bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnosis of Plant Biotic Stress by Methods of Explainable Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Alibekov M.R.
Published: November 2022

Methods for digital image preprocessing, which significantly increase the efficiency of ML methods, and also a number of ML methods and models as a basis for constructing simple and efficient XAI networks for diagnosing plant biotic stresses, have been studied. A complex solution has been built, which includes the following stages: automatic segmentation; feature extraction; classification by ML models. The best classifiers and feature vectors are selected. The study was carried out on the open dataset PlantVillage Dataset. The single-layer perceptron (SLP) trained on a full vector of 92 features (20 statistical, 72 textural) became the best according to the F1- score=93% criterion. The training time on a PC with an Intel Core i5-8300H CPU took 189 minutes. According to the criterion “F1-score/number of features”, SLP trained on 7 principal components with F1-score=85% also became the best. Training time - 29 minutes. The criterion “F1- score/number+interpretability of features” favors the selected 9 features and the random forest model, F1-score=83%. The research software package is made in a modern version of Python using the OpenCV and deep learning model libraries, and is able for using in precision farming.
Comparison of Neural Network and Circular Filtering Algorithms for Synthesized RGB Images
Authors: Kinev Igor Еvgenievich , Gebel German Vyacheslavovich , Zhdanov Dmitri Dmitrievich , Zhdanov Andrei Dmitrievich
Published: November 2022

A study of the causes of the conflict of vergence-accommodation of human vision in virtual and mixed reality systems has been conducted. Technical and algorithmic approaches to reduce and eliminate the conflict of vergence-accommodation in virtual reality systems are considered. As a technical solution, an approach was chosen that provides adaptive focusing of the eyepiece of a virtual reality system to the convergence point of a person's eyes, determined by the tracking system of his pupils. Possible algorithmic solutions providing focusing of the virtual reality image in accordance with the expected accommodation of human eyes are considered. As the main solutions, we consider the classical solution of image filtering in accordance with defocusing caused by natural accommodation at a given distance, and a solution in which the corresponding filtering is performed using neural network technologies. The advantages and disadvantages of the proposed solutions are considered. As a criterion of correctness, a visual comparison of the results of image defocusing with the solution obtained by physically correct rendering using a human eye model was used. The method of bidirectional stochastic ray tracing using backward photon maps was used as the basis for physically correct rendering. The paper presents an analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of the proposed solutions.
Topological Texture-Fractal Processing of Signals and Fields in Radio Physics, Radio Engineering and Radiolocation: Developed Methods and Technologies (1979 – 2022) – Fractal Engineering
Authors: Potapov A.A.
Published: November 2022

The report discusses the main directions of the introduction of textures, fractals, fractional operators, dynamic chaos and methods of nonlinear dynamics to create new information (breakthrough) technologies. The research is carried out in the fundamental scientific direction "Fractal radio physics and fractal radio electronics: design of fractal radio systems", initiated and developed by the author in V. A. Kotel’nikov IREE RAS from 1979 to the present. The relevance of these studies is related to the need for a more accurate description of all real processes occurring in radio physical and radio engineering systems: taking into account the hereditarity (memory), nonGaussianity and scaling of physical signals and fields. The use of fractal systems, sensors and nodes is a fundamentally new solution that significantly changes the principles of building intelligent radio engineering systems and devices. The performed studies are priority ones in the world and serve as a basis for further development and justification of the practical application of fractal-scaling and texture methods in the synthesis of fundamentally new topological texture-fractal methods for detecting signals in the space-time channel of waves propagation with scattering (a new type of radar). The concepts of fractal engineering are introduced for the first time.
Net Centricity: True and Fictitious
Authors: Eremchenko E.N.
Published: November 2022

The paper considers the concept of network-centric management as an interdisciplinary phenomenon from the standpoint of cybernetics, semiotics, and scientific visualization. Comparative analysis of the two opposite approaches to achieving it — centralized (commandcentric) and de-centralized (context-centric) – is discussed. The scientific novelty of networkcentricity is substantiated, which excludes its achievement only by including new technologies in existing management architectures. To illustrate this conundrum, the method of a thought experiment is used, showing that the transfer of control completely into a sign format destroys the system completely. The conclusion is made about the critical importance of presenting geocontext in an unsigned form by the means of Digital Earth. Based on the experience of using the neogeographic approach in management, it is concluded that it is necessary to clarify the subject of semiotics by introducing the idea of a "zero sign" or "non-sign" as an entity capable of transferring information, but not a sign, is substantiated. Definition of net centricity is proposed and justified.
Radar System Imaging in Conditions of Periodic Shading
Authors: Dvoryankov D.A. , Androsov V.V. , Vityazev S.V. , Vityazev V.V.
Published: November 2022

The choice of airborne radar system location on helicopter board is quite important in context of rapid development of onboard navigation systems. Recently, the option of radar location above the rotating helicopter propeller has become very popular. Such location has many advantages, but also entails the emergence of new problems. One of such problems is the radar signal distortion due to the rotating propeller blades in the propagation path of probing signal. The problem of compensating for the negative effect of rotating blades on the signals arriving at the receiving onboard radar antenna is solved in the article. The effect of the blades causes the disappearance of signal fragments, which makes it difficult to accurately reconstruct the original reflected signal. Different ways of solving problem are considered, such as signal recovery using interpolation polynomials, fitting functions, linear prediction and other methods. Various interpolation methods are considered. Using the example of restoring the simulated reflection signal of the underlying surface with point reflectors on it, a comparison of different interpolation methods is carried out. The recovery accuracy and computational costs of the developed algorithm are considered as evaluation criteria. Based on the above criteria, a comparative table of compensation methods for the negative impact of helicopter blades is formed.
Experimental Study of Tools for Integrating BIM and GIS Technologies in the Tasks of Managing Industrial Buildings and Territories
Authors: Serov I.I. , Tomchinskaya T.N. , Filinskikh A.D.
Published: November 2022

The issues of the development of an information system for managing complex buildings of large organizations based on the joint application of BIM and GIS technologies have been studied. Nizhny Novgorod State Technical University (NSTU) named after R.E.Alekseev. The main problem is to coordinate the mutual exchange of data between BIM and GIS, The main problem is to coordinate the mutual exchange of data between BIM and GIS, which would provide extruction and transfer data excluding errors and data loss. The solution of the problem, and tools for this, are considered on the example of typical tasks. As the first task, the cost calculation automation for the building repair work is considered. An algorithm of actions in the software product Autodesk Revit is proposed. Further, the capabilities of the Dynamo system as an integration tool have analyzed. Solutions based on it for coordinating a BIM model on the terrain, combining BIM models of blocks of a large body into a single model, and translating the result into the Russian BIM system are presented. The technology and quality of information model data transfer from the Revit system to Renga using the IFC format has been studied.
Comparative Study of Compact Descriptors for Vector Map Protection
Authors: Asanov A.S. , Vybornova Yu.D. , Fedoseev V.A.
Published: November 2022

The paper is devoted to the study of compact descriptors of a vector map to be used as a zero watermark in the problems of cartographic data protection, namely, copyright protection and protection against unauthorized changes. The applicability of descriptors for these problems is determined by the characteristics of the resistance of their values to map transformations (adding, deleting vertices and individual objects, rotating the map, changing the order of the vertices of map objects, etc.). All descriptors are based on the use of the Ramer-Douglas-Pecker algorithm to extract a significant part of the polygons that determine the shape of the object. In our experimental studies, a map of urban development was used, which was divided into equal sections. Compact descriptors were calculated for each of them. Next, the map distortion procedure was performed, after which the stability of the descriptor values was checked. The conducted studies revealed the best descriptor for solving the copyright protection problem, as well as several combinations of other descriptors to identify certain distortions of the vector map. In addition, a modification of the Ramer-DouglasPecker algorithm, which is more efficient than the basic algorithm, is proposed.
Express Analysis of Economic Indicators on the Example of the Market of Lighting Equipment and Materials
Authors: Dranko O.I. , Zakharova A.A.
Published: November 2022

It is important to analyze data on both macroeconomic indicators and industries in a comprehensive manner, processing data from different sources. In this paper, using the example of information on the financial and economic situation and export-import operations of lighting equipment in the regions of Russia, a methodology for data collection and analysis using geographic information technology is presented. The results can be scaled up as part of the expansion of groups of goods, services for a wide range of businesses and industries. Clustering and visualization of the results of data processing on the basis of digital vector maps can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the analysis of such heterogeneous data and become a decision-making tool. Analysis visualization tools allow you to reduce the time of transition to the formulation of measures for the development of organizations, especially in a rapidly changing economic situation.
Investigation of the Possibilities of Optimizing the Model of Potential Containers to Increase the Speed of Placement of Orthogonal Polyhedra
Authors: Chekanin Vladislav Alexandrovich , Chekanin Alexander Vasilievich
Published: November 2022

An optimization problem of packing objects of arbitrary geometry with generalization in dimension is considered. It is proposed to use a discrete representation of objects of complex shape in the form of orthogonal polyhedra, which are compound objects obtained by combining rectangles or parallelepipeds depending on the dimension of the problem. The model of potential containers is used to form and describe the placement schemes of orthogonal polyhedra. The paper proposes algorithms that provide a qualitative increase in the speed of formation of the placement schemes by reducing the number of potential containers processed when placing each compound object. A fast algorithm for updating sets of potential containers is presented, which is based on the use of the set-theoretic operation of intersection. An additional increase in the speed of the potential containers model is achieved by removing potential containers that cannot be used to place new objects in all possible orientations. It is shown that with an increase in the number of objects placed using the proposed algorithms, the time spent on placing one object is reduced. The proposed optimization makes it possible to solve the problems of placing objects of complex shape, specified with a higher degree of detail, which will provide a denser packing in the allotted time. The results of the computational experiments carried out on the problems of packing flat and volumetric objects of irregular shape are presented, confirming the effectiveness of the developed algorithms.
Method for Constructing a Digital Analogue of a Real World Environment Using Neural Networks
Authors: Sorokin Maxim Igorevich , Zhdanov Dmitri Dmitrievich , Zhdanov Andrei Dmitrievich
Published: November 2022

The problem of forming natural lighting conditions for virtual objects and interaction between real and virtual objects is not yet solved. The main goal of this study is to investigate the possibility of eliminating the causes of the mixed reality visual perception conflicts by replacing real-world objects with their virtual counterparts. The main idea is to transfer all of the real-world objects into a virtual environment. This solution transforms the mixed reality system into a virtual reality system and ensures the correct physical and light interaction between objects of different worlds. This will open up new possibilities for mixed reality systems, e.g., illuminating a dark room with a virtual light source, or seeing the reflection of virtual objects in a real mirror. This paper presents an algorithm that uses machine learning tools and neural network technologies along with RGB-D sensors and a Z-buffer to obtain a real-world point cloud. This approach allows not only to select scene items but also to determine their position and size. The PointNet network architecture trained on the ScanNet dataset was used to annotate and segment scene data. The "Total3D understanding" network was used to build a triangular grid. Finally, a real-world room reconstruction system was implemented using RGB images and point clouds as input parameters. An example of the reconstruction of a simple room interior and reconstruction quality assessment is presented.
An evolutionary Algorithm for Smoothing a Curve Generated from an Array of Noisy Points
Authors: Muftejev V.G. , Ziganshina F.T. , Ziatdinov R.A.
Published: November 2022

The paper proposes a method for the reconstruction of geometric models defined in theoretical drawings as well as the reconstruction of geometric models of imported products with improved design characteristics. To solve this problem, it is proposed to use a specialized blade profile modelling application. The application is developed on the AutoCAD/nanoCAD platform and is based on the basic FairCurveModeler application. Based on accurate data, the FairCurveModeler application generates an adequate geometric model regardless of the density and configuration of the distribution of points along the contour of a profile. The method for reconstruction of a curvilinear surface of a model consists of constructing a virtual curve. To obtain a smooth resulting curve without oscillation of the curvature graph, we propose a smoothing method by using two virtual curves to model the smoothing curve generated from array of noisy points. The first virtual curve is defined by points with even numbers, and the second curve is defined by points with odd numbers. Then even-numbered points are moved toward the second curve, and odd-numbered points are moved toward the first curve. After a certain number of iterations, the resulting virtual curve is generated by all points of the corrected array.
Development of the Video Material Digital Processing Technology on the Basis of the Software Tools
Authors: Borevich E.V.
Published: November 2022

The article presents new effective methods of digital color correction for post-processing of film in order to improve viewer perception. The semi-automated algorithm for creating stimulus material is described. The methodology for conducting experiments using an eye-tracker is presented. The author proposes a new method for setting up an experiment to study the effect of a color solution on perception, using the developed software module posted in the internet. Practical recommendations for digital processing of film have been developed, based on the data obtained as a result of the experiments. The proposed methods have been implemented in the visualization and computer graphics laboratory of St. Petersburg Polytechnic University (SPbPU) and successfully tested in some low-cost video projects. The formulated practical recommendations on color grading are used by master and graduate students when creating short films and promotional videos for the annual international festival of short films Movie Art Fest and when creating commercials for SPbPU departments.
Features of Solid Modeling in Exact Terms
Authors: Bezditnyi A.A.
Published: November 2022

The basic operations of constructing solid-state geometric objects in the form of an organized threeparameter set of points in three-dimensional space are described based on algorithms implemented in point calculus. These include shaping operations of extrusion and rotation and a kinematic operation with the possibility of axial rotation of the section plane. For the kinematic operation and the extrusion operation, algorithms are given in a general form without reference to specific examples. Moreover, due to the use of point calculus, the proposed algorithms can be generalized to a multidimensional space and allow for an analytical description of multidimensional solid models. Particular attention was paid to the construction of a surface of revolution with a generatrix of a semicycloid in various parametrizations, examples of constructed curves and surfaces were given, and an algorithm for constructing a body of revolution was obtained. Solid models are currently widely used in simulation modeling and differ from geometric modeling and computer graphics by the maximum approximation of the model to its physical prototype. The use of solid modeling methods makes it possible to carry out complex engineering calculations performed during the design process in a semi-automatic mode. The paper gives examples of the use of the obtained geometric algorithms, justifies the use of point calculus as the main tool for the implementation of three-dimensional solid models.
Study of the Influence of Intelligent Interface Elements on the Perception of Visual Information
Authors: Shchur S.Yu. , Yanchus V.E.
Published: November 2022

The efficiency of fulfilling the tasks set by the operator of remote facilities directly depends on the features of displaying the information that he receives and on the basis of which he draws certain conclusions and makes decisions. This article formulates an approach to the formation of stimulus material based on the factors influencing the conditions of perception of the output information. Stimulus material was prepared in the amount of 54 illustrations for the experiment. The parametric data of the stimulus material viewing template obtained from the eyetracker are analyzed using mathematical statistics tools. The influence of factors determined in the work on the average time of viewing a stimulus, the average duration of fixation when considering one stimulus, and the average number of fixations when considering one stimulus is revealed. The average amplitude during the examination of the stimulus was analyzed. It was determined that there is a statistically significant influence of information content on the solution of the problem of identifying objects in the stimulus material. It is also indicated that the gender feature has a statistically significant effect on the parameters of the template for viewing the stimulus material and, accordingly, the time for solving the problem of the experiment. Based on the data obtained, new hypotheses about the effective work with images in a certain color combination are formulated.
Comparison of BSDF Reconstruction Methods for Rough Surfaces
Authors: Sokolov Vadim Gennadjevich , Potemin Igor Stanislavovich , Voloboy Alexey Gennadievich
Published: November 2022

The work is devoted to the problem of reconstruction of a bi-directional scattering distribution functions (BSDF) for rough surfaces. The paper contains short overview of different methods and comparison of their results. The elements with rough surfaces are widely used in modern optical devices, for example, such as light guiding plates for illuminating system of displays, car dashboards, or luminaires. So, accurate and effective reconstruction of scattering properties of rough surfaces is important for visualizations tasks and generation of photorealistic images. Typically scattering properties of rough surface are described with help of BSDF. In some cases, BSDF can be just measured; however in many cases direct measurement is not sufficient. For example, if it is required to define BSDF inside of the material. Such measurement is impossible or too expensive because neither detector of the measuring device nor the light source can be placed inside the material. Therefore, a lot of different approaches to reconstruct BSDF for rough surfaces were developed. The approaches are based on both wave and ray optics and use different analytical and numerical solutions. A great variety of approaches results in the situation when you would like to know what method could be selected as more appropriate for the specific sample. This work investigates a bunch of perspective methods of BSDF reconstruction for surfaces of different roughness. The verification is based on numerical as well as visual comparison with real measured data. Finally, the general conclusions and recommendations are presented about what method and for what applications is more appropriate.
Son Düzenlemelere Göre Gider Pusulası Uygulamalarının İnşaat ve Gayrimenkul Sektörü Karşısındaki Durumu
Authors: DEMİR Erol , HATİPOĞLU İsmail İlhan , TÖREMEN Emrullah
Published: November 2022

Vergi mükellefleri vergi matrahının hesabında ve kazancının tespitinde gelir ve giderini belgelendirmek durumundadır. Bu nedenle mükellefler tarafından yapılan tüm iş ve işlemlerin bir belgeye bağlanması gerekli bulunmaktadır. Esas itibarıyla mükellefler tüm mal alışlarını ve hizmet ifalarını fatura olarak adlandırılan bir belge ile ispat etmek mecburiyetleri söz konusudur. Bu kapsamda, vergi mükellefleri, mükellef olmayanlardan sağladıkları mal veya hizmetin karşılığını tevsik etmek amacıyla gider pusulası düzenlemektedirler. Gider pusulasının uygulama alanı zaman içinde vergi idaresinin düzenleyici işlemleri ile genişletilmiştir. Bununla birlikte son dönemde yapılan düzenlemeyle bu durum yasa hükmü haline getirilmiştir. Bu çalışmada, kapsamı genişletilen ve yasa kuralı halinde gelen gider pusulası düzenlenmesinin özellikle inşaat ve gayrimenkul sektörüne olası etkisi incelenmiştir. Çalışmada, gider pusulasının uygulamada ortaya çıkması muhtemel olumsuz etkilerini azaltıcı ve ihtilaflarının çözümü yönünde düzenlemelerin yapılmasına katkı sağlaması amaçlanmıştır.
Pojok Bermain Sebagai Media Pemberdayaan Untuk Mengurangi Ketergantungan Anak Pada Gawai
Authors: Indiyani Indiyani , Maulana Muhamad Luthfi , Novitasari Nastiti , Fadia Nisrina Nur , Fitriana Raihan , Maeza Reziana
Published: November 2022

The rapid development of technology is certainly very helpful in fulfilling life in various fields. However, this can have a negative impact if not used properly, especially for children. With the advancement of technology, many children are more focused on gadgets and tend to forget our culture, one of which is traditional games. In addition to the development of the times, the existence of a pandemic that requires children to study remotely, this can result in a lack of motivation to learn and children become dependent on gadgets. Based on this, we have succeeded in creating a community empowerment program, namely Play Corner which aims to create a fun learning atmosphere interspersed with traditional games to foster their love for learning, their love for traditional game arts, and love for each other without intermediary devices. In this case, considering that traditional games have their own uniqueness and characteristics, there will be an instillation of values and characters in them. The method used in this program is to provide socialization, training, and calistung coaching to children. The results of this program increase children's learning motivation, children can maximize their free time by reviving traditional games, this of course can reduce the use of gadgets in children.
Upaya Menambah Daya Tarik Objek Wisata Melalui Rancangan Spot Foto Pantai Pasetran Gondo Mayit Blitar
Authors: Zunaidi Arif , Munir Misbahul , Zailani Abdul Qodir , Muhammad Nur , Darmansyah Darmansyah , Fanani M. Miftahul , Ilmiyah Fahimatul , Karimah Nisaul , Indika Rahma , Febrianti Nabilla Ayu
Published: November 2022

A tourist attraction is one of the main assets that must be owned in an effort to increase and develop a tourist attraction. In order to increase tourist visits to the Pasteran Gondo Mayit beach tourism object, the KKN 108 IAIN Kediri team took the initiative to cooperate with the village government to add photo spots at the tourist attraction location. It is hoped that the existence of this photo spot will increase tourist visits, which in turn will have an impact on increasing regional income obtained from entrance tickets and parking. In addition, the increase in visitors will also have an impact on increasing the income of traders from Tambakrejo village. The method used in this service activity is called PAR (Participatory Action Research), which looks at the needs of the service location and also community participation. Overall, this activity has been successfully carried out by inviting villagers to participate in making photo spots to increase the attractiveness of tourist objects.
Capacidades Estatais Municipais: Proposta para uma Agenda de Pesquisa e Percurso Metodológico
Authors: Grossi Silva Roseane , Machado Valadão Júnior Valdir
Published: November 2022

Objetivo da pesquisa: Propor uma estrutura de entendimento e análise das capacidades estatais municipais a partir de suas subcapacidades, considerando diferentes níveis de atuação do governo e da burocracia.
Enquadramento teórico: A capacidade estatal interfere nas ações dos governos para atendimento à população e melhor desenvolvimento a partir da formação de subcapacidades, tais como administrativa, reguladora, institucional, fiscal, política, financeira, analítica e avaliadora, as quais compõem todo o conjunto de habilidades que o Estado pode desenvolver. A Constituição Federal brasileira de 1988, descentralizou os recursos do Estado transferindo políticas sociais para os governos subnacionais, o que resultou na formação de um contexto federativo em que os municípios deveriam ter autonomia financeira e decisória.
Resultados: Esta é uma proposta de percurso metodológico que compreende elementos das subcapacidades (administrativa, reguladora, institucional, fiscal, política, financeira, analítica e avaliadora), abordagens (quanti-quali), níveis de capacidade (macro, meso, micro), objetivos/resultados do Estado e público atendido. A proposta compreende também as interferências de “mão dupla” das ações e habilidades entre níveis, recursos, subcapacidades e objetivos de política, sinalizando sobreposições e processos de transformação e inovação das estruturas públicas municipais e sociais.
Originalidade: A literatura sobre capacidades estatais municipais tem se mostrado ampla, porém, não tem apontado percursos capazes de analisar, avaliar e operacionalizar as capacidades municipais. A proposta de percurso metodológico poderá apoiar a busca por entender as capacidades estatais municipais, sua composição, prática e resultados para a sociedade.
Contribuições teóricas e práticas: A agenda de pesquisa e percurso metodológico transita entre abrangência e/ou profundidade, integrando múltiplas abordagens, diversas possibilidades de desenhos de pesquisa, bem como procura por variadas fontes e técnicas de análise em uma perspectiva multiparadigmática.
Characteristics of hydrogen and oxygen isotopes and their differences of different water bodies in the subalpine shrubland of the eastern Qilian Mountains in China
Authors: Zhang Yue , Jia Wenxiong , Yang Le , Xiong Hui , Zhang Fuhua , Zhang Miaomiao , Lan Xin
Published: November 2022

As the main bodies of water transformation, precipitation, soil water, plant water, river water and ground water play important roles in water cycle. Based on stable isotope values of five types of water bodies collected in the subalpine shrubland of the eastern Qilian Mountains from May to October in 2019, the characteristics of hydrogen and oxygen isotopes and their differences of different water bodies were studied. The results showed that the slope of the local meteorological water line (LMWL) was lower (7.63 < 8) and the intercept was higher (14.06 > 10) than those of the global meteorological water line (GMWL), indicating that the precipitation isotopes were enriched by evaporative fractionation. Stable isotope values of soil water mainly recharged by precipitation vary significantly and seasonally (summer > autumn > spring) and decreased with increasing of soil depth, where there were some differences in different aspects. Plant transpiration was more intense than evaporations of other water bodies, thus stable isotope values of plant water were the highest among five water bodies. There were differences in stable isotope values among plant species at different stages in growing season (germination and leaf development stage > flowering and fruiting stage > leaf drop decline stage), and those of plant water were higher on semi-shady slopes than on semi-sunny slopes. Stable isotope values of tributary streams were higher than those of main streams, and there were seasonal differences between them (main streams: autumn > spring > summer, tributaries: autumn > summer > spring). Among five types of water bodies, the fluctuation variation of stable isotope values was the greatest in precipitation and the smallest in ground water. This study can help to improve the understanding of ecohydrological processes in subalpine shrubland and provide a reference basis for the ecological management in the Qilian Mountains and the rational utilization of water resources in the Shiyang River Basin.
Functional Recovery with Peripheral Nerve Block Versus General Anesthesia for Upper Limb Surgery: A Systematic Review
Authors: Héroux Jennifer , Bessette Pierre-Olivier , Belley-Côté Emilie , Lamarche Daphnée , Échavé Pablo , Loignon Marie-Josée , Patenaude Nicolas , Baillargeon Jean-Patrice , D’Aragon Frédérick
Published: November 2022

Background
Peripheral nerve block is a common anesthetic technique used during orthopedic upper limb surgery. Injection of local anesthetics around the target nerve inhibits the action of voltage-dependent sodium channels, inhibiting neurotransmission of pain impulses and providing motor immobility. Compared to general anesthesia, it could improve functional recovery by inhibiting nociceptive impulses and inflammation, thus reducing postoperative pain and immobilization and improving postoperative rehabilitation. This systematic review evaluates the impact of peripheral nerve block versus general anesthesia on postoperative functional recovery following orthopedic upper limb surgery.
Methods
We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, CINHAL, EMBASE, and Scopus trial databases from inception until September 2021 for studies comparing peripheral nerve block to general anesthesia. We collected data on functional recovery, range of motion, patient satisfaction, quality of life, and return to work. We pooled studies using a random-effects model and summarized the quality of evidence with the GRADE approach.
Results
We assessed 373 citations and 19 full-text articles for eligibility, and included six studies. Six studies reported on functional recovery, but failed to detect a significant superiority of peripheral nerve block over general anesthesia (3 RCT studies, N= 160; SMD -0.15; CI at 95% -0.60-0.3; I2=45%; p=0.07; low quality of evidence and 3 observational studies, N= 377; SMD -0.35; CI at 95% -0.71-0.01; I2=64%; p=0.06; very low quality of evidence).
Conclusions
Current literature is limited and fails to identify the benefit of peripheral nerve block on functional recovery. More studies are needed to assess the impact on long-term recovery. Considering the potential impact on clinical practice and training, a prospective study on functional recovery is ongoing (NCT04541745).
Trial Registration: PROSPERO ID CRD42018116298. Registered on December 4, 2018.
Development of a Risk-tailored Approach and Dashboard for Efficient Management and Monitoring of Investigator-Initiated Trials
Authors: Klatte Katharina , Subramaniam Suvitha , Benkert Pascal , Schulz Alexandra , Ehrlich Klaus , Rösler Astrid , Deschodt Mieke , Fabbro Thomas , Pauli-Magnus Christiane , Briel Matthias
Published: November 2022

Background
Most randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in the academic setting have limited resources for clinical trial management and monitoring. Inefficient conduct of trials was identified as an important source of waste even in well-designed studies. A comprehensive approach identifying and continuously checking critical trial risks (e.g. insufficient recruitment, missing data) to allow the timely initiation of corrective action is, therefore, needed. We developed a risk-tailored approach with an initial risk assessment of an individual trial that informs the compilation of monitoring and management procedures in a trial dashboard.
Methods
We performed a systematic literature review to identify risk indicators and trial monitoring approaches followed by a contextual analysis involving local, national and international stakeholders. Based on this work we developed a risk-tailored management approach with integrated monitoring for RCTs and including a visualizing trial dashboard. We piloted the approach and refined it in an iterative process based on feedback from stakeholders and performed formal user testing with investigators and staff of two clinical trials.
Results
The developed risk assessment comprises four domains (patient safety and rights, overall trial management, intervention management, trial data). An accompanying manual provides rationales and detailed instructions for the risk assessment. We programmed two trial dashboards tailored to one medical and one surgical RCT to manage identified trial risks based on daily exports of accumulating trial data. We made the code for a generic dashboard available on GitHub that can be adapted to individual trials.
Conclusions
The presented trial management approach with integrated monitoring enables user-friendly, continuous checking of critical elements of trial conduct to support trial teams in the academic setting.
Grassland cover declined in Southern Africa but increased in other African subcontinents in early 21st century
Authors: Muraina Taofeek O. , Barnieh Beatrice Asenso , Jimoh Saheed O. , Olasupo Ibraheem O. , Bello Suleiman K. , Usman Samaila , Mudzengi Clarice P. , NourEldeen Nusseiba , Aziz Ammar Abdul , Anibaba Quadri A.
Published: November 2022

The African continent has the most extensive grassland cover in the world, providing valuable ecosystem services. African grasslands, like other continental grasslands, are prone to various anthropogenic disturbances and climate, and require data-driven monitoring for efficient functioning and service delivery. Yet, knowledge of how the African grassland cover has changed in the past years is lacking, especially at the subcontinents level, due to a lack of relevant long-term, Africa-wide observations and experiments. Here, we used Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Land Cover Type (MCD12Q1) data spanning 2001 to 2017 to conduct Land Use Land Cover (LULC) change analyses and map grassland distribution in Africa. Specifically, we assessed the changes in grassland cover across and within African subcontinents over three periods (2001–2013, 2013–2017, and 2001–2017). We found that the African grassland cover was 16777765.5 km2, 16999468.25 km2, and 16968304.25 km2 in 2001, 2013, and 2017, respectively. There were net gain (1.32%) and net loss (0.19%) during 2001–2013 and 2013–2017 periods, respectively. Generally, the African grassland cover increased (1.14%) over the whole study period (2001–2017) at the expense of forestland, cropland, and built-up areas. The East and West African grassland covers reduced by 0.07% and 1.35%, respectively, in 2013–2017, and increased in other periods; those of North and Central Africa increased throughout the three periods; but Southern Africa grassland cover decreased over the three periods. Overall, the net gains in the grassland cover of other African subcontinents offset the loss in Southern Africa and promoted the overall gain across Africa. This study underscores the need for continuous monitoring of African grasslands and the causes of their changes for efficient delivery of ecosystem services.
The Presence of Husbands during Physiologic Delivery: A Study of Husbands’ Perception of the Physical Characteristics of Childbirth Rooms in Iran
Authors: Ghamgosar Faeghe Deljoo , Yazdanfar Seyed Abbas
Published: November 2022

Background
Nowadays, the presence of husbands during the childbirth process is regarded as an important factor that can contribute to lower rate of the C-section, better success of physiologic delivery and higher satisfaction in childbirth experience. The global rise in mothers’ tendency toward C-section has urged health policymakers to look for various ways to encourage mothers to give natural birth, including the presence of husbands during the childbirth. Considering the special sociocultural characteristics of the Iranian society, this method requires accurate assessment to be practical and effective.
Objective
The aim of this research was finding out how husbands perceive the environmental and physical characteristics of delivery spaces via studying these physical characteristics, exploring them through husbands’ perception and finally discovering the mechanism behind formation of this perception. Study Design: First, the conceptual model of the study was developed after a review of the physiologic childbirth literature. Then, a research questionnaire was designed and distributed among 56 husbands who recently had the experience of accompanying their wives during physiologic childbirth.
Results
The results showed that light, color and temperature play a significant role in husbands’ perception of delivery spaces under the special psychological conditions and stress that they experience during the childbirth. Designer should pay due attention to these three factors when designing the structure of childbirth spaces.
Conclusion
Promoting the environmental quality of the physiologic delivery room based on husband's perception can help mothers and medical staff better manage childbirth pain which is an integral part of natural childbirths.
Longitudinal multi-omic changes in the transcriptome and proteome of peripheral blood cells after a 4 Gy total body radiation dose to Rhesus macaques
Authors: Ghandhi Shanaz A. , Morton Shad. R. , Shuryak Igor , Lee Younghyun , Soni Rajesh K. , Perrier Jay R. , Bakke James , Gahagan Janet , Bujold Kim , Authier Simon , Amundson Sally A. , Brenner David J. , Nishita Denise , Chang Polly , Turner Helen C.
Published: November 2022

Background: Non-human primates, such as Rhesus macaques, are a powerful model for studies of the cellular and physiological effects of radiation, development of radiation biodosimetry, and for understanding the impact of radiation on human health. Here, we study the effects of 4 Gy total body irradiation (TBI) at the molecular level out to 28 days and at the cytogenetic level out to 56 days after exposure. We combine the global transcriptomic and proteomic responses in peripheral whole blood to assess the impact of acute TBI exposure at extended times post irradiation.
Results: The overall mRNA response in the first week reflects a strong inflammatory reaction, infection response with neutrophil and platelet activation. At 1 week, cell cycle arrest and re-entry processes were enriched among mRNA changes, oncogene-induced senescence and MAPK signaling among the proteome changes. Influenza life cycle and infection pathways initiate earlier in mRNA and are reflected among the proteomic changes during the first week. Transcription factor proteins SRC, TGFb and NFATC2 were immediately induced at 1 day after irradiation with increased transcriptional activity as predicted by mRNA changes persisting up to 1 week. Cell counts revealed a mild / moderate hematopoietic acute radiation syndrome (H-ARS) reaction to irradiation with expected lymphopenia, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia that resolved within 30 days. Measurements of micronuclei per binucleated cell levels in cytokinesis-blocked T-lymphocytes remained high in the range 0.27-0.33 up to 28 days and declined to 0.1 by day 56.
Conclusions: Overall, we show that the TBI 4 Gy dose in NHPs induces many cellular changes that persist up to 1 month after exposure, consistent with damage, death, and repopulation of blood cells.
Accuracy of Doppler Assessment of the Uterine Arteries for the Diagnosis of Pubertal Onset in Girls: A Scoping Review
Authors: Cheuiche Amanda Veiga , Moro Candice , Lucena Iara Regina Siqueira , Paula Leila Cristina Pedroso , Silveiro Sandra Pinho
Published: November 2022

The uterine artery pulsatility index (PI) assessed by Doppler ultrasound reflects blood flow impedance in the vessel distal to the sampling point. We aimed to evaluate the accuracy of the uterine artery PI for the diagnosis of puberty in girls. A PRISMA-ScR-compliant scoping review was performed in the MEDLINE and Embase databases with “puberty” and “Doppler ultrasonography” as the search terms. Studies that included girls aged 0–18 years who underwent pelvic Doppler ultrasound with calculation uterine artery PI were considered eligible. Ten studies comprising 1385 girls aged 1.2–18 years were included. The selected studies were published between 1996 and 2021 and included participants from Italy, Brazil, Iran, Belgium, and Denmark. Six studies included girls who were referred for evaluation of pubertal disorders, while four studies selected only healthy girls. Nine studies found a significant difference in Doppler and PI according to pubertal stage, with PI cutoff points ranging from 2.5 to 4.6 for the diagnosis of puberty onset, with a sensitivity of 77–94%, specificity of 85–100%, and accuracy of 79–98%. Doppler assessment of the uterine arteries with PI calculation is a useful noninvasive tool in the diagnosis of secondary sexual characteristic onset in girls.
Impact of Slab Selection on the Relationship between Choriocapillaris Flow Deficits and Enlargement Rate of Geographic Atrophy
Authors: Alagorie Ahmed , Corradetti Giulia , Byon Iksoo , Tiosano Liran , Ji Yongsok , Nittala Muneeswar , Velaga Swetha Bindu , Nassisi Marco , Sadda Srinivas
Published: November 2022

Objective: To evaluate the effect of changing slab position on the correlation between choriocapillaris (CC) flow deficits (FD) in eyes with geographic atrophy (GA) and yearly enlargement rate (yER) of GA.
Methods: OCT and OCTA images obtained on Cirrus HD-OCT device were collected from patients with GA. Each patient underwent OCTA scan at baseline and two OCT scans, one at baseline and one after at least 12 months. GA was delineated on en-face fundus image to calculate yER. OCTA images were generated from three 10 µm thick slabs 11, 21 and 31 µm posterior to RPE-fit line. A 100 µm-wide concentric rings were generated around GA to calculate FD% in each ring which was correlated with yER.
Results: For the 11-21 µm slab, FD% was not significantly correlated with yER for any of the rings (p > 0.05). For the 21-31 and 31-41 µm slab, FD% of rings located in the 500 µm region around GA was significantly correlated with yER (p < 0.05). However, in all slab locations, there was no significant correlation between yER and CC FD% of rings located beyond the 500 µm region (p > 0.05).
Conclusions: Slab selection for quantification of CC FD% may have a significant impact on quantitative results in eyes with GA.
Analysis of technological innovation on provincial green development levels of logistics industry in China
Authors: Cheng Cheng , Han Yanan , Ren Xiaohang
Published: November 2022

Logistics industry is a crucial component in modern economy, but it also causes environmental damage. Technological innovation is an important measure to mitigate environmental degradation. To explore the impact of technological innovation on the provincial green logistics development level in China, this study utilizes a generalized estimating equations (GEE) regression model to analyze a panel data of 30 provinces during 2001-2019. Firstly, entropy method is applied to calculate the green logistics development level based on an index system considering green factors. Secondly, a GEE model which considers the correlation among different observations is used to investigate the impact of technological innovation, trade openness, government financial investment, logistics infrastructure, energy protection and energy intensity on green logistics development level. Moreover, regional heterogeneity is also analyzed in this paper by comparing the regression results of the Eastern region, Central region and Western region.Based on the above analysis, several conclusions are drawn: (1) Technological innovation positively affect green logistics development level, but its impact gradually decrease after a certain point. (2) Trade openness positively influence green logistics development level. (3) Logistics infrastructure positively affect green logistics development level. (4) Energy intensity of logistics industry negatively affect green logistics development level. Related policy recommendations are proposed based on our finding.
Recovery rate is as critical as desalination efficiency in freeze desalination
Authors: Hendijanifard Mohammad
Published: November 2022

Freeze desalination is an emerging technique since it uses much less energy than most other thermal technologies. As a portion of zero liquid discharge technologies, crystallization is being commercially used, however, it is probably the most expensive section of the desalination plant. Several freeze desalination techniques are being developed including progressive layer, falling film, suspension freeze, and gas hydrate desalination. The emphasis of most of these methods are to improve the desalination efficiency. In order to develop a full freeze desalination plant, it is shown that the recovery rate is as critical as the desalination efficiency. In our study, we designed a full freeze desalination plant with the recovery rate of 50% and the desalination efficiency of 50%. For a proper salt rejection from 73% of the incoming sea water, the plant requires 39 stages of desalination. The plant is then redesigned with the recovery rate of 90% and the desalination efficiency of 90%. It is shown that in only 4 stages of desalination, 85% of the whole seawater can be desalinated which is a cost reduction of at least one tenth.