bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving Lidar Windshear Detection Efficiency by Removal of “Gentle Ramps”
Authors: Hon Kai Kwong , Chan Pak Wai
Published: November 2021

The Doppler Lidar windshear alerting system at the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), the first of its kind in the world, has been in operation since 2006. This paper reports on an enhancement to the automatic windshear detection algorithm at HKIA, which aims at filtering out alerts associated with smoother headwind changes spread over longer distances along the aircraft glide path (called “gentle ramps”) which may nonetheless exceed the well-established alerting threshold. Real-time statistics are examined over a 46-month study period between March 2016 and December 2019, covering a total of 2,017,440 min and over 1500 quality-controlled pilot reports of windshear (PIREP). The “gentle ramp removal” (GRR) function is able to effectively cut down the alert duration over the 5 major runway corridors, inclusive of both landing and take-off, which together account for over 98% of the PIREP received at HKIA during the study period. In all 5 runway corridors this is achieved with a proportionately smaller decrease—even with no changes in 2 cases—in the hit rate, highlighting the efficiency of the GRR function. The difference in statistical behaviour across the runway corridors also echo literature findings about the differences in length scale of wind disturbances at different locations within HKIA. This study serves as a unique documentation of the state-of-the-art in operational Lidar windshear detection and can provide useful reference to airports and aviation meteorologists around the world.
Mutation in Genes Encoding Key Functional Groups Additively Increase Mortality in Patients with BRAFV600E-Mutant Advanced Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Song Eyun , Jin Meihua , Jang Ahreum , Jeon Min Ji , Song Dong Eun , Yoo Hye Jin , Kim Won Bae , Shong Young Kee , Kim Won Gu
Published: November 2021

The prognosis of BRAFV600E-mutant papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) ranges from indolent to highly aggressive courses. To better define the genetic diversity of this subtype, we evaluated the survival according to the presence of an additional mutation in genes encoding functional groups (FGs) in BRAFV600E-mutant advanced PTC patients. Targeted next-generation sequencing was performed in primary tumors of 50 BRAFV600E-mutant PTCs with distant metastasis or aggressive variants. The mutation in genes encoding FGs included alterations in histone methyltransferases, SWI/SNF subunit, and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS). Fifteen patients only had the BRAFV600E-mutation (group 1), 22 had BRAFV600E and mutation other than FGs (group 2), and 13 had BRAFV600E and FG mutation (group 3). OS was significantly lower in patients with FG mutations (p = 0.001) than those without, and group 3 patients had the worst survival (p = 0.004). OS significantly varied among none, one, or two FG mutation sites (p = 0.005). Presence of FG mutation was independently associated with increased mortality (hazard ratio 11.65, 95% confidence interval 1.39–97.58, p = 0.024). Coexistence of mutations in BRAFV600E and genes encoding FGs was associated with high mortality. Identification of FG mutation in BRAFV600E-mutant PTCs may be valuable in risk stratifying this subtype.
Risk Stratification of Endometrial Cancer Patients: FIGO Stage, Biomarkers and Molecular Classification
Authors: Kasius Jenneke C. , Pijnenborg Johanna M. A. , Lindemann Kristina , Forsse David , van Zwol Judith , Kristensen Gunnar B. , Krakstad Camilla , Werner Henrica M. J. , Amant Frédéric
Published: November 2021

Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most common gynaecologic malignancy in developed countries. The main challenge in EC management is to correctly estimate the risk of metastases at diagnosis and the risk to develop recurrences in the future. Risk stratification determines the need for surgical staging and adjuvant treatment. Detection of occult, microscopic metastases upstages patients, provides important prognostic information and guides adjuvant treatment. The molecular classification subdivides EC into four prognostic subgroups: POLE ultramutated; mismatch repair deficient (MMRd); nonspecific molecular profile (NSMP); and TP53 mutated (p53abn). How surgical staging should be adjusted based on preoperative molecular profiling is currently unknown. Moreover, little is known whether and how other known prognostic biomarkers affect prognosis prediction independent of or in addition to these molecular subgroups. This review summarizes the factors incorporated in surgical staging (i.e., peritoneal washing, lymph node dissection, omentectomy and peritoneal biopsies), and its impact on prognosis and adjuvant treatment decisions in an era of molecular classification of EC. Moreover, the relation between FIGO stage and molecular classification is evaluated including the current gaps in knowledge and future perspectives.
Can the Six-Minute Walk Test Be Used to Individualize Physical Activity Intensity in Patients with Breast Cancer?
Authors: Tubiana-Mathieu Nicole , Cornette Thibault , Mandigout Stephane , Leobon Sophie , Vincent François , Venat Laurence , Deluche Elise
Published: November 2021

Background: Adapted physical activity (APA) aids breast cancer patients. It is necessary to use an adapted target heart rate (HR) when prescribing exercise intensity. Methods: In total, 138 patients previously included in two published randomized clinical trials underwent the CPET and 6MWT before and after adjuvant therapy. Of these patients, 85 had performed APA, and 53 had received only the usual therapy. HRs were recorded during the two tests. Results: Before starting chemotherapy, good agreement (intraclass correlation (ICC) 0.69; confidence interval at 95% IC0.95 (0.591–0.769); p < 0.001) and a moderate correlation were evident between the 6MWT-HR and ventilatory threshold HR of the CPET (r = 0.70; p < 0.001). Good agreement and a high positive correlation were noted only in the group who engaged in APA (ICC 0.77; IC0.95 (0.659–0.848); p < 0.001; r = 0.8; p < 0.01); moderate agreement and a moderate positive correlation were apparent in the control group (ICC 0.57; IC0.95 (0.329–0.74); p < 0.001; r = 0.6; p < 0.01). The correlations were independent of age and body mass index. Conclusions: The 6MWT-HR can be used to prescribe exercise intensity for breast cancer patients both before and after specific treatment with concomitant APA.
Chromosomal Rearrangements and Altered Nuclear Organization: Recent Mechanistic Models in Cancer
Authors: Federico Concetta , Bruno Francesca , Ragusa Denise , Clements Craig S. , Brancato Desiree , Henry Marianne P. , Bridger Joanna M. , Tosi Sabrina , Saccone Salvatore
Published: November 2021

The last decade has seen significant progress in understanding how the genome is organized spatially within interphase nuclei. Recent analyses have confirmed earlier molecular cytogenetic studies on chromosome positioning within interphase nuclei and provided new information about the topologically associated domains (TADs). Examining the nuances of how genomes are organized within interphase nuclei will provide information fundamental to understanding gene regulation and expression in health and disease. Indeed, the radial spatial positioning of individual gene loci within nuclei has been associated with up- and down-regulation of specific genes, and disruption of normal genome organization within nuclei will result in compromised cellular health. In cancer cells, where reorganization of the nuclear architecture may occur in the presence of chromosomal rearrangements such as translocations, inversions, or deletions, gene repositioning can change their expression. To date, very few studies have focused on radial gene positioning and the correlation to gene expression in cancers. Further investigations would improve our understanding of the biological mechanisms at the basis of cancer and, in particular, in leukemia initiation and progression, especially in those cases where the molecular consequences of chromosomal rearrangements are still unclear. In this review, we summarize the main milestones in the field of genome organization in the nucleus and the alterations to this organization that can lead to cancer diseases.
Microglia-Based Sex-Biased Neuropathology in Early-Stage Alzheimer’s Disease Model Mice and the Potential Pharmacologic Efficacy of Dioscin
Authors: Liu Xiao , Zhou Qian , Zhang Jia-He , Wang Ke-Yong , Saito Takashi , Saido Takaomi C. , Wang Xiaoying , Gao Xiumei , Azuma Kagaku
Published: November 2021

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most common form of dementia, is characterized by amyloid-β (Aβ) accumulation, microglia-associated neuroinflammation, and synaptic loss. The detailed neuropathologic characteristics in early-stage AD, however, are largely unclear. We evaluated the pathologic brain alterations in young adult App knock-in model AppNL-G-F mice at 3 and 6 months of age, which corresponds to early-stage AD. At 3 months of age, microglia expression in the cortex and hippocampus was significantly decreased. By the age of 6 months, the number and function of the microglia increased, accompanied by progressive amyloid-β deposition, synaptic dysfunction, neuroinflammation, and dysregulation of β-catenin and NF-κB signaling pathways. The neuropathologic changes were more severe in female mice than in male mice. Oral administration of dioscin, a natural product, ameliorated the neuropathologic alterations in young AppNL-G-F mice. Our findings revealed microglia-based sex-differential neuropathologic changes in a mouse model of early-stage AD and therapeutic efficacy of dioscin on the brain lesions. Dioscin may represent a potential treatment for AD.
Heat-Killed Lactobacilli Preparations Promote Healing in the Experimental Cutaneous Wounds
Authors: Tsai Wan-Hua , Chou Chia-Hsuan , Huang Tsuei-Yin , Wang Hui-Ling , Chien Peng-Ju , Chang Wen-Wei , Lee Hsueh-Te
Published: November 2021

Probiotics are defined as microorganisms with beneficial health effects when consumed by humans, being applied mainly to improve allergic or intestinal diseases. Due to the increasing resistance of pathogens to antibiotics, the abuse of antibiotics becomes inefficient in the skin and in systemic infections, and probiotics may also provide the protective effect for repairing the healing of infected cutaneous wounds. Here we selected two Lactobacillus strains, L. plantarum GMNL-6 and L. paracasei GMNL-653, in heat-killed format to examine the beneficial effect in skin wound repair through the selection by promoting collagen synthesis in Hs68 fibroblast cells. The coverage of gels containing heat-killed GMNL-6 or GMNL-653 on the mouse tail with experimental wounds displayed healing promoting effects with promoting of metalloproteinase-1 expression at the early phase and reduced excessive fibrosis accumulation and deposition in the later tail-skin recovery stage. More importantly, lipoteichoic acid, the major component of Lactobacillus cell wall, from GMNL-6/GMNL-653 could achieve the anti-fibrogenic benefit similar to the heat-killed bacteria cells in the TGF-β stimulated Hs68 fibroblast cell model. Our study offers a new therapeutic potential of the heat-killed format of Lactobacillus as an alternative approach to treating skin healing disorders.
Complete Mesogastric Excisions Involving Anatomically Based Concepts and Embryological-Based Surgeries: Current Knowledge and Future Challenges
Authors: Girnyi Sergii , Ekman Marcin , Marano Luigi , Roviello Franco , Połom Karol
Published: November 2021

Surgeries for gastrointestinal tract malignancies are based on the paradigm that we should remove the tumour together with its lymphatic drainage in one block. This concept was initially proposed in rectal surgery and called a total mesorectal excision. This procedure gained much interest and has improved oncological results in rectal cancer surgery. The same idea for mesogastric and complete mesogastric excisions was proposed but, because of the complexity of the gastric mesentery, it has not become a standard technique. In this review, we analysed anatomical and embryological factors, proposed technical aspects of this operation and incorporated the available initial results of this concept. We also discussed analogies to other gastrointestinal organs, as well as challenges to this concept.
The Downlink Performance for Cell-Free Massive MIMO with Instantaneous CSI in Slowly Time-Varying Channels
Authors: Han Tongzhou , Zhao Danfeng
Published: November 2021

In centralized massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems, the channel hardening phenomenon can occur, in which the channel behaves as almost fully deterministic as the number of antennas increases. Nevertheless, in a cell-free massive MIMO system, the channel is less deterministic. In this paper, we propose using instantaneous channel state information (CSI) instead of statistical CSI to obtain the power control coefficient in cell-free massive MIMO. Access points (APs) and user equipment (UE) have sufficient time to obtain instantaneous CSI in a slowly time-varying channel environment. We derive the achievable downlink rate under instantaneous CSI for frequency division duplex (FDD) cell-free massive MIMO systems and apply the results to the power control coefficients. For FDD systems, quantized channel coefficients are proposed to reduce feedback overhead. The simulation results show that the spectral efficiency performance when using instantaneous CSI is approximately three times higher than that achieved using statistical CSI.
Optical Channel Selection Avoiding DIPP in DSB-RFoF Fronthaul Interface
Authors: Zakrzewski Zbigniew
Published: November 2021

The paper presents a method of selecting an optical channel for transporting the double-sideband radio-frequency-over-fiber (DSB-RFoF) radio signal over the optical fronthaul path, avoiding the dispersion-induced power penalty (DIPP) phenomenon. The presented method complements the possibilities of a short-range optical network working in the flexible dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) format, where chromatic dispersion compensation is not applied. As part of the study, calculations were made that indicate the limitations of the proposed method and allow for the development of an algorithm for effective optical channel selection in the presence of the DIPP phenomenon experienced in the optical link working in the intensity modulation–direct detection (IM-DD) technique. Calculations were made for three types of single-mode optical fibers and for selected microwave radio carriers that are used in current systems or will be used in next-generation wireless communication systems. In order to verify the calculations and theoretical considerations, a computer simulation was performed for two types of optical fibers and for two selected radio carriers. In the modulated radio signal, the cyclic-prefix orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (CP-OFDM) format and the 5G numerology were used.
Optimized Charge Controller Schedule in Hybrid Solar-Battery Farms for Peak Load Reduction
Authors: Barta Gergo , Pasztor Benedek , Prava Venkat
Published: November 2021

The goal of this paper is to optimally combine day-ahead solar and demand forecasts for the optimal battery schedule of a hybrid solar and battery farm connected to a distribution station. The objective is to achieve the maximum daily peak load reduction and charge battery with maximum solar photovoltaic energy. The innovative part of the paper lies in the treatment for the errors in solar and demand forecasts to then optimize the battery scheduler. To test the effectiveness of the proposed methodology, it was applied in the data science challenge Presumed Open Data 2021. With the historical Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) data, solar power plant generation and distribution-level demand data provided, the proposed methodology was tested for four different seasons. The evaluation metric used is the peak reduction score (defined in the paper), and our approach has improved this KPI from 82.84 to 89.83. The solution developed achieved a final place of 5th (out of 55 teams) in the challenge.
Performance-Based Navigation Flight Path Analysis Using Fast-Time Simulation
Authors: Pamplona Daniel A. , de Barros Alexandre G. de , Alves Claudio J. P.
Published: November 2021

The growing demand for air transportation has led to an increase in worldwide air traffic inefficiency due to capacity constraints. The impacts associated with this situation can be reduced through operational changes. To better handle the problem, the Single European Sky ATM Research (SESAR) and the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) program suggest Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) as a solution. The Area Navigation (RNAV) and Required Navigation Performance (RNP) approaches belong to the group of PBN procedures. These procedures allow for a more efficient use of airspace by reducing route distances, fuel consumption and perceived aircraft noise. This article quantifies the benefits of PBN systems for two indicator parameters—fuel burn and flight time—and compares PBN systems to conventional instrument navigation procedures. The case studies use five airports in Brazil. The results of this analysis show that the benefits of the PBN approach vary with aircraft type and individual route characteristics.
Direct Fuzzy CMAC Sliding Mode Trajectory Tracking for Biaxial Position System
Authors: Mao Wei-Lung , Chiu Yu-Ying , Lin Bing-Hong , Sun Wei-Cheng , Tang Jian-Fu
Published: November 2021

High-precision trajectory control is considered as an important factor in the performance of industrial two-axis contour motion systems. This research presents an adaptive direct fuzzy cerebellar model articulation controller (CMAC) sliding mode control (DFCMACSMC) for the precise control of the industrial XY-axis motion system. The FCMAC was utilized to approximate an ideal controller, and the weights of FCMAC were on-line tuned by the derived adaptive law based on the Lyapunov criterion. With this derivation in mind, the asymptotic stability of the developed motion system could be guaranteed. The two-axis stage system was experimentally investigated using four contours, namely, circle, bowknot, heart, and star reference contours. The experimental results indicate that the proposed DFCMACSMC method achieved the improved tracking capability, and so reveal that the DFCMACSMC scheme outperformed other schemes of the model uncertainties and cross-coupling interference.
A Novel Short-Term Residential Electric Load Forecasting Method Based on Adaptive Load Aggregation and Deep Learning Algorithms
Authors: Hou Tingting , Fang Rengcun , Tang Jinrui , Ge Ganheng , Yang Dongjun , Liu Jianchao , Zhang Wei
Published: November 2021

Short-term residential load forecasting is the precondition of the day-ahead and intra-day scheduling strategy of the household microgrid. Existing short-term electric load forecasting methods are mainly used to obtain regional power load for system-level power dispatch. Due to the high volatility, strong randomness, and weak regularity of the residential load of a single household, the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of the traditional methods forecasting results would be too big to be used for home energy management. With the increase in the total number of households, the aggregated load becomes more and more stable, and the cyclical pattern of the aggregated load becomes more and more distinct. In the meantime, the maximum daily load does not increase linearly with the increase in households in a small area. Therefore, in our proposed short-term residential load forecasting method, an optimal number of households would be selected adaptively, and the total aggregated residential load of the selected households is used for load prediction. In addition, ordering points to identify the clustering structure (OPTICS) algorithm are also selected to cluster households with similar power consumption patterns adaptively. It can be used to enhance the periodic regularity of the aggregated load in alternative. The aggregated residential load and encoded external factors are then used to predict the load in the next half an hour. The long short-term memory (LSTM) deep learning algorithm is used in the prediction because of its inherited ability to maintain historical data regularity in the forecasting process. The experimental data have verified the effectiveness and accuracy of our proposed method.
Electrical Double Layer Mechanism Analysis of PEM Water Electrolysis for Frequency Limitation of Pulsed Currents
Authors: Kim Jae-Hoon , Oh Chang-Yeol , Kim Ki-Ryong , Lee Jong-Pil , Kim Tae-Jin
Published: November 2021

This paper proposes a method for improving hydrogen generation using pulse current in a proton exchange membrane-type electrolyzer (PEMEL). Traditional methods of electrolysis using direct current are known as the simplest approach to produce hydrogen. However, it is highly dependent on environmental variables, such as the temperature and catalyst used, to enhance the rate of electrolysis. Therefore, we propose electrolysis using a pulse current that can apply several dependent variables rather than environmental variables. The proposed method overcomes the difficulties in selecting the frequency of the pulse current by deriving factors affecting hydrogen generation while changing the concentration generated by the cell interface during the pulsed water-electrolysis process. The correlation between the electrolyzer load and the frequency characteristics was analyzed, and the limit value of the applicable frequency of the pulse current was derived through electrical modeling. In addition, the operating characteristics of PEMEL could be predicted, and the PEMEL using the proposed pulse current was verified through experiments.
Economic and Environmental Aspects of Agriculture in the EU Countries
Authors: Domagała Joanna
Published: November 2021

The analysis of the economic efficiency of agriculture has been the subject of numerous studies. An economically efficient agricultural sector is not always environmentally efficient. Agriculture is a large emitter of greenhouse gases. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change states that food production and agriculture are responsible for 21–37% of total global CO2 emissions. Due to the comprehensive assessment of the agricultural efficiency, it is worthwhile to apply to its measurement an integrated approach based on economic, energy and environmental aspects. These aspects were the main reasons for undertaking this research. The purpose of the study was to determine the economic, energy and environmental efficiency of agriculture in the EU Member States in 2019. The environmental analyses relate to the period 1990–2019. A total of 26 member states of the European Union (excluding Malta and Luxembourg) were selected for research. The sources of materials were Eurostat and the European Environmental Agency. This study was based on the Data Envelopment Analysis method, and used the DEA model focused on minimizing inputs. The research also adopts energy productivity and greenhouse gas emission efficiency indicators. The DEA model features the following variables: one effect (value of agricultural production) and four inputs (land, labour, use of fertilizers and use of energy). It was found that seven out of the 26 studied EU countries have efficient agriculture. The efficient agriculture group included The Netherlands, Denmark, Greece, Cyprus, the United Kingdom, Italy and Ireland. Based on the DEA method, benchmarks have been defined for countries with inefficient agriculture. On the basis of these benchmarks for inefficient agricultural sectors, it was possible to determine how they could improve efficiency to achieve the same results with fewer inputs. This issue is particularly important in the context of sustainable agricultural development. In the next stage of the research, the analysis of economic and energy efficiency was combined with the analysis of GHG emission efficiency in agriculture. Four groups of countries have been distinguished: eco-efficiency leaders, eco-efficiency followers, environmental slackers, eco-efficiency laggards. The leaders of the classification were The Netherlands, Italy, Greece, Cyprus and Portugal.
Target-Site Mutations and Expression of ALS Gene Copies Vary According to Echinochloa Species
Authors: Panozzo Silvia , Mascanzoni Elisa , Scarabel Laura , Milani Andrea , Dalazen Giliardi , Merotto Aldo J. , Tranel Patrick J. , Sattin Maurizio
Published: November 2021

The sustainability of rice cropping systems is jeopardized by the large number and variety of populations of polyploid Echinochloa spp. resistant to ALS inhibitors. Better knowledge of the Echinochloa species present in Italian rice fields and the study of ALS genes involved in target-site resistance could significantly contribute to a better understanding of resistance evolution and management. Using a CAPS-rbcL molecular marker, two species, E. crus-galli (L.) P. Beauv. and E. oryzicola (Vasinger) Vasing., were identified as the most common species in rice in Italy. Mutations involved in ALS inhibitor resistance in the different species were identified and associated with the ALS homoeologs. The relative expression of the ALS gene copies was evaluated. Molecular characterization led to the identification of three ALS genes in E. crus-galli and two in E. oryzicola. The two species also carried different point mutations conferring resistance: Ala122Asn in E. crus-galli and Trp574Leu in E. oryzicola. Mutations were carried in the same gene copy (ALS1), which was significantly more expressed than the other copies (ALS2 and ALS3) in both species. These results explain the high resistance level of these populations and why mutations in the other ALS copies are not involved in herbicide resistance.
Poking COVID-19: Insights on Genomic Constraints among Immune-Related Genes between Qatari and Italian Populations
Authors: Mbarek Hamdi , Cocca Massimiliano , Al-Sarraj Yasser , Saad Chadi , Mezzavilla Massimo , AlMuftah Wadha , Cocciadiferro Dario , Novelli Antonio , Quinti Isabella , AlTawashi Azza , Salvaggio Salvino , AlThani Asma , Novelli Giuseppe , Ismail Said I.
Published: November 2021

Host genomic information, specifically genomic variations, may characterize susceptibility to disease and identify people with a higher risk of harm, leading to better targeting of care and vaccination. Italy was the epicentre for the spread of COVID-19 in Europe, the first country to go into a national lockdown and has one of the highest COVID-19 associated mortality rates. Qatar, on the other hand has a very low mortality rate. In this study, we compared whole-genome sequencing data of 14398 adults and Qatari-national to 925 Italian individuals. We also included in the comparison whole-exome sequence data from 189 Italian laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases. We focused our study on a curated list of 3619 candidate genes involved in innate immunity and host-pathogen interaction. Two population-gene metric scores, the Delta Singleton-Cohort variant score (DSC) and Sum Singleton-Cohort variant score (SSC), were applied to estimate the presence of selective constraints in the Qatari population and in the Italian cohorts. Results based on DSC and SSC metrics demonstrated a different selective pressure on three genes (MUC5AC, ABCA7, FLNA) between Qatari and Italian populations. This study highlighted the genetic differences between Qatari and Italian populations and identified a subset of genes involved in innate immunity and host-pathogen interaction.
Population Health Status of the Republic of Kazakhstan: Trends and Implications for Public Health Policy
Authors: Gulis Gabriel , Aringazina Altyn , Sangilbayeva Zhamilya , Kalel Zhan , de Leeuw Evelyne , Allegrante John
Published: November 2021

The Republic of Kazakhstan began undergoing a political, economic, and social transition after 1991. Population health was declared an important element and was backed with a substantial commitment by the central government to health policy. We examine key trends in the population health status of the Republic of Kazakhstan and seek to understand them in relation to the ongoing political, economic, and social changes in society and its aspirations in health policy. We used the Global Burden of Disease database and toolkit to extract and analyze country-specific descriptive data for the Republic of Kazakhstan to assess life expectancy, child mortality, leading causes of mortality, disability-adjusted life years, and causes and number of years lived with disability. Life expectancy declined from 1990 to 1996 but has subsequently recovered. Ischemic heart disease, stroke, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease remain among the leading causes of death; child mortality for children under 5 years has declined; and cardiovascular risk factors account for the greatest cause of disability. Considering its socioeconomic development over the last two decades, Kazakhstan continues to lag behind OECD countries on leading health indictors despite substantial investments in public health policy. We identify seven strategic priorities to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the health care system.
Factors That Influence the Judgment of Oral Management Necessity in Preoperative Oral Screening
Authors: Kai Nanami , Tsukamoto Yoko , Urabe Kaoru , Tani Asuka , Inai Yuko , Okadome Asako , Kashiwazaki Haruhiko , Mizutani Shinsuke , Wada Naohisa
Published: November 2021

Oral management during the perioperative period is important to prevent the development of postoperative complications. However, there are no unified systems to examine the oral status of patients and very few studies have focused on preoperative oral screening. In this study, we examined the oral status of patients who underwent oral screening at a University Hospital. A total of 1173 patients who underwent oral screening for perioperative management from April 2020 to July 2021 were enrolled. The subjects’ medical data were retrospectively extracted from the dental records, and finally, the data of 1081 patients aged ≥20 years were analyzed. Oral screening based on seven categories was performed by dentists or dental hygienists. Our cumulative results determined whether patients required oral management during the perioperative period. “Poor oral hygiene” was the most frequent category (24%) of all oral categories examined. Logistic analysis revealed that tooth mobility had the highest odds ratio (21.476; 95% confidence interval: 11.462–40.239; p < 0.001) for oral management necessity during the perioperative period. Our study suggests that poor oral hygiene is most frequently observed in preoperative oral screening. Moreover, tooth mobility in preoperative oral screening may influence the judgment of oral management necessity during the perioperative period.
Perspectives of Local Community Leaders, Health Care Workers, Volunteers, Policy Makers and Academia on Climate Change Related Health Risks in Mukuru Informal Settlement in Nairobi, Kenya—A Qualitative Study
Authors: Greibe Andersen Johanne , Karekezi Catherine , Ali Zipporah , Yonga Gerald , Kallestrup Per , Kraef Christian
Published: November 2021

Sub-Saharan Africa has been identified as one of the most vulnerable regions to climate change. The objective of this study was to explore knowledge and perspectives on climate change and health-related issues, with a particular focus on non-communicable diseases, in the informal settlement (urban slum) of Mukuru in Nairobi, Kenya. Three focus group discussions and five in-depth interviews were conducted with total of 28 participants representing local community leaders, health care workers, volunteers, policy makers and academia. Data were collected using semi-structured interview guides and analyzed using grounded theory. Seven main themes emerged: climate change related diseases, nutrition and access to clean water, environmental risk factors, urban planning and public infrastructure, economic risk factors, vulnerable groups, and adaptation strategies. All participants were conscious of a link between climate change and health. This is the first qualitative study on climate change and health in an informal settlement in Africa. The study provides important information on perceived health risks, risk factors and adaptation strategies related to climate change. This can inform policy making, urban planning and health care, and guide future research. One important strategy to adapt to climate change-associated health risks is to provide training of local communities, thus ensuring adaptation strategies and climate change advocacy.
ARNÉS, Laura, DOMINGUEZ, Nora y PUNTE, María José (directoras) (2020). Historia feminista de la literatura argentina. Villa María Córdoba, Editorial EDUVIM, 592 pp.
Authors: Arnés Laura , Domínguez Nora , Punte María José
Published: November 2021

ARNÉS, Laura, DOMINGUEZ, Nora y PUNTE, María José (directoras) (2020). Historia feminista de la literatura argentina. Villa María Córdoba, Editorial EDUVIM, 2020, 592 pp.
Yenidoğan Bebek Transport Ambulansı Risk Analizi: HTEA Yöntemi ile Bir Uygulama
Authors: NARLI Müfide
Published: November 2021

Yenidoğan yoğun bakım ünitesinde tedavi gören hasta yenidoğan bebeklerin bulundukları merkezden başka bir merkeze transportu hasta ve çalışan sağlığı açısından kritik bir öneme sahiptir. Transportun güvenli bir şekilde gerçekleşmesi ve bu sırada hastaya yoğun bakıma benzer bakım hizmetinin sağlanması gerekmektedir. Acil yardım ambulansı ve yoğun bakım üniteleri gibi iki farklı çalışma ortamının özelliklerini taşıyan yenidoğan transport ambulansları hem transport edilen yenidoğan hasta hem de transport ekibi için ilave riskler barındırmaktadır. Bu çalışmada acil yardım ambulans hizmeti, yenidoğan yoğun bakım servisi mevcut risk analizleri ve literatürde yapılmış çalışmalar dikkate alınarak yenidoğan transport ambulansları için ilk defa risk analizi yapılmıştır. Risk analizi için proaktif ve sistematik bir yaklaşım olan HTEA metodu kullanılmıştır. HTEA metoduna göre öncelikle belirlenen risk etmenlerine bağlı olarak tehlikeler belirlenmiş, bu tehlikelerin Risk Öncelik Sayısı (RÖS) hesaplanmıştır. Bu RÖS değerlerine göre önlem alınması gereken tehlikeler tespit edilerek, bu tehlikelerin kaynağında yok edilmesi ve/veya etkisinin azaltılması için önlemler önerilmiştir. Bu çalışma ile yenidoğan transport ambulanslarında çalışan ve hasta açısından kalite ve güvenliğin iyileştirilmesi ve geliştirilmesi amaçlanmıştır.
Self-heating effect on logic performance of 6T-SRAM based on CFET device
Authors: Zhao Songhan , He Yandong , Liu Xiaoyan , Du Gang
Published: November 2021

Complementary FET (CFET) devices have become emerging and promising candidates for continuing Moore’s law at sub-3 nm nodes owing to the area advantage of the N-P stacked structure, which markedly improves the integration of circuits. However, the introduction of vertical structure leads to severe thermal issues due to the self-heating effect, resulting in the degradation of the device and circuit performance. This paper mainly evaluates and analyzes the performance of the static random-access memory (SRAM) unit built using the CFET structure. The CFET-SRAM exhibits better performance than the conventional CMOS-SRAM in terms of access delay, even with the impact of self-heating. For the multi-fin-based CFET, although the total gate capacitance increases, the enhanced current improves the static noise margin significantly. However, as the number of channels expands, sheet-based CFET devices show more comprehensive superiority of area and performance.
СЛОЖНОВВОДНОЕ ПРЕДЛОЖЕНИЕ КАК ПОДТИП СЛОЖНОПАРЕНТЕЗНОГО ПРЕДЛОЖЕНИЯ В ЯЗЫКЕ И ЕГО ЛИНГВОКОГНИТИВНАЯ И ЛИНГВОКУЛЬТУРОЛОГИЧЕСКАЯ ПРИРОДА
Authors: KHOSHIMOV Muzaffarjon
Published: November 2021

Статья посвящена изучению относительно малоисследованного и очень спорного типа сложных предложений с парентезным компонентом в таких современных языках разной типологической принадлежности, как английский, узбекский и русский. Автором предпринята попытка разработать дефиницию исследуемого типа сложного предложения, основанную на его лингвокогнитивных и лингвокультурологических аспектах, и классифицировать его на два основных подтипа: 1) сложное предложение с вводным предложением (СВП); 2) сложное предложение с вставным предложением. При этом объектом анализа в статье выбран его первый подтип, что дало возможность установить его изморфные и алломорфные свойства и выявить факторы, обуславливающие первые. Исследованием установлено, что такими релевантными для структуры СВП признаками-параметрами могут служить их следующие свойства; 1) лингвокогнитивные: а) структурно-семантические; б) коммуникативно-прагматические; 2) лингвокультурологические свойства СВП как лингвокультуремы. К наиболее важным лингвокультурологическим свойствам СВП относятся следующие: наряду с ассесивными прагматическими особенностями наличие у СВП культурологической семантики; принадлежность СВП синхронному или диахронному состоянию языка; функционально-стилевые свойства СВП; СВП как показатель авторского почерка, стиля; гендерные (маскулинные и фемининные) свойства СВП; аргументирующая функция СВП; текстообразующие (текстогенерирующие) свойства; теологические свойства употребления СВП; социолингвистические свойства СВП; этнолингвистические свойства СВП; узуальные и окказиональные свойства СВП; наличие синонимических, омонимических и антонимических отношений СВП с близкими и смежными ему явлениями и т. п., что в целом характеризует СВП как лингвокультурему.
A Shooting Experiment with Reconstructed Scythian Arrows and Bows : New Data on the Iron Age Siege at Dédestapolcsány-Verebce-tető
Authors: V. Szabó Gábor , Kiss Attila , Tóth Zoltán Henrik
Published: November 2021

The archaeological research of the last decades revealed that around the beginning of the Middle Iron Age, at the end of the 7th century BC, the territory of Northeast Hungary and Western Slovakia and the eastern part of today’s Czech Republic were hit by an extensive series of attacks. Approximately 20 fortified settlements are known today where bronze arrowheads, found along pristine hillfort walls, bear witness to devastating sieges that occurred almost simultaneously. The most spectacular evidence of the Early Iron Age attack series in the territory of Hungary is the fortified settlement at Dédestapolcsány–Verebce-tető, located at the fringes of the Bükk Mountains. Hundreds of early Scythian-type cast bronze arrowheads have been discovered there, scattered along the northern wall of the defensive earthworks surrounding the inhabitation zone. Recently, as part of a new research project, we have conducted a shooting experiment using reconstructed Scythian-type bows and arrows to obtain additional information about the efficiency of the bows and arrows used in the siege, as well as about the probable progress and details of the event.
Şerif Mardin’in Metinleri Bağlamında Yeni Osmanlılar ile Jön Türklerin Fikrî Derinliklerine Dair Bir İzah Denemesi
Authors: KARAASLAN Ebuzer
Published: November 2021

Osmanlı siyasî düşüncesinin modern dönemini konu alan metinler arasında Şerif Mardin imzası taşıyan çalışmaların ayrıcalıklı bir yeri bulunmaktadır. Mardin’in bahse konu alana ilişkin metinlerinde en dikkat çekici iddialarından biri Jön Türklerin siyasî fikirlerinin, kendilerinden önceki kuşak olan Yeni Osmanlılara oranla çok daha az spekülatif-teorik içerik barındırdığı tezidir. Bu çalışma, Mardin’in Yeni Osmanlılar ile Jön Türkler arasında yaptığı ve bugüne değin üzerinde hiç çalışılmamış karşılaştırmayı yeni bir akademik sorgulama için uygun bir çıkış noktası olarak değerlendirmekte ve bu bağlamda siyasî düşünce tarih yazıcılığına hâkim bir perspektif olan Avrupa-merkezci bakışa yönelik bir eleştiride bulunmaktadır. Çalışmada Yeni Osmanlılar ve Jön Türkler arasındaki fikrî karşılaştırma üzerinden Batı düşüncesi hakkında daha fazla malumat ve bu düşüncenin sahip olduğu perspektife daha güçlü vukufiyetin sanılanın aksine daha derin fikir üretmek anlamına gelmeyebileceği, düşünsel derinliğin, yapılan fikrî tekliflerin terkibi ile aiti olunan topluma söz söyleme kapasitesinde aranması gerektiği ifade edilmiştir.
The role of multiparametric magnetic resonance in bladder cancer management
Authors: Kuźlik-Gołębiowska Katarzyna , Jurkowska Anna , Gołębiowski Dariusz , Sklinda Katarzyna , Walecki Jerzy , Rogowski Wojciech
Published: November 2021

Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging with VI-RADS is a newly discussed method of diagnosing bladder cancer. There are more studies suggesting implementation of mpMRI with VI-RADS to the modern scheme of treating bladder cancer. It requires much more observation and trials to give a final recommendations. The aim of the summary is to present VI-RADS scale and possibilities that appear with the method. Many studies, that were made by departments of urology or radiology, showed promising results.

Background: estimation of bladder cancer depends on proper tumor staging, grading and assessment of its biological potential. It is provided by a multimodal approach using clinical, histopathological and radiological methods. Development of MRI provides the best imaging technique for locoregional staging in several other tumors. Lately it was adjusted in BCa preoperative evaluation leading to significant improvement in differentiating patients with NMIBCs and MIBCs.

Objective: this article aims to approximate the fundamentals of MRI in BCa and to provide an overview of the available data on the role of VI-RADS score in the diagnostic pathway of bladder cancer.
A non-cardiac applications of T1-mapping
Authors: Sawicki Rafał , Mazur Samuel , Kotarski Piotr , Sklinda Katarzyna , Walecki Jerzy
Published: November 2021

T1-mapping has proven to be a valuable tool in cardiac imaging. While mainly used in cardiac MRI, it is investigated for usage and application of T1-mapping to imaging of other organs and systems, including abdominal imaging, musculoskeletal imaging or neuroradiology, resulting in potential new prospects for medical imaging. T1-mapping provides numerical data on an inherent, physical property of imaged tissue – enabling quantitative and comparative assessment of tissue characterization f.ex. fibrosis, amyloid contents, fatty transformation, myelinization or contrast enhancement as well as lesion characterization.

Reports of application of T1-mapping in assessment of liver, kidney or pancreas fibrosis create perspectives of reducing the number of invasive diagnostic procedures, such as biopsies, as well as monitoring treatment response or disease progression. Furthermore T1-mapping can potentially replace MR elastography in assessment of liver fibrosis or used in thyroid fibrosis to define degree of destruction in AIT or other thyroid diseases. In neuroradiology T1-mapping is promising in the spine imaging, enabling better characterization of spinal cord lesions also has a potential to evaluate effectiveness of conservative or operative treatment. There are also successful reports of employing T1-mapping in orbital imaging, such as in predicting steroid resistant diplopia in Graves’ disease or in evaluation of diabetic cataracts. In musculoskeletal imaging, T1-relaxation could be a possible biomarker of bone quality that could play a role in osteoporotic fracture risk assessment.

In conclusion, T1-mapping shows promise as a quantitative method complementary to standard MR imaging beyond cardiac MRI, and needs further research and validation efforts to establish its place in standard diagnostic protocols.
Cerebral amyloid angiopathy-related inflammation (CAA-ri) in a patient positive for SARS-CoV-2 – radiological findings and differential diagnosis
Authors: Dębicka Marta
Published: November 2021

84-year old female with confirmed, asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection was admitted to Neurology Department after sudden onset of left-sided hemiparesis and impaired consciousness. Imaging played a key role in diagnostic process, in course of which the diagnosis of cerebral amyloid angiopathy-related inflammation (CAA-ri) was made.

According to latest research, SARS-CoV-2 infection is considered to cause various neurological complications. To my best knowledge this is the first case of CAA-ri and SARS-CoV-2 coexistence to be reported.
Book review, LIDIA PRISAC, Istoriografia separatismului transnistrean (1989-2005), ediția a II-a, revăzută și adăugită, Chișinău, Lexon-Prim, 2021
Authors: Puiu Maria
Published: November 2021

Book review, LIDIA PRISAC, Istoriografia separatismului transnistrean (1989-2005), ediția a II-a, revăzută și adăugită, Chișinău, Lexon-Prim, 2021
Association of Poland Syndrome and hypertrichosis in pubertal girl - Case report
Authors: Krstevska-Konstantinova Marina , Kuzevska-Maneva Konstandina , Nestorov Hristijan , Georgieva Daniela
Published: November 2021

Poland syndrome (PS) is a rare congenital malformation, most commonly characterized by absence of chest wall muscles on one side of the body. It may be accompanied with other deformities of the extremities. We present the case of a 10-year-old girl with Poland syndrome and hypertrichosis of the back of the trunk and extremities. The clinical examination did not reveal the etiology of the syndrome, such as familial predisposition or some event that led to interrupted blood flow during the early embionic growth. The pregnancy was concieved with in vitro fertilization (IVF); triplets were born and our patient is one of these three girls. The hypertrychosis appeared at 8 years of life, without evidence of previous familial occurance, medications or hormonal disbalance. Other malformations that were found were: a mild form of kyphoscoliosis and mitral valve prolapse. The child was evaluated using a multidisciplinary approach, with further follow-up planned with surgical correction of the chest wall and breast augmentation.
Indications for operation and results from surgical treatment of vesicoureteral reflux
Authors: Ceku Gani , Petrovski Mile , Memeti Shaban , Hyseni Nexhmi , Statovci Sejdi , Berisha Blerim
Published: November 2021

The main objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate the value of surgical approach in the treatment of children with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). Material and method: The study was conducted in the period from January 2006 to December 2014, and included children with symptomatic VUR, who were surgically treated. A total of 72 children were treated, of whom 56 were females and 16 were males, aged between 2 and 16 years. They were treated with IV and V grade reflux ureters. Thirty-two of the unilateral refluxes were left-sided, 18 right-sided and 22 both-sided. VUR was diagnosed with Voiding cystourethrography (VCUG). Cohen technique was performed in 64 (90%) patients, Politano-Lead better technique in 4 (5%) patients and Lich-Gregoir technique in 4 (5%) patients. Results: Out of the 72 treated patients, 69 had a postoperative negative finding of VUR on the performed VCUG, indicating a high 95% success rate. In three girls, persistent postoperative reflux was found in postoperative VCUG. In the first patient persistent VUR was unilateral, of  V grade. In the second patient, a third-degree VUR was found and the third patient was diagnosed with II grade VUR. Postoperatively, non-febrile UTIs (urinary tract infections) were diagnosed in 23 patients (20 female children and 3 male children) out of 72 patients in total. One female child was hospitalized with febrile UTI and 8 patients or 10% developed febrile UTI within one year of the operative treatment. Conclusion: Open surgery, despite excellent results, is used for more complicated cases, VUR grade IV – V or in previously failed cases, and it does not appear to provide definitive correction of VUR in all patients and does not prevent certain low incidence of UTI postoperatively. Non-febrile UTIs can occur several years after a surgical correction. Endoscopic treatment is an alternative treatment for VUR