bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Commercial vehicles safety management
Authors: Mladenovic Dusan , Stanisavljevic Djordje , Ivkovic Ivan , Sekulic Dragan
Published: April 2022

Abstract – Monitoring and analysis of commercial vehicles safety is an important component of traffic safety management. In highly developed countries, despite the increase in the number ofvehicles on the road, the number of fatalities in traffic accidents is decreasing. Successful commercial vehicles management needs to provide better efficiency, increase traffic safety and decreaseenvironmental impact. In this paper, an analysis of the commercial vehicles` road safety in the Republic of Serbia will bepresented with a comparison at the EU level. This paper aims to present the potential impact of the commercial vehicles` active safety systems on improving road safety in the Republic of Serbia. The obtained results will show the potential number of fatalities in commercial vehicles accidents that could be avoided by using some of the commercial vehicles` active safety systems. Keywords – commercial vehicles, traffic safety, safety management.
Driver's knowledge of local railway crossing characteristics
Authors: Tričković Goran , Kasalica Sandra
Published: April 2022

Abstract –The approach to this research consisted of conducting aquestionnaire survey of drivers in Serbia to collect data on perception of motor vehicle drivers at the local railway crossings. The objective of this paper was to investigate the potential factors affecting drivers’ knowledge of safely driving at the railway crossings. Keywords –railway crossing, field survey questionnaire, safety
Traffic Accident Prediction Based on Comprehensive Data Comparison
Authors: Vrtal Pavel , Nováček Jakub
Published: April 2022

Traffic Accident Prediction Based on Comprehensive Data Comparison
New Brittle Stars (Echinodermata, Ophiuroidea) from the Oligocene of the Mainz Basin, Germany
Authors: Thuy Ben , Nungesser Kai , Numberger-Thuy Lea
Published: April 2022

The fossil record of the Ophiuroidea is still patchy, especially in the Cenozoic. Only four species have been described from the entire Oligocene, which is in stark contrast to the present-day diversity counting more than 2000 species. Here, we describe two new species of ophiuroid, Ophiura tankardi sp. nov. and Ophiodoris niersteinensis sp. nov., from the Lower Oligocene of the Mainz Basin. The species are based on microfossils extracted from the sieving residues of bulk sediment samples from a flush drill in Nierstein, Rhineland-Palatinate. The new species belong to extant genera and add to the poor Oligocene fossil record of the class. Based on present-day distributions, the occurrence of Ophiodoris suggests deep sublittoral to shallow bathyal palaeodepths for the Nierstein area of the Mainz Basin.
A Real-Life Manual for the Identification of Ultra-Processed Food and Its Use in Lifestyle Disease Prevention
Authors: Kohutiar Matej , Krejci Hana , Vyjidak Jan , Obr Adam
Published: April 2022

The modern diet, which consists of food produced with high level of industrial processing, is associated with an increased risk of the development of lifestyle diseases. Current nutritional science is, however, focused on chemical composition of food, and not on the type and degree of processing used during the food production. Here, we take a fresh perspective on the relationship between the extent and type of food processing, and evaluate its impact on consumer health. We argue that the preference for consumption of minimally processed foods, and restriction of ultra-processed foods should be an essential part of a healthy lifestyle, disease prevention, and even treatment. We also present a simple, user-friendly consumer guide, which is intended to be used as a practical, ready-to-go identifier of ultra-processed foods.
Estimating life expectancy free of anxiety/depression in Argentina: trends and decomposition of demographic change, 2005-2018
Authors: Bramajo Octavio
Published: April 2022

This study presents estimates of life expectancy free of anxiety/depression (a health expectancy) for the adult population in Argentina and observes its evolution during the 2005-2018 period. Given that life expectancy and health expectancy are strongly correlated indicators, we decomposed the change of the latter over time to establish not only which component causes its variation, but also which age groups contributed the most to this change. We analyzed cross-sectional data of the presence of anxiety/depression symptoms using multiple waves (2005, 2009, 2013 and 2018) of the Argentine National Risk Factor Survey (ENFR) and computed a series of anxiety/depression free life expectancies (conditional on those who reached age 20), by using the Sullivan method. Later we applied a stepwise algorithm decomposition technique to determine if the change in the health expectancy was due to a mortality change or a morbidity change. We obtained that the health expectancies increased between 2005 and 2013, and decreased for 2013-2018. This variation was larger for females, where a change in morbidity was responsible for almost all improvements before 2013. The decomposition also suggested that the net impact on morbidity would be larger if not for an increase in overall life expectancy between 2013-2018, with a one-year decline in health expectancy for males and 1.7 years for females, driven mainly by the younger age groups. It is not clear yet if such negative change is transitory or the beginning of a new trend in mental health for the Argentinian population.
Lições da pandemia: o modelo de desenvolvimento mundial posto em xeque pelo COVID-19
Authors: Pompermayer de Almeida Marcelo , De Freitas Delgado Jessica , Da Silva Lima Leonardo , Cunha Leão Pompermayer Fabiana , Fonseca Estefan Monteiro da
Published: April 2022

Com início em dezembro de 2020 em Wuhan, China (Braun, 2020), o surto do novo coronavírus impôs ao mundo uma nova realidade de restrições, paralizações comerciais e industriais, redução do fluxo de transportes, entre outros impactos globais imediatos. Ajustes no funcionamento da sociedade foram empregados como medida de contenção da pandemia, impactando direta ou indiretamente o sistema atual, nos diversos setores sociais, como o econômico e o ambiental. Assim, o supracitado vírus afetou diretamente o atual modus operandi de sobrevivência humana baseado na globalização (De Troi e Quintilio, 2020).
Asymptotic behavior of an optimal control system with two small singularly excitatory parameters
Authors: Kalinin Yevhen , Lysytsia Dmytro , Nechausov Artem , Krykhovetskyi Heorhii
Published: April 2022

The subject of research in the article is dynamic control systems with optimal slow motions. The goal of the work is to obtain an asymptotic approximation of the control in the form of feedback, which, not being uniform in the domain of the system definition, forms slow motions of the system uniformly close to optimal ones. The objectives of the study are to conduct an asymptotic analysis of the controller for small values of the parameters. Applied methods: methods of minimization of quadratic functions and methods of matrix algebra. The obtained results: the problem of the optimal equation with two small singularly exciting parameters is considered. Requirements for the characteristics and controllability of the selected system have been introduced. The problem under consideration, in contrast to well-known studies, is connected with a fundamental problem: as the system parameters tend to zero, certain components of the matrix that satisfies the Ricatti equation, due to the limiting condition for it, acquire singularities in certain time intervals. The practical significance of the work lies in the fact that with the use of minimization methods, general methods are obtained for constructing a uniform region of asymptotics for optimal control systems with two small singular-exciting parameters with respect to another small parameter.
Microprocessor systems based on programmable logic devices as an object of diagnostics
Authors: Shtanenko Serhii , Samokhvalov Yurii , Iohov Olexandr , Maliuk Victor
Published: April 2022

The subject of research in the article is the methods of testing digital devices implemented on programmable logic devices (PLDs). The aim of the research is to substantiate the approach to diagnosing microprocessor systems based on PLD, which is a further development of the self-diagnostics method. The following tasks are solved in the article: the analysis of existing methods for testing digital devices is conducted, their advantages and disadvantages are disclosed; analyzed the existing approaches to the diagnosis of microprocessor systems, which are based on integrated circuits with a programmable structure; an approach to diagnosing microprocessor systems based on PLDs is proposed, which is based on the principle of interaction between processors by introducing a service processor into a multiprocessor system. The following results have been obtained: it has been proved that the implementation of the proposed models of interaction between processors in a multiprocessor system will provide the service processor with diagnostic information about the technical state of the system. It is noted that the availability of diagnostic information about the technical condition of the microprocessor system is the basis for making a decision to restore the system by reprogramming the PLD. Conclusions: the problem of diagnosing microprocessor systems in the PLD basis is considered. The analysis of existing methods for testing integrated circuits with a programmable structure has been conducted, their advantages and disadvantages have been noted. It is proposed to use the built-in service processor as a diagnostic device, the main function of which is to collect diagnostic information and make a decision on the reconfiguration of the microprocessor system in order to quickly restore its functioning automatically.
Intelligent UAV Spoofing Detection Method
Authors: Voloshyn Denys , Bulba Serhii
Published: April 2022

The paper presents an intelligent method for detecting UAV spoofing. A distinctive feature of the method is the use of subtrajectory calculation technology based on visual odometry subtrajectories and GPS positions in a sliding window, taking into account the intelligent estimation of the optical flow and the formation of UAV “Ego-movement” descriptors. In the course of the study, an analysis and comparative studies of a wide range of UAV spoofing methods were carried out, the most frequently recommended and practically used methods were identified. The conclusion is made about the relevance of the problems of GPS spoofing. The analysis of methods of protection against UAV GPS spoofing has been carried out. Promising directions for intelligent detection of UAV spoofing using methods and means of visual odometry are identified. In the course of studying methods for fixing input data, an approach was proposed for estimating the optical flow using a sliding window. At the same time, the need for intelligent processing of input data is argued. The estimation of the optical flow and the formation of descriptors was carried out using recurrent convolutional neural networks. As a result, a block diagram of the UAV spoofing detection method was developed. This allowed us to study the developed method. The results of the experiment for two spoofing scenarios showed the efficiency of estimating the positions of at least two of the three indicators under the conditions of using sliding windows of size 15 or more, with a time delay of half the window size.
PROCESS OF 3D PRINTING IN ONLINE EDUCATION
Authors: Haidar Nataliia , Zavolodko Ganna , Pustovoitov Pavlo
Published: April 2022

The subject of the review is methodology of the subsystem verification and printing 3 D -model online learning system mixed type. To do this, a review of analogues, technologies, stages of printing were identified. Due to the development of technology, the educational process is being transformed. Education uses blended learning, part of which is distance learning. The object of research is use of additive technologies, which can make the learning process more motivating. Thus, if in distance education there is an opportunity to develop a 3D model online, check it for fidelity, send the model to print, it optimizes the learning process. The aim is to design with IP topics that uses the additive technologies in the educational process. Methods used:  IDEF- diagram describing the function of the system; authentication rules, verification of 3 D models, sending the model to print, selecting a device online, and basic screen forms. Conclusions. The development of innovative thinking in higher education students should become a priority of modern higher education, and the introduction of new elements in modern education is inevitable. And given the development of 3D printing technologies, additive technologies are the most promising for the use of visualization in online and mixed teaching.
Information technology for confirming property rights to digital images
Authors: Ruban Igor , Bolohova Nataliia , Martovytskyi Vitalii
Published: April 2022

In the modern world, the image is becoming a more powerful means of communication. In the era of digitalization, people can express their thoughts, feelings, and more through images. The main difficulty of the author is always how to prove his authorship. Therefore, the development of the latest technologies for confirming authorship of digital images is relevant. The object of the study is the process of confirming the fact of the right to own a digital image. The subject of the study is the information technology of proof of authorship for digital images. Taking into account modern trends and results of using blockchain for copyright protection, this paper proposes an information technology for confirming ownership of digital images based on blockchain technology and digital watermarks to provide a reliable guarantee of copyright establishment. Proposed digital image ownership information technology using digital watermarking, blockchain, image hash function and IPFS to create a brand new decentralized ownership verification technology in the digital age of the Internet. As far as file types are concerned, this article only mentions digital image copyright management. In the future, the technology could be extended to include audio, video, and other types of media files to create a single system for verifying ownership of any digital content.
XIX. Yüzyılda Göçebe Hayatının Temsilcisi Olarak Varsak Köyü
Authors: KÖÇ Ahmet
Published: April 2022

Padişahın özel statüye sahip halkı olarak göçebeler, Anadolu’nun farklı noktalarına dağılmış vaziyette gündelik faaliyetlerini sürdürürlerdi. Yaz ve kış mevsimlerini farklı mekanlarda geçiren Yörükler, hayvan yetiştirme, hayvan ticareti, taşımacılık ve gıda sektörlerinde faaliyet gösterirlerdi. XIX. Yüzyılda Varsak Yörükleri ise yaşadıkları coğrafya gereği deve yetiştirip, develeriyle taşımacılık yapıyorlardı.

Varsak Yörükleri, Antalya İskelesiyle iç bölgeler arasında develeriyle taşımacılık faaliyetinde bulunuyorlardı. Varsak Yörüklerinin deve yetiştiriciliği ve taşımacılık faaliyetleri, yerleşik hayata geçmeleriyle sona erdi. Deve yetiştiriciliği ve develerle yapılan taşımacılık sona erince bu durumdan, göçebe hayat biçimleri de büyük oranda etkilendi. Ortaya çıkan bu yeni durum onların devlete karşı sorumluluklarını, vergi verme biçimlerini ve kültürel hayatlarını değiştirdi. Bahsedilen bu köy çalışması; nüfus, temettuat defterleri, arşiv belgeleri ve basılı eserlerden kaleme alınmıştır.
Abnormal Lipid Profiles in Nontraumatic Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head
Authors: Baek Seung-Hoon , Kim Kwang-Hwan , Lee Won Kee , Hong Wonki , Won Heejae , Kim Shin-Yoon
Published: April 2022

Background:

Abnormal lipid metabolism may play an important role in the development of nontraumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ON). By comparing lipid biomarkers in patients with ON and osteoarthritis (OA) after propensity score matching, we sought to reveal (1) common lipid biomarkers that are abnormal in ON regardless of the etiology and (2) specific lipid biomarkers associated with ON according to the etiology.

Methods:

Among 2,268 patients who underwent primary THA, 1,021 patients were eligible for this study. According to the Association Research Circulation Osseous criteria, ON was classified as either idiopathic (n = 230), alcohol-associated (n = 293), or glucocorticoid-associated ON (n = 132). Most common cause of OA was hip dysplasia in 106 patients (47%). We investigated patient lipid profiles by assessing total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TGs), apolipoprotein (Apo) A1 and B, lipoprotein (a) levels and ApoB/A1 ratio. Since age and body mass index affect the lipid profile, we performed propensity score matching to select 304 patients for final analysis and compared lipid profiles between the ON and OA groups. We also compared biomarkers between the ON subgroups and the OA group.

Results:

Overall, the ON group showed lower HDL-C (p < 0.001), higher TGs (p = 0.001) levels and higher ApoB/A1 ratio (p = 0.003). Idiopathic ON patients demonstrated lower HDL-C (p = 0.032), higher TGs (p = 0.016), ApoB (p = 0.024) levels and ApoB/A1 ratio (p = 0.008). The alcohol-associated ON subgroup showed lower HDL-C (p < 0.001), higher TGs (p = 0.010) levels and ApoB/A1 ratio (p = 0.030). Finally, the steroid-associated ON subgroup demonstrated lower HDL-C (p = 0.003), higher TGs (p = 0.039), lower TC (p = 0.022), LDL-C (p = 0.021), and ApoA1 (p = 0.004) levels.

Conclusions:

Higher TGs and lower HDL-C levels were associated with nontraumatic ON regardless of the etiology. Additionally, idiopathic ON was associated with higher ApoB levels and ApoB/A1 ratio. Alcohol-associated ON was related to higher ApoB/A1 ratio, and steroid-associated ON paired with decreased TC, LDL-C, and ApoA1 levels. Our findings may support future efforts for prevention and management of nontraumatic ON.

Level of Evidence:

Diagnostic Level III.
Core Decompression and Bone Marrow Aspiration Concentrate Grafting for Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head
Authors: Hoogervorst Paul , Campbell Joshua C. , Scholz Natalie , Cheng Edward Y.
Published: April 2022

Background:

Core decompression (CD) with bone marrow aspiration concentrate (BMAC) is a technique that may improve outcomes in osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the radiographic progression free survival (PFS) of CD augmented with BMAC. Secondary aims were to determine the survivorship with conversion (CFS) to total hip arthroplasty (THA) as an endpoint, determine prognostic factors, and characterize the cellular quality of the BMAC.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort study of 61 femoral heads (40 patients) was performed. Patient demographics, comorbidities, BMI, smoking status, etiology, location and extent of ONFH were recorded. The primary endpoint was radiographic progression of ONFH and secondarily, conversion to THA. Additional aims were to determine predictive factors for progression and report the cellular characteristics of the BMAC. Data obtained were compared to the results of a prior randomized controlled trial comparing CD alone versus CD with polymethylmethacrylate cement (PMMA) augmentation.

Results:

Radiographic PFS of CD with BMAC at 2 and 5 years was 78.3% and 53.3%, respectively. The risk of progression was lower in the CD with BMAC group compared to CD alone (HR0.45, p = 0.03), however this difference no longer remained statistically significant on multivariate analysis. Conversion to total hip arthroplasty free survival (CFS) of CD with BMAC at both 2 and 5 years was 72.1% and 54.6%, respectively with no differences compared to the control groups (CD alone, CD and PMMA). The predictive factors for progression were obesity (BMI ≥ 30) and the extent of the disease as quantified by either percentage involvement, necrotic index or modified necrotic index.

Conclusions:

No differences in PFS or CFS between CD with BMAC compared to CD alone or CD with PMMA were identified. Independent statistically significant predictors of progression-free survival or conversion to THA are BMI ≥ 30 and the extent of ONFH. Further research with an adequately powered randomized controlled trial is needed.

Level of Evidence:

3
Maltrato infantil y trastornos de la conducta alimentaria en la adultez: una revisión sistemática
Authors: Barrero Paula , Sánchez-Sandoval Yolanda
Published: April 2022

El objetivo de este trabajo es realizar una revisión sistemática sobre la relación entre las experiencias de maltrato infantil y la manifestación de Trastornos de la Conducta Alimentaria (TCA) durante la adultez. Para esta revisión se seleccionaron 15 artículos empíricos, publicados entre 2010 y 2020, donde se analiza la relación entre TCA y maltrato infantil. Esta búsqueda se realizó en PsycInfo, Scopus y Web of Science. Se encontró una asociación entre los TCA y el maltrato infantil, especialmente en el caso del abuso emocional infantil. Se observó una importante comorbilidad y pronóstico de mejora complicado. Se evidencia un cuadro complejo de psicopatología. Se identifican, por último, algunas variables implicadas (edad, género, vías de funcionamiento, adicción a la comida, autoestima, mecanismos de desregulación, estilos de afrontamiento) que requieren de mayor investigación.
A dynamic hyperbolic surface model for responsive data mining
Authors: Bond W. , Seale Maria , Hensley Jeffrey
Published: April 2022

Data management systems impose structure on data via a static representation schema or data structure. Information from the data is extracted by executing queries based on predefined operators. This paradigm restricts the searchability of the data to concepts and relationships that are known or assumed to exist among the objects. While this is an effective and efficient means of retrieving simple information, we propose that such a structure severely limits the ability to derive breakthrough knowledge that exists in data under the guise of “unknown unknowns.” A dynamic system will alleviate this dependence, allowing theoretically infinite projections of the data to reveal discoverable relationships that are hidden by traditional use case-driven, static query systems. In this paper, we propose a framework for a data-responsive query algebra based on a dynamic hyperbolic surface model. Such a model could provide more intuitive access to analytics and insights from massive, aggregated datasets than existing methods. This model will significantly alter the means of addressing the underlying data by representing it as an arrangement on a dynamic, hyperbolic plane. Consequently, querying the data can be viewed as a process similar to quantum annealing, in terms of characterizing data representation as an energy minimization problem with numerous minima.
Does e-assessment always fit digital natives? A within-subject comparison between paper- and tablet-based gambling assessments in adolescents
Authors: Martínez-Loredo Víctor , González-Roz Alba , García-Cueto Eduardo , Grande-Gosende Aris
Published: April 2022

Technological development has enabled the use of sophisticated methods for assessing multiple human behaviors. Despite the advantages of these new technologies, concerns exist regarding their equivalence with paper-based measures in epidemiological and health-related surveys. To date, literature on this topic in relation to adolescents is virtually nonexistent. This study compares respondents’ performance on the same survey using both paper- and electronic tablet-based assessment methods. A final sample of 135 adolescents (mean age 17.30 years, SD = 0.59; 56.3% males) consecutively completed two versions of the same survey on gambling behaviors and two questionnaires: The Gambling Motives Questionnaire (GMQ) and the South Oaks Gambling Screening-Revised for Adolescents (SOGS-RA). An ad-hoc questionnaire assessing participants’ satisfaction levels with each method was also used. The digital survey yielded a lifetime, past year, and past month gambling prevalence of 54.1%, 45.2%, and 27.4%, respectively. Paper-based prevalence rates were 3.7-5.2% lower (all p < .092) and there were discrepancies in gambling activities. Although the reliability of the questionnaires was high in both formats, total scores were consistently higher in the paper-based format. GMQ and SOGS-RA intraclass correlations between versions ranged from .856-.884. Unexpectedly, students preferred the paper-based survey to the e-assessment (51.5% vs. 48.5%) and also enjoyed it more (31.3% vs 26.1%). Paper- and tablet-based surveys yield different, albeit non-statistically significant, estimations of gambling behaviors even when the same participants were surveyed at one time. We recommend that consistency be routinely checked across assessment formats when adapting paper-and-pencil measures to digital formats
Retos de la educación superior de acuerdo con los efectos que causó el Covid-19
Authors: Cotrino Baquero Ana María , Bello Pacheco Tatiana Andrea
Published: April 2022

A propósito de la emergencia sanitaria producida por el Covid-19 y su impacto en los procesos formativos a nivel superior, el artículo pretende mostrar un panorama general que dé cuenta de cómo las universidades han realizado procesos innovadores referentes a la educación asistida por tecnologías. Para esto se acude a un panel de rectores que discuten sobre la estrategia y la gestión para el futuro de las universidades y las modalidades de la educación superior. En el panel participaron rectores de diferentes universidades de Colombia. Entre estos el rector de la Universidad de Medellín, Federico Restrepo-Posada; el rector de la Universidad de La Salle, Niky Alexander Murcia-Suárez; el rector de la Institución Universitaria Antonio José Camacho, Hugo Alberto González-López; a nivel internacional, también se contó con la participación de Josep Planell i Estany, rector de la Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC). La discusión gira entorno a la ejecución y la toma de acción frente a los procesos educativos, teniendo como fin garantizar la calidad del aprendizaje y el trabajo de mano con la tecnología. El recorrido por los testimonios de los rectores, permite, entre otras cosas, identificar que las instituciones de educación superior colombianas deben trabajar en la modalidad virtual, para que cuente con la misma calidad que la modalidad presencial y se garantice a sus estudiantes un adecuado aprendizaje, mediado por las nuevas tecnologías y la información utilizada en la actualidad en cada profesión.
Deep Learning Accelerated Hydraulic-Mechanical Simulation with Prior Smoothness Constraints for Heterogeneous Petroleum Reservoirs
Authors: Wang Shihao , Zhang Yanbin , Wu Yu-Shu
Published: April 2022

Coupled hydraulic-mechanical (HM) reservoir simulation requires tremendous efforts of development and is usually time-consuming. Consequently, the accurate yet fast simulation of poroelastic reservoirs is a challenge to traditional reservoir simulation methods. In this work, we aim to resolve this issue by replacing the geomechanical simulation module with a proxy stress predictor. We have developed a deep learning (DL)-based stress inference module to accelerate geomechanical simulation. The DL is based on convolutional neural network. We have constructed a 2D U-Net network, which takes the pressure, rock properties, and initial and boundary conditions as input and predicts the induced stress fields. We use the upper bound of the gradient of the stress field, which is from the a priori analysis of the mechanical governing equation, as a Lipschitz smoothness constraint. The model is trained with 80,000 pressure–stress pairs and demonstrates accuracy that is greater than 99%. We have augmented the trained network to a hydraulic reservoir simulator to conduct coupled HM simulation. Our results show that the proxy network effectively reduces the computational time of the mechanical module by more than 90% while still maintaining the accuracy of the physical simulator. The smoothness-constrained U-Net demonstrates significantly higher convergence rate and generalization capability. The novelty of this work is that it is arguably the first effort to combine a priori analysis of governing partial differential equations (PDE) with convolutional neural networks.
Volasertib as a monotherapy or in combination with azacitidine in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome, chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, or acute myeloid leukemia: summary of three phase I studies
Authors: Platzbecker Uwe , Chromik Joerg , Krönke Jan , Handa Hiroshi , Strickland Stephen , Miyazaki Yasushi , Wermke Martin , Sakamoto Wataru , Tachibana Yoshifumi , Taube Tillmann , Germing Ulrich
Published: April 2022

This report summarizes three phase I studies evaluating volasertib, a polo-like kinase inhibitor, plus azacitidine in adults with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, or acute myeloid leukemia. Patients received intravenous volasertib in 28-day cycles (dose-escalation schedules). In Part 1 of 1230.33 (Study 1; NCT01957644), patients received 250–350 mg volasertib on day (D)1 and D15; in Part 2, patients received different schedules [A, D1: 170 mg/m2; B, D7: 170 mg/m2; C, D1 and D7: 110 mg/m2]. In 1230.35 (Study 2; NCT02201329), patients received 200–300 mg volasertib on D1 and D15. In 1230.43 (Study 3; NCT02721875), patients received 110 mg/m2 volasertib on D1 and D8. All patients in Studies 1 and 2, and approximately half of the patients in Study 3, were scheduled to receive subcutaneous azacitidine 75 mg/m2 on D1–7. Overall, 22 patients were treated (17 with MDS; 12 previously untreated). Across Studies 1 and 2 (n = 21), the most common drug-related adverse events were hematological (thrombocytopenia [n = 11]; neutropenia [n = 8]). All dose-limiting toxicities were grade 4 thrombocytopenia. The only treated patient in Study 3 experienced 18 adverse events following volasertib monotherapy. Studies 1 and 2 showed preliminary activity (objective response rates: 25% and 40%). The safety of volasertib with azacitidine in patients with MDS was consistent with other volasertib studies. All studies were terminated prematurely following the discontinuation of volasertib for non-clinical reasons by Boehringer Ingelheim; however, safety information on volasertib plus azacitidine are of interest for future studies in other diseases.
Significant muscle loss despite high response rate during epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors treatment for advanced lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Nie Xin , Zou Ming-zhu , Hu Xue-qing , Liu Wei , Li Lin
Published: April 2022

Purpose This study aimed to evaluate skeletal muscle change during epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) treatment as well as its association with survival in advanced lung adenocarcinoma patients.Methods We retrospectively evaluated 72 EGFR-mutant advanced lung adenocarcinoma patients treated with first line icotinib or afatinib. Skeletal muscle was measured by the analysis of computed tomography (CT) obtained before and during EGFR-TKIs. The median time between two CT scans was 109 days (interquartile range, 91 to 123 days). Total cross-sectional skeletal muscle area and muscle CT value in third lumbar vertebra (L3) region was computed using OsiriX software. Sarcopenia was defined as skeletal muscle index<38.5 cm2/m2 for women and <52.4 cm2/m2 for men. Results The mean age (±standard deviation) at diagnosis was 64.5 (±12.0) years. At baseline,58.3% patients were diagnosed with sarcopenia. Sarcopenia was associated with advanced age (p<0.001), comorbidity (p=0.036) and lower body mass index (p<0.001). Although 54.2% patient achieved partial response, mean skeletal muscle area in L3 reduced 1.7cm2(95% confidence interval [CI]: -2.7 to -0.6; p= 0.003) for entire group at approximately 3 months of EGFR-TKIs treatment, corresponding to a reduction of whole-body muscle mass of 0.51kg (95%CI: -0.81 to -0.18). Although muscle status did not affect efficacy of EGFR-TKIs, muscle loss during treatment (HR 2.12, 95%CI: 1.12 to 4.03; p=0.021) instead of baseline sarcopenia was an independent prognostic factor for poor survival. Conclusions Patients had significant muscle loss during EGFR-TKIs. Further studies were warranted for maintain muscle mass during treatment.
Development of Forecast Models for COVID-19 Hospital Admissions using Mobile Network Data: A Privacy-Preserving Approach
Authors: Taghia Jalil , Kulyk Valentin , Ickin Selim , Folkesson Mats , Nyström Cecilia , Ågren Kristofer , Brezicka Thomas , Vingare Tore , Karlsson Julia , Fritzell Ingrid , Harlid Ralph , Palaszewski Bo , Kjellberg Magnus , Gustafsson Jörgen
Published: April 2022

Reliable near-time forecast of COVID-19 hospital admissions can help enable effective resource management which is vital in reducing pressure from healthcare services. The use of mobile network data has come to attention in response to COVID-19 pandemic leveraged on their ability in capturing people social behaviour. Crucially, we show that there are latent features in irreversibly anonymised and aggregated mobile network data that carry useful information in relation to the spread of SARS-CoV-2 virus. We describe development of the forecast models using such features for near-time prediction of COVID-19 hospital admissions. In a case study, we verified the approach for two hospitals in Sweden, Sahlgrenska University Hospital and Södra Älvsborgs hospital, working closely with the experts engaged in the hospital resource planning. Importantly, the results of the forecast models were used in year 2021 by logisticians at the hospitals as one of the main inputs for their decisions regarding resource management.
A Novel Defined Risk Signature Based on Lactate-Related Genes can Predicts Prognosis of Bladder Cancer
Authors: Hu Ding , Jin Yanyang , Li Zizhi , Huang Weichao , Cao Qingfei , Tong Guangquan , Hong Peng , Shen Tong , Wu Weikang , Tong Ming , Ji Chundong
Published: April 2022

Background
Lactate is an important carbon source for cell metabolism as well as a signaling molecule in normal, chronic inflammatory and cancer tissues. However, the relationship between lactate and bladder cancer (BLCA) has not been studied yet.
Methods
Expression profiles of the patients with bladder cancer from The Cancer Genome Atlas were divided into different clusters using non-negative matrix factorization clustering to obtain differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Univariate Cox analysis, Lasso-Cox analysis, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, and time-dependent receiver operating characteristics curves were used to developed and validated a prognostic signature for the survival rate of patients. "CIBERSORT" and "ESTIMATE" algorithms were used to quantify the immunocyte content and evaluate tumor purity for different clusters and subgroups. Online tool "Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion" was used to predict the immune escape ability of patients in different scoring subgroups after immunotherapy.
Results
The different clusters according to the expression pattern of lactate-associated genes (LAGs) had significant differences in the survival rate and the tumor microenvironment. Besides, a risk signature constructed by DEGs based on different clusters and verified by the GSE32894 dataset could not only significantly distinguish between the prognosis and clinical features of patients with different scores but was also found to be related to the tumor microenvironment and immunotherapy. Finally, a high accuracy nomogram model was established.
Conclusions
Overall, this research has revealed the relationship between lactate and patient prognosis, tumor microenvironment, and immunotherapy, which may provide novel prognostic biomarkers for patients with BLCA.
Prognostic Value of LDHD and Its Correlation with Immune Infiltrates in Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Zhong Jing , Tang Weiqiang , Chen Zuyao , Liao Yajie , Fang Yuan , Xia Min , Zu Xuyu , Wen Gebo
Published: April 2022

Background: LDHD is a subtype of the LDH family that can participate in D-lactate metabolism. However, the expression of LDHD in tumors and its role in tumor immunity are currently unknown. The objective of this research was to estimate the expression and prognosis of LDHD in pan-cancer and to explore the communication between LDHD expression level and tumor immune infiltration.Methods: LDHD expression level in pan-cancer was explored by TIMER and UALCAN databases and the prognostic value of LDHD was explored by Kaplan Meier plotter and PrognoScan databases. Then, the correlation between LDHD expression level and immune cell infiltration was evaluated by the TIMER database. In addition, the relationship between LDHD expression and clinical features of THCA was verified in the TCGA database. Results: The expression of LDHD mRNA or protein is downregulated in varied tumor types, and LDHD expression level is significantly related to the prognosis in tumors. Moreover, the downregulation of LDHD was found related to increased immune-cell infiltration and worse clinical features, especially in thyroid cancer.Conclusion: LDHD may be a potential pan-cancer prognostic biomarker. In thyroid cancer, loss of expression of LDHD may mediate tumor initiation and progression by affecting immune cell infiltration.
The Practices and Challenges in the Implementation of Participatory Teaching Strategies in English as a Foreign Language Large Classes in Ethiopia
Authors: Bulbula Dereje Asfaw , Areda Damtew Bulbula , Abajobir Fedila Abazinab , Bulti Tesfa Alemu
Published: April 2022

This study is aimed at investigating the Practices and Challenges in the Implementation of Participatory Teaching Strategies in Ethiopian EFL Large Classes. Large class to the context of this study is a class with many students in one class. To achieve this objective a descriptive research design with quantitative and qualitative data-gathering instruments and analysis was applied. This means questionnaire, observation and interview were a data-gathering instruments used to collect relevant data from grade 12 English language teachers and students. Two teachers were selected using Comprehensive sampling techniques and exposed to classroom observation and interview, whereas 20 students were also selected using simple random sampling techniques and filled the questionnaire. The questionnaires collected from sample students were analyzed quantitatively by using a descriptive statistical method. Teachers’ interviews were analyzed qualitatively. The findings of this study indicated that EFL teachers have a clear knowledge about the implementation of participatory teaching strategies in the classroom, yet they did not frequently use the diverse techniques. The most frequently used techniques of active learning strategies were pair and group work, question and answer, discussion method, and debating. Therefore, EFL teachers are limited to some techniques due to students’ number in the class, and this prominently hampers them not to practice various techniques of active learning strategies. Thus, EFL teachers, administrators, and curriculum experts should develop a clear awareness of the educational benefit of active teaching strategies and act accordingly.
Prokaryotic communities adapted to microhabitats on the Indian lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) growing in the high-altitude urban Dal Lake.
Authors: Rahi Praveen , Chaudhari Diptaraj , Kiran Shashi , Choudhary Ashish , Silveira Kris , Narwade Nitin , Dhotre Dhiraj , Khazir Jabeena , Mir Bilal Ahmad , Shouche Yogesh S
Published: April 2022

Indian lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) is one of the dominant aquatic plants cultivated in Dal Lake, situated at 1586 m above MSL in the northeast of Srinagar, Kashmir. Despite their economic and ecological role, the microbial communities associated with the lotus plant are still unexplored. In this study, we investigated prokaryotic communities harboured by different lotus microhabitats (roots, rhizome, leaves, flowers and fruits), lake water, and sediments using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Overall, prokaryotic diversity decreased significantly on the lotus in comparison to the lake water and sediments. Among the microhabitats of lotus, roots and leaves harboured more diverse communities in comparison to rhizomes, fruits and flowers. A total of 98 genera were shared by lotus and the Dal Lake sediments and water. However, significant differences were found in their relative abundance, like Pseudomonas was the most dominant genus on most lotus microhabitats. On the other hand, Flavobacterium was highly abundant in the lake water, while a higher abundance of Acinetobacter was recorded in sediments. Additionally, significant differences were recorded in the proportion of several genera including Pseudomonas, Clostridium, Sphingomonas, Erwinia, Lactococcus, Rhizobium, Weissella, and Raoultella among the lotus microhabitats. Predicted functions of prokaryotic communities revealed a higher abundance of genes associated with nutrient uptake in the microhabitats of the lotus. This study offered first-hand information on the prokaryotic communities harboured by lotus plants and water and sediments of the Dal Lake and demonstrated the adaptation of diverse communities to microhabitats of lotus.
Optimized structural parameters and heat extraction capacity of mixing device for constant pressure CO2 mineralization using alkaline waste
Authors: Lu Wei , Yuan Yang , Hu Xiangming , Qi Guansheng , Sun Lulu , Zhang Maoyuan , Wang Mingjun , He Min
Published: April 2022

Alkaline waste such as calcium carbide slag is an ideal material for mineralizing CO2 and promoting atmospheric carbon reduction. In this study, the structural parameters of a mixing device and a thermal extraction method for the high-efficiency mineralization of CO2 using alkaline waste were optimized. First, the effects of various factors including the length–diameter ratio, blade inclination angle, spacing, and diameter in constant-pressure and continuous-feed systems on the degree of CO2 mineralization using carbide slag and on the extraction of the reaction heat during the mineralization process were investigated through experiments and numerical simulations. The influence of different configurations of the heat pipe and the internal fluid flow rate on extraction of the reaction heat was explored. The influence of different factors on the mineralization efficiency and heat extraction ability was analyzed based on the orthogonal simulation method. When the length–diameter ratio, blade inclination angle, spacing, and diameter of the mixing device were 3, 15, 6 cm, and 14 cm respectively, and a heat pipe was used, the heat extraction during calcium carbide slag (alkaline waste) mineralization of CO2 was at a maximum. In addition, the winding configuration of the heat pipe, which is beneficial for extracting more reaction heat, was optimal, and a model of the relationship between the heat pipe outlet water temperature and flow velocity at the outlet of the heat pipe was established. This study provides theoretical guidance for the field application of alkaline waste for high-efficiency mineralization of CO2, which can accelerate the realization of peak CO2 emissions and carbon neutrality.
Characterization of the complete mitochondrial genome of the new tea pest Mycterothrips gongshanensis (Insecta: Thysanoptera: Thripidae)
Authors: Li Shuai , Meng Zehong , Jin Daochao , Yang Wen , Zhang Jinfeng , Zhou Yufeng
Published: April 2022

Background Mycterothrips gongshanensis, as a new tea pest, has spread wildly in Guizhou and Yunnan Province, China, and the damage can be comparable to that of the major tea pest Dendrothrips minowai. Though its bionomics have been documented, but lack molecular biology researches. The present study, complete mitochondrial genome of M. gongshanensis was firstly obtained and analysed. Methods and Results We assembled the complete 15,154 bp circular mitochondrial genome of M. gongshanensis by the first-generation sequencing, which included 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 common tRNA genes, two repetitive tRNA genes (tRNA-Asn, and tRNA-Ile), two rRNA genes, and two control regions. The nucleotide composition is AT-biased (5.20%), with the respectively proportion as follow, 40.64% A, 12.67% C, 10.06% G and 36.62% T. The PCGs, with a whole length of 10,985 bp, the majority were initiated at typical start codons ATN (N, any nucleotide) and terminated with the typical stop codons TAA or TAG, except for atp8 using GTG and single T as start and stop codon, respectively. Additionally, the phylogenetic analysis indicated that M. gongshanensis was a sister group relationship with the genus Thrips, and the tribes Sericothripini and Dendrothripini were recovered as monophyletic group.Conclusions Gene rearrangement consists in the mitochondrial genome of M. gongshanensis, which is most closely related to the Thrips. The results will contribute to the classification and rapid identifucations of Thripidae.
Time trends and endoscopic management of foreign body ingestion in upper GI tract: An analysis of 1152 cases in China
Authors: zhang miaoxin , zhou qi
Published: April 2022

Background: Foreign body ingestions are encountered in the clinical practice and sometimes require endoscopic management. However, time trends and epidemiology of these cases have not been fully clarified. If seasons and festivals like Chinese New Year have an effect on the occurrence is poorly described.Methods: We enrolled consecutive 1152 foreign body ingestion cases in our endoscopic center from 2009 to 2020. Case records were reviewed for demographic data, foreign body type and location, outpatient or hospitalization, adverse events and dates. Annual time trends and seasonal variation were analyzed as well as influence of Chinese New Year on the incidence. Clinical features of these cases were demonstrated. Results: The overall success rate was 99.7% and adverse events rate was 2.4%. There was an uptrend in the annual frequency of food foreign body ingestion endoscopic extraction from 0.65 in 2009 to 8.86 in 2020 per 1000 patients of esophagogastroduodenoscopy (r=0.902, P<0.001). And the frequency of the endoscopic extraction had a significant increase in winter (P<0.001) and during Chinese New Year celebratory season (P=0.003). Inpatient(OR=5.656, P<0.001), jujube pits(OR=18.306, P=0.009) and age ≥60 years(OR=2.979, P=0.007) were risk factors of perforation and fistula.Conclusions: The annual frequency of endoscopic foreign body extraction in the upper gastrointestinal tract present an uptrend from 2009 to 2020. We should enhance the publicity about the danger of foreign body ingestion. Chinese New Year celebratory season and the winter may be the high-incidence period. Inpatient, jujube pits impaction and age ≥60 years may indicate higher risk of severe complications.
Pesticide level in chronic kidney disease patients: a single center study in Shanghai
Authors: Wu Xiaojing , Li Xin , Zhang Muyin , Xu Lili , Wang Weiming
Published: April 2022

This study was designed to investigating pesticide burden in Chinese Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients having established etiology and find out the relationship between pesticide and CKD. We tested blood levels of pesticide in CKD patients due to glomerulonephritis (GN) or diabetic nephropathy (DN). Health controls were from physical examination center. Blood pesticides were analyzed by gas chromatography. The result showed the most common pesticide detectable in both CKD group and healthy controls were p, p’-DDE. The positive rate of blood p, p'-DDE was 55.5% in CKD group and 14.3% in healthy control group, with significant difference (c2=24.383, p＜0.01). The blood level of p, p'-DDE (median 2.4ng/ml, range 40.7ng/ml) in DN subgroup was significantly higher (p＜0.05) in comparison with GN subgroup (median 0.7ng/ml, range 17.2ng/ml). Blood p, p’-DDE showed significant negative correlation with eGFR (p=0.003, r=-0.263) and positive correlation with 24-hour urinary protein (p=0.013, r=0.22). Binary logistic regression showed p, p’-DDE（OR=3.211，95% CI 1.708-6.034）had a significant association with CKD, adjusting for age and Diabetes.