bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Polish Poet Aleksander Wat about Totalitarian Temptations and about the “Janus-Faced” Russia
Authors:   National Research University “Higher School of Economics”, Luks Leonid M.
Published: January 2022

The common thread in the life history of Aleksander Wat is his skepticism to­ward absolute truths and their heralds. He was untrue to this principle for only a few years when he followed an “association” that supposedly held the truth – the communist movement. Wat regarded this relatively short “dogmatic sleep” as the biggest mistake of his life. Because of it, he contributed to spreading of one of the most inauspicious teachings of the twentieth century and burdened himself with unforgivable guilt. This disenchantment process was fueled by his longstanding confrontation with Soviet reality. Wat was outsider and an insider at the same time and could observe the Soviet experiment from both a distance and from up close. As a universally educated Central European, he also belonged to the great authorities on Russian culture and had complete command of the Russian language in all its nuances. This made it easy for him to integrate into Russian developments in a general European context, and at the same time to un­derstand the most important characteristics of Russia’s “special historical path”. In Wat’s eyes, Russia is a Janus-headed object. It has both a repulsive – as he put it – “Asiatic” face, and a charming European one. For Wat, Asia did not repres­ent the cradle of civilization, on the contrary. For him it virtually epitomized tyranny and disregard of human rights.
Subject-Oriented Approach to the Analysis of the Crisis of Technogenic Civilization
Authors:   Institute of Philosophy, Russian Academy of Sciences, Lepskiy Vladimir E.
Published: January 2022

The paper analyzes the logic of the formation of a subject-oriented approach, which includes activity and subject-activity approaches, on the basis of ideas about scientific rationality. The model of technogenic civilization ignores the subject-oriented approach. The subject-oriented approach is useful for ana­lyzing the crisis of technogenic civilization and searching for philosophical and methodological foundations for the formation of a model of post-techno­genic civilization. The focus is on the problems of organizing hybrid reality environments, including integrated subjectness, physical and digital realities, including the realities of artificial intelligence. The ontological paradox of the model of a technogenic civilization is formulated, which limits the control of the use of digital technologies and artificial intelligence in the interests of ensuring life, safety and development of social systems. The development and implementation of digital technologies and artificial intelligence is carried out in their own paradigms (morphological, logical, neurocybernetic, weak, strong, general artificial intelligence, etc.) in isolation from social values and paradigms of social systems. The technocratic approach leaves out of the con­trol of society the potential negative consequences of the use of digital tech­nologies and artificial intelligence and makes it difficult to develop and im­plement these technologies in the interests of the development and security of mankind. The problem of integrating the paradigms of social systems and artificial intelligence is urgent. Creation of appropriate conceptual and techno­logical levels and the establishment of an interface between them. To solve this problem on the basis of a subject-oriented approach, it is proposed to use a model of self-developing poly-subject (reflexive-active) environments (third-order post-non-classical cybernetics). The consequences of ignoring the sub­ject-oriented approach are illustrated by the example overcoming the threats of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Man in the Context of the Transition from Technogenic Civilization to Post-culture (Notes of the Methodologist and Cultural Scientist)
Authors:   Institute of Philosophy, Russian Academy of Sciences, Rozin Vadim M.
Published: January 2022

The concept of technogenic civilization currently needs to be rethought both in connection with the completion of the modern project and the crisis of modernity itself, and the formation of a new culture (post-culture). Technogenic civilization is a more complex concept than just scientific and technological development, it includes both F. Bacon’s project of mastering nature, and the formation of social institutions that accompany and support this project, and now, the requirement to minimize the negative consequences of scientific and technological development, as well as proposals for updating the semantic project of culture based on modern technologies. If, during the formation of a technogenic civilization, the requirements of independence and initiative were imposed on a person in terms of cognition of nature and market behavior, and vice versa, obedience to law and social norms, then today we can only observe trends in human transformation. There are several of them: differen­tiation of different types of a person in connection with different cultures and processes of socialization; blurring of certainty of boundaries and anthropo­logical realities (constants); the opposite process of anthropological averaging due to globalization and the Internet; isolation up to the isolation of different ways of life of a modern person; adaptation for an indefinite period of time of a person to catastrophic living conditions and new ethical principles, etc. It can be assumed that the transformation of a person will be seriously in­fluenced by projects for mankind’s exit from the modern crisis, especially the project to save our civilization. But in general, we are not talking about one tendency and processes of transformation of civilization and man, but about several, mutually influencing each other.
The Paradox of Scientific Progress in the Evolutionary Dimension
Authors:   Institute of Philosophy, Russian Academy of Sciences, Antonovskiy Alexander Yu. ,   Lomonosov Moscow State University, Barash Raisa E. ,   Institute of Sociology, Russian Academy of Science
Published: January 2022

The article proposes a solution to the paradox of scientific progress, formulated by Max Weber. Science formulates true and objective judgments, and only this distinguishes it from the world of value judgments, ideology, religion, art. On the other hand, the “lifespan of truths” is extremely small and any statement about scientific progress looks unconvincing just in comparison with the pro­gress of value discourses, where each stage of development (style or work of art), if not replaced by the “best” at least they retain or even increase their value over the centuries. A way out of this paradox, according to the authors, can be offered by a socio-evolutionary interpretation of science, where the “criterion” of a better (or more grounded) theory is viewed as “fitness”, as the ability to respond to the challenge of the external environment, to which the best theory adapts bet­ter, and as a consequence is selected. The article is devoted to the problems that the biologically based general theory of evolution is facing today when it is ex­trapolated to the problem of scientific progress. The question is investigated in what sense scientific theories can be interpreted as replacing each other and competing with each other by analogy with organic formations (genotypes, phe­notypes, populations); what the external environment of scientific communica­tion is and what institutions are responsible for the selection of the best theories; about the extent to which the autonomous mechanisms of scientific evolution are differentiated, namely, the mechanisms of random variation, natural selection and stabilization of newly acquired traits. The authors analyze the solutions to these problems in the concepts of causal individuation of the scientific theories of David Hull, the concept of semantic individuation of Stephen Gould’s theory, and the possibilities of reconciliation and synthesis of these evolutionary ap­proaches in the system-communicative theory of evolution by Niklas Luhmann.
Progress in Science and its Enemies: the Case of Academic Bullshit
Authors:   Institute of Philosophy, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vostrikova Ekaterina V. , Kusliy Petr S. ,   Institute of Philosophy, Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: January 2022

The paper discusses the phenomenon of bullshit in the academia as an ob­stacle for progress in natural sciences and the humanities and as a problem of episte­mology and philosophy of science. The authors criticize a popular approach according to which bullshit is defined in terms of the goals or motivations of the bullshitter as a subjectivist and inadequate. Focusing on the phenomenon of bullshit in academic practices, the authors define it in terms of the relevance of the content of a corre­sponding discourse to the topical issues of a given academic discipline and the extent to which the justification proposed in the discourse meets the standard justification criteria in the given discipline. An important component of the proposed definition is the contextual parameter of the judge the perspective of which is represented by a relevant research community. The authors show how the proposed account captures the well-known cases of bullshit as well as solves some of the current problems in social epistemology, such as the nature of group bullshit. The authors argue that the problem of group bullshit arises only when bullshit is understood in terms of indi­vidual intentions or motives. In that case, it is challenging to define group bullshit in a case when no representative of a given group individually supports the bullshit argument put forward by the whole group. For an approach that defines bullshit without appeal to such subjective factors as individual intentions, this problem does not arise because bullshit is independent of the goals of the bullshitter. The authors acknowledge the importance of the motivations of the bullshiter and her strategies. However, they argue that this matter is irrelevant for the definition of bullshit.
On Scientific and Technological Paradigms Competitions in Ideological Control in Science Conditions
Authors:   Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, Iakovlev Alexey A. , Pchelko-Tolstova Ekaterina A. ,   Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, Andreev Gennadiy P.
Published: January 2022

Modern science is, as Thomas Kuhn pointed out in his fundamental work The Structure of Scientific Revolutions, a science that develops in stages: “scientific revolution” – “nor­mal science” – “scientific revolution”. During periods of normal functioning of science, the rules of testing and testing show established and perceived without reflection para­digms, but in the case of technical disciplines, this rule does not work, since technical paradigms do not change according to the same rules as other scientific paradigms. To change technical paradigms, you only need to accept them by the expert community – you also need to accept them by technical consumers. The article discusses the difficul­ties of defining the concepts of “technology” and “technical knowledge” as knowledge about artifacts, their use and the consequences of their use (Bernhard Irrgang). On two examples of the control of technical paradigms in two totalitarian regimes of the twenti­eth century (Lysenkoism, or Lysenkovshchina and “Aryan physics”), the role of para­digms in the situation of ideological control is presented. In these cases, we used at­tempts to “correct” genetics and quantum physics (more precisely, to completely abandon it), respectively. Of course, this control brought biology in the Soviet Union and physics in Nazi Germany to the brink of disaster. In this article, with the help of Gisle Solbu's theory of epi-knowing (knowledge at the general educational level), we propose solutions to the problem of purposeful ideological interference in the scientific and ideo­logical adjustments of not only scientific paradigms, but also scientific paradigms.
Phenomenology within the Framework of Naturalistic Turn’s Paradigm
Authors:   Institute of Philosophy, Russian Academy of Sciences, Smirnova Natalia M.
Published: January 2022

The subject matter of the paper proposed can be defined as one of the most sig­nificant contemporary trends in interrelation between philosophy and cognitive sciences (as far as cognition and consciousness studies are concerned), that is natural extensions of phenomenology in the framework of neurophenomenol­ogy’s paradigm (F. Varela, E. Thompson, D. Zahavi, S. Gallagher). Proposed integrative models of phenomenology and neurobiology: phenomenological analysis of introspective presumptions of psychological and neurosciences’ ex­periments, phenomenological participation in experimental design’s formation, at last, phenomenological analysis of psychological and neurosciences’ concep­tual resources’ investigations have clearly been examined in the light of classical Husserl’s phenomenology. As this paper intends to show, in cognition and con­sciousness studies it seems methodologically more correct to speak not about integrative models (as proposed), but rather about research strategies’ comple­mentarity, mutual enhancement of cognitive sciences, neuroscience and phe­nomenology. Nevertheless both ontological and epistemological presumptions in their philosophical foundations (V.S. Stepin) are irreducible to phenomeno­logical ones. The final conclusion is that the term “neurophenomenology” seems not to be rigorous philosophical concept, but rather interdisciplinary metaphor, which presents contemporary aspiration to integrate the results achieved in phi­losophy and different fields of disciplinary researches. It interlocks naturalistic attitude to verified truth’s destination with constructive-realistic perspective of the human reason.
Experimental Study on Shut-In-Time Optimization for Multi-Fractured Horizontal Wells in Shale Reservoirs
Authors: Tao Liang , Guo Jianchun , Lu Yong , Liu Yi , Zhao Yuhang , Li Geng , Zhao Zhihong , Chen Chi
Published: January 2022

The optimization of shut-in-time in shale gas well is an important factor affecting the production of single well after volume fracturing. In this study, a new method for determining the optimal shut-in-time considering clay mineral content and ion diffusion concentration was proposed. First, a novel water spontaneous imbibition apparatus under the conditions of formation temperature and confining pressure was designed. Then, the water imbibition satuation of 15 shale samples from the Longmaxi Formation (LF) of the Sichuan Basin were measured to quantitatively evaluate the water imbibition ability and classify reservoir types. Finally, the salt ion concentration diffusion experiment was carried out to optimize the shut-in-time of different types of shale reservoirs. The experimental results shown that the clay mineral content was the key factor affecting water wettability of shale, the shale reservoirs can be divided into two types and the critical value of clay mineral content was about 40%. Based on the law of salt ion diffusion in shale, the initiation time of micro-fractures induced by shale hydration was about 10-15 days. Under the experimental conditions, the optimal shut-in time of type I shale reservoir and type II shale reservoir were about 20 days and 15 days respectively. The average daily gas production has increased from 15.6×104 m3/day to 30.2×104 m3/day. The study results can provide scientific basis for the optimization of flowback regime of shale gas resrvoirs.
Integrated Hydraulic Fracturing and Well-Test Data Analytics using R
Authors: Vogelij Nico A. M.
Published: January 2022

1. Abstract

Various datasets are generated during hydraulic fracturing, flowback- and well-testing operations, which require consistent integration to lead to high-quality well performance interpretations. An automated digital workflow has been created to integrate and analyze the data in a consistent manner using the open-source programming language R. This paper describes the workflow, and it explains how it automatically generates well performance models and how it analyzes raw diagnostic fracture injection test (DFIT) data using numerical algorithms and Machine Learning. This workflow is successfully applied in a concession area located in the center of the Sultanate of Oman, where to date a total of 25+ tight gas wells are drilled, hydraulically fractured and well-tested. It resulted in an automated and standardized way of working, which enabled identifying trends leading to improved hydraulic fracturing and well-testing practices.
Fracturing Technology - Can We Finally Control Fracture Height?
Authors: Rylance Martin , Korovaychuk Yaroslav
Published: January 2022

For as long as we have been performing hydraulic fracturing, we have been trying to ensure that we stay out of undesirable horizons, potentially containing water and/or gas. The holy grail of hydraulic fracturing, an absolute control of created fracture height, has eluded the industry for more than 70 years. Of course, there have been many that have claimed solutions, but all the marketed approaches have at best merely created a delay to the inevitable growth and at worst been a snake-oil approach with little actual merit. Fundamentally, the applied techniques have attempted to delay or influence the underlying equations of net-pressure and stress variation; but having to ultimately honour them and by doing so then condemned themselves to limited success or outright failure.

Fast forward to 2020, and a reassessment of the relative importance of height-growth constraint and what may have changed to help us achieve this. The development of unconventionals are focused on creating as much surface area as possible in micro/nano-Darcy environments, across almost any phase, but with typically poor line of sight to profit. However, the more valuable business of conventional oil and gas is working in thinner and thinner reservoirs with an often-deteriorating permeability, but with a significantly higher potential economic return. What unconventional has successfully delivered however, is a rapid deployment and acceleration in a range of completion technologies that were unavailable just a few years ago. We will demonstrate that these technologies potentially offer the capability of finally being able to control fracture height-growth.

Consideration of a range of previously applied height-growth approaches will demonstrate how they attempted to fool or fudge height growth creation mechanisms. With this clarity, we can consider what advances in completion technology may offer in terms of delivering height growth control. We suggest that with the technology and approaches that are currently available today, that height-growth control is finally within reach. We will go on to describe a multi-well Pilot program, in deployment and execution in 2020/021 in Western Siberia; where billions of barrels remain to be recovered in thin oil-rim, low permeability sandstone reservoirs below gas or above water.

A comprehensive assessment of the myriad of height-growth approaches that have been utilized over the last 70 years was performed, but in each case demonstrated the fallibility and limitations of each of these. However, rather than the interpretation that such control is not achievable, instead we will show a mathematically sound approach, along with field data and evidence that this is possible. The presentation will demonstrate that completion advances over the last 10 - 15 years make this approach a reality in the present day; and that broader field implementation is finally within reach.
Tobacco and Cannabis Debris Survey Protocol
Authors: De Werfhorst Laurie C. Van , Jerde Christopher L. , Beutel Marc W. , Brooks Andrew , Butsic Van , Duttagupta Srimanti , Gilmore Michelle E. , Harmon Thomas C. , Hart Stephen C. , Hoh Eunha , Iancu Liviu , Kefela Timnit , Novotny Thomas E. , Nynas Katelyn , Reynolds Becca , Wartenberg Ariani C. , Holden Patricia A.
Published: January 2022

Tobacco and cannabis product use can result in debris (a.k.a. litter) on the landscape, with implications to soil and water quality and thus potential impacts to ecosystems. More information is needed regarding how much debris exists on the landscape, such that the magnitude of potential associated environment problems can be quantified. Such information can raise awareness in the public about environmental hazards from tobacco and cannabis product use. The goal of this protocol is to quantify, via a timed survey approach, the tobacco and cannabis debris load (i.e. cigarette butts, cannabis or e-cigarette waste) at study sites. Multiple sites in a geographical location may be of interest for comparative analysis, for example sites used regularly by humans (e.g. trails, parking lots, around buildings, garbage cans) versus other sites that are suspected to have low human use. In any case, the same survey data sheet would be used (included with this protocol). Each survey will take 15 minutes per site to conduct. In the process of surveying, debris is collected and retained for later sorting, counting, and photographic documentation. The time to sort and count the collected debris will depend on the quantity and diversity of debris collected.
Efficacy of Combined Therapy with Nitroimidazole Drugs and Broad-Spectrum Antibiotics on Intra-Abdominal Infection: A 10 Years Real-World Cohort Study
Authors: Liang Hongyi , Xue Gaici , Ye Jiasheng , Wen Fangfang , Ouyang Leifang , Ji Jingjing , Ji Bo , Liu Zhifeng
Published: January 2022

Background: Abdominal infection still has a high mortality rate, and whether the combination of nitroimidazoles against obligate anaerobe could improve the outcome of abdominal infection remains controversial. ﻿Objective: This study aimed at exploring the clinical efficacy of broad-spectrum antibiotics combined with nitroimidazoles in the treatment of abdominal infection. Methods: Clinical data of patients with abdominal infection who received broad-spectrum antibiotics alone (BSA) or broad-spectrum antibiotics in combination with nitroimidazole (NCBSA) at a single center from June 2010 to May 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. One-to-one propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to adjust the potential differences in age, gender, APACHE II score and SOFA score of the two groups. Clinical effective rate, hospitalization days and total hospitalization costs were compared between the two groups. Meanwhile, subgroup efficacy was analyzed according to disease severity (APACH II score) and whether abdominal surgery was performed. Result: A total of 149 propensity score-matched case pairs were included in this study. There was no statistical difference in clinical effective rates between the two groups (P = 0.236). The patients in BSA group had shorter hospital stays (18d vs 27d, P = 0.001) and lower hospitalization costs (85185.7 yuan vs 187898.3 yuan, P < 0.001). However, the body temperature and PCT in patients in NCBSA group were higher than those in BSA group (P = 0.007 and P = 0.045, respectively), and CRP and WBC values in NCBSA group also were higher, but there were no significant differences between the two groups (P = 0.105 and P = 0.170, respectively). And more patients (92 vs 38) in NCBSA group underwent abdominal surgery, which indicated the infection and clinical conditons in NCBSA group were probably more severe. Subgroup analysis showed that the severity of the disease and whether the patient suffered postoperative co-infection did not affect the therapeutic effect of the two groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The clinical efficacy of broad-spectrum antibiotics combined with nitroimidazoles for abdominal infection was similar to that of broad-spectrum antibiotics alone, and whether the combination of nitroimidazoles in these conditions still needs more lcinical evidence.
Tenofovir Adherence in the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of Hepatitis B in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: A Qualitative Study Applying the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills Model
Authors: Thahir Sahal , Morgan Camille E. , Ngimbi Patrick , Mwandagalirwa Kashamuka , Ntambua Sarah , Matondo Jolie , Tabala Martine , Mbendi Charles , Kaba Didine , Yotebieng Marcel , Parr Jonathan B. , Banek Kristin , Thompson Peyton
Published: January 2022

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains a leading infectious cause of death worldwide, and is highly prevalent in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) programs for HBV are critical to reaching elimination targets and utilizing existing HIV testing and treatment infrastructure. Building on a feasibility study to introduce tenofovir disoproxil fumarate antiviral therapy to pregnant women with high-risk HBV in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), we examine the social and psychological facilitators of medication adherence of women who participated in this HBV PMTCT program.Methods: This study utilizes a qualitative exploratory approach involving women in Kinshasa, DRC who were identified as high-risk HBV during pregnancy and completed the pilot tenofovir antiviral program. Six participants were identified and completed in-depth, open-ended phone interviews. This study adopts a modified Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills model (IMB+) to identify emerging themes related to tenofovir adherence.Results: A strong trust in healthcare workers, family support, and improved awareness of the disease and treatment options through enrollment in the PMTCT program facilitated tenofovir adherence. Barriers to medication adherence included social stigma and low healthcare literacy specific to HBV.Conclusions: Our study highlights the feasibility of medication adherence in HBV PMTCT programs in a low-resource setting and the importance of incorporating initiatives that address hepatitis B stigma and other social barriers. These findings are relevant to future HBV PMTCT scale-up, which is needed in the DRC and in similar African contexts with high HBV prevalence. Trial registration: The parent study was registered with clinicaltrials.gov under identifier NCT03567382. Date of registration: 25/06/2018
New method of tibio-calcaneal-navicular arthrodesis after talectomy.
Authors: Alizade Chingiz Ali Aga og. , Aliyev Huseyn , Alizada Farhad Chigiz oglu
Published: January 2022

Purpose

To develop and investigate the results of a new, simple and versatile method of tibia- calcaneal arthrodesis that reduces limb shortening.
Materials and methods

This prospective study was conducted in patients who voluntarily agreed to a new operation. Informed consent was obtained from all individual participants included in the study. For 17 years, we have observed 14 patients with various forms of osteomyelitis, fractures and septic necrosis of the talus, who underwent a new method of tibio-calcaneal-navicular arthrodesis (TCNA). The age of the patients ranged from 23 to 75 years, (42 years on average). 2 patients were female, 12 were male. The Ilizarov apparatus was used as a fixator. The average time of immobilization in the apparatus was 4.9 months (from 3.5 to 6 months). The operations were performed by one surgeon.
Results

In all patients the wounds healed by primary intention. The average limb shortening 1.9 ± 0.5 cm. AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot score (n=14) in all patients came up to 77,9 ± 6,8 (min 68, max 86) SD 12,8. Patients wore ordinary footwear without arch supporter and heels till 2cm. Only two female patients over 70 years used a stick. 2 patients had minor pain during prolonged walking.
Conclusion

Excellent and good results were obtained in all patients. The new TCNA method allows restoring the support ability of a limb, reduces shortening and improves the quality of life for patients.
Difference in Clinical Presentation and Their Significance in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma – a Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Riju Jeyashanth , Tirkey Amit Jiwan , Babu Malavika , Anto Ronald , Baitule Amey Madhav , Vidya Konduru , Agarwal Mansi
Published: January 2022

Oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC) involving tongue and buccoalveolar complex(BAC) behaves differently. Clinical features of the two subsites and their influence on pathological factors remain least analysed. Patients are divided into two groups i.e, tongue cancer and BAC cancer group, and various clinical parameters were compared. Among 474 patients 232 had tongue cancer and 242 had BAC cancer. 30% of patients with OSCC were asymptomatic at presentation except for the ulcer. Compared to tongue cancers, lesions confined to BAC presents at an advanced stage(p=0.006). Multivariate analysis showed that dysphagia in tongue cancer(p=0.020) and external swelling or lesion in BAC cancers(p=0.002) were significant predictors of an advanced stage of disease. On histopathology perineural invasion was significantly associated tongue(p=0.008) and BAC cancers(P=0.015). Among tongue cancers, those with pain and referred otalgia had a statistically significantly high depth of invasion(DOI), compared to those without pain (DOI – no pain 6.9mm, pain 9.9mm and referred otalgia 11.4mm). There is a delay in clinical presentation of OSCC. Among tongue cancers, clinical history of pain was significantly associated with depth of invasion and perineural invasion, the significance of which needs to be prospectively analysed. Clinical history in OSCC can be used as predicting factors for various pathological characters, which is subsite specific.
The Effects of Training Emotional Intelligence Skills Training on Stress Among the Mothers of Premature Newborns in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Pouraboli Batool , Arianfar Malihe , Abadian Leila , Abazari Faroukh , Dehghan Mahlagha
Published: January 2022

Background
The mothers of premature newborns experience high levels of stress which can affect their relationships with their newborns, cause them ineffective parental role performance, and impair their newborns’ growth and development. Emotional intelligence (EI) has potential positive effects on stress.
Objectives
This study evaluated the effects of training EI skills on stress among the mothers of premature newborns in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
Methods
This quasi-experimental study was conducted in 2016 with a pretest-posttest design and a control group. Ninety mothers of premature newborns were selected from the NICUs of Zeinabieh and Hafez hospitals, Shiraz, Iran, and randomly allocated to an intervention and a control group. Participants in the control group received EI skills training in six sessions held twice weekly. The Parental Stress Scale was used for stress assessment before and one week after the intervention. The SPSS software (v. 16.0) was used for data analysis.
Results
Thirty seven participants in each group completed the study. While there was no significant difference between the intervention and the control groups respecting the pretest mean score of stress (48.89±19.02 vs. 44.92±18.55; P = 0.37), the posttest mean score of stress in the intervention group was significantly less than the control group (13.29±13.15 vs. 47.84±22.56; P < 0.001). The mean score of participants’ stress had significant relationship with their income level and their premature newborns’ birth weight.
Conclusion
Training EI skills is effective in significantly reducing stress among the mothers of premature newborns in NICU.
The Role of Genetic Variation in Maize Response To Beneficial Endophytes
Authors: Schultz Corey Robert , Brantley Kamaya , Wallace Jason G
Published: January 2022

Growth-promoting endophytes have great potential to boost crop production and sustainability. There is, however, a lack of research on how differences in the plant host affect an endophyte’s ability to promote growth. We set out to quantify how different maize genotypes respond to specific growth-promoting endophytes. We inoculated genetically diverse maize lines with three different known beneficial endophytes: Herbaspirillum seropedicae (a gram-negative bacteria), Burkholderia WP9 (a gram-negative bacteria), and Serendipita vermifera Subsp. bescii (a Basidiomycota fungus). Maize seedlings were grown for 3 weeks under controlled conditions in the greenhouse and assessed for various growth promotion phenotypes. We found Herbaspirillum seropedicae to increase chlorophyll content, plant height, root length, and root volume significantly in different maize genotypes, while Burkholderia WP9 did not significantly promote growth in any lines under these conditions. Serendipita bescii significantly increased root and shoot mass for 4 maize genotypes, and growth promotion correlated with measured fungal abundance. Although plant genetic variation by itself had a strong effect on phenotype, its interaction with the different endophytes was weak, and the endophytes rarely produced consistent effects across different genotypes. This genome-by-genome interaction indicates that the relationship between a plant host and beneficial endophytes is complex, and it may partly explain why many microbe-based growth stimulants fail to translate from laboratory settings to the field. Detangling these interactions will provide a ripe area for future studies to understand how to best harness beneficial endophytes for agriculture.
Asymptomatic and Submicroscopic Plasmodium Infections in an Area Before and During Integrated Vector Control in Homa Bay, Western Kenya
Authors: Omondi Collince Jared , Wilfred Otambo O , Odongo David , Ochwedo Kevin O. , Otieno Antony , Onyango Shirley A. , Orondo Pauline , Ondeto Benyl M. , Lee Ming-Chieh , Zhong Daibin , Kazura James W. , Githeko Andrew K. , Yan Guiyun
Published: January 2022

Background

Long lasting insecticidal bednets (LLINs) have been the primary vector control strategy until indoor residual spraying (IRS) was added in Homa Bay and Migori Counties in western Kenya. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of LLINs integrated with organophosphate-based (Actellic 300 CS) IRS on the prevalence of asymptomatic and submicroscopic Plasmodium species infections in Homa Bay County.
Methods

Four consecutive community cross-sectional surveys for Plasmodium species infection were conducted in residents of Homa Bay County, Kenya commencing immediately before and 2 years after introduction of annual IRS. Finger-prick blood samples were obtained to prepare thick and thin smears for microscopic determination and qPCR diagnosis of Plasmodium genus, P. falciparum, P. malariae and P. ovale infection.
Results

Plasmodium spp. infection prevalence by microscopy was 18.5% before IRS and 14.2%, 3.3% and 1.3% after two annual rounds of IRS (χ²= 186.9, df = 3, p < 0.0001). Submicroscopic (blood smear negative, qPCR positive) parasitemia was 50.4% before IRS and 43.2%, 68.0% and 80.7% after IRS (χ²= 31.98, df = 3, p < 0.0001). Geometric mean density of P. falciparum parasitemia decreased over the 2-year study period (ANOVA, F = 28.95, df = 3, 243, p < 0.0001). The proportion of blood smear positive asymptomatic infections that included P. falciparum did not significantly change over the study period. In contrast, the proportion of asymptomatic submicroscopic P. falciparum infections trended upward following introduction of IRS (pre-IRS 48.2% versus post-IRS 41.6%, 61.3% and 75.4%; (χ²= 24.00, df = 3, p = 0.0002).
Conclusions

These data suggest that two annual rounds of IRS integrated with LLIN significantly reduced the prevalence of Plasmodium parasitemia, whereas the proportion of submicroscopic infections that included P. falciparum parasite increases. Strategies that aim at reducing the number of asymptomatic submicroscopic infections should be considered to diminish cryptic P. falciparum transmission and enhance malaria control.
Lymphocyte-C-Reactive Protein Ratio with Calf Circumference Could Better Predict Survival of Patients with Non-Metastatic Cancer
Authors: Shi Han-Ping , Liu Xiao-Yue , Zhang Xi , Zhang Qi , Ruan Guo-Tian , Xie Hai-Lun , Liu Tong , Song Meng-Meng , Ge Yi-Zhong , Deng Li
Published: January 2022

Background

Systemic inflammatory responses caused by tumor cells play an important role in the occurrence and development of tumors. Most of these responses are accompanied by a decrease in muscle mass. The aim of this study was to identify biomarkers that most accurately predict prognoses in patients with non-metastatic cancer and to evaluate their clinical significance when combined with muscle markers.
Methods

This study retrospectively evaluated 2,797 cancer patients diagnosed with cancer at TNM stages I, II, and III. Lymphocyte-C-reactive protein ratio (LCR) in conjunction with calf circumference (CC) were used (or chosed) after evaluating the predictive value of 13 inflammatory marker combinations and five anthropometric indicators for patient outcomes using the C-index. The Kaplan-Meier method and Cox’s proportional hazards regression modeling were used to analyze the individual and combined effects of these two potential biomarkers on overall survival.
Results

This study enrolled 1,604 men (57.3%) and 1,193 women (42.7%) with a mean age of 58.75 years. Among the 13 inflammatory nutritional indicators, the LCR was the most accurate predictor of prognoses in patients with non-metastatic cancer. The optimal threshold for the LCR was 2,500. After multifactorial adjustment, we found that low LCR had an adverse effect on overall survival (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.50; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.17, 2.88; P<0.001). Low LCR combined with low CC was also shown to be an independent risk factor for poor overall survival (HR: 2.26; 95% CI: 1.80, 2.83; P<0.001). In non-metastatic cancer patients of different ages, stages, surgery history, and tumor types (for example, upper gastrointestinal cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer), patients with a low LCR combined with a low CC had statistically significantly reduced overall survival. Compared with LCR or CC alone, the combination of the two had greater prognostic value for patients with non-metastatic cancer.
Conclusions

The LCR can be implemented as a useful biomarker to predict prognoses in patients with non-metastatic cancer, its predictive value is superior to the other evaluated indicators of inflammation. CC is the best anthropometric indicator of muscle loss in patients with non-metastatic cancer. The combination of LCR and CC can better predict the prognosis of patients with non-metastatic cancer, and can provide important information for clinicians to formulate diagnosis and treatment plans.
SMART Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Bozkurt Saliha , Toprak Berna , Yıldırım Hasan Çağrı , Parlak Şafak , Güven Deniz Can , Kertmen Neyran , Oğuz Kader Karlı , Dizdar Ömer
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Stroke-like migraine attacks after radiation therapy (SMART) syndrome, is a late complication of brain radiotherapy. (1) Symptoms are commonly subacute in onset and involve migraine type of headache, seizures, focal neurologic deficits.(2) . MRI findings are usually unilateral and posterior predominant cortical-subcortical hyperintensity, swelling and prominent gyriform (cortical and leptomeningeal) gadolinum enhancement in the areas of brain that underwent irradiation with or without diffusion restriction.(1) There is no standard treatment protocol of SMART syndrome. Antiepileptics and corticosteroids are commonly used drugs.Case Report: A 65 years old woman diagnosed with breast cancer with brain metastases and treated with more than 50 Gy brain radiotherapy. A couple of months later patient presented with acute right sided weakness and numbness, episodic myoclonic jerking of the right arm and leg and gait instability. MRI and magnetic resonance angiography of the brain with gadolinium revealed left parietooccipital cortical diffusion restriction and accompanying dilatation of the left posterior cerebral artery as new findings. Computed tomography perfusion revealed increased perfussion in the affected area. The patient was diagnosed with SMART syndrome.Management & Outcome: The patient was treated with dexamethasone (16 mg/day) and anticonvulsant therapy. Myoclonic seizures had almost completely remitted. However, her cognitive impairment persisted, then the patient arrested because of aspiration a month later.Discussion: Besides confirming SMART syndrome, diagnostic investigations is also important to exclude other etiologies. Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, post-ictal changes, meningoencephalitis and cerebrovascular diseases are radiological differential diagnosis which should be considered.(3) Proper and early diagnosis of SMART syndrome is significant to refrain unneccessary aggressive approaches and for appropriate treatment to prevent sequela lesions.
Changes in Household Size and Depression: A Temporal Analysis
Authors: Sempungu Joshua Kirabo , Choi Minjae , Lee Eun Hae , Lee Yo Han
Published: January 2022

This study examines the relationship between changes in household size and depression through a temporal analysis using the Korean Welfare Panel Study. The number of household members at both t-1 and t year was measured and a generalized estimating equation was used. Households that increased in size after a year showed a lower prevalence of depression than the corresponding reference groups. On the contrary, when individuals from multi-person households inhabited single-person households after a year, their probability of experiencing depression increased by more than 70% in comparison to those who remained in single-person households throughout.
The Conventional Gait Model’s Sensitivity to Lower-limb Marker Placement
Authors: Fonseca Mickael , Armand Stéphane , Dumas Raphaël , Leboeuf Fabien , Bergere Mariette , Cândido João
Published: January 2022

Clinical gait analysis supports treatment decisions for patients with motor disorders. Measurement reproducibility is affected by extrinsic errors such as marker misplacement—considered the main factor in gait analysis variability. However, how marker placement affects output kinematics is not completely understood. The present study aimed to evaluate the Conventional Gait Model’s sensitivity to marker placement. Using a dataset of kinematics for 20 children, eight lower-limb markers were virtually displaced by 10 mm in all four planes, and all the displacement combinations were recalculated. Root-mean-square deviation angles were calculated for each simulation with respect to the original kinematics. The marker movements with the greatest impact were for the femoral and tibial wands together with the lateral femoral epicondyle marker when displaced in the anterior–posterior axis. When displaced alone, the femoral wand was responsible for a deviation of 7.3° (± 1.8°) in hip rotation. Transversal plane measurements were affected most, with around 40% of simulations resulting in an effect greater than the acceptable limit of 5°. This study also provided insight into which markers need to be placed very carefully to obtain more reliable gait data.
An Effectiveness and Cost-Estimation Model for Deploying Assistive Technology Solutions in Elderly Care
Authors: Maresova Petra , Rezny Lukas , Bauer Petr , Fadeyia Oluwaseun , Eniayewu Olaniyi , Barakovic Sabina , Husic Jasmina
Published: January 2022

Background

Deployment of modern assistive technologies is one of the major trends contained in the strategies of developed countries. However, the use of technology in households is not yet a common practice. The aim of this paper is present a model for assessment of selected smart device solutions in elderly care and the evaluation of overall care costs. The model provides the optimal set of devices for different target groups in terms of financial savings.
Methods

The model uses demographic projections taken from Eurostat for EU countries and the disability incidence from the annual report of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs of the Czech Republic as an input. The model was implemented in the software Stella Professional dedicated to system dynamics modelling including a web interface and is accessible online.
Results

In relation to the combination of five assistive devices for the elderly, the optimal solution, the cost savings are 37.8% or182 billion CZK), cumulatively in the simulated time period 2021-2060. Out of the five available assistive devices, up to three - UpWalker, Jaco robotic arm and Poseidon - were employed by the model for different target groups.
Conclusion

According to the performed analysis the assistive technologies proved a significant potential to maintain the quality of life of elderly and lessen the burden on public budgets. With respect to the ongoing demographic transition, the need to employ smart device solutions should further increase and their price could decline with increasing scale of production and overall advancement in technology.
In Grenada, West Indies, What Is the Degree of Bat-human Interaction in Households and Is It Associated to Arboviral Disease?
Authors: Macri John , Prieto Marilyn , Domangue Morgan , James Amanda , Shulse Taylor , Bidasee Satesh , Smith Maia , Cheetham Sonia
Published: January 2022

Background: Bats are reservoirs for several zoonotic pathogens, making human-bat interactions particularly concerning. Recent studies documented that Grenadian bats can be infected with Zika, dengue and Chikungunya viruses and Leptospira bacteria among other pathogens. The objective of this study was to estimate the number of homes in Grenada that have a bat infestation, and to determine whether there is a correlation between the number of bat infested homes with the type of roofing or the presence of arbovirus infections of human inhabitants. Methods: An institutional review board (IRB) approved questionnaire delivered through a semi-structured interview was administered at the central bus stop in St. George, Grenada to recruit participants from all six parishes and the island of Carriacou. Results determined the percentage of individuals that had bat roosts in their households, whether this was of concern to them, whether they had taken any steps to keep bats out of their residence, and whether they had confirmed or suspected cases of dengue, Zika or Chikungunya virus infections. Information on the type of roofing and presence of window screens were also documented. Bat type (fruit vs insect eating bats) was attempted by guano description. Results: Results from 210 individual responses provided data showing all six parishes were represented although not equally. Having bats at the household was not associated with parish of residence, roof type or presence or absence of window screens. The results showed 60% of homes in Grenada are bat-infested and 51% of people self-reported recent arbovirus infection; but no correlation between the two. Also, no correlation to a specific type of roof or type of bat was found.Conclusions: A statistically significant number of inhabitants had attempted to remove bats from their homes, indicating that bats are perceived as pest to homes in Grenada, and justifying further research into relocating bats through the use of construction changes, awareness, and the creation of bat houses.