bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization of energy and exergy parameters for a conceptual after burning turbojet engine
Authors: AYGUN Hakan
Published: January 2023

In this study, parametric cycle analysis of a conceptual turbojet engine with an afterburner (TJEAB) was conducted at sea level conditions-zero Mach. Based on this analysis, exergetic sustainability parameters of TJEAB were scrutinized for military mode (MM) and afterburner mode (ABM). Constitutively, several design parameters of TJEAB were chosen so as to optimize performance and exergetic parameters which consist of specific fuel consumption (SFC), overall efficiency, exergy efficiency, environmental effect factor (EEF) and exergetic sustainability index (ESI). In this context, compressor pressure ratio (CPR), turbine inlet temperature (TIT) were preferred due to high effect of these variables on engine performance. CPR ranges from 4 to 11 whereas TIT varies from 1150 K to 1550 K. According to optimization of performance parameters, minimum SFC was achieved as 28.59 g/kN.s at MM and 43.95 g/kN.s at ABM. On the other hand, maximum overall efficiency is determined as to be 13.07 % at MM and to be 8.5 % at ABM. As for exergetic parameters, exergy efficiency was calculated as maximum with 30.85 % at MM and 23.2 %at ABM. Finally, maximum exergetic sustainability index of TJEAB was computed as 0.446 at MM and 0.269 at ABM. It is thought that energetic and exergetic parameters analyzed in this analysis could guide in designing turbojet engines in terms of lower fuel consumption thereby environmental-benign.
Meditation and Yoga in pregnancy: maternal and fetal impact
Authors: Mehta Sumita , Grover Anshul , Kale Ekta , Nanda Pratibha , Mehta Akshaj
Published: January 2023

Background: Yoga is a practice which amalgamates the emotional, mental, physical and spiritual aspects of the human body through physical postures(asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), concentration and meditation (dharana and dhyana). Evaluation of databases suggests a positive role of yoga in pregnancies associated with depression, anxiety and lumbosacral pain and also in reducing antepartum complications and pain score during labor. These beneficial effects of yoga are suggested but more systematic researches are required to validate it. With the background of above researches, we undertook the study to evaluate the effect of prenatal yoga and meditation on maternal and fetal outcomes. Aim of the study was to determine the effect of antenatal meditation and yoga on obstetric and fetal outcome.
Methods: This was a prospective randomized trial conducted in the antenatal OPD of the institute. Sixty primigravida women with low risk pregnancy between 18 to 26 weeks gestation were included in the trial.They were randomly divided into two equal groups;  interventional group underwent meditation and yoga sessions of 30 minutes twice in a week till delivery. Obstetric outcomes including gestational age, antepartum and intrapartum complications, cord blood cortisol levels at delivery and neonatal outcomes were recorded.
Results: Thirteen women went post-dated as compared to 3 in the interventional group which was statistically significant (p=0.0003). APGAR scores of neonates in the interventional group showed a highly significant improvement with p=0.0013 as compared to the control group. Cord blood cortisol levels were higher than 10 ng/ml in 16 women in the control group compared to 7 in the group who performed yoga and meditation with p=0.01. NICU admissions were significantly more (p=0.002) in the control group.
Conclusions: Meditation and yoga during pregnancy improves maternal and neonatal outcomes.
Russell body cervicitis presenting as endocervical polyp: a case report
Authors: Sharma Nisha , Gulia Sandhya Panjeta , Rattan Akshita
Published: January 2023

Russell body cervicitis has been rarely reported in the literature. Herein, we reported another case of this entity. A 42 years old female patient who presented with postcoital bleeding, a clinical diagnosis of cervical polyp was made which was subsequently biopsied. Histopathological diagnosis of Russell body cervicitis was given followed by positive immunoreactivity for CD138, Kappa and Lambda. Heightened awareness of the existence of this entity may result in reporting of similar cases, which may assist in concluding its pathogenesis and causative agent.
The percentage of hepatitis B virus infection and related factors in Tra Vinh province, Vietnam
Authors: Phú Tào Gia , Huynh Thi Hong Nhung  , Huynh Thi Hong Ngoc  , Nguyen Thi Mong Trinh  , Nguyen Thi Ngoan
Published: January 2023

Background: Hepatitis B virus infection continues to be a public health problem in developing countries. This study aimed to assess the percentage of hepatitis B virus infection and related factors among adult population in Tra Vinh Province, Vietnam 2022.
Methods: The study applied the cross-sectional descriptive design with the combination of structured interview and serological blood tests, from September 1, 2021, to June 1, 2022.
Results: There were 1,289 respondents in the study. Overall, the percentage of sample positive reaction with HBsAg were 7.68% (99 peoples). Most of the people did not likely have relatives with a family history of hepatitis B virus infection, the proportion of people who had household family members who had hepatitis B, hepatocellular carcinoma, and cirrhosis was 1.24%, 0.93%, and 2.48% respectively. People who did not preventive vaccination for hepatitis B virus had higher rates of HBsAg (+) than people get preventive vaccination, with p=0.005. However, in other medical practice, the rate of HBsAg was non-significance, such as blood transfusion, surgery, dental treatment, injecting medications, and injected skin boils. The percentage of hepatitis B virus infection in the study was not significantly associated with hepatitis B prevention practices in daily life, including acupuncture, sharing shavers, sharing toothbrushes, sharing nail tools, and spraying tattoo.
Conclusions: The percentage of hepatitis B virus infection in Tra Vinh province was 7.68%. There was a statistically significant relationship between the incidence of hepatitis B with preventive vaccination for the hepatitis B virus.
Undifferentiated uterine sarcoma: case report
Authors: Holguín-Montaño Victoria P. , Mendoza-Gálvez Patricio , Zalapa-Gómez María F. , Leal-González Raúl
Published: January 2023

Undifferentiated uterine sarcoma is a rare condition characterized by abnormal bleeding and pelvic pain, which may overlap with the clinical picture of uterine myomatosis. Its presentation is usually chronic and drastically affects the stage at the time of diagnosis. Since it is usually seen in postmenopausal patients, undifferentiated uterine sarcoma presentation in premenopausal patients is rare. We herein report a rare presentation of undifferentiated uterine sarcoma in a 58-year-old Mexican woman, who suffered from progressive pelvic pain for 3 months as well as a 5-day course of postmenopausal bleeding. Study images revealed a pedunculated uterine-mass suggestive of sarcomatous degeneration, accompanied by a left internal iliac necrotic adenopathy, as well as scarce pelvic free fluid. The patient underwent a pelvic tumor and implants resection, total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, pelvic lymphadenectomy, omentectomy and appendectomy via laparotomy. Despite the therapeutic options for the management of undifferentiated uterine sarcomas described in literature, its survival rate varies between 21% to 68%, when diagnosed on time and depending on if the cancer is localized, regional or distant.
Powers of the President of the Russian Federation on Rewarding by the State Awards of the Russian Federation
Authors:   Saratov State University, Kishoyan N.A.
Published: January 2023

The article revealed the history of the institute awards in Russia, analyzed the latest theoretical and practical issues of national awards. Disclosed the original concept of state awards, as well as the democratic value of this institution in the Russian reality. The author covers the basics of the legal regulation of the President of the Russian Federation for State awards.
Perfection of the Russian Mechanical Engineering Technologies
Authors:   Samara State Economic University, Dubrovina N. A.
Published: January 2023

In this article the concept, signs and laws of development of technical systems is considered. The special attention is given organizational and structural character of machine-building manufacture. Necessity of use of flexible industrial systems at the russian enterprises of mechanical engineering is proved.
Preconditions of Activization of Innovative Activity in the Food-Processing Industry of the Volgograd Region
Authors:   Volgograd State University, Babich T. V. , Fatina N. V. ,   Volgograd State University
Published: January 2023

In article necessity of activization of innovative activity for the foodprocessing industry of the Volgograd region is discussed. According to authors of article, food-processing industry development as the branch providing the population by foodstuff, and also pursuing purpose maintenance of food safety of the country, in modern conditions is impossible without development of conceptual decisions, the ideas, called to raise level of its competitiveness.
Konsument na rynku bankowości mobilnej w Polsce. Podobieństwa i różnice międzypokoleniowe
Authors: Kaczmarek Mirosława
Published: January 2023

Monografia porusza wybrane zagadnienia dotyczące korzystania z bankowości mobilnej przez klientów indywidualnych banków, wskazując na moderującą rolę wieku użytkownika w akceptacji mobilnego kanału dostępu do usług bankowych. Odmienne podejście do technologii konsumentów różniących się wiekiem powoduje, że głównym celem pracy jest zidentyfikowanie podobieństw i różnic występujących w zachowaniach na rynku bankowości mobilnej klientów banków należących do trzech kohort pokoleniowych - generacji X, Y i Z. W publikacji usystematyzowano dotychczasowy stan wiedzy na temat korzystania z bankowości mobilnej przez osoby fizyczne, dokonano diagnozy i porównania zachowań konsumentów z pokolenia X, Y i Z w zakresie korzystania z BLIKA i usług dostępnych przez aplikacje mobilne banków oraz określono różnice międzypokoleniowe w postawach wobec bezpieczeństwa i zagrożeń związanych z realizacją usług bankowych kanałem mobilnym. Książka jest adresowana do szerokiego grona odbiorców zainteresowanych problematyką zachowań konsumentów na rynku bankowości mobilnej, w tym środowiska naukowego oraz studentów kierunków: ekonomia, finanse, zarządzanie i geografia społeczno-ekonomiczna. W przekonaniu autorki publikacja może być także przydatnym źródłem wiedzy na temat funkcjonowania bankowości mobilnej dla konsumentów, którzy jeszcze nie zdecydowali się z niej skorzystać.
Exploring The Nexus Between Financial Inclusion, Poverty, Digitalization And Sustainable Development Goal
Authors: Gigauri Iza , Janjua Laeeq Razzak , Panait Mirela , Puime Guillen Felix
Published: January 2023

The significance of sustainability has been increasing and also financial organizations adopted a broad view of their purposes to serve all stakeholders. It is important to respond to their social impact. The purpose to empower the digital economy can be achieved through being reliable and enhancing access to financial services to include everyone in the digital economy while cash is used less frequently. The digital transformation can have the potential for expanding access of disadvantaged or unbanked groups to financial services and reduce poverty. Financial inclusion aims at integrating economic agents into the financial system in order to improve economic development but also quality of life. Financial inclusion through digitalization enables accessible and available financial services to people and companies and hence, facilitates to implementation of Sustainable Development Goals. This paper explores the relationship between digitalization, financial inclusion, poverty and sustainability for Balkan countries. It discusses the potential of financial inclusion for economic development. The paper concludes that digitalization improves accessibility to financial services and contributes to the accomplishment of Sustainable Development Goals. In addition, Remittance inflow, globalization and compliance with the law (measured as role of law index) decreasing poverty in these countries.
“Get Stuck and Can’t Walk Out”: Exploring the Needs for Support Among Chinese Immigrant Women Experiencing Intimate Partner Violence in the United States
Authors: Li Yang , Dong Fanghong , Bullock Linda F. C. , Bloom Tina
Published: January 2023

Chinese immigrant survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) in the United States have been overlooked and underserved. The purpose of this study was to explore their perceptions of resources for assistance as well as their priority needs. We conducted phone interviews with 20 Chinese immigrant women who had experienced IPV in the past year. The women expressed their needs for emotional support, culturally specific services, a variety of online resources to meet different demands, being empowered, raising the Chinese community’s awareness about IPV, and batterer intervention programs. These women’s testimonies shows that greater effort should be directed toward addressing those needs in order to reduce IPV and its impacts on health in this vulnerable group of women.
MANEUVERABILITY, ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT FEATURES OF AIR DEFENCE SYSTEMS
Authors:   Academia Fortelor Aeriene ", Chioseaua Bogdan-Cezar ,   Henri Coanda", ŞANDRU Vasile-Ioan ,   Academia Fortelor Aeriene "Henri Coanda"
Published: January 2023

The basic Surface-to-Air Missile System (SAMS) mission is to combat and destroy the aerial threats on the close and direct ways of access to the defended anti-aircraft objectives, before they fulfil their mission. The main features of Air Defence Systems will aim to increase the effectiveness, Electronic Counter-Counter Measures (ECCM), short reaction time, mobility and stability in work during the day or at night regardless of the weather conditions.
Effect of Microplastic Exposures to The Male Gonad Histology of Catfish (Clarias gariepinus)
Authors: Anggita Noer Laily  , Fadjar Mohamad , Kilawati Yuni
Published: January 2023

Aquaculture activities cannot be separated from obstacles that can lead to failure of aquaculture, including the presence of microplastics. Microplastic polystyrene (styrofoam) is a type of plastic that is commonly found in aquatic organisms (35%). Microplastics in fish can cause hormonal disturbances and high vacuolation in gonads which can cause apoptosis in gonadal cells. This study aimed to determine the effect of microplastics exposure on catfish (Clarias gariepinus) feed on the gonadal histology of male catfish. The research design used an experimental method with a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) which was divided into four treatments and three replications, namely 3% of the feed rate with treatments A (5% microplastics), B (10% microplastics), C (15% microplastics), and K (0% microplastics). Microplastic exposure treatment was given to fish by mixing it with commercial feed for 30 days. The results showed that microplastic exposure had a significant effect on the 15th and 30th days of the study on the Gonad Maturity Level (GML) and Gonado Somatic Index (GSI) of male catfish (C. gariepinus) in treatments A, B and C compared to controls (K). Treatment C (Microplastics 15%) had the lowest GML and GSI values, while treatment K (Microplastics 0%) had the highest GML and GSI values. Treatments A, B, and C experienced changes and delays in the development of gonadal cell structure, while control (K) developed well. This is presumably because the nutritional needs of control fish (K) were more fulfilled than treatments A, B and C exposed to microplastics.
Transport Infrastructure Development Projects in Transcaucasia
Authors: Fedorovskaya I.
Published: January 2023

Due to its geographical location, the South Caucasus is the crossroads of two important transport corridors – East-West and North-South, connecting Europe with China and South Asia. All three countries in the region are interested in developing these transport routes, especially since Turkey, Russia and Iran are promoting these projects. Azerbaijan which claims to be a regional hub is the most active. In Armenia, despite the huge interest, there are economic and political obstacles to participation in projects. Georgia, also for a number of political reasons, is still monitoring the development of projects.
Bilateral Relations between Ukraine and Turkey under President V.Zelensky
Authors: Avatkov V. , Guzaerov R.
Published: January 2023

The article analyses Turkish-Ukrainian relations during the presidency of V. Zelensky. Various aspects of bilateral cooperation in the political, economic and military-technological spheres are analyzed. The authors note that Ukraine sought to intensify military-technical cooperation and enlist the support of Ankara. Turkey, in turn, systematically deepened economic cooperation, receiving privileges from the Ukrainian side. It is concluded that Ukraine has not been able to achieve equal relations with Turkey.
Reservoir Modeling, History Matching, and Characterization with a Reservoir Graph Network Model
Authors: Guo Zhenyu , Sankaran Sathish , Sun Wenyue
Published: January 2023

Efficient reservoir models are more desirable for fast-paced reservoir management. Moreover, due to the complexity of flow underground, it is also essential to capture the fundamental physics for model reliability. Although they are fast, pure data-driven models frequently have issues associated with interpretability, physical consistency, and ability to forecast. On the other hand, we have used full-physics simulation models to mimic and investigate hydrocarbon systems for over several decades. However, considering its infrequent model updates related to high model complexity, it is a big challenge to manage reservoirs using full-physics models in short cycles. The objective here is to propose an approach that blends reservoir physics with data-driven models to fit in the framework of dynamic reservoir management.

We propose to use a reservoir graph network (RGNet) modeling approach based on a diffusive time-of-flight (DTOF) concept to simulate reservoir behaviors. By assimilating field observation data (such as pressure and rates), an RGNet model can be used for future predictions, scenario studies, and well-control optimizations. By discretizing DTOF of a 3D system with multiple wells, RGNet simplifies the system into a graph network represented by a set of 1D grid blocks that significantly reduces the system complexity and run time. RGNet can also handle multiple flow problems with various types of physics. In this work, we propose to use two methods to develop reliable and parsimonious models scalable to large-scale systems. In addition, we propose a more robust method to assimilate pressure data.

We applied the proposed approach to a synthetic and a field example. Two different history-matching algorithms, the ensemble smoother with multiple data assimilation (ES-MDA) and an adjoint-based method, are compared. While ES-MDA provides the capability for uncertainty analysis, an adjoint-based method generally requires fewer simulation runs to generate a posterior model. With the proposed methods for generating interwell connections, RGNet model calibration can be achieved without system redundancy and spurious long-distance well connectivity. Also, by using a more stable pressure-matching technique, we show that pressure data are better matched and reservoir volume is accurately characterized.

RGNet provides a novel hybrid physics and data-driven reservoir modeling method to fit in closed-loop reservoir management (CLRM). As RGNet models are combined with fundamental flowing physics, the calibrated model parameters are easy to interpret and understand. An RGNet model runs with far less computational cost than required by a full-physics model, which allows it to be a more practical solution to history match, predict, and optimize real assets.
Data-Driven Reduced-Order Model for Multiphase Flow in Annulus with Air and Cavitation Effect
Authors: Hao Yitong , Tang Yingjie , Grigoriadis Karolos , Franchek Matthew A.
Published: January 2023

For multiphase (water-liquid, water-vapor, and air) flow in a sharp-edge converging-diverging annulus, when the downstream/upstream pressure ratio is low, the cavitation phenomenon could occur in the contraction area if the liquid pressure drops below its vaporization pressure. The occurrence of the cavitation will contribute to choked flow, affect the local flow velocity field, and limit the flow rate through the annulus, resulting in damages to the annulus surfaces. In this paper, we use the turbulence model (k-ω) and the multiphase models [volume-of-fluid (VOF) and Eulerian] to simulate the liquid-vapor-gas flow with cavitation in the near-closing annulus. The closing percentage of the annulus varies from 50 to 90% in this numerical investigation. This study compares the VOF and the Eulerian models in liquid-vapor-gas multiphase flow computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation results. Furthermore, the effect of gas volume fraction (GVF) at the inlet boundary of the computational domain on the cavitation characteristics is analyzed. The analysis of the simulation results suggests that the choked flow rate and the discharge coefficient gradually decrease with the increase in GVF. Conversely, as the GVF grows within the required range (0–20%), the critical pressure ratio for cavitation increases. In this study, we developed data-driven nondimensional models based on such numerical investigations to predict the choked flow rate and the critical pressure ratio in the multiphase (water-liquid, water-vapor, and air) annulus flow. The findings can provide numerical guidance for the experimental design of annulus multiphase cavitation flow and serve as an engineering tool for flow prediction in offshore oil and gas applications.
Flow Control Valve Valuation and Value of Information under Uncertainty
Authors: Bailey William , Prange Michael
Published: January 2023

An analysis is presented that quantifies the value-adding brought to a well by installing downhole flow control valves (FCVs) in a reservoir with uncertainties represented by multiple equiprobable realizations, two aquifer strengths, and three oil/water contacts (OWCs). The complexity of the model makes nonintuitive its response to FCV adjustment. From an openhole (OH) baseline net present value (NPV), it was possible to extract specific value-adding for the following, nonadjustable valves, the ability to adjust the valve, and how future information can add further value. The issue of measurement bin size is discussed, and the implication of making them too large, or too small, is described. Finally value erosion due to valve failure is also addressed. The solution presented used dynamic programming (DP), which was validated against a full enumeration of the problem using reservoir simulation. Approaches to proxies to traverse the (potentially large) decision space are also discussed.
Study on Structure Optimization and Cuttings Removal Efficiency of a Vortex Cuttings Cleaner
Authors: Zhang Yiqun , Hu Zhaowen , Wu Xiaoya , Liu Ya , Hu Xiao , Li Linling
Published: January 2023

Cuttings easily accumulate in the horizontal section during the process of horizontal well drilling, causing tripping difficulty, drillpipe sticking, or even breaking. Existing hole cleaners work while the drillpipe is rotating continuously. In this paper, we describe a vortex cuttings cleaner that combines mechanical cuttings removal with hydraulic cuttings transport without drillpipe rotation. First, a 3D numerical model of vortex cuttings cleaner is established. The flow field characteristics (e.g., velocity distribution and pressure distribution) and energy conversion efficiency of different structures of cuttings cleaner are compared to define an improved structure of cuttings cleaner. Then, the annulus flow field of the cuttings cleaner with improved structure is analyzed to identify the factors influencing the cuttings removal efficiency. Finally, by comparing and analyzing the simulation results and field test results, the influence on cuttings removal efficiency of the vortex cuttings cleaner is clarified. The results show that the energy conversion efficiency of the vortex cuttings cleaner can be improved by reducing the angle of inclined tube and the number of spiral strips or increasing the rotation angle of spiral strips. Moreover, compared with the number of spiral strips, the rotation angle of spiral strips has a more significant influence. The pressure drop of the tool is also investigated. The cuttings removal efficiency increases with the increase of turbine speed, drilling fluid displacement, and viscosity and decreases with the increase of cuttings particle size. Each of these influencing factors has a critical value. When the turbine speed and drilling fluid displacement are higher than the critical values and the cuttings particle size is smaller than its critical value, the cuttings removal efficiency does not increase significantly. After the vortex cuttings cleaner is run into the hole, the circulated cuttings volume increases significantly, and the friction reduces noticeably. The vortex cuttings cleaner has a long failure-free working time, and all parts tripped out of the well are in good condition for future use. This study provides reference for the design and process optimization of hole cleaners in horizontal wells.
Long-Term Microbial DNA-Based Monitoring of the Mature Sarukawa Oil Field in Japan
Authors: Kobayashi H. , Goto A. , Feng X. , Uruma K. , Momoi Y. , Watanabe S. , Sato K. , Zhang Y. , Horne R. N. , Shibuya T. , Okano Y.
Published: January 2023

Microbial DNA-based monitoring is a promising tool for reservoir monitoring that has been used mainly for shale reservoir development. In this study, long-term microbial DNA-based monitoring was applied to the Sarukawa oil field, which has a complex reservoir structure with no practical simulation model available. Fluid samples were collected periodically from nine production wells and two injection wells from October 2019 to July 2021. DNA was extracted from the samples, and the microbial composition was analyzed by 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) gene amplicon sequencing and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Based on similarities between the microbial profiles, the samples were classified into seven clusters that corresponded closely to the original fluid type (i.e., injection or production fluid) and specific environment (e.g., geological strata or compartments). A comparative analysis of the microbial profiles suggested possible well connectivity and water breakthrough. These results demonstrate that microbial DNA-based monitoring can provide useful information for optimizing production processes (e.g., waterflooding) in mature oil fields.
Updated beliefs and shaken confidence: Evidence from vaccine hesitancy caused by experiencing "COVID arm"
Authors: Fukai Taiyo , Kawata Keisuke , Nakabayashi Masaki
Published: January 2023

Background

Public health depends on both medical treatment development and the public’s willingness to take such treatment. To determine whether having experienced delayed localized hypersensitivity reactions to COVID-19 vaccines, i.e., “COVID arm” symptoms affect confidence in the safety of vaccination, willingness to take COVID-19 vaccines, and the acknowledgement of the importance of vaccination, and also confidence in science.

Methods

We implemented a panel survey on internet in February 2021 and March 2022 in Japan, before and after COVID-19 vaccines were administered to the public in Japan, and we used “COVID arm” symptoms, which are independent of one’s prior confidence in vaccination, as our instrument. Out of the non-probability sample of 15,000 respondents in the first wave in February 2021, 9,668 responded to the second wave conducted in March 2022. We used “COVID arm” symptoms as a natural experiment conditional on the background characteristics of the respondents. Main outcomes are whether having experienced “COVID arm” symptoms affected 1) confidence in the safety of vaccination; 2) willingness to take the next dose of COVID-19 vaccines, 3) acknowledgment of the importance of vaccination, and 4) confidence in science. Measures are marginal means of the probability of a positive reaction to each question.

Results

Experiencing “COVID arm” symptoms significantly lowered confidence in the safety of vaccination by 3.4 percentage points and the probability of taking a second and third dose of COVID-19 vaccine by 1.2 and 3.4 percentage points, respectively. Adverse impacts were observed regardless of prior confidence in vaccination. Experiencing such symptoms affected neither the acknowledged importance of vaccination nor confidence in science.

Conclusions

Updates to beliefs about side effects affected confidence in the safety of vaccination. Acknowledgment of vaccination importance and general confidence in science are likely to have factored in the uncertainty and to be tolerant of updates to one’s beliefs about side effects. Belief updates of specific treatments had asymmetric impacts on the treatment and medicine in general.

Trial registration

The design of the survey was preregistered with the American Economic Association’s RCT Registry [1].
Closed-form formula for some recursively-defined integro-difference sequence of functions
Authors: Yadeta Hailu Bikila
Published: January 2023

The main purpose of this paper is to derive the closed form solution the sequence (g n) n∈N of integro-difference equations that is defined recursively as follows: g 1 (x) = χ (−1/2,1/2) (x), g n+1 (x) = g n (x + 1/2) − g n (x − 1/2) + x+ 1 g n (s)ds, n ∈ N, where g 1 (x) = χ (−1/2,1/2) (x) is the characteristic function of the unit interval (−1/2, 1/2) has value equal to 1 on (−1/2, 1/2) and 0 elsewhere in R.
Standardized administration and scoring guidelines for the Spinal Cord Independence Measure Version 3.0 (SCIM-III)
Authors: Kim Rachel , Thielen Christina Calhoun , Heydeman Giulia , Mulcahey Mary Jane (MJ)
Published: January 2023

Study Design: Qualitative studies
Objective: To develop clear and specific administration and scoring procedures for the Spinal Cord Independence Measure Version 3.0 as a performance-based and interview assessment.
Setting: Research lab
Methods: Modified Delphi Technique survey methods were used in this study. Previously developed SCIM-III administration and scoring procedures for performance-based and interview versions were presented to clinicians experienced in SCI and SCIM-III using the Qualtrix (Qualtrics, Provo, UT) online survey platform. Summary and descriptive statistics were used to assess the percent agreement survey responses.
Results: Three survey rounds were necessary to achieve 80% agreement or above for the performance-based version. Two survey rounds were necessary to achieve 80% agreement or above on the interview version.
Conclusions: This study describes the development of standardized administration and scoring procedures for the self-care and mobility sub scales of the SCIM-III as a performance-based and interview version.
Acceptability and readiness to promote human papillomavirus vaccination at ages 9-10 years: A pilot study among rural North Carolina clinics
Authors: Vielot Nadja , Lane Robyn M. , Loefstedt Kaitlyn , Cunningham Jennifer , Everson Jason , Tiller Eli , Patel Sallie , Smith Jennifer
Published: January 2023

While 9-valent human papillomavirus vaccination (HPV-9) is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in adolescents as young as age 9, providers typically recommend it at ages 11–12 per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations. Studies suggest that recommending HPV-9 at 9 or 10 years of age could increase up-to-date vaccination by age 13, which could benefit rural populations with reduced access to primary health care and lower HPV-9 coverage than urban areas. This pilot study aimed to assess the feasibility of earlier recommendation of HPV-9 in rural clinics. We conducted in-depth interviews with providers and staff from two primary care clinics in central North Carolina, to understand attitudes toward recommending HPV-9 to 9- and 10-year-olds. All interviewees agreed that HPV-9 was important for cancer prevention and should be recommended before the onset of sexual activity, and agreed that HPV-9 could be initiated before age 11 to improve timeliness and completion of the vaccination series. However, opinions were mixed on whether it should be initiated as young as 9-years-old. Two key informants recruited from two urban clinics described their experiences recommending HPV-9 to 9- and 10-year-olds, including a modified vaccination schedule that promotes HPV-9 during routine well-child visits, prior to pubertal onset, and alongside other recommended adolescent vaccines. Earlier recommendation and administration of HPV-9 is possible with minimal changes to current clinical practices and could increase convenience and acceptability of HPV-9 in under-vaccinated settings.
Game theory model of corporate governance: Fitting real market environment
Authors: Zhu Yunxuan
Published: January 2023

In this paper, I use two game models to fit the market subject behavior in corporate
governance from dynamic dimension and static dimension, respectively. By further
expanding the main governance subjects and adding variables with practical
significance, such as "bribery" and "social welfare", into the game theory model,
some conclusions with practical significance are found in this paper. For example, the
factors such as the possibility to check out manager's violation, the punishment to the
irregularities, the supervision cost of the supervisory board, have an important impact
on the behavior of the corporate governance. In the static game model, this paper
finds that intersubjective games and restrictions avoid “the worst result” to occur.
Besides, social welfare even can be improved under certain conditions. In the
multi-coexistence game model, the equilibrium point of the static game model is
uncertain, which makes the social welfare situation uncertain. The conclusions of the
two game models can be used for reference to further improve the corporate
governance mechanism.
JEL classification: G30; M10; D21; D81
Developing a Natural History Model for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Broomfield Jonathan , Hill Micki , Chandler Fleur , Crowther Michael , Godfrey Josie , Guglieri Michela , Hastie Jon , Larkindale Jane , Mumby-Croft Juliet , Reuben Emily , Woodcock Fionn , Abrams Keith
Published: January 2023

Background
The aim of this study was to build a natural history model (NHM) for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) to provide new insights into the disease and to inform economic evaluations of new therapies. The study was conducted as part of Project HERCULES, a multi-stakeholder collaboration to develop tools to support the health technology assessment of new treatments for DMD.
Methods
Health states were identified based on a review of NHMs and input from clinicians, patients, and caregivers, and defined using outcomes commonly collected in clinical trials and real-world practice. The primary data source informing the NHM was the Critical Path Institute Duchenne Regulatory Science Consortium (D-RSC) database. This was supplemented, where data were scarce or absent, with expert input obtained via an elicitation exercise, and a systematic literature review and meta-analysis of mortality data.
Results
The NHM includes ambulatory, transfer, and non-ambulatory phases. Health states capture progression in each phase including loss of ambulation, ability to weight bear, and upper body and respiratory function, respectively. Scoliosis and cardiomyopathy were not included in health state definitions as the reporting of data in D-RSC for these diagnoses was poor. The NHM estimates that patients spend approximately 9.5 years in ambulatory states,
1.5 years in the transfer state, and the remainder of their lives in non-ambulatory states, with a median predicted survival of 29.8 years (95% CI: 29.1, 30.8).
Conclusion
The model developed includes a detailed disease pathway for DMD, including the clinically, patient, caregiver, and economically important transfer state which has not been identified or included in previous NHMs. The NHM will aid the understanding of disease milestones and may be used to support economic evaluations for new treatments for DMD, help facilitate inclusion of a lifetime time horizon within economic models and identify areas for further research.
Oral nanotherapeutic formulation of insulin with reduced episodes of hypoglycaemia
Authors: Hunt Nicholas , Lockwood Glen , Heffernan Scott , Daymond Jarryd , Ngu Meng , Narayanan Ramesh , Westwood Lara , Kuncic Zdenka , McCourt Peter , Couteur David Le , Cogger Victoria
Published: January 2023

Injectable insulin is an extensively used medication with potential life-threatening hypoglycaemic events. Here we evaluated silver sulfide quantum dots (QDs) with a chitosan/glucose (CS/GS) encapsulating polymer to produce an oral insulin nanocarrier (QD-INS-CS/GS). This formulation was insoluble at acidic-neutral pH, showed increased absorption in human duodenum explants and Caenorhabditis elegans; and was highly sensitive to glucosidase enzymes to mediate hepatic release. In C57BL/6J mice, 50% of QD-INS-CS/GS distributed to the liver and promoted a dose-dependent reduction in blood glucose. Compared to injectable insulin, QD-INS-CS/GS had a similar effect size and time-to-onset in non-obese diabetic mice and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats without promoting hypoglycaemia or weight gain. Non-diabetic baboons showed a dose dependent-reduction in blood glucose up to 30% with 10 IU/kg in insulin tolerance testing. No biochemical or haematological toxicity, or adverse events were observed. These studies demonstrate the successful application of this oral insulin platform with inhibited hypoglycaemia.
Successful diagnosis of intravascular large B-cell lymphoma from a neuromyelitis optica presentation in a patient with primary Sjögren’s syndrome: a case report
Authors: Xu Qiaoqiao , Yang Jiajia , Sun Zhongwu , Xi Chunhua
Published: January 2023

Background
Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is an autoimmune neurological disorder characterized by the presence of serum anti-aquaporin-4 autoantibodies (AQP4 IgG). There have been previous reports of NMOSD associated with primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS), with syringomyelia, in a small number of NMOSD cases. We report here the case of a patient with NMOSD and pSS who presented with various clinical manifestations, including long segmental cavitated changes in the spinal cord, who was finally diagnosed with intravascular large B-cell lymphoma (IVLBCL) through adrenal biopsy.
Case presentation
An 80-year-old Chinese woman was admitted to the hospital with weakness in her extremities for half a month and progressive deterioration with urinary and bowel functions for a week. Cervical and thoracic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the patient indicated abnormal C2-T2 signals. Considering these findings in combination with clinical data, NMOSD was initially considered, and steroids and proglobulin were administered. However, the patient’s symptoms did not improve, and her level of consciousness gradually decreased. Subsequently, craniospinal MRI and abdominal computed tomography (CT) revealed multiple abnormal lesions. Adrenal biopsy revealed atypical lymphoid cell invasion of the small vessels consistent with IVLBCL, which was treated with cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, and prednisone (CHOP).
Conclusions
Currently, cases of IVLBCL combined with NMOSD and pSS are rare, and the myelopathy of this patient presented with long segmental cavity-like changes. Early diagnosis of such patients is difficult, misdiagnosis rate is high, conventional treatment is not effective, and deterioration rate is high. When the central nervous system is involved, the effect of conventional CHOP chemotherapy is poor; therefore, early diagnosis and early application of chemotherapy drugs are recommended.
Source identification in river pollution incidents using a cellular automata model and Bayesian MCMC method
Authors: Wang Wei , Ji Chao , LI Chuanqi , Wu Wenxin , Gisen Jacqueline Isabella Anak
Published: January 2023

Identification of contaminant sources in rivers is crucial to river protection and emergency response. A general Bayesian framework combining the forward transport model with observed data is proposed to identify unknown sources of river pollutions in this paper. The computational effectiveness of the Bayesian inference will be significantly influenced by the efficiency and accuracy of the forward transport model. Therefore, a forward cellular automata (CA) contaminant transport model is developed to efficiently simulates the concentration values of pollutant rivers in Bayesian estimation. These simulated concentration values are used to calculate the likelihood function of available measurements. A Markov chain Monte-Carlo (MCMC) method is used to produce the posterior distribution of contaminant source parameters. The suggested methodology is tested on a real case study drawn from the publicly available records of the Fen River. The research indicates that the proposed methodology is an effective and flexible way to identify the location and concentrations of river contaminant sources.
Improving Retention and HIV Viral Load Suppression among the Adolescents Living with HIV in TASO Soroti and TASO Mbale Centers of Excellence using Operation Triple Zero Model: A before and after study protocol
Authors: Oryokot Bonniface , Kazibwe Andrew , Kagimu David , Oluka Abraham Ignatius , Miya Yunus , Etukoit Michael Bernard , Namusoke Eleanor , Kato Darlius
Published: January 2023

Background
Retention and HIV viral load suppression remains suboptimal among the adolescents living with HIV in many settings including TASO Uganda, despite the implementation of interventions such as regimen optimization and community-based approaches such as multi-drug dispensing. To this end, the implementation of additional intervention is proposed to address gaps in current programming which include inadequate centralization of the HIV positive adolescents in the designs. This study, thus proposes to adapt and implement the operation triple zero (OTZ) model in TASO Soroti and Mbale centers to improve both retention and viral load suppression among the adolescents.
Methodology
A before and study design is preferred, employing both qualitative and quantitative approaches. To identify barriers and facilitators to retention and Viral load suppression among the ALHIV, secondary data, focused group discussions and key informant interviews will be used to understand perspectives of the adolescents, their caregivers and the health-workers. The consolidated framework for implementation research (CFIR) will help in designing the intervention while knowledge to action (K2A) will support the adaptation process. To test the intervention, Reach, Effectiveness, Adaption, Implementation and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework will be used. A paired t-test will be used to compare means of retention and viral load suppression in the before and after study periods.
Discussion
This study aims at adapting and implementing the OTZ model in TASO Soroti and Mbale Centers of Excellence (COEs) to attain optimal retention and viral load suppression among the HIV positive adolescents in care. Uganda is yet to adapt the touted OTZ model and findings from this study will be important in providing the necessary lessons for potential scale up of the model. Furthermore, results of this study could potentially provide more additional evidence for the effectiveness of OTZ in attaining optimal HIV treatment outcomes among the adolescents living with HIV.
Advanced pathophysiology mimicking lung models for accelerated drug discovery
Authors: Phan Thanh Huyen , Shi Huaikai , Denes Christopher E. , Cole Alexander J. , Wang Yiwei , Cheng Yuen Yee , Hesselson Daniel , Neely Graham Gregory , Jang Jun-Hyeog , Chrzanowski Wojciech
Published: January 2023

Background
Respiratory diseases are the 2nd leading cause of death globally. The current treatments for chronic lung diseases are only supportive. Very few new classes of therapeutics have been introduced for lung diseases in the last 40 years, due to the lack of reliable lung models that enable rapid, cost-effective, and high-throughput testing. To accelerate the development of new therapeutics for lung diseases, we established two classes of lung-mimicking models: (i) healthy, and (ii) diseased lungs – COPD.
Methods
To establish models that mimic the lung complexity to different extents, we used five design components: (i) cell type, (ii) membrane structure/constitution, (iii) environmental conditions, (iv) cellular arrangement, (v) substrate, matrix structure and composition. To determine whether the lung models are reproducible and reliable, we developed a quality control (QC) strategy, which integrated the real-time and end-point quantitative and qualitative measurements of cellular barrier function, permeability, tight junctions, tissue structure, tissue composition, and cytokine secretion.
Results
The healthy model is characterised by (i) continuous tight junctions, (ii) physiological cellular barrier function, (iii) a full thickness epithelium composed of multiple cell layers, and (iv) the presence of ciliated cells and goblet cells. Meanwhile, the disease model emulates human COPD disease: (i) dysfunctional cellular barrier function, (ii) depletion of ciliated cells, and (ii) overproduction of goblet cells. The models developed here have multiple competitive advantages when compared with existing in vitrolung models: (i) the macroscale enables multimodal and correlative characterisation of the same model system, (ii) the use of cells derived from patients that enables the creation of individual models for each patient for personalised medicine, (iii) the use of an extracellular matrix proteins interface, which promotes physiological cell adhesion and differentiation, (iv) media microcirculation that mimics the dynamic conditions in human lungs.
Conclusion
Our model can be utilised to test safety, efficacy, and superiority of new therapeutics as well as to test toxicity and injury induced by inhaled pollution or pathogens. It is envisaged that these models can also be used to test the protective function of new therapeutics for high-risk patients or workers exposed to occupational hazards.
Characterization of radiation-resistance mechanism in Spirosoma Montaniterrae DY10T in terms of transcriptional regulatory system
Authors: Cho Changyun , Lee Dohoon , Jeong Dabin , Kim Sun , Kim Myung Kyum , Sriniva Sathiyaraj
Published: January 2023

To respond to the external environmental changes for survival, bacteria regulates expression of a number of genes including transcription factors (TFs). To characterize complex biological phenomena, a biological system-level approach is necessary. Here we utilized six computational biology methods to infer regulatory network and to characterize underlying biologically mechanisms relevant to radiation-resistance. In particular, we inferred gene regulatory network (GRN) and operons of radiation-resistance bacterium Spirosoma montaniterrae DY10T and identified the major regulators for radiation-resistance. Our results show that DNA repair and reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging mechanisms are key processes and Crp/Fnr family transcriptional regulator works as a master regulatory TF in early response to radiation.