bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cutaneous manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus: experience from a tertiary care hospital of Bangladesh
Authors: Asifuzzaman Mohammad , Ara Rowsan , Biswas Tonmoy , Hassan Rashedul , Choudhury Minhaj Rahim
Published: December 2021

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, multisystem disorder that can affect any organ of the body. Approximately 80 percent of patients develop skin disease at some point in their disease course. The association with SLE varies among the subtypes of cutaneous lupus erythematosus (LE). Better understanding of cutaneous manifestations can help in more effective management. This study aimed to evaluate the pattern of cutaneous manifestations of SLE and to find out association with organ involvement.
Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the Green Life Medical College Hospital from January 2019 to December 2020. Sixty four lupus patients who fulfilled the SLICC 2012 classification criteria and having new onset or preexisting skin complaints were enrolled. Mixed connective tissue disease and other overlap syndromes were excluded. All patients were evaluated by a dermatologist and diagnosis was done as per modified Gilliam Classification criteria.
Results: Out of 64 patients, 56 were female and 8 were male. Female and male ratio was 7:1. Mean age was 28.4±9.6 years. Among the cutaneous manifestations, LE specific was 38 (59.4%), LE non-specific was 41 (64.1%). Among LE specific, 66% were acute (ACLE), 42% were sub-acute (SCLE) and 37% patients were chronic (CCLE). Among ACLE, 72% had malar rash and 84% had photosensitivity. Among SCLE, most common was papulosqumous (68%). DLE (86%) was the most common CCLE. Among LE non-specific, 85% had non-scarring alopecia, 52% had vascular abnormalities. Most common organ involvement was musculoskeletal (84%), then renal (56%). DLE had negative association with renal involvement [OR (-0.04)]. No other cutaneous manifestations showed any significant association with any other organ involvement.
Conclusion: Cutaneous manifestations are important feature in SLE. LE non-specific was more common than LE specific manifestations in this study. Better understanding can help in efficient diagnosis and management.
BIRDEM Med J 2022; 12(1): 57-61
Tingkat Kepuasan Pasien Rawat Jalan Terhadap Mutu Pelayanan Kesehatan di Puskesmas Sendana
Authors: Zulfahmidah Zulfahmidah , Rahman Resky Asfiani
Published: December 2021

Background and Objectives: Patient satisfaction is an indicator indicator of providing health services to the community. One of the development efforts in the health sector is the availability of quality health services such as the existence of a health center. Puskesmas must have good quality health services that can be seen from the performance or the perceived benefits, in order to give satisfaction to patients. The purpose of this study was to see the level of outpatient satisfaction with health services, so that it can be used as evaluation material for the health center. Methods: This study used a quantitative descriptive research method with a cross-sectional study design. The research variables included the quality of health services which consisted of aspects of reliability, responsiveness, empathy, facilities, and assurance. The population in this study were patients who visited the Sendana Health Center. The sampling technique was accidental sampling and obtained 31 respondents. Results: The results of the study the patient scores were analyzed and grouped according to their level in order to obtain a satisfaction level of 70.4% reliability aspects, 67.5% responsiveness, 66.9% empathy, 57.7% facilities, and 65.3% assurance. Conclusion: Overall satisfaction level is included in the satisfied category.
ІНФОРМАЦІЙНІ ТЕХНОЛОГІЇ ОСВІТНЬОГО МОНІТОРИНГУ В СИСТЕМІ СТРАТЕГІЧНОГО УПРАВЛІННЯ УНІВЕРСИТЕТОМ
Authors: Кадикова Ірина Миколаївна , Доценко Наталія Володимирівна , Скачков Олександр Миколайович , Гусєва Юлія Юріївна , Тимофєєв Володимир Олександрович , Чумаченко Ігор Володимирович
Published: December 2021

На порядку денному кожного закладу вищої освіти (ЗВО) в Україна сьогодні є акредитація освітніх програм, за якими здійснюється підготовка здобувачів вищої освіти. Це один з ключових процесів стратегічного управління закладом і водночас один з найбільш трудомістких. Тож, має обидві ознаки доцільності максимальної автоматизації його виконання, що розглядається авторами з позицій процесного підходу, за яким ефективність організації залежить від ефективності виконання кожного процесу. Метою даної статті є продемонструвати можливості використання інформаційної технології в управлінні одним з ключових процесів стратегічного управління ЗВО – акредитацією спеціальностей та освітніх програм з точки зору організації моніторингу та процесного управління. Водночас предметом дослідження виступає моніторинг на основі інформаційної технології в системі управління стратегією ЗВО. Автори наводять перелік та порівняльну характеристику програмних продуктів та служб, які доцільно додати до інформаційної технології для автоматизації окремих елементів діяльності ЗВО щодо підготовки до акредитації освітніх програм. Перелік не є вичерпним та побудований виходячи з наявних сьогодні можливостей для ЗВО використовувати спеціалізовані програмні продукти на безоплатній основі за умов партнерської діяльності з компаніями-розробниками. Можливість застосування сучасних IT-технологій в управлінні ЗВО розкривається на двох прикладах: моделювання в спеціалізованій системі Business Studio і реалізація найбільш трудомістких елементів інформаційної технології в середовищі MS Excel як найбільш доступному і популярному програмному продукті в організаціях. Порівняння ефектів від використання запропонованих інструментів та оцінки переваг над проведенням акредитації без використання ІТ передбачається проводити на основі методики аналізу невідповідностей, їх наслідків та причин виникнення FMEA, що передбачає розрахунок ПЧР (Risk Priority Number) для кожного з виділених основних типів помилок за методом 5М. Наведені результати дослідження можуть бути цікавими для ЗВО при розробці внутрішньокорпоративної інформаційної системи стратегічного управління. Подальше поглиблення досліджень вбачається в розробці інших компонентів інформаційної технології стратегічного управління ЗВО.
ПЕРСОНАЛІЗАЦІЯ В ОСВІТІ: УПРАВЛІННЯ СТУДЕНТАМИ ВЛАСНОЮ ТРАЄКТОРІЄЮ НАВЧАННЯ ЗАСОБАМИ ЦИФРОВИХ ТЕХНОЛОГІЙ
Authors: Локарєва Галина Василівна , Бажміна Евеліна Анатоліївна
Published: December 2021

У статті представлено огляд підходів до навчання, а саме: персоналізації, індивідуалізації та диференціації в психологічному й педагогічному контекстах. Розглянуто зміст дефініцій, які є близькими до поняття персоналізації. Представлено перші спроби дослідження персоналізованого підходу в школах та університетах світу, його характерні ознаки й відмінності. Продемонстровано ключову роль студента в освітньому процесі при персоналізованому навчанні, який замотивований на вивчення професійно спрямованих дисциплін, формує та розвиває вміння самостійно працювати, керує власним процесом навчання, плануючи індивідуальний шлях, місце, час і темп діяльності в електронному навчальному курсі. Наставником і помічником студента, модератором цифрового освітнього середовища є педагог. У статті представлено вибудовування індивідуальної освітньої траєкторії студентами закладів вищої освіти та управління персоналізованим навчанням на прикладі навчальних курсів «Інженерна та комп’ютерна графіка» і «Нарисна геометрія, інженерна та комп’ютерна графіка». Нові методики й моделі навчання, адаптовані до самостійної роботи, являють собою певну структуру занять, у них наявні методичні розробки залежно від очікуваних результатів навчання, інноваційні види діяльності, підходи до навчання. На основі дослідження презентовано структуру персоналізованого підходу. Відзначено застосування BYOD (Bring Your Own Device – Принеси свій власний пристрій)-технологій у навчальній діяльності як ефективного інструмента для всіх учасників освітнього процесу. Технології сприяють персоналізованому навчанню студентів, спрощують процес оцінювання результатів їх самостійної роботи, автоматизують навчальний процес і дають зворотний зв’язок. Підкреслено, що актуальність значення питання персоналізації зростає в період пандемії через перенесення аудиторних занять в онлайн режим. Подано приклади індивідуальних освітніх траєкторій за освітнім модулем. Проілюстровано завдання для студентів за певним цільовим рівнем на платформі Moodle. Представлено результати використання персоналізованої моделі в освітньому процесі вищої школи.
Mortalidade Materna sob a ótica racial: uma revisão narrativa
Authors: Santos Andreza Ramos Seixas dos , Gouvêa Abilene do Nascimento , Teixeira Patrícia da Costa
Published: December 2021

O racismo e a discriminação racial são comuns no cotidiano brasileiro e, na área da saúde, pode levar a negligências e comprometimentos no bem-estar físico e psíquico do indivíduo e em determinadas situações pode causar o óbito. A saúde da mulher negra, e em específico da gestante, não está distante disso quando comparado a assistência que as mulheres brancas recebem. Objetivos: Identificar diferentes perfis de mortalidade materna nas literaturas e como objetivos específicos analisar literaturas com o perfil sociodemográfico de mortalidade materna, região e as principais causas de óbito. Método: Pesquisa de revisão narrativa, de análise qualitativa. Foi realizada na base de dados Biblioteca virtual em saúde (BVS), PubMed e Scientific Electronic Library Online (Scielo), por meio dos Descritores em Ciências da Saúde (DeCS): “Mortalidade materna”, “Enfermagem obstétrica”, "Serviços de Saúde Materno-Infantil", “Racismo”, “Assistência Integral à Saúde”. Resultado: Dos 24 selecionados, apenas 7 bibliografias continham as variáveis para responder o objetivo deste estudo, com 5 sendo oriundas do nordeste. Foi identificado taxa de óbitos frequentes em mulheres da cor parda, escolaridade com fundamental completo, faixa etária dos 20 aos 39 e causa obstétrica direta síndromes hipertensivas, enquanto as indiretas não foram especificadas. Conclusão: É necessário que haja um maior investimento em pesquisas dessa temática devido a gravidade da situação e a quantidade baixa de literaturas. É possível que esses dados na raça parda sejam bem mais elevados do que na raça preta devido a autodeclaração, infelizmente ainda há uma certa resistência em se declarar preto e isso reflete nos dados avaliados.
Uso potencial de resíduo de uvas no desenvolvimento de produtos funcionais: uma revisão
Authors: Silva Claudia Nepomuceno da , Silva Daiane Nepomuceno da , Quadros Cedenir Pereira de , Silva Claudileide de Sá
Published: December 2021

O desperdício de alimentos é preocupante, pois pelo menos 1,4 bilhão de toneladas de alimentos são desperdiçados no mundo anualmente.  Diversos aspectos ambientais, sociais e econômicos contribuem para o aumento desses números, todavia metade do desperdício de alimentos no mundo poderia ser evitado por medidas preventivas. Desse modo, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar através de revisão da literatura, o potencial uso de subprodutos da uva, como por exemplo o bagaço, no desenvolvimento de produtos funcionais. Para tanto, foram utilizados os descritores “uva”, “uva qualidade inferior”, “uva exportação”, “uva alimento funcional”, “alimentos funcionais bagaço de uva”, “casca de uva alimento funcional”, “uva de refugo”, "grape", "low quality grape", "export grape", "functional food grape", "functional food grape pomace", "grape skin functional food", "junk grape". Como base de dados foram utilizadas a PubMed (National Library of Medicine), Portal de Periódicos Capes, LILACS (Literatura latino-americana e do caribe em ciências da saúde), Science Direct, Scorpus e Crossref, utilizando descritores da língua inglesa e portuguesa, e selecionando os artigos publicados entre os anos de 2000 a 2022.  Foram encontrados 942 artigos (PubMed= 546 ScienceDirect= 373; Scielo= 25), dos quais 80 artigos foram selecionados, e desses 68 foram excluídos por não se enquadrarem nos critérios de inclusão que eram, produtos funcionais desenvolvidos através dos subprodutos da uva que seriam descartados, e tendo, como também ano de publicação do estudo ter ocorrido a partir do ano de 2000. E assim foram utilizados 15 artigos. Os trabalhos em sua maioria aplicaram a uva para o desenvolvimento de farinhas para a produção de bolos e o enriquecimento de iogurtes, além de produzirem cookies, geleias e barras de cereais. Através da revisão realizada foi possível evidenciar que a utilização de um resíduo vitivinícola que tem potencial para conferir benefícios à saúde através do desenvolvimento de produto funcionais, reduzindo a quantidade destes resíduos na indústria e no meio ambiente, com possibilidade também de reduzir custos na produção dos alimentos.
Efeitos do tratamento de plasma não térmico gerado por micro-ondas aplicado em farinha e farelo de trigo
Authors: Montenegro Flávio Martins , Marsaioli Junior Antonio , Berteli Michele Nehemy , Amorim Filho Jayr , Campelo Pedro H. , Clerici Maria Teresa Pedrosa Silva
Published: December 2021

A utilização de plasma não térmico em matérias-primas alimentícias é recente e pode se constituir em uma inovação para o setor, que necessita gerar conhecimento na área, a fim de conhecer as possibilidades de uso desta tecnologia emergente aplicadas em alimentos. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o comportamento tecnológico em farinha e farelo de trigo, tratados em uma geradora de plasma não térmico, obtido por micro-ondas, comparadas com as mesmas matérias-primas sem tratamento. O plasma não térmico foi gerado por micro-ondas a partir de 200 W de potência e o gás utilizado foi o argônio. Todo o sistema operou em pressão atmosférica. A farinha de trigo tratada por plasma não térmico (FPL) apresentou menor porcentagem de amido danificado (4,33 %), menor distribuição do tamanho acumulada a D90 % e menor tamanho médio de partícula, além de menores valores para as suas propriedades de pasta, onde todas estas características diferiram significativamente (p≤0,05), através da análise de variância (ANOVA), quando comparadas com a farinha de trigo controle (FC). Os glútens destes dois materiais não sofreram alterações significativas para a mesma significância. O farelo de trigo tratado por plasma não térmico (BPL) foi avaliado através do pH, dos índices de absorção em água (IAA) e índice de solubilidade em água (ISA) e a análise de cor instrumental, com a obtenção dos parâmetros L*, a* e b*, além da diferença de cor (ΔE) e teve estes resultados comparados para o farelo sem tratamento (BC). Apenas o IAA e o parâmetro b* da análise de cor instrumental apresentaram diferença significativa pela análise de variância (ANOVA) (p≤0,05), em relação ao farelo BC. Apesar de apresentar diferença significativa em um parâmetro da análise de cor (b*), a diferença de cor existente entre as amostras (ΔE=0,30) apresentou valor inferior a 1,0, o que indica que esta diferença é de difícil percepção pelo observador. Os resultados indicam modificações importantes para estas matérias-primas e que necessitam maior aprofundamento experimental e analítico para consolidar os efeitos conferidos por esta tecnologia emergente.
Приоритетные направления внешней политики КНР в 2020–2021 гг.
Authors: ЦЗИНЬЛУН ГО
Published: December 2021

статье дана характеристика приоритетных направлений
внешней политики КНР в 2020–2021 гг. С начала 2020 г. Китай внимательно
следит и за внутригосударственной, и за международной обстановкой, в полной
мере используя дипломатические ресурсы для обслуживания основных страте-
гий развития страны. Это содействует укреплению отношений с разными госу-
дарствами, объединению интересов со странами – соседями, поддержанию
дружбы с развивающимися странами. Во время пандемии Китай твердо отстаи-
вает мультилатерализм, способствует упорядочиванию всемирной системы
здравоохранения и оказывает поддержку ВОЗ в борьбе с эпидемией, активно
расширяет международное сотрудничество, содействует сотрудничеству в об-
ласти здравоохранения в рамках инициативы «Один пояс, один путь».
Вспышка эпидемии коронавируса нового типа привела к обострению
«идеи разрыва связей» Китая и США. «Всестороннее соглашение об инвести-
циях между Китаем и ЕС» заморожено на неопределенный срок. Китайско-
российские отношения находятся на пике своего развития. В заключении автор
представляет выводы о приоритетных направлениях внешней политики КНР в
2020–2021 гг. Результаты работы могут быть использованы в комплексных ис-
следованиях в сфере международных отношений.
Dijital Pazarlama ve Markaların Müşteri Memnuniyeti
Authors: ÖZKAYNAR Kürşad , YOLCU Tarık
Published: December 2021

Teknolojinin ilerlemesi ile beraber dijitalleşen hayat, tüketicilerin internet ortamında daha fazla vakit geçirmesine neden olmuştur. Bu durum, işletmelerin de dijital evrende yer almasını zorunlu kılmış; markalar, web siteleri, sosyal medya hesapları, elektronik pazaryerleri vb. ortamlarda varlık göstermeye başlamışlardır. Alışverişin değişen kuralları sonucunda pazarlamanın uygulama sahası genişlemiş ve markalar, müşterilerine daha fazla ulaşma imkânı bulmuşlardır. Aynı zamanda müşteriler de markalara birçok farklı kanaldan ulaşma, istek ve şikayetlerini iletme şansı yakalamışlardır. Karşılıklı artan bu etkileşim, beraberinde, müşteri memnuniyetinin sağlanmasında avantajlar ve dezavantajlar getirmiştir. Çalışmada, dijital mecraların önemine, doğru kullanım şekillerine ve müşteri memnuniyetinin sağlanması için dikkat edilmesi gereken hususlara değinilmiştir. Sonuç olarak internetin ortaya çıkmasından bugüne kadar uzun süre geçmesine rağmen, özellikle sosyal medya mecralarının yanlış kullanımına vurgu yapılmış, bunun önüne geçilmesi için önerilerde bulunulmuştur.
Yerel Demokrasi ve Katılım: Türkiye ve İngiltere Üzerinden Bir İnceleme
Authors: ÖZER Mehmet Akif , KARTAL Meryem
Published: December 2021

21.yüzyıl dünyasında siyasi ve akademik platformlarda tartışılan konuların başında demokrasi, özerklik, yerelleşme, katılım gibi kavramlar gelmektedir. Yerelde halkın ortak ihtiyaçlarını karşılayan kurumlar olarak yapılan tartışmaların merkezinde yer almaktadır. Yerel yönetimler, yerel halkın karar alım süreçlerine katılımı açısından demokrasi ile ilişkilendirilmektedir. Bir ülkede demokrasinin yerleştirilmesi ve sağlam temellere dayandırılması bakımından yerel yönetimler, oldukça önemlidir. Yerel halkın, siyasal bilinç kazanması ve sorumluluk duygusu taşıması açısından önemli bir role sahiptir. Çalışmanın temel amacı, iki ülkenin de yerel yönetimler yasal düzenlemeler ve uygulamalar boyutuyla incelenerek her iki ülkede yerel demokrasi ile ilgili yapılan çalışmaların yerel demokrasiyi ne kadar yansıttığı ve yerel demokrasinin geliştirilmesi için uygulanan katılım araçlarının etkinliğini ortaya koymaktır. Çalışma Türkiye ve İngiltere’deki demokrasi ve katılımın tarihsel süreçteki teorik ve uygulama boyutunu karşılaştırmalı olarak ortaya koyması açısından önem taşımakta, literatürdeki boşluğu tamamlamaktadır. Çalışmanın amacına yönelik bilgiler Türkçe ve İngilizce (birincil-ikincil) kaynak taraması yapılarak elde edilmiştir.
The Determinants of Gold Price in Malaysia
Authors: Ting Kah Hui
Published: December 2021

The purpose of this paper is to look into the linkage between inflation rate, exchange rate, stock market return with price of gold. The sample collected for this empirical study covered 30 years of data from 1991 to 2020. The secondary data was collected annually and total 30 observations are taken for each variable. Multiple Linear Regression model is developed to find out the linkage between variables chosen with gold prices. The independent variables included Inflation rate (Consumer Price Index), exchange rate (Malaysia to USD), stock market return (FTSE Bursa Malaysia Kuala Lumpur Composite Index) and dependent variable is Price of Gold. Besides that, several tests are used including Unit Root Test (Augmented Dickey-Fuller Test), Jarque-Bera Normality Test, Breusch-Godfrey Serial Correlation LM Test, Heteroscedasticity-White Test, Ramsey Regression Equation Specification Error (RESET) Test and Granger Causality Test. The time series analysis used as the methodology by using Eview 11 to proceed all the test. The result showed that inflation rate and exchange rate have strong positive link to gold price while stock market return does not have significant relationship with gold price. In summary, this research can provide reference for other investors.
Political Satire and Its Influence on the Youth Political Perception
Authors: A/P Mahinder Singh Harveena Kaur , Puyok Arnold
Published: December 2021

This article is based on research that explored the different forms of political satire on social media and examined whether political satire has any impact on the political perception of the youths. Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and so on. A mixed methodology was adopted in this research involving content analysis and survey. This study was conducted in Kuala Lumpur involving 50 respondents from the age of 18 to 40 years old. Content analysis was used to explore the forms of political satire. There were seven different forms of political satire analysed in this research, namely, political graphics by Fahmi Reza, political cartoons by Zunar, political anime from a Facebook page entitled “Bro, don’t like that la, bro”, memes from “SarawakGags”, “HarakatDaily” satirical news site, Dr Jason Leong’s satirical tweets on Twitter and parody videos by Douglas Lim. These themes were derived from social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter. The study found that political satire has profound impacts on the political interests of the youths as it not only helps to increase their political understanding, it also presents political issues to the youths in creative and interesting ways. It is argued that political satire will grow faster and shape the political thinking of the youths especially. The direct effects of political satire, however, on voting inclination, are still inconclusive and need to be explored further.
Blood Types and Severity of COVID-19
Authors: Ozdemir Burcu , Ozdemir Levent , Akgunduz Bilge , Celik Murat , Urfali Senem , Vicdan Ayse Sema
Published: December 2021

Aim: Since blood types first appeared, their association with diseases caused by microorganisms has been further investigated with several studies for many years. The bond of blood groups described as A, B, AB, and O with coronavirus has been the research subject in many countries.We aimed to elucidate whether there was a relationship between blood types and Rh factor and contracting COVID-19 disease and disease severity.

Methods: The study was designed as a retrospective case-control study. Between March 2020 - February 2021, 1110 patients were included (538 cases, 572 controls). Disease severity was classified according to where patients were treated: those who were outpatients considered as “mild disease”, hospitalized in a hospital ward considered as “moderate disease”, and treated in the intensive care unit were considered as “severe disease”.

Results: The number of people with blood type A was 447 (40.3%), blood type B was 197 (17.7%), blood type AB was 90 (%8), and blood type O was 376 (33.9%). There was no significant difference between the case and control groups according to the blood types. A 3.93 times increase of developing mild illness was detected compared to the control group in Rh-positive individuals. The rate of developing a severe disease was higher in females with blood type A than a mild disease, and A blood type caused the disease to be severe compared to other blood groups in females.

Conclusion: We concluded that blood type A caused more severe disease than other blood types in females, and females with B blood type survived the disease as outpatients. Our study can shed light on pathophysiological investigation of the relationship between COVID-19 disease causing a pandemic with high mortality and virulence and blood types.

Keywords: COVID-19 virus, blood group, disease
Cultural Variations in Evaluation of Creative Work: A Comparison of Russian and Emirati Samples
Authors: Kharkhurin Anatoliy V. , Yagolkovskiy Sergey R.
Published: December 2021

The study investigates how cultural variations influence evaluation of creative work. Russian and Emirati undergraduate college students were asked to judge alien creature drawings produced by their country mates in previous studies’ structured imagination test. We found cultural differences in creativity judgment. Emirati participants’ judgments were significantly lower than Russian participants’ judgments. We also found that Russians judged their compatriots significantly higher than the Emirati judged their compatriots. Russians also judged foreigners significantly lower than the Emirati judged foreigners. These findings were speculatively placed in the context of the cultural differences in the implicit theory of creativity.
Multi-Feature Optimization Study of Soil Total Nitrogen Content Detection Based on Thermal Cracking and Artificial Olfactory System
Authors: Liu He , Zhu Qinghui , Xia Xiaomeng , Li Mingwei , Huang Dongyan
Published: December 2021

To improve the accuracy of detecting soil total nitrogen (STN) content by an artificial olfactory system, this paper proposes a multi-feature optimization method for soil total nitrogen content based on an artificial olfactory system. Ten different metal–oxide semiconductor gas sensors were selected to form a sensor array to collect soil gas and generate response curves. Additionally, six features such as the response area, maximum value, average differential coefficient, standard deviation value, average value, and 15th-second transient value of each sensor response curve were extracted to construct an artificial olfactory feature space (10 × 6). Moreover, the relationship between feature space and soil total nitrogen content was used to establish backpropagation neural network (BPNN), extreme learning machine (ELM), and partial least squares regression (PLSR) models were used, and the coefficient of determination (R2), root mean square error (RMSE), and the ratio of performance to deviation (RPD) were selected as prediction performance indicators. The Monte Carlo cross-validation (MCCV) and K-means improved leave-one-out cross-validation (K-means LOOCV) were adopted to identify and remove abnormal samples in the feature space and establish the BPNN model, respectively. There were significant improvements before and after comparing the two rejection methods, among which the MCCV rejection method was superior, where values for R2, RMSE, and RPD were 0.75671, 0.33517, and 1.7938, respectively. After removing the abnormal samples, the soil samples were then subjected to feature-optimized dimensionality reduction using principal component analysis (PCA) and genetic algorithm-based optimization backpropagation neural network (GA-BP). The test results showed that after feature optimization the model indicators performed better than those of the unoptimized model, and the PLSR model with GA-BP for feature optimization had the best prediction effect, with an R2 value of 0.93848, RPD value of 3.5666, and RMSE value of 0.16857 in the test set. R2 and RPD values improved by 14.01% and 50.60%, respectively, compared with those before optimization, and RMSE value decreased by 45.16%, which effectively improved the accuracy of the artificial olfactory system in detecting soil total nitrogen content and could achieve more accurate quantitative prediction of soil total nitrogen content.
Calibration and Tests for the Discrete Element Simulation Parameters of Fallen Jujube Fruit
Authors: Shi Gaokun , Li Jingbin , Ding Longpeng , Zhang Zhiyuan , Ding Huizhe , Li Ning , Kan Za
Published: December 2021

Discrete element method (DEM) simulation is an important method to analyze the interaction relationship between materials and equipment, and to develop machinery and/or equipment. However, it is necessary to input specific simulation parameters when establishing a DEM simulation model. In this study, the interval values were measured through angle of repose tests of fallen jujube fruit (FJF), and the simulation angle of repose tests for FJF were established with EDEM software (DEM Solutions Ltd. Edinburgh, Scotland, UK). Then, the Plackett-Burman design, steepest ascent search experiment, and center composite design experimental methods were utilized to obtain the specific values of the simulation parameters from the interval values. The results showed that significant influencing factors in the simulation angle of repose include the Poisson’s ratio, the static friction coefficient between FJF, and the static friction coefficient between FJF and the steel plate, for which the optimal values were 0.248, 0.480, and 0.309, respectively. The angle of repose tests’ results showed that the error was 0.53% between the simulation angle of repose (29.69°) and the angle of repose (29.85°). In addition, the flow rate test results showed that the average error was 5.84% between the physical and simulation tests. This indicated that the calibrated parameters were accurate and reliable, and that the simulation model can accurately represent the physical tests. Consequently, this study provides an EDEM model of FJF that was essential in designing machinery and equipment through the EDEM simulation method.
Observations on the Productivity of Breeding Specimens of Urtica dioica L. from European Russian Ecotopes in Comparison with the Breeding Variety under Field Crop Conditions
Authors: Kosolapov Vladimir M. , Cherniavskih Vladmir I. , Zarudny Vladimir A. , Mazur Kamila , Konieczna Anita , Tseiko Leisan , Dumacheva Elena V. , Dumachev Dmitrij V.
Published: December 2021

Nettle is most often studied as a spinning plant, as a source of biochemicals and environmentally safe fungicides. Major studies are mostly conducted on natural samples and plant populations. Prospects for the use of plant biological resources of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.) from the Cretaceous south of the Central Russian Upland to create cultivars for a wide range of applications are considered. The aim of the study is to investigate the productivity of fresh weight and its biochemical composition in the variety of stinging nettle Avicenna, created on the basis of the initial material selected in the Belgorod region of Russia and patented in 2019, and new promising cultivars UD 32/06 and UD 12/16. The experiments were carried out by the split plot method with full randomization in four replicates. The cultivars UD 32/06 and UD 12/16 reliably surpass the Avicenna cultivar in the collection of fresh mass weight by 16.6–22.7% and 23.1 to 27.8%, dry weight by 11.4–28.7% and 1.9–32.7%, and seeds by 19.7–32.0% and 23.2–40.0% accordingly. Analysis of variance showed a significant effect of the factor “Cultivar” on the productive traits “Fresh weight yield” (strength influence 87.2%), “Dry weight yield” (strength influence 43.9%), and “Seed yield” (h2x = 61.6%). The content of crude protein in dry weight of the Avicenna and new varieties is 21.1–24.2%, crude fat: 2.5–4.2%, fiber: 12.0–14.8%. High content of ascorbic acid, calcium, phosphorus, iron, and zinc were observed in all material tested. It is concluded that the biological resources of the wild-growing forms of Urtica dioica L. from the European south of Russia are a valuable source material for obtaining varieties, and varieties with high productivity of the aboveground mass and stable seed productivity. The obtained research results prove the usefulness of nettle cultivation.
Providing Alternative Hosts and Nectar to Aphid Parasitoids in a Plum Orchard to Determine Resource Complementarity and Distance Range Effect on Biological Control
Authors: Lérault Louise , Clavel Elsa , Villegas Cinthya M. , Cabrera Nuri , Jaloux Bruno , Plantegenest Manuel , Lavandero Blas
Published: December 2021

There are many different practices that contribute to conservation biological control, but little is known about their complementarity. We tested the effects of providing food and alternative hosts to parasitoids by intercropping a plum orchard with companion plants. Oats and vetch were intercropped into the orchard either as single-species (oats or vetch) or two-species (oats and vetch combined) intercrops within an inter-row. The trophic resources provided by these intercrops were assessed, along with the incidences of aphids and their parasitoids in plum trees. We found up to ten alternative host species provided by oats and vetch, and extrafloral nectar was available from the vetch and mixed strips. An effect of intercrop type and distance to plum trees was observed on aphid incidence during one sampling period. Parasitism rates in exclusion cages were affected by intercrop type, reaching almost 60% close to the mixed intercrop. However, no general tendency was observed upon whether oats, vetch or their mixture was associated with a lower incidence of aphids. We found no evidence that providing effective sources of food and alternative hosts for parasitoids increased aphid mortality in this study. The context-dependent efficiency of intercropping is discussed.
Biosecurity Levels and Farm Characteristics of African Swine Fever Outbreak and Unaffected Farms in Estonia—What Can Be Learned from Them?
Authors: Viltrop Arvo , Reimus Kaari , Niine Tarmo , Mõtus Kerli
Published: December 2021

Risk factors related to external biosecurity have been considered to play a major role in the introduction and spread of African swine fever (ASF) in domestic pig populations. The aim of the study was to describe the biosecurity levels and management practices of ASF outbreak and uninfected herds and to identify potential risk factors for ASF introduction. Data collected from the outbreak herds during outbreak investigations and from the randomly selected uninfected herds were analyzed. The biosecurity score in ASF outbreak herds was significantly lower compared to uninfected herds. However, this may reflect general improvement in the application of biosecurity measures in pig farms over time as the data on uninfected herds were collected later, at a time when intensified official controls may have had their effect. Larger herds were more at risk of being outbreak herds compared to smaller herds. The biosecurity parameters significantly associated with the outbreak herd status in multiple correspondence analysis were mostly related to indirect contacts with the outside farm environment. The biosecurity barriers applied in Estonian pig farms have not been sufficient to avoid ASF introduction and need critical evaluation and improvement. Reduction of all contacts between the farm and the external environment should be emphasized in a situation where ASF is circulating in wild boar populations close to pig farms.
Conditioning Program Prescribed from the External Training Load Corresponding to the Lactate Threshold Improved Cardiac Function in Healthy Dogs
Authors: Restan Alejandro Zamora , Camacho Aparecido Antonio , Zacché Evandro , Canola Raphaela Arantes Marques , Silva Samara Beretta Gomes , Braz Jaislane Bastos , Silva-Filho Jorge Cardoso da , Cerqueira Juliana Aparecida , Loureiro Bruna Agy , Funnicelli Michelli Inacio Gonçalves , Pinheiro Daniel Guariz , Ferraz Guilherme Camargo
Published: December 2021

This research focuses on the adjustments in systolic and diastolic functions that are not fully understood in dogs submitted to athletic training. Beagle dogs carried out an endurance training program (ETP) prescribed from the external training load, corresponding to 70–80% of the lactate threshold (VLT) velocity. Eighteen dogs were randomly assigned to two groups: control (C, n = 8), active dogs that did not perform any forced exercise, and trained (T, n = 10), submitted to the ETP during eight weeks. All dogs were evaluated before and after the ETP period using two-dimensional echocardiography, M-mode, Doppler, and two-dimensional speckle tracking. A principal component analysis (PCA) of the echocardiographic variables was performed. The ETP improved the left ventricular internal dimension at the end of diastole (LVDd), the left ventricular internal dimension at the end of diastole to aorta ratio (LVDd: Ao), and the strain rate indices. PCA was able to capture the dimensionality and qualitative echocardiography changes produced by the ETP. These findings indicated that the training prescribed based on the lactate threshold improved the diastolic and systolic functions. This response may be applied to improve myocardial function, promote health, and mitigate any injuries produced during heart failure.
Hepatic Homeostasis of Metal Ions Following Acute Repeated Stress Exposure in Rats
Authors: Spiers Jereme G. , Tan Li Si , Anderson Stephen T. , Hill Andrew F. , Lavidis Nickolas A. , Chen Hsiao-Jou Cortina
Published: December 2021

Essential metals such as copper, iron, and zinc are cofactors in various biological processes including oxygen utilisation, cell growth, and biomolecular synthesis. The homeostasis of these essential metals is carefully controlled through a system of protein transporters involved in the uptake, storage, and secretion. Some metal ions can be transformed by processes including reduction/oxidation (redox) reactions, and correspondingly, the breakdown of metal ion homeostasis can lead to formation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. We have previously demonstrated rapid biochemical responses to stress involving alterations in the redox state to generate free radicals and the resultant oxidative stress. However, the effects of stress on redox-active metals including iron and copper and redox-inert zinc have not been well characterised. Therefore, this study aims to examine the changes in these essential metals following exposure to short-term repeated stress, and to further elucidate the alterations in metal homeostasis through expression analysis of different metal transporters. Outbred male Wistar rats were exposed to unrestrained (control), 1 day, or 3 days of 6 h restraint stress (n = 8 per group). After the respective stress treatment, blood and liver samples were collected for the analysis of biometal concentrations and relative gene expression of metal transporter and binding proteins. Exposure to repeated restraint stress was highly effective in causing hepatic redox imbalance. Stress was also shown to induce hepatic metal redistribution, while modulating the mRNA levels of key metal transporters. Overall, this study is the first to characterise the gene expression profile of metal homeostasis following stress and provide insight into the changes occurring prior to the onset of chronic stress conditions.
Photothermal and Reorientational Contributions to the Photomechanical Response of DR1 Azo Dye-Doped PMMA Fibers
Authors: Ghorbanishiadeh Zoya , Zhou Bojun , Sheibani Karkhaneh Morteza , Oehler Rebecca , Kuzyk Mark G.
Published: December 2021

This work is a comprehensive experimental and theoretical study aimed at understanding the photothermal and molecular shape-change contributions to the photomechanical effect of polymers doped with azo dyes. Our prototypical system is the azobenzene dye Disperse Red 1 (DR1) doped into poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) polymer formed into optical fibers. We start by determining the thermo-mechanical properties of the materials with a temperature-dependent stress measurement. The material parameters, so determined, are used in a photothermal heating model—with no adjustable parameters—to predict its contribution. The photothermal heating model predicts the observations, ruling out mechanisms originating in light-induced shape changes of the dopant molecules. The photomechanical tensor response along the two principle axes in the uniaxial approximation is measured and compared with another independent theory of photothermal heating and angular hole burning/reorientation. Again, the results are consistent only with a purely thermal response, showing that effects due to light-induced shape changes of the azo dyes are negligible. The measurements are repeated as a function of polymer chain length and the photomechanical efficiencies determined. We find the results to be mostly chain-length independent.
Assessment of fNIRS Signal Processing Pipelines: Towards Clinical Applications
Authors: Bonilauri Augusto , Sangiuliano Intra Francesca , Baselli Giuseppe , Baglio Francesca
Published: December 2021

Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) captures activations and inhibitions of cortical areas and implements a viable approach to neuromonitoring in clinical research. Compared to more advanced methods, continuous wave fNIRS (CW-fNIRS) is currently used in clinics for its simplicity in mapping the whole sub-cranial cortex. Conversely, it often lacks hardware reduction of confounding factors, stressing the importance of a correct signal processing. The proposed pipeline includes movement artifact reduction (MAR), bandpass filtering (BPF), and principal component analysis (PCA). Eight MAR algorithms were compared among 23 young adult volunteers under motor-grasping task. Single-subject examples are shown followed by the percentage in energy reduction (ERD%) statistics by single steps and cumulative values. The block average of the hemodynamic response function was compared with generalized linear model fitting. Maps of significant activation/inhibition were illustrated. The mean ERD% of pre-processed signals concerning the initial raw signal energy reached 4%. A tested multichannel MAR variant showed overcorrection on 4-fold more expansive windows. All of the MAR algorithms found similar activations in the contralateral motor area. In conclusion, single channel MAR algorithms are suggested followed by BPF and PCA. The importance of whole cortex mapping for fNIRS integration in clinical applications was also confirmed by our results.
Vertical Seismic Isolation Device for Three-Dimensional Seismic Isolation of Nuclear Power Plant Equipment—Case Study
Authors: Koo Gyeong-Hoi , Jung Jin-Young , Hwang Jong-Keun , Shin Tae-Myung , Lee Min-Seok
Published: December 2021

The purpose of this study was to develop a vertical seismic isolation device essential for the three-dimensional seismic isolation design of nuclear power plant equipment. The vertical seismic isolation device in this study has a concept that can be integrally combined with a conventional laminated rubber bearing, a horizontal seismic isolator with a design vertical load of 10 kN. To develop the vertical seismic isolation device, the vertical spring and the seismic energy dissipation device capable of limiting the vertical displacement of the spring were designed and their performances were verified through actual tests. In this study, the target elevation of the floor is 136 ft, where safety-related nuclear equipment, such as cabinet and remote shutdown console, etc., is installed. The sensitivity studies were carried out to investigate the optimal design vertical isolation frequencies for the target building elevation. Based on the results of the sensitivity study, a disc spring and a helical coil spring were selected for the vertical stiffness design, and the steel damper was selected for the seismic energy dissipation, and their performance characteristics were tested to confirm the design performance. For the steel damper, three types were designed and their energy dissipation characteristics by hysteretic behavior were confirmed by the inelastic finite element analyses and the tests in static fully reversed cyclic conditions. Through the study of the vertical seismic isolation device, it was found that 2.5 Hz~3.0 Hz is appropriate for the optimal design vertical isolation. With results of the vertical seismic isolation performance analysis, the appropriate number of steel dampers are proposed to limit the vertical seismic displacement of the spring within the static displacement range by the design vertical load.
Phase Transfer Catalysts and Role of Reaction Environment in Nucleophilc Radiofluorinations in Automated Synthesizers
Authors: Krasikova Raisa N. , Orlovskaya Viktoriya V.
Published: December 2021

Incorporation of [18F]fluorine into PET radiotracer structure has traditionally been accomplished via nucleophilic pathways. The [18F]fluoride is generated in an aqueous solution via proton irradiation of oxygen-18 enriched water and must to be introduced into water-free organic solutions in order to generate reactive species. Thus nucleophilic 18F-fluorination traditionally included steps for [18F]fluoride concentration on the anion exchange resin, followed by removal of residual water via azeotropic distillation with MeCN, a time-consuming process associated with radioactivity losses and difficult automation. To circumvent this, several adsorption/elution protocols were developed based on the minimization of water content in traditional kryptofix-based [18F]fluoride eluents. The use of pre-dried KOH/kryptofix solutions, tertiary alcohols, and strong organic bases was found to be effective. Advances in transition metal-mediated SNAr approaches for radiolabeling of non-activated aromatic substrates have prompted development of alternative techniques for reactive [18F]fluoride species generation, such as organic solutions of non-basic alkyl ammonium and pyridinium sulfonates, etc. For radiofluorinations of iodonium salts precursors, a “minimalist” approach was introduced, avoiding the majority of pitfalls common to more complex methods. These innovations allowed the development of new time-efficient and convenient work-up procedures that are easily implementable in modern automated synthesizers. They will be the subject of this review.
Lower-Body Positive Pressure Treadmill Training for Pediatric Gait Disorders: A Scoping Review
Authors: Cherni Yosra , Gagné-Pelletier Léandre , Bouyer Laurent , Mercier Catherine
Published: December 2021

The purpose of this scoping review was to examine the literature on the use of anti-gravity treadmills and its effects on lower-limb motor functions in children and adolescents with locomotor impairments. Method: Four databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, Web of Science) were searched for articles from inception to August 2021. Inclusion criteria were: (1) experimental or quasi-experimental studies using anti-gravity training as the primary intervention; (2) studies conducted in pediatric participants; (3) articles reporting outcomes related to lower-limb functions; and (4) studies published in French or English. Results: Fifteen articles were included in the review. Studies included children and adolescents aged 4–18 years with locomotor impairments. Intervention duration ranged from 2 to 12 weeks, with 2–5 sessions per week. Included studies reported that anti-gravity training induces improvements in muscle strength, balance, spatiotemporal gait parameters, and walking endurance in children with locomotor impairments. Conclusion: This review provides relevant information about interventions, outcomes and limits associated with anti-gravity training in pediatrics. Overall, anti-gravity treadmill training could be viewed as a valuable training modality, specifically for children with cerebral palsy. However, a more precise and comprehensive description of anti-gravity training protocols would be useful.