bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of the Inverness Blood Grouping System for semiautomated ABO and D testing of patients’ samples
Authors: Mintz P.D. , Anderson G. , Barrasso C. , Sorenson E.
Published: May 2021

We evaluated the performance of the Inverness Blood Grouping System (IBG Systems, Inc., Laytonsville, MD) for the ABO and D red cell grouping of patients’ samples. The IBG System is a semiautomated microplate device for blood grouping and antibody detection. We tested 2,051 samples using the IBG System and by manual grouping techniques. In no instance did the IBG System give a final ABO interpretation different from the final manual technique. For three samples, the IBG System’s ABO interpretation was different from the manual interpretation. An error in interpretation by the technologist performing the manual testing was responsible for the discrepancies. The IBG System identified one sample as D-positive that was grouped as D-negative by manual testing. The patient’s sample had been previously grouped manually as a weak D. All other D results were in agreement. The IBG System provided ABO interpretations without technologist’s intervention on 1,765 (86.1%) of the samples. In 153 (7.5%) of the samples, a single, equivocal reaction required visual inspection, but no repeat testing was necessary. In 133 (6.5%) of the samples, either repeat testing or reliance on only the manual results was required for final ABO group interpretation. The IBG System is a reliable and efficient alternative to manual techniques for ABO and D grouping of patients’ samples.
State association–sponsored program for SBB candidates
Authors: Judd W.J. , Eisenbrey L. , Weaver M. , Back M. , Cisco S. , Deters J.M. , Gray J.M. , Hamilton J. , Hartrick M.B. , Morrison M.
Published: May 2021

Concern about the closure of the only Specialist in Blood Banking (SBB) School in the State of Michigan prompted the Michigan Association of Blood Banks (MABB) to develop and administer a comprehensive series of lectures to meet the needs of technologists seeking SBB certification via the experiential route. The program consisted of more than 60 1 ½-hour lectures covering all aspects of blood banking (genetics, coagulation, immunology, blood group serology, blood collection and administration, and transfusion medicine) except infectious disease testing and management issues. The latter were presented during two free-standing one-day seminars (for which a fee was charged for those not registered for the lecture series). Educational techniques were covered in a self-study module. Two lectures were presented one morning each week from March through December, with no presentations during July. Lecturers were local volunteer experts, and detailed learning objectives were established for each topic. Each registrant was charged a nominal fee ($100 for MABB members; $150 for nonmembers). There were 32 registrants for the lecture series, with additional registrants for the seminars. Total revenue was $5,100, and expenses amounted to approximately $2,400, mostly for faculty honoraria and catering for the two seminars. The popularity of our program reflects the need for alternatives to formal SBB schools.
Immunohematology
1994;10:95–98.
A survey of management of blood donations with unexpected red cell antibodies
Authors: Simpson M. , Julleis J. , Kakaiya R.
Published: May 2021

A survey of 19 large blood centers, each with an average annual collection of 158,889 units, was conducted to identify current practices of management of red cell units that contain unexpected red cell antibodies. The routine antibody identification, distribution, and charge for such units varied widely among the 19 centers. In addition, although use of these units was low, costs were considerable. This survey can serve as a basis for other studies to arrive at cost-effective ways to manage such units.
Immunohematology
1994;10:99–101.
Autoimmune hemolysis following transfusion: a mimicking autoanti-D in a D– patient with alloanti-D
Authors: Dzik W. , Blank J. , Lutz P. , Hirose T.G. , Lomas C. , Moulds M.
Published: May 2021

An 80-year-old group O, D– (rr) female with anti-C, -D, -E, and -Fya received four units of crossmatch-compatible red blood cells (RBCs). The direct antiglobulin test (DAT) was negative. Two weeks later, jaundice, dark urine, a 16% drop in hematocrit (Hct), a 20% reticulocyte count, and absent haptoglobin occurred. During the next month, her DAT was positive with anti-IgG and -C3d. Acid eluates, which repeatedly showed anti-D specificity, were nonreactive with enzyme-treated D– RBCs. Adsorption with D– RBCs reduced reactivity. An eluate from the adsorbing D– RBCs was nonreactive with D+ RBCs. These findings suggest an autoantibody mimicking alloanti-D. The patient was treated with prednisone and was transfused with group O, D– (rr), K–, Fy(a–) RBCs. Four months later, the Hct was stable. One year later, the DAT remained positive and the eluate demonstrated a panagglutinin.
Immunohematology
1994; 10:117–119.
Case report: IgG1 Rh antibodies causing moderate hemolytic disease of the newborn
Authors: Kugele F. , Carney M. , Oliver C. , Hollander J.
Published: May 2021

A gravida 3, para 1, 32-year-old black female presented at 27 weeks gestation for routine prenatal serologic tests. She typed as group A, D positive, category DIII mosaic. IgG1 anti-D, -hrB, and -E were identified in her serum. Ultrasound revealed an apparently normal fetus with no evidence of hydrops or ascites. Amniocentesis, performed at 30, 33, and 35 weeks, showed some evidence of hemolysis that did not increase over time. At 36 weeks of gestation, she delivered a full-term infant who was group A, D positive, E negative, with a 3+ direct antiglobulin test. The eluate revealed anti-D and -hrB. Treatment of the hemolytic disease of the newborn included phototherapy, intravenous fluids, and transfusion of 60 mL of mother’s deglycerolized red blood cells.
Immunohematology
1994;10:124–126.
First example of Rh:–32,–46 red cell phenotype
Authors: Storry J.R. , Gorman M. , Maddox N.I. , Toy E. , Issitt P.D. , Mallory D.
Published: May 2021

The red cells of a white male blood donor typed as Rh:–1, –2, –3,w4,w5,6,–17,w19,–31,–32,–34, and –46. Although the donor has no history of transfusion, his serum contains an alloantibody that is weakly reactive with most red blood cells (RBCs) tested. Only Rhnull and D–– RBCs are nonreactive. Reactivity is enhanced with ficin- or papain-treated RBCs and is unaffected by AET or DTT treatment of the RBCs. Previously described Rh:–46 RBCs have been of deletion types D––, D••, and Rhnull or Rh:32. In three multitransfused patients, the Rh46 antigen was temporarily suppressed and the phenotype eventually reverted to normal. This is the first report of RBCs of the Rh:–32,–46 phenotype that are not of a rare Rh deletion or Rhnull type. In addition, the Rh:w5,w19,–31,–34 phenotype is rarely found in whites.
Immunohematology
1994; 10:130–133.
Machine learning and quantum devices
Authors: Marquardt Florian
Published: May 2021

These brief lecture notes cover the basics of neural networks
and deep learning as well as their applications in the quantum domain,
for physicists without prior knowledge. In the first part, we describe
training using backpropagation, image classification, convolutional
networks and autoencoders. The second part is about advanced techniques
like reinforce-ment learning (for discovering control strategies),
recurrent neural networks (for analyz-ing time traces), and Boltzmann
machines (for learning probability distributions). In the third lecture,
we discuss first recent applications to quantum physics, with an emphasis
on quantum information processing machines. Finally, the fourth lecture
is devoted to the promise of using quantum effects to accelerate machine
learning.
Optimalisasi Laporan Keuangan PT. Pegadaian dengan Pendekatan Metode Lexicographic Goal Programming dan Simpleks yang Dimodifikasi
Authors: Basriati Sri , Safitri Elfira , Izzah Nurul
Published: May 2021

PT. Pegadaian merupakan lembaga keuangan yang melayani masyarakat untuk mendapatkan dana pinjaman. Setiap lembaga keuangan harus membuat laporan keuangan sebagai suatu bentuk pertanggungjawaban atas hasil kinerja dalam periode tertentu. Laporan keuangan PT. Pegadaian tersebut akan dianalisa menggunakan model goal programming. Metode yang digunakan dalam penyelesaian model goal programming tersebut yaitu metode lexicographic goal programming dan simpleks yang dimodifikasi untuk mendapatkan solusi optimal. Optimalisasi dengan metode lexicographic goal programming dilakukan dengan mendahulukan prioritas pertama hingga berikutnya, sedangkan metode simpleks yang dimodifikasi menganggap setiap prioritas sama pentingnya. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian bahwa kedua metode mendapatkan solusi optimal dan iterasi yang sama, yaitu sebanyak enam iterasi. Tujuan model yaitu, aset, liabilitas, ekuitas, pendapatan dan beban dapat dicapai. Berdasarkan lima tujuan tersebut, tiga tujuan seperti total ekuitas, total pendapatan dan total beban dapat diubah untuk meningkatkan kinerja laporan keuangan. Total ekuitas dapat ditingkatkan sebesar Rp. 3.186.129,- per tahun, total pendapatan dapat ditingkatkan sebesar Rp. 957.800,- dan total beban dapat diturunkan sebesar Rp. 436.141,- per tahun.Kata kunci: Goal Programming, Laporan Keuangan, Lexicographic dan Simpleks Modifikasi.
HIVPrEP, Associated Risk Behaviour and Practices Among University Students;A Case of Nkrumah University
Authors:   University of Lusaka, Chisanga Evelyn , Kamanga Nathan ,   University of Lusaka,   Ministry of Education
Published: May 2021

Background: The use of Pre-exposure prophylaxis to prevent HIV infections has become widespread, so are concerns that PrEP leads to risky behaviour that can results into infections. While it is standard protocol for the healthcare personnel to conduct routine HIV screenings, no standardized procedure for educating people exists. PrEP gives an opportunity for adolescents and young adults to access a prevention option that respects their particularities and vulnerabilities.The objective of the study was to assess the Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of students towards PrEP and if it is associated health risk behavior Methods: A cross sectional quantitative research design was used to determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices of students towards PrEP and its’ associated risk behaviour using a self-administered questionnaire. The data was analyzed using a computer Soft-Ware-Statistical Package for Social Sciences.The sample size was 367 students of Nkrumah University student in Central Province Results: There is an existing gap in comprehensively knowing and understanding PrEP and guidelines. About 36.8% of the respondents indicates they had poor knowledge on PrEP further, the results indicate 61% of the respondents had general negative attitude towards PrEP.Conclusion: More effort by government and stakeholders is needed to educate and inform students on PrEP. There is need to establish ways of dispelling myths and improve the perception towards PrEP thus reducing stigmatization.
Assessment of serum Zinc, Copper and Selenium in non-symptomatic Sickle-Cell Anaemia patients at the University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia
Authors:   Copperbelt University, Machiko Alfred , Kaile Trevor ,   University of Zambia, Kowa Sumbukeni ,   Ministry of Health, Food and Drugs Control Laboratory, Lusaka, Zambia, Newton-Phiri Christopher ,   University of Zambia, Ndhlovu Jacob ,   University of Zambia, Simakando Marah ,   University of Zambia, Nyirenda Soka ,   University Teaching Hospital, Ministry of Health, Zambia
Published: May 2021

Background: Zinc, copper and selenium are known important trace elements playing a vital role as cofactors of enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxide. They form part of the first line antioxidants enzymes in red blood cells and plasma. The study aimed at determining the serum levels of zinc, copper and selenium in asymptomatic sickle-cell anaemia patients. Methods: This was a case control study conducted from the specialist Haematology and Oncology Clinic 4 at the University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia. 5mls of whole blood was collected from 46 sickle-cell anaemia patients and 46 healthy controls from Out-Patient Department after consent. Using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry, serum levels of zinc, copper and selenium was determined. Independent t-test was used to compare the means and a binary logistic regression for the likelihood of developing a sickling crisis, using SPSS version 20.Results: The mean serum levels of zinc in patients were lower 86.92±20.46mg/L against 91.33±43.23mg/L; p<0.028 of controls. Copper mean levels were 149.85±54.82mg/L against 134.32±54.16mg/L; p<0.191 of controls. Selenium mean levels were 0.100±0.041mg/L against 0.081±0.032mg/L; p<0.380 in patients compared to controls. The odds of developing one sickling crises in the past year given the levels of zinc, copper and selenium was [B = -.340, zinc Exp(B) =1.011, copper Exp(B) = 1.008, selenium Exp(B) = .000, DF = 1].Conclusion: Zinc is reduced in sickle-cell anaemia patients. The probability of developing a sickling crisis is lower in patients with higher serum levels of zinc and copper by 1.1% and 0.8% respectively.
Effect of Physical Activity on Pain and Functional Abilities in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis at an Autoimmune Clinic in Accra, Ghana
Authors:   Physiotherapy Department, University of Ghana Medical Centre, Accra, Ghana, Ohenewa Evelyn , Kwakye Samuel ,   West Africa Football Academy, Sogakope, Ghana, Lawson Henry ,   Department of Community Health, University of Ghana Medical School, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Mohammed Tawagidu ,   Department of Physiotherapy, School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences,College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana,Accra,Ghana, Opoku Bridgette ,   Department of Physiotherapy, School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences,College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana,Accra,Ghana, Quartey Jonathan ,   Centre for Sport, Exercise and Osteoarthritis Research Versus Arthritis, UK
Published: May 2021

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic systemic disease that affects the joints, connective tissues, tendons, and fibrous tissues. Despite early interventions, there is significant activity limitation due to moderate and high pain intensities in majority of affected individuals.The study set out to determine the effect of physical activity on pain and functional ability among rheumatoid arthritis patients.Methods:A pre-test, post-test quasi experimental study conducted among 60 rheumatoid arthritis patients (divided into intervention and control groups) were recruited from the Autoimmune clinic of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital for this quasi-experimental study. The international physical activity questionnaire, multidimensional health assessment questionnaire and numerical pain rating scale were used to obtain data. Pedometers and a stationary cycle were used for physical activity (intervention). Paired t-test was used to compare outcomes between the level of physical activity in relation to pain and functional ability and outcomes between pre and post functional abilities at a 0.05 level of significance.Results: Majority 24 (80.0%) of participants from the intervention group reported low, while 6 (20.0%) reported moderate physical activity levels. Thirteen (43.4%) and 10 (33.3%) participants from the intervention and control groups reported moderate pain on NPRS before intervention, which reduced to 7 (23.3%) in the intervention group, as compared to 9 (30%) in the control group. There was a significant difference (p<0.05) for functional ability among the intervention group before and after the intervention programmes but no significant differences (p>0.05) for most domains of functional ability except health concern (p = 0.034) among the control group.Conclusion: Patients with RA have a relatively low physical activity level but benefit significantly from a moderate intensity aerobic exercises such as cycling and walking by improving pain levels, functional ability and general health.Clinicians should promote and encourage patients with RA to engage in physical and recreational activities.
Effects of Steganotaenia Araliacae Root Extract on Contractile Function of Isolated Rat Ileum
Authors:   Department of Physiological Sciences,School of Medicine,The University of Zambia,Lusaka, Zambia, Hamambulu Pharaoh , Mathew-Goma Fastone ,   Department of Physiological Sciences,School of Medicine,The University of Zambia,Lusaka, Zambia, Simfukwe Newton ,   Department of Physiological Sciences,School of Medicine,The University of Zambia,Lusaka, Zambia, Lwiindi Lukubi ,   Department of Physiological Sciences,School of Medicine,The University of Zambia,Lusaka, Zambia, Chitembusha-Mwenya Kwangu
Published: May 2021

Background: Various parts of a small tree, Steganotaenia araliacaeare used as medicine in local traditional settings in Zambia to initiate and augment parturition although very little is documented about its physiological and pharmacological effects. Steganotaenia araliacaecold extract has been observed to cause contractions of uterus in rats but its effect on non-uterine muscle is unclear. The aim of this study was to establish the contractile effect of Steganotaenia araliacaecold extract on isolated rat ileum smooth muscle.Method: Animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation. Abdominal incisions were made to expose and dissect three ileum segments from each rat. The ileum segments were immediately transferred and mounted in the organ bath containing Tyrode solution. The contractile effects of acetylcholine (a reference agonist) and Steganotaenia araliacaecold extract on ileum segments were investigated starting with the least effective doses, thereafter doubling the doses until maximal tissue response was observed. Antagonists that include atropine, indomethacin, mepyramine, ondansetron and nifedipine in the presence and absence of Steganotaenia araliacaecold extract were also investigated to establish the mechanism of actionResults: Steganotaenia araliacaecold extract increased the contractile force of isolated rat ileum in a dose-response manner but had no significant effects on the frequency of the spontaneous contractions. Pre-treating the tissue with atropine, indomethacin, mepyramine or ondansetron did not inhibit the contractile force of Steganotaenia araliacaecold extract, while pre-treating the tissue with nifedipine inhibited its contractile force by 100% (p<0.05)Conclusion: The cold root extract of Steganotaenia araliacae induced contractions on isolated rat ileum smooth muscle in a dose response manner by probable activation of calcium channels. It is possible that SAEᶜif used in high doses may cause severe abdominal cramps an effect that needs to be noted as it is being used in parturition.
Antibiotic resistance and antibiotic-resistance genes of Pseudomonas spp. and Escherichia coli isolated from untreated hospital wastewater
Authors: Baghal Asghari Farzaneh , Dehghani Mohammad Hadi , Dehghanzadeh Reza , Farajzadeh Davoud , Yaghmaeian Kamyar , Mahvi Amir Hossein , Rajabi Akbar
Published: May 2021

Hospitals are considered an important factor in the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARBs) and antibiotic-resistance genes (ARGs). The purpose of this research was to characterize the microbial populations in hospital wastewater and investigated the prevalence of β-lactamase, SulІ and QnrS resistance genes. In the first step, culture method was used to isolate Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. In the next step, accurate identification of isolated bacteria was carried out using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method, then the resistance of the bacteria at different concentrations of antibiotics (8–128 μg/mL) was examined. Finally the ARGs were detected using the PCR method. The averages of heterotrophic plate count (HPC) and ARB concentration in wastewater samples were 1.8 × 108 and 4.3 × 106 CFU/100 mL, respectively. The highest resistance rates were found for sulfamethoxazole and the highest resistance rates in the β-lactamase group were for ceftazidime, while highest sensitivity was for gentamicin and there was no isolate that was sensitive to the studied antibiotics. SulІ and QnrS were the highest and lowest abundance of all ARGs in samples respectively and blaSHV was the highest β-lactam resistance gene. Our results indicated an increase in the resistance of identified bacteria to several antibiotics. So it can be concluded that numerous antibiotic-resistant pathogens and vast numbers of ARGs exist in the human body so that their release from hospitals without effective treatment can cause many dangers to the environment and human health.
Evaluation of residual antimicrobial activity and acute toxicity during the degradation of gatifloxacin by ozonation
Authors: Caianelo Marlon , Rodrigues-Silva Caio , Maniero Milena Guedes , Diniz Vinicius , Spina Mylena , Guimarães José Roberto
Published: May 2021

The concerns regarding the occurrence of pharmaceuticals in wastewater treatment plants have increased in the last decades. Gatifloxacin (GAT), the fourth generation of fluoroquinolones, has been widely used to treat both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and has a limited metabolization. The present study aimed to evaluate ozonation as a technique to degrade GAT. An exchange A UHPLC-MS/MS by an UHPLC-MS/MS method was used to quantify the residual of GAT and to assess its degradation products. The removal efficiency was higher under alkaline conditions (pH = 10), reaching up to 99% of GAT after 4 min. It was also observed that the first ozone attack on the GAT molecule was through the carboxylic group. In contrast, under acid conditions (pH = 3), the ozone attack was first to the piperazinyl ring. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated using Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis as test organisms, and it was observed that the residual activity reduced most under alkaline conditions. In contrast, the best condition to remove the residual toxicity evaluated for the marine bacteria V. fischeri was the acidic one. Due to this, ozonation seemed to be an exciting process to remove GAT in aqueous media.
Particle balance and return loops for microplastics in a tertiary-level wastewater treatment plant
Authors: Salmi Pauliina , Ryymin Kalle , Karjalainen Anna K. , Mikola Anna , Uurasjärvi Emilia , Talvitie Julia
Published: May 2021

Microplastics (MPs) from households, stormwater, and various industries are transported to wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), where a high proportion of them are captured before discharging their residuals to watersheds. Although recent studies have indicated that the removed MPs are mainly retained in wastewater sludge, sludge treatment processes have gained less attention in MP research than water streams at primary, secondary, and tertiary treatments. In this study, we sampled 12 different process steps in a tertiary-level municipal WWTP in central Finland. Our results showed that, compared to the plant influent load, three times more MPs circulated via reject water from the sludge centrifugation back to the beginning of the treatment process. Fibrous MPs were especially abundant in the dewatered sludge, whereas fragment-like MPs were observed in an aqueous stream. We concluded that, compared to the tertiary effluent, sludge treatment is the major exit route for MPs into the environment, but sludge treatment is also a return loop to the beginning of the process. Our sampling campaign also demonstrated that WWTPs with varying hydraulic conditions (such as the one studied here) benefit from disc filter-based tertiary treatments in MP removal.
Algorithm of Estimating Import-Substitution Based on Costs – Output Tables
Authors: Moiseev N. A. , Akhmadeev B. A.
Published: May 2021

The article studies problems and prospects of managerial decisions dealing with the process of import-substitution of certain products and puts forward the method of raising its efficiency. This research is based on costs – output tables, as a result of which a special algorithm is designed to estimate the efficiency and accompanying effects for different lines of import-substitution. The authors analyze in what way the process of import-substitution can affect the output of certain industries (both inside the country and for other countries) and how it can change import and export by each industry of each country. By using this algorithm two tests were carried out based on computer modeling, where a proportion of import in a chosen industry of the country was replaced by home production, at first for one type of products and then for another. Results of these tests show a number of predicted values of macro-economic indices as a result of import-substitution of one or another product, whose analysis helps identify the best variant of importing such product, which should be substituted by home produce in order to reach the set criterion of efficiency. The designed algorithm can be used as a support system for decision-making in importsubstitution policy.
Realizing Strategic Approach in E-mail Marketing
Authors: Melekhova A. S.
Published: May 2021

E-mail marketing in line with context advertising, SMM, SEO-promotion and SERM are tools of digital communication. They provide shaping of stable long-term and regular communication (adjustment, support and retain) with potential and real customers (subscribers) of business, which explains topicality of the research subject. The use of digital information-communication technologies fosters customer base growth and building long-term relations with clients, which forms foundation for business extension and development. The article explains such notions as ‘E-mail marketing’, ‘eDM mail-outs’, ‘strategic approach’, ‘components of strategic approach’, systematizes types of mail-outs, describes specific features of content-plans of different types of mail-outs and gives practical recommendations for their use. Apart from that the author substantiates the idea that e-mail marketing is a promising and widely used trend in advertising and marketing, an effective tool of promotion in conditions of fast changing market environment and that it requires strategic approach to attain the set parameters of efficiency
Estimating Finance Results of Retail Companies
Authors: Prosviriakova I. V.
Published: May 2021

On present day Russian retail trade market, which is an integral part of society, there are a lot of different companies. To continue their work companies shall analyze numerous finance figures that are closely connected with each other. Changes in one of them can cause changes in others, which shows the importance of choosing an adequate indicator that could foster higher efficiency of company’ work in general. The principle goal of the article is to show the essential finance indicators of retail companies, on whose foundation policy of efficient management is built. The author studies drag points that hinder more efficient development of the company in the field of retail trade, he also reveals the lines that can help companies improve their work. The biggest participants of retail market are analyzed, such companies as ‘Magnit’, ‘Detskiy Mir’, ‘M. Video’, ‘Lenta’. On the basis of open data of their accounting reports the article studies figures of their profitability, turnover, finance stability, average-weighted capital value, defines the effect of finance leverage and proposes lines in which companies can raise their efficiency by changing the current policy.
Digital Opportunities and Threats of Organization in New Economy
Authors: Kalenov O. E.
Published: May 2021

The subject of the research presented by the article is opportunities and threats for the organization, which are carried by digital era. The author provides characteristic of the three industrial revolutions that already took place and describes prospects of the fourth one that we witness right now. Its foundation is formed by interaction of industrial and digital technologies and its precondition is mass spread of the Internet. The article gives a list of key technologies, whose combination could seriously raise the efficiency of organization work. It includes the Internet of things, mobile devices and applications, cloud calculations, cyber-physical systems, analysis of big data and new industrial technologies. The author divides digital opportunities into 4 groups: industrial, market, logistic and organizational-managerial. It is also underlined that besides vast opportunities digitalization implies threats: socialeconomic, technological, ecological and informational. Principle problems, which hinder home organizations to integrate into digital economy, were studied. At the same time the level of using new technologies by Russian enterprises and index of business digitalization were analyzed. In conclusion the author substantiates the necessity to introduce digital technologies to ensure competitiveness of companies in new economy.
Virtual Screening Attributes Male Biased COVID-19 Mortality to Predicted Antiviral Activity of Female Sex Hormones
Authors: Yahya Galal , Mansour Basem , Keuper Kristina , Shaldam Moataz , El-Baz Ahmed M.
Published: May 2021

Background:

Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) is a newly emerged pandemic leading to a
state of international alert and leaving millions of infections and thousands of deaths all over the world.
Analysis of statistics and epidemiological data for the pandemic outcome pinpointed a puzzling influence
of human sex on the heterogeneous outcome of COVID-19, where hospital admissions and mortality were
higher among males than females. Two theories explained the observed male-biased COVID-19 mortality
based on either dosage of immunoregulatory genes coded in X- chromosomes, or on the abundance of the
angiotensin-converting enzyme two (ACE2) receptors in males than females.

Objective:

In our study, we propose a third scenario through virtual screening of direct antiviral effects of
sex hormones.

Materials and Methods:

Updated screening statistics from 47 countries displaying sex-disaggregated data
on COVID-19 were employed and visualized in the form of heatmaps depicting sex difference effects on
statistics of cases and deaths. Molecular docking and binding simulations of investigated sex steroids
against COVID-19 specific proteins were investigated.

Results:

Analysis of COVID-19 sex-disaggregated data confirmed that male-biased mortality and
computer-aided docking found unexpected female sex hormones biased binding against key targets
implicated in the life cycle of COVID-19 compared to the male sex hormone testosterone. Other
investigated steroids showed promising docking scores, while the male sex hormone exhibited the lowest
affinity.

Conclusion:

Female sex hormones virtually exhibit direct anti-COVID-19 effect, the proposed antiviral
effect of sex hormones should be considered to explain the outcomes of mortality. Moreover, the
fluctuation of sex hormones influences sex and personal derived-differential response to COVID-19
infection.
Intelligent Network Slicing Management and Control for 6G Mobile Networks
Authors: Zhou Fanqin , Cheriet Mohamed
Published: May 2021

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a key enabler of smart cities, where a variety
of applications proliferate to help citizen services. As different IoT applications have
different service holders, it becomes necessary to employ network slicing (NS) to gain
distinct virtual networks, and differentiated quality of service (QoS) guarantees. Other
than conventional IoT scenarios, smart city IoT relies on 6G networks for broad
coverage, ultra-low latency, and reliable connection. This chapter proposes a selforganizing
network (SON) driven network slicing architecture, where software-defined
networking (SDN) and network function virtualization (NFV) also play important
roles. Some preliminary simulation results are given to validate the efficiency of our
design.
Molecular Mechanisms of Feline Cancers
Authors:   REHS Program SDSC, UC San Diego, California, USA, Lin Jessica , Kouznetsova Valentina L ,   San Diego Supercomputer Center, UC San Diego, California, USA,   Moores Cancer Center, UC San Diego, California, USA, Tsigelny Igor F ,   San Diego Supercomputer Center, UC San Diego, California, USA,   Moores Cancer Center, UC San Diego, California, USA,   Department of Neurosciences, UC San Diego, California, USA,   BiAna, San Diego, California, USA
Published: May 2021

Feline cancers have not been studied as extensively as canine cancers, though they may offer similar advantages, with cats being immunocompetent animals subject to similar conditions as their human counterparts. The most common feline cancers include lymphoma, squamous cell carcinoma, sarcoma, and mammary tumors, though mast cell tumors were also investigated in this review. As the pathogenesis of many feline cancers remains unclear, this study seeks to elucidate some molecular mechanisms behind feline cancers. Feline lymphoma has been commonly associated with feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), though in recent years it has appeared more as lymphoma of the gastrointestinal tract. Chromosomal alterations (translocations) due to the virus-associated lymphoma, as well as aberrant gene expression (such as in COX-2 and MDR1) have been identified in the past. While feline lymphoma may be divided into many subtypes, feline sarcoma may be divided into two broad classifications of feline injection site associated (FISS) sarcoma and spontaneous sarcoma, with FISS being a potential model for inflammation leading to tumorigenesis in humans. Previous studies have found multiple chromosomal alterations (including aneuploidy and chromosomal translocations), as well as aberrations in gene expression in feline sarcoma. In the past, oral squamous cell carcinoma has been proposed as a model for human head and neck cancer, and mammary tumors have been proposed as a model for human breast cancers due to similar prognosis and phenotype, as well as higher rate of occurrence in cats than in humans. Mutations have been identified in genes such as TP53, ERBB2, and TWIST1 in feline mammary tumors. c-KIT mutations were commonly located in feline mast cell tumors, though these findings were not particularly significant in terms of correlation to other prognostic indicators. This review seeks to elucidate pathways and treatments for feline cancers for the field of comparative genomics and oncology.
Use of Smartphone Apps for Improving Physical Function Capacity in Cardiac Patient Rehabilitation: Systematic Review
Authors: Tuttle Katherine , Kelemen Arpad , Liang Yulan
Published: May 2021

Background

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is an evidence-based approach for preventing secondary cardiac events. Smartphone apps are starting to be used in CR to give patients real-time feedback on their health, connect them remotely with their medical team, and allow them to perform their rehabilitation at home. The use of smartphone apps is becoming omnipresent and has real potential in impacting patients in need of CR.

Objective

This paper provides critical examinations and summaries of existing research studies with an in-depth analysis of not only the individual studies but also the larger patterns that have emerged with smartphone apps in CR as well as their significance for practice change.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted through broad database searches that focused on evaluating randomized controlled trials, in compliance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) expectations. A total of 43 articles were evaluated, and 6 were chosen for this review. The dates of the articles ranged from 2014-2020, and the studies focused on the population of cardiac outpatients who needed CR after suffering a cardiac event, with interventions using a smartphone that incorporated the CR standards of the American Heart Association. The outcomes measured were directed at focusing on improved exercise function capacity, valued at a significance level of P<.05, for improved 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and peak oxygen uptake (PVO2) results.

Results

In the evaluated articles, the results were inconsistent for significant positive effects of CR smartphone apps on cardiac patients’ physical function capacity in terms of the 6MWT and PVO2 when using a smartphone app to aid in CR.

Conclusions

Because evidence in the literature suggests nonhomogeneous results for successful use of smartphone apps in CR, it is crucial to investigate the potential reasons for this inconsistency. An important observation from this systematic review is that smartphone apps used in CR have better clinical outcomes related to physical function capacity if the app automatically records information or provides real-time feedback to participants about their progress, compared to apps that only educate and encourage use while requiring the participant to manually log their CR activities. Additional factors to consider during these studies include the starting health of the patients, the sample sizes, and the specific components of CR that the smartphone apps are using. Overall, more clinical trials are needed that implement smartphone apps with these factors in mind, while placing stronger emphasis on using biosensing capabilities that can automatically log results and send them to providers on a real-time dashboard.
The Impact of Systematic Review Automation Tools on Methodological Quality and Time Taken to Complete Systematic Review Tasks: Case Study
Authors: Clark Justin , McFarlane Catherine , Cleo Gina , Ishikawa Ramos Christiane , Marshall Skye
Published: May 2021

Background

Systematic reviews (SRs) are considered the highest level of evidence to answer research questions; however, they are time and resource intensive.

Objective

When comparing SR tasks done manually, using standard methods, versus those same SR tasks done using automated tools, (1) what is the difference in time to complete the SR task and (2) what is the impact on the error rate of the SR task?

Methods

A case study compared specific tasks done during the conduct of an SR on prebiotic, probiotic, and synbiotic supplementation in chronic kidney disease. Two participants (manual team) conducted the SR using current methods, comprising a total of 16 tasks. Another two participants (automation team) conducted the tasks where a systematic review automation (SRA) tool was available, comprising of a total of six tasks. The time taken and error rate of the six tasks that were completed by both teams were compared.

Results

The approximate time for the manual team to produce a draft of the background, methods, and results sections of the SR was 126 hours. For the six tasks in which times were compared, the manual team spent 2493 minutes (42 hours) on the tasks, compared to 708 minutes (12 hours) spent by the automation team. The manual team had a higher error rate in two of the six tasks—regarding Task 5: Run the systematic search, the manual team made eight errors versus three errors made by the automation team; regarding Task 12: Assess the risk of bias, 25 assessments differed from a reference standard for the manual team compared to 20 differences for the automation team. The manual team had a lower error rate in one of the six tasks—regarding Task 6: Deduplicate search results, the manual team removed one unique study and missed zero duplicates versus the automation team who removed two unique studies and missed seven duplicates. Error rates were similar for the two remaining compared tasks—regarding Task 7: Screen the titles and abstracts and Task 9: Screen the full text, zero relevant studies were excluded by both teams. One task could not be compared between groups—Task 8: Find the full text.

Conclusions

For the majority of SR tasks where an SRA tool was used, the time required to complete that task was reduced for novice researchers while methodological quality was maintained.
Associations Between Methods of Meeting Sexual Partners and Sexual Practices Among Heterosexuals: Cross-sectional Study in Melbourne, Australia
Authors: Constantinou Heidi , Fairley Christopher K , Hocking Jane S , Bradshaw Catriona S , Choi Edmond P H , Maddaford Kate , Phillips Tiffany R , Chow Eric P F
Published: May 2021

Background

The association between meeting partners on the web and sexual practices has been understudied in heterosexuals.

Objective

This study aims to examine the associations between the methods of meeting partners and sexual practices and HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in heterosexuals.

Methods

We conducted a survey among heterosexuals attending the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre in 2019. This survey asked about the methods through which the participants engaged in meeting their sexual partners, sexual practices, and intravenous drug use (IVDU) over the past 3 months. The participants’ HIV and STI (chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis) status was obtained from clinical testing. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the association between each method of meeting and the participants’ sexual practices, IVDU, and STI status.

Results

A total of 698 participants (325 men and 373 women) were included in the study. Most of the participants reported using only one method to meet partners (222/325, 68.3% men; 245/373, 65.7% women; P=.05). The men met partners most commonly at social venues (eg, bar, pub, or party; 126/325, 38.8%), whereas the women met partners most commonly through friends or family (178/373, 47.7%). Paying for sex was associated with men meeting partners at sex venues (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 145.34, 95% CI 26.13-808.51) and on the internet (AOR 10.00, 95% CI 3.61-27.55). There was no association between IVDU and methods of meeting. Social venues were associated with condomless vaginal sex among men (AOR 3.31, 95% CI 1.94-5.71) and women (AOR 2.58, 95% CI 1.61-4.13) and testing positive for STI among men (AOR 3.04, 95% CI 1.24-7.48) and women (AOR 3.75, 95% CI 1.58-8.89).

Conclusions

Heterosexuals who met partners at social venues had a more than threefold risk of testing positive for STIs, indicating that heterosexuals may benefit from health promotion campaigns that are delivered through a public setting.
An Early Warning Mobile Health Screening and Risk Scoring App for Preventing In-Hospital Transmission of COVID-19 by Health Care Workers: Development and Feasibility Study
Authors: Mbiine Ronald , Nakanwagi Cephas , Lekuya Herve Monka , Aine Joan , Hakim Kawesi , Nabunya Lilian , Tomusange Henry
Published: May 2021

Background

Hospitals have been identified as very high-risk places for COVID-19 transmission between health care workers and patients who do not have COVID-19. Health care workers are the most at-risk population to contract and transmit the infection, especially to already vulnerable patients who do not have COVID-19. In low-income countries, routine testing is not feasible due to the high cost of testing; therefore, presenting the risk of uncontrolled transmission within non–COVID-19 treatment wards. This challenge necessitated the development of an affordable intermediary screening tool that would enable early identification of potentially infected health care workers and for early real time DNA–polymerase chain reaction testing prioritization. This would limit the contact time of potentially infected health care workers with the patients but also enable efficient use of the limited testing kits.

Objective

The aims of this study are to describe an early warning in-hospital mobile risk analysis app for screening COVID-19 and to determine the feasibility and user-friendliness of the app among health care workers.

Methods

The primary result of this research project was the development of a mobile-based daily early warning system for in-hospital transmission of COVID-19. Overall, the Early Warning System for In-Hospital Transmission of COVID-19 (EWAS) mobile app was found to be feasible, with over 69% of the health care workers having logged more than 67% of the required times. Over 93% of the participants reported that the tool was easy to use.

Results

The primary result of this research project was the development of a mobile-based daily early warning system for in-hospital transmission of COVID-19. Overall, the Early Warning System for In-Hospital Transmission of COVID-19 (EWAS) mobile app was found to be feasible, with 69% of the health care workers (69/100) having logged more than 67% of the required times. Of the 100 participants, 93 reported that the tool was easy to use.

Conclusions

The EWAS mobile app is a feasible and user-friendly daily risk scoring tool for preventing in-hospital transmission of COVID-19. Although it was not designed to be a diagnostic tool but rather a screening tool, there is a need to evaluate its sensitivity in predicting persons likely to have contracted COVID-19.
Relation Classification for Bleeding Events From Electronic Health Records Using Deep Learning Systems: An Empirical Study
Authors: Mitra Avijit , Rawat Bhanu Pratap Singh , McManus David D , Yu Hong
Published: May 2021

Background

Accurate detection of bleeding events from electronic health records (EHRs) is crucial for identifying and characterizing different common and serious medical problems. To extract such information from EHRs, it is essential to identify the relations between bleeding events and related clinical entities (eg, bleeding anatomic sites and lab tests). With the advent of natural language processing (NLP) and deep learning (DL)-based techniques, many studies have focused on their applicability for various clinical applications. However, no prior work has utilized DL to extract relations between bleeding events and relevant entities.

Objective

In this study, we aimed to evaluate multiple DL systems on a novel EHR data set for bleeding event–related relation classification.

Methods

We first expert annotated a new data set of 1046 deidentified EHR notes for bleeding events and their attributes. On this data set, we evaluated three state-of-the-art DL architectures for the bleeding event relation classification task, namely, convolutional neural network (CNN), attention-guided graph convolutional network (AGGCN), and Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT). We used three BERT-based models, namely, BERT pretrained on biomedical data (BioBERT), BioBERT pretrained on clinical text (Bio+Clinical BERT), and BioBERT pretrained on EHR notes (EhrBERT).

Results

Our experiments showed that the BERT-based models significantly outperformed the CNN and AGGCN models. Specifically, BioBERT achieved a macro F1 score of 0.842, outperforming both the AGGCN (macro F1 score, 0.828) and CNN models (macro F1 score, 0.763) by 1.4% (P<.001) and 7.9% (P<.001), respectively.

Conclusions

In this comprehensive study, we explored and compared different DL systems to classify relations between bleeding events and other medical concepts. On our corpus, BERT-based models outperformed other DL models for identifying the relations of bleeding-related entities. In addition to pretrained contextualized word representation, BERT-based models benefited from the use of target entity representation over traditional sequence representation