bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis medical patient journey from the perspective of hepatologists, gastroenterologists and patients: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Rinella Mary , Cryer Donna R. , Articolo Amy , Fisher Travis , Schneider Jennifer , Nadolsky Karl
Published: July 2022

Background

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), the inflammatory subtype of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, is underdiagnosed and expected to become the leading indication for liver transplant in the United States. We aimed to understand the medical journey of patients with NASH and role of hepatologists/gastroenterologists in diagnosing and treating patients with NASH.

Methods

A United States population-based cross-sectional online survey was completed by 226 healthcare professionals (HCPs) who treat patients with NASH and 152 patients with NASH; this study focuses on the patient and 75 hepatologist/gastroenterologist HCP respondents. Tests of differences (chi square, t-tests) between respondent types were performed using SPSS.

Results

Most patients reported receiving their diagnosis of NASH from a hepatologist (37%) or gastroenterologist (26%). Hepatologists/gastroenterologists were more likely than other HCPs to use FibroScan (transient elastography) to diagnose NASH and were more likely to distinguish between NASH with or without fibrosis. Hepatologists/gastroenterologists (68%) and patients (52%) agree that hepatologists/gastroenterologists are the primary coordinators of NASH care. The majority of hepatologists/gastroenterologists (85%) are aware of American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) clinical practice guidance, and 86% of those aware consider them when diagnosing patients with NASH. Hepatologists/gastroenterologists most frequently recommended exercise (86%), diet (70%), and supplements (58%) for ongoing management of NASH. Pharmaceutical medications for comorbidities were prescribed by a minority of hepatologists/gastroenterologists for their patients with NASH. Hepatologists/gastroenterologists cite difficulty (67%) or unwillingness (64%) to adhere to lifestyle changes as primary reasons patients with NASH discontinue NASH treatment.

Conclusions

Hepatologists/gastroenterologists are considered the coordinators of NASH care. While recognizing that patient adherence to lifestyle changes is the basis for successful treatment, important barriers limit successful implementation.
Targeting the transcriptional activity of STAT3 by a novel fusion protein
Authors: Chen Yanqiong , Zhang Wenting , Bai Xiufeng , Liu Yi
Published: July 2022

Background

The continuous activation of transcription factors drives many diseases, including tumors, autoimmune disease, neurodegenerative disease, and male infertility. Thus, Blocking the transcriptional activity of these proteins may inhibit disease progression. In this study, we developed a new method to specifically inhibit the activity of the transcription factor STAT3.

Methods

Fusing the transcriptional inhibitory domain KRAB with STAT3 successfully blocked the transcription activity of STAT3 in cancer cells without affecting its function in the mitochondria and lysosomes.

Results

the expression of KRAB-STAT3 fusion protein inhibited the growth of tumor cells.

Conclusions

The KRAB-STAT3 fusion protein provides a novel approach for drug development for the treatment of cancer or autoimmune diseases.
Obstetric fistula repair failure and its associated factors among women underwent repair in Yirgalem Hamlin fistula center, Sidama Regional State, Southern Ethiopia, 2021: a retrospective cross sectional study
Authors: Tadesse Shimelis , Ejigu Neway , Edosa Dejene , Ashegu Tebeje , Dulla Dubale
Published: July 2022

Background

Obstetric fistula repair failure is a combination of unsuccessful fistula closure and/or incontinence following a successful closure. It causes a burden on both the patients and the fistula centers. The aim of this study was to assess the magnitude and associated factors of obstetric fistula repair failure among women who underwent fistula repair at Yirgalem Hamlin fistula center in Southern Ethiopia.

Methods

A facility-based retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted among women who underwent fistula repair at Yirgalem Hamlin fistula center, Southern Ethiopia, during the period from January 2016 to December 2020. All 562 women who underwent fistula repair in the last 5 years were included in the study. The data were collected using a pre-tested checklist from September 22 to October 22, 2021. The data were then imported into EPI info-data version 3.1, exported to SPSS version 25, and analyzed. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were performed, and the significant statistical test was assessed at a 95% confidence interval. Variables with a p value of < 0.05 in multivariable logistic regression were regarded to have a statistically significant relationship.

Results

The magnitude of obstetric fistula repair failure in this study was 28.8%. Obstetric fistula repair failure was found to be associated with labor duration > 48 h (AOR = 2.037; 95% CI 1.268, 3.272), Goh Type 4 fistulas (AOR = 3.939; 95% CI 1.623, 9.560), fistula size > 3 cm (AOR = 6.627; 95% CI 3.802, 11.554), completely destructed urethra (AOR = 3.192; 95% CI 1.234, 8.256), and bladder catheterization > 14 days (AOR = 2.944; 95% CI 1.380, 6.281).

Conclusions

The magnitude of obstetric fistula repair failure was significantly higher than the World Health Organization standard. Obstetric fistula repair failure had a positive association with a longer duration of labor, Goh Type 4 fistulas, large fistula size, total urethral injury, and a longer period of bladder catheterization. Therefore, the concerned bodies need to implement interventions on factors affecting obstetric fistula repair failure to reduce or prevent the failure of obstetric fistula repair.
Selective sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 modulator attenuates blood–brain barrier disruption following traumatic brain injury by inhibiting vesicular transcytosis
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Wang Lin , Pan Qiuling , Yang Xiaomin , Cao Yunchuan , Yan Jin , Wang Yingwen , Tao Yihao , Fan Runjin , Sun Xiaochuan , Li Lin
Published: July 2022

Background

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) provokes secondary pathological damage, such as damage to the blood–brain barrier (BBB), ischaemia and inflammation. Major facilitator superfamily domain-containing 2a (Mfsd2a) has been demonstrated to be critical in limiting the increase in BBB vesicle transcytosis following brain injury. Recent studies suggest that a novel and selective modulator of the sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1P1), CYM-5442, maintains the integrity of the BBB by restricting vesicle transcytosis during acute ischaemic stroke. In the current study, we investigated whether CYM-5442, evaluated in a short-term study, could protect the brains of mice with acute-stage TBI by reversing the increase in vesicle transport due to reduced Mfsd2a expression after TBI.

Methods

We used the well-characterized model of TBI caused by controlled cortical impact. CYM-5442 (0.3, 1, 3 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected 30 min after surgery for 7 consecutive days. To investigate the effect of CYM-5442 on vesicle transcytosis, we downregulated and upregulated Mfsd2a expression using a specific AAV prior to evaluation of the TBI model. MRI scanning, cerebral blood flow, circulating blood counts, ELISA, TEM, WB, and immunostaining evaluations were performed after brain injury.

Results

CYM-5442 significantly attenuated neurological deficits and reduced brain oedema in TBI mice. CYM-5442 transiently suppressed lymphocyte trafficking but did not induce persistent lymphocytopenia. After TBI, the levels of Mfsd2a were decreased significantly, while the levels of CAV-1 and albumin were increased. In addition, Mfsd2a deficiency caused inadequate sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) transport in the brain parenchyma, and the regulation of BBB permeability by Mfsd2a after TBI was shown to be related to changes in vesicle transcytosis. Downregulation of Mfsd2a in mice markedly increased the BBB permeability, neurological deficit scores, and brain water contents after TBI. Intervention with CYM-5442 after TBI protected the BBB by significantly reducing the vesicle transcytosis of cerebrovascular endothelial cells.

Conclusion

In addition to transiently suppressing lymphocytes, CYM-5442 alleviated the neurological deficits, cerebral edema and protective BBB permeability in TBI mice by reducing the vesicle transcytosis of cerebrovascular endothelial cells.
Solving an integral equation via $\mathscr{C}^{\star}$-algebra-valued partial b-metrics
Authors: Maheswari J. Uma , Anbarasan A. , Gunaseelan M. , Parvaneh V. , Bonab S. Hadi
Published: July 2022

In this paper, we prove some common coupled fixed-point theorems on complete $\mathscr{C}^{\star}$

C
⋆

-algebra-valued partial b-metric spaces. Some of the well-known facts in the literature are generalized and expanded by the results shown. An example to illustrate our findings is presented. We also explore some of the applications of our key results.
Biomechanical analysis of effective mandibular en-masse retraction using Class II elastics with a clear aligner: a finite element study
Authors: Wang Qiuyu , Dai Danni , Wang Jianrong , Chen Yanfang , Zhang Chao
Published: July 2022

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the displacement and stress distribution of mandibular dentition by various positions of the Class II elastics during en-masse retraction in clear aligner therapy.

Methods

Models including a mandibular dentition (without first premolars), periodontal ligament (PDL), mandible, as well as attachments, aligners and buttons were constructed and imported into Ansys Workbench 2019 (ANSYS, USA) to generate the three-dimensional (3D) finite element model. Six combinations were created: (1) aligner alone (control), (2)-(5) Class II elastics with buttons placed on the mesiobuccal (MB), distobuccal (DB), mesiolingual (ML) and distolingual (DL) surface of the mandibular first molar, and (6) Class II elastics with a button on the aligner corresponding to the mesiobuccal surface of the mandibular first molar (AMB). The elastic force was set to 2 N for simulations.

Results

The central incisors appeared lingual tipping in the six models. The lingual crown movement of the central incisors was 0.039 mm, 0.034 mm, 0.034 mm, 0.042 mm, 0.041 mm, and 0.034 mm for control model, MB model, DB model, ML model, DL model, and AMB model, respectively. The first molars showed mesial tipping in the six models. The mesial movement of the mesiobuccal cusps of the first molars was 0.045 mm, 0.060 mm, 0.063 mm, 0.048 mm, 0.051 mm, and 0.055 mm for control model, MB model, DB model, ML model, DL model, and AMB model, respectively.

Conclusions

Class II elastics reduced lingual tipping of anterior teeth but aggravated mesial tipping of posterior teeth. Mesiolingual elastics developed minimum mesial tipping of the posterior teeth. When Class II elastics are required, attaching elastics on the mesiolingual surface of the mandibular first molar is recommended to prevent mandibular anchorage loss.
A single centre case series of microvascular decompression surgery for classical trigeminal neuralgia: functional outcomes and report of a unique conflict
Authors: Abougamil Ahmed B. , Rayan Tarek , Khedr Wael
Published: July 2022

Background

Microvascular decompression surgery for trigeminal neuralgia is now considered the benchmark surgical procedure for intractable trigeminal neuralgia of any variety. The objective of this study is to share our experience in managing classical trigeminal neuralgia with microvascular decompression surgery looking into both immediate and late functional outcomes at 3 and 6 months post op. We also report a unique case of trigeminal neuralgia due to a tributary of the petrosal vein passing through the substance of the trigeminal nerve itself at its root entry zone.

Results

This study included 20 patients; it showed that microvascular decompression surgery of the trigeminal nerve is an effective method for treatment of classic trigeminal neuralgia (p value < 0.001). The trigeminal root was compressed by the superior cerebellar artery in 75% of patients. A vein contributed to the compression in 45% of patients and was the only compressing vessel in 15%.

Conclusion

Microvascular decompression surgery is the treatment of choice in patients with medically refractory trigeminal neuralgia, unless their general condition prohibits it. It’s also worth noting that the normal anatomy of the veins in this region is quite variable and the venous structures causing a neurovascular contact are more or less inconsistent. To the best of our knowledge and despite the wide range and progress in microvascular decompression surgery for trigeminal neuralgia, this is the first reported case in the literature for a neurovascular conflict caused by a vein passing through the trigeminal nerve itself.
Assessing post-cochlear implantation anxiety and correlating it to socio-demographic and clinical characteristics
Authors: Ghaly A. , Nada E. , Rabie S. , Ragaey Y. , Elkhatib H.
Published: July 2022

Background

There is a greater incidence of mental health problems among children with hearing impairment compared to controls. A high proportion of children with hearing impairment experience delays in understanding, recognizing, and using emotional expression. There are additional difficulties in post-cochlear transplant patients that may increase the risk of developing psychopathology, such as anxiety disorder.

Results

Forty mothers of children who underwent cochlear implantation surgery responded to the Spence Preschool Anxiety Scale. Socio-demographic, medical, and perioperative data of children were obtained from medical records. On the Spence Preschool Anxiety Scale, 21 out of 40 children (52.25%) have a positive total score. On obsessive–compulsive disorder, physical injury fears, generalized anxiety, separation anxiety, and social anxiety subscales, the numbers of children who scored positive are 23 (57.5%), 18 (45%), 18 (45%), 10 (25%), and 6 (15%), respectively.

Conclusion

Anxiety disorders are common in post-cochlear transplant children.
Effect of Levothyroxine Supplementation on the Cardiac Morphology and Function in Patients With Subclinical Hypothyroidism: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Xichang , Wang Haoyu , Li Qiuxian , Wang Ping , Xing Yumin , Zhang Fan , Li Jiashu , Shan Zhongyan
Published: July 2022

Context

The impact of abnormal thyroid hormone levels on the cardiovascular system has been explored for decades. Recent emerging evidence suggests that subclinical thyroid dysfunction, especially subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH), significantly affects cardiac indices.

Objective

We aimed to determine whether levothyroxine (LT4), commonly used to treat hypothyroidism, affects cardiovascular indices in SCH patients.

Methods

This is a systematic review and meta-analysis. We searched online databases for studies analyzing cardiac morphology and functional changes in SCH patients before and after LT4 supplementation. A total of 294 SCH patients participated and finished the follow-up. The standard mean difference and 95% CI were calculated in fixed or random-effects models. The clinical outcomes analyzed in this study included 18 indicators, mainly covering cardiac morphology, myocardial performance (including various indicators of systolic and diastolic function), mitral wave flow, and systemic vascular resistance.

Results

A total of 11 studies met our search criteria. All studies explicitly mentioned that serum thyrotropin levels decreased to normal at follow-up. Our results suggest that the cardiac output (CO), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and the ratio of peak E velocity/peak A velocity were all significantly increased after LT4 supplementation compared with the baseline level. However, we found no clear evidence of significant morphological changes in the heart.

Conclusion

Judging from the obvious changes in the CO, LVEF, and E/A ratio, LT4 supplementation can effectively improve the cardiac systolic and diastolic dysfunction prevalent in SCH patients. This study provides evidence of the recommendation for LT4 supplementation in adult SCH patients.
Μελέτη των αλλαγών στην σύσταση σώματος στον μεταβολισμό και σε βιοχημικές παραμέτρους σε ασθενείς με καρκίνο παγκρέατος
Authors: Αντωνιάδου Δημητρούλα
Published: July 2022

Η καχεξία είναι το κύριο χαρακτηριστικό πολλών προχωρημένων και μεταστατικών καρκίνων, όπως ο καρκίνος του παγκρέατος. Υπάρχει σχεδόν στο 70%-80% των ασθενών με καρκίνο του παγκρέατος. Η καρκινική καχεξία είναι ένα πολυπαραγοντικό σύνδρομο που χαρακτηρίζεται από συμπτώματα όπως η ανορεξία, η ακούσια απώλεια λιπώδους και σκελετικού μυϊκού ιστού. Σχετίζεται με αποτυχία της θεραπείας, μειωμένη ποιότητα ζωής και φτωχή συνολική επιβίωση. Η αλληλεπίδραση μεταξύ των παραγόντων όγκου και ξενιστή, όπως οι κυτοκίνες, κατέχει κεντρικό ρόλο στην παθοφυσιολογία της καχεξίας. Κατά την επιλογή της καταλληλότερης θεραπείας, θα πρέπει να λαμβάνεται υπόψη η κλινική επίδραση και ο κίνδυνος ανεπιθύμητων ενεργειών. Η παρούσα προοπτική μελέτη (από τον Ιανουάριο του 2017 έως τον Δεκέμβριο του 2020) είχε ως στόχο να αξιολογήσει τη σχέση μεταξύ των διατροφικών παραμέτρων στην αρχική αξιολόγηση με τις αλλαγές στους δείκτες ποιότητας ζωής, την επιβίωση χωρίς εξέλιξη και τη συνολική επιβίωση σε 97 ασθενείς με καρκίνο του παγκρέατος. Πραγματοποιήθηκε αξιολόγηση διατροφικού και διατροφικού κινδύνου και αξιολόγηση της ευπάθειας και της λειτουργικής Κατάστασης. Η ποιότητα ζωής που σχετίζεται με την υγεία αξιολογήθηκε με το ερωτηματολόγιο EORTCQLQ-C30. Ο διατροφικός κίνδυνος, όπως αξιολογήθηκε με τη βαθμολογία MNA-SF, συσχετίστηκε αρνητικά με την ηλικία (p = 0,003) και θετικά με τη δυναμομετρία (p = 0,001). Επίσης, υπήρξε στατιστικά σημαντική διαφορά στις οικονομικές δυσκολίες (p = 0,049). Οι δείκτες επιβίωσης OS και PFS μειώνονταν σε ασθενείς που ανέφεραν αυξημένη κόπωση (OSp = 0,007 και PFSp = 0,044). Επιπλέον, ο υψηλότερος επιπολασμός της δυσκοιλιότητας είχε ως αποτέλεσμα χαμηλότερη επιβίωση OS και PFS (OSp < 0,001 και PFSp < 0,001) και η αυξημένη αναφορά γαστρεντερικών προβλημάτων κατά τη διάρκεια των 3 μηνών συνδέθηκε με χαμηλότερη επιβίωση (OS, p = 0,017). Οι ασθενείς μας βρέθηκαν να έχουν χαμηλότερη επιβίωσηOS και PFS, γεγονός που τονίζει την ανάγκη έγκαιρης αναγνώρισης και διαχείρισης των συμπτωμάτων της νόσου που θα μπορούσαν να θέσουν σε κίνδυνο τη διατροφική τους κατάσταση. Η παροχή διατροφικών συμβουλών και καθοδήγησης είναι μείζονος σημασίας για τους ασθενείς.
Problems of Assessing the Inclusive Educational Space of a Preschool Educational Organization: a Practical Aspect
Authors: Koroleva S.
Published: July 2022

The article deals with issues related to the assessment of the inclusive educational space of a preschool educational organization. The article defines the main pedagogical categories: inclusive education, educational space, inclusive educational space. The author highlighted their main provisions regarding the assessment of an inclusive educational space, the criteria for the quality of an inclusive educational space. In addition, the article proposes an algorithm for assessing the inclusive educational space of a preschool educational organization, which takes into account the main stages of assessing the inclusive educational space.
Awareness of Polish society about complications and contraindications in teeth whitening
Authors: Kula Łucja , Jaślar Tomasz , Szmidla Zuzanna , Mocny-Pachonska Katarzyna
Published: July 2022

Introduction and aim: Teeth whitening, which has a positive effect on the quality of life and the human psyche but is associated with side effects and contraindications, is becoming increasingly popular and widespread. The aim of the study was to collect and analyse data concerning the awareness of the Polish population of complications and contraindications to tooth whitening.

Material and methods: A survey was conducted using a Google document among teeth whitening and non-whitening individuals. Link to the survey posted on various social groups.

Results: People who whiten their teeth in a dental office are the group that showed the highest awareness about the side effects and contraindications of teeth whitening.  People who do not whiten their teeth are more aware than people who whiten outside the dental surgery. The popularised slogans such as the possibility of tooth hypersensitivity, weakening of the enamel or the necessity to follow a "white diet" are known to each study group. The issues connected with the dentist's office were the least popular - persons whitening their teeth outside the dentist's office are not aware of the necessity to professionally clean their teeth before this procedure. None of the study groups have knowledge about the temporomandibular joint problem as a contraindication to teeth whitening.

Conclusions: The Polish population shows an average knowledge of teeth whitening. The basic contraindications and complications are known to a broader group of respondents, but there are aspects of whitening about which the knowledge of respondents is low and requires popularisation. In addition, the survey indicates that more research is needed into the relationship between the temporomandibular joint and tooth whitening.
Comparação de avaliação de medidas indiretas e associação com medida subjetiva de capacidade aeróbia
Authors: Andrade Rubian Diego , Silva Junior Iedo José da , Hackl Luciane Pereira Nascimento , Azevedo Sabrina Fernandes de , Barbosa Diego  Grasel , Felden Érico Pereira Gomes
Published: July 2022

Este estudo teve como objetivo comparar a avaliação da resistência aeróbia avaliada pelos testes de McArdle e Conconi e associar as medidas indiretas com a percepção subjetiva por meio da Escala de Capacidade Percebida (ECP). Foram recrutados 29 participantes, 17 homens e 12 mulheres, com idades iguais ou maiores de 18 anos da região de São José, Santa Catarina. Após os recrutamentos foram analisados variáveis como sexo, idade, estatura, massa corporal, frequência cardíaca e esforço físico por meio dos testes de banco de McArdle e Conconi, além da capacidade percebida por meio da ECP. A média da pontuação da ECP foi de 9,72 (DP = 1,60). O Índice de Correlação Intraclasse entre os dois testes foi considerando excelente (r = 0,939; p < 0,001). Além disso, ambas análises apresentaram associação com a variável desfecho. No entanto, o poder explicativo da Regressão Linear,  considerando como variável independente o VO2max a partir do deste de McArdle foi maior (45,3%). Assim, recomenta-se a utilização da tabela de referência deste teste para identificação do VO2máx a partir da percepção subjetiva pela ECP. Desta forma, a ECP pode ser uma ferramenta valiosa na avaliação, prescrição de exercícios e em estudos epidemiológicos por sua fácil e rápida aplicabilidade em adultos ativos fisicamente.
Long COVID: new guide to recognition, support, and recovery
Authors: Mcfarland Sammie
Published: July 2022

New guidance has been published to help the recognition, support and recovery of long COVID in children and young people. Sammie Mcfarland explains
Diabetes: new guidance supports wider access to glucose monitoring technology
Authors: Lepkowska Dorothy
Published: July 2022

New NICE guidance recommends that children and young people with type 1 diabetes are offered continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and if CGM is not suitable, flash monitoring.
Supporting children and young people with long COVID in the classroom
Authors: Peters Sue
Published: July 2022

Sue Peter provides some practical guidance aimed at school health professionals, educationalists and school leaders, to help them support children and young people once they are able to start attending school again.
A Memory-Efficient Hybrid Implicit–Explicit FDTD Method for Electromagnetic Simulation
Authors: Chen Faxiang , Li Kang
Published: July 2022

As the explicit finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method is restricted by the Courant−-Friedrich−-Levy (CFL) stability condition and inefficient for simulation in some situations, implicit methods are developed. The hybrid implicit−-explicit (HIE) FDTD method is one popular method among them. In this paper, a memory-efficient HIE FDTD method is designed for electromagnetic simulation. The proposed HIE-FDTD method is based upon the divergence relationship of electric fields, nearly reduces one field component, and realizes a memory reduction rate of 33% approximately. Two numerical experiments are carried out to validate the proposed method and the results indicate that the proposed memory-efficient HIE-FDTD method can work well.
Scalable and Fast Characteristic Mode Analysis using GPUs
Authors: Alsultan Khulud , Hamdalla Mohamed Z. M. , Dey Sumitra , Rao Praveen , Hassan Ahmed M.
Published: July 2022

Characteristic mode analysis (CMA) is used in the design and analysis of a wide range of electromagnetic devices such as antennas and nanostructures. The implementation of CMA involves the evaluation of a large method of moments (MoM) complex impedance matrix at every frequency. In this work, we use different open-source software for the GPU acceleration of the CMA. This open-source software comprises a wide range of computer science numerical and machine learning libraries not typically used for electromagnetic applications. Specifically, this paper shows how these different Python-based libraries can optimize the computational time of the matrix operations that compose the CMA algorithm. Based on our computational experiments and optimizations, we propose an approach using a GPU platform that is able to achieve up to 16×× and 26×× speedup for the CMA processing of a single 15k ×× 15k MoM matrix of a perfect electric conductor scatterer and a single 30k ×× 30k MoM matrix of a dielectric scatterer, respectively. In addition to improving the processing speed of CMA, our approach provided the same accuracy as independent CMA simulations. The speedup, efficiency, and accuracy of our CMA implementation will enable the analysis of electromagnetic systems much larger than what was previously possible at a fraction of the computational time.
Electromagnetic Characteristics Calculation of FSS by the Mixed Method FDTD/Extrapolation/Cascade Method
Authors: Wang Yangyang , Zhou Dongfang , Liu Qikun , Zhang Dewei
Published: July 2022

In this paper, a mixed method (MM) combining the advantages of finite difference time domain (FDTD), extrapolation, and matrix cascade methods is proposed. First, the hybrid algorithm combining the FDTD and extrapolation method is used to compute the electromagnetic characteristics of the single-layer frequency selective surface (FSS). Subsequently, matrix cascade method is used to calculate the electromagnetic characteristics of the multi-layer FSS. By introducing the Floquet theorem and considering the periodic boundary condition (PBC), absorbing boundary conditions (ABC) of the FSS, a three-dimensional model, is established. The computational results show that, while maintaining the same level of accuracy, the hybrid method greatly improves the computation speed and reduces the computer memory compared with the simulation software. It can provide an important reference for the subsequent study of the electromagnetic characteristics ofthe FSS.
Bi-Static Radar Cross-Section Test Method by using Historic Marconi Set-up and Time Gating
Authors: Azizi Yousef , Soleimani Mohammad , Sedighy Seyed Hasan , Matekovits Ladislau
Published: July 2022

In this paper, a low-cost, simple, and reliable bi-static radar cross-section (RCS) measurement method by using a historic Marconi set-up is presented. It uses a transmitting (Tx) antenna (located at a constant position, at a reference angle of θ=0∘θ=0∘) and a moving receiver (Rx) antenna. A time gating method is used to extract the information from the reflection in the time domain; applying time filter allows removing the antenna side-lobe effects and other ambient noises. In this method, the Rx antenna (on the movable arm) is used to measure the reflected field in the angular range from 1∘1∘ to 90∘90∘ from the structure (printed circuit board, PCB) and the reference configuration represented by a ground (GND) plane of the same dimension. The time gating method is then applied to each pair of PCB/GND measurements to extract the bi-static RCS pattern of the structure at a given frequency. Here, a comparison of measurement results is carried out at 18 and 32 GHz with simulation ones indicating successful performance of the proposed method. It can be used as a low-cost, reliable, and available option in future measurement and scientificresearch.
Synthesis of Thinned Planar Arrays Using 0-1 Integer Linear Programming Method
Authors: Wang Mingyu , Ping Xuewei
Published: July 2022

This paper proposes a fast optimization method for synthesizing thinned planar antenna arrays. A 0-1 integer linear programming (ILP) model was proposed for the antenna array optimization. This model mainly aims to minimize the peak sidelobe level (PSLL) and consider the design requirements of narrow beamwidth and high directivity, finally obtaining the optimal distribution of the turned “ON” element positions in the aperture. Several cases of planar array designs with different aperture sizes and scan angles were provided in the paper and compared with other popular algorithms. Numerical results showed that the new method can effectively optimize the thinned planar arrays, including large-scale arrays, while significantly reducing the computational cost and time.
PET-Based Instant Inkjet-Printed 4 × 4 Butler Matrix Beamforming Network
Authors: Babale Suleiman A. , Rahim Sharul Kamal A. , Tan Kim G. , Paracha Kashif N. , Butt Arslan D. , Lawan S. H. , Ali Irfan
Published: July 2022

In this paper, a novel planar Butler matrix (BM) utilizing only 3dB3⁢dBhybrid couplers and a crossover are implemented using a low-cost silver-nano inkjet printing technique. Unlike in the conventional design of BM where a phase shifter is required, this novel design does not need a phase shifter to be implemented. However, the use of delicate substrates like polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in the design makes it unique. This is not possible with the conventional thermal curing process, as PET substrate cannot be subjected to an excessively feverish temperature. The results obtained show good return loss and transmission coefficients better than 26.1026.10 and 23.54dB23.54⁢dB, respectively, at the center frequency. Similarly, an amplitude imbalance of less than 2.4dB2.4⁢dB with phase mismatch within ±0.25∘±0.25∘ is achieved at the center frequency. The BM has a −10dB-10⁢dB bandwidth of 24.79% with a beam pattern produced at +13∘+13∘,−40∘-40∘, +40∘+40∘, and −13∘-13∘ when ports 1-4 of the BM are energized.
Study of the Combination Method and Its Application to Shrink a Patch Antenna Operating in the UHF Band
Authors: Huang Qianling , Xu Xiaofei , Zhang Ruiheng
Published: July 2022

This work is focused on how to efficiently shrink a patch antenna operating in the UHF band. Five typical independent methods are first introduced that were solely used to realize a small patch antenna. A potential combination method is further discussed utilizing two or more of these five methods. One miniature patch antenna is experimentally demonstrated operating at 735 MHz using the combination method, in which both of shorting wall and complementary split ring resonators are applied in a reconciling way. A two-step optimization procedure is given to show how the antenna sizes can be significantly reduced with this combination method. The antenna is fabricated on a simple dielectric with a low εεrr of 2.2. The patch size is only 0.127λλ ×× 0.123λλ. The antenna efficiency is considerably high as 77% in measurement.
Study on the Electromagnetic Interference of Shielded Cable in Rail Weighbridge
Authors: Yang Yang , Zhu Feng , Lu Nan , Xiao Yingchun
Published: July 2022

In view of the electromagnetic interference (EMI) of the signal shielded cable in the rail weighbridge, the interference source is analyzed on the basis of the field measurement and investigation, and methods of suppressing the crosstalk voltage of the shielded cable are proposed. First, the capacitive coupling model between the power line and the shielded cable is established, and the coupling model between the shielded layer and the core is developed. Later, the distribution parameters of the multi-conductor transmission line system are extracted by the commercial software ANSYS based on the finite element method. Then the coupling voltages of the shielded layer and the core can be calculated; compared with the measured results, the accuracy and effectiveness of the proposed method are verified. Finally, the EMI suppression methods are proposed and its effectiveness is verified. The EMI of the shielded cable is very common in engineering, and this method has a good reference value for solving the similar problems.
Solid Characterization Utilizing Planar Microwave Resonator Sensor
Authors: Al-Gburi Ahmed Jamal Abdullah , Zakaria Zahriladha , Ibrahim Imran Mohd , Aswir Rahmi S. , Alam Syah
Published: July 2022

This paper outlines the design and the implementation of a planar microwave resonator sensor for sensing application using the perturbation concept in which the dielectric characteristics of the resonator influence the quality factor (QF) and the resonance frequency. The designed sensor is fabricated using Roger 5880, and it is operating at 2.27 GHz in ranges of 1-3 GHz for testing solid materials. In addition, applying a specific experimental methodology, practical material is used as material samples such as those in Roger 5880, Roger 4350, and FR4. To investigate the microwave resonator sensor performance, an equivalent circuit model (ECM) is introduced. The proposed sensor has achieved a narrow bandwidth and high QF value of 240 at an operating frequency of 2.27GHz. Besides, the sensitivity and accuracy of the sensor is more than 80%, which makes this sensor an excellent solution to characterize the material, especially in discovering the material characteristics and quality.
A Novel Technique for Dynamic Analysis of an Electromagnetic Rail Launcher using FEM Coupled with Simplorer
Authors: Lydia J. , Karpagam R. , Murugan R.
Published: July 2022

The performance of a rail gun depends on the current density distribution over the rail and armature as it determines the force that accelerates the projectile of the rail gun. A finite element method (FEM) coupled with Simplorer was developed to model and study the performance of the rail gun. The rail gun was modeled using an ANSYS eddy current field solver to determine the current density distribution and equivalent rail gun circuit for the given rail gun geometry. The armature velocity was then calculated using Simplorer by coupling the obtained equivalent rail gun circuit and exciting the rails using a capacitor-based pulsed power supply (PPS) system. The FEM coupled with Simplorer method was verified by numerical calculations for the rectangular rails and also with other researchers’ value, and that showed a good agreement between the results. Further, the current density distribution over rails and armature and velocity of the armature was calculated for different rail cross sections such as circular concave, circular convex, rectangular concave, rectangular convex, T-shaped concave, and T-shaped convex with a C-shaped armature. It was observed that the circular convex rail gun with C-shaped armature showed minimum current density distribution and gives a higher value of armature velocity compared with other rail gun structures. Thus, the circular convex armature was found to be suitable for the electromagnetic (EM) rail gun launchingsystem.
Low-Frequency Transmitted Fields of a Source Inside a Magnetic Shell with Large Conductivity
Authors: Huang Shifeng , Xiao Gaobiao , Mao Junfa
Published: July 2022

The method to evaluate the transmitted fields of a source inside a simply connected magnetic shell with large but finite conductivity at low frequencies is proposed in this paper. When modeling the magnetic shell with large conductivity, it is regarded as a penetrable object. Electric field integral equation (EFIE) is selected for the exterior region problem and magnetic field integral equation (MFIE) is chosen for the interior region problem. Each operator is decomposed with loop-star functions to overcome the problem of low-frequency breakdown. Numerical results verify the accuracy of the proposed method.
Prediction and Analysis of the Shielding Effectiveness and Resonances of a Cascaded Triple Enclosure Based on Electromagnetic Topology
Authors: Zhou Jin-Cheng , Wang Xue-Tian
Published: July 2022

A fast analytical method for predicting the shielding effectiveness (SE) and resonances of a parallelly–serially cascaded triple enclosure was proposed. Under the concept of electromagnetic topology, the observation points and the walls are treated as nodes and the space between them as tubes. An equivalent circuit model of the enclosures is derived in which the apertures on the front and rear walls of the two parallelly cascaded sub-enclosures are considered as a pair of three-port networks. To predict the SE at a particular monitoring point, we introduce the position factor. The results of the proposed method have a good agreement with the numerical methods while it is much faster. The proposed method can help in determining SE for cascaded enclosures. We can also find that the resonance effect affects each subenclosure through the apertures, which must be carefully considered inpractice.
Electron beam heating as a tool for fabricating lattice engineered crystals in glass [Invited]
Authors: Musterman Evan J. , Dierolf Volkmar , Jain Himanshu
Published: July 2022

Laser heating is well-established to impart optical functionality into glass by local modification and crystallization. In this paper, we demonstrate electron beam heating in scanning and transmission microscopes as an alternative for the local crystallization of Sb2S3 in Sb-S-I glasses as a model system. Governed by different absorption physics, the electron beam expands morphological control of crystal cross section relative to laser, producing nanoscale (∼50 nm) single crystal architectures. We also report the effects of accelerating voltage and probe current and characterize the curved lattice of crystals formed in glass with electron diffraction techniques.
Decoding Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Systems Biology Approach
Authors: Lombard Jay , Hamper Michael
Published: July 2022

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of upper and lower motor neurons in the motor cortex, brain stem, and the anterior horn of the spinal cord. The majority of ALS cases are classified as sporadic (sALS). There is a growing concern regarding the increased incidence in the number of sporadic ALS cases across the world, projected to increase by almost 70% in the next two decades. The etiology of sporadic ALS is currently unknown; however, epidemiological studies point to possible exposure of environmental triggers, including trauma and infections as risk factors for the development of motor neuron pathology. On a pathological basis, protein misfolding with the accumulation of cytoplasmic inclusions of TDP-43 are regarded as the hallmark feature of ALS pathogenesis. The cellular mechanisms that lead to protein aggregation are not completely understood, but appear to involve defects in autophagy, an intracellular autodigestive process that degrades misfolded proteins like TDP-43. This review will be split into two portions: (1) discuss the evidence regarding how various environmental risk factors, such as infections agents and physical trauma, can lead to neuropathological changes by disrupting autophagy in ALS; (2) discuss potential treatment options in the management of each environmental factor previously discussed.
IMPACT OF HUMAN CAPITAL ON REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT: EXPERT EVALUATIONS OF STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS AND INSTITUTIONAL ENVIRONMENT IN THE RUSSIAN BORDERLAND
Authors: Maximova Svetlana G. , Omelchenko Daria A. , Noyanzina Oksana E.
Published: July 2022

The modern vision of human capital involves taking into account a wide range of components, not only health and education indicators, but also features of socialization and cultural development, including in the structure of the supra-professional skills that allow individuals to work in a team, be competitive and open to innovation. Human capital is an important driver of economic growth, but its impact depends not only on its qualitative and quantitative characteristics, but also on the institutional environment. Based on the results of the expert survey (n = 170) in six border regions of Russia, the authors study the problems of efficiency of human capital at the regional level, assess its different components and institutional conditions. The main conclusions of the study consist in the observation of systemic contradictions manifesting themselves in the interdependence of human capital and the functioning of social institutions and preventing border regions, especially those in the eastern part of Russia, maintain the human capital of the population at a high level and make full use of it for regional development.
INTERETHNIC RELATIONS AND MIGRATION SITUATION IN ALTAI TERRITORY BASED ON SOCIOLOGICAL RESEARCH
Authors: Shakhova Ekaterina V. , Maximova Svetlana G.
Published: July 2022

Issues concerning interethnic relations in the Russian Federation as a multinational state, are relevant. They are especially important in the border regions of the country. Scientific analysis of ways and mechanisms of harmonization of interethnic relations is of great importance for maintaining the socio-political, economic stability of modern society, as well as social harmony in the region. The following indicators are considered: the specifics of national identity (the degree of closeness with people of the same nationality, the risk of dissolving into the culture of other peoples); changes in interethnic relations in the region over the past five years; access to public benefits for people of different nationalities (receiving guaranteed social, medical, educational services, chances of employment, developing their business, holding high positions in government); attitudes towards migrants and the migration situation in general (the region's residents' assessments of migrants living in the region, attitudes towards them, the need to attract them to the region and support them by the Russian government, possible measures to establish good neighborly relations between migrants and the local population, the role of national diasporas in harmonizing such relations, the impact of population migration on the situation in the region as a whole). The practical value of the study lies in the presentation of current assessments of residents of Altai krai about interethnic relations and the migration situation in the region. The empirical basis is the data from a sociological study implemented in the Altai krai (n = 400) by the research team of the Altai State University. The obtained data were analyzed using the methods of mathematical and statistical data processing (SPSS 23.0 statistical package). It is noted that people who have experienced the spread of infringement of rights due to nationality are more likely than others to be at risk of losing their nationality; in the absence of a sufficient number of chances to receive high-quality free education, medical care, social services; negative attitudes towards migrants. The regional situation in the sphere of interethnic relations is not acute and tense, however, regular monitoring, a set of measures aimed at establishing friendly relations between different nationalities, between migrants and the population in the Altai krai.
FEATURES OF ADAPTIVE STRATEGIES OF FOREIGN MIGRANTS IN THE BORDER REGIONS OF RUSSIA
Authors: Saryglar Syldysmaa S.
Published: July 2022

Migration has become an integral part of modern life. Due to political, socio-economic, environmental factors, migration flows are increasing every year. One of the key areas of research remains the issues of adaptation and integration of migrants, since the nature of the adaptation of migrants depends on the social development and well-being of both the migrants themselves and the host society. The purpose of this article is to study the features of the adaptive strategies of foreign migrants in the border regions of Russia. The paper presents a theoretical analysis of migration processes, including eleven laws of migration by E.G. Ravenstein and approaches to understanding the processes of acculturation of migrants. The results of sociological research conducted by the research team of Altai State University in six border regions of Russia (Altai Territory, Tyva Republic, Khabarovsk Territory, Volgograd Region, Astrakhan Region, Amur Region) are analyzed. A total of 449 foreign migrants were interviewed. The data were collected using a questionnaire and analyzed using frequency and linear regression analysis methods. Based on the analyzes carried out, a typology of migrants was obtained based on their migration experience and migration intentions. Three groups of migrants arriving in the border regions have been identified - returnable, irrevocable and transit. It is noted that the processes of acculturation of migrants in the border regions of Russia are developing along the path of integration. Based on the data obtained, five adaptive strategies were identified that are typical for foreign migrants in the border regions of Russia: full integration (knowledge of Russian culture and support for intercultural contacts with the host community), integration - intention (poor knowledge of Russian culture and support for intercultural contacts with the host community), transit integration (knowledge of Russian culture and support for intercultural contacts with the host community is typical for transit migrants), separation is a threat (knowledge of Russian culture and lack of intercultural contacts with the host community), assimilation is a benefit (poor knowledge of Russian culture, but the intention to support only Russian cultural norms and traditions, typical for migrants who came to trade and purchase goods).
TECHNOLOGIES OF DIAGNOSTICS OF PROFESSIONAL MOTIVATION OF SCIENTIFIC AND PEDAGOGICAL PERSONNEL
Authors: Polyanskaya Natalya M.
Published: July 2022

The quality of human capital formation and the creation of prerequisites for our common future is significantly influenced by the education system. At the same time, the effectiveness of the educational process depends on the internal orientation, motivation and satisfaction with work, as well as the intention of each teacher to work with full dedication and engage in self-improvement. On the part of the management of an educational organization, it is very important to constantly maintain high professional motivation of scientific and pedagogical personnel, the necessary level of their satisfaction with their work and prevent professional "burnout". To do this, it is necessary to use methods of diagnosis and evaluation of motivation. In this article, based on the understanding and generalization of the existing experience, the author describes the main elements of the technology of diagnostics of professional motivation of scientific and pedagogical personnel. The scientific contribution consists in updating the importance of the process of managing professional motivation of scientific and pedagogical personnel, in describing the main tools for assessing its level, developing a blitz questionnaire to identify and assess the significance of factors of job satisfaction, as well as in developing basic measures to increase professional motivation.