bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis, Magnetic Property and Assembly Studies of Two Cu(II) Complexes Based on o-phenanthroline and Phosphate
Authors: Jian Fang Fang , Liu E , Jin Zesen , Jian Fangfang
Published: December 2021

Using newly precipitated Cu(OH)2, o-phenanthroline and phosphoric acid as raw materials, two complicated Cu(II) compounds were obtained by one-pot method. They are double-nuclear Cu(II) 1, {[Cu2(phen)2(H2PO4)3][Cu2(phen)2(H2O)(H2PO4)3]}·2H2PO4·5H2O, and mononuclear Cu(II) 2, [Cu(phen)2(H2PO4)]4·4H3PO4·2HPO4·6H2O. The crystal structure analysis showed that the copper phosphate reacted with the neutral ligand o-phenanthroline to obtain the compounds with different structures. Phosphoric acid can exist in various forms in copper complexes, such as H3PO4, (H2PO4)1-, (HPO4)2-, and form a rich and colorful supramolecular interaction with water molecules. Hirschfeld surface analysis gives the types and regions of molecular interactions in crystals. It is of scientific significance to understand the reaction between transition metal phosphate and organic neutral ligand. The thermogravimetric and magnetic properties of compounds 1 and 2 were also reported. Magnetic analysis shows that supramolecular interactions and dipole-dipole interactions have great influence on the magnetic properties of two compounds. CCDC: 20565681 for 1; 2090334 for 2.
Effect of Micro-strain Stress on in Vitro Proliferation and Functional Expression of Human Osteoarthritic Chondrocytes
Authors: Zhao Bin , Ma Jianxiong , He Jinquan , Ma Xinlong
Published: December 2021

Background: This study aimed to analyze the in vitro effect of micro-strain stress on the proliferation and functional marker expression in chondrocytes isolated from human osteoarthritis cartilage samples.Methods: Chondrocytes isolated from human osteoarthritis cartilage samples were subjected to loading with different types of micro-strain stress. The proliferation activity was assessed by flow cytometry, and the functional expression of chondrocyte markers was detected by qRT-PCR and western blot. Results: Flow cytometry results showed stimulation of proliferation of human osteoarthritic chondrocytes when an adequate micro-strain stress was applied. qRT-PCR and western blot results showed that micro-strain stress promotes human osteoarthritic chondrocyte functional marker expression. These features coincide with the upregulation of multiple proteins and genes affecting cell proliferation and functional chondrocyte marker expression, including cyclin D1, collagen II, and Rock.Conclusion: Adequate micro-strain stress could activate the Rho/Rock signaling pathway in osteoarthritic chondrocytes, thus transmitting mechanical signals to the cytoskeleton. This process leads to cytoskeleton reorganization, and transmission of the mechanical signals to the downstream effectors to promote proliferation and functional marker expression of osteoarthritic chondrocytes.
A Density Functional Theory Study on the Water Aggregation Behaviour of Fatty-Acid Based Anionic Surface Active Ionic Liquids
Authors: Sampathkumar Suresh , Vijayakumar Subramaniam
Published: December 2021

The hydrogen bond interactions between methyl-imidazolium cation (MIM+) and fatty-acid anions (CmHnCOO–, where m=1–6; n-3–13) of ionic liquids are studied in both gas phase and water phase using density functional theory. The structural properties show that the presence of N–H···O and C–H···O hydrogen bonds between [MIM]+ and [CmHnCOO]– (m=1–6;n-3–13) ionic liquids. From the vibrational frequency analysis it was found that the hydrogen bond interaction between [MIM]+ and [CmHnCOO]– (m=1–6;n-3–13) ionic liquids are red-shifted in frequency. The natural bond orbital analysis show that the N–H···O hydrogen bond associated with the large charge transfer which has the higher stabilization energy (i.e. E(2) ~ 38 kcal/mol). Further, the cation/anion–water cluster (H2O)1-3 interactions show that the water molecules are preferred to interact with anions. In the case of ionic liquids–water cluster interaction, the water molecules occupies the interstitial space between cation and anion of ionic liquids which results in weakening the cation-anion interaction.
Endovascular Embolization of Posttraumatic High-Flow Priapism: Uncommon Arteriovenous Fistula of the Corpus Cavernosum
Authors: Otten Maarten J. , Zuur Lotte , Florie Jasper , Bezooijen Bart van
Published: December 2021

Background
priapism is a persistent penile erection lasting more than four hours without sexual arousal or stimulation. Non-ischemic high-flow priapism is an uncommon finding.
Case presentation:
we report on a high-flow priapism, an uncommon arteriovenous fistula of the corpus cavernosum after a straddle trauma which was successfully treated by super selective trans-arterial embolization using a temporary embolic agent. At follow up no recurrent episodes of priapism occurred without symptoms of erectile dysfunction or other complications.
Conclusion
Super selective embolization has a high rate of technical success with preservation of erectile function in this case without complications.
Saturation mutagenesis at Ser196 in BaCsn46A from Bacillus Amyloliquefaciens Enhances Enzyme Activity and Thermostability
Authors: Yi Wang , Wenjun Gao , Hailong Wang , Kepan Xu , Wen Luo , Jing Guo , Tingting Hong , Cai Zhiqiang
Published: December 2021

The chitosanase (BaCsn46A) was extracted from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (GenBank: QEK97559.1) and synthesized after codon optimization. The saturation mutation site was determined by analyzing the sequence and three-dimensional protein model. WT and mutant chitosanase genes were cloned and expressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3). The enzymatic properties of WT and mutants were compared, including the optimal reaction pH, temperature and thermostability. Three mutants S196F, S196Y and S196A with the highest specific enzyme activity were selected for further study. Compared with WT, the specific enzyme activity of S196Y increased by 144.76% (more than other two mutants), and the thermostability was not significantly improved. While the specific enzyme activity of S196A increased by 118.79%, and the thermostability of S196A was much higher than WT. From the perspective of industrial production, S196A is more in line with the requirements of industrial production because of its excellent thermal stability at 60°C. From the results of circular dichroism spectrum, the mutation of chitosanase at Ser196 did not change the secondary protein structure. In addition, CD analysis showed that the secondary structure of WT and mutants did not change significantly, indicating that the improvement of thermostability of S196A was not related to the secondary structure.
The Effects of Ba0.85Ca0.15Zr0.1Ti0.9O3 Addition on the Phase, Microstructure, and Thermoelectric Properties of Ca3Co4O9 Ceramics
Authors: JAIBAN Panupong , WANNASUT Pimpilai , WATCHARAPASORN Anucha
Published: December 2021

In this work, the influences of Ba0.85Ca0.15Zr0.1Ti0.9O3 (BCZT) addition on phase, microstructure, and thermoelectric properties of Ca3Co4O9 (CCO) were investigated. (1-x)CCO-(x)BCZT ceramics where x = 0, 0.003, 0.005, and 0.010 were fabricated successfully via a conventional solid-state sintering at 1,223 K for 24 hrs. The substitution of BCZT introduced the chemical defects (V''Co, V'''Co, V''Ca) in CCO ceramic, which increased charge carrier concentration and enhanced the electrical conductivity. The presence of Co3+ improved the Seebeck coefficients of CCO ceramic. The thermal conductivity of CCO ceramic decreased when BCZT was added. The addition of BCZT at x = 0.010 promoted the highest thermoelectric power factor (PF~235 mW/mK2), and the highest figure of merit (ZT~0.5) at 800 K, which present this ceramic an alternative p-type oxide thermoelectric for a high-temperature thermoelectric device.
The Validity of the Residuals Approach to Measuring Resilience to Adverse Childhood Experiences
Authors: Cahill Stephanie , Hager Reinmar , Chandola Tarani
Published: December 2021

Background: Resilience is broadly defined as the ability to maintain or regain functioning in the face of adversity. Recent work to harmonise the quantification and definition of resilience quantifies resilience as the residual variance in psychosocial functioning that remains after accounting for adversity exposure. However, there have been no published studies that have formally investigated the validity of this approach. Considering this, we examine the construct and predictive validity of the residuals approach using participants from ALSPAC. Methods: We regressed exposures of adolescent adversity on adolescent psychopathology scores using the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire and obtained the residual variance. We investigated construct validity by analysing whether previously identified demographic and resilience factors significantly predicted resilience. Predictive validity of resilience was investigated by comparing the predictive power of resilience with other determinants of psychosocial functioning on two developmental outcomes: depressive symptoms at 18 years, measured by the Short Moods and Feelings Questionnaire, and NEET (Not in Employment, Education or Training) status at 17 and 23 years. The associations between depressive symptoms at 18, resilience, ACEs and covariates were tested using multiple linear regression. NEET status at 17 and 23 were run as separate binary multiple logistic regression models to test associations with resilience and known demographics previously associated with NEET status.Results: Seven previously identified protective factors, including self-esteem, positive sibling relationship, temperament, and positive perception of school, significantly predicted resilience to adolescent psychopathology, thus providing strong construct validity. Resilience significantly predicted a reduction in depressive symptoms at 18 years, and significantly decreased the likelihood of having NEET status at both 17 years and 23 years, even after taking into account early childhood adversity and other risk factors. None of the socioeconomic factors were significantly associated with resilience.Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that the residuals method of operationalising resilience has good construct and predictive validity yet recommend replication studies. It has the potential to advance research into the mechanisms and modifiability of resilience.Trial Registration: Not applicable
Creep Parameter Inversion for High CFRDs Based on Improved BP Neural Network Response Surface Method
Authors: Zhou Xinjie , Sun Xinjian , Li Yongye , Zhang Juntao , Li Zhigang , Ma Zhongxiang , Guan Zhixuan , Zhang Yuxiang , Zhang Pengtao
Published: December 2021

The creep parameters of rockfill materials obtained from engineering analogy method or indoor tests often cannot accurately reflect the long-term deformation of high Concrete Faced Rockfill Dams (CFRDs). This paper introduces an optimized inversion method based on Multi-population Genetic Algorithm improved BP Neural Network and Response Surface Method (MPGA-BPNN RSM). The parameters used for inversion are determined by parameter sensitivity analysis based on the statistical orthogonal test method. MPGA-BPNN RSM, validated by Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) and squared correlation coefficient (R2), etc., completely reflects the response between the creep parameters and the settlement calculation values obtained by Finite Element Method (FEM). MPGA optimized the objective function to obtain the optimal creep parameters. The results show that the settlement values of Xujixia CFRD calculated by FEM using the inversion parameters has great consistency with the monitored values both in size and in distribution, suggesting that the model parameters obtained by the introduced creep parameter inversion method are feasible and effective. The introduced method can improve the inversion efficiency and the prediction accuracy in FEM applications.
Annealing Temperature Influences the Cytocompatibility, Bactericidal and Bioactive Properties of Green Synthesised TiO2 Nanocomposites from Calotropis Gigantea
Authors: Govindasamy G Ambarasan , Mydin Rabiatul Basria S. M. N. , Harun Nor Hazliana , Effendy Wan Nuramiera Faznie Wan Eddis , Sreekan Srimala
Published: December 2021

Annealing is a crucial functional parameter relevant to the green synthesis and bactericidal properties of TiO2 nanocomposites (TiO2-NPs). In this work, the effect of the annealing temperature on the physicochemical and bactericidal properties of TiO2-NPs obtained from Calotropis gigantea was comprehensively studied. The synthesised TiO2-NPs were characterised using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, UV–Vis spectrophotometer and FTIR spectroscopy. The bactericidal properties were determined via the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion methods. The cytocompatibility of green TiO2 was further investigated using fibroblast cells lines model. Results indicated that amorphous-phase TiO2-NPs were transformed into the anatase phase at 500 °C with a crystallite size of 40.9 nm and MIC of 100 mg/mL towards S. aureus (colony count reduction from 4.3 log10 to 1.01 log10). Whereas TiO2-NPs annealed at 400 °C demonstrated no bacterial reduction, TiO2-NPs annealed at 500 °C showed a moderate zone of inhibition of 6.33–6.83 mm towards Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Findings from this study found that TiO-500C nanocomposites concentration at 100 mg/mL is cytocompatible to the fibroblast cells lines with proliferation rate/activity higher than 116% after 24 h treatment. The plant-mediated nano-sized cubic and spherical anatase TiO2-NPs encapsulated bioactive green elements, such as carbon, sodium, magnesium, chlorine, potassium, calcium and sulphur, from the C. gigantea extract, ultimately leading to versatile and eco-friendly bactericidal agents with wound-healing properties. Further studies are necessary to support the findings of this work.
Efficacy And Renal Safety of Febuxostat In Management of Gout And Chronic Kidney Disease: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Zhang Peiyu , Chen Mo , Wang Jundi , Hu Shunjie , Lu Xiaoyong , Wu Huaxiang
Published: December 2021

Background: Elevated serum urate levels are associated with renal deterioration of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Whether urate-lowering treatment with febuxostat can improve renal function or attenuate the decline of the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is controversial. The current study sought to explore efficacy and renal safety of febuxostat in gout patients with CKD and explore factors correlated with target serum urate (sUA).Methods: The current study was a single-center retrospective study comprising male gout patients with CKD. sUA, the rate of sUA < 360 µmol/L and renal safety were analyzed in subjects who had been treated with febuxostat for more than 44 weeks. Factors correlated with target sUA were explored by logistic regression analysis. Results: A total of 87 patients who had been diagnosed with gout and CKD met the inclusion criteria for the study. Twenty-five (28.73%) patients presented with stage 2 CKD, 58 (66.67%) were diagnosed with stage 3 CKD and 4 (4.60%) were diagnosed with stage 4 CKD. Analysis of sUA level showed a significant reduction at week 44~ (598.22 ± 95.11 µmol/L vs. 429.76 ± 123.45 μmol/L; P < 0.05), and the RAT increased to 34.50%. eGFR level of all patients was 52.37 ± 11.74 ml/min/1.73cm2 at baseline and 56.51 ± 15.01 ml/min/1.73cm2 at week 44~ (P < 0.05). The findings showed improvement of eGFR level in different stages of CKD, mainly in stage 3 CKD patients (P < 0.05). After stratification based on risk factors of hypertension, diabetic mellitus, hyperlipidemia and the usage of Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), the findings showed that eGFR levels of patients with ≤ 1 risk factors showed significant improvement (P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis indicated that baseline sUA level and acute arthritis were correlated with the RAT in gout and CKD patients treated with febuxostat.Conclusions: In this retrospective study, febuxostat demonstrated effective and renal safety in gout patients with CKD. Baseline sUA level and acute arthritis may affect achieving of target sUA.
Modulation of hepatic mRNA-miRNA panel linked to NAFLD/NASH Hippo signaling and gut microbiota after administration of kefir in Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis Rat Model
Authors: Salah Noha ,   Marwa Matboli1, Mansour Amal , Magd Nagwa M Abo El , Hasanin Amany Helmy , Hassan Mohamed Kamel , Eissa Sanaa
Published: December 2021

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the clinically aggressive variant of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Hippo pathway dysregulation can contribute to NASH development and progression. The use of probiotics is effective in NASH management. Our aim is to investigate the efficacy of kefir Milk in NASH management via modulation of hepatic mRNA-miRNA based panel linked to NAFLD/NASH Hippo signaling and gut microbita regulated genes which was identified using bioinformatics tools. Firstly, we analyzed mRNAs (SOX11, SMAD4 and AMOTL2), and their epigenetic regulator (miR-6807) followed by validation of target effector proteins (TGFB1, IL6 and HepPar1). Molecular, biochemical, and histopathological, analyses were used to evaluate the effects of kefir on high sucrose high fat (HSHF) diet -induced NASH in rats. We found that administration of Kefir proved to prevent steatosis and development of the inflammatory component of NASH. Moreover, Kefir improved liver function and lipid panel. At the molecular level, kefir down-regulated the expression of miR 6807-5p with subsequent increase in the expression of SOX 11, AMOTL2 associated with downregulated SMAD4, resulting in reduction in the expression of the inflammatory and fibrotic markers, IL6 and TGF-β1 in the treated and prophylactic groups compared to the untreated rats. In conclusion, Kefir suppressed NASH progression and improved both fibrosis and hepatic inflammation. The produced effect was correlated with modulation of SOX11, SMAD4 and AMOTL2 mRNAs) – (miR-6807-5p) – (TGFB, IL6 and, HepPar1) expression.
Determination of Phytoextraction and Hyperaccumulating Capacity of Artemisa Dracunculus L and Erigeron Canadensis Plants of The Asteraceae Family.
Authors: kocaman ayhan
Published: December 2021

One of its key aspects is the performance of plant extraction, the end-use of by-products and the recognition of its overall economic viability. Overall, phytoextraction seems to be a very promising technology for the removal of metallic pollutants from the environment and is being commercialized. In genetic engineering, support for the current plant phytoremedetion list plays a major role. Because it makes it possible to insert which genes in genetically modified plants the plant to metabolize a specific pollutant. In the sequence to be used for phytoremediation. In Turkey, the steel industry and its subindustries operate intensively in Karabuk province. It is located in the western region of the Black Sea and grew rapidly. For this reason, plants that grow in areas and soil samples around their roots are with anthropogenic pollution were taken in connection with the steel industry and the building industry where the waste is discharged. For guidance, samples of plants and soils of the same species were collected from orchards where industrial pollution and agricultural activity have not occurred, in order to worth comparing them. Thus, the properties of the hyperaccumulator and accumulation were investigated. These are Artemisa Dracunculus L (AD) and Erigeron Canadensis (EC) in the Asteraceae family. As the BAF shoot values of the AD plant are Pb and Se > 1, this is an accumulator plant for Pb and Se. At the EC plant, this is an accumulator for Pb, as only Pb>1. Since Cr, Hg, Sn and Cl <1, these elements are presumed to be exclusionary. Also, the two plants can be classified as potentially Ni-hyperaccumulatory plants because Ni is greater than 10 (Ni>10). BAF root of both plants has high phytostabilization capacity for CD from CD>1. The concentrations of Cd TF >1 in the leaf, stem and root indicate high phytoextraction efficiency and it can be said that it will exhibit high activity in soils contaminated by the CD. In addition, due to the fact that the Cd concentrations of both plants are close to the hyperaccumulator plant BAF, studies can be carried out to evaluate them as Cd-hyperaccumulator plant in future studies.
Thermodynamics of Organic Electrochemical Transistors
Authors: cucchi matteo , Weissbach Anton , Bongartz Lukas , Tseng Hsing , Kleemann Hans , Kantelberg Richard , Leo Karl
Published: December 2021

Bioelectronics which bridge the gap between conventional electronics and biological systems are actively researched due to their fascinating perspectives in healthcare and other fields. A key element of future bioelectronics is the organic electrochemical transistor (OECT) that, by employing a mixed ion-electron conducting materials, can perform switching tasks in electrolytic environments and serve as sensoric or actoric element. OECTs differ substantially from their inorganic field-effect counterparts, mainly due to their electrochemical, rather than electrostatic, gate operation principle. However, the working mechanism of OECTs is modeled as the one of the field-effect transistor: this approach not only fails to give quantitative agreement with experimental observation but also ignores the material properties of the channel and the chemical dynamics that stem for the operation of the device. Here, we present a new comprehensive unified model that can explain the behavior of OECTs across a broad range of materials, designs, and operation regimes. We treat the polymeric channel as a thermodynamic binary system and show that the entropy of mixing is the major driving force behind the operation of the OECT. We are able to quantify the entropic and enthalpic interactions between charged species for a variety of materials and solvents and harness this knowledge to provide guidelines for material modeling and insights for device fine-tuning for targeted applications. Finally, our thermodynamic model provides a description of the intrinsic origin of the ubiquitous hysteretic behavior of OECTs.
Sentiment Prediction of Geotagged Tweets During Lockdown and Unlock Phases in India: A Deep Learning Based Approach
Authors: Kumar Vaibhav
Published: December 2021

India is a hotspot of the COVID-19 crisis. During the first wave several lockdowns (L) and gradual unlock (UL) phases were implemented by the Government of India (GOI) to curb the virus spread. Twitter, a social media platform, was extensively used by citizens to react to various events and topics related to resource management and virus spread that varied geographically. This paper attempts to capture those variations by analyzing the sentiments of geotagged tweets during L and UL phases, which remains a research gap. The sentiments were predicted through a proposed hybrid Deep Learning (DL) model which leverages the strengths of BiLSTM and CNN model classes. The model was trained on a freely available Sentiment140 dataset and was tested over manually annotated COVID-19 related tweets from India. The model classified the tweets with high accuracy of around 90%, and analysis of geotagged tweets during L and UL phases reveal significant geographical variations. The findings can aid decision-makers in analyzing citizen reactions toward the resources and events during an ongoing pandemic, which can result in better resource planning.
Ultra-sound Shear Wave Elastography Tissue Stiffness and Thickness Assessment After Adjuvant Radiotherapy for Breast Cancer Treatment; An Exploratory Study.
Authors: Hunt Catherine , Bourke Anita , Dass Joshua , Corica Tammy , Hardwick Sueli , Jacques Angela , Busch Greta , DeJong Helen
Published: December 2021

Purpose: This research investigated the feasibility of using B-mode ultrasound with shear-wave elastography (SWE) to evaluate the structural and mechanical properties of multiple tissue layers in the pectoral region of women with chronic radiation fibrosis following breast cancer treatment. Method: Nine women between one and five years post unilateral conventional fractionated radiotherapy were evaluated. Both ultrasound and SWE were used to examine the thickness and stiffness of skin, subcutaneous adipose tissue, fascia and muscle in both their irradiated and non-irradiated sides. Linear mixed models were conducted to examine statistical differences in tissue thickness and stiffness between irradiated and non-irradiated sides with the arm resting by the side and also in abduction. Results: Significant differences were found between irradiated and non-irradiated tissues. Irradiated skin was significantly thicker (p=0.020) and stiffer (p<0.001) with the arm by the side. Irradiated subcutaneous adipose tissue was significantly thinner (p<0.001). Irradiated fascia and muscles thinned significantly with the arm moved out to abduction position. Irradiated pectoral muscle was significantly stiffer (p=0.004), this stiffness amplified with arm abduction (p<0.001) where the muscle thinned significantly (P<0.001).Conclusion: Ultrasound with SWE shows potential to provide novel objective evaluation of radiation induced soft tissue fibrosis at multiple tissue layers in the pectoral region. Tissue thickness changes in irradiated tissue were evident in ultrasound images. Quantifying these tissue changes supports research development and introduction of clinical interventions to ameliorate the symptoms of morbidity that is currently considered irreversible.
Assessing the Reliability of Global Monsoon Low Pressure System Track Datasets for the East Asian Monsoon
Authors: Zhang Yanhong , Shi Xiaohui , Wen Min
Published: December 2021

Limited by the lack of atmospheric observation data over the ocean and the absence of a comprehensive set of track data for monsoon low pressure systems (MLPSs), an in-depth understanding of the activity of East Asian MLPSs has not been acquired. In recent years, advancements in satellite remote sensing and data assimilation techniques have enabled the creation of numerous high-resolution global reanalysis datasets. Additionally, with the improvement of tracking algorithms, two sets of global MLPS track data (HB2015 and VB2020) have been published. This study seeks to understand the fidelity of the two datasets with respect to the East Asian monsoon. The genesis location, movement path, and three-dimensional structure of the East Asian MLPSs obtained using HB2015 and VB2020 are compared, and the atmospheric circulation conditions of typical MLPSs are analyzed. The results show that both datasets are able to generate MLPSs with identical structure for the East Asian Monsoon, and they provide similar results in terms of the location and monthly frequency. Compared to the HB2015, the VB2020 adopts a more stringent set of thresholds for the determination of the MLPS genesis and extinction and a more rigorous tracking algorithm. Therefore, it yields a lower count of MLPSs with significantly shorter lifetimes. However, the MLPSs identified by the VB2020 all have cyclonic circulations in the proximity of their central areas as they continue their movement. In this sense, the results generated by the VB2020 are more consistent with the observed MLPSs and hence are more reliable. However, the tracking can end prematurely with this dataset.
MULTIPURPOSE VESSEL FLEET FOR SHORT BLACK SEA SHIPPING THROUGH MULTIMODAL TRANSPORT CORRIDORS
Authors:   Technical University of Varna, Bulgaria, Georgiev Petar , Garbatov Yordan ,   Centre for Marine Technology and Ocean Engineering (CENTEC), Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
Published: December 2021

A study about the requirements and cargo transportation demand in the Black Sea as part of a multimodal transportation frame is performed, estimating the potential need of a ship fleet of multipurpose ships. The study performs conceptual multipurpose vessel design and fleet sizing using the long-time experience and statistics in defining main dimensions of the ship and her hull form, resistance and propulsion, weights, stability, free-board, seakeeping and manoeuvrability, capital, operational and decommissioning expenditure, where the optimal design solution is obtained based on the energy efficiency, shipbuilding, operation, and resale costs at the end of the service life. A discussion about possible applications of a different fleet of ship sizes in improving the cargo transportation efficiency considers the vessel's typical operational profile in such a way to maximise the economic impact conditional of the unsteady cargo flow and environmental impact.
BRICS Development Strategy – Priority Areas of Cooperation for Gaining a Foothold in a Multipolar World Order
Authors: Khorbaladze E.
Published: December 2021

The international world order has been changing rapidly since the turn of the twenty-first century. BRICS, as an economic association, that unites five countries, each of which is the leading state in its own region, is faced with a variety of modern-day challenges. The article examines the most important issues for BRICS, as well as the outcomes and potential future directions for deepening cooperation among the BRICS member states and in more extended formats. The main purpose of the article is to identify major trends and factors that influence the formation of the BRICS agenda and the future direction of development. Other important tasks that could be mentioned are determining the reasons for the intensification of political cooperation, obstacles and opportunities for BRICS institutionalization as an international organization and potential expansion. To become a stable international institution, BRICS needs to devise an effective strategy of development that includes key areas such as the economy, investment cooperation, digitalization, security, ecology, and the environment. The creation and strengthening of external relations of BRICS with leading developing countries and international organizations, as well as cooperation on the basis of equality, complementarity, and mutual benefit in the economic, scientific, and technical fields, taking into account the significant resource base of BRICS countries, the largest labor resources, capacious domestic markets, goals of economic modernization and high technologies, as well as food and energy safety will provide BRICS with the opportunity to form an effective development strategy to gain a foothold in the multipolar world order.
APPLICATION OF DEEP LEARNING OF ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORKS IN MONITORING THE SIGHT SYSTEM STATE IN LONG-DURATION SPACE MISSIONS
Authors:   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Perevedentsev O.V. , Levanov V.M. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Orlov O.I. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Manko O.M. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Chernogorov R.V. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow
Published: December 2021

Integration of artificial intelligence in cosmonaut's health monitoring system is a top priority trend in space medicine aimed to enhance crew safety in long-duration space missions. The cutting-edge diagnostic tools aboard the ISS Russian segment such as digital funduscopy, and optic CT of the retina and optic disk allow of piling up statistics of pre- in- and post-flight examinations for calculating the basic block for AI applications. Timely detection of visual dysfunctions in autonomous remote space missions with the help of AI algorithms will increase efficiency of prevention and therapy. Analysis of the experience with convolutional neural networks inophthalmology suggested a CNW architecture for detecting eye grounds pathologies by DF automatic analysis. A developed binary classifier demonstrated sensitivity, specificity and precision of 88.6%, 85.2% and 87%, respectively. In remote missions, the healthcare and therapy system should embody the concept of intelligence telemedicine circuit with artificial neural networks being the pivot. Digital ophthalmology with integrated CNW techniques can be useful also for early diagnostics of eye grounds pathologies within the program of exploration crews screening.
Indonesian netizens expressions potentially satire with the COVID-19 pandemic on social media Facebook
Authors: Muhsyanur Muhsyanur , Larisu Zulfiah , Sanulita Henny , Ertanti Devi Wahyu , Widada Dwi Masdi
Published: December 2021

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, a lot of information is more likely to be conveyed by netizens through social media, especially Facebook. The information in question sometimes contains potentially satirical expressions. In this regard, the purpose of this study is to describe the expressions of Indonesian netizens that have the potential to be satire that cannot be separated from the topic of the COVID-19 pandemic. This research is qualitative research with a descriptive presentation method. Research data is sourced from social media Facebook, while research data is in words, phrases, and or sentences in the form of exposed expressions. The research data collection technique applies digital exploration techniques, namely exploring and examining several statuses in expressions published on Facebook social media. The data that is considered relevant to the purpose of the research is then documented by taking a screen capture or screenshot. The data were analyzed by applying pragmasemantic techniques. The results showed that the expressions with the potential to be satirical were found with satire irony, sarcasm, innuendo, cynicism, and satire. The five types of satire are summarized as findings stated in the proposition, namely, potentially satire expressions or satire expressions.
New Female Role Models from Around the World: Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls
Authors: Rensen Marleen
Published: December 2021

Biographies for children have always been popular among young readers, but they are becoming an increasingly important part of children’s literature in the twenty-first century. Most prominent are the collections offering short life-sketches of historical and contemporary figures who can serve as positive role models for young readers from diverse backgrounds. This article discusses the international bestseller Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Tales of Extraordinary Women (2016) from a feminist, transnational perspective. Focusing on the authors’ narrative strategies, it investigates how tropes of agency are used to make aware of women’s struggles and successes across time and space. Further, it examines how girls are actively encouraged to continue these legacies. Ultimately, the analysis shows that Goodnight Stories establishes connections between women from diverse countries and continents, and at the same time reveals cross-cultural differences in how the book has been received in different corners of the world.
Digital Assessment Tools Using Animation Features to Quantify Alcohol Consumption: Systematic App Store and Literature Review
Authors: Wiemker Veronika , Neufeld Maria , Bunova Anna , Danquah Ina , Ferreira-Borges Carina , Konigorski Stefan , Rastogi Ankit , Probst Charlotte
Published: December 2021

Background

Accurate and user-friendly assessment tools for quantifying alcohol consumption are a prerequisite for effective interventions to reduce alcohol-related harm. Digital assessment tools (DATs) that allow the description of consumed alcoholic drinks through animation features may facilitate more accurate reporting than conventional approaches.

Objective

This review aims to identify and characterize freely available DATs in English or Russian that use animation features to support the quantitative assessment of alcohol consumption (alcohol DATs) and determine the extent to which such tools have been scientifically evaluated in terms of feasibility, acceptability, and validity.

Methods

Systematic English and Russian searches were conducted in iOS and Android app stores and via the Google search engine. Information on the background and content of eligible DATs was obtained from app store descriptions, websites, and test completions. A systematic literature review was conducted in Embase, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Web of Science to identify English-language studies reporting the feasibility, acceptability, and validity of animation-using alcohol DATs. Where possible, the evaluated DATs were accessed and assessed. Owing to the high heterogeneity of study designs, results were synthesized narratively.

Results

We identified 22 eligible alcohol DATs in English, 3 (14%) of which were also available in Russian. More than 95% (21/22) of tools allowed the choice of a beverage type from a visually displayed selection. In addition, 36% (8/22) of tools enabled the choice of a drinking vessel. Only 9% (2/22) of tools allowed the simulated interactive pouring of a drink. For none of the tools published evaluation studies were identified in the literature review. The systematic literature review identified 5 exploratory studies evaluating the feasibility, acceptability, and validity of 4 animation-using alcohol DATs, 1 (25%) of which was available in the searched app stores. The evaluated tools reached moderate to high scores on user rating scales and showed fair to high convergent validity when compared with established assessment methods.

Conclusions

Animation-using alcohol DATs are available in app stores and on the web. However, they often use nondynamic features and lack scientific background information. Explorative study data suggest that such tools might enable the user-friendly and valid assessment of alcohol consumption and could thus serve as a building block in the reduction of alcohol-attributable health burden worldwide.

Trial Registration

PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews CRD42020172825; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42020172825
Language, Speech, and Facial Expression Features for Artificial Intelligence–Based Detection of Cancer Survivors’ Depression: Scoping Meta-Review
Authors: Smrke Urška , Mlakar Izidor , Lin Simon , Musil Bojan , Plohl Nejc
Published: December 2021

Background

Cancer survivors often experience disorders from the depressive spectrum that remain largely unrecognized and overlooked. Even though screening for depression is recognized as essential, several barriers prevent its successful implementation. It is possible that better screening options can be developed. New possibilities have been opening up with advances in artificial intelligence and increasing knowledge on the connection of observable cues and psychological states.

Objective

The aim of this scoping meta-review was to identify observable features of depression that can be intercepted using artificial intelligence in order to provide a stepping stone toward better recognition of depression among cancer survivors.

Methods

We followed a methodological framework for scoping reviews. We searched SCOPUS and Web of Science for relevant papers on the topic, and data were extracted from the papers that met inclusion criteria. We used thematic analysis within 3 predefined categories of depression cues (ie, language, speech, and facial expression cues) to analyze the papers.

Results

The search yielded 1023 papers, of which 9 met the inclusion criteria. Analysis of their findings resulted in several well-supported cues of depression in language, speech, and facial expression domains, which provides a comprehensive list of observable features that are potentially suited to be intercepted by artificial intelligence for early detection of depression.

Conclusions

This review provides a synthesis of behavioral features of depression while translating this knowledge into the context of artificial intelligence–supported screening for depression in cancer survivors.
Peer Review of “Information Technology Ambidexterity, Digital Dynamic Capability, and Knowledge Processes as Enablers of Patient Agility: Empirical Study” (Preprint)
Authors: Taraboanta Laura
Published: December 2021

UNSTRUCTURED

This is a peer review report for ms#32336.
Cybersecurity risks and gaps in hospital clinical care: Summary review (for the non-cyber professional) (Preprint)
Authors: Wasserman Liat
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND

Healthcare is facing a growing threat of cyberattacks. Myriad data sources illustrate the same trends that healthcare is one of the industries with the highest risk of cyber infiltration and is seeing the rate of security incidents surge within just a few years. The circumstances thus begged the question: are US hospitals prepared for the risks that accompany clinical medicine in cyberspace?

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to identify the major topics and concerns present in today’s hospital cybersecurity field, intended for the non-cyber professionals audience in hospital settings.

METHODS

Via a structured literature search of the National Institutes of Health’s PubMed database (including the MEDLINE database) and Tel Aviv University’s DaTa database, 35 journal articles were identified to form the core of the study. 86 additional sources were examined to inform the study findings

RESULTS

The literature review revealed a basic landscape of hospital cybersecurity, including the top ten methods of attack, the primary reasons hospitals are frequent targets, and the consequences hospitals face following attacks. The cyber technologies common in clinical medicine, as well as their risks, were also examined, with the major categories highlighted being medical devices, telemedicine software, and electronic data. By infiltrating any of these three components of clinical care, cyber attackers can access a trove of valuable information and manipulate, steal, ransom, or otherwise compromise the records, or can use the access to catapult themselves to access other parts of a hospital’s network. Multiple secondary issues that can increase the cyber risks associated with devices, telemedicine, and electronic data were also identified. Finally, strategies that hospitals tend to employ to combat the cyber risks were explored and found to be subpar. There exist within hospitals’ cybersecurity measures serious vulnerabilities and gaps that many of today’s hospitals fail to address. The COVID-19 pandemic was used to further illustrate this issue.

CONCLUSIONS

Comparison of the risks, strategies, and gaps revealed that many hospitals in the US are unprepared for cybersecurity risks. The focus of their efforts are misdirected, with external - often governmental - efforts negligible. Policy changes, such as training employees in cyber protocols, adding advanced technical protections, and collaborating with a variety of experts, are necessary. Overall, hospitals must recognize that, in cyber incidents, the real victims are the patients. They are the ones at risk, physically and in information confidentiality, when medical devices, hospital equipment, or treatments are compromised.
Digital Health Screening in Persons with HIV in Uganda to Increase Alcohol Reporting (Preprint)
Authors: Emenyonu Nneka , Kekibiina Allen , Woolf-King Sarah , Kyampire Catherine , Fatch Robin , Dawsone-Rose Carol , Muyindike Winnie , Hahn Judith
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND

Alcohol brief interventions are effective for reducing alcohol use; however, they depend on effective screening for unhealthy alcohol use, which is often under-reported. Self-administered digital health screeners may improve reporting.

OBJECTIVE

Our first aim was to develop a brief touch-screen tablet based health screener to be administered in an HIV clinic waiting room, to increase reporting of unhealthy alcohol use for persons with HIV in Uganda. Our second aim was to pilot test the health screener developed in Aim 1 to examine acceptability, ease of use, comfort with reporting, and to discuss how the results of such screening might be used.

METHODS

We conducted a qualitative study at the Immune Suppression Syndrome (ISS) Clinic of Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital in Uganda to develop and test a digital self-administered health screener. The health screener assessed behaviors regarding general health, HIV care, mental health, as well as sensitive topics such as alcohol use and sexual health. We conducted focus group discussions (FGD) with clinicians and patients of the Mbarara ISS Clinic with HIV who consume alcohol to obtain input on the need for, content, format, and feasibility of the proposed screener. We iteratively revised a tablet-based screener with a subset of these participants, piloted the revised screener and conducted individual semi-structured in-depth interviews (IDIs) with 20 prior alcohol study participants, including those who previously under-reported use and those with low literacy.

RESULTS

Forty-five people (five clinicians and forty Mbarara ISS Clinic patients) participated in the study. Of the patient participants, 65% were male, 43% had low literacy, and all had self-reported alcohol use in previous studies. Clinicians and patients cited benefits such as time savings, easing staff burden, and mitigating patient-provider tension around sensitive issues, and information communication, but also identified areas of training required, issues of security of the device, and confidentiality concerns. Patients also stated fear of forgetting how to use the tablet, making mistakes, and losing information. In pilot tests of the prototype, patients liked the feature of a recorded voice in the local language, found the screener easy to use, although many required help.

CONCLUSIONS

We found a self-administered digital health screener to be appealing to patients and clinicians, and usable in a busy HIV clinic setting, albeit there were concerns about confidentiality and training. Such a screener may be useful to improve reporting of unhealthy alcohol use for referral to interventions.

CLINICALTRIAL

N/A
INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE (ICJ) PADA SENGKETA DELIMITASI MARITIM DI PANTAI AFRIKA TIMUR ANTARA SOMALIA DAN KENYA
Authors: Hulu Karlina , Sinambela Stivani Ismawira
Published: December 2021

Penulisan dalam penelitian ini dilatarbelakangi terjadinya sengketa maritim antara Somalia dengan Kenya dan masih banyak potensi yang memungkinkan timbulnya sengketa batas laut antara Somalia dengan Kenya. Kedua Negara di Afrika timur itu memperdebatkan 160.000 kilometer persegi wilayah di Samudra Hindia dengan prospek cadangan minyak dan gas yang besar. Sebuah negara pantai menurut hukum internasional, berhak mengklaim wilayah maritim yang diukur dari garis pangkalnya, meliputi zona maritim yang telah diatur dalam UNCLOS 1982. Pada 2014 Somalia mengajukan sengketa delimitasi maritim ini ke ICJ (International Court of Justice). Somalia beralasan bahwa garis ukur untuk daerah laut harusnya sesuai dengan arah garis perbatasan dua negara. Sedangkan Kenya menyatakan bahwa garis ukur perbatasan laut harusnya ditarik secara horizontal, dan tidak menyesuaikan dengan arah perbatasan darat kedua negara. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode deskriptif kualitatif dengan pendekatan studi pustaka. Untuk dapat melihat bagaimana peran International Court of Justice (ICJ)dalam upaya penyelesaian sengketa delimitasi maritim di kawasan Samudra Hindia.Delimitasi batas maritim antarnegara adalah penentuan batas wilayah atau kekuasaan antara satu negara dengan negara lain (tetangganya) di laut. Pada 2017 Mahkamah Internasional (ICJ) mengambil yurisdiksi untuk mengadili sengketa maritim antara Somalia dan Kenya. ICJ menyatakan bahwa setelah sidang yang dilakukan, mereka akan membutuhkan waktu sekitar 4-6 bulan lagi untuk melakukan pertimbangan dan memberikan keputusan atas sengketa ini. Mundurnya Kenya menjadi satu lagi halangan bagi proses peradilan sengketa perbatasan ini. Sebagaimana kebanyakan institusi internasional lainnya, ICJ tidak memiliki mekanisme untuk memaksa Kenya agar kembali ke prosesi ataupun menjalankan putusannya nanti. Oleh karena itu, hal ini masih menyimpan potensi permasalahan yang akan datang.