bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and evaluation of a bead-based Multiplexed Fluorescent ImmunoAssay (MFIA) for detection of antibodies to Salmonella enterica serogroup B and C1 in pigs
Authors: Berger Sanne Schou , Riber Ulla , Jensen Vibeke Frøkjaer , Lauritsen Klara Tølbøll , Andresen Lars Ole
Published: February 2022

Background: Since 1995, a surveillance program for Salmonella has been applied in the Danish pig industry in order to reduce cases of human salmonellosis. The objective of this study was to develop a bead-based Multiplexed Fluorometric ImmunoAssay (MFIA) as an improved serological surveillance method compared to the Salmonella mix ELISA, which has been the national reference immunoassay in the Danish Salmonella surveillance program for about 20 years.Results: An MFIA for detection of antibodies to Salmonella serogroup B and C1 was developed and optimized with regard to coupling of beads with Salmonella lipopolysaccharide antigens and establishing suitable assay conditions. The Salmonella MFIA was validated by testing sera from experimentally infected pigs as well as field sera from uninfected and infected pig herds, and by comparing to results from the Salmonella mix ELISA, which was run in parallel. Sensitivity and specificity was evaluated using receiver operating curve analysis showing an area under curve for the serogroup B and C1 MFIA of 0.984 and 0.998, respectively. The Salmonella MFIA was shown to detect more antibody-positive samples in seropositive herds compared to the Salmonella mix ELISA, and Bayesian statistics confirmed that the MFIA had a considerably higher sensitivity (94.5%) compared to the mix ELISA (75.1%). The assay specificity was slightly lower for the Salmonella MFIA (96.8%) compared to Salmonella mix ELISA (99.5%). Coupled beads were stable for at least 1 year at 4˚C, and MFIA reproducibility and repeatability of the Salmonella MFIA were acceptable. Results from proficiency tests also indicated that the Salmonella MFIA was more sensitive than the Salmonella mix ELISA and that they had similar specificity.Conclusions: A bead-based MFIA for simultaneous detection of porcine serum antibodies to Salmonella enterica serogroup B and C1 was developed and implemented in the Danish porcine serological Salmonella surveillance program in 2018. The Salmonella MFIA can distinguish, as opposed to the Salmonella mix ELISA, between antibodies to serogroup B and C1 and the MFIA shows considerably better sensitivity.
Developing an Interpretable Machine Learning Model to Predict In-Hospital Mortality in Sepsis Patients: A Retrospective Study of MIMIC-IV
Authors: Li Shuhe , Song Xiaodong , Lui Ka Yin , Zhu Yanping , Xu Jinghong , Guo Zilu , Hu Xiaoguang , Guan Xiangdong , Cai Changjie
Published: February 2022

Background: Risk stratification plays an essential role in the decision-making of sepsis management, whereas neither a single serum biomarker nor traditional scoring tools can satisfy the need to assess this heterogeneous population comprehensively. The study intended to develop an interpretable machine learning model for predicting in-hospital mortality in critically ill patients with sepsis. Methods: Adult patients fulfilling the definition of Sepsis-3 were included in the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC)-IV database. Relevant clinical features were extracted within the first 24 hours in ICU, and missing data were analyzed and imputed. We randomly separated the dataset into train and test sub-cohort by the ratio of 7:3, then an outcome-balanced train dataset was synthesized for model training. Extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) was employed when feature selection and hyperparameter tuning were performed afterward. The fine-tuned XGBoost model was then compared with stepwise logistic regression (LR) and established severity scores. Eventually, we inspected the interpretability of the new model using XGBoost feature importance and Shapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) plot. Results: The final cohort had 24,573 patients, of which 3,785 patients died during hospitalization (15.4%). Ten iterations of multiple imputations were executed to fill missing data in all 91 incomplete variables. Subsequently, 10,572 patients formed the balanced dataset used for training. The XGBoost model showed greater discrimination than stepwise LR and severity scores such as Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS)-III score (AUC: 0.849, 95% CI: 0.8386-0.8599; AUC: 0.618, 95% CI: 0.3927-0.8437; AUC: 0.803, 95% CI: 0.7898-0.8165 respectively). Based on model interpretation, some decisive factors, including elevated lactate and anion gap level, prolonged partial thromboplastin time, decreased urine volume, were greatly correlated with poor survival outcomes in sepsis. Conclusions: In the field of predicting the mortality risk of sepsis patients in hospitals, the XGBoost-based model demonstrated superior performance to stepwise LR and other scores. In addition, the model exhibited good interpretability and might provide valuable hints on future directions of clinical practice and research.
Assessing Medical Students’ Perception of Cross-Cultural Competence at a Private University in Karachi
Authors: Amanullah Fatima Syed , Manji Adil Al-Karim , Usmani Bilal Ahmed , Khan Muhammad Muntazir Mehdi , Sohail Hadia , Zahid Muhammad Haris , Baig Meryum Ishrat , Merani Inara , Larik Shehryar Ali , Khan Shahmeer Raza , Sania Syeda Ramlah Tul
Published: February 2022

Background: Cross-cultural competence is widely regarded to play an important role in being able to deliver appropriate and effective health care to patients with different backgrounds, race, gender orientation and cultural beliefs. This study aims to assess how medical students feel about their comfort, knowledge, and skill level in handling a diverse patient population using a validated questionnaire. Methods: This study was carried out over a period of three weeks from July 5th to July 26th of 2021, in the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. All medical students who fulfilled the eligibility criteria and gave informed consent were included in the study. A modified version of the Harvard cross-cultural care survey was used to assess the medical students’ comfort, knowledge and skill level in a variety of circumstances related to patients with different backgrounds and cultures. Descriptive statistical analysis of the questionnaire items was carried out. We reported frequencies and percentages for gender and year of study. For the questionnaire items, we reported mean, assuming that our Likert scale had equivariant intervals. Furthermore, multivariate analysis between demographics and themes was carried out. A p-value of < 0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Results: It was found that students of year 5 considered themselves more knowledgeable, comfortable and skilled in dealing with patients of different backgrounds, religions and beliefs compared to students of year 1 and had a higher average score in all of these categories which was statistically significant. Additionally, students who believed it is extremely important to practice medicine with a diverse patient population also had the highest averages in perceived knowledge, comfort and skills in dealing with patients of different sociocultural backgrounds compared to students who believed it wasn’t important at all. Conclusion: This is a first of its kind study in a private medical university in Pakistan and highlights the students’ self-assessment of their competence when caring for patients from different backgrounds. This study can be used as a reference study in the region to carry out further studies and to assess and improve the gaps in medical training being provided.
Prussian Blue Technique is Prone To Yield False Negative Results In Magnetoreception Research
Authors: Curdt Franziska , Haase Katrin , Ziegenbalg Laura , Greb Helena , Heyers Domink , Winklhofer Michael
Published: February 2022

Perls’s Prussian blue staining technique has been used in magnetoreception research to screen tissues for iron-rich structures as proxies for putative magnetoreceptor structures based on magnetic particles. However, seemingly promising structural candidates in the upper beak of birds detected with Prussian Blue turned out to be either irreproducible or located in non-neuronal cells, which has spurred a controversy that has not been settled yet. Here we identify possible pitfalls in the previous works and apply the Prussian Blue technique to tissues implicated in magnetic-particle-based magnetoreception, in an effort to reassess its suitability for staining single-domain magnetite, i.e., the proposed magnetic substrate for the interaction with the external magnetic field. In the upper beak of night-migratory songbirds, we found staining products in great numbers, but not remotely associated with fiber terminals of the traced ophthalmic branch of the trigeminal nerve. Surprisingly, staining products were absent from the lamina propria in the olfactory rosette of rainbow trout where candidate magnetoreceptor structures were identified with different techniques earlier. Critically, magnetosome chains in whole cells of magnetotactic bacteria remained unstained. The failure to label single-domain magnetite in positive control samples is a serious limitation of the technique and suggests that two most influential but antipodal studies conducted previously stood little chances of obtaining correct positive results under the assumption that magnetosome-like particles were present in the tissues. Nonetheless, the staining technique appears suitable to identify tissue contamination with iron-rich fine dust trapped in epithelia already in vivo.
Developing a Successful Implementation Plan for a High Frequency, Low Touch Care Model at Specialized Type 1 diabetes Clinics: The Type 1 Diabetes Virtual Self-Management and Education support (T1ME) Trial
Authors: de Sequeira Stephanie , Presseau Justin , Booth Gillian , Lipscombe Lorraine , Perkins Isabelle , Perkins Bruce A. , Shulman Rayzel , Lakhanpal Gurpreet , Ivers Noah
Published: February 2022

Objective
To understand the provider- and system-level factors affecting successful implementation of a virtual care intervention into type 1 diabetes (T1D) clinics.
Methods
Semi-structured interviews with managers and certified diabetes educators (CDEs) at diabetes clinics across Southern Ontario, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Deductive analysis using the Theoretical Domains Framework, then mapping to Behaviour Change Techniques to inform potential implementation strategies for high frequency virtual care for T1D.
Results
There was considerable intention to deliver high frequency virtual care to patients with T1D. Participants believed that this model of care could lead to improved patient outcomes and engagement, but would likely increase the workload of CDEs. Some felt there were insufficient resources at their site to enable them to participate in the program. Member-checking conducted during the pandemic revealed that clinics and staff had already developed strategies to overcome resource barriers to the adoption of virtual care during the pandemic.
Conclusion
Existing enablers for high frequency virtual care can be leveraged, and barriers can be overcome with targeted clinical incentives and support.
The effect of hydrogen on the deformation of pearlite in steels
Authors: Cairney Julie , Niu Ranming , Li Hanyu , Liu Pang-Yu , Burr Patrick , Feng Yi , Yen Hung-Wei , Ma Mintu , Guo Aimin , Lu Hongzhou , Chen Yi-Sheng
Published: February 2022

Hydrogen embrittlement in steel gas infrastructure is a serious challenge for the use of hydrogen energy for global decarbonization. Steel gas pipelines contain a significant fraction of pearlite, which consists of lamellar cementite in ferrite. How exactly hydrogen affects deformation and failure in this structure, and hence the role that pearlite plays in embrittlement, is not well understood. Here we have studied the behavior of hydrogen around the cementite–ferrite interface, the defining microstructural feature in pearlite. Our micromechanical testing results show softening in the ferrite adjacent to the interface, consistent with hydrogen-enhanced local plasticity, rather than interfacial weakening. Atom probe tomography (APT) observations of hydrogen at the interface show no evidence of trapping at the cementite–ferrite interface, instead hydrogen trapping in pearlite occurs in the cementite bulk. Density functional theory calculations, accounting for the configuration of the lattice defects and local interfacial misfits, are consistent with the experimental observations. These findings explain how hydrogen leads to degradation in pearlite. This information is critical for the development of next-generation pipeline materials that can better withstand hydrogen embrittlement.
Fogarty-assisted transcatheter embolization of a large renal high-flow arteriovenous fistula
Authors: Becker Lena S. , Hinrichs Jan B
Published: February 2022

Background: Renal arteriovenous fistulas and its complications may involve high output heart failure, hematuria or lethal hemorrhage.Case presentation: This case report covers the case of a 65-year-old male patient with a large renal high-flow arteriovenous fistula of the right kidney (RAVF), treated with balloon-assisted coil and liquid (n-Butyl Cyanoacrylate) embolization. By use of ballon-occlusion with an over-the-wire Fogarty catheter and advancement of a microcatheter through the lumen distal to the balloon during the transcatheter embolization of a high-flow RAVF, control of arterial blood flow is feasible by temporary occlusion of the afferent artery. This technique of flow modulation facilitates controlled deployment of embolization materials and avoids the risk of inadvertent distal embolization by use of only one 6-French (F) arterial sheath.Conclusion: Balloon-assisted embolization using a Fogarty occlusion catheter represents a feasible, safe and effective approach for the treatment of large, high-flow arteriovenous fistulas of the kidney.
Isobolographic Analysis of The Antidepressant Interaction in Two-Drug Combinations of Citalopram, Bupropion and Scopolamine in Mice
Authors: Mohammadi-mahdiabadi-hasani Mohammad-Hossein , Ebrahimi-Ghiri Mohaddeseh , Khakpai Fatemeh , Zarrindast Mohammad-Reza
Published: February 2022

Depression and anxiety are psychiatric diseases that commonly occur together, and the patient burden and complexity increase when both are present. Comorbid anxiety and depression are often more resistant to common drug treatments such as antidepressants. Combination therapy is a suggested approach in treating these patients, where a decline of doses could reduce undesirable outcomes and still achieve optimal effects. We, therefore, conducted a preclinical study to assess the effect of two-drug combinations of citalopram, bupropion, and scopolamine on anxiety- and antidepressive-like behaviors in male NMRI mice and aimed to determine the nature of the interaction between components. Anxiety- or antidepressive-like activity of mice was assessed by the hole-board or forced swim test (FST), respectively. Our results revealed that citalopram (0.01- 0.25 mg/kg; i.p.), bupropion (1-9 mg/kg; i.p.) or scopolamine (0.01-0.1 mg/kg; i.p.) diminished immobility time in the FST, suggesting an antidepressive-like effect. Citalopram decreased dead-dip counts in the hole-board, indicating an anxiogenic-like activity. All two-drug combinations, at inactive doses, exerted an antidepressive-like behavior. Only bupropion/scopolamine combination increased head-dip counts compared to the bupropion/saline group. Isobolographic analysis revealed an antidepressive synergy effect between citalopram plus bupropion, and an antidepressive additive impact between scopolamine plus citalopram or bupropion. It should be noted that the higher dose of each drug alone declined locomotor activity, while two-drug combinations did not affect this parameter. These results suggest a stronger antidepressive effect for citalopram/bupropion combination than other two-drug combinations.
CYP46A1 Activation By Low-Dose Efavirenz Enhances Brain Cholesterol Metabolism In Subjects With Mild Cognitive Impairment Due To Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Lerner Alan J. , Arnold Steven E. , Maxfield Erin , Koenig Aaron , Toth Maria E. , Fortin Brooke , Mast Natalia , Trombetta Bianca A. , Denker John , Pieper Andrew A. , Tatsuoka Curtis , Raghupathy Sangeetha , Pikuleva Irina A.
Published: February 2022

Background: Efavirenz is an anti-HIV drug, and cytochrome P450 46A1 (CYP46A1) is a CNS-specific enzyme that metabolizes cholesterol to 24-hydroxycholesterol (24HC). We have previously shown that allosteric CYP46A1 activation by low-dose efavirenz in a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) enhanced both cholesterol elimination and turnover in the brain and improved animal performance in memory tests. Here, we sought to determine whether CYP46A1 could be similarly activated by a low-dose efavirenz in human subjects. Methods: This pilot study enrolled 5 subjects with mild cognitive impairment due to AD. Participants were randomized to placebo (n=1) or two daily efavirenz doses (50 mg and 200 mg, n=2 for each) for 20 weeks and evaluated for safety and CYP46A1 target engagement (plasma 24HC levels). A longitudinal mixed model was used to ascertain statistical significance of target engagement. We also measured 24HC in CSF and conducted a unique stable isotope labeling kinetics (SILK) study with deuterated water to directly measure CYP46A1 activity changes in the brain.Results: In all subjects receiving efavirenz, there was a statistically significant increase (P £ 0.001) in the levels of plasma 24HC. The levels of 24HC in the CSF of subjects on the 200 mg-dose of efavirenz were also increased. Target engagement was further supported by the labeling kinetics of 24HC by deuterated water in the SILK study. There were no serious adverse effects in any subjects. Conclusions: Our findings provide evidence of efavirenz target engagement in human subjects with AD. This supports pursuit of a larger trial for further determination and confirmation of the efavirenz dose that exerts maximal enzyme activation, as well as evaluation of this drug effects on AD biomarkers and clinical symptomatology.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03706885.
Exploring key informants’ perceptions of Covid-19 vaccine hesitancy in a low-SES urban community in Ireland: emergence of a ‘5Cs’ model
Authors: Ingram Carolyn , Roe Mark , Downey Vicky , Phipps Lauren , Perrotta Carla
Published: February 2022

Aim: The aim of this study was to explore key informants’ views on and experiences with Covid-19 vaccine hesitancy in a Dublin community of low socioeconomic status (SES) and to identify feasible, community-centred solutions for improving vaccination acceptance and uptake.Methods: Qualitative, semi-structured interviews were carried out at a local community-centre and a central hair salon. Twelve key informants from the target community were selected based on their professional experience with vulnerable population groups: the unemployed, adults in recovery from addiction, the elderly, and Irish Travellers. Inductive thematic framework analysis was conducted to identify emergent themes and sub-themes. Results: Drivers of vaccine hesitancy identified by key informants largely fell under the WHO ‘3Cs’ model of hesitancy: lack of confidence in the vaccine and its providers, complacency towards the health risks of Covid-19, and inconvenient access conditions. Covid-19 Communications emerged as a fourth ‘C’ whereby unclear and negative messages, confusing public health measures, and unmet expectations of the vaccine’s effectiveness exacerbated anti-authority sentiments and vaccine scepticism during the pandemic. Community-specific recommendations involved the provision of accurate and accessible information, collaborating with community-based organizations to build trust in the vaccine through relationship building and ongoing dialogue, and ensuring acceptable access conditions.Conclusions: A Confidence, Complacency, Convenience, Communications, Community-centred Solutions (‘5Cs’) model of vaccine hesitancy emerged through inductive analysis of key informant interviews in a low-SES urban community. The model and in-depth key informants’ perspectives can be used to compliment equitable vaccination efforts currently underway by Health Services Executive Ireland and non-governmental organizations.
A cluster-based phosphor against thermal quenching via dynamic metallic bonding
Authors: Wu Dayu , Li Miao , Miao Huixian  , Wu Jing , Yu Zongsu  , Liu Luying , Zhaxi Wenjiang  , Ma Xiao , Jiang Shenlong , Zhang Qun , Huang Wei , Pan Xiancheng
Published: February 2022

The effect of dynamic chemical bonding on material properties has long been the subject of intensive investigation in the fields of chemistry and materials. Especially, the dynamic metallic bonding is uncommon because the intermetallic electronic interaction may respond to external stimuli, which potentially builds the synergistic coupling among many physical properties. Herein, we experimentally investigate a dynamic Cu‒Cu bonding interaction that dictates the thermal quenching effect of photoluminescence (PL) in a high-efficiency metal-halide cluster-based phosphor. The weakening of Cu−Cu bonding in such a phosphor system enables the release of bonding electrons from Cu(I) 3d-orbital and hence sustains the PL efficiency at high temperatures (up to 100 oC). The temperature-dependent structural, NMR and EPR measurements reveal a reversible transition from diamagnetic Cu(I) to paramagnetic Cu(II) species. The white light-emitting diodes (LEDs) incorporating the thermally stable phosphor show a rapid brightness rise even at a high bias current (1,000 mA) with color rendering index as high as 90, comparable to the commercial phosphor-based prototype LEDs (e.g., YAG:Ce3+). This work establishes a novel prototype of cluster-based phosphor featuring dynamic metallic bonding, which paves the way for exploration of phosphor-converted LEDs against thermal quenching.
Shedding light into the black box of out-of-hospital respiratory distress – a retrospective cohort analysis of discharge diagnoses, prehospital diagnostic accuracy, and predictors of mortality
Authors: Spörl Patrick , Beckers Stefan K. , Rossaint Rolf , Felzen Marc , Schröder Hanna
Published: February 2022

Background: Although respiratory distress is one of the most common complaints of patients requiring emergency medical services (EMS), there is a lack of evidence on important aspects.Objectives: Our study aims to determine how accurately correct diagnoses are made by EMS physicians in the out-of-hospital setting, identify examination findings that correlate with diagnoses, investigate hospital mortality, and identify mortality-associated predictors.Methods: This retrospective observational study examined EMS encounters between December 2015 and May 2016 in the city of Aachen, Germany, in which an EMS physician was present at the scene. Adult patients were included if the EMS physician initially detected dyspnea, low oxygen saturation, or pathological auscultation findings at the scene (n = 719). The analyses were performed by linking out-of-hospital data to hospital records and using binary logistic regressions.Results: The overall diagnostic accuracy was 69.9% (485/694). The highest diagnostic accuracies were observed in asthma (15/15; 100%), hypertensive crisis (28/33; 84.4%), and COPD exacerbation (114/138; 82.6%), lowest accuracies were observed in pneumonia (70/142; 49.3%), pulmonary embolism (8/18; 44.4%), and urinary tract infection (14/35; 40%). The overall hospital mortality rate was 13.8% (99/719). The highest hospital mortality rates were seen in pneumonia (44/142; 31%) and urinary tract infection (7/35; 20%). Identified risk factors for hospital mortality were metabolic acidosis in the initial blood gas analysis (odds ratio (OR) 11.84), the diagnosis of pneumonia (OR 3.22) reduced vigilance (OR 2.58), low oxygen saturation (OR 2.23), and increasing age (OR 1.03 by 1 year increase).Conclusions: Our data highlight the diagnostic uncertainties and high mortality in out-of-hospital emergency patients presenting with respiratory distress. Pneumonia was the most common and most frequently misdiagnosed cause and showed highest hospital mortality. The identified predictors could help in early detection of patients at risk in the future.
Evaluasi Kegiatan Gowes Van Jogja sebagai Upaya Promosi Kampung Wisata Kota Yogyakarta
Authors: Kristian Oentoro  , Wiyatiningsih
Published: February 2022

Bersepeda (gowes) menjadi salah satu pendekatan untuk memulihkan kembali aktivitas pariwisata di era new normal. Selain berolahraga, kegiatan bersepeda juga menjadi kesempatan bagi pesepeda untuk rekreasi, serta mengenal berbagai objek daya tarik wisata yang dilalui. ‘Gowes Van Jogja’ yang diinisiasi oleh Dinas Pariwisata Kota Yogyakarta berkolaborasi dengan asosiasi industri pariwisata dalam rangkaian Jogjavaganza 2021 merupakan program promosi pariwisata yang bertujuan untuk memperkenalkan berbagai daya tarik wisata, khususnya kampung wisata melalui aktivitas bersepeda. Gowes Van Jogja pada tahun 2021 juga merupakan kegiatan perdana, sekaligus kesempatan untuk uji coba 4 dari 5 rute sepeda yang dikembangkan oleh Pemerintah Kota Yogyakarta. Evaluasi ini menggunakan metode survey secara daring (online) dengan skala likert, serta metode wawancara dengan responden yang merupakan wisatawan nusantara pada kegiatan Gowes Van Jogja 2021. Selanjutnya, hasil survey didiskusikan bersama perwakilan pengelola kampung wisata dan para pemangku kepentingan (stakeholders) yang difasilitasi oleh Dinas Pariwisata Kota Yogyakarta. Hasil survey evaluasi menunjukan indeks kepuasan peserta sebesar 80,9 yang dapat dikategorikan ‘sangat baik’. Sementara itu, layanan kampung wisata, rute sepeda, suasana kampung, kerajinan, dan kuliner menjadi lima aspek evaluasi dengan penilaian ‘sangat baik’. Terdapat tiga rekomendasi yang dihasilkan sebagai luaran program ini, antara lain: pengembangan program promosi Gowes Van Jogja, pemaketan layanan kampung wisata, dan pengembangan rute sepeda beserta materi pendukung promosi. Pemaketan layanan kampung wisata dengan aktivitas bersepeda diharapkan dapat mengakomodir kuliner lokal, bahkan kegiatan pelatihan untuk semakin meningkatkan kualitas layanan wisata. Inovasi layanan kampung wisata Kota Yogyakarta yang berorientasi pada kenyamanan pesepeda akan menjadi upaya promosi yang menarik di era new normal.
The Effect Analysis of Solvency Ratio, Profitability Ratio and Inflation on Stock Return
Authors: The Olivia , Wijaya Dea Afifah , Muljo Hery Harjono
Published: February 2022

The emergence of COVID-19 in 2019 spread across many countries and had a huge impact on the economy. When the information on the first COVID-19 patients was announced, it had a direct impact on the decline in stock prices and stock return. Solvency ratio, profitability ratio and inflation have a relationship and influence the stock return. The ratios used are Debt to Equity Ratio (DER), Return on Equity (ROE), Price to Earnings Ratio (PER), Dividend Payout Ratio (DPR). The secondary data of this study is in the form of company financial statements that have been published from the period of 2017 to 2020. Researchers used the coefficient of determination test, t test and F test (Anova). The result of this study indicates that Debt to Equity Ratio (DER) and Inflation have a positive effect on stock return, while Return on Equity (ROE), Price to Earnings Ratio (PER), and Dividend Payout Ratio (DPR) have no effect on stock return.
On Destination Logo: A Design Review of Visit Malaysia Year’s Logo (1990 -2020)
Authors: SER ShawHong
Published: February 2022

Similar to companies and organizations across the globe, countries as well engage in branding strategies to establish a brand identity and to be positioned as major tourist destinations. Thereupon, the destination logo as one of the most significant elements of a country’s branding has become an important subject for brand design and communication research. In this paper, to respond to the research scholarly interest in communication design, the researcher has made an attempt to provide a design review of Malaysia’s destination logo from 1990 to 2020. Based on destination logos employed by Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, the researcher examined how different logos have been designed to represent Malaysia as an outstanding tourism destination along with the development of the “Visit Malaysia Year” (VMY) tourism campaigns. As aforementioned, this paper will provide insights into an understanding of the design and development of destination logos in Malaysia.
The Fear of Covid-19 With Role of Avoidance Behavior and Self-Resilience
Authors: Iqbal Jawad , Imran Muhammad
Published: February 2022

Studies conducted in the field of resilience have proven the role of resilience in their clinical presentations, but few studies investigated the relationship between resilience and painrelated fear. However, there are limited studies to investigates the moderating role of self-resilience along with mediating role of avoidance behavior in fear of COVID-19. The survey questionnaire is used to collect responses from the public of Pakistan. The questionnaire sent to respondents using google forms, WhatsApp, and Facebook. A total of five hundred (500) responses were collected for data analysis. A causal relationship has been analyzed using partial least square equation modeling (PLS-SEM). This study confirmed that in the case in fear of COVID-19, avoidance behavior enhances the level of worry, Panic, and sense of helplessness. Thus, avoidance behavior holds the potential to increase COVID-19 Fear. It is further observed that self-resilience is useful in decreasing the level of Worry and Panic spread due to COVID-19 fear which means a high level of self-resilience controls the recurrence of worry and panic when and where it appears. The result of this research identified that avoidance behavior could result in increased fear. Hence the study concluded that avoidance behaviors should be adopted under some clinical therapy to overcome the fear of related issues with certain clinical recommendations. The study further concluded that stronger self-resilience can be helpful in managing persistent fear, worry, and panic.
Digital Ecosystems of Organizations
Authors: Kalenov O. E.
Published: February 2022

Today we witness the rise of a new type of economy i.e. digital economy, whose foundation is formed by digital ecosystems. The article deals with the idea of digital ecosystems, specific features of their founding and developing. The author describes the pre-conditions of their emergence, which include the development of technology, customer’s desire to meet his/her needs in full and with minimum efforts, the necessity to eliminate geographic barriers and the ambition of business to get bigger profit at the expense of providing extra goods and services to the customer. The article studies the borders, structure and key elements of digital ecosystem. Special role is assigned to the organization – leader. The author shows a scheme of interaction of the customer and the platform and describes the mechanism of transforming data into knowledge in the interaction process. The author puts forward three approaches to shaping digital ecosystems: the development of own services, purchasing of outside ones and partnership agreements. The biggest in the world American and Chinese digital ecosystems were analyzed: Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon, Alibaba and Tencent. The home experience of building digital ecosystems was investigated, such finance organization as Sber, Tinkoff Bank, VTB and companies Yandex, Mail Group and MTS were discussed. It makes it possible to draw a conclusion that Russian market of ecosystems is still on the stage of shaping, but it has positive prospects of integrating into digital economy being built.
Recent Advancements in Strategies for Abnormal Protein Clearance in Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Zhuang Jianhua , Gao Jie , Yin You , Gong Baofeng , Ji Wenbo , Chen Xiaohan , Li Peng , Cheng Wenbin , Zhao Yuchen , He Bin
Published: February 2022

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an intricate neurodegenerative disease with chronic and progressive development whose typical neuropathological features encompass senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, respectively formed by the extracellular deposition of amyloid-beta (Aβ) and the intracellular accumulation of hyperphosphorylated tau protein in the brain, particularly in limbic and cortical regions. The pathological changes are considered to be caused by the loss of Aβ and tau protein clearance mechanisms under pathological conditions, which leads to an imbalance between the rates of clearance and production. Consequently, the main strategies for treating AD aim to reduce the production of Aβ and hyperphosphorylated tau protein in the brain, inhibit their accumulation, or accelerate their clearance. Although drugs utilizing these therapeutic strategies have been studied successively, their therapeutic effects have generally been less than ideal. Fortunately, recent advances have been made in clearance strategies for these abnormally expressed proteins, including immunotherapies and nanomedicines targeting Aβ or tau, which could represent an important breakthrough for treating AD. Here, we review recent development of the strategies for the removal of abnormal proteins and provide new ideas and methods for treating AD.
In Search of HIV Entry Inhibitors Using Molecular Docking, ADME, and Toxicity Studies of Some Thiazolidinone-Pyrazine Derivatives Against CXCR4 Co-receptor
Authors: Patil Shital M. , Asgaonkar Kalyani D. , Bakhle Bhairavi , Abhang Kshitija , Khater Ayush , Singh Muskan , Chitre Trupti S.
Published: February 2022

Background:

Entry inhibitors prevent the binding of human immunodeficiency virus protein to the chemokine receptor CXCR4 and are used along with conventional anti-HIV therapy. They aid in restoring immunity and can prevent the development of HIV-TB co-infection.

Aim:

In the present study, various thiazolidinone-pyrazine derivatives earlier studied for NNRT inhibition activity were gauged for their entry inhibitor potential.

Objective:

The objective of the study is to perform molecular docking, ADME, toxicity studies of some thiazolidinone-pyrazine derivatives as entry inhibitors targeting CXCR4 co-receptors.

Methods:

In-silico docking studies were performed using AutoDock Vina software and compounds were further studied for ADME and toxicity using SwissADME and pkCSM software, respectively.

Results:

Taking into consideration the docking results, pharmacokinetic behaviour and toxicity profile, four molecules (compounds 1, 9, 11, and 16) have shown potential as entry inhibitors.

Conclusion:

These compounds have shown potential as both NNRTI and entry inhibitors and hence can be used in management of immune compromised diseases like TB-HIV coinfection.
Computational Studies of Budesonide vs. Vilanterol: Asthma Drugs
Against SARS-CoV-2 Mpro
Authors: Hussain Afzal , Hussain Ashfaq
Published: February 2022

The global spread of SARS-CoV-2 and the mortality it has caused have prompted the research organization to develop novel medications to combat COVID-19 infection. The main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2 is crucial to the virus's replication and propagation in host cells. Therefore it is a promising therapeutic target. There are officially no certified specific drugs or available interventions for COVID-19 infection. Repurposing standard pharmaceutical drugs for COVID-19 interventions is a promising way of identifying potent therapeutic candidates quickly. In this work, Vilanterol over Budesonide was studied using Molecular docking, ADMET, and MMGBSA analysis using Schrodinger Software to find more potent drugs that can diminish the risk of rigorous SARS-CoV-2 infection and shorten the time to recovery. We have identified that Vilanterol showed a more promising inhibitor of COVID-19 Mpro than Budesonide (studied by the University of Oxford). Vilanterol has indicated docking score (-8.727), Human oral absorption (88.786%), and also the free binding energy (-60.457) than Budesonide presented docking score (-6.077), Human oral absorption (83.863), and the free binding energy (-36.078). In conclusion, our computational strategy identified promising and efficacious SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors, Vilanterol over Budesonide, that could be investigated further in clinical trials.
Protective Effects of N-acetylcysteine Niosome Nanoparticles on Paraquatinduced
Nephrotoxicity in Male Rats
Authors: Jouzdani Ali Fathi , Ganjirad Zahra , Firozian Farzin , Soleimani -Asl Sara , Ranjbar Akram
Published: February 2022

Introduction:

Paraquat (PQ), as a bipyridyl compound, is widely used as an effective
herbicide that produces reactive oxygen species (ROS), affecting the unsaturated lipids of cell
membranes leading to cell mortality. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a medication that has a beneficial
role in reducing the intoxication of kidneys caused by PQ. Niosomes are bilayer vesicles that enhance
the bioavailability of drugs. This study aimed to compare the effects of NAC and niosome of
NAC (NACNPs) on PQ-induced kidney toxicity concerning its antioxidant activity.

Methods:

In this experimental study, after formulating NACNP, 30 Wistar male rats weighing 180
to 250 gm were classified into five groups: the control group was treated with normal saline, while
the other four groups received 35mg/kg/day of PQ via intraperitoneal route and, was treated with
25mg/kg/day NAC, 25mg/kg/day niosome and 25 mg/kg/day NACNP by gavage, Then, oxidative
stress biomarkers such as total antioxidant capacity (TAC), catalase activity (CAT), lipid peroxidation
(LPO), and total thiol group (TTG), plus blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels
were evaluated in kidney tissue homogenate and examined histopathologically.

Results:

The results revealed that TTG increased significantly in NAC & NACNP groups than in
the PQ group. Further, in the PQ group, LPO increased significantly compared with the control,
NAC, and NACNP groups, while in the NAC and NACNP group, LPO diminished compared with
the PQ group. There was no significant difference in TAC between groups. Blood urea nitrogen
(BUN) and creatinine levels dropped in NACNP compared with the PQ group and the NAC. Histological
studies also approved PQ-induced damage and the protective effect of NACNP.

Conclusion:

The results indicated that NACNP could modulate oxidative stress status and kidney
function against PQ toxicity.
Morality of Security
Authors: Floyd Rita
Published: February 2022

On November 26, 2021, Dr. Rita Floyd, Associate Professor at the University of Birmingham, presented on The Morality of Security at the 2021 CASIS West Coast Security Conference. Dr. Floyd’s presentation focused on securitization and its emergence within politics, with some primary concepts centering around security threats being politically and socially constructed and the criteria for when securitization is morally justifiable. Dr. Floyd’s presentation was followed by a question-and-answer period directed at a group of panelists allowing the audience and CASIS Vancouver executives to directly engage with the content of each speaker’s presentation.
Modeling the process of searching for operationally significant information from open state information resources
Authors: Nikulina E. Yu. , Obukhova L. A. , Rogozin E. A.
Published: February 2022

Objective. The purpose of the study is to increase the effectiveness of measures to identify, investigate and disclose offenses and crimes based on the analysis of Internet resources in order to identify and structure information suitable for intellectual analysis; identify relationships between data categories, develop a model for obtaining operationally significant information from open government information resources. Method. The study is based on the use of statistical analysis to describe the general structure of information about an individual posted in official state information resources. A categorized list of relevant web resources containing operationally significant information about a person or subject of a crime is compiled on the basis of expert assessments of law enforcement officers. To determine the relationships between data categories, a graphical-analytical method for studying information flows was used, and a graph model for obtaining operationally significant information from open state information resources was built. Result. The results of the analysis of Internet resources in order to identify information suitable for intellectual analysis are presented, their structuring is carried out, relationships between data categories are identified, and a model for obtaining operationally significant information from open state information resources is developed. Conclusion. The conducted system analysis of the state information resources of the Internet made it possible to identify the relationship between the categories of data and use them to obtain operationally significant information from open state information resources. In practice, the constructed model can be used to optimize fuzzy search. To solve this problem, it seems possible to use Kohonen neural networks or Hamming algorithms. The apparatus of neural networks will allow you to determine patterns and optimize the search for operationally significant information.
Specifics of integrated thermal imaging monitoring modern civil buildings and thermophysical properties of enclosing structures made of building materials of mass production
Authors: Karpov D. F. , Pavlov M. V. , Gudkov A. G.
Published: February 2022

Objective. The purpose of the study is to improve the technical procedure and increase the accuracy of determining the key thermophysical characteristics of building materials and products in a stationary thermal regime, as well as expanding the possibilities of using integrated thermal imaging monitoring in assessing the heat-conducting qualities of heterogeneous single-layer building structures, which are, including in non-stationary temperature conditions. Method. The methodological basis of the study is the fundamental provisions of the theories of heat transfer, thermal control and infrared diagnostics, methods of qualitative and quantitative analysis of thermograms.Result. The scheme of complex non-destructive diagnostics of the thermal and technical condition of heat-protective shells of capital and completed construction facilities, engineering and technical systems and subsystems of life support for various functional, technological, operational purposes based on the results of thermography and qualitative and quantitative assessment of thermal images is presented. Examples of the use of thermal imaging equipment and other auxiliary control and measuring equipment in the field examination of translucent structures and non-translucent ventilated facade systems of a real civil building are given, as well as the results of thermal imaging identification of the main thermal properties of a fragment of an enclosing building structure in the form of a wall of silicate brick. Conclusion. The presented method of active thermal non-destructive determination of the main thermophysical properties of structural building materials and products, as well as an experimental setup for its implementation, make it possible to study the entire range of thermal characteristics under various conditions and modes using a thermal imager and related instrumentation.
Static calculation of the bearing capacity of a two-pole membrane-rod system taking into account the air-bearing effect using the numerical Euler-Cauchy procedure
Authors: Kim A. Yu. , Amoyan M. F. , Khapilin V. E.
Published: February 2022

Objective. The purpose of this study is to create a light, sufficiently rigid bearing coating, which can be strengthened by the air-supporting effect during overloads during force majeure. These structures can be erected in a very short time, both in combat conditions and during natural disasters. Method. The study was carried out in the software package "Program for calculating membrane-pneumatic structures by the step method using the numerical Euler-Cauchy procedure" according to the method of static calculation of membrane-pneumatic systems, taking into account non-linear factors. Result. A method for calculating air-supported double-belt membrane-rod systems for covering large spans by the iterative method of parameter increments using FEM and the Euler-Cauchy numerical procedure of the third order of accuracy has been developed. Conclusion. In design practice, the effect of strengthening the coating due to the air-supporting effect can approximately be taken equal to three. The use of the air-supported effect makes it possible to save significant funds, sometimes reaching up to 25% of the estimated cost of the structure due to the use of structural elements of a smaller section.
Methodology of information security risk analysis based on quantitative assessment of damages in information and technical systems bodies of the internal affairs
Authors: Alekhin I. V.
Published: February 2022

Objective. Assessment of the consequences of the occurrence of damage cases in the information and technical systems (ITS) of the internal affairs bodies (ATS) requires the use of an analysis of the risks of damage as a result of the implementation of information security threats.Method. In order to analyze the processes occurring in the ITS, as a rule, mathematical modeling is used. For ITS, due to the high technological complexity, high costs for the acquisition, maintenance of equipment and payment of wages to employees, it is necessary to apply the procedure for analyzing the risks of ITS ITS. The security of the functioning of the ITS ITS is normative, since at the moment the method of quantitative assessment of damages is insufficiently developed. The development of this scientific application would make it possible to establish the appropriate value of the indicator of the permissible risk of the implementation of threats to information security. Analytical and mathematical modeling using the apparatus of queuing systems. Result. A technique for analyzing the risks of information security violations based on a quantitative assessment of the damages of the ITS of ATS is given. Conclusion. The direction of this study is relevant and requires further elaboration in order to improve the method for assessing the occurrence of damage in the ITS of the internal affairs bodies.
Assessment of competencies in the Federal state educational standard (FSES) 3++ based on a fuzzy-logical approach
Authors: Astashina O. V.
Published: February 2022

Objective. The article discusses the methodology for assessing competencies in the educational standards of the Federal State Educational Standard 3++. Method. Competence assessment is carried out through competency indicators. To assess the competence of a complex multilayer object, the mathematical apparatus of the theory of fuzzy sets was used. Result. A step-by-step example of competency assessment is given. The process of transformation of input variables into fuzzy sets is presented - assessments of competency indicators. A trapezoidal scale of linguistic terms has been developed. The processes of fuzzification, accumulation and defuzzification are presented step by step. A final clear assessment of competence was obtained. Conclusion. The introduction of fuzzy numbers allows all calculations to be performed quite flexibly and, as a result of defuzzification, to obtain an objective assessment of the formed competence.