic, and Quantum Mechanical Properties of Iridium
Authors: Vargas William E , Muoz-Rojas Federico , Avendao Esteban , Quirós-Cordero Victoria , Hernández-Jiménez Marcela
Published: October 2022

Spectrophotometry has been widely used to retrieve the dielectric function of a bulk iridium sample using an extended version of the Drude–Lorentz model. The parameters of the model are optimized using a spectral-projected-gradient-method-assisted acceptance-probability-controlled simulated annealing approach. Furthermore, optimized values of Drude parameters corresponding to the optical response of electrons and holes (scattering frequency of electrons, the ratio between scattering frequencies of holes and electrons, the ratio between effective masses of electrons and holes, the ratio between the number densities of holes and electrons, and electron volume plasma frequency) are used to evaluate charge transport and magnetic properties. These include static and dynamic conductivities, intrinsic mean free paths, the effective mass of charge carriers and their number densities, Fermi velocities and energies, densities of states at Fermi energies, mobilities, specific heats, Hall’s coefficient, thermal conductivities, charge carrier coupling constant, paramagnetic and diamagnetic susceptibilities, and the number of Bohr magnetons. In addition, optimized resonance energy values of the Lorentz contribution to the dielectric function were compared with the background information provided by density-functional-theory calculations for iridium. A decomposition of the energy loss function was used as the starting point to calculate the effective numbers of bound electrons involved in interband transitions, as well as the densities of states at the final energies of the sets of transitions considered. The Drude–Lorentz model involves charge carrier parameters for both electrons and holes, as well as the resonance energies correlating with the energies associated with quantum transitions. To a large extent, several physical quantities calculated from optimized parameters exhibit values close to those obtained from measurements or by applying other models, including quantum mechanics formulations.
The Effects of Creatine Supplementation on Markers of Muscle Damage and Inflammation Following Exercise in Older Adults: A Brief Narrative Review
Authors: Cordingley Dean M. , Cornish Stephen M.
Published: October 2022

Exercise induced muscle damage occurs following strenuous and unfamiliar exercise and results in biomarkers of muscle damage and inflammation in the circulation. Creatine (Cr) is a commonly utilized nutritional supplement which has been proposed to enhance post-exercise recovery and has been suggested to decrease exercise induced inflammation. Exercise is well recognized to be beneficial for older adults to maintain skeletal muscle mass and strength as well as promote health for other biological systems. However, older adults can experience chronic low-grade inflammation, sometimes referred to as ‘inflammaging’. Therefore, it may be prudent to limit post-exercise induced skeletal muscle damage and inflammation for the older adult population who may already be in a pro-inflammatory state and at risk of age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia). The purpose of this brief narrative review is to outline the current research on Cr and its effects on biomarkers of muscle damage and inflammation in older adults. Further, the review will suggest areas of research that are required to fully understand how Cr supplementation may affect muscle damage and inflammatory biomarkers in older adults who exercise.
Applying Gamification Principles and Therapeutic Movement Sequences to Design an Interactive Physical Activity Game: Development Study
Authors: Kim Hyungsook , O'Sullivan David Michael , Chung Seong Hee
Published: October 2022

Background

Depression is a severe illness that has accelerated with the spread of COVID-19 and associated lockdowns. As a result, reported physical activity has substantially decreased, further increasing depressive symptoms.

Objective

This study aims to explain the use of gamification principles to develop content for an interactive physical activity game for depression based on clinically proven depression diagnostic criteria.

Methods

We discuss related work in this field, the game design framework, the users’ depression severity, how we customize the contents accordingly, the gradual progression of the game to match exercise principles, and user flow optimization.

Results

We provide a brief description of each of the games developed, including instructions on how to play and design aspects for flow, audio, and visual feedback methods. Exergames (interactive physical activity–based games) stimulate certain physical fitness factors such as improving reaction time, endurance, cardiovascular fitness, and flexibility. In addition, the game difficulty progresses based on various factors, such as the user’s performance for successful completion, reaction time, movement speed, and stimulated larger joint range of motions. Cognitive aspects are included, as the user has to memorize particular movement sequences.

Conclusions

Mental health issues are linked to behavior and movement; therefore, future physical activity–based interactive games may provide excellent stimulation for inducing user flow, while physical activity can help train various physical fitness factors linked to depression.
HIV-Specific Reported Outcome Measures: Systematic Review of Psychometric Properties
Authors: Wang Ziqi , Zhu Yaxin , Duan Xiyu , Kang Hao , Qu Bo
Published: October 2022

Background

The management of people living with HIV and AIDS is multidimensional and complex. Using patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) has been increasingly recognized to be the key factor for providing patient-centered health care to meet the lifelong needs of people living with HIV and AIDS from diagnosis to death. However, there is currently no consensus on a PROM recommended for health care providers and researchers to assess health outcomes in people living with HIV and AIDS.

Objective

The purpose of this systematic review was to summarize and categorize the available validated HIV-specific PROMs in adults living with HIV and AIDS and to assess these PROMs using the Consensus-Based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) methodology.

Methods

This systematic review followed the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. A literature search of 3 recommended databases (PubMed, Embase, and PsychINFO) was conducted on January 15, 2021. Studies were included if they assessed any psychometric property of HIV-specific PROMs in adults living with HIV and AIDS and met the eligibility criteria. The PROMs were assessed for 9 psychometric properties, evaluated in each included study following the COSMIN methodology by assessing the following: the methodological quality assessed using the COSMIN risk of bias checklist; overall rating of results; level of evidence assessed using the modified Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach; and level of recommendation.

Results

A total of 88 PROMs classified into 8 categories, assessing the psychometric properties of PROMs for adults living with HIV and AIDS, were identified in 152 studies including 79,213 people living with HIV and AIDS. The psychometric properties of most included PROMs were rated with insufficient evidence. The PROMs that received class A recommendation were the Poz Quality of Life, HIV Symptom Index or Symptoms Distress Module of the Adult AIDS Clinical Trial Group, and People Living with HIV Resilience Scale. In addition, because of a lack of evidence, recommendations regarding use could not be made for most of the remaining assessed PROMs (received class B recommendation).

Conclusions

This systematic review recommends 3 PROMs to assess health outcomes in adults living with HIV and AIDS. However, all these PROMs have some shortcomings. In addition, most of the included PROMs do not have sufficient evidence for assessing their psychometric properties and require a more comprehensive validation of the psychometric properties in the future to provide more scientific evidence. Thus, our findings may provide a reference for the selection of high-quality HIV-specific PROMs by health care providers and researchers for clinical practice and research.
Design of a Patient Voice App Experience for Heart Failure Management: Usability Study
Authors: Barbaric Antonia , Munteanu Cosmin , Ross Heather , Cafazzo Joseph A
Published: October 2022

Background

The use of digital therapeutics (DTx) in the prevention and management of medical conditions has increased through the years, with an estimated 44 million people using one as part of their treatment plan in 2021, nearly double the number from the previous year. DTx are commonly accessed through smartphone apps, but offering these treatments through additional platforms can improve the accessibility of these interventions. Voice apps are an emerging technology in the digital health field; not only do they have the potential to improve DTx adherence, but they can also create a better user experience for some user groups.

Objective

This research aimed to identify the acceptability and feasibility of offering a voice app for a chronic disease self-management program. The objective of this project was to design, develop, and evaluate a voice app of an already-existing smartphone-based heart failure self-management program, Medly, to be used as a case study.

Methods

A voice app version of Medly was designed and developed through a user-centered design process. We conducted a usability study and semistructured interviews with patients with heart failure (N=8) at the Peter Munk Cardiac Clinic in Toronto General Hospital to better understand the user experience. A Medly voice app prototype was built using a software development kit in tandem with a cloud computing platform and was verified and validated before the usability study. Data collection and analysis were guided by a mixed methods triangulation convergence design.

Results

Common themes were identified in the results of the usability study, which involved 8 participants with heart failure. Almost all participants (7/8, 88%) were satisfied with the voice app and felt confident using it, although half of the participants (4/8, 50%) were unsure about using it in the future. Six main themes were identified: changes in physical behavior, preference between voice app and smartphone, importance of music during voice app interaction, lack of privacy concerns, desired reassurances during voice app interaction, and helpful aids during voice app interaction. These findings were triangulated with the quantitative data, and it concluded that the main area for improvement was related to the ease of use; design changes were then implemented to better improve the user experience.

Conclusions

This work offered preliminary insight into the acceptability and feasibility of a Medly voice app. Given the recent emergence of voice apps in health care, we believe that this research offered invaluable insight into successfully deploying DTx for chronic disease self-management using this technology.
Genome-Wide Association Study for eGFR in a Taiwanese Population
Authors: Chen Ying-Chun , Wong Henry Sung-Ching , Wu Mei-Yi , Chou Wan-Hsuan , Kao Chih-Chin , Chao Ching-Hsuan , Chang Wei-Chiao , Wu Mai-Szu
Published: October 2022

Background and objectives

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global public health issue associated with large economic burdens. CKD contributes to higher risks of cardiovascular complications, kidney failure, and mortality. The incidence and prevalence rates of kidney failure in Taiwan have remained the highest in the world.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

Assessing genetic factors that influence kidney function in specific populations has substantial clinical relevance. We investigated associations of genetic variants with eGFR. The quality control filtering and genotype imputation resulted in 10,008 Taiwan Biobank participants and 6,553,511 variants for final analyses. We examined these loci with in silico replication in individuals of European and African ancestry.

Results

Our results revealed one significant locus (4q21.1) and three suggestive significant loci (17q23.2, 22q13.2, and 3q29) for eGFR in the Taiwanese population. In total, four conditional-independent single nucleotide polymorphisms were identified as the most important variants within these regions, including rs55948430 (Coiled-Coil Domain Containing 158), rs1010269 (BCAS3), rs56108505 (MKL1), and rs34796810 (upstream of DLG1). By performing a meta-analysis, we found that the 4q21.1 and 17q23.2 loci were successfully replicated in the European population, whereas only the 17q23.2 locus was replicated in African ancestry. Therefore, these two loci are suggested to be transethnic loci, and the other two eGFR-associated loci (22q13.2 and 3q29) are likely population specific.

Conclusions

We identified four susceptibility loci on 4q21.1, 17q23.2, 22q13.2, and 3q29 that associated with kidney-related traits in a Taiwanese population. The 22q13.2 (MKL1) and 3q29 (DLG1) were prioritized as critical candidates. Functional analyses delineated novel pathways related to kidney physiology in Taiwanese and East Asian ancestries.
The Effect of Earthquake-induced Pounding on the Response of a Series of Neighboring Buildings
Authors: Mosa Beshoy , Elwardany Hytham , Khedr M. Diaa Eldin , Seleemah Ayman
Published: October 2022

The phenomenon of pounding that occurs during earthquakes for adjacent buildings may cause severe damage to the structure and may cause a complete collapse of the structure. This paper aims to make a comparison between the practical and theoretical results resulting from the work of Matlab Code, taking into account the calculation of the pounding force between adjacent towers, and study the effect of changing the coefficient of restitution on the acceleration time history and pounding force between adjacent buildings, study the peak impact force with respect to the stiffness of impact spring element. An impact simulation is carried out numerically using a nonlinear viscoelastic model. The results showed that the higher the coefficient of restitution, the lower the pounding forces between adjacent buildings and the maximum acceleration value. It also resulted from the study that the higher the impact stiffness parameter, the greater the pounding force between adjacent buildings.
Астрономическая терминология монгольских языков: материалы к этимологическому словарю
Authors:   Kalmyk Scientific Center of the RAS (8, Ilishkin St., 358000 Elista, Russian Federation), Kukanova Viktoria V.
Published: October 2022

Introduction. The system of astronomical terms in Mongolic languages is structurally complicated due to multiple layers of both pre-Buddhist and Buddhist beliefs adopted by proto-Mongols. The latter had tended to revere celestial bodies and elaborated a number of cults still traceable in spiritual and material culture of descending nations. Goals. The work aims at identifying Mongolic astronomical terms and provides preliminary analyses of their semantics and etymologies. Materials and methods. The paper focuses on dictionaries of Mongolic languages, examines etymological studies and Turkic dictionaries, special attention be paid to An Etymological Dictionary of Altaic Languages. The reference proto-Mongolian lexical constructs are represented by those contained in Hans Nugteren’s Mongolic Phonology and ones reproduced by O. Mudrak (available on The Tower of Babel website). The study employs etymological and linguocultural analytical tools. Results. The astronomical system developed in ancient times contains several layers characterizing archaic perceptions and worldviews of proto-Mongols. Some astronyms — including the words for ‘sky’, ‘star’, ‘Sun’, ‘Moon’, ‘Venus’ — seem to have evolved from proto-Altaic stems. In Mongolic languages, the concept ‘planet’ proves a more recent phenomenon and initially all celestial bodies had been perceived as stars, which resulted in multiple onyms with the component odn ‘star’ (e.g., Venus, Mars, Mercury, Sun and Moon used to be identified as stars). The Earth proper was not believed to be a star or planet since it first and foremost served as home to ancient Mongols, their habitat. In subsequent eras, only visible celestial bodies — Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn — started being referred to as planets, their names employed for denoting the days of the week. The mobility of the Sun and Moon prompted proto-Mongols that the former were planets, though ancient humans rarely tended to distinguish between planets and stars as such. As for currently known planets of the Solar System, ancient Mongols were aware of Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and supposedly Mercury. It is after their conversion to Buddhism that they gained an onym denoting Saturn, while those of Neptune, Pluto, and Uranus are more recently adopted lexemes.
Characterization of Pork Loin Chop Color Stability Using Loin Quality Traits and Instrumental Discoloration Measures
Authors: Barkley Kayla E. , Boler Dustin D. , Suman Surendranath P. , Dilger Anna C. , Harsh Bailey N.
Published: October 2022

The objective of this study was to characterize the color stability of pork loin chops using fresh quality traits and instrumental measures of discoloration. Boneless pork loins (N=484) were evaluated for quality traits at 11 or 14 d post-mortem. One chop was cut from each loin near the 10th rib for retail display, overwrapped, and displayed under constant fluorescent lighting for 7 d. Objective color, myoglobin redox forms, and subjective visual discoloration traits were evaluated daily. After retail display, chops were categorized based on final visual discoloration (Day 7) as Very Color Stable (VCS; 0% to 5% discoloration), Color Stable (CS; 5% to 10% discoloration), Neutral (10% to 25% discoloration), Color Labile (CL; 25% to 30% discoloration), or Very Color Labile (VCL; >30% discoloration). Quality and color traits were analyzed using the GLIMMIX (visual discoloration) or MIXED (all other measures) procedure of SAS. Retail display data were analyzed as repeated measures. Chops ultimately classified as CS or VCS were darker, redder, and had lesser surface metmyoglobin (P<0.01) than CL and VCL chops at both Day 1 of retail display and throughout display. Stable chops also had generally increased R630/580 values as well as decreased visual discoloration scores and yellowness during display. A group×day interaction was observed for all traits measured during retail display (P<0.0001). No differences in aged loin ventral surface redness were observed between color stability groups (P≥0.16). Overall, chops ultimately classified as CS came from aged loins that were generally darker, redder, and less yellow, with greater pH values, greater marbling scores,and decreased purge loss.
ČUDNO DA ČUDNIJE NE MOŽE BITI – KONTEKST OPŠTIH IZBORA U SRBIJI 2022. GODINE
Authors: Spasojevic Dusan
Published: October 2022

U ovom tekstu analiziram politički kontekst izbora koji su održani 3. aprila 2022. godine u Srbiji. Nasuprot uobičajenih izbornih ciklusa, ovi izbori se održavaju nakon pet velikih procesa koji u značajnoj meri oblikuju izbornu kampanju: (1) bojkot parlamentarnih izbora 2020. i izlazak opozicije iz predstavničkih institucija, te pregovori o izbornim uslovima uz međunarodno posredovanje; (2) dvogodišnju epidemiju Kovid19 i njene političke posledice, (3) talas ekoloških protesta krajem 2021. godine, (4) referendum u vezi sa promenom Ustava Republike Srbije u januaru 2022. i (5) izbijanje rata u Ukrajini u martu 2022. Bojkot izbora i pregovori oko izbornih uslova su ojačali uspostavljenu osnovnu liniju podele na stranke vlasti i stranke opozicije sa manjim akcentom na ideološke razlike. Iako su velike teme poput Kovid-19 ili rata u Ukrajini uvele nove teme na političku agendu, obe nove teme su toliko specifične da se stranke nisu jasnije diferencirale u odnosu na njih. Referendumska kampanja koja je predstavljala svojevrstan uvod u izborni ciklus obeležena je relativno pasivnim učešćem najvećih stranaka i koalicija, o čemu svedoči i niska izlaznost. Svi ovi procesi dodatno su zamaglili linije podela, ali i „ispraznili“ političko polje i skoro ga potpuno redukovali na odnos prema vladajućoj stranci, te predsedniku države i SNS.
POSMATRANJE IZBORA 2022. GODINE: KAKO JE PROTEKAO IZBORNI DAN
Authors: Ilic Vujo
Published: October 2022

Republičke i lokalne izbore u Srbiji 2022. godine posmatrao je veći broj međunarodnih i domaćih posmatrača. U ovom radu posmatranje se predstavlja kao način da se oceni i unapredi kvalitet izbora, i iznose se glavni nalazi posmatranja izbora koje je sprovela organizacija Crta. Detaljno se iznosi metodologija posmatranja izbornog dana na reprezentativnom uzorku biračkih mesta, sa naglaskom na formiranju uzorka, konstrukciji upitnika i obuci posmatrača, i objašnjava se logika zaključivanja na osnovu sakupljenih podataka. Posmatranje izbornog dana potvrdilo je da zvanični rezultati izbora odražavaju rezultate sa biračkih mesta na reprezentativnom uzorku, i da, i kada se uzmu u obzir evidentirane nepravilnosti, održavaju izbornu volju glasača. Dodatno su analizirane reakcije učesnika na izborima, predstavnika kandidata, međunarodnih i domaćih posmatrača, koji nisu suštinski osporavali rezultate izbora. Koristeći rezultate dva anketna istraživanja Crte sprovedena pre i posle izbora dana, analiziraju se i stavovi građana prema izborima. U radu se takođe problematizuje svrha građanskog posmatranja izbornog dana, u širem kontekstu u kom ređe dolazi do direktne manipulacije rezultatima izbora, ali je sve izraženiji problem dugoročna neravnopravnost učesnika. Izborno posmatranje ostaje važno i u takvim okolnostima, kao način da se unaprede izbori u celini, i da se poveća poverenje u demokratiju.
PROMENE IZBORNIH PRAVILA – NOVA REŠENJA, KORAK NAPRED?
Authors: Nastic Maja
Published: October 2022

U radu se analiziraju novine sadržane u važećem izbornom zakonodavstvu, usvojenom početkom godine i primenjenom na aprilskom izborima, s ciljem da se utvrdi da li novousvojeni izborni zakoni doprinose uspostavljanju višeg stepena demokratičnosti i transparentnosti izbornog postupka. U fokusu su rešenja sadržana prvenstveno u Zakonu o izboru narodnih poslanika, koji je zadržao status centralnog izbornog zakona. Analizom su obuhvaćeni sledeći segmenti izbornog zakonodavstva: izborno pravo, izborna administracija, zaštita izbornog prava, mere afirmativne akcije i posmatranje rada organa za sprovođenje izbora. Izmenom izbornog zakona proširena je osnova za uživanje izbornog prava. Struktura izborne administracije dopunjena je uvođenjem srednjeg nivoa, u vidu lokalnih izbornih komisija. Uvedena su nova pravna sredstva u odnosu na odluke o imenovanju članova izbornih komisija, ali je zadržan postojeći oblik delovanja u stalnom i proširenom sastavu. Kada je u pitanju zaštita izbornog prava, postojeći sistem nadograđen je uvođenjem novih pravnih sredstava. Mere afirmativne akcije u pogledu lista nacionalnih manjina sada dolaze do izražaja i u fazi kandidovanja predstavnika. Potpuna novina je regulisanje položaja domaćih i stranih posmatrača. Međutim, donošenje novog izbornog zakona, po prvi put, nije se odrazilo na suštinske elemente izbornog sistema, koji se tiču veličine izborne jedinice, načina kandidovanja, tipa izborne liste i izborne formule za raspodelu mandata. Navedeni elementi ostali su nepromenjeni, iako se tokom dve decenije primene, više puta ukazivalo na neophodnost njihove izmene. Odsustvo demokratske političke kulture, nedovoljno poznavanje izbornih pravila od strane izborne administracije i odsustvo odgovornosti prema biračima od strane glavnih aktera izbornog procesa ostaju glavna prepreka u sprovođenju izbornih pravila.