bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization and analysis of the mortars in the Church of the Company of Jesus – Quito (Ecuador)
Authors: Lara Calderón M.Lenin , Sanz Arauz David , López Andrés Sol , Del Pino Martínez Inés
Published: July 2021

The Church of the Company of Jesus in Quito (1605-1765) is one of the most remarkable examples of colonial religious architecture on the World Heritage List. This church has multiple constructive phases and several interventions with no clear record of the entire architectural site, including the historical mortars. A total of 14 samples of coating mortars inside the central nave were taken, with the protocols suggested by the research team and a comparative sample of the architectural group that does not have intervention. The analysis presented in this paper focuses on mineralogical characterization, semi-quantitative analysis by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy with microanalysis of the samples. The results showed the presence of volcanic aggregate lime and gypsum, used in lining mortars and joint mortars. Mineralogical and textural composition data have allowed the mortar samples to be relatively dated.
Influence of Acoustic Black Hole Array Embedded in a Plate on Its Energy Propagation and Sound Radiation
Authors: Liang Haoming , Liu Xiandong , Yuan Jiakai , Bao Yue , Shan Yingchun , He Tian
Published: July 2021

The plate embedded with acoustic black hole (ABH) indentations is potential for structural vibration and noise control. This work focuses on the mid- and low-frequency performance of plates embedded with the array of ABH for energy focalization and vibration & noise suppression. Plates embedded with two-dimensional ABHs are modelled with detailed Finite Element (FE) models, and the power flow method is introduced to analyze the energy propagation characteristics arising from ABH effect. Then the distribution of average vibration power density along ABH radius is studied. Next, the energy dissipation effects of the plate model embedded with ABH array with two types of damping layers are investigated. Finally, the sound pressure levels of the ABH structure are calculated and discussed. This work is helpful to understand the characteristics of plates embedded with ABH array in reducing vibration and noise radiation. Results show the tremendous potential of ABH array for vibration and noise control.
Compatibility of Drought Magnitude Based Method With Spa for Assessing Reservoir Volumes: Analysis Using Canadian River Flows
Authors: Sharma Tribeni C. , Panu Umed
Published: July 2021

The traditional sequent peak algorithm (SPA) was used to assess the reservoir volume (VR) for comparison with deficit volume, DT, (subscript T representing the return period) obtained from the drought magnitude (DM) based method with draft level set at the mean annual flow on 15 rivers across Canada. At an annual scale, the SPA based estimates were found to be larger with an average of nearly 70% compared to DM based estimates. To ramp up DM based estimates to be in parity with SPA based values, the analysis was carried out through the counting and the analytical procedures involving only the annual SHI (standardized hydrological index, i.e. standardized values of annual flows) sequences. It was found that MA2 or MA3 (moving average of 2 or 3 consecutive values) of SHI sequences were required to match the counted values of DT to VR. Further, the inclusion of mean, as well as the variance of the drought intensity in the analytical procedure, with aforesaid smoothing led DT comparable to VR. The distinctive point in the DM based method is that no assumption is necessary such as the reservoir being full at the beginning of the analysis - as is the case with SPA.
Lynch syndrome: current status of CRC in Biotechnological and Biomedical fields
Authors: Capuzzo Arnaud Martino
Published: July 2021

Lynch syndrome (LS) is an autosomal dominant genetic condition caused by mutations in the DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes in the germline. Colorectal cancer and/or LS-associated cancer are more likely in people who carry pathogenic mutations in these genes. Cancers of the endometrium, small intestine, stomach, pancreas, and biliary tract, ovarian, brain, upper urinary tract, and skin are among the cancer types linked to LS. The criteria for a clinical diagnosis of LS, as well as the processes for genetic testing to identify carriers of pathogenetic mutations in MMR genes, have been known for a long time. The precise description of the pathogenicity associated with MMR genetic variants is critical in the mutation detection analysis, especially in order to enroll mutation carriers in endoscopic surveillance programs that are more suited to them. As a result, this may aid in the improvement of LS-related cancer prevention efforts. In this review, we discuss recent advances in the molecular genetics of LS.
Cytological and Molecular Characterization for Ploidy Determination in Yams (Dioscorea spp.)
Authors: Gatarira Cobes , Němečková Alžběta , Šimoníková Denisa , Paliwal Rajneesh , Asfaw Asrat , Abberton Michael , Gueye Badara , Asiedu Robert , Čížková Jana , Hřibová Eva , Doležel Jaroslav , Dekoeyer David , Adetimirin Victor O. , Bhattacharjee Ranjana
Published: July 2021

Yam (Dioscorea spp.) is a monocotyledonous herbaceous vine plant grown in the tropics and subtropics. It is a multi-species plant with varied intra- and interspecific ploidy levels. Of the 600 species, 11 are cultivated staple supporting the livelihood of over 300 million people. The paucity of information on ploidy and the genomic constitution is a significant challenge to the crop’s genetic improvement through crossbreeding. The objective of this study was to investigate the ploidy levels of 236 accessions across six cultivated and two wild species using chromosome counting, flow cytometry and genotyping-based ploidy determination methods. Results obtained from chromosome counting and genotyping-based ploidy determination were in agreement. In majority of the accessions, chromosome counting and flow cytometry were congruent, allowing future rapid screening of ploidy levels using flow cytometry. Among cultivated accessions, 168 (71%) were diploid, 50 (21%) were triploid, and 12 (5%) were tetraploid. Two wild species included in the study were diploids. Resolution of ploidy level in yams offers opportunities for implementing successful breeding programmes through intra- and inter-specific hybridization.
Which Relational Benefits Really Matter to Multi-Channel Agencies?
Authors: Lee Chang-Ju , Lee Sae-Mi , Lee Yong-Ki
Published: July 2021

Our study provides guidelines on how to build long-term customer relationship in the non-contract mechanism context. More specifically, the findings show that special, social, and core benefits influence calculative commitment, and operational and special benefits influence affective commitment. This study also supports that calculative and affective commitment play a crucial role in understanding multi-channel agencies’ loyalty. In sum, this study revealed that calculative and affective commitment can be considered as partial or full mediators in the relationship between RBs (relational benefits) and loyalty. This study not only contributed to the existing SET (social exchange theory) and RBs paradigm but also provided practical implications for food distribution management.
Бикомпактные схемы для численного решения модельной задачи нестационарного переноса нейтронов HOLO алгоритмами
Authors: Аристова Елена Николаевна , Aristova Elena Nikolaevna , Караваева Наталия Игоревна , Karavaeva Nataliya Igorevna
Published: July 2021

Предложены бикомпактные схемы для HOLO алгоритмов решения нестационарного линейного уравнения переноса. Схемы апробированы на модельной задаче переноса нейтронов (нестационарного обобщения задачи Рида). HOLO алгоритмы строятся на основе совместного решения кинетического уравнения высокого порядка -- HO (high order) (в данной работе это уравнение переноса) и кинетических уравнений низкого порядка -- LO (low order) (системы уравнений квазидиффузии). Для построения схем для HO и LO части производится дискретизация уравнений по пространству с четвертым порядком аппроксимации на двухточечном шаблоне. Высокий порядок аппроксимации достигается за счет расширения списка неизвестных и включения в него не только узловых значений, но и интегральных средних по ячейке. Полученные полудискретные схемы интегрируются по времени методом Рунге-Кутты третьего порядка аппроксимации, но могут быть проинтегрированы методом любого другого, в том числе более высокого порядка аппроксимации. Проведена монотонизация полученной разностной схемы для HOLO алгоритма. Порядок сходимости в тестах для задачи Рида падает до первого, так как решение не является гладким.
Численный поиск глобального решения в модели двухрежимной экономики с исчерпаемым запасом углеводородов
Authors: Леонов Елисей Александрович , Leonov Elisei Aleksandrovich , Полбин Андрей Владимирович , Polbin Andrei Vladimirovich
Published: July 2021

Работа посвящена численному поиску оптимальной траектории в модели экономического роста с двумя секторами: производственным и энергетическим. В энергетическом секторе есть возможность использовать энергоресурсы из ограниченных запасов. Переключение экономики на режим работы без ресурса, момент которого не фиксирован и зависит от поведения агентов, вносит особенности в фазовый портрет и обуславливает необходимость численного поиска именно глобального решения, на что и нацелена данная работа. Для решения этой многомерной задачи предлагается использовать алгоритм стрельбы с использованием модифицированного метода Ньютона для обновления начальной точки, а также обсуждаются нюансы применения этого подхода к экономическим задачам данного типа.
Рассеяние цилиндром с неоднородным покрытием звуковых волн, излучаемых линейным источником, в плоском волноводе
Authors: Толоконников Лев Алексеевич , Tolokonnikov Lev Alekseevich , Ларин Николай Владимирович , Larin Nikolai Vladimirovich
Published: July 2021

Статья посвящена математическому моделированию акустического поля, рассеянного абсолютно жестким круговым цилиндром с непрерывно-неоднородным упругим покрытием, помещенным в плоский волновод, заполненный идеальной жидкостью. Плотность и модули упругости материала покрытия описываются непрерывными функциями радиальной координаты. Одна из границ волновода является идеальной (абсолютно жесткой или акустически мягкой), а другая сколь угодно мало
отличается от идеальной. Первичное поле возмущений представляет собой гармоническую звуковую волну, излучаемую линейным источником. Акустическое поле
в волноводе ищется в виде суммы вкладов от источника и рассеивателя. Вклад от
рассеивателя определяется на основе решения задачи дифракции цилиндрической
звуковой волны на жестком цилиндре с непрерывно-неоднородным упругим покрытием в свободном пространстве. Используя интегральную форму записи цилиндрической волны и интегральное представление волновых цилиндрических
функций через декартовы базисные решения уравнения Гельмгольца, вклады от источника и рассеивателя находятся в виде суперпозиции плоских волн с учетом
многократного отражения от границ волновода. Представлены результаты расчетов акустического поля в волноводе, когда одна граница волновода является абсолютно жесткой, а другая - незначительно отличается от акустически мягкой. Показано, что с помощью неоднородного покрытия можно изменять звукоотражающие
свойства цилиндрического тела в волноводе.
Analisis efektivitas mitigasi bencana kebakaran di Kota Surakarta
Authors: Fauzi Muhammad , Miladan Nur , Utomo Rizon Pamardhi
Published: July 2021

Kota Surakarta mengalami peningkatan kejadian kebakaran pada tiap tahunnya. Kejadian kebakaran tertinggi tercatat pada tahun 2017 dengan total 78 kali peristiwa. Dalam menanggulangi peningkatan kejadian kebakaran ini, pemerintah kota Surakarta berupaya untuk meningkatkan sistem mitigasi yang ada. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui efektivitas komponen mitigasi bencana kebakaran di kota Surakarta. Komponen mitigasi pada penelitian ini yaitu pasokan air, hidran, pos pemadam, aksesibilitas, penginformasian bencana, dan peringatan dini. Metode pengumpulan data yang digunakan berupa pengumpulan data primer untuk mengetahui persebaran dan lokasi dari komponen mitigasi, dan pengumpulan data sekunder untuk mengetahui kualitas dari masing-masing komponen mitigasi. Teknik analisis yang digunakan berupa teknik analisis spasial, teknik analisis diskriptif dan teknik analisis skoring untuk mengetahui nilai dari masing-masing komponen yang ada. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa tingkat efektivitas komponen mitigasi kebakaran di kota Surakarta memiliki kategori kurang efektif. Hal ini disebabkan karena masih terdapat kuantitas maupun kualitas dari komponen mitigasi bencana yang masih dalam kategori rendah dan sedang. Seperti pada komponen mitigasi struktural yang berupa kualitas pasokan air, kuantitas atau jumlah hidran yang bisa digunakan, kuantitas atau perlengkapan pada masing-masing pos pemadam, dan waktu tanggap bencana yang masih dalam kategori sedang karena belum mampu memenuhi kebutuhan kota Surakarta secara menyeluruh. Pada komponen mitigasi non struktural berupa penginformasian dalam bentuk peta dan peringatan dini masih dalam kategori sedang dan rendah karena belum adanya peta penginformasian dan peta persebaran proteksi. Selain itu bentuk peringatan dini yang dimiliki kota Surakarta masih minim.
Analisis kesesuaian koridor Jalan Gatot Subroto dan Jalan Dr. Radjiman sebagai pusat pelayanan perdagangan dan jasa Subosukowonosraten
Authors: Noorani Shafa Nisrina , Kusumastuti Kusumastuti , Soedwiwahjono Soedwiwahjono
Published: July 2021

Pusat pelayanan memiliki fungsi untuk melayani wilayah hinterlandnya. Menurut RTRW Kota Surakarta Tahun 2011-2031, salahsatu pusat pelayanan perdagangan dan jasa terletak di Koridor Jalan Gatot Subroto dan Jalan Dr. Radjiman. Berdasarkan observasi lapangan, koridor ini merupakan pusat perbelanjaan yang sudah ada sejak lama sebelum munculnya pusat perbelanjaan modern di Kota Surakarta. Namun, masih terdapat permasalahan yang berkaitan dengan fungsinya sebagai pusat pelayanan. Permasalahan tersebut berupa daya tarik serta fasilitas pendukung yang kurang memadai. Penelitian ini akan membahas tentang kesesuaian koridor penelitian terhadap kebutuhan konsumen berdasarkan pada segmentasi pasar yaitu masyarakat menengah-bawah. Peneliti menggunakan data primer berupa observasi lapangan dan wawancara serta data sekunder berupa peraturan dan dokumen pemerintah. Teknik analisis yang digunakan adalah analisis skoring. Dalam mengetahui kesesuaiannya, terdapat 2 konsep yang digunakan sebagai variabel penelitian. Konsep tersebut adalah threshold dan range. Hasil dari penelitian ini menunjukan bahwa koridor penelitian memiliki beberapa permasalahan serta potensi yang dapat dikembangkan. Permasalahan tersebut berkaitan dengan daya tarik yang berdampak pada luas jangkauan pelayanan. Dilain pihak, potensi yang dimiliki berupa daya dukung lokasi dan threshold yang sudah memadai.
Karakteristik aktivitas dan lokasi PKL di Jalan Badak V
Authors: Lestari Ria Ripardi Wahyu , Sardjono Agung Budi , Sari Suzanna Ratih
Published: July 2021

Penelitian ini didasari oleh pedagang kaki lima yang menggunakan jalan Perumahan Badak V  sebagai aktivitas berdagang mulai pagi hari sampai malam hari. Adanya PKL  pada jalan perumahan memiliki daya tarik tersendiri terhadap masyarakat sekitar karena memudahkan dalam memenuhi kebutuhan sehari-hari sehingga pada tempat dan waktu yang sama terjadi aktivitas yang bercampur dan saling mempengaruhi antara pedagang dan pengguna jalan. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengkaji karakteristik pedagang kaki lima dari aktivitas dan lokasi yang dipilih dalam berdagang sehingga PKL dapat ditata dan jalan dapat digunakan sesuai fungsinya. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode deskriptif kualitatif. Hasil penelitian adalah karakteristik aktivitas PKL berbeda dan bervariasi di pagi hari, siang dan malam hari selain itu dipengaruhi oleh kegiatan di sekitar Jalan Badak V.
Left Atrial Function in Different Modes of Heart-Rate Lowering Therapy with Beta-Blockers in Patients with Recurrent Atrial Fibrillation and Hypertension
Authors: Kokhan E. V. , Kiyakbaev G. K. , Ozova E. M. , Romanova V. A. , Kobalava Zh. D.
Published: July 2021

Aim. To study the impact of heart rate (HR) reduction with beta-blockers (BB) on left atrial (LA) function in hypertensive patients with paroxysmal or persistent mild symptomatic atrial fibrillation.

Material and methods. In this open prospective trial we randomly assigned patients with hypertension, sinus rhythm, elevated heart rate (≥70 bpm), and recurrent atrial fibrillation (EHRA 2A or less) to receive BB with a target HR of less or greater than 70 bpm for at least 4 months. All the patients underwent an echocardiogram [left atrial (LA) function was assessed as emptying fraction]and applanation tonometry at baseline and after 4 months. Primary endpoint was median LA emptying fraction (LAEF) measurement at the end of the study.

Results. 47 patients were randomized to group with a target HR of ≤70 bpm and 44 patients to >70 bmp. Among them 44 and 41 patients completed the study. Median follow up was 4.4 months. At the end of the study (4.5 months) median HR was 62 [60; 67] bmp in ≤70 group and 73 [72; 76] bpm in >70 group. Both groups received similar antihypertensive therapy and there were no intergroup differences in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. At the end of the study, patients in ≤70 group had significantly lower LAEF compared with >70 group (37% vs 42%; p=0.01). E’avg was lower and augmentation index was higher in ≤70 group as compared to >70. In regression analysis, after E’avg and augmentation index were included in the model, the association between LAEF and randomization group lost its significance.

Conclusion. Beta blockers treatment with strict HR reduction (≤70 bpm) significantly reduced LA function as compared to lenient target HR (>70 bpm).
Intestinal Microbial-tissue Complex and Chronic Heart Failure (part 1): Pathogenesis
Authors: Vlasov A. A. , Salikova S. P. , Golovkin N. V. , Grinevich V. B.
Published: July 2021

Antigenic and metabolic integration of the intestinal microbiota into the homeostasis of the human body is a factor that claims to play a key role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. It acquires special significance against the background of the decrease in blood circulation and congestion in the digestive system during chronic heart failure. Aim of the review is analysis and synthesis of studies results on the role of intestinal microbiocenosis in the pathogenesis of heart remodeling and chronic heart failure. The search for articles was conducted in databases eLIBRARY.RU and Medline for the key terms "gut microbiota (microbiome, microbiocenosis)", "dysbiosis (dysbacteriosis)", "excessive bacterial growth syndrome", "lipopolysaccharide (endotoxin)", "trimethylamine-N-oxide" in combination with the terms "heart failure", "myocardial remodeling", "myocardium" in Russian and English, respectively. We selected articles containing the results of clinical and experimental studies published from 1995 to 2020. Review articles were considered only on the subject of the cited original publications. Most researchers have established the relationship between chronic heart failure and dysfunction and changes in the qualitative and quantitative composition of intestinal microbiocenosis. As negative changes, it is customary to note the proliferation of gram-negative opportunistic bacteria with concomitant endotoxinemia and a decrease in the pool of commensal microbiota. The available data suggest that the participation of the intestinal microbial-tissue complex in the pathogenesis of chronic heart failure and heart remodeling is realized through the activation of a local and then systemic inflammatory response, accompanied by cardiodepressive action of pro-inflammatory cytokines and universal proliferation factors, an imbalance of matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors, the initiation of apoptosis, fibrosis, and loss of contractile myocardium. Besides, a decrease in the production of short-chain and polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamins by the commensal microbiota may be associated with changes in the electrical properties of cardiomyocyte membranes, a decrease in the systolic function of the left ventricle of the heart, and an increase in the risk of sudden cardiac death. It's also shown that the direct cardiotoxic effect of microbial molecules (lipopolysaccharides, peptidoglycans, trimethylamine-N-oxide, etc.), which interact with the receptors of cardiomyocytes and microenvironment cells, can cause the development of myocardial remodeling and its dysfunction. Recent studies have established mechanisms of myocardial remodeling mediated by microbial molecules, which may be associated with new strategies for the treatment and prevention of heart failure.
Optimal Medical Therapy for Chronic Coronary Syndrome: Realities and Prospects
Authors: Lebedev P. A. , Petrukhina I. K. , Garanin A. A. , Paranina E. V.
Published: July 2021

Combination therapy is the standard of treatment for virtually all current non-communicable diseases, primarily chronic coronary heart disease, in modern terminology - "chronic coronary syndrome" (CSS), arterial hypertension, chronic heart failure, diabetes mellitus. The need for a combination of drugs increases even more with comorbidity, which is a typical situation in clinical practice. The recently accumulated material requires a review of the possibility of percutaneous coronary intervention and coronary bypass surgery in prolonging the life of patients with CCS, focusing on providing optimal medical therapy (OMT) for each patient with CCS, based on long-term treatment with antiplatelet agents, statins, angiotensin converting enzyme in-hibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers, beta-blockers. OMT aimed at preventing cardiovascular events and relieving symptoms in patients with CCS requires maximum commitment - a key factor in achieving therapeutic goals. Insufficient adherence of patients to prescribed therapy and its absence are the main barriers to increasing the survival rate of patients with cardiovascular diseases in primary and secondary prevention in the Russian Federation, as evidenced by numerous registers. The desire of the doctor to individualize treatment, which inevitably complicates the use of drugs, pushes patient adherence to treatment into the background. As a result, the patient's lack of commitment to each of the pharmaceuticals destroys the applicability of the OMT concept. A great achievement of the current stage of development of clinical cardiology and the pharmaceutical industry is the ability to offer patients optimal single pill combinations (SPC) in terms of effectiveness, tolerability, drug interactions, and ease of use. The article substantiates the prospects for a successful solution of this key problem by using a new generation of SPC components belonging to different pharmacological groups. The combination of three components (lisinopril, amlodipine and rosuvastatin), each of which has pleiotropic effects, provides a multi-targeted effect with a single dose, with the possibility of individualization of therapy, which is provided by four dosage options within this SPC.
Ability of Evaluation Coronary Calcium Index Based on Ultra-Low-Dose Computed Tomography Used in Moscow Lung Cancer Screening Project
Authors: Nikolaev A. E. , Shapiev A. N. , Korkunova O. A. , Mukhutdinova G. Z. , Tkacheva P. V. , Suleymanova M. M. , Shapieva A. N. , Ramazanova D. M. , Rzayev M. N. , Gombolevsky V. A.
Published: July 2021

Aim. Determination of the possibility of reliable quantitative assessment of the coronary calcium index based on ultra-low-dose computed tomography (ultra-LDCT) which used in Moscow Lung Cancer Screening project.

Material and methods. The study included the results of 254 ultra-LDCT studies conducted as part of the Moscow lung cancer screening project. For compare the parameters of coronary calcium on different images used 16 pairs of ultra-LDCT images with a slice thickness of 1 mm and CT images with a slice thickness of 3 mm, performed without ECG synchronization, performed with an interval of less than 10 days, as well as 18 pairs of ultra-LDCT with a slice thickness of 1 mm and CT with ECG synchronization with a slice thickness of 3 mm, performed on the same day after execution. Analysis of DICOM 3.0 standard images was performed. Quantitative indicators of coronary calcium in patients from lung cancer screening were analyzed, a comparative analysis of the calcium index for Agatstone, Volume, Mass, and using the CAC-DRS scale (assessment of the degree of calcification by scores from 0 to 3 and the number of affected arteries from 0 to 4 points) was performed.

Results. Evaluation ultra-LDCT with a slice thickness in 1 mm and with a CT scan with slice thickness in 3 mm with and without ECG-synchronization for the presence of coronary calcium, and subsequent rating according to the index Agatston, Volume, Mass, as the total coronary calcium and for each coronary artery (right, left, left descending, left circumflex) received the complete data correlation (Pearson's - 1), with full correlation (Spearman's >0.9), with good rank correlations (>0,9). Compare qualitative (CAC-DRS V) and quantitative (CAC-DRS A) estimates on ultra-LDCT with CT with ECG synchronization in the same patients show a complete correlation of data was obtained (Pearson's formula - 1), with a complete correlation (Spearman's formula - 1).

Conclusion. Coronary calcium which detected in lung cancer screening subjects should be included in the overall decision-making process for further routing of patients (cardiologist, interventional surgeon, pulmonologist, therapist). Ultra-LDCT is a method that has high diagnostic accuracy in detecting and evaluating the prevalence of coronary calcium in comparison with standard CT with and without ECG synchronization, as demonstrated in our study. Evaluation of coronary calcium according to ultra-LDCT without ECG synchronization used in screening, preferably with a 1 mm slice thickness. Despite the fact that the gold standard is CT with ECG synchronization with a 3 mm slice thickness, the diagnostic significance of ultra-LDCT which used in lung cancer screening is high in relation to detecting coronary artery calcification.
Whole-Spine Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Nudelman Brandon , Mittal Ashish , Rosinski Alexander , Zaborovskii Nikita , Wu Samuel , Kondrashov Dimitriy
Published: July 2021

» The spinal column has a propensity for lesions to manifest in a multifocal manner, and identification of the lesions can be difficult.

» When used to image the spine, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) most accurately identifies the presence and location of lesions, guiding the treatment plan and preventing potentially devastating complications that are known to be associated with unidentified lesions.

» Certain conditions clearly warrant evaluation with whole-spine MRI, whereas the use of whole-spine MRI with other conditions is more controversial.

» We suggest whole-spine MRI when evaluating and treating any spinal infection, lumbar stenosis with upper motor neuron signs, ankylosing disorders of the spine with concern for fracture, congenital scoliosis undergoing surgical correction, and metastatic spinal tumors.

» Use of whole-spine MRI in patients with idiopathic scoliosis and acute spinal trauma remains controversial.
Studying floodplain roughness in an Upper Tisza study area
Authors: Vass Róbert , Túri Zoltán
Published: July 2021

Floods slowing down due to the significant decrease of the gradient have considerable sediment accumulation capacity in the floodplain. The grade of accumulation is further increased if the width of the floodplain is not uniform as water flowing out of the narrow sections diverge and its speed is decreased. Surface roughness in a study area of 492 hectares in the Upper Tisza region was analysed based on CIR (color-infrared) orthophotos from 2007. An NDVI index layer was created first on which object-based image segmentation and threshold-based image classification were performed. The study area is dominated by land cover / land use types (grassland-shrubs, forest) with high roughness values. It was concluded that vegetation activity based analyses on their own are not enough for determining floodplain roughness.
ПРОБЛЕМЫ И ПЕРСПЕКТИВЫ СТАНОВЛЕНИЯ В РЕСПУБЛИКЕ БЕЛАРУСЬ ЛОГИСТИЧЕСКОГО КЛАСТЕРА
Authors: МЕЛЕШКО Ю.
Published: July 2021

Статья посвящена вопросам развития белорусского логистического кластера. Дан анализ понятийному аппарату, выделены основные черты, характерные для кластеров. Изучено применение кластерного подходапри разработке стратегии развития экономики Республики Беларусь, уделено внимание организационным формам кластеризации белоруской экономики. В статье перечислены и рассмотрены дополнительные конкурентные преимущества, которые наравне с использованием основных факторных условий позволят нашей стране интегрироваться в евроазиатское логистическое пространство.
ПРАВОТВОРЧЕСКАЯ ДЕЯТЕЛЬНОСТЬ ОРГАНОВ КОНСТИТУЦИОННОГО КОНТРОЛЯ В РЕСПУБЛИКЕ БЕЛАРУСЬ И В ЗАРУБЕЖНЫХ ГОСУДАРСТВАХ: СРАВНИТЕЛЬНЫЙ АНАЛИЗ
Authors: ИВАНОВА Т.
Published: July 2021

Целью исследования является определение роли Конституционного Суда Республики Беларусь в процессе правообразования и в правотворчестве. В статье проводится сравнительный анализ юридической природы нормативных правовых актов, а также полномочий Конституционного Суда Республики Беларусь и органов конституционного контроля зарубежных государств, таких как Российская Федерация, Украина, Австрия, ФРГ. На основе анализа автор приходит к выводу о двойственной природе актов органов конституционного контроля, необходимости расширения правотворческих полномочий Конституционного Суда Республики Беларусь.
УПРАВЛЕНИЕ ОБРАЗОВАНИЕМ
Authors: ЕРЕМЕНКО Е.
Published: July 2021

Статья посвящена рассмотрению управленческих аспектов развития образования и
модернизации образования. В ней рассмотрен организационный механизм управления образованием и качеством образования.
СОЦИАЛЬНО-ЭКОНОМИЧЕСКИЕ ПРОЦЕССЫ В СТАРОПРОМЫШЛЕННЫХ МОНОГОРОДАХ. ФАКТОРЫ УСТОЙЧИВОГО РАЗВИТИЯ
Authors: РИЗОВ А.
Published: July 2021

К социально-экономическим процессам в стадии трансформации отнесены процессы на рынке труда, миграция коренного населения, демографические процессы. Характер динамики социально-экономических процессов старопромышленных моногородов указывает на неблагоприятное влияние на них экономических процессов в условиях трансформации последних под влиянием факторов микро-, мезо-, макро- и мега-уровня, внутренней и внешней среды самих старопромышленных моногородов. В статье определены подходы к решению научнопрактической проблемы обеспечения устойчивого развития старопромышленных моногородов, выявлены факторы, наиболее влияющие на состояние старопромышленных моногородов, включая трансформации их социально-экономических процессов.
Funding the Humanitarian Response in Yemen: Are donors doing their fair share?
Authors: Cooper Hannah
Published: July 2021

Almost six years on from the escalation of conflict in March 2015, the humanitarian crisis in Yemen remains the worst in the world. Eighty percent of the population is in need of some kind of humanitarian assistance or protection, yet the Humanitarian Response Plan is only 42 percent funded. This paper looks at donor contributions to the 2020 Yemen Humanitarian Response Plan to date. Using a methodology based on the relative global share of Gross National Income for high-income countries, it examines whether these countries are doing their ‘fair share’ in funding the response to the crisis in Yemen.
50 years of Broken Promises: The $5.7 trillion debt owed to the poorest people
Authors: Seery Emma
Published: July 2021

This year marks an historic chapter in the story of international aid. On 24 October 2020, it will be 50 years since high-income countries committed to spending 0.7% of their gross national income (GNI) on aid to low- and middle-income countries. This paper examines how aid has helped to improve the wellbeing of people in low- and middle-income countries. It discusses how donors’ broken promises on the 0.7% target have limited the potential of aid to reduce poverty and inequality. Oxfam has calculated that in the 50 years since the 0.7% promise was made, high-income countries have failed to deliver a total of $5.7 trillion in aid. Finally, this paper reflects on the future of aid.
Women's Empowerment in the Philippines: Impact evaluation of the ‘BASIC START’ project
Authors: Vonk Jaynie
Published: July 2021

This evaluation is presented as part of the Effectiveness Review Series 2018/19 on women’s empowerment. The BASIC START (Building Autonomous and Stable Institutions and Communities through Socially Cohesive, Transparent, Accountable and Responsive Transition) in the Bangsamoro' project was carried out in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) in the Philippines between April 2015 and August 2017, by Oxfam together with four implementing partners: Al Mujadilah Development Foundation (AMDF), United Youth of the Philippines Women (UnYPhil-Women), Tarbilang Foundation, and Women Engaged in Action on 1325 (WE Act 1325). The project aimed to promote women's empowerment and peacebuilding in the region. A quasi-experimental approach was used to assess the impact of the project activities in strengthening women’s empowerment. The evaluation used Oxfam's Women's Empowerment (WE) index. Overall, the evaluation found that the BASIC START project had a positive impact on Women's Empowerment in all three levels investigated – personal, relational and environmental. Find out more by reading the evaluation brief or the full report.
"Do Our Voices Matter?": An analysis of women civil society representatives’ meaningful participation at the UN Security Council
Authors: McMillan Caitilin , Tonelli Anna , Mader Kristina
Published: July 2021

Peace is made at home, in the streets, in our communities – and on the world stage. In all these spaces, women in all their diversity work to forge the conditions that make peace possible. Perhaps nowhere is this clearer than in conflict-affected countries, where diverse women’s organizations draw attention to human rights violations happening in wars, and offer alternative paths to peace. While women in civil society often lead the way in preventing and bringing an end to violence, they are not included meaningfully in peace and security decision-making, even at the UN Security Council (UNSC) – the guardian of the Women, Peace and Security agenda. This report, jointly published by Oxfam and the NGOWG, explores the practice of inviting women civil society representatives to brief the UNSC. It intends to push beyond the idea of participation as a checkbox exercise and analyzes the extent to which women’s voices form part of UNSC deliberations, and which conditions mean their participation has the most impact.
A novel zero-watermarking scheme based on NSCT-SVD and blockchain for video copyright
Authors: Wu Xiangqi , Ma Peng , Jin Zihan , Wu Yuxuan , Ou Wei , Han Wenbao
Published: July 2021

With the advent of information era, issues about video copyright continue to emerge. In the grey industrial chain of piracy, the film industry is a major disaster area so far. The current protection schemes for video copyright are inefficient and costly so that video industry still has to face the infringement. Research on a simple and efficient protection technology of video copyright is urgent. To address the inefficiency and irregularity of the current protection schemes for video copyright, this paper proposes a simple and efficient protection scheme for video copyright based on video zero-watermarking and blockchain. The results show that key-frames extraction and key-frames zero-watermarking based on NSCT-SVD in the proposed video zero-watermarking algorithm perform well and achieve low-cost protection for video copyright in practical environment. In addition, video zero-watermarking algorithm of proposed scheme works well with blockchain. Proposed scheme improves some extent on database centralization and evidential difficulties of traditional video zero-watermarking schemes, and it is more reliable, simpler and more effective than traditional video zero-watermarking schemes without blockchain.
Keywords: Video copyright, Blockchain, Zero-watermarking, Privacy, Key-frames extraction
A case-control study on risk predictors associated with periodontitis in systemically healthy patients; a Regression Analysis
Authors: MAHMOOD HINA , NAEEM SEHAR , SAEED UZMA , ZARA BATOOL
Published: July 2021

OBJECTIVE: This case-control study was conducted to analyze the association of periodontitis with risk indicators i.e. age, gender, education status, brushing habits and past dental visits in systemically healthy patients. METHODS: The study included total of 1097 systemically healthy, non-tobacco using patients with age ≥ 18 years that reported to periodontology department from year 2018. The demographic details and dental care pattern of the patients were extracted from the records of periodontology department, and their frequencies were formulated. The association of five study variables i.e. age, gender, education status, brushing habits and past dental visits was assessed using forward step-wise logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Total of 471(42.9%) patients were diagnosed with periodontitis. Higher frequency of periodontitis was observed in patients who were male and ≥ 50 years of age. Regression analysis showed that the subjects with < 50 years of age, ≥ 12 years of education, regular brushing habits and regular past dental visits had greater odds of being safe from periodontitis. CONCLUSION: Since the population chosen for this research was systemically healthy, non-tobacco using individuals, a high prevalence (42.9%) of periodontitis was observed indicating the need to analyze the factors other than systemic conditions contributing in prevalence of periodontitis. Furthermore, a positive association between study variables and periodontitis was observed in this research, which will help the clinicians in prediction of periodontitis in systemically healthy, non-tobacco using individuals.
Validation of Fatty Liver Index as a Marker for Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Han A lum , Kim Youngjon
Published: July 2021

Background: Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a new nomenclature for non-alcoholic fatty liver. Fatty liver associated with metabolic dysfunction is increasing with obesity and has become a serious socioeconomic problem. Non-invasive testing to confirm MAFLD, such as the fatty liver index (FLI), can be used as an alternative method for diagnosing steatosis when imaging modalities are not available. To date, few studies have examined the effectiveness and validity of FLI for diagnosing MAFLD. Therefore, this study analyzed the effectiveness and validity of FLI for diagnosing MAFLD.Methods: The medical records of men and women aged 19 years or older who underwent abdominal computed tomography (CT) examination at the University Hospital Health Promotion Center from March 2012 to October 2019 were reviewed retrospectively. A comparative analysis between non-continuous variables was performed using the chi-squared test. The area under receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve was used to verify the effectiveness of FLI as a predictive index for MAFLD. Results: Analysis of the association between MAFLD and abdominal CT revealed that the sensitivity and specificity of FLI for diagnosing MAFLD were 0.712 and 0.713, respectively. The AUROC of FLI for the prediction of MAFLD was 0.776.Conclusion: Our study verified the accuracy of FLI for predicting MAFLD using CT. Additionally, FLI can be used as a simple and cost-effective tool for screening MAFLD in clinical settings
The Probability Distribution of Maximum Temperature to Assess the Suitable Statistical Models: Take the North-East and Southern Regions of Pakistan
Authors: khan Tasir , Wang Yejuan
Published: July 2021

Precise maximum temperature probability distribution information is indeed of accurately significance for numerous temperature uses. The purpose of this research to assess the appropriateness of these functions likelihood for evaluating the temperature models at different sites in southern part of Pakistan. The Kumaraswamy distribution function is used initially to approximation the models of maximum temperature. Compare the presentation of the Kumaraswamy distribution with twelve commonly used the probability functions. The consequences obtained show that the more effective functions are not similar across all sites. The maximum temperature features, quality and quantity of the noted temperature observation can be regarded as a factors that affect the presentation of the function. Similarly, the skewness of the noted maximum temperature observations may affect the precision of Kumaraswamy distribution. For the Hyderabad, Lahore and Sialkot sites, the Kumaraswamy distribution obtainable the topmost presentation, however for the Karachi, Multan stations, the generalized extreme value (GEV) distributions provided the best fit, respectively. According to the calculations, the Kumaraswamy distribution usually be regarded as a valid distribution because it runs 3 best fit sites and ranks 2 to 3 among the remaining sites. Though, the tight presentation of the Kumaraswamy and GEV and the flexibility of the Weibull distribution which has been usually verified, more evaluations of the presentation of the Kumaraswamy distribution are needed.
Impact of Artificial Intelligence, With and Without Information, on Pathologists’ Decisions: An Experiment
Authors: Meyer Julien , Khademi April , Têtu Bernard , Han Wencui , Nippak Pria , Remisch David
Published: July 2021

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly gaining attention in medicine and in pathology in particular. While much progress has been made in refining the accuracy of algorithms, thereby increasing their potential use, we need to better understand how these algorithms will be used by pathologists, who will remain for the foreseeable future the decision-makers. The objective of this paper is to determine the propensity of pathologists to rely on AI decision aids and to investigate whether providing information on the algorithm impacts this reliance.Methods: To test our hypotheses, we conducted an experiment with within-subjects design using an online survey study. 116 respondent pathologists and pathology students participated in the experiment. Each participant was tasked with assessing the Gleason grade for a series of 12 prostate cancer samples under three conditions: without advice, with advice from an AI decision aid, and with advice from an AI decision aid with information provided on the algorithm, namely the algorithm accuracy rate and the algorithm model. Scores were computed by comparing the respondents’ scores with the “true” score at the individual-question level. A mixed effects logistic regression was used to analyze the difference in scores between the different conditions, controlling for the random effects of participants and images and to assess the interactions with Experience, Gender and beliefs towards AI.Results: Participant responses to the questions with AI decision aids were significantly more accurate than the control condition without aid. However, no significant difference was found when subjects were provided with additional accuracy rate and model information on the AI advice. Moreover, the propensity to rely on AI was found to relate to general beliefs on AI but not with particular assessments of the AI tool offered. Males also performed better in the No-aid condition but not in the AI-aid condition.Conclusions: AI can significantly influence pathologists and the general beliefs in AI could be major predictors of future reliance on AI by pathologists.
Onset And Burden of Lower Limb Lymphedema After Radical Prostatectomy: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Neuberger Manuel , Schmidt Laura , Wessels Frederik , Linke Miriam , Müller Carina , Westhoff Niklas , Nuhn Philipp , von Hardenberg Jost
Published: July 2021

ObjectivesTo explore men´s onset and burden of lower limb lymphedema (LLL) after radical prostatectomy (RP) with pelvic lymph node dissection.Patients and methodsA cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted nation-wide and web-based in Germany. Part 1 included 15 multidisciplinary compiled questions with three questions from Short Form 12 Health Survey (SF-12) and WHO activity recommendation, part 2 the validated German Lymph-ICF-Questionnaire (Lymph-ICF-LL). Subgroup comparisons and simple regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with therapy and burden of LLL, followed by multiple regression analyses to explain variance in impairment in the patients’ daily life.Results54 patients completed the survey. Median time of LLL-onset was reported with 2.0 (0.5-9.75) months after RP. 19 patients (35.2%) reported bilateral lymphedema, 28 (51.9%) the use of individually fitted compression stockings (CS), 25 (46.3%) of manual lymphatic drainage (LD) and 26 (48.1%) complete regression.The Lymph-ICF-LL revealed a higher total burden for patients with an active LLL compared to complete regression (total score: 25.5 vs. 11.9, p=0.01) specially for “physical function” (28.3 vs. 12.9, p=0.004) and “mental function” (26.2 vs. 6.7, p<0.001). In multiple linear regression analysis, a higher BMI (β=0.28), lower subjective general health (β=-0.48) and active lymphedema (β =0.28) were significant predictors of higher reported impairments in the Lymph-ICF-LL, accounting for 45.4% of variance.ConclusionMen with LLL after RP with PLND report a significant burden in daily life. Bbasic therapy needs to be offered early. Postoperative onset of LLL is variable, which should be considered when assessing complications after RP.
The Variation and Correlation of Serum Adiponectin, Nesfatin-1, IL-6 and TNF-α Levels in Prediabetes
Authors: Huang Kangkang , Liang Yunlai , Ma Yating , Wu Jiahui , Luo Huidan , Yi Bin
Published: July 2021

Background: The variation and correlation among adiponectin, nesfatin-1, TNF-α and IL-6, which involve in the process from healthy to prediabetes and diabetes have not been elucidated. This study aims to investigate the roles of them in this process. Methods: 72 T2DM, 75 prediabetes and 72 healthy individuals were enrolled and serum adiponectin, nesfatin-1, TNF-α and IL-6 were tested with appropriate kit, and primary data were analyzed with correct method. Results: serum levels of each factor in prediabetes were between T2DM and healthy, and significant differences were found among them. TNF-α and nesfatin-1 levels in T2DM obviously different compared to prediabetes or healthy; IL-6 and adiponectin levels in the healthy group were significantly changed in contrast to prediabetes or T2DM. Correlation analysis found that in prediabetes, adiponectin was positively correlated with TNF-α (R=0.2939, P=0.0105) and IL-6 (R=0.3918, P=0.0005), and the relationship greatly strengthened when prediabetes accompanied by insulin resistant (TNF-α: R=0.7732, P<0.0001, IL-6: R=0.6663, P=0.0005). We also demonstrated that declined adiponectin (OR=6.238, P=0.019), nesfatin-1 (OR=2.812, P=0.01) and elevated TNF-α (OR=5.541, P=0.001) were risk factors for prediabetes towards diabetes. Conclusions: this research proved significant variations of adiponectin, nesfatin-1, IL-6 and TNF-α levels in the healthy, prediabetes and T2DM, suggesting a slow and gradual change during the progression of healthy condition toward diabetes via prediabetes.