bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aptamer-based diagnosis of various SARS-CoV2 strains isolated from clinical specimens
Authors: Moshref Zahra Sadat , Jalali Tahmineh , Adriani Razieh Rezaei , Soltani Elahe , Gargari Seyed Latif Mousavi
Published: October 2022

The emergence of SARS-CoV2 virus, an unknown strain of coronavirus caused a severe acute respiratory syndrome with high mortality around the world. Late diagnosis of asymptomatic carriers can lead to uncontrollable transmission of the disease. In this study we identified high-binding-affinity aptamers targeting various strains of SARS-CoV2 virus, using GO-SELEX (Graphene Oxide- Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment) strategy. A total of 96 aptamers were developed through 11 rounds of GO-SELEX from a random 40 nucleotide ssDNA aptamer library. Using SPR method, the Kd values of all aptamers calculated and two aptamers 52 and 91 with Kd 50 and 61 were selected for ELASA assay. Aptamer 91 could detect various strains of the virus in above 97% of clinical samples obtained from nasopharyngeal swaps (NPS) specimens kept in viral transport media (VTM), confirmed by real-time PCR assay at COVID-19 Reference Diagnostic Laboratory of Iran, Pasture Institute. Aptamer 52 could detect the SARS-CoV2 virus in a competitive LFA assay to be considered for future designed kit. These two simple, specific, and sensitive tests can be used in a combination for rapid and early diagnosis of various strains of COVID19 virus. Our results suggest that these two discovered aptamers present an opportunity for developing new rapid aptamer-based coronavirus diagnostic kit.
Moringa oleifera Lam. leaf extract and its bio-active compound attenuate TNF-α-induced transendothelial migration of monocytes
Authors: Luetragoon Thitiya , Thongsri Yordhathai , Potup Pachuen , Calder Philip C. , Usuwanthim Kanchana
Published: October 2022

Endothelial cells maintain blood fluidity, control regional blood flow and contribute to regulation of blood pressure, inflammation and blood clotting. The purpose of this study was to investigate into the effects of a bioactive compound from moringa leaf on endothelial cell production of inflammatory mediators and on monocyte adhesion and transmigration. EA.hy926 cells were pre-treated with crude Moringa oleifera Lam. leaf extract, the constituent fraction 6 of this extract and the bioactive component 3-HBI followed by stimulation with TNF-α. Endothelial cells incubated with the crude extract, fraction 6 or 3-hydroxy-β-ionone (3-HBI) and stimulated with TNF-α showed significantly lower production of pro-inflammatory mediators including IL-6, IL-8, and MCP-1 compared to untreated but TNF-α stimulated cells. The extract and active compound inhibited phosphorylation of IκB-α and reduced expression of the NF-κB p65, suppressing its nuclear translocation. They also reduced the expression of key adhesion molecules (ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and PECAM-1). Moreover, they decreased adhesion of THP-1 monocytes to EA.hy926 cells and monocyte transmigration through an endothelial cell monolayer. According to these findings, 3-HBI and crude moringa leaf extract have the possibility of preventing the development and progression of vascular diseases like atherosclerosis and neuroinflammation by inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and adhesion molecules.
Applicability of a clinical decision support system for screening the risk of laryngotracheal aspiration in hospitalized adults: a methodological study
Authors: Alonso Elkin Eduardo Archila , de Almeida Sheila Tamanini , Flores Cecilia Dias
Published: October 2022

Background
Screening the risk of laryngotracheal aspiration in hospitalized adults is a complex, multivariable, multicausal, and interdisciplinary task. This study aimed to develop and evaluate the applicability of a clinical decision support system, based on the Bayesian Network, intended to assist the interdisciplinary hospital team.
Methods
A Bayesian network was built from a systematic literature review, which allowed identifying and categorizing of the main variables needed to identify the risk of laryngotracheal aspiration. These variables were grouped into the current diagnosis of the patient, history associated with swallowing disorders, aspects associated with swallowing, and simple epidemiological characteristics. An application was developed and then evaluated by 9 specialists from an interdisciplinary hospital team. The aspects evaluated were the internal and external quality of the application.
Results
The system was developed for Android mobile devices. It was evaluated by specialists (n = 9) from the interdisciplinary hospital team (physicians, nurses, nutritionists, and speech pathologists) regarding the quality of the software product. They considered that the system was functional (86.1%), reliable (83.3%), usable (84.4%), efficient (92.6), capable of being modified (maintainability) (90.4), and portable (88.9%).
Conclusions
From the development of the interdisciplinary screening system, this was considered of interest and with the feasibility of its use by the specialists.
Study registration:
This study required validation with specialists in the fields of medicine, nursing, nutrition, and speech pathology. Thus, it was necessary to be evaluated and approved by the Ethics Committee in Research with Human Beings of the Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre – UFCSPA (# 44920121.0.0000.5345).
Changes in Anterior Segment Parameters After Laser Peripheral Iridotomy in Caucasian Eyes with Different Primary Angle-closure Mechanisms
Authors: Tun Tin , Sawicki Andrzej , Wilkos-Kuc Agnieszka , Aung Tin , Zarnowski Tomasz
Published: October 2022

Background/Objectives: To evaluate changes in anterior segment parameters in Caucasian eyes with different angle-closure mechanisms before and after laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI)
Subjects/Methods: Sixty-six subjects underwent swept-source optical coherence tomography (SSOCT, CASIA, Tomey Corporation, Nagoya, Japan) angle imaging in the dark before and 7 days after LPI. Based on the baseline SSOCT images, the eyes were categorized into 4 angle-closure mechanisms namely pupillary block (PB), plateau iris configuration (PIC), thick peripheral iris (TPI) and large lens vault (LLV). Sixteen out of 128 cross-sectional images (11.25 degrees apart) per volume scan were selected for analysis. We used generalized estimating equation to compare quantitative parameters among angle-closure mechanisms and between before and after LPI after adjusting the inter-eye correlation.
Results: The mean age of subjects was 67.7±9.2 years, with the majority being female (82.2%). 129 eyes (67 primary angle-closure suspects, 34 primary angle-closure and 28 primary angle-closure glaucoma) were categorized into PB (n=71, 55%), PIC (n=40, 31%), TPI (n=14, 10.9%) and LLV (n=4, 3.1%). Anterior chamber depth was the shallowest in the LLV, followed by TPI, PB and PIC group at baseline. Widening of the angle and reduction of the iris curvature (IC) due to LPI were observed in all groups (all P<0.01). When compared to the PB group, the LPI-induced angle widening in the TPI group was significantly less even though the IC reduction in the TPI group was greater (all P<0.05).
Conclusions: In patients with angle closure, anterior segment morphology and LPI-induced angle widening were different amongst the various angle-closure mechanisms.
Phonon Induced Spin Dephasing Time of Nitrogen Vacancy Centers in Diamond from First Principles
Authors: Simoni Jacopo
Published: October 2022

Spin qubits with long dephasing times are an essential requirement for the development of new quantum technologies and have many potential applications ranging from quantum information processing to quantum memories and quantum networking.
Here we report a theoretical study and the calculation of the spin dephasing time of defect color centers for the negatively charged nitrogen vacancy center in diamond. We employ ab initio density functional theory to compute the electronic structure, and extract the dephasing time using a cumulant expansion approach.
We find that phonon-induced dephasing is a limiting factor for T_2 at low temperatures, in agreement with recent experiments that use dynamical decoupling techniques.
This approach can be generalized to other spin defects in semiconductors, molecular systems, and other band gapped materials.
Network Situation Assessment Method Based on Improved BP Neural Network
Authors: Du ZhiQiang , Yao Haitao , Fu Yanfang , Cao Zijian , Liang Hongtao , Ren Jinkang
Published: October 2022

The wide application of the Internet and the use of various network devices make the existing network scale increasingly complex, and the hidden dangers of various network security incidents are gradually exposed. Software Defined Network (SDN) brings potential security risks and challenges while changing the underlying network structure. In this paper, a situation assessment model based on SDN network is proposed by summarizing the important indicators and parameters of SDN. Then, the situational factors are mapped to the layers of the neural network, and the weights and thresholds of the back propagation(BP) neural network are optimized by the improved algorithm to obtain the global optimal solution. Finally, the purpose of situation assessment and comprehensive rating of the SDN network is realized. The experimental results show that the situation assessment method proposed in this paper has good effect and high accuracy, which provides a better basis for the next situation prediction.
Comparison of polyethylene wear of vitamin E-diffused and MPC-grafted highly cross-linked polyethylene in total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Naito Yohei , Hasegawa Masahiro , Tone Shine , Wakabayashi Hiroki , Sudo Akihiro
Published: October 2022

The purpose of this study was to compare polyethylene wear of vitamin E-diffused highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE) and 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC)-grafted HXLPE in cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA). Thirty-six THAs with vitamin E-diffused HXLPE (VEPE) and 143 THAs with MPC-grafted HXLPE were evaluated. The Merle d’Aubigné and Postel scores were administered. Kaplan-Meier survivorship was analyzed. Annual radiographs were analyzed using computerized method and linear steady-state wear rate was measured. The mean duration of follow-up was 9 years (range, 6–11 years) in VEPE group and 8 years (range, 5–10 years) in MPC group (p < 0.001). The mean Merle d'Aubigné and Postel scores improved postoperatively in both groups. Kaplan-Meier survivorship with endpoint of revision was 100% (95% confidence interval [CI], 100–100%) in VEPE group and 98% (95% CI, 94–99%) in MPC group at 9 years (p = 0.083). The mean steady-state wear rate was 0.004 mm/year in VEPE group and 0.007 mm/year in MPC group (p = 0.972). The clinical results of both groups were good and wear rates of both liners were very low.
miR-200a-3p regulates PRKACB and participates in aluminium-induced tau phosphorylation in PC12 cells
Authors: Li Huan , Liu Qun , Zhang Qinli , Xue Xingli , Zhang Jingsi , Zhang Jing , Lin Li , Niu Qiao
Published: October 2022

Aluminium (Al) is an environmental neurotoxin that humans are widely exposed to, but the molecular mechanism of its toxic effects is not fully understood. Many studies have shown that exposure to Al can cause abnormal phosphorylation of the tau protein that is believed as one of pathological features of Alzheimer’s disease. Increasing evidence indicates that microRNAs (miRNAs) may be involved in the pathological processes of neurodegenerative diseases and are potential regulatory factors for related target genes. Phosphorylation at Ser-133 of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) is one of the major pathways of CREB activation, and phosphorylation at this site is controlled by protein kinase A (PKA). The catalytic subunit of PKA, cAMP-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit beta (PRKACB), phosphorylates CREB. The target gene prediction software TargetScan showed that PRKACB was one of the target mRNAs of miR-200a-3p. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether miR-200a-3p regulates the PKA/CREB pathway by targeting PRKACB and leads to abnormal phosphorylation of the tau protein in nerve cells. The results showed that Al exposure increased the expression level of miR-200a-3p, and miR-200a-3p increased the expression of targeted down-regulated PRKACB, and then decreased the PKA/CREB signalling pathway activity, leading to abnormal hyperphosphorylation of tau.
Plasma Exosome-derived MicroRNAs profiles in patients with serofast syphilis
Authors: Liu Jinquan , Zhang Ruihua , Lian Tingting , Chen Zuoxi , Zhang Ruili , Wang Qianqiu
Published: October 2022

Background
Syphilis is a bacterial STI caused by Treponema pallidum that results in substantial morbidity and mortality. Currently, it has been suggested that exosomes (Exo) may play a possible role as novel biomarkers for the detection of infectious diseases. Here, we investigated the exosomal miRNA derived from plasma in syphilis, aimed to help in the diagnosis and prognosis of serofast syphilis.
Methods
A discovery cohort was used to investigate exosomal miRNAs that vary across the different subjects of participants. Exosomal miRNAs were isolated from peripheral plasma obtained at secondary syphilis(SS,n=5), serofast(SF,n=6),healthy control(HC,n=5) and serologically cured syphilis patients(SC,n=4), and microarray analysis was performed. A validation cohort was used to confirm the selected differential expression of exosomal miRNAs by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). ROC analysis was used to evaluate the differentiation power of these miRNAs in syphilis diagnosis.
Results
The microarray result revealed a specific plasma exosomal miRNA expression profile in serofast syphilis. 44 miRNAs showed significant differences between serofast and secondary syphilis, and 12 miRNAs were differentially expressed between serofast and serologically cured syphilis patients. MiR-1273g-3p, miR-4485-5p, miR-197-3p, miR- 1908-3p were significantly upregulated in syphilis patients in a stage-specific manner. These miRNAs singly or jointly displayed an improved diagnostic capability to differentiate serological cure patients or healthy people from serofast syphilis.
Conclusions
In practical work, differently-expressed exosomal miRNAs may be of great clinical significant utility in the diagnosis and prognosis of serofast syphilis. According to the data, miR-197-3p, miR- 1908-3p, miR-1273g-3p, miR-4485-5p within exosomes might singly or jointly be potential diagnostic biomarkers at serofast syphilis.
Optimization of the extraction process of Millet Bran polysaccharides and Antioxidant activities analysis
Authors: Zong Enxiang , Guo Dingyi , Fan Sanhong , Bai Baoqing , Zhang Jinhua
Published: October 2022

This study aimed to optimization of the extraction process of a novel water-soluble millet bran polysaccharide (MBP), and investigated its antioxidant activities in vitro. Finally, the optimal process of ultrasonic-assisted enzymatic extraction of millet bran polysaccharide was obtained as follows: Liquid-solid Ratio of 31:1, enzymatic hydrolysis temperature of 59 ℃, ultrasonic time of 22 min. The extraction amount of millet bran polysaccharide was 3.87%. MBP-1 was extracted from millet bran by ultrasonic-enzyme-assisted method, and DEAE-52 cellulose and Sephadex G-100 were used for isolation and purification. The strong scavenging ability to hydroxyl radical, DPPH, superoxide radical and ABTS radical, and strong Fe2+ chelating activity, and the high inhibition rates of α-glucosidase and α-amylase in vitro indicate that MBP-1 possessed strong antioxidant and hypoglycemic activities. The results shown that MBP-1 can be used as potential hypoglycemic agent and have certain application prospects in food-related fields, such as functional food additives.
“Classification and Detection of Lung Cancer Nodule using Deep Learning of CT Scan Images”: A Systematic Review
Authors: Abrar Anas , Rajpoot Priyanka
Published: October 2022

Lung cancer is considered as the common cancerous neoplasms across the globe. In 2018, the World Health Organization (WHO) statistics approximated 2.09 million lung cancer cases with 1.76 million deaths globally. Early identification is an important aspect of providing the greatest chance of healing the patients. The objective of this manuscript was to explore how Deep Learning (DL) performs when the method is evaluated on datasets that are not from LUNA 16 for detection of pulmonary nodule and categorization of computed tomography scans. This report covered only peer-reviewed, original research papers using DL technology, and only findings were included from testing on datasets other than LUNA-16 and LIDC-IDRI. Deep learning utilizes Computed-Tomography (CT) to automatically improve the precision of an initial diagnosis of lung cancer. Consequently, this manuscript presents a short yet important review of DL methods to solve the extraordinary challenges of detecting lung cancer. In addition, this paper also traces the various causes, types, and treatment procedures of lung cancer. The fundamental principles of deep learning and CT have been described. A review of the various lung cancer detection methods via deep learning has been presented. Finally, discussions have been provided for further improvisation of the deep learning method. 9 studies investigated pulmonary nodule detection performance, 10 studies investigated the classification of pulmonary nodule performance, and 16 studies documented of pulmonary nodule for both classification and detection. Some of prominent DL methods which have been successful in detection and categorization of lung cancer nodules are Computer Aided Detection (CAD), Wavelet Recurrent Neural Network (WRNN), Optimal Deep Neural Network (ODNN), Massive Artificial Neural Network (MTANN) and Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) Training. Among, these DL methods, in most cases CNN achieved higher accurate results. The reports CNN achieved results between 73%-96.73% for both classification and detection. The CNN achieved results between 76%-99.2% for lung nodules classification and also achieved the results between 74.6%-97.78% for lung nodule detection. In addition to this, it was found that other DL method i.e., MTANN achieved the accurate results between 97%-100% for detection which came out to be superior related to other DL approaches.
Evaluate the performance of the artificial neural network model in hybrids with different preprocessors to forecast the streamflow time series
Authors: Momeneh Sadegh , Nourani Vahid
Published: October 2022

In arid and semi-arid regions, accurate forecasting of hydrological processes and sustainable management of water resources is inevitable due to the floods and water crisis. In the present study, was the various data preprocessing techniques used to help understand the processes and increase the accuracy of the artificial neural network (ANN) model. To forecast streamflow from preprocessors including, discrete wavelet transform (DWT), empirical mode decomposition (EMD), complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise (CEEMDAN), successive variational mode decomposition (SVMD), and multi-filter of the smoothing (MFS) in hybrid with the ANN model, were utilized. In general, the results showed that choosing the suitable approach to applying input data and the suitable preprocessor can have a highly favorable effect on the performance of hybrid models for daily streamflow forecasting. Overall, the results indicate that had the best performance the MFS-ANN model in short-term forecasting and the SVMD-ANN model in long-term forecasting.
Design and performance of a small bath cryostat with NMR capability for transport of hyperpolarized samples
Authors: Capozzi Andrea
Published: October 2022

As of today, dissolution Dynamic Nuclear Polarization (dDNP) is the only clinically available hyperpolarization technique for 13C-MRI. Despite the clear path towards personalized medicine that dDNP is paving as an alternative and/or complement to Positron Emission Tomography (PET), the technique struggles to enter everyday clinical practice. Because of the minute-long hyperpolarization lifetime after dissolution, one of the reasons lies in the need and consequent complicacies of having the machine that generates the hyperpolarization (i.e. the dDNP polarizer) on site. Since some years, research groups are working to make hyperpolarization transportable. Two different methods have been developed that allow “freezing” of the nuclear spin state prior to samples extraction from the polarizer. Nevertheless, so far, all attempts of transport have been limited to a very small scale and to the level of proof-of-principle experiments. The main reason for that is the lack of adequate hardware, strategy, and control on most of the crucial parameters. To bridge the technical gap with PET and provide MRI facilities with hours long relaxing hyperpolarized compounds at controlled conditions, a new generation of low cost/small footprint liquid He cryostats equipped with a magnetically enforced cryogenic probe is needed. In this paper, we detail the theoretical and practical construction of a hyperpolarized samples transportation device small enough to fit in a car and able to hold a sample at 4.2 K for almost 8 h despite the presence of a cryogenically-demanding purpose-built probe that provides enough magnetic field upon insertion of the sample and NMR quality homogeneity at storage position. Should transportable hyperpolarization via DNP become a reality, we herein provide important details to make it possible.
Classification of Text and Non-Text from Bilingual Real-Time Document Using Deep Learning Approach
Authors: G SHIVAKUMAR , M Ravikumar , J Shivaprasad B
Published: October 2022

In this work, we have presented an efficient approach for classification of text and non-text document information from real time office documents images which are bilingual using a deep learning approach i.e., U-net architecture for experimentation purpose. We have created our own dataset containing 2000 document images. Initially pre-processing is applied on the input document images proposed method is compared with other existing methods and obtained accuracy of 99.62% different performance measure i.e., (Specificity, Sensitivity, Precision, F1-Score) used in the experimentation.
Influence of Crushed Sand and Lime Stabilizer on the properties of Clayey Soil for Pavement Sub-Grade
Authors: Rathod Rajshekhar Gopal , Ravande Kishore
Published: October 2022

In poor subgrade soil areas, pavement construction apt to be relatively expensive. Replacing the poor subgrade soil as a measure taken to improve soil properties cannot always act as an effective economical solution. Taking this as deliberation, with the help of stabilizers similarly, Lime and Crushed sand a trial study has been executed on the soil using three different proportions of lime, crushed sand to illustrate an effective economical solution by the use of subgrade soil chemo-mechanical stabilization. The trial is mainly focused on plasticity, consolidation, compaction and strength characteristics. This study involves trial investigations to categorize the subgrade soils of 3m thickness (which are highly malleable clay cum dusty soils founded in Loni Kalbhor, Pune, Maharashtra). The reports of investigation will be based on the following tests like – Specific Gravity Test (IS 2730-3-1 1980), Sieve Analysis (IS 2720 Part 4 1965), California Bearing Ratio (ASTM D4429-09a), Standard Proctor Test (IS 2720 Part 8 1983), Atterberg Limit of Consistency (IS 2720 Part 5 1985). These trials were conducted to know the properties of the soil like consistency, bearing capacity, comparison of effective methods to improve the bearing capacity using different components to improve the properties of soil. These experiment’s main objectives are to identify the effectiveness of stabilizing the weak soil using crushed sand and lime blend. Examining the blended soil’s physical properties by using Crushed sand and Lime mixture. (CBR) California Bearing Ratio Test under X-ray/Electronic Microscope study and for the blended portion examination the CBR samples test was held.
Malnutrition: an Unrecognized and Untreated Complication in Cancer
Authors: J Sowmiya , Thilagamani S.
Published: October 2022

The World Health Organization has reported that cancer is the second most common cause of death (9.3 million) among all Non Communicable Diseases (NCD’s). In addition, Cancer statistics of India disclosed that top five cancer of men and women accounts for approximately 47.2% of all cancers. Amidst all the complications in cancer, malnutrition is the most important complication that remains unrecognised and untreated. Studies have revealed that the prevalence of cancer associated malnutrition ranges from approximately 20% to ˃70%. It is also delineated that10–20% of cancer patient deaths are related to malnutrition, not the malignancy itself. Malnutrition and cachexia are associated with delay in cancer treatment, poor quality of life, longer hospital stay, increased treatment costs, increased morbidity and mortality. Therefore, cancer associated malnutrition is of prime importance to both oncologists and dietitians. This review article discloses current statistics regarding global and Indian scenarios, causes, risk factors and treatment types. Furthermore, the consequences of malnutrition in patients with cancer are brought to light. To reduce the risk of malnutrition in treatment outcomes and quality of life, early nutritional screening and assessment should be carried out. Various validated nutrition screening and assessment tools for detecting the clinical status of patients with cancer were reviewed. Early nutritional screening, assessment, diagnosis and provision of individualised care plans for each cancer patient should be considered as a vital approach.
Efficacy of HIV and AIDS Education Programs in Elmina Fishing Community in Ghana
Authors: Kyei-Gyamfi Sylvester
Published: October 2022

One of the most important steps in HIV prevention is the provision of education to raise awareness to ensure individuals have sufficient understanding about HIV and AIDS and encourage them to apply that knowledge. The study is based on an earlier descriptive cross-sectional study that sought a link between fishers' mobility and their risk of HIV exposure in the Elmina fishing community. The current paper focuses on initiatives taken within the study area to inform fishers about HIV and AIDS. Additionally, it analyzes the successes and challenges of these programs and offers suggestions for improvement. Public and community durbars, town hall meetings, radio and television transmission, film creation, and the distribution of IE&C materials are the main strategies utilized to carry out HIV and AIDS education. The results suggest that few fishers in the study area take part in programs, whiles projects on HIV and AIDS cannot be implemented consistently and effectively due to lack of funding and delays in the delivery of government funds. To enable organizations whose mandates, relate to HIV and AIDS interventions carry out the programs timely and fully, it is advised that government enhances its financing and ensures timely and full release of program funds.
Unintended Impacts of the Global Budget on the Quality of Healthcare Among Inpatients with Heart Failure in China: An Explanatory Sequential Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Ning Jie , Tao Hongbing , Huang Yitian , Peng Yarui , Xiong Haoling , Yue Jingkai
Published: October 2022

Background: To evaluate the impact of global budget payment (GBP) reform on the quality of healthcare among inpatients with heart failure (HF) and analyze the influencing factors of healthcare quality in the context of GBP reform. Methods: The administrative data on patients with HF from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2017 were used, and the in-hospital mortality and length of stay (LOS) were compared using logistic regression and zero-truncated negative binomial regression, respectively. The content analysis method was then used to organize and analyze the records of in-depth interviews with key insiders. Results: A total of 4222 eligible HF patients and 58 interview records were finally analyzed. The in-hospital mortality increased from 1.21% to 3.58% after the GBP reform was implemented (OR, 2.197; 95% CI, 1.153 to 4.229). The average LOS in the pre-budget and post-budget groups was 9.65 days and 9.07 days (IRR, 1.012; 95% CI, 0.997 to 1.027), respectively. Additionally, the top three influencing factors ranked by key frequency analysis are the diagnosis and treatment technology level (50, 86.21%), the supervision of healthcare quality (50, 86.21%) and the implementation of the core system in healthcare quality system (49, 84.48%).Conclusions: The implementation of the GBP had a detrimental effect on the outcome quality for inpatients with HF. Besides, hospital administration, especially quality control, was the most important factor affecting healthcare quality after the implementation of the GBP reform. GBP policy possibly needs to be further improved by policy-makers.
Avaliação Radiográfica da Osteossíntese das Fraturas do Rádio Distal com Placa Distração
Authors: Ezidorio Neander Neves Alves , Vilela Luiz Henrique , Chamon Henrique Gontijo , Ribeiro Paulo Henrique Sampaio , Braga Pedro Henrique , Coelho Neto Eduardo Barbosa , Rezende Luis Guilherme Rosifini Alves
Published: October 2022

Introdução: As fraturas de rádio distal são as mais comuns na prática ortopédica, perfazendo 17,5% de todas as fraturas de adultos, e 4,5% destas são classificadas como articulares complexas. Entre os diversos métodos disponíveis para o seu tratamento, a placa de distração dorsal é uma opção de tratamento para fraturas cominutivas instáveis do rádio distal, porém pouco utilizada. Objetivo: avaliar radiograficamente os resultados pós-operatórios de pacientes com fraturas do rádio distal do tipo AO 2R3C3 tratados pela técnica de placa distração. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo que avaliou 26 pacientes, de 20 a 69 anos, submetidos à osteossíntese, no período de 2015 a 2017, com seguimento mínimo de 6 meses. Para mensuração radiográfica, foram definidos como parâmetros: variância ulnar, inclinação volar, inclinação ulnar e degrau articular. Resultados: O valor médio da variância ulnar foi de 0,88 mm, da inclinação volar foi de 3,58 graus, da inclinação ulnar foi de 16,34 graus e e do degrau articular foi de 0,31mm. Conclusão:  Conclui-se que o método de placa distração é uma ferramenta adicional útil e eficaz no tratamento de fraturas articulares complexas do rádio distal.
What’s in a Name? The Impact of Disasters on Islands’ Reputations: The cases of Giglio and Ustica
Authors: Agius Karl , Baldacchino Godfrey
Published: October 2022

Disasters and their aftermath can leave an enduring, negative impact on the image of tourism destinations. This paper presents research conducted in relation to Giglio (site of the January 2011 Costa Concordia shipwreck) and Ustica (associated with the June 1980 crash of Itavia Flight 870) in order to study the impact of these two disasters on the tourism industry of these two small Italian islands. Methods employed include content analysis of articles published online and interviews with tourism stakeholders including operators, government officials and park managers. Findings suggest that disaster news coverage may initially have helped to increase the international visibility of both islands, however, even after several years, references made to the islands in the press continue to be related to such disasters. Little acknowledgement is made to the islands as tourism destinations or to the nature-based attractions that they offer. In this regard, a counter-engagement with the media and marketing efforts, including the use of social media platforms, is key to ensure that the enduring image of the islands is corrected and better reflects the characteristics of the islands.
Aquatic Mythologies: Divine, liminal and fantastic creatures in the Indian tradition
Authors: Beggiora Stefano
Published: October 2022

This article offers an overview of some of the most peculiar mythological creatures of the Hindu pantheon related to the watery element. Starting from the analysis of the concept of liminality, which is fundamental to Monster Theory, the symbolism and functions of water in ritualism, folklore and the traditions of South Asia will be explored. Indeed, destruction, metamorphosis, transition, purification and rebirth are all concepts that in Indian traditions are frequently sublimated into the dynamics of the circulation of waters. The monsoon phenomenon, the rushing rivers flowing down from the Himalayas and the depths of the Indian Ocean abysses therefore rise here to metaphysical and existential metaphors. Their hidden meaning has been represented in an allegorical key over the centuries by monstrous, bizarre and emblematic figures that have animated art, iconography and literature and popular legends. This essay tries to explore the issue through a religious and anthropological investigative approach, but with particular reference to Sanskrit literature and the sacred texts of Hinduism.
Designing the Socio-Spatial Context Urban Infill, Liveability, and Conviviality
Authors: Elshater Abeer , Abusaada Hisham , Tarek Menna , Afifi Samy
Published: October 2022

This study tackles the design challenge of urban in fill development which arises from changes in the urban form and daily living experiences. Using the Web of Science to review relevant literature published over the last decade, we found a signi ficant gap in the study of in fill development:
it overlooks liveability and conviviality. To fill this gap, an in fill project in Ard el Golf, Cairo, Egypt, was surveyed using ethnographic research comprising two surveys and semi-structured interviews with site visitors, workers, and residents, and spatial analysis of the changes before
and after the project. The results highlight the critical role of functional neighbourhood changes based on their impact on residents', site workers', and users' perceptions of their environment. A six-step strategic framework is presented aggregating the social and morphological dimensions
that can off er designers a be er means of confronting the consequences of urban in fill projects with respect to the socio-spatial context for liveable and convivial urban living.
A Scalable Analytics Pipeline for COVID-19 Face Mask Surveillance
Authors: Kossoski Clayton , Schaefer Gustavo , Oliveira Gianlucca Fiori , Lopes Heitor Silvério
Published: October 2022

The COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic still causes a global health crisis. An effective protection method is using a face mask in public areas, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Computer vision systems can be allies in monitoring public areas where the face mask is mandatory. However, face mask detection is challenging due to many factors, including diversity of people, facial features, head accessories, mask design, image position, and lighting changes. To tackle these issues, we present the following contributions: a new balanced face mask dataset named UTFPR-FMD1, consisting of 61,430 images splitted into “face” and “mask” classes; a transfer learning classification model for computer vision tasks, trained with our dataset; a new processing pipeline that allows face mask detection in video streams. Unlike available public datasets with imbalanced class distributions, the UTFPR-FMD1 contains images from different people, gender, and ages to minimize the training difficulty of deep learning models. We introduced a new measure to select valid images to perform inferences. Experimental results show the effectiveness of our model, outperforming the state-of-art methods for face mask detection tasks. Additionally, and different from other authors, we also present qualitative results. The system can detect heads with up to 60 degrees of rotation and process up to 10 FPS. In future work, we will deploy the current framework into production, perform tests in a near real-time environment, and extend it to process multiple video streams.
The importance of a realistic leakage evaluation to support public awareness and acceptance for carbon capture and storage
Authors: Busch Andreas
Published: October 2022

Carbon Capture and Storage is not only highly recommended by the IPCC as a mechanism to significantly lower carbon emissions to the atmosphere, it is now also gaining traction in terms of large-scale implementation. Its importance is increasing in many parts of the world to directly decrease emissions from industrial sources, but also to lower the carbon footprint of blue hydrogen production.

With most CCS projects being planned for offshore locations, public acceptance is less of a determining factor than it used to be 10-20 years ago, where discussions were rather for onshore locations. CO2 leakage has always been a risk highlighted in the public debate, while no or minimal leakage has been reported for current CCS projects worldwide. However, as scientific community, we need to realistically highlight the risk of leakage across sealing units for CO2 stored to inform various stakeholders like regulators, the public and of course also operating companies.

Caprock leakage needs to be studied across various length and time scales, considering the undisturbed matrix as well as fracture networks and faults; we need to consider advective and diffusive flow and transport and incorporate mineral alterations, potentially leading to changes in hydraulic or mechanical properties.

This talk will highlight the current state of research, advancements and future research required for a realistic evaluation of caprock leakage. It will be based on past research related to matrix transport as well as current research focusing on single and multiphase flow along faults and fractures.
New attempt of the implementation of CCS technology in Poland
Authors: Nagy Stanisław , Wójcicki Adam
Published: October 2022

After 2013 when the PGE Bełchatów demo CCS project was canceled and the EU CCS directive implemented into Polish law (in a way generally obstructing the development of CCS projects in Poland), no significant effects in that field have occurred till 2021. In 2021 the draft of a new law on change of Polish geological and mining law and some other laws (Polish CCS law) was prepared and is being proceeded – it is expected to be accepted soon by the Council of Ministers and then submitted to the Parliament. Generally, the law is to facilitate the development of CCUS technologies in Poland (commercial projects, both onshore and offshore storage in saline aquifers and depleted/depleting hydrocarbon fields – including EHR, no exploration permits/concessions, just storage permits as required by the directive, transport modes). Concurrently, in August/September 2021 Polish Minister of Climate and Environment appointed an advisory board – the Team on Development of CCUS technologies, where representatives of government, industry and research organizations were invited to facilitate CCUS technologies implementation in Poland. One of the Team's tasks resulted in the development of several prefeasibility studies on the full CCS value chain of newly constructed power and CHP blocks (mainly gas fired) carried out by a consortium led by AGH. Similar studies are being developed or considered in the case of other industry sectors, especially cement and chemical plants. In the storage part of these studies, the national project “Assessment of formations and structures for CO2 geological storage including monitoring plans” (completed in 2012/2013 by a consortium led by PGI-NRI) and its update completed upon request of the Ministry in 2021 have been utilized. In the case of the complete CCS value chain, results of pre-feasibility studies carried out in 2009-2013, together with assumptions and results of the new AGH-important project CCUS.pl initiated in May 2021, have been utilized. Several other international projects (financed by Norway Funds) oriented on CCS/CCS have been started (e.g., Agastor, SltPreCO2 project) in Poland. These developments might contribute to creating Polish CCS cluster (or clusters) where various emission sources and transport and storage infrastructure will be integrated, possibly within a decade.
Психологические характеристики сновидений и их влияние на самочувствие в состоянии бодрствования
Authors: Герасименко Яна A.
Published: October 2022

В статье рассматриваются различные характеристики сновидений молодых людей: частота появления сновидений, обращения к сюжетам увиденных сновидений, отношения к сновидениям, эмоции во снах. Во введении описана актуальность темы, проведен обзор научной литературы по теме взаимосвязи эмоциональных состояний во сне и в состоянии бодрствования. Новизна исследования заключается в том, что было изучено влияние эмоционального состояния, испытываемого в сновидениях на самочувствие в состоянии бодрствования.  

В разделе «Методы» содержится описание организации исследования, в котором приняли участие 108 человек, из них 78 женщин (72,2 %) и 30 мужчин, и использованных методов диагностических (авторская анкета-опросник и методика «Шкала психологического благополучия»), метода статистической обработки данных: U-критерия Манна-Уитни.

Раздел «Результаты» посвящен анализу характеристик сновидений молодых людей, их отношения к сновидениям, а также их эмоциональных состояний во сне, соотносимых с самочувствием в состоянии бодрствования.

В «Обсуждении результатов» автором рассматриваются работы российских и иностранных авторов по проблемам влияние сновидений и отношение к ним на психологическое благополучие и на эмоциональный фон в состоянии бодрствования.

В заключение приводятся следующие выводы: 1) молодые люди склонны видеть нейтрально-окрашенные сны, характеризующиеся четкостью, яркостью; 2) значимость сновидений связана с активным поиском смысла, и с частым обсуждением темы сновидений; 3)    чем выше уровень психологического благополучия, тем легче респонденту уснуть после пробуждения ночью; 4) люди, испытывающие на своем состоянии сильное влияние сновидений, обладают разными характеристиками сна.

Автор подчеркивает, что изучение сновидений – это необходимая тема для дальнейших исследований, так как феномен сновидений, используемый для терапевтической работы с целью улучшения их психологического здоровья, должны быть хорошо изучен психологами.
Factors Affecting Construction Productivity for Steel Rebar Work in Hot Climate Country
Authors: Aldahash Mohammed , Alshamrani Othman Subhi
Published: October 2022

Introduction:

Construction industry is increasingly emphasizing productivity due to its effect on key performance indicators such as schedule, budget, and quality of work. This study aims to identify and rank the factors affecting the productivity of steel rebar work in construction projects in a hot climate. Among the activities involved in structural reinforced concrete work, fabricating and placing reinforced steel on a construction site is considered the most labor-intensive, outdoor, and time-consuming.

Methods:

In this paper, an intensive qualitative literature review is conducted to identify the factors affecting the productivity of steel rebar work in concrete construction. Initially, forty factors were identified from the literature affecting the productivity of steel rebar work in Saudi Arabia. Final list of thirty-seven factors was used in the questionnaire survey. The identical nature and core content of these factors are clustered and grouped into five categories: technical, labor, management, external, and financial. As part of this study, fifty contractors working in the Saudi Arabian construction industry are recruited to participate and complete a structured pilot study questionnaire.

Results:

The results of the questionnaire are weighted using the pairwise comparison method and then ranked based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process technique. The analysis of the thirty-seven factors results in a top ten list of the leading factors that directly impact the productivity of steel rebar work in concrete construction projects in Saudi Arabia. These factors are (1) humidity, (2) delay of salary, (3) sandstorms, (4) payment delay by client, (5) labor's low wage, (6) lack of financial incentives, (7) labor work experience and skills, (8) completeness of drawings, (9) poor labor relations, and (10) labor absenteeism. The general trend in these studies is that the factors tend to vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, from one construction project to another, and are directly related to the zone or country of construction.

Conclusion:

These findings benefit stakeholders working in the concrete construction industry in Saudi Arabia, particularly project managers, project planners, cost estimators, and civil design and site engineers working on construction projects.
COVID-19 and HIV-associated Nephropathies: Double Whammy
Authors: Sutar Debamita , Mukerjee Nobendu , Mukherjee Dattatreya , Maitra Swastika , Dey Abhijit , Alexiou Athanasios , Ghosh Arabinda
Published: October 2022

The number of COVID-19-associated nephropathies (COVAN) rapidly increased before the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Similarities and common lesions with the HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN) remarkably affect mostly African Americans positive for the APOL1 risk variants; therefore, these cases must be prioritized in new targeted clinical trials.
Collapse Upon Wetting
Authors: Rojas Eduardo
Published: October 2022

This chapter presents the modeling of the phenomenon of collapse upon
wetting using the effective stress approach established in Chapter 2 and the
elastoplastic framework for the volumetric behavior of soils proposed in the previous
chapter. Using the probabilistic porous-solid model, Bishop’s parameter  can be
obtained to determine the current effective stress. The proposed framework includes
the hysteresis of the SWRC and, to some extent, the hydro-mechanical coupling of
unsaturated soils. This model is able to reproduce some particularities of the
phenomenon of collapse upon wetting that other models cannot simulate.
Compacted Soils
Authors: Rojas Eduardo
Published: October 2022

When unsaturated soils are subjected to drained or undrained compression
tests, they approach the saturated compression line with different slopes. This
difference in slopes is produced by the amount of collapse of each path. During
compression, four main phenomena occur in these materials: first, with the reduction
in volume, the degree of saturation increases; second, with the reduction in the size of
pores, the soil-water retention curve shifts on the suction axis; third, these two
phenomena produce an increase in the suction stress and, finally, this increase in
suction stress produces a certain amount of collapse on the sample. In this chapter, a
coupled model is employed to simulate the volumetric behavior of compacted soils
under different stress paths. The comparison between experimental and numerical
results shows the pertinence of the model.
Use of electronic teaching media based on the flip builder application to increase student's reading interest
Authors: Hartika Nely , Marlina Lina , Rohiyatussakinah Ina
Published: October 2022

This study aims to increase student interest in reading at SMK Pasundan 1 Serang City Class XI Multimedia 1, the use of electronic teaching media based on the flip builder application is made using the flip builder application. This study used qualitative descriptive research by observing students' reading interest levels and using data collection procedures in the form of observation, interviews, and documentation to check the validity of the data using data triangulation with the stages of source technique, time technique, and data technique. Based on the results of observations in this study, the use of electronic teaching media based on the flip builder application to increase students' reading interest, it can be concluded that electronic teaching materials using applications based on the flip builder application can be said to have increased in terms of students' reading interest.