bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do chitosan and its derivatives have the same protective effect on drought-contrasting maize genotypes? An analysis of physiological and production processes
Authors: Reis Caroline Oliveira dos , Magalhães Paulo César , Ambrósio Alexandra dos Santos , Almeida Lorena Gabriela , Carvalho Diogo Teixeira , Souza Thiago Correa de
Published: May 2022

Water stress is among the most severe abiotic stress factors for maize production. The application of chitosan causes various responses in plants, as a function of its structure and concentration. Therefore, chemical modifications were proposed in this study to enhance the biological effects on plants. Hybrid maize plants with drought-contrasting characteristics, were subjected to water deficit and spraying with chitosan (CHI) and semi-synthesized chitosan derivatives, N‑Succinyl (SUC) and N,O‑Dicarboxymethyl (MCA). The obtained data show that the application of CHI and its derivatives (0.5 mg.plant-1) led to an increase in production for the two evaluated hybrids in comparison with the control under stress. Regarding leaf gas exchange, over the stress period, it was observed that the application of the MCA derivative yielded greater Pn than the other treatments in plants subjected to drought, in both hybrids. In the evaluation of chlorophyll content, there was an increase in this content through the application of CHI and its derivatives for both maize hybrids under study. With water recovery in plants, the water potential (Ψmd) of those treated with chitosan derivatives was greater than that of the irrigated control plants. In the quantification of proline concentration, higher values were observed in plants treated with MCA derivatives for the drought-sensitive hybrid. Chitosan derivatives, SUC and MCA, were responsible for higher starch concentrations in both maize hybrids. Evaluating the morphological characteristics of roots, the drought-tolerant hybrid showed higher means for all parameters evaluated when subjected to drought, and MCA was responsible for longer root length and greater mean root diameter. The results support the potential use of chitosan and its derivatives to increase tolerance to water deficit in maize
Root growth characteristics of millet cultivars and sorghum hybrids under increasing levels of soil compaction
Authors: Pereira Vinicius Cruvinel , Assis Renato Lara de , Costa Kátia Aparecida de Pinho , Silva Alessandro Guerra da , Tavares Rose Luiza Moraes , Pires Fábio Ribeiro , Simon Gustavo André , Filho Silvio Vasconcelos de Paiva , Ferreira Camila dos Santos , Lopes Izabely Alves
Published: May 2022

Soil compaction negatively affects the physical properties of soil. The study of plants with the potential for mechanical loosening of soil is important for improving soil management and crop yield. In this context, the millet and sorghum are used as an alternative crop in the off-season in the mainly agricultural soil tropical. These roots can be a alternative to of soil mechanical loosening and avoiding mechanic tillage practices and keep soil conservation. Based on this, we assessed the aerial and root growth of millet and sorghum cultivars under different levels of soil compaction. The experiment was conducted in greenhouse conditions using a completely randomized design with four replicates. The treatments comprised of four cultivars of millet (ADR300, ADR500, BN2 and BRS1501) and two sorghum hybrids (Cober crop Atlantica and Monsanto) at four levels of subsurface soil bulk density (1.34, 1.53, 1.72, and 1.81 Mg m-3). We measured the root dry matter, root length density, mean root diameter for the upper, compacted and lower layers, and also the total dry matter. At soil bulk density 1.72 Mg m-3, both sorghum hybrids showed higher aerial dry matter production. At the highest level of soil bulk density, roots accumulated in the upper layer. Millet cultivar BN2 showed a decrease in root dry matter with increasing density in the compacted layer. All millet cultivars exhibited similar average root diameter at higher levels of compaction, except Millet ADR500 that showed less root diameter in the Upper compacted layer. Cober crop showed potential for soil decompaction, indicating the potential of this sorghum hybrid to soil mechanical loosening in the tropical soils
Impact of Modified Atmosphere Packaging and Controlled Atmosphere Applications on ‘Seval F1’ Tomato Fruit Quality and Marketability
Authors: DİLMAÇÜNAL Tuba , BAYAR Berna , DEMİRHAN Özcan
Published: May 2022

This study was carried out at the Postharvest Physiology Laboratory of the Department of Horticulture of Isparta University of Applied Sciences with the ‘Seval F1’ table tomato variety. Tomato fruits are stored in normal atmospheric storage (NA), modified atmosphere packages (MAPs) (MAP1 and MAP2) and in controlled atmosphere (CA) cabinets (5% O2+5% CO2) at 12±1°C temperature and 90% ± 5 relative humidity (RH) conditions. After removing the fruits from cold storage at each analysis period they were kept at room conditions for 2 days for shelf life evaluation. Weight loss, peel color, fruit firmness, soluble solids content, pH, titratable acidity, respiration rate (RR), ethylene production (EP), MAPs’ gas composition and sensorial analyzes were carried out for fruits taken randomly from cold storage and subsequent 2 days in shelf life conditions. According to the mean values, CA and MAPs maintained fruit firmness better than NA. The lowest RR (11.3 mLCO2 kg -1 h -1) was recorded in NA followed by MAP1 (13.2 mLCO2 kg -1 h -1). EP values of NA and CA were closer to each other’s and lower than those of the others (2.7 and 2.8 µL.kg-1h-1, respectively). CA had the highest taste-aroma value at 25+2 days of storage, followed by MAP1 and NA. The highest O2 (18.98 %) and the lowest CO2 (2.90 %) values were recorded in MAP1. In conclusion, CA and MAP1 storage conditions successfully extended the postharvest life of ‘Seval F1’ tomato fruits and maintained their marketable quality for 25+2 days.
Amino Acid Contents of Some Eggplant Species Grown in Different Region
Authors: MUKHTAR Zulaiha Gidado , ÖZER Dursun , KARATAŞ Fikret , SAYDAM Sinan
Published: May 2022

In this study, amino acid contents of eggplant samples grown in Turkey (dark and light coloured eggplant) and Nigeria (white garden egg, bitter apple and bitter tomato) were determined by HPLC. Amino acid amounts in eggplant samples ranged from 0.02 to 8.41 mg g-1 dw. The lowest amount was determined as leucine in dark tomato, while the highest amount was determined as lysine in white garden egg sample. The total amino acid amounts in the white garden egg, bitter apple, dark eggplant, light eggplant and bitter tomato samples were found to be 54.41±3.90, 44.04±3.46, 43.22±3.23, 33.37±2.58 and 59.91±4.44 mg g-1 dw. In addition, essential total amino acid contents were found to be 26.36±1.91, 23.30±1.82, 25.00±1.78, 19.31±1.44 and 27.21±2.03 mg g-1 dw, respectively. Lowest total essential amino acid content was found in light eggplant (19.31±1.44 mg g-1 dw) grown in Turkey, while the highest in bitter tomato sample (27.21±2.03 mg g-1 dw) grown in Nigeria. The differences observed in amino acid contents of eggplant varieties grown both in Turkey and Nigeria can be attributed to the differences in their genetic makeup and geographical origins and climate conditions.Keywords: Eggplant, essential amino acid, total amino acid, white garden egg, bitter apple, bitter tomato
Atık Cam Elyaf Oranının Polipropilen/Üzüm Sapı-Çeltik Polimer Kompozitinin Fiziksel Özelliklerine Etkisinin İncelenmesi
Authors: TAŞDEMİR Münir , ŞEN Elif Gülcan
Published: May 2022

Bu deneysel araştırmada; polipropilen (PP) üzüm sapı ve çeltik karışımlarının özelliklerinin atık cam elyaf ilavesi ile geliştirilmesi üzerine çalışılmıştır. Atık olan üzüm sapı ve çeltiğin yeniden kullanılabilir bir malzeme olma potansiyeli diğer merak edilen bir konuyu oluşturmuştur. Polipropilen üzüm sapı ve çeltik çift vidalı ekstrüderde homojen bir karışım sağlamak için karıştırılmıştır. PP içerisine %20 oranında üzüm sapı-çeltik katılmıştır. Atık cam elyaf ise %10-15 ve 20 oranlarında katılmıştır. Daha sonra enjeksiyon makinesinde test numuneleri basılmıştır. Kalıplanan numunelere; ergime akış indeksi, nem emme, ısıl çarpılma sıcaklığı, vicat yumuşama sıcaklığı, aşınma oranı, statik ve dinamik sürtünme katsayısı ve taramalı elektron mikroskobisi (SEM) testleri yapılmıştır. Testlerin sonuçları incelenerek üzüm sapı-çeltik ve atık cam elyaf miktarının PP üzerindeki etkileri belirlenmiştir. Yapılan testlerin sonuçlarına göre, matris içerisinde üzüm sapı-çeltik karışımı ve atık cam elyaf oranlarının artmasıyla; ergime akış indeksi, nem emme ve sürtünme katsayısı değerlerinin düştüğü buna karşılık ısıl çarpılma sıcaklığı, vicat yumuşama sıcaklığı ve aşınma oranı değerlerinin arttığı tespit edilmiştir.
FUNDAMENTALTHEOLOGIE IN EINER POSTSÄKULAREN GESELLSCHAFT ZUR GESELLSCHAFTLICHEN UND INTELLEKTUELLEN VERANTWORTUNG CHRISTLICHER PRAXIS HEUTE
Authors:   Universität Salzburg, Austria, Gmainer-Pranz Franz
Published: May 2022

Fundamentaltheologie, die den Herausforderungen einer postsäkularen Gesellschaft gerecht werden will, wird sich als „Dolmetscherin“ des christlichen Wahrheitsan-spruchs zwischen Glaubenden, Andersglaubenden und Nichtglaubenden verstehen. Sie wird, wie dies Jürgen Habermas vorgeschlagen hat, die „kognitiven Dissonanzen“ zwischen Glaubenstradition und moderner Gesellschaft bearbeiten und zugleich aus den Impulsen des Zweiten Vatikanischen Konzils schöpfen, die vor allem in der Fä-higkeit zur Partizipation, zum Dialog, zum Lesen der „Zeichen der Zeit“ und einer vielfältigen Übersetzung unterschiedlicher religiöser und säkularer Sprachen be-stehen. In diesem Sinn wird Fundamentaltheologie ein intellektuelles Werkzeug zur Glaubensverantwortung auf der „Agora der Gegenwart“ sein.
effect of E-CRM on customer loyalty with customer satisfaction as a mediation variable
Authors: Kariman Aulia , Wahab Zakaria , Shihab Muchsin Saggaff , Natalisa Diah
Published: May 2022

This study aims to measure the effect of E-CRM on customer loyalty through customer satisfaction in 2021 by testing the variables of E-CRM, customer satisfaction, and customer loyalty using BNI Direct. The sample taken in this study amounted to 100 customers/debtors managed by BNI. Using PLS-SEM, the results show that the E-CRM variable contributes 58.7 % to BNI Direct customer satisfaction. This means that BNI Direct customer satisfaction can be explained through E-CRM activities carried out by BNI Direct. Furthermore, the variables of E-CRM and satisfaction contributed 67.6 % to BNI Direct customer loyalty substantially (powerfully). This means that BNI Direct customer loyalty can be explained through BNI Direct's E-CRM activities and the creation of customer satisfaction.
Analysis of Correlations for the Prediction of the Entrainment Fraction of Droplets in Gas-liquid Annular Flows
Authors:   Department of Mechanics, Federal University of Technology — Paraná, Ponta Grossa, PR 84017-220, Brazil, Koss Mariana P. , Lima Luiz E. M. ,   Department of Mechanics, Federal University of Technology — Paraná, Ponta Grossa, PR 84017-220, Brazil
Published: May 2022

In gas-liquid flows, droplets that detach from the liquid film lining the internal walls of a pipe and merge with the gas flowing through the pipe follow an annular flow pattern. This work analyzes correlations for estimating the entrainment fraction of such droplets contained in the literature by comparing their predictions with experimental data also from the literature. The results of this comparative study demonstrate that the analyzed correlations do not accurately reproduce experimental conditions. This is due to the complexity of this flow phenomenon and its arduous mathematical modeling. The methods used in the development of each correlation also impose operational limitations, and this parameter is difficult to measure satisfactorily on either a laboratory or industrial scale.
Assessing the Role of Social Bots During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Infodemic, Disagreement, and Criticism
Authors: Suarez-Lledo Victor , Alvarez-Galvez Javier
Published: May 2022

Background

Social media has changed the way we live and communicate, as well as offering unprecedented opportunities to improve many aspects of our lives, including health promotion and disease prevention. However, there is also a darker side to social media that is not always as evident as its possible benefits. In fact, social media has also opened the door to new social and health risks that are linked to health misinformation.

Objective

This study aimed to study the role of social media bots during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Methods

The Twitter streaming API was used to collect tweets regarding COVID-19 during the early stages of the outbreak. The Botometer tool was then used to obtain the likelihood of whether each account is a bot or not. Bot classification and topic-modeling techniques were used to interpret the Twitter conversation. Finally, the sentiment associated with the tweets was compared depending on the source of the tweet.

Results

Regarding the conversation topics, there were notable differences between the different accounts. The content of nonbot accounts was associated with the evolution of the pandemic, support, and advice. On the other hand, in the case of self-declared bots, the content consisted mainly of news, such as the existence of diagnostic tests, the evolution of the pandemic, and scientific findings. Finally, in the case of bots, the content was mostly political. Above all, there was a general overriding tone of criticism and disagreement. In relation to the sentiment analysis, the main differences were associated with the tone of the conversation. In the case of self-declared bots, this tended to be neutral, whereas the conversation of normal users scored positively. In contrast, bots tended to score negatively.

Conclusions

By classifying the accounts according to their likelihood of being bots and performing topic modeling, we were able to segment the Twitter conversation regarding COVID-19. Bot accounts tended to criticize the measures imposed to curb the pandemic, express disagreement with politicians, or question the veracity of the information shared on social media.
Acoustic and Linguistic Features of Impromptu Speech and Their Association With Anxiety: Validation Study
Authors: Teferra Bazen Gashaw , Borwein Sophie , DeSouza Danielle D , Simpson William , Rheault Ludovic , Rose Jonathan
Published: May 2022

Background

The measurement and monitoring of generalized anxiety disorder requires frequent interaction with psychiatrists or psychologists. Access to mental health professionals is often difficult because of high costs or insufficient availability. The ability to assess generalized anxiety disorder passively and at frequent intervals could be a useful complement to conventional treatment and help with relapse monitoring. Prior work suggests that higher anxiety levels are associated with features of human speech. As such, monitoring speech using personal smartphones or other wearable devices may be a means to achieve passive anxiety monitoring.

Objective

This study aims to validate the association of previously suggested acoustic and linguistic features of speech with anxiety severity.

Methods

A large number of participants (n=2000) were recruited and participated in a single web-based study session. Participants completed the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale assessment and provided an impromptu speech sample in response to a modified version of the Trier Social Stress Test. Acoustic and linguistic speech features were a priori selected based on the existing speech and anxiety literature, along with related features. Associations between speech features and anxiety levels were assessed using age and personal income as covariates.

Results

Word count and speaking duration were negatively correlated with anxiety scores (r=–0.12; P<.001), indicating that participants with higher anxiety scores spoke less. Several acoustic features were also significantly (P<.05) associated with anxiety, including the mel-frequency cepstral coefficients, linear prediction cepstral coefficients, shimmer, fundamental frequency, and first formant. In contrast to previous literature, second and third formant, jitter, and zero crossing rate for the z score of the power spectral density acoustic features were not significantly associated with anxiety. Linguistic features, including negative-emotion words, were also associated with anxiety (r=0.10; P<.001). In addition, some linguistic relationships were sex dependent. For example, the count of words related to power was positively associated with anxiety in women (r=0.07; P=.03), whereas it was negatively associated with anxiety in men (r=–0.09; P=.01).

Conclusions

Both acoustic and linguistic speech measures are associated with anxiety scores. The amount of speech, acoustic quality of speech, and gender-specific linguistic characteristics of speech may be useful as part of a system to screen for anxiety, detect relapse, or monitor treatment.
Remotely Delivered Behavioral Weight Loss Intervention Using an Ad Libitum Plant-Based Diet: Pilot Acceptability, Feasibility, and Preliminary Results
Authors: Chwyl Christina , Wright Nicholas , M Turner-McGrievy Gabrielle , L Butryn Meghan , M Forman Evan
Published: May 2022

Background

Many traditional lifestyle interventions use calorie prescriptions, but most individuals have difficulty sustaining calorie tracking and thus weight loss. In contrast, whole food plant-based diets (WFPBDs) have previously shown significant weight loss without this issue. However, most WFPBD interventions are face-to-face and time-intensive, and do not leverage gold standard behavioral strategies for health behavior change.

Objective

This open pilot trial was the first to evaluate the feasibility of a fully featured, remotely delivered behavioral weight loss intervention using an ad libitum WFPBD.

Methods

Over 12 weeks, participants (N=15) with overweight or obesity received a newly designed program that integrated behavioral weight loss and a WFPBD prescription via weekly web-based modules and brief phone coaching calls. Assessments were performed at baseline, midtreatment (6 weeks), and after treatment (12 weeks).

Results

The intervention was rated as highly acceptable (mean 4.40 out of 5, SE 0.18), and attrition was low (6.7%). In all, intention-to-treat analyses revealed that 69% (10.4/15) of the participants lost 5% of their weight (mean –5.89, SE 0.68 kg). Predefined benchmarks for quality of life were met.

Conclusions

A pilot digital behavioral weight loss intervention with a non–energy-restricted WFPBD was feasible, and the mean acceptability was high. Minimal contact time (80-150 minutes of study interventionist time per participant over 12 weeks) led to clinically relevant weight loss and dietary adherence for most participants (10.4/15, 69% and 11.8/15, 79%, respectively), and quality of life improvements (reliable change indices >1.53). We hope that this work will serve as a springboard for future larger scale randomized controlled studies evaluating the efficacy of such programs for weight loss, dietary change, and quality of life.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04892030; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04892030
Peer Review of “The Influence of SARS-CoV-2 Variants on National Case-Fatality Rates: Correlation and Validation Study” (Preprint)
Authors:   Anonymous
Published: May 2022

UNSTRUCTURED

This is a peer review report related to MS ID#32935.
Effects of internet-based acceptance and commitment therapy on process measures: A systematic review and meta-analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Han Areum , Kim Tae Hui
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is based on a psychological flexibility model encompassing 6 processes, including acceptance, cognitive defusion, self-as-context, being present, values, and committed action.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examined effects of internet-based ACT (iACT) on process measures.

METHODS

A comprehensive search was conducted within four databases. The quality of the included RCTs was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool. Either a random-effects model or a fixed-effects model was used. Subgroup analyses for each outcome were conducted according to the type of control groups, the use of therapist guidance, delivery modes, and the use of targeted participants, when applicable.

RESULTS

Thirty-four RCTs met the eligibility criteria. Meta-analysis found iACT had a medium effect on psychological flexibility and small effects on mindfulness, valued living, and cognitive deRelatively fewer studies were conducted to compare the effects of iACT to active control groups and to measure the effects on mindfulness, valued living, and cognitive defusion. These synthesized findings support the processes of change in iACT, which mental health practitioners can use to support the use of iACT. fusion at the immediate posttest. Also, iACT had a small effect on psychological flexibility at follow-up. The overall risk of bias across studies was unclear.

CONCLUSIONS

Relatively fewer studies were conducted to compare the effects of iACT to active control groups and to measure the effects on mindfulness, valued living, and cognitive defusion. These synthesized findings support the processes of change in iACT, which mental health practitioners can use to support the use of iACT.
Developing an online positive psychology application for patients with bipolar disorder: How the expectations of consumers and professionals turned into an intervention. (Preprint)
Authors: Geerling Bart , Kelders Saskia , Stevens Anja , Kupka Ralph , Bohlmeijer Ernst
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND

Patients with Bipolar Disorder (BD) report a lower quality of life and lower levels of well-being than the general population, and have unmet needs closely linked to positive psychology domains. Although a growing number of studies evaluated the impact of positive psychology interventions (PPIs) on patients with severe mental illness in general, only few addressed the application of positive psychology in BD.

OBJECTIVE

The current study aimed to gain insight into the opinion of patients with BD and health care professionals about (online) PPIs for BD and to develop and pilot-test an app containing PPIs specifically designed for patients with BD.

METHODS

The study was conducted in accordance with the Center for eHealth and Disease Management (CeHRes) roadmap principles and incorporated co-creation and designing for implementation. Data was collected using focus group meetings (FGMs), questionnaires, rapid prototyping (RPT), and online feedback on a prototype from the participants. Three FGMs were held with eight BD patients and five professionals. The collected data was used to develop a smartphone app containing short PPIs. The content was based on PPIs for which a solid base of evidence is available. Finally, a Pilot Test (PT) was used to test the app.

RESULTS

FGMs revealed that positive psychology interventions as part of the current BD treatment could potentially meet the following needs: offering hope, increasing self-esteem, expressing feelings, acceptance, and preventing social isolation. Some patients expressed concern that PPIs may provoke a (hypo)manic episode by increasing positive affect. The pilot test of the app showed that the PPIs are moderate to highly valued by the participants. There were no adverse effects such as an increase of (hypo)manic symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

There is consensus among consumers and professionals about the potential benefits of positive psychology interventions to address unmet needs of BD patients. Our findings also suggest that a self-help app is a promising way to implement positive psychology interventions in BD.

CLINICALTRIAL

NA
World Kidney Day 2022 in Ukraine
Authors: Authors No
Published: May 2022

No abstract
Hubungan Materialisme dengan Subjective Well-Being yang Dimoderasi oleh Religiositas pada Ibu Rumah Tangga
Authors: Lutfia Devi , Hidayat Rahmat
Published: May 2022

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menguji peran religiositas sebagai moderator dalam hubungan antara materialisme dengan subjective well-being. Hipotesis dalam penelitian ini adalah religiositas memoderasi hubungan materialisme dengan subjective well-being serta menurunkan dampak negatif materialisme terhadap subjective well-being. Subjek penelitian (N=160) merupakan ibu rumah tangga usia 20-40 tahun. Pengambilan data menggunakan Material Value Scale (MVS), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), Positive Affect and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) dan skala religiositas. Data dianalisis menggunakan Moderated Regression Analysis (MRA). Dari hasil analisis ditemukan nilai koefisien parameter variabel moderat -0,055 dengan signifikansi sebesar 0,006. Artinya, religiositas memoderasi hubungan antara materialisme dengan subjective well-being. Efek moderasi religiositas ini terjadi karena secara bersamaan, pada satu sisi dimensi religiositas menekan nilai materialisme  dan meningkatkan subjective well-being pada sisi lain.
Energy and Environment
Authors: Lane Jan-Erik
Published: May 2022

The beginnings of this century sets up the dilemma of more energy or betterment of the environment. If “energy” is the capacity to do work, as often said, then it can be made profitable. If protecting the ecology of Earth is what the COP reunions of the UN aim at, then it is hardly a surprise that China and India reneged against the original formulation of phasing out coal power. Both countries use a lot of coal plants to get cheap energy for rapid economic development. This is dismal fact for COP endeavours.
A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY TO FIND OUT THE SIGNIFICANT PREVALENCE OF CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE IN TYPE 2 DIABETICS IN EASTERN INDIA
Authors: SANDIP KUMAR KUNDU  , SIBAPRAKASH MUKHERJEE  , SHUBHRANGSU SAMANTA
Published: May 2022

Objectives: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic syndrome clinically presenting hyperglycemia with underlying absolute or relative insulin deficiency. Type 2 DM (T2DM) presently comprises about 90% of the diabetic population of the World. Diabetes leads to many complications. One major complication of long-term poorly controlled diabetes is diabetic nephropathy which usually leads to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). There are mainly two crucial markers to assess renal impairment– (1) Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and (2) Microalbuminuria. The objective of our study is to find out the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in T2DM patients. Methods: We measured glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), serum creatinine, urinary ACR, and estimated GFR (eGFR) (by Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formula) in selected 105 T2DM patients aged 40–70 years (mean duration of diabetes is 10.01±3.46 years). We analyzed the data by appropriate statistical software and assessed the prevalence of CKD (with Urinary ACR and eGFR) in T2DM patients (with fasting blood glucose, 2-h OGTT, and HbA1c). Results: This study shows that 30 out of 105 diabetic patients were suffering from CKD, with a prevalence of 28.57%. Discussion: In our study; out of 105 T2DM patients, 30 (28.57%) patients had some stages of CKD. Nineteen (63.33%) out of these 30 CKD patients had albuminuria (both micro and macroalbuminuria), and 11 (36.67%) out of 30 CKD patients had normoalbuminuria (ACR <30 mg/g). Conclusion: There is a high prevalence (28.57%) of CKD in T2DM patients, and early detection and treatment of diabetic nephropathy, along with tight glycemic control, helps prevent ESRD.
Проектирование модульных инструментальных наладок с заданными точностью и жесткостью
Authors: Маслов А.Р. , Тивирев Е.Г.
Published: May 2022

Дано описание методики создания модульных инструментальных наладок с заданными показателями точности и жесткости для обработки отверстий в корпусных деталях. Приведены примеры проверочных расчетов.
Exploring Credit Management Automation
Authors: Srinivas Sattaru Shanmukha , R Kayalvizhi
Published: May 2022

Abstract: The cash flow management is one of the important factors in any of the company success. It has become the primary focus of the companies after post financial crisis. Almost every company extend credit to their customers. This is an important tool for attracting the customers. If the credit is poorly managed it will result in risk in converting sales to cash. As the technology is much advanced now, it is very important to reconsider and create better methods for cash flow management. It is much needed time for the automation of processes like calculating credit score, credit trustworthiness of customers, payment terms for the proper operation of the business of the company. Keywords: Automation, Credit Management, Invoice, Credit Score, Credit
A Review on Design and Analysis of Power Generation from Waste Heat
Authors: Thul Abhinav , Kadu Dr. Prashant
Published: May 2022

Abstract: This рrоjeсt рresents reseаrсh оn eleсtriсity рrоduсtiоn using а соmbinаtiоn оf thermоeleсtriс generаtоrs аnd thermоeleсtriсity. Mоst оf the heаt energy in industry is dissiраted аs wаste heаt tо the envirоnment. This exсess heаt саn be reused tо рrоduсe eleсtriсity. The рrоblems аssосiаted with glоbаl wаrming аnd the dwindling suррly оf fоssil fuels hаve mаde imрrоving the effiсienсy оf аny industriаl рrосess а рriоrity. Оne wаy tо imрrоve effiсienсy is tо develор methоds thаt utilize wаste heаt is оften wаsted. Twо рrоmising teсhnоlоgies thаt were fоund tо be useful fоr this рurроse were thermоeleсtriс generаtоrs аnd heаt рiрes. Therefоre, this рrоjeсt invоlved mаking а benсh tyрe, рrооf оf соnсeрt mоdel оf роwer рrоduсtiоn by thermоeleсtriс generаtоrs using heаt рiрes аnd simulаted hоt аir. Keywords: Waste heat, waste heat Recovery, TEGs, Temperature Measurement, Voltage Measurement, Electricity etc.
A Review on Method Development, Validation, Optimization and Applications of HPLC
Authors: Isane Sumit P. , Waghmare Santosh A. , Kamble Hemant V.
Published: May 2022

Abstract: High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) is a technique used to separate components from the mixture. The technology consists of two phases, the stationary phase, and the mobile phase. Component separation is based on differences in partition coefficients in two phases. The present review article focuses on the principle, types, instrumentation, process validation, application, advantages, disadvantages of HPLC. HPLC methods development and validation play important roles in the discovery, development, manufacture of pharmaceutical drugs, and various other studies related to humans and animals. An analytical procedure is developed to test a defining characteristic of the drug substance or drug product against established acceptance criteria for that characteristic. Validation of HPLC method as per ICH Guidelines covers all the performance characteristics of validation, like Accuracy, precision, specificity, linearity, range, the limit of detection, the limit of quantification, robustness, and system suitability testing. Keywords: HPLC, Types, Method validation, Method development, Instrumentation, and Applications.
Synthesis of SiC films by Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Vapor Deposition using Dimethylisopropylsilane Polymeric Precursor
Authors: Das Rajesh
Published: May 2022

Abstract: Silicon carbide (SiC) thin films were deposited on Quartz, SiC, and GaAs substrates under a hydrogen (H2) ambient at 850°C using dimethylisopropylsilane [CH(CH3)2SiH(CH3)2] as a single molecular polymeric precursor by the atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition (APCVD) technique. Effects on the SiC films from variation of precursor to H2 flow ratio in the reactive chamber as well as those which resulted when vacuum or positive pressures are utilized during temperature ramping have been investigated. Detailed analysis of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) results indicate the formation of SiC at 850°C in accordance with residual Si-CH2, Si-CH3 and Si-O bonds. Confirmed by either X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) or Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), results show that the produced SiC films are dense, rough surfaced, void-free, and consist of a crystalline core showing the presence of beta-SiC and small amounts of alphaSiC. Pre-experimental thermodynamic modeling provided the valuable insight that an increase of the precursor to direct H2 flow ratio would provide a decrease of unreacted carbon in the SiC matrix yielding higher quality SiC films. These simulations also have shown reasonable agreement with our experimental observations. Keywords: SiC thin Film, Polymeric Precursor, Chemical Vapor Deposition, Thermodynamic Modelling
Real-Time Driver Drowsiness Identification Based on Eye-State Analysis
Authors: Rayineedu Navya Chowdary , Bano Afrin , Uppalapati Mounika , Vemula Bhargavi , Chetla Chandra Mohan
Published: May 2022

Abstract: Driving while being drowsy has become one of the major reasons of causing road accidents. Drivers who drive at night or for a long distance without resting are more prone to get involved in an accident. Large amount of fatal injuries and deaths occur because of this reason. Hence, it has become an active area of research. Various systems exist for this purpose which makes use of behavioural patterns. Behavioural patterns considered here are visual behaviours of drive like eye blinking, eye closing, yawning, head bending etc. Most of these methods are time consuming and expensive. Recently, in research and development, machine learning methods have been used to predict a driver's conditions. Those conditions can be used as information that will improve road safety. Machine Learning has brought progression in video processing which enables images to be analysed with accuracy. Keywords: Drowsiness detection, OpenCV, Dlib, Driver Drowsiness, Eye-state analysis.
Risco de queda e força muscular de idosos hospitalizados em um hospital público do RS
Authors: Dipp Thiago , Francisco Nunes Lisiane
Published: May 2022

Introdução: A hospitalização é um potente fator de risco para o declínio funcional de pessoas idosas, aumentando a chance de queda com impacto direto e negativo na vida destes. Objetivo: Avaliar o risco de queda e a força muscular de idosos hospitalizados. Metodologia: Estudo transversal com idosos internados há mais de 24 horas em um hospital público. A avaliação do risco de queda foi feita com Timed Up&Go e Morse Fall Scale e a força muscular foi feita através da Medical Research Council e Teste de sentar-e-levantar em 30 segundos. Resultados: 69,2% eram homens com 67,4 ± 5,4 anos de idade e tempo de estudo menor que nove anos. Hipertensão e as doenças cardiovasculares/cerebrovasculares foram as causas de internação em 80% da amostra. O alto risco de queda foi identificado pelo Timed Up&Go em 50% e pela Medical Research Council em 23,1% da amostra. Houve redução da força muscular periférica nos idosos avaliados de acordo com o Teste de sentar-e-levantar. Ainda houve associação entre os resultados do Timed Up&Go com a Medical Research Council (r=,477; p=0,014); Teste de sentar-e-levantar (r= -,693; p=0,006) e Medical Research Council (r= -,568; p=0,006). Os testes de força muscular também apresentaram associação (r=,524; p=0,006). Conclusão: Idosos hospitalizados apresentam risco de queda e redução da força muscular periférica e o perfil clínico e demográfico da amostra traduz o impacto das doenças crônicas na população idosa.
Modern methods of diagnostic imaging of pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Chaadaeva Yu. A. , Gorbunov N. A. , Dergilev A. P. , Manakova Ya. L.
Published: May 2022

Tuberculosis remains one of the most dangerous and socially significant diseases in the world. Diagnostic imaging of pulmonary tuberculosis is being improved every year, new algorithms, technologies and methods are being introduced, what create a positive effect on the detection of tuberculosis. However, the diagnosis of tuberculosis remains a challenge. Digital fluorography remains the primary screening method, and computed tomography (CT) is used for more detailed analysis. This should be noted that there is a positive trend towards the application of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT), which is invaluable for screening studies. The leading place among radiopaque studies is CT with bolus enhancement, which helps to differentiate tuberculosis with other lung diseases. Such diagnostic methods as single-photon emission computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and diffusion-weighted MRI are used individually as an additional source of information.
Changes in the organs of the gastrointestinal tract in a new coronavirus infection (COVID-19): computed tomography semiotics
Authors: Ratnikova A. K. , Grinevich V. B. , Ratnikov V. A. , Kozlov K. V.
Published: May 2022

Introduction. A new coronavirus infection (COVID-19) is a pathogenetically complex disease characterized by the involvement of the main human organs and systems in the pathological process, including the organs of the gastrointestinal tract (gastrointestinal tract).

Purpose: to study the gastroenterological manifestations of COVID-19 in patients of mild and moderate severity based on the analysis of complex data, including computed tomography examination.

Material and methods. The study included 80 patients hospitalized with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 (19 patients with mild and 61 with moderate severity) who underwent a comprehensive original examination upon admission to the hospital and outpatient at week 8 of dynamic follow-up. In the complex therapy of 41 patients, the drug rebamipid was used. The scope of the examination included questionnaires, traditional clinical, clinical and laboratory, biochemical, instrumental and radiation studies, unique methods for studying microbiota and intestinal permeability. All patients also underwent computed tomography (CT) of the chest organs, followed by analysis and postprocessing of images of the upper abdominal cavity. The study also included a group of 43 inpatient patients with moderate severity of the disease, a group of 17 practically healthy patients was used as a control.

Results and conclusions. A method of qualitative and quantitative assessment of the state of parenchymal and hollow organs of the upper abdominal cavity according to CT data is proposed. It was found that with moderate severity of COVID-19, quantitative criteria (attenuation coefficient of the liver, pancreas, bile) were subject to more pronounced deviations, as was the diameter of the colon. Additional diagnostic capabilities of the standard chest CT protocol in patients with COVID-19 are associated with postprocessor analysis of images of abdominal organs.
Multispiral computed tomography upper-level arteriovenous conflicts (abdominal cavity and retroperitoneal space)
Authors: Sukhova M. B. , Trofimova T. N. , Abolenskaya M. V. , Rozhdestvenskaya N. B.
Published: May 2022

Introduction. Continuous improvement and increased availability of high-tech research methods, such as computed X-ray tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with contrast enhancement, qualitatively change the diagnostic search for combined vascular pathology, including when conducting studies of other organs and systems, even in the absence of any clinical manifestations.

The purpose of the study: to evaluate the possibilities and determine the indications for CT diagnosis of arteriovenous conflicts of the abdominal cavity, retroperitoneal space.

Research objectives: to determine CT parameters and the algorithm of CT analysis of upper-level arteriovenous conflicts in modern radiation and urological aspects.

Materials and methods. The study included 34 patients with arteriovenous conflicts of the abdominal cavity and retroperitoneal space detected by computer X-ray tomography. The average age of patients is 39±11.0 years; the number of male patients is 19 (55.9%), female — 15 (44.1%). Children’s patients accounted for 23.5% (8 people; average age 11±7 years). The preoperative diagnostic algorithm included a clinical examination, ultrasound diagnostics, a comprehensive study of laboratory parameters, CT-arterio/venography.

The results of the study. Among the upper—level arteriovenous conflicts, superior mesenteric artery syndrome prevailed — it was observed in 23 patients (67.6%), of which aortomesenteric duodenal compression (Wilkie syndrome) was detected in 12 patients (52.2%); aortomesenteric venous compression (Nutcracker syndrome) — in 11 patients (47.8%). Among children’s patients, aortomesenteric tweezers prevailed (5 patients — 62.5%). A combination of upper-level syndromes was detected in 6 patients (17.6%). Compression syndrome of the left renal vein (aortovertebral venous compression, posterior nutcracker syndrome), or Nutcracker syndrome was detected in 11 patients (32.4%), which in all cases (100%) was a «random finding» of CT diagnostics.

Conclusions. It is recommended to perform CT-, MR-studies with contrast enhancement (in angiography mode) in patients with a suspected diagnosis of arteriovenous conflict with the expansion of the scanning zone to the level of the abdominal cavity, retroperitoneal space and pelvis in order to exclude combined multi-level vascular pathology. Mandatory for radiation analysis are the magnitude of the aortomesenteric angle, the magnitude of the aortomesenteric distance for the left renal artery, the magnitude of the aortovertebral distance for the left renal artery, the magnitude of the aortomesenteric distance for the duodenum; analysis of concomitant variant vascular pathology at the levels studied.
The possibilities of comprehensive ultrasound examination using modern methods in the diagnosis of endometrial cancer
Authors: Minko B. A. , Salnikova M. V. , Gelbutovskaya S. M. , Strogonov E. A.
Published: May 2022

Introduction. An urgent problem of oncogynecology is the diagnosis and treatment of patients with endometrial cancer, the steady growth of which is noted in most developed countries of the world and at the present stage occupies the 2nd place among neoplasms of the reproductive system of women.

Purpose. To evaluate the informativity of complex ultrasound examination for diagnostics of endometrial cancer.

Material and methods. There were examined 28 patients aged from 45 to 70 y.o. (23 menopausal women — 82,1% and 5 in reproductive status — 17,9%). The diagnosis of endometrial cancer was verified by morphologic and histologic methods. For all the patients there was performed the ultrasound examination including energy Doppler mode, ultrasound elastography, Doppler imaging of uterine and intratumoral vessels, evaluation of M-echo thickness, invasive growth index and rate of myometrial invasion. Studies were performed with ultrasound scanners «ACUSON 2000» by SIEMENS and «Aixplorer» by «SuperSonic Imagine S.A.».

Results. Highly and moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma was revealed mostly in patients with Ia and Ib stages while low differentiated adenocarcinoma was revealed mostly in the III stage. The investigation performed ascertained that a complex ultrasound examination with application of dopplerography, sonoelastography, contrast enhanced sonography is highly informative for determination, staging and prediction of endometrial cancer.

Conclusion. The results obtained indicate the high efficiency of the diagnostic complex used in identifying the characteristic features of intraorgan and tumor blood flow, as well as tissue stiffness, which play an important role in specifying the stage and prognosis of the disease.
Quantum Bell inequalities from Information Causality – tight for Macroscopic Locality
Authors: Gachechiladze Mariami , Bąk Bartłomiej , Pawłowski Marcin , Miklin Nikolai
Published: May 2022

In a Bell test, the set of observed probability distributions complying with the principle of local realism is fully characterized by Bell inequalities. Quantum theory allows for a violation of these inequalities, which is famously regarded as Bell nonlocality. However, finding the maximal degree of this violation is, in general, an undecidable problem. Consequently, no algorithm can be used to derive quantum analogs of Bell inequalities, which would characterize the set of probability distributions allowed by quantum theory. Here we present a family of inequalities, which approximate the set of quantum correlations in Bell scenarios where the number of settings or outcomes can be arbitrary. We derive these inequalities from the principle of Information Causality, and thus, we do not assume the formalism of quantum mechanics. Moreover, we identify a subspace in the correlation space for which the derived inequalities give the necessary and sufficient conditions for the principle of Macroscopic Locality. As a result, we show that in this subspace, the principle of Information Causality is strictly stronger than the principle of Macroscopic Locality.
Receiver-Device-Independent Quantum Key Distribution
Authors: Ioannou Marie , Pereira Maria Ana , Rusca Davide , Grünenfelder Fadri , Boaron Alberto , Perrenoud Matthieu , Abbott Alastair A. , Sekatski Pavel , Bancal Jean-Daniel , Maring Nicolas , Zbinden Hugo , Brunner Nicolas
Published: May 2022

We present protocols for quantum key distribution in a prepare-and-measure setup with an asymmetric level of trust. While the device of the sender (Alice) is partially characterized, the receiver's (Bob's) device is treated as a black-box. The security of the protocols is based on the assumption that Alice's prepared states have limited overlaps, but no explicit bound on the Hilbert space dimension is required. The protocols are immune to attacks on the receiver's device, such as blinding attacks. The users can establish a secret key while continuously monitoring the correct functioning of their devices through observed statistics. We report a proof-of-principle demonstration, involving mostly off-the-shelf equipment, as well as a high-efficiency superconducting nanowire detector. A positive key rate is demonstrated over a 4.8 km low-loss optical fiber with finite-key analysis. The prospects of implementing these protocols over longer distances is discussed.
Density of wild-living honey bee, Apis mellifera, colonies worldwide: A review
Authors: Visick Oliver , Ratnieks Francis
Published: May 2022

1. The western honey bee, Apis mellifera, lives worldwide in
approximately 94 million managed hives but also wild throughout much of
its native and introduced range. Despite the global importance of
A. mellifera as a crop pollinator, wild colonies have received
comparatively little attention in the scientific literature and basic
information regarding their density and abundance is scattered. 2. Here
we review 29 studies that quantified wild colony density directly and
analyse a larger dataset including an additional 7 studies that
quantified density indirectly using genetic markers. 3. Densities varied
from 0.1 to 24.2/km at 38 locations worldwide and
were 24 times lower in Europe (0.35/km) than Africa
(8.4/km) on average. Survey area varied from 1.2 to
924km and was negatively correlated with density.
Survey areas were largest in Europe (average of
70.4km) and were partly responsible for the low
densities reported in this region. 4. After controlling for survey area
in a GLM, mean annual temperature and net primary productivity became
important predictors of density. This model was used to estimate wild
colony numbers at a regional scale, which varied from approximately 135
million in Latin America to 8 million in Europe and 250 million
worldwide. 5. Overall, wild colonies were estimated to outnumber managed
hives in all regions except Europe and were estimated to be over twice
as numerous worldwide. This is a significant result given that A.
mellifera is often viewed as a domesticated species that primarily
lives under human management.