bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
408 Network Analysis of Neurosurgical Publication Coauthorship: Centrality Ranking of Authors and Institutions with Correlation to Clinical Activity and Industry Payments
Authors: Cole Tyler S. , Lawton Michael T.
Published: March 2022

INTRODUCTION:

Network analysis has been applied in a number of fields to understand relationships between members of different communities and organizations.

METHODS:

All publications from January 1, 2017, to April 30, 2020, were queried from 4 neurosurgical journals: Neurosurgery, Journal of Neurosurgery, Journal of Neurosurgery: Pediatrics, and Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine. Publication type excluded editorials, letters, and reviews. Authors with at least 7 publications in these journals were included. Measures of network centrality were calculated after conversion of authorship into a nondirected graph with links weighted by frequency of coauthorship. Latent communities in the network were detected with the Walktrap algorithm.

RESULTS:

Based on 811 included authors, network topology broadly demonstrated 4 poles related to subspecialties of vascular, spine, pediatrics, and radiosurgery/tumor. Of the top 100 coauthorship links, 42% of the authors were involved in 2 large study groups. We present rankings of neurosurgical authors based on network measures of centrality and evaluate how centrality metrics correlate to individual author h-index, Medicare utilization, and payments from industry sources. We further evaluate network centrality of institutions and examine institutional connectivity to discovered communities within the network.

CONCLUSION:

While traditional metrics like h-index demonstrate long-term research involvement, network analysis can be applied to understand current relationships between academic authors and evaluate centrality within a publishing network during a given timeframe.
423 Efficacy of an Image-Based Programing Plan in Predicting the Final Stimulation Configuration and Directionality for Subthalamic Nucleus Deep Brain Stimulation
Authors: Restrepo Carlos E. , Weise Lutz , Potvin Christine , MacNeil Peggy
Published: March 2022

INTRODUCTION:

Subthalamic nucleus stimulation (STN-DBS) is a well stablished therapy for Parkinson’s disease (PD). Initial programing of the DBS electrodes may take up to 2 hours in order to determine the contact(s) with the best and worse therapeutic response and thresholds for side effects. Furthermore novel directional electrodes have additional contacts that increase complexity and time to the selection. New image processing techniques allows reconstruction and visualisation of the DBS electrode and adjacent structures in a tridimensional space as well as modeling of the volume of tissue activation (VTA) which in turns helps to infer which contact(s) could be best for the stimulation.

METHODS:

Forty-four electrodes were evaluated; directional contacts were initially reviewed as a ring. The images were processed using two different methods 1) The spatial position and distance of each electrode contact was assessed in a normalized space with respect to the STN, motor portion of the STN (mSTN) and the corticospinal tract (CST) using the open source toolbox Lead-DBS; 2) The relation of the electrode contacts with the STN was visualized using the Boston Scientific GuideTM XT clinical software which is based on automatic anatomical segmentation. Both methods were independently used to select the best (positive) and worst (negative) stimulation contacts and then compared with the final stimulation plan.

RESULTS:

A chi-square analysis demonstrated a significant association between the IBP and the final therapeutic configuration (p<0.05). The test sensitivity was 95%-97.3%, specificity 85.7%-83.87%, positive predictive value 86.3%-87.8%, negative predictive value 94.7%-96.3%, and accuracy 90.2%-91.2% using the research and clinical methods respectively. In a subsequent analysis the selection of the directional contact(s) was investigated in 5 patients (6 electrodes) using current steering. In 89%-78% of the cases the contact(s) selected based on the IBP was part of the final configuration.

CONCLUSION:

An Imaged-based programing plan could be used as an initial guide to predict the best electrode configuration in order to reduce the programing time, this may translate in better use of hospital resources, improve the patient comfort and may avoid further adjustments in programing.
437 The Leptomeninges as a New and Critical Organ: 1st ScR of “Arachnoiditis,” With 62 Other Names for the Same Pathology
Authors: Wottrich Stephanie , Palackdharry Carol , Witiw Christopher D. , Dienes Erin , Bydon Mohamad , Steinmetz Michael P. , Traynelis Vincent C.
Published: March 2022

INTRODUCTION:

The goal of this prospective PRISMA-based Systematic Scoping Review with modified e-Delphi [ScR] is to synthesize all available information about a reportedly iatrogenic disease typically called “arachnoiditis” [arcs]. Past literature describes a rare, iatrogenic disease of the arachnoid membrane, with no known treatment. By 2021, nothing materially new had been added to the literature. The present ScR aims to clarify the clinical view of arcs. Grey data from legal documents, government proceedings, government and manufacturer device adverse events [AE] tracking, and investigative reporting was included. Although excluded from the data charting, we were surprised by multiple articles about the biology of the subarachnoid space [SAS] and the critical role it plays in protecting and maintaining the central nervous system [CNS].

METHODS:

The entire ScR is published at https://arcsology.org/about-arcsology/scoping-systematic-review-of-arachnoiditis-official-protocol/. Data charting was standardized through an iterative process involving = 2 independent clinicians. Data synthesis was performed in R.

RESULTS:

A total of 46,646 sources were screened. Data from 887 sources are synthesized, finding 63 names used for pathology of the leptomeninges [LM]. “Arachnoiditis” is a misnomer. Leptomeningeal diseases are not rare and can cause a range of neurologic symptoms. Spinal versus brain presentations are similar, although the two categories differ substantially. Many causes were identified. In high-income countries, >50% of cases are caused by non-communicable diseases, with spinal surgery as the largest single contributor. In underdeveloped countries, communicable diseases and trauma predominate. In sum: irritants in or around the LM can trigger an inflammatory and/or fibrotic cascade within the subarachnoid space. Prognosis is variable and continuous progression does not occur in most patients.

CONCLUSION:

These results impact all health care practitioners. Consistent and correct terminology is critical going forward. The WHO-ICD11 team is currently reviewing our proposal for name and hierarchical changes. The LM meet criteria for a newly recognized organ with a unique and critical structure, function, and cellular components. Integration of in vitro and animal models will be helpful for future directions.
444 Partial Transpedicular Thoracic Discectomy With Ultrasonic Aspiration and Ultrasound Guidance for Every Thoracic Disc Herniation: A 43-Patient Case Series and Technical Note Demonstrating Safety and Efficacy
Authors: Saway Brian F. , Alshareef Mohammed A. , Lajthia Orgest , Santos Jaime M. , Cunningham Coby , Shope Chelsea , Kalhorn Stephen P.
Published: March 2022

INTRODUCTION:

Thoracic disc herniations (TDHs) are a challenging pathology. A variety of surgical techniques have been used to achieve spinal cord decompression.

METHODS:

A retrospective review was performed of patients who underwent a thoracic discectomy through the partial transpedicular approach between January 2014 and 2020 by a single surgeon. Variables reviewed included demographics, peri-operative imaging, and functional outcome scores.

RESULTS:

43 patients (53% female) underwent 54 discectomies. The most common presenting symptoms were myelopathy (86%), motor weakness (72%), and sensory deficit (65%) with a symptom duration of 9 ± 8.86 months. 23 (42.5%) of discs were fully calcified on imaging and 18 (33.3%) were partially calcified. 33 (61.1%) were giant TDH (>40% canal compromise). Average operative time was 197 ± 77.1 minutes with an average blood loss of 238 ± 250 cc. 6 patients required ICU stays. Hospital length of stay was 4.37± 3.42 days. Of patients with follow-up MRI, 38 of 40 disc-levels (95%) demonstrated <20% residual disc. Post-operative Frankel scores (>3 months) were maintained or improved for all patients with 28 (65.1%) patients having an increase of 1 or greater on their Frankel score. 6 (14%) patients required repeat surgery, 2 of which were due to re-herniation, 2 were from adjacent level herniation and 2 others from wound problems. Patients with calcified TDHs had similar improvement in Frankel grade compared to patients without calcified TDH. Additionally, improvement in intra-operative neuromonitoring was associated with a greater improvement in Frankel grade.

CONCLUSION:

Here we demonstrate a minimally invasive, posterior approach that utilizes intraoperative ultrasound and ultrasonic aspiration with great outcomes and a complication profile similar or better than other reported case series. This posterior approach is a great complement to the spine surgeon’s arsenal for the confident tackling of all TDHs.
446 Utility of Intraoperative Motor-Evoked Potential in L4-5 Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion: 3-Year Prospective Study
Authors: Alan Nima , Adams Gregory , Agarwal Nitin , Hamilton David , Miele Vincent J. , Okonkwo David O. , Kanter Adam S.
Published: March 2022

INTRODUCTION:

Nerve injury has been reported as high as 23% in direct transpsoas lateral interbody fusion (LLIF), particularly at L4-5.

METHODS:

This is a prospective, observational, cohort study of consecutive patients who underwent L4-5 LLIF in a 3-year interval from 2018 to 2020. Spontaneous and triggered EMG, somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEP) were routinely recorded. In addition MEPs from quadriceps and anterior tibialis muscle groups were also recorded bilaterally. Transcranial MEP were recorded every 5 minutes from the time of incision. A decrease in amplitude of 50% or more from baseline was considered a positive result, and the surgeon was alerted accordingly. Patient’s neurological exam and health related quality of life measures were collected preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, and at the time of follow up at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 1 and 2 years.

RESULTS:

72 patients were included. Transient quadriceps weakness occurred in 13 patients but resolved by 6 weeks. 30 patients had a significant decrease in MEP amplitude without changes in spontaneous or triggered EMG and SSEP. Two patients had persistent dorsiflexion weakness (3/5 and 1/5) at 2 year follow up. One patient had persistent quadriceps (4-/5) and dorsiflexion (4/5) weakness at 1 year follow up. One patient the surgery was aborted at the time of introduction of retractor due to 69% reduction in MEP and inability to mitigate the changes. All instances of MEP changes were noted during retraction phase. No patient with a negative MEP developed weakness postoperatively. At predetermined level of 50% decrease of amplitude, MEP was 100% sensistive and 65% specific in detecting neural injury.

CONCLUSION:

MEP monitoring provides additional value to sEMG, tEMG, and SSEP during LLIF at L4-5 to avoid injury. The value of MEP is primarily during maintenance of retraction and not during traversing the psoas muscle where EMG is most valuable.
457 Surgeon Specialty Effect on Early Outcomes of Elective Posterior/Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusions: An Updated Propensity-Matched and Subgroup Analysis of 13,072 Patients
Authors: Alomari Safwan , Planchard Ryan F. , Belzberg Allan J. , Lo Sheng F. L. , Sciubba Daniel M. , Theodore Nicholas , Witham Timothy F. , Bydon Ali
Published: March 2022

INTRODUCTION:

Comparative effectiveness research has a vital role in recent health reform and policies. Specialty training is one of these provider-side variables, and surgeons who were trained in different specialties may have different outcomes upon performing the same procedure. Posterior/transforaminal lateral interbody fusion is one of the common spinal procedures that are being performed by both neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons for patients with degenerative diseases.

METHODS:

Patients who underwent PLIF/TLIF between 2015-2018 were reviewed from ACS-NSQIP database. Propensity score matching and subgroup (single/multi-level) analysis were used.

RESULTS:

15,216 cases underwent single-level PLIF/TLIF, and 6,960 cases underwent multilevel PLIF/TLIF. In the single-level group, neurosurgeons performed 10,043 cases (66%) while orthopedic surgeons performed 5,173 cases (34%). In the multi-level group, neurosurgeons performed 4,315 cases (62%) while orthopedic surgeons performed 2,645 cases (38%). Patients in the neurosurgery cohort were more likely to be male, older, have higher BMI, be of white race, have an ASA class 3 or more, be a smoker, have hypertension, have diabetes mellitus and be functionally dependent. In both groups (single/multi-level PLIF/TLIF), patients in the orthopedic surgery cohort were more likely to have shorter operation time (205 vs 239 minutes/254 vs 276 minutes), longer total hospital stay (96 vs 75 hours/103 vs 85 hours), higher return to operating room rates within the same admission (4.2% vs 2.2%/4.3% vs 2.5%), be discharged to destination other than home (12.7% vs 8.8 %/18.2% vs 101.8%), be discharged after postoperative day 3 (31.8% vs 28%/43.9% vs 38.1%), higher readmission rates (6.5% vs 4.4%/7.5% vs 4.5%) and higher perioperative blood transfusion rate (6.0% vs 2.7%/14.1% vs 11.0%), (p < 0.05). Other outcome measures and mortality rates were similar among the 2 cohorts in both groups.

CONCLUSION:

There are significant differences in baseline characteristics and outcomes of PLIF/TLIF cases performed by neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons. These outcome measures have significant clinical and cost implications for patients, physicians, program directors, payors and hospitals.
462 Is Transfer Status Associated With Inpatient Mortality in Patients Transferred for Non-Elective Neurosurgical Diagnoses?
Authors: Khan Imad S. , Pomponio Maria , Hong Jennifer
Published: March 2022

INTRODUCTION:

Inter-hospital transfer plays an important role in providing patients appropriate care in a timely fashion. There is a concern, however, that patients who are transferred fare worse than those who are not. While some work has been done looking at specific diagnoses, a more general overview of the impact of transfer status on neurosurgical patient outcomes is lacking.

METHODS:

We analyzed data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) from 2009 to 2018 to determine if the likelihood of mortality was associated with being transferred with non-elective neurosurgical diagnoses. We used multivariate regression analysis with the transfer status as our main exposure and inpatient mortality as the primary outcome. Our model controlled for patient demographics, hospital characteristics, and severity of illness.

RESULTS:

Out of a total of 2,080,460 patient weighted discharges with neurosurgical diagnoses, 387,321 (18.7%) were transferred. After controlling for patient- and hospital-related confounders, patients transferred for ventricular shunt procedure had a higher likelihood of inpatient mortality - OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.23, 2.14, p = 0.001. However, intracranial vascular disease (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.64, 0.82, p < 0.001), craniotomy with device diagnoses (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.81, 0.92, p < 0.001), craniotomy and intravascular procedures (OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.70, 0.84, p < 0.001), and trauma (OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.75, 0.89, p < 0.001), were all associated with a statistically significantly lower odds of inpatient mortality. The diagnosis of peripheral and cranial nerve disorders was not associated with inpatient mortality (OR 1.07, 95% CI 0.88, 1.30, p = 0.05).

CONCLUSION:

For most non-elective neurosurgical diagnoses, patients who are transferred have no difference or a lower likelihood of inpatient mortality. However, patients transferred for ventricular shunt procedures have significantly higher odds of inpatient mortality. Further work in understanding how the transfer status affects outcomes may help identify areas for improvement.
471 Prospective Comparison of CT and Digital Subtraction Angiography to Diagnose Penetrating Cerebrovascular Injuries: Preliminary Data
Authors: Meyer R. Michael , McAvoy Malia , Lim Do , Prijoles Keiko , Walker Melanie , Bonow Robert Hitchens , Kim Louis J. , Levitt Michael R.
Published: March 2022

INTRODUCTION:

Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is the gold standard for detecting penetrating cerebrovascular injuries, but CT angiography (CTA) is often used. Few studies compare CTA and DSA for this indication and are retrospective, which indicate sensitivity of CTA is about 70%.

METHODS:

Prospective observational cohort study of all patients with penetrating head injuries at Harborview Medical Center, excluding patients with unsalvageable injuries. CTA of the head was performed immediately after presentation, followed by 6 vessel DSA within 48 hours. Sensitivity and specificity of CTA compared to DSA were then calculated.

RESULTS:

Enrollment is ongoing. 14 patients have undergone CTA and DSA of whom 7 have cerebrovascular injury. Of these CTA missed pathology seen on DSA in 4 cases, yielding sensitivity of 43%, all cases missing dural-arteriovenous or carotid-cavernous fistulae. In one case a small pseudoaneurysm was called on CTA that was not seen on DSA, yielding specificity of 86%.

CONCLUSION:

Early findings suggest that CTA is at least as insensitive for penetrating cerebrovascular injury as suggested by retrospective studies. This insensitvity is particularly relevant in cases of traumatic fistulae. More data are needed, and enrollment of subjects is ongoing at our center and at collaborating institutions.
484 The Role of Plasma Derived Purified Exosome Product (PEP) for Improved Locomotor Recovery in Spinal Cord Injured Rats
Authors: Onyedimma Chiduziem , Moinuddin F.M. , Ghaith Abdul K. , Zamanian Cameron , Yolcu Yagiz , Bydon Mohamad
Published: March 2022

INTRODUCTION:

Preclinical studies indicate that mesenchymal stem cell-derived secretomes exert immunomodulatory and neuroprotective effects in various spinal cord injury models. Exosomes as one of the secretomes, have been shown to successfully aid wound healing for the skin and following myocardial infarction. However, the effects of human plasma-derived purified exosomal products (PEP) on spinal cord injury (SCI) have not been explored to this date.

METHODS:

Twenty-four female rats were randomly divided into five groups. These included 2 control groups for the I.V or I.T injected PEP groups and a sham group. Groups were subject to a T9 laminectomy, followed by a moderate contusion SCI. After 24 hours, lactated ringer solution or PEP was injected through I.V or IT routes. Rats were assessed weekly for a total period of 10 weeks by an open field Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) motor score and a postmortem quantification of external scaring, neuronal regeneration, cavity volume, and glial scarring was carried out at the end of the follow-up period.

RESULTS:

Animals treated with I.V PEP or IT PEP had significant improvement within the first-week post-injury (1.05±1.2 vs. 2.16±3.15) and (1.08±3.5 vs. 4.5±0.083) respectively, with sustained improvement in BBB score at 10 weeks (11±1.16 vs. 13.8±1.90), (11.3±1.4 vs. 14±1.16).

CONCLUSION:

Our preliminary results suggest that I.V or IT PEP injection without immunosuppression might provide beneficial effects initially following traumatic SCI.
497 Developing Predictive Models to Anticipate Shunt Complications in 33,248 Pediatric Patients with Shunted Hydrocephalus Utilizing Machine Learning
Authors: Shahrestani Shane , Shlobin Nathan A. , Brown Nolan J. , Himstead Alexander , Ransom Seth C. , Ton Emily , Lee Darrin J. , Chiarelli Peter , Bullis Carli , Chu Jason
Published: March 2022

INTRODUCTION:

Hydrocephalus is a common pediatric neurosurgical pathology and is typically treated with a ventricular shunt. Shunt complications are common in pediatric hydrocephalus, and ∼30% of patients experience shunt failure during the first year after shunt placement.

METHODS:

We queried the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) National Readmissions Database (NRD) from 2016 to 2017 using ICD-10 codes and found 33,248 pediatric patients who underwent shunt placement. Elixhauser comorbidity index (ECI) scores, Johns Hopkins Adjusted Clinical Groups (JHACG) frailty-defining criteria, and Major Diagnostic Category (MDC) classifications were obtained. To determine predictors of shunt complication, the database was divided into a training dataset (n=19,948), a validation dataset (n=6,650), and a testing dataset (n=6,650). Multivariable analysis was performed using the training dataset to identify significant independent predictors of shunt complications in the other datasets. Statistically significant variables were used to develop logistic regression models, and post-hoc receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were created.

RESULTS:

Average age of the 33,248 pediatric patients was 6.9±5.7 years. Variables found to be positively correlated with shunt complications included: number of diagnoses during primary admission (OR: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.04-1.07) and neurological MDCs (OR: 3.83, 95% CI: 3.33-4.42). Variables found to be negatively correlated with shunt complications included: ECI (OR: 0.82, 95%CI: 0.77-0.86), Female sex (OR: 0.87, 95%CI: 0.76-0.99), and elective admissions (OR: 0.62, 95%CI: 0.53-0.72). The ROC curve for the regression model utilizing all significant predictors of readmission in multivariate analysis demonstrated an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.733.

CONCLUSION:

Expeditious and safe treatment of pediatric hydrocephalus is of paramount importance. Our machine learning algorithm established numerous variables predictive of shunt complications in the pediatric population. Our AUC is suggestive of excellent predictive value. These risk factors may be of clinical importance when evaluating pediatric patients with hydrocephalus.
Artifacts in magnetic resonance imaging caused by dental materials: a systematic review
Authors: Bohner Lauren , Hanisch Marcel , Sesma Newton , Blanck-Lubarsch Moritz , Kleinheinz Johannes
Published: March 2022

Objectives:

The purpose of this systematic review was to search in literature in which severity unintended effects are caused by dental materials in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), such as to evaluate whether these artifacts hamper the diagnosis in the head and neck region.

Materials and Methods:

Clinical studies showing the severity of artifacts which dental materials are capable of causing in MRI of head and neck, such as their influence on diagnostic accuracy, were included in this review. The searches were conducted in four electronic databases (PubMed/Medline, Embase, Scopus and Web of Science), and a manual search was made in the reference lists of papers screened for full-text reading. Risk of bias was assessed using “Quality Assessment Tool for Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2” (QUADAS-2). The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) was used to assess the quality of evidence.

Results:

From 151 studies selected for full-reading, 19 were considered eligible for this review. Artifacts caused by orthodontic appliances were well-documented, and stainless steel brackets were the materials most likely to cause artifacts in MR imaging of head and neck. The literature was scarce for dental implants and restorations. Diagnoses within the oral cavity, but also those of the brain and craniofacial structures, were affected.

Conclusion:

Artifacts caused by orthodontic appliances may affect the diagnosis in oral cavity and craniofacial structures. Data regarding dental implants and prosthodontics restorations were inconclusive. The severity of artifacts in MRI and their influence on diagnosis is dependent on dental material features, location in the oral cavity, and magnetic resonance parameters.
Induction-phase treatment costs for cryptococcal meningitis in high HIV-burden African countries: New opportunities with lower costs
Authors: Larson Bruce , Shroufi Amir , Muthoga Charles , Oladele Rita , Rajasingham Radha , Jordan Alexander , Jarvis Joseph N. , Chiller Tom M. , Govender Nelesh P.
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Access to and the cost of induction treatment for cryptococcal meningitis (CM) is rapidly changing. The newly-announced price for flucytosine ($0.75 per 500 mg pill) and possibly lower prices for liposomal amphotericin B (AmB-L) create opportunities to reduce CM treatment costs compared to the current standard treatment in low- and middle-income countries.

Methods: We developed an Excel-based cost model to estimate health system treatment costs for CM over a two-week induction phase for multiple treatment combinations, newly feasible with improved access to flucytosine and AmB-L. CM treatment costs include medications, laboratory tests and other hospital-based costs (bed-day costs and healthcare worker time). We report results from applying the model using country-specific information for South Africa, Uganda, Nigeria, and Botswana.

Results: A 14-day induction-phase of seven days of inpatient AmB-D with flucytosine, followed by seven days of high-dose fluconazole as an outpatient, will cost health systems less than a 14-day hospital stay with AmB-D and fluconazole. If daily AmB-L replaces AmB-D for those with baseline renal dysfunction, with a cost of $50 or less per 50 mg vial, incremental costs would still be less than the AmB-D with fluconazole regimen. Simple oral combinations (e.g., seven days of flucytosine with fluconazole as an inpatient) are practical when AmB-D is not available, and treatment costs would remain less than the current standard treatment.

Conclusions: Improved access to, and lower prices for flucytosine and AmB-L create opportunities for improving CM treatment regimens. An induction regimen of flucytosine and AmB-D for seven days is less costly than standard care in the settings studied here. As this regimen has also been shown to be more effective than current standard care, countries should prioritize scaling up flucytosine access. The cost of AmB-L based regimens is highly dependent on the price of AmB-L, which currently remains unclear.
Research, analysis and development of an information and analytical system for managing relationships with suppliers (on the example of the business process «Procurement of MTR by auction method» at the company «Transneft – Port Primorsk» LLC)
Authors:   V.A. Trapeznikov Institute of Control Sciences of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Gusev S.S.
Published: March 2022

В монографии рассматриваются вопросы исследования, анализа и разработки проекта информационно-аналитической системы управления взаимоотношениями с поставщиками на примере бизнес-процесса в ООО «Транснефть - Порт Приморск»)». Цель работы состоит в исследовании, анализе и разработке проекта информационно-аналитической системы управления взаимоотношениями с поставщиками (SRM) (на примере бизнес-процесса «Проведение закупки МТР способом аукциона» в ООО «Транснефть - Порт Приморск»). Объектом исследования является закупочная деятельность нефтепроводной компании ООО «Транснефть – Порт Приморск». Предметом исследования выступает бизнес-процесс «Проведение закупки МТР способом аукциона», который протекает в соответствии с 223-ФЗ. Как известно, ни одна компания не может обойтись без осуществления закупочной деятельности. Создание любой продукции или услуги требует наличия соответствующих материальных ресурсов для ее производства. Главной задачей отдела материально-технического снабжения является обеспечение производства, а также непроизводственных отделов всеми необходимыми материалами и сырьем, на закупку которых предприятие тратит значительную часть денежных средств. Вследствие чего возникает потребность в организации таких закупочных бизнес-процессов, которые бы позволили предприятию обеспечивать непрерывное функционирование с наименьшими затратами. Однако сегодня на российском рынке управления и IT в большей степени уделяется внимание закупкам, регламентируемым 44-ФЗ, как наиболее важным с точки зрения осуществления контроля и ведения отчетности, тем самым зачастую оставляя в стороне закупки, осуществляемые в соответствии с 223-ФЗ. Это обуславливает актуальность исследования закупочной деятельности предприятия ООО «Транснефть – Порт Приморск», а, в частности, исследование возможностей оптимизации его бизнес-процессов закупки, в том числе и за счет автоматизации операций посредством информационных систем.
Tenure security, housing quality and energy (in)justice in Dhaka’s slums
Authors: Jones Mark L.G.
Published: March 2022

This article reports on a causal link from urban poverty, through tenure insecurity and poor-quality housing, to energy injustices for slum dwellers. Impacts of those injustices on residents’ well-being are identified. The prevalent physical manifestation of rapid urbanisation and urban poverty in the Global South is the incidence of slums. This article engages with the academic debate on ‘energy justice’, a relatively nascent field. This article takes a more fine-grained view of energy justice than most previous scholarship, examining the energy experience at a household scale in a specific setting of urban poverty. The contention of this article is that energy injustices prevail in informal settlements not only due to issues of governance and poverty, but also, to a significant degree, as a result of the urban poor being deprived of secure tenure and decent housing. Further, these injustices impact on people’s well-being. The latter point is explored though a capability analysis in a case-study slum in Dhaka. The case-study slum, Kallyanpur Pora Bostee, is a squatter settlement on government land in Dhaka.
Detection of captan residues in apple juice using fluorescence spectroscopy combined with a genetic algorithm and support vector machines
Authors: Ji Rendong , Jiang Zhezhen , Wang Xiaoyan , Han Yue , Bian Haiyi , Yang Yudong , Zhuang Liyun , Zhang Yulin
Published: March 2022

The captan residues in apple juice were detected by fluorescence spectrometry, and the content level of captan was predicted based on a genetic algorithm and support vector machines (GA-SVMs). According to the captan concentration in apple juice, the experimental samples were divided into four levels, including no excess, slight excess, moderate excess, and severe excess. A GA was used to select the characteristic wavelength and optimize SVM parameters, and SVM was applied to train the classification model. 50 characteristic wavelength points were selected from the original fluorescence spectra, which contained 401 wavelength points, and the classification accuracy of the training set and test set is 99.02% and 100%, respectively, which is higher than the traditional PLS method. The results show that a GA can effectively select the feature wavelengths, and an SVM model can accurately predict the content level of captan residues. A fast and non-destructive analysis method, combined with a GA and SVM based on fluorescence spectroscopy, was realized.
Fuzzy Ethizität: Radar für ethische Künstliche Intelligenz
Authors: Kaufmann Michael , Meier Andreas
Published: March 2022

Eine Informations- und Wissensgesellschaft betreibt ihre Wertschöpfungskette primär durch Aufbau, Verarbeitung und Weitergabe von Informationen (digitalen Produkten und Dienstleistungen) respektive von Wissen (intelligenten Produkten und Wissensdienstleistungen). Mit Künstlicher Intelligenz angereicherte Produkte und Dienstleistungen erhöhen deren Verfügbarkeit und Sicherheit, indem Entscheidungen datenbasiert automatisiert werden. Allerdings müssen Ethikregeln berücksichtigt werden, um die Vertrauensbasis digitaler Gesellschaften zu stärken und nachhaltige Entwicklung zu fördern. Im Folgenden wird ein Radarsystem für die Bewertung der Ethizität im Digitalzeitalter vorgeschlagen mit dem Ziel, eine ethische Entwicklung von intelligenten Informationssystemen zum Wohl der Gemeinschaft zu überprüfen. Die sechs Dimensionen dieses Systems basieren auf der Grundlage von Menschenrechten und einer umfassenden Analyse bestehender Ethik-Rahmenwerke für Künstliche Intelligenz: Gleichheit & Gerechtigkeit, Schutz & Hilfe, Privatsphäre & Datenschutz, Freiheit & Autonomie, Solidarität & Nachhaltigkeit und Verantwortlichkeit & Transparenz. Der Beitrag diskutiert diese sechs Dimensionen digitaler Ethik und schlägt ein Radarsystem zur visuellen Analyse der Ethizität von intelligenten Informationssystemen vor. Danach wird das Radarsystem mithilfe der Fallstudie Privacy Setting Framework auf Nützlichkeit evaluiert. Ein Fazit des Beitrags summiert die Erkenntnisse.
Playing Music Videos: Three Case Studies of Interaction between Performing Videogames and Remembering Music Videos
Authors: Ferguson Brent , Laws-Nicola T. J.
Published: March 2022

This chapter examines three case studies of music videos within video games. Each of the three examples employ differing types of nostalgia. Rhythm Heaven Fever (2011) channels retro nostalgia by showcasing costumes and settings of rap videos from the 1990s and 2000s in its minigame, “Love Rap.” Yakuza 0 (2015) launches the player into an alternate reality based in a music video world during a music minigame involving singing at a karaoke bar. These videos are realized from the avatar’s imaginative episodic nostalgia. Omega Quintet (2014) is a role-playing game that tasks the player with directing promotional videos for the titular idol group of avatars. The dystopian setting of Omega Quintet narratively binds the consumption of these music videos with human survival in type of future nostalgia referred to as the “never ending every day.”
Comparative staining of Rhinolophus spp. white blood cells in blood smears
Authors: Ghazaryan Astghik , Adamyan Seda , Hayrapetyan Tigran , Papov George , Hakobyan Lina , Abroyan Liana , Bayramyan Nane , Hakobyan Sona , Poghosyan Arpine , Torossian Hrag , Karalyan Zaven
Published: March 2022

Background and Aim: A drawback of studies on bat blood smears in the field is the lack of time for fixation because blood sampling using a non-lethal method often provides less time for fixation in smear preparations due to the small volume of blood collected. Usually, there is insufficient blood for another smear preparation, so it is necessary to use blood smears as rationally as possible, especially for rare bats. Many stains are used for staining peripheral blood smears, and they have advantages and disadvantages. This study aimed to examine commonly used stains for blood smears to select the best stain for staining peripheral blood smears in bats.

Materials and Methods: In this study, 48 blood smears of Rhinolophus spp. bats were examined using several blood staining methods. Four methods that showed the best results were used in further experiments: Romanowsky-Giemsa, Pappenheim, hematoxylin-eosin, and eosin methylene blue.

Results: Comparative analysis of different methods for staining bat blood smears revealed that the most convenient method for analyzing blood cells is Pappenheim method.

Conclusion: Staining blood smears using Pappenheim method yield the least number of unsuccessful blood smear stains and are quite effective for the morphological analysis of blood cells.
Silent speech of vowels in persons of different cognitive styles
Authors:   Laboratory of Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence, School of Science and Technology, Universidad Pedagógica Nacional, Bogotá, Colombia, López-Vargas Omar , Sarmiento-Vela Luis ,   Laboratory of Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence, School of Science and Technology, Universidad Pedagógica Nacional, Bogotá, Colombia, Bacca-Rodríguez Jan ,   Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, School of Engineering, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia, Villamizar-Delgado Sergio ,   Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, School of Engineering, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia, Sarmiento-Vela Jhon ,   Laboratory of Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence, School of Science and Technology, Universidad Pedagógica Nacional, Bogotá, Colombia
Published: March 2022

Introduction: This research measures the differences in silent speech of the vowels / a / - / u / in Spanish, in students with different cognitive styles in the Field Dependence – Independence (FDI) dimension. Method: Fifty-one (51) adults participated in the study. Electroencephalographic (EEG) signals were taken from 14 electrodes placed on the scalp in the language region located in the left hemisphere. Previously, the embedded figures test (EFT) was applied in order to classify them into dependent, intermediate and field independent persons. To analyse the EEG data, the signals were decomposed into intrinsic mode functions (IMF) and a mixed repeated measures analysis was performed. Results: It was found that the Power Spectral Density (PSD) in the vowels is independent of the cognitive style and its magnitude depends on the position of the electrodes. Conclusions: The results suggest that there are no significant differences in PSDs in the silent speech of vowels /a/-/u/ in persons of different cognitive styles. Significant differences were found in the PSDs according to the position of the 14 electrodes used. In our configuration, the silent speech of vowels can be studied using electrodes placed in premotor, motor and Wernicke areas.
Assessment of prognostic factors in dogs with mammary gland tumors: 60 cases (2014-2020)
Authors: Moon Chang-Hwan , Kim Dae-Hyun , Yun Sung-Ho , Lee Hae-Beom , Jeong Seong-Mok
Published: March 2022

Canine mammary gland tumors are the most common neoplasms in intact female dogs. Approximately half of all mammary tumors are malignant, and there is a risk of metastasis, which is associated with a poor prognosis. This study is to evaluate the prognostic factors of canine mammary gland tumors and the risk factors associated with the development of malignant tumors. From 2014 to 2020, 60 dogs with mammary gland tumors that underwent surgical treatment were evaluated in this retrospective study. Tumor size, TNM stage, and histopathological results were prognostic factors for 2-year survival after surgery. Every 10 mm increase in tumor size, increased the risk of death within 2 years after surgery 1.213 times. Dogs with TNM stage IV or V had 8.677 fold risk of death within 2 years after surgery. The 2-year survival rate for dogs with benign tumors was 90.2% and for malignant tumors was 67.3%. Tumor size is the most important prognostic factor for canine mammary gland tumors. As tumor size increased by 10 mm, the risk for development of malignant tumors increased by 1.487 times. Tumors larger than 30 mm are highly likely to be malignant, and metastatic evaluation and wide resection should be considered.
Neoliberalism, COVID, anti-science, and the politics of school reopening
Authors: Kretchmar Kerry , Brewer T. Jameson
Published: March 2022

This paper explores the politicization of school reopenings in two swing states against the backdrop of rising COVID cases, public health warnings, and the hyper-partisan weaponization of “choice” rhetoric by parents to send children back into school. Rhetoric surrounding parental choice partnered with economic considerations placed significant pressure on school boards to navigate their reopening plans from a partisan frame of reference. We explore, compare, and contrast the landscape of school reopening plans in Wisconsin and Georgia, which both served as pivotal states in the contentious 2020 Presidential election. Within each state we consider two districts that are situated in either a more traditionally conservative or liberal environment. Our guiding questions are: (1) How is the conversation about school reopening reflective of politicized and polarized approaches to COVID? and, (2) How are school reopening discussions different in politically liberal and conservative communities?
The Antecedents and Outcomes of Job Stress Experienced by School Administrators and Strategies for Coping with Stress
Authors: YUKSEL Serkan , OZGENEL Mustafa
Published: March 2022

This study aims to determine the antecedents, consequences, and coping strategies of job stress among school administrators. A exploratory sequential design was used in the study. Interviews were conducted with 19 administrators using a semi-structured interview form to collect qualitative data. Quantitative data was collected using the Marmara Job Stress Scale. The scale was applied to 439 school administrators, and a t-test was used to determine if there were significant differences in the antecedents, consequences, and coping strategies of job stress. As a result of the qualitative interviews, it was found that the antecedents that cause most stress among school administrators are "responsibility" and "difficulty with colleagues, loneliness". As a result of the qualitative interviews, it was found that as a result of job stress, the administrators "do not have time for their families" and "are offensive to the business environment". According to qualitative data, school administrators were found to use individual coping strategies to manage job stress. The qualitative and quantitative results were interpreted together at the end of the study. As a result of the research, it is suggested that educational environments and legislation should be regulated according to the antecedents of work stress, which have a high effect on school administrators.
Identification Method of Conductance Fluctuation Signal of Fiber Bragg Grating Bio-Sensor
Authors: Lu Xiaocui
Published: March 2022

Traditional conductance fluctuation signal recognition methods are difficult to realize multiresolution recognition, resulting in low recognition accuracy and efficiency. Therefore, a new conductance fluctuation signal recognition method of fiber Bragg grating sensor is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the conductance fluctuation signal of fiber Bragg grating sensor is extracted by wavelet transform; secondly, the conductance fluctuation signal is segmented by autocorrelation function to realize the five-level wavelet decomposition of conductance fluctuation signal; finally, the tower algorithm is used to realize the multiresolution identification of conductance fluctuation signal, and the identification of conductance fluctuation signal of fiber Bragg grating sensor is realized. In order to verify the effectiveness of this method, a comparative experiment is designed. The results show that this method can effectively improve the accuracy of signal feature recognition and reduce the time and delay of signal feature recognition.
Border divergence or convergence in the context of integration: A case study of the Russian-Belarusian and Russian-Kazakhstan borderlands
Authors:   Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, Kaliningrad, Russia, Morachevskaya Kira ,   Saint Petersburg State University, Institute of Earth Sciences, Saint Petersburg, Russia, Karpenko Mikhail ,   Institute of Geography of Russian Academy of Sciences, Laboratory of Geopolitical Studies, Moscow, Russia, Sebentsov Alexander ,   Institute of Geography of Russian Academy of Sciences, Laboratory of Geopolitical Studies, Moscow, Russia
Published: March 2022

A state level integration process should first and foremost have a positive impact on the border areas. The current Russian-Belarusian and Russian-Kazakhstan borders acquired the status of ‘state borders’ in 1991 as a result of the collapse of the Soviet Union. While Russia and Belarus immediately embarked on the path of integration in the 1990s, effectively cancelling border controls, Russia and Kazakhstan were forced to resolve border security issues by strengthening their border and establishing customs control processes. The launch of the Customs Union in 2010 partially removed the existing trade contradictions, and the creation of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) in 2015 significantly strengthened interstate interactions. However, despite the declared integration, it could not compensate for the dividing role of the border which separates the diverging political, legal, and economic spaces of the three countries. The purpose of this study is to determine whether divergence or convergence occurs in the considered border regions, as seen through the prism of demographic, ethno-cultural and economic changes. We rely on the results of a multi-year field research in various regions of the Russian-Belarusian and Russian-Kazakhstan borderland (2014–2018), data from official statistics, and some conclusions based on the authors’ findings as part of their work on previous collective research projects. We found out that demographic processes became one of the reasons, as well as the main driver of divergence. The active depopulation evidently decreased the potential for cross-border cooperation (especially at the local level). The Russian-Belarusian borderland is still rather homogeneous in sociocultural sense, and the border between Russia and Kazakhstan is characterized by an increase in ethno-cultural divergence. The post-Soviet period of nation-building in Kazakhstan was a period of the revival of the national language and kazakhization of the public space. Our analysis demonstrates the crucial importance of path dependence in the economic cooperation on the whole and in the specialization of interregional interactions. We observed both autonomization and absence of cross-border cohesion in the economic sphere, and in many cases, we saw examples of competition.
Las nuevas formas de migración como efecto de la precarización de políticas de Estado
Authors: Ochoa Marisol
Published: March 2022

El objetivo de este escrito es mostrar cómo, a partir de la precarización de las políticas de Estado y los procesos de exclusión que operan en la sociedad, el fenómeno migratorio, conforme a su relación con los espacios de experiencia y aunado a la emergencia cotidiana en sus lugares de origen, se ha transformado en últimos años en un estado de vulnerabilidad y fragilidad. Así, han emergido nuevas reconfiguraciones estéticas y políticas que, auspiciadas por economías globales exacerbadas, reorientan la condición de seres humanos de los migrantes a una de “vida en tránsito” que los cosifica como seres perecederos y propicios, en ese estado de invisibilidad, a fortalecer las lógicas de crueldad y violencia para su criminalización, uso, expropiación y desecho en mercados ilegales posglobales. Esta reflexión busca, a partir de una aproximación empírico-analítica, proponer una reorientación en torno al reconocimiento del fenómeno migratorio como vidas dignas en tránsito, mediante la cual se puedan rearticular nuevas visiones de derechos humanos a partir de las instituciones del Estado para hacer de la migración una condición de posibilidad inclusiva que corresponda al reconocimiento de una “vida digna” de la mano de políticas hospitalarias por parte de los Estados.
El derecho al agua: El movimiento de las resistencias unidas contra la cervecera Constellation Brands
Authors: Márquez Fernando
Published: March 2022

Los días 21 y 22 de marzo de 2020 se realizó la consulta ciudadana en Mexicali Baja California, México, donde se sometió a votación si la empresa cervecera transnacional Constellation Brands debía de seguir o no en Mexicali. En esta consulta ganó el rechazo a la Constellation (ganó el NO a la empresa), con un 76% (29.793 votos).

Esta consulta fue el resultado de una serie de factores, especialmente de las acciones del movimiento social de las resistencias unidas en defensa del agua en Baja California, surgido a partir de las protestas sociales en Mexicali en enero de 2017, cuyo principal objetivo era defender el agua en Mexicali, resistiendo las acciones de la cervecera transnacional para apropiarse de la misma.