bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Acceptability of Virtual Characters as Social Skills Trainers: Usability Study
Authors: Tanaka Hiroki , Nakamura Satoshi
Published: February 2022

Background

Social skills training by human trainers is a well-established method to provide appropriate social interaction skills and strengthen social self-efficacy. In our previous work, we attempted to automate social skills training by developing a virtual agent that taught social skills through interaction. Previous research has not investigated the visual design of virtual agents for social skills training. Thus, we investigated the effect of virtual agent visual design on automated social skills training.

Objective

The 3 main purposes of this research were to investigate the effect of virtual agent appearance on automated social skills training, the relationship between acceptability and other measures (eg, likeability, realism, and familiarity), and the relationship between likeability and individual user characteristics (eg, gender, age, and autistic traits).

Methods

We prepared images and videos of a virtual agent, and 1218 crowdsourced workers rated the virtual agents through a questionnaire. In designing personalized virtual agents, we investigated the acceptability, likeability, and other impressions of the virtual agents and their relationship to individual characteristics.

Results

We found that there were differences between the virtual agents in all measures (P<.001). A female anime-type virtual agent was rated as the most likeable. We also confirmed that participants’ gender, age, and autistic traits were related to their ratings.

Conclusions

We confirmed the effect of virtual agent design on automated social skills training. Our findings are important in designing the appearance of an agent for use in personalized automated social skills training.
A novel digital digit-symbol substitution test measures processing speed in adults at-risk for Alzheimer’s disease: A validation study (Preprint)
Authors: Campitelli Anthony , Paulson Sally , Gills Josh L , Jones Megan D , Madero Erica N , Myers Jennifer , Glenn Jordan M , Gray Michelle
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND

Assessing cognitive constructs affected by Alzheimer’s disease, such as processing speed (PS), is important to screen for potential disease and allow early detection. Digital PS assessments have been developed to provide widespread, efficient cognitive testing, but all have been validated only based on the correlation between test scores. Best statistical practices dictate that concurrent validity should be assessed for agreement or equivalence, rather than utilizing correlation alone.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the concurrent validity of a novel digital PS assessment against a gold-standard measure of PS.

METHODS

Adults aged 45-75 years (n = 191) participated in this study. Participants completed the novel digital digit symbol substitution test (DDSST) and the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status coding test (RBANS-C). The correlation between test scores was determined using a Pearson’s product moment correlation and a difference in mean test scores between tests was checked for using a dependent samples t-test. Data were analyzed for agreement between the two tests using Bland-Altman limits of agreement and equivalency using a two one-sided tests approach.

RESULTS

A significant moderate, positive correlation was found between DDSST and RBANS-C scores (r = .577, p < .001), and no difference in mean scores was detected between tests (p = 0.93). Scores between tests were found to display adequate agreement and equivalence (p = .049).

CONCLUSIONS

Analyses indicate that the DDSST is a valid digital assessment of PS. The DDSST appears to be a suitable option for widespread, immediate, and efficient PS testing.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov
Identifier: NCT04559789
https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04559789
A Difficulty Model Based on Movement Abilities for a Post-Stroke Rehabilitation Game (Preprint)
Authors: David Ludovic , Bouyer Guillaume , Rei David , Koeppel Typhaine , Grosmaire Anne-Gaëlle , Otmane Samir
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND

Therapeutic games and Virtual Reality are popular tools for stroke rehabilitation. However, to be effective, the exercises must be repetitive, intensive, task-oriented and should present challenges adapted to the patient’s abilities and condition.

OBJECTIVE

In this article, we propose a model to control the difficulty in post-stroke rehabilitation games, based on movement abilities and endurance. We apply this in a forearm pronation-supination game.

METHODS

A preliminary experiment with 26 chronic stroke patients and 32 healthy participants studies the usability of the system and the impact of our difficulty model on performance, as well as the acceptance and motivation of users, and the perception of the difficulty and efforts.

RESULTS

Our system has excellent usability according to the System Usability Scale (SUS) scores. Objective and subjective results indicate that our difficulty model is coherent and has an impact on the performance of participants, though in limited proportions. Patients and healthy subjects have a strong and identical interest which suggests that therapeutic gaming is well designed to motivate users.

CONCLUSIONS

We introduce a difficulty model based on motor abilities that can be used by various therapeutic games. This formal description allows to include a part of the therapist’s expertise through coefficients that can be adjusted according to the therapeutic objectives and patient profiles. The next steps are to make a framework from the model and to pair it with automatic difficulty adjustment.

CLINICALTRIAL

CER-Paris-Saclay-2018-040
Parenthesis Notation
Authors: Du Guoping
Published: February 2022

The formal language of a logical system usually contains several types of symbols. In infix notation, two different kinds of symbols are used to construct compound formula and to indicate the order of combination. The logical constants such as Ø, Ú are used to construct compound formula, and auxiliary symbols such as ( ) are used to indicate the order of a combination. In Polish notation, there is no need for auxiliary symbols such as ( ), and only one class of symbols, N, C, K, etc., is used as a conjunction to make it function as a parenthesis. Contrary to Polish notation, a new parenthesis notation is put forward in this paper. Parenthesis notation uses only parentheses, and empowers them the function of connectives. More importantly, it is proved in this paper that we can define logical constants such as propositional connectives, quantifiers, modal operators and temporal operators in the same formula by using only parenthesis, which can greatly simplify the initial connectives needed to construct the formal system.
Some Considerations on Sustainability Issue in the Economic and Social Sectors
Authors: COSSIGA Dott. Giovanni Antonio
Published: February 2022

To be implemented and investigated, according to the rules of a good relationship with nature, the sustainability must be equipped with a theoretical scheme that will help to understand the dynamics of this relationship and the opportunities offered in order to improve the economic system development. It’s essentially about recognizing that, just like physics, also the economy is subject to some general and abstract rules. This is the case of the inflation base value which the Central Banks have defined as a value close to 2%. So, if the economy moves along the track indicated by this value, we have the confirmation that growth is properly developing. This base value for inflation is defined implicitly without any clear specification. We can therefore admit that it’s an ideal value like the great universal constants, which gives us some information about an economic system that is developing according to the rules of natural computability. According to this point of view, the base inflation close to 2% is essentially utopian, because it can only be achieved if the whole economic growth moves in full harmony with the nature around us. It follows that even if we could actually verify the realization of a base value close to 2%, in reality we aren’t in the best conditions at all, especially if the global economy is affected by deflation as today. The deflation, that is the falling price trend, is part of the complex messages that both nature and economic systems send to warn that the economy is worsening and becoming unstable. Both inflation and deflation are messages that never contribute to the economic development. A messaging complex that starts and evolves in parallel with the rising of economic cycle inside the daily activity. In summary, a mechanism that has the responsibility, by imposing pauses on the system, to reduce the instability of the systems in order to facilitate the return to the natural development condition (i.e., to a relative compatibility). A correction system based on the conjuncture that is obviously quite different from the stability world, in which the economy grows and develops with a linear and constant inclination depending on differentials.
Effectiveness of bisoprolol versus other β-blockers and other antihypertensive classes: a cohort study in the Clinical Practice Research Datalink
Authors: Foch Caroline , Allignol Arthur , Hohenberger Thilo , Boutmy Emmanuelle , Schaefer Stephan , Hostalek Ulrike
Published: February 2022

Aim:
To compare blood pressure (BP) and safety outcomes in patients with hypertension initiating bisoprolol, versus other β-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin II receptor blockers, calcium channel blockers or diuretics.
Materials & methods:
New user cohort study. Patients initiating bisoprolol were matched with up to four patients, in each comparator cohort using propensity score. BP outcomes were compared using linear mixed models and safety outcomes using Cox proportional hazards.
Results:
Differences in average systolic and diastolic BP variation were ≤3 mmHg between bisoprolol versus the compared classes. No difference was observed in risk of diabetes, obesity or erectile dysfunction. An increased dyslipidemia risk was only observed versus diuretics (hazard ratio: 0.76; 98.75% CI: 0.58, 0.99).
Conclusion:
No differences in BP variation and safety outcomes.
Genius – Personal Assistant
Authors: Panchal Amruta , Chavan Nikhil , Kamble Sakshi , Shitole Mayuri , Kolte Prof. Snehal
Published: February 2022

Abstract: The Genius Personal Assistant is a Voice Assistant System for laptop or desktop. As some of the physically handicapped people cannot use a laptop or mouse, keyboard properly also old age people could have problem to see the laptop’s screen. So, by using this system, the users can perform their tasks more efficiently. The user can tell to system what they want to do and that will be taken as voice input the system. After that the speech to text conversion will be performed and output according to that will be given to the user. We are implementing this project using different python libraries. Keywords: Voice Assistant System, Speech to text conversion, Python libraries.
Descripción de características sociodemográficas y clínicas de pacientes con litiasis renal”
Authors: Dominguez Vinayo Edgar Hernando
Published: February 2022

Introducción: Los cálculos renales son acúmulos o depósitos de minerales que se forman en los cálices, pelvis renal, o tracto urinario.

Objetivo: Describir las características sociodemográficas y clínicas de una muestra de pacientes con litiasis renal mayores de 18 años.

Materiales y métodos: Estudio observacional descriptivo. Pacientes atendidos en una consulta ambulatoria de nefrología y urología en Manizales durante los años 2010 a 2020, en los que se contaba con estudios en sangre, orina de 24 horas, y estudio fisicoquímico del cálculo, además de datos sociodemográficos y clínicos relacionados. Se fragmentaron en grupos, de acuerdo con los hallazgos encontrados en los cálculos disponibles, dividiéndose en oxalato de calcio en su totalidad, calcio mixto con otro compuesto y el último grupo de cálculo no calcio.

Resultados: Se identificaron 54 pacientes con nefrolitiasis, 14 de ellos, fueron excluidos. Finalmente 40 pacientes cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. La mediana de edad fue 52,5 años, predominio del sexo masculino (55%), se encontró en 20,5% hiperuricemia, hipercalcemia en 17,6%, hiperfosfatemia en 2 casos e hipercaliemia en 3 casos. En orina se encontró, hipocitraturia en el 71.1%, seguido de hipercalciuria (12.5%), hiperuricosuria (10%), hiperoxaluria (5%). En 17 pacientes había resultado de composición fisicoquímica del cálculo, en ellos la variedad calcio mixto fue las más frecuente (55,5%).

Conclusiones: Este estudio describe las características de pacientes con cálculos renales, mostrando que la mayoría tiene alteraciones metabólicas asociadas a nefrolitiasis, siendo la hipocitraturia el hallazgo más frecuente, y que la mayoría de los cálculos tiene calcio en su composición.
Analisa Risiko Rantai Pasok Produk Kosmetik Sistem Make to Order Dengan Metode House of Risk
Authors: Hosianna Glory Riama , Hasibuan Sawarni , Hidayati Juliza
Published: February 2022

Risk is a factor that hinders supply chain operations that cannot be avoided but can be minimized or eliminated by carrying out appropriate risk management. This research was conducted at a cosmetic factory with a make-to-order business system. The purpose of this research is to identify the various risks that occur, analyze the sources of risk and create mitigation strategies. The method used in this research is the House of Risk Model to identify and determine the priority of the handling strategy. There are 7 risks that become a priority for mitigation, namely sudden demand, increased demand, dependence on one supplier, supplier lead time too long, delays in delivery schedules, inappropriate alternative supplier selection, and delays in the purchasing process. In this case, the planning and sourcing processes must be improved.
Quality Improvement of NH1X36B Pre-Printed Box with QM-CRISP DM Approach at PT X
Authors: Habyba Anik Nur , Fitriana Rina , Theodora Tania
Published: February 2022

PT X is a manufacturer of cardboard box whose products are indispensable for various fields. The problem identified in NH1X36B pre-printed box, which is a shoes box, is the high defect rate that exceed company target of 2%. This study aims to reduce the defect rate of the product. The Quality-Management (QM) and Cross Industry Standard Process for Data Mining (CRISP-DM) approach was conducted by integrating Six Sigma and data mining. The Business Understanding phase was intended to define business and data mining objectives, SIPOC (Supplier-Input-Process-Output-Customer) diagram, and Critical-to-Quality (CTQ). In Data Understanding phase, it is known that the Defects Per Million Opportunities (DPMO) value is 1210.12. Data preparation phase was carried out with data cleaning, reduction, and discretization. Based on the Modeling result using Decision Tree C4.5 and FP-Growth algorithm, it is known that the dominant attributes causing high rejection are smeared ink, white spots, uneven varnish, and delamination. Decision Tree model accuracy of 90.24% indicates that the model is performing well. Analysis using FMEA yielded priority correction to the causes of smeared ink, uneven varnish, and delamination. Process improvement in Deployment phase was the application of plate cleaning and mounting form, printing process checklist, and SOP for sheet inspection. The improvement plans managed to improve the quality by rising sigma level from 4.533 to 4.648 sigma and decrease defect rate to 1.559%.
Model Sensitivitas Kenaikan Tarif Dasar Listrik Terhadap Keberlangsungan Usaha UMKM Di Kota Bandung
Authors: Sarasi Vita , Primiana Ina , Kaltum Umi , Bernik Merita
Published: February 2022

Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are often faced with a number of problems that are very influential on their growth and can reduce their competitiveness, where one of them is the increase in Basic Electricity Tariff. The increase in Basic Electricity Tariff will occur every three months and the average annual increase is 15%, which will result a direct impact on surging production costs. The increase in Basic Electricity Tariff will result in declining growth of MSMEs, making it difficult to compete because MSMEs have to make adjustments to prices and ultimately result in weakening purchasing power. The Sensitivity Analysis of Basic Electricity Tariff increase on the sustainability of MSME businesses aims to (1) Know the structure of production costs in relation to electricity usage and (2) Create a sensitivity model for TDL increase on the sustainability of MSME businesses using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). This research is analytical descriptive and useful as an effort to focus on actions in anticipating the sensitive increase in Basic Electricity Tariff on the sustainability of MSME businesses. These actions include reducing the ratio of electricity costs to production costs and increasing capital to increase business turnover. This research is focused on MSMEs which are very sensitive to the increase in the Basic Electricity Tariff.
Efeito da crioterapia intracanal no controle da dor pós-operatória após terapia endodôntica: uma revisão de literatura
Authors: Pauletto Guilherme , Bello Mariana De Carlo
Published: February 2022

Aim: The aim of this literature review is to investigate and critically analyze the use of intracanal cryotherapy during endodontic treatment and, through scientific findings, elaborate well grouded references that justify or not, carrying out such auxiliary protocol during endodontic intervention. Literature Review: The therapeutic alternative known as cryotherapy is a technique that has existed for years, which has been frequently applied in Medicine for the treatment of pain and postoperative care. Recently, the use of cryotherapy in Endodontics, through a final root canal irrigation protocol, has been examined in several randomized clinical trials. Discussion: The reviewed studies showed that the use of cold saline solution as a final irrigating agent for chemical-mechanical preparation has the potential to reduce pain levels of a possible painful symptomatology after endodontic treatment, in addition to being a method of easy application and low cost. Conclusion: Although there are few studies on the subject, scientific evidences available and reviewed in this article properly support the effect of intracanal cryotherapy in reducing the postoperative pain of an endodontic intervention. However, new studies should be placed to investigate possible harmful effects and to prepare a predictable and safe protocol.
Self-aggregation of soil humic acids with respect to their structural characteristics
Authors: Jovanovic Uros , Markovic Mirjana , Cokesa Djuro , Zivkovic Nikola , Radmanovic Svjetlana
Published: February 2022

The main goal of this work was to estimate the influence of carboxyl and phenolic groups, as well as aromatic, aliphatic and polysaccharide components, on the soil humic acids (HA) self-aggregation process. Soil HAs (leptosol and regosol) were separated using base resin getting fractions with different functional group contents. Blocking of carboxyl groups was performed using the esterification procedure to estimate the participation of each functional group in the HA aggregation. The presence of HA structural components was evaluated by potentiometric titration and ATR-FTIR. The aggregation was monitored at pH 3 using dynamic light scattering. Results indicated that the higher group content, the HA aggregation is less pronounced. A significant positive correlation of aliphatic C and aggregate size revealed their dominant influence in the HA self-aggregation. A lower abundance of aliphatic C in HA fractions could be considered as not sufficient to start the process. An increase of aromatic C in esters likely pointed out to its participation in hydrophobic bonding and, consequently, more pronounced aggregation. The relation of HA self-aggregate size with carboxyl and phenolic group, as well as aliphatic C, at low pH, could be considered universal regardless of the structural characteristics of the original or modified HA forms.
Evaluation of antitumor potential of Cu(II) complex with hydrazone of 2-acetylthiazole and Girard’s t reagent
Authors: Stevanovic Nevena , Jevtovic Mima , Mitic Dragana , Matic Ivana , Djordjic-Crnogorac Marija , Vujcic Miroslava , Sladic Dusan , Cobeljic Bozidar , Andjelkovic Katarina
Published: February 2022

In this paper, the previously synthesized Cu(II) complex ([CuL1(N3) (CH3OH)]BF4) with N,N,N-trimethyl-2-oxo-2-(2-(1-(thiazol-2-yl)ethylidene)- hydrazinyl)ethan-1-aminium chloride, has been characterized and its biological activity has been studied in detail. The Cu(II) complex consists of ligand coordinated in a deprotonated, formally neutral zwitter-ionic form, via NNO atoms, one azido ligand and one methanol molecule. The Cu(II) complex was selected due to results of the cytotoxic activity, the brine shrimp test and DPPH radical scavenging activity, which were previously performed. The effects of Cu(II) complex on cell cycle phase distribution of cervical adenocarcinoma HeLa cells were investigated in order to examine the mechanisms of its anticancer activity. The measurement of intracellular ROS levels in HeLa and HaCaT cell lines were evaluated in order to explore their possible generation and the role in cytotoxic activity. The possible anti-invasive and anti-angiogenic properties of Cu(II) complex were evaluated. DNA binding experiments, including fluorescence displacement study and DNA cleavage experiments, were performed in order to obtain information on the type of DNA-metal complex interactions.
Aquaculture and Nature-based Solutions: identifying synergies between sustainable development of coastal communities, aquaculture, and marine and coastal conservation
Authors: Le Gouvello R. , Brugère C. , Simard F.
Published: February 2022

Aquaculture production has very significantly increased in tonnage and value over the last decades. It is seen as a potential solution to replace the declining wild fishery stocks. This publication is a first attempt to examine aquaculture systems within the recent framework of the IUCN Global Standard for Nature-based Solutions (NbS). It reviews the critical contextual situation, highlighting major issues related to climate change, biodiversity losses and endangered marine ecosystems. It stresses the need for new approaches, such as the concept of NbS, to improve human ability to implement sustainable development and to reach the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
GIPR Is Predominantly Localized to Nonadipocyte Cell Types Within White Adipose Tissue
Authors: Campbell Jonathan E. , Beaudry Jacqueline L. , Svendsen Berit , Baggio Laurie L. , Gordon Andrew N. , Ussher John R. , Wong Chi Kin , Gribble Fiona M. , D’Alessio David A. , Reimann Frank , Drucker Daniel J.
Published: February 2022

The incretin hormone glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) augments glucose-dependent insulin secretion through its receptor expressed on islet β-cells. GIP also acts on adipose tissue; yet paradoxically, both enhanced and reduced GIP receptor (GIPR) signaling reduce adipose tissue mass and attenuate weight gain in response to nutrient excess. Moreover, the precise cellular localization of GIPR expression within white adipose tissue (WAT) remains uncertain. We used mouse genetics to target Gipr expression within adipocytes. Surprisingly, targeting Cre expression to adipocytes using the adiponectin (Adipoq) promoter did not produce meaningful reduction of WAT Gipr expression in Adipoq-Cre:Giprflx/flx mice. In contrast, adenoviral expression of Cre under the control of the cytomegalovirus promoter, or transgenic expression of Cre using nonadipocyte-selective promoters (Ap2/Fabp4 and Ubc) markedly attenuated WAT Gipr expression. Analysis of single-nucleus RNA-sequencing, adipose tissue data sets localized Gipr/GIPR expression predominantly to pericytes and mesothelial cells rather than to adipocytes. Together, these observations reveal that adipocytes are not the major GIPR+ cell type within WAT—findings with mechanistic implications for understanding how GIP and GIP-based co-agonists control adipose tissue biology.
Changes in Physical Activity and the Risk of Dementia in Patients With New-Onset Type 2 Diabetes: A Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Yoo Jung Eun , Han Kyungdo , Kim Bongseong , Park Sang-Hyun , Kim Seon Mee , Park Hye Soon , Nam Ga Eun
Published: February 2022

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the association between interval changes in physical activity (PA) and dementia risk among patients with new-onset type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We identified 133,751 participants newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in a health screening (2009–2012), with a follow-up health screening within 2 years (2010–2015). PA level changes were categorized into continuous lack of PA, decreaser, increaser, and continuous PA groups. Dementia was determined using dementia diagnosis codes and antidementia drug prescriptions.

RESULTS

During the median follow-up of 4.8 years, 3,240 new cases of all-cause dementia developed. Regular PA was associated with lower risks of all-cause dementia (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.82; 95% CI 0.75–0.90), Alzheimer disease (AD) (aHR 0.85; 95% CI 0.77–0.95), and vascular dementia (VaD) (aHR 0.78; 95% CI 0.61–0.99). Increasers who started to engage in regular PA had a lower risk of all-cause dementia (aHR 0.86; 95% CI 0.77–0.96). Moreover, the risk was further reduced among those with continuous regular PA: all-cause dementia (aHR 0.73; 95% CI 0.62–0.85), AD (aHR 0.74; 95% CI 0.62–0.88), and VaD (aHR 0.62; 95% CI 0.40–0.94). Consistent results were noted in various subgroup analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

Regular PA was independently associated with lower risks of all-cause dementia, AD, and VaD among individuals with new-onset type 2 diabetes. Those with continuous regular PA and, to a lesser extent, those who started to engage in regular PA had a lower risk of dementia. Regular PA should be encouraged to prevent dementia in high-risk populations and those with new-onset type 2 diabetes.
Changes in Physical Activity and the Risk of Dementia in Patients With New-Onset Type 2 Diabetes: A Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Yoo Jung Eun , Han Kyungdo , Kim Bongseong , Park Sang-Hyun , Kim Seon Mee , Park Hye Soon , Nam Ga Eun
Published: February 2022

Objective: We investigated the association between
interval changes in physical activity (PA) and dementia risk among patients
with new-onset type 2 diabetes.

Methods:
We identified 133,751 participants newly
diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in a health screening (2009–2012) with a follow-up health screening within 2 years
(2010–2015). PA level changes were categorized into the
continuous lack of PA, decreaser, increaser, and continuous PA groups. Dementia
was determined using dementia diagnosis codes and anti-dementia drug
prescriptions.

Results: During the
median follow-up of 4.8 years, 3,240 new cases of all-cause dementia developed.
Regular PA was associated with lower risks
of all-cause dementia (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]
0.82, 95% CI=0.75–0.90), Alzheimer’s disease (AD) (aHR 0.85, 95%
CI=0.77–0.95), and vascular dementia (VaD) (aHR 0.78, 95% CI=0.61–0.99).
Increasers who started to engage in regular PA
had a lower risk of all-cause dementia (aHR 0.86, 95% CI=0.77–0.96). Moreover,
the risk was further reduced among those with continuous regular PA: all-cause dementia (aHR 0.73, 95%
CI=0.62–0.85), AD (aHR 0.74, 95% CI=0.62–0.88), and VaD (aHR 0.62, 95%
CI=0.40–0.94). Consistent results were noted in various subgroup analyses.

Conclusions:
Regular PA
was independently associated with lower risks of all-cause dementia, AD, and
VaD among individuals with new-onset type 2 diabetes. Those with continuous
regular PA, and to a lesser extent, those
who started to engage in regular PA had a
lower risk of dementia. Regular PA should be encouraged to prevent dementia in
high-risk populations and those with new-onset type 2 diabetes.
Hepatokine ERAP1 Disturbs Skeletal Muscle Insulin Sensitivity via Inhibiting USP33-Mediated ADRB2 Deubiquitination
Authors: Niu Yuguo , Jiang Haizhou , Yin Hanrui , Wang Fenfen , Hu Ronggui , Hu Xiaoming , Peng Bo , Shu Yousheng , Li Zhigang , Chen Shanghai , Guo Feifan
Published: February 2022

Chronic inflammation in liver induces insulin resistance systemically
and in other tissues, including the skeletal muscle (SM); however, the
underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. By performing RNA-seq of
primary hepatocytes from wild-type mice fed long term high-fat diet
(HFD), which have severe chronic inflammation and insulin resistance, we
found that the expression of hepatokine endoplasmic reticulum
aminopeptidase 1 (ERAP1) was upregulated by HFD. Increased ERAP1 levels
were also observed in interferon-γ-treated primary hepatocytes.
Furthermore, hepatic ERAP1 overexpression attenuated systemic and SM
insulin sensitivity, whereas hepatic ERAP1 knockdown had the opposite
effects, with corresponding changes in serum ERAP1 levels.
Mechanistically, ERAP1 functions as an antagonist-like factor, which
interacts with β2 adrenergic receptor (ADRB2) and reduces its expression
by decreasing ubiquitin specific peptidase 33 (USP33)-mediated
deubiquitination, and thereby interrupts ADRB2-stimulated insulin
signaling in the SM. Taken together, ERAP1 is an inflammation-induced
hepatokine that impairs SM insulin sensitivity. Its inhibition may
provide a therapeutic strategy for insulin resistance-related diseases,
such as type 2 diabetes.
Endothelial Phospholipase Cγ2 Improves Outcomes of Diabetic Ischemic Limb Rescue Following VEGF Therapy
Authors: Rustagi Yashika , Abouhashem Ahmed S , Verma Priyanka , Verma Sumit S , Hernandez Edward , Liu Sheng , Kumar Manishekhar , Guda Poornachander R , Srivastava Rajneesh , Mohanty Sujit K , Kacar Sedat , Mahajan Sanskruti , Wanczyk Kristen E , Khanna Savita , Murphy Michael P , Gordillo Gayle M , Roy Sashwati , Wan Jun , Sen Chandan K , Singh Kanhaiya
Published: February 2022

Therapeutic
VEGF replenishment has met with limited success for the management of critical
limb threatening ischemia (CLTI). To improve outcomes of VEGF therapy we applied
single-cell RNA sequencing technology to study the endothelial cells of the
human diabetic skin. Single-cell suspensions were generated from the human skin
followed by cDNA preparation using Chromium Next GEM Single-cell 3' Kit v3.1.
Using appropriate quality control measures, 36,487 cells were chosen for
downstream analysis. scRNA-seq
studies identified that although VEGF
signaling was not significantly altered in diabetic vs non-diabetic skin, phospholipase-C-Gamma-2 (PLCg2) was down-regulated. The significance of PLCg2 in VEGF mediated increase in endothelial cell metabolism and function
was assessed in cultured human microvascular endothelial cells. In these cells,
VEGF enhanced mitochondrial function as indicated by elevation in oxygen
consumption rate and extracellular acidification rate. VEGF-dependent increase
in cell metabolism was blunted in response to PLCg2 inhibition. Follow-up
rescue studies therefore focused on understanding the significance of VEGF
therapy in presence or absence of endothelial PLCg2 in type-1 (streptozotocin-injected) and type-2
(db/db) diabetic ischemic tissue. Non-viral topical
tissue nanotransfection (TNT) delivery of CDH5 promoter driven PLCg2-ORF promoted the rescue of hind-limb ischemia in
diabetic mice. Improvement of blood flow was also associated with higher
abundance of VWF+/CD31+ and VWF+/SMA+
immunohistochemical staining. TNT-based gene delivery was
not associated with tissue edema, a commonly noted complication associated with
pro-angiogenic gene therapies. Taken together our study demonstrates that TNT
mediated delivery of endothelial PLCg2,
as part of combination gene therapy, is effective in diabetic ischemic limb rescue.
The GIPR is Predominantly Localized to Non-Adipocyte Cell Types Within White Adipose Tissue
Authors: Campbell Jonathan E. , Beaudry Jacqueline L. , Svendsen Berit , Baggio Laurie L. , Gordon Andrew N. , Ussher John R. , Wong Chi Kin , Gribble Fiona M. , D’Alessio David A. , Reimann Frank , Drucker Daniel J.
Published: February 2022

The
incretin hormone glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) augments
glucose-dependent insulin secretion through its receptor expressed on islet b-cells. GIP also acts on adipose tissue, yet
paradoxically, both enhanced and reduced GIP receptor (GIPR) signaling reduce
adipose tissue mass and attenuate weight gain in response to nutrient excess. Moreover,
the precise cellular localization of GIPR expression within white adipose
tissue (WAT) remains uncertain. Here, we used mouse genetics to target Gipr expression within adipocytes. Surprisingly,
targeting Cre expression to adipocytes using the Adiponectin (Adipoq) promoter did not produce
meaningful reduction of WAT Gipr expression
in Adipoq-Cre:Giprflx/flx mice.
In contrast, adenoviral expression of Cre
under the control of the CMV promoter, or transgenic expression of Cre using non-adipocyte-selective promoters
(Ap2/Fabp4 and Ubc) markedly
attenuated WAT Gipr expression. Analysis
of single nucleus RNA-seq adipose tissue data sets localized Gipr/GIPR
expression predominantly to pericytes and mesothelial cells rather than to
adipocytes. Together, these observations reveal that adipocytes are not the
major GIPR+ cell type within WAT, findings with mechanistic implications for
understanding how GIP and GIP-based co-agonists control adipose tissue biology.
Verification and Demonstration of Soil Test Based Phosphorous Calibration for Wheat Crop under Nitisols of Southeastern Ethiopia
Authors: Chemeda Mengistu
Published: February 2022

The experiment was conducted in different farmer sites and provinces at Lemu-Bilbilo district, Southeastern Ethiopia. Two fertilizer treatments: blanket type of fertilizer recommendation and soil test based fertilizer recommendation laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with four farmer’s field as replications. Data on yield and yield components of wheat were collected and the result indicates that the grain and straw yield for soil test based fertilizer recommendation were increased by 19% and 12% over the blanket type of fertilizer application (30 P kg ha-1 and 73 N kg ha-1), respectively. Hence, in this trial there was a significant grain as well as above ground biomass yield difference among the treatments. Generally the result indicated that application of soil test based phosphorus fertilizer recommendation rate calibrated in Lemu-Bilbilo district, Southeastern Ethiopia is recommendable treatment for improving productivity of wheat crop under the conditions of the present study area, similar agro-ecologies and soil types.
Shortfalls to the Healthcare System and Recommendations During the COVID-19 Crisis
Authors: Sayed Abida
Published: February 2022

The pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID) has left the healthcare system in havoc. With the rise in cases and overcrowding of health facilities, the overburdened demand on the healthcare system has left it with shortages of key provisions, personnel and intensive care units. Suggestions to consider for addressing these issues include increasing the workforce by recruitment of retired health professionals, use of mobile health units to tackle bed shortages, and handmade masks to combat against PPE shortages.
How Can a Country Effectively Control the Spread of Coronavirus Disease-2019: a Case Study from Thailand
Authors: Rojanapithayakorn Wiwat
Published: February 2022

In the last 9 months, an emerging infectious disease caused by a new coronavirus - severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) - has spread from one country to over 213 countries and territories around the world. It has become the most wide-spread pandemic of an emerging communicable disease since the emergence of AIDS 37 years ago, affecting millions infected people and the entire global society.
Diabetes and its Resulting Complications: Mathematical Modeling via Fractional Calculus
Authors: Srivastava Hari Mohan
Published: February 2022

Our main objective in this editorial-cum-mini review article is to briefly outline several recent investigations in which mathematical analytic studies were successfully made of the model of diabetes and its resulting complications by means of the widely- and extensively-applied concept of fractional-order calculus, not only in the medical and biological sciences, but also in the physical, chemical, statistical and engineering sciences.
Current Experience and Future Challenges of COVID-19 in Sri Lanka: An Auto-Ethnographic Study
Authors: Ratnapalan Savithiri
Published: February 2022

Purpose: Sri Lanka a Lower Middle Income Country (LMIC) has focussed mainly on public health measures to contain COVID-19 pandemic. The objective of this paper is to describe the efforts undertaken in Sri Lanka to manage COVID-19 pandemic and to learn from shared experiences. Methods: This study was conducted as an auto-ethnographic study. Narrative accounts of key team members of Sri Lanka’s pandemic management teams were synthesized into a master narrative. Results: Authors’ experiences are described below under the following themes: Surveillance and public health actions, test, isolate and trace strategy, infection prevention and control strategy, communication strategies and challenges. Sri Lanka adopted a screen and quarantine policy for all arrivals after the first patient and identified high risk areas. Polymerase-ChainReaction (PCR) testing capacity was achieved rapidly. All potential patients were tested and isolated if positive regardless of symptoms. Aggressive contact tracing was undertaken, Hospitals and other institutions were remodified to accommodate and isolate all COVID-19 positive cases. Quarantine centers were created when home quarantine was unsatisfactory and mobility restrictions were placed and expanded as lockdowns or curfews. Communication channels were developed for healthcare workers, other public sectors and the community. Extensive collaboration and community support helped to mitigate some of the challenges. Conclusion: Sri Lanka was able to confine COVID-19 to population clusters using the ‘test, isolate and trace’ policy. There is concern regarding the long term feasibility of this policy, the economic impact of lockdowns and the threat for rapid spread on relaxing current public health measures.
Hospitalization-Related Indicators of Second Wave COVID-19 Pandemic in Eight European Countries
Authors: Rossi Sebastiano Davide
Published: February 2022

Background: Time dependent reproduction number is the most relevant parameters to track the spread of COVID-19 pandemic. However, especially at the initial stages, Rt can be highly underestimated because of remarkable differences between the actual number of infected people and the daily incidence of people who are tested positive. In our work, we analyzed the daily cumulative number of hospitalized (HP) and intensive care unit (ICU) patients both in space and in time in the early phases of second wave COVID-19 pandemic across eight different European countries. Methods: We derived simple model equations to fit the time dependence of these two variables where exponential behavior is observed. Growth rate constants of HP and ICU are listed, providing country-specific parameters able to estimate the burden of SARS-COV-2 infection before extensive containment measures take place. Results: A trend between the HP and ICU constants is confirmed for almost all the countries considered. This paves the way to delineate a more general correlation where for a given amount of HP a given amount of ICU can be then associated. Conclusions: Our quantitative parameters, fully related to hospitalizations, are disentangled from the capacity range of the screening campaign, for example the number of swabs, and they cannot be directly biased by the actual number of infected people. This approach can provide reliable indicators which can be used to monitor the dynamics of COVID-19 in the peaks of epidemic.
Impact of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic on the LGBTQIA+ Community
Authors: J Tapanes Daniel
Published: February 2022

The lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) community encounter multiple, unique societal and health discrepancies resulting from the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic compared to their heterosexual peers. Despite the continuation and expansion of services such as counseling, support meetings, and curbside deliveries of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and HIV medication during the pandemic, limitations of care still exist. This may impact the mental and physical health within the LGBTQIA+ community resulting in poorer health outcomes compared to the general public. Equitable care solutions must be implemented to address these disparities during the COVID-19 and future pandemics.
About the solution of the problem of organizing the air exchange in the premises of public buildings in order to protect human health from harmful gaseous substances
Authors:   Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Taurit V. R. , Kolosnitsyn A. N. ,   Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering
Published: February 2022

The article is devoted to evaluation of application effectiveness of perspective solution in order to provide good air quality to people who have to stay indoors (in sitting or standing position) saving them from exposure to harmful chemical elements, indicators of which is carbon dioxide. This ensures high air quality in the inhabited area and protects human health.
Reducing the influence zone of the dispersion discharge
Authors:   Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Fedorov S. V. , Telyatnikova A. M. ,   Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Alekseev M. I. ,   Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Gilmutdinova M. A. ,   Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering
Published: February 2022

Based on the regulatory and technical documentation, there has been identified a need to find ways of reducing the pollution impact zone formed as a result of treated wastewater discharge. Reducing the influence degree will allow creating a more favorable environmental condition. To intensify the mixing process, it is proposed to use the jet flow collision with the dictating flow by placing the discharging outlet head perpendicular to the river flow direction. In this study, the effectiveness of this method was confirmed using simulation and making a comparison with dispersion discharge operating co-directionally with the river flow. The simulation results have verified a significant increase in the dilution multiplicity.
Evaluation of the influence of the maximum deformation value of concrete under compression on the security of the results of calculating the strength of eccentrically compressed reinforced concrete element with a normal cross-section using a NDM
Authors:   Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Popov V. M. , Pukharenko Yu. V. ,   Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Plyusnin M. G. ,   Kostroma State Agricultural Academy Karavaevo, Belov V. V. ,   JSC «Atomenergoproekt»
Published: February 2022

As a result of calculations in the probabilistic formulation, it is shown that the security of the results of calculating the load-bearing capacity of reinforced concrete elements with symmetric reinforcement under eccentrical compression depends on the eccentricity of the longitudinal force and the quantity of longitudinal reinforcement. To increase the security of the results of calculating the load-bearing capacity of a eccentrically compressed reinforced concrete element with a normal cross-section in the area of small eccentricities, it is proposed to reduce the calculated value of the maximum deformation of concrete under compression. The analysis of the influence of the calculated value of the maximum deformations of concrete under compression on the results of calculating the strength of an eccentrally compressed reinforced concrete element with a normal cross-section has shown that reducing the calculated value of the maximum deformations of concrete under compression by 15% from 2.00% to 1.7% increases the security of the results of calculating the load-bearing capacity in the area of small eccentricities. At the same time, the security of the results of the calculation of the load-bearing capacity at large eccentricities practically does not change. To make a decision on the optimal design value of the maximum concrete deformations under compression, it is necessary to carry out a large amount of experimental studies to specify the characteristics of their statistical distribution.
Dynamic parameters of the carrying capacity of steel beams prestressed by stretching the thin wall at rigid fixing on supports
Authors:   Pacific National University, Kravchuk V. A.
Published: February 2022

On the basis of the well known method of comparison of the potential and kinetic energy of the oscillating rod, there was determined the angular frequency, the vibration period, and the number of vibrations per minute of the beam with rigid supports. There was carried out a comparative analysis of the dynamic parameters of conventional beams prestressed with hinged supports with rigid coupling at the nodes. The dynamic characteristics of the beams under the impact of vibration load were studied.
Pemanfaatan Limbah Biji Pepaya Menjadi Olahan Kopi di Desa Donomulyo, Kulon Progo
Authors: Nastiti Putri
Published: February 2022

Pepaya merupakan salah satu jenis buah yang sangat umum sekali ditemukan di Indonesia. Selain mudah ditemukan, pepaya yang memiliki berjuta manfaat ini juga tergolong buah yang cukup murah. Selama ini pepaya sering dikonsumsi dengan dimakan langsung atau diolah sederhana sehingga menyisakan kulit dan bijinya. Biji pepaya yang tidak dimanfaatkan akan berakhir di tempat pembuangan sampah. Padahal biji papaya juga dapat dimanfaatkan untuk berbagai hal. Walaupun demikian perlu adanya inovasi agar biji papaya dapat memiliki nilai jual. Tujuan dari jurnal ini adalah untuk mempublikasikan pemanfaatan limbah biji pepaya sebagai pengganti kopi sehingga dapat meningkatkan pendapatan desa Donomulyo.  Hal ini selaras dengan trend kopi yang sedang meningkat akhir-akhir ini. Proses pembuatan kopi dari biji papaya melalui beberapa tahap yaitu pembersihan biji pepaya, pengeringan, penyangraian, dan penghalusan biji papaya menjadi bubuk kopi pepaya.
Penataan Lingkungan Kantor Desa Caturharjo Kecamatan Pandak Kabupaten Bantul
Authors: Sekarlangit Nimas , Setiadi Amos , Putri Riana Novita Rachmanti
Published: February 2022

Desa Caturharjo mulai dikembangkan menjadi Kawasan Desa Wisata dengan membedayakan masyakarat secara terpadu. Desa wisata tersebut di kembangkan oleh pemerintah, sawsta dan masyarakat dengan melakukan secara gotong royong.  Desa Caturharjo memiliki potensi yang dapat dikembangkan sebagai destinasi wisata. Pengabdian pada Masyarakat dilaksanakan bersama mitra berupa penataan desain lingkungan kantor desa Caturharjo yaitu penataan Kawasan alun-alun. Penataan Kawasan Alun-alun berkonsep pada arsitektur tropis. Hal ini dikarenakan desa Caturharjo yang berada di wilayah Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta ingin tetap melestarikan material local dan pemanfaatan penghawaan alami dan pencahayaan alami untuk mengurangi penggunaan energi. Pengabdian yang dilakukan menggunakan metode pendekatan terhadap pihak desa dengan melakukan observasi, wawancara dan analisis. Analisis yang dilakukan adalah analisis SWOT terhadap fasilitas yang ada di desa Caturharjo. Analisis dilakukan untuk mengetahui kekuatan dan kelemahan dari desa tersebut. Hasil pengabdian masyarakat ini diharapkan dapat berupa desain penataan lapangan desa sebagai alun-alun desa. Pekarangan kemungkinan akan menjadi identitas caturharjo Desa. Masyarakat sekitar diharapkan dapat dimanfaatkan sebagai ruang publik. Hasilnya sarana penunjang yang terdiri dari kawasan kuliner, area duduk, area air mancur, gazebo, dan lapangan sepak bola mini.