bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of Tamoxifen In Situ Gel Nanoemulsion for Ocular Delivery in Photoreceptor Degeneration Disorder: In Vitro Characterization, 131I-Radiolabeling, and In Vivo Biodistribution Studies
Authors: Aboumanei Mohamed H. , Mahmoud Ashgan Fouad
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The aim of our work is to develop an in situ ocular gellan gum–based nanoemulsion (NE) of tamoxifen TAM as an alternative drug delivery system to the oral route for the treatment of photoreceptor degeneration disorder.

Method

Six pseudoternary phase diagrams were developed using oil (oleic acid), surfactants (Tween 80 or Tween 20), a co-surfactant (polyethylene glycol 400), and water. The particle size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential of the developed systems were all measured. The safety of ocular application of the optimum system was established via in vivo histopathological investigation. To track the biodistribution of the optimum gel, iodine-131 (131I) was incorporated into the gel via coupling with TAM via direct electrophilic substitution reaction.

Results

Based on the obtained results, TAMNE-1 was chosen as the optimal system, with PS = 140.20 ± 1.50 nm, ZP =  − 27.86 ± 1.13 mV, and PDI = 0.20 ± 0.00%. In vitro release displayed a prolonged and sustained release of TAMNE-1 gel compared to TAM solution (plain eye drop). Transparent in situ TAMNE-1 gel was developed after the incorporation of the TAMNE-1 system into gellan gum aqueous solution (0.3% w/w). In this study, TAM was successfully radiolabeled with 131I for subsequent evaluation of the efficacy of the developed in situ gel system (TAMNE-1 gel) in vivo. The developed TAMNE-1 gel system was nonirritant and safe and the biodistribution studies showed better retention of TAMNE-1 gel than plain TAM eye drops.

Conclusion

The developed TAMNE-1 gel is able to enhance the ocular bioavailability of TAM and can go further with clinical evaluation.

Graphic Abstract
Numerical study on peak current in pulse-modulated radio-frequency discharges with atmospheric helium–oxygen admixtures
Authors: WANG Xucheng , GAO Shuhan , ZHANG Yuantao
Published: April 2022

Atmospheric pressure pulse-modulated radio-frequency (rf) plasmas have drawn growing attention due to their potential in applications. By selecting appropriate modulation parameters, the diffused and large-volume plasma can be generated in the pulse-modulated rf plasma with plenty of reactive oxygen species, which is essential for the biomedical application of helium–oxygen plasmas. In this paper, by means of a fluid model, the formation of the peak current in the first period (PCFP) in a pulse-modulated rf helium–oxygen discharge driven by a sinusoidal voltage is discussed, the existence of a reverse field near the anode caused by the negative and positive charges contributes greatly to the mechanism of PCFP. In the simulation, as oxygen admixture increases, the negative ions of O− and

O

2

−

become dominative anions in the sheath region, which can’t be driven to the anode very quickly to build a reverse field, thus the PCFP eventually disappears. This study can effectively enhance the understanding of different transportation behavior of heavy negative ions and electrons, and further optimize pulse-modulated rf discharges with helium–oxygen mixtures in various applications.
Sperm sharing: as problematic as oocyte sharing?
Authors: Pennings Guido
Published: April 2022

Sperm sharing has recently been introduced in a number of clinics in the UK. In all gamete sharing schemes, two goals can be distinguished: increasing the donor pool and enabling less affluent patients to access IVF treatment. This article compares sperm sharing with oocyte sharing in order to determine whether the differences and similarities affect the moral acceptability of the practice. It then compares sperm sharers with regular sperm donors and notices that sperm sharers seem to have fewer rights than regular sperm donors. The next step is to look at the alternatives to reach the two goals of sharing schemes. Regarding the first goal of increasing the donor pool, there are alternative procedures that are minimally coercive and where less affluent people are not targeted. Regarding the goal of increasing access to IVF treatment, clinics could propose cheaper IVF protocols to less affluent people or offer the IVF cycle at reduced prices. I conclude that the ethical problems caused by sharing schemes that offer financial benefits in return for oocytes or sperm can be avoided by using alternatives.
Association Between Inflammation and Coagulation Biomarkers and Carotid Atherosclerosis Among Treated People With Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Authors: Zhu Bowen , Chen Xiaoxiao , Shen Weiwei , Ding Yingying , Lin Haijiang , He Na
Published: April 2022

Background

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a common cause of morbidity among people with human immunodeficiency virus (PWH) who initiate antiretroviral therapy (ART). Little is known about the roles of inflammation in atherosclerotic CVD among PWH.

Methods

This cross-sectional evaluation included 178 PWH between 40 and 70 years on stable (>3 months) ART who were derived from the ongoing, prospective cohort for Comparative HIV and Aging Research in Taizhou (CHART), China, from February 2017 to August 2018. Carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) ≥1 mm was considered as cIMT thickening indicative of atherosclerotic CVD. Plasma inflammation and coagulation biomarkers were quantified by a multiplex bead cytokine assay for 27 cytokines and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for soluble CD14 and D-dimer, respectively. We performed a series of multiparametric analyses of biomarkers and developed a composite score for atherosclerotic CVD assessment among PWH.

Results

Of 178 PWH, 53 (30.9%) had cIMT thickening. In multivariable logistic analysis adjusting for CVD and human immunodeficiency virus-specific risk factors, interleukin (IL)-4 (odds ratio [OR] = 19.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.6–226.5), IL-7 (OR = 16.7; 95% CI, 1.8–151.7), IL-10 (OR = 11.9; 95% CI, 2.0–72.1), and D-dimer (OR = 3.1; 95% CI, 1.0–10.1) were significantly associated with cIMT thickening. We also developed a composite score incorporating markers (IL-7, IL-10, D-dimer, and hypertension) that accurately evaluated atherosclerotic CVD.

Conclusions

The associations of IL-4, IL-7, IL-10, and D-dimer with atherosclerosis underscores research needs to further understand the inflammatory mechanisms in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis CVD among treated PWH. The composite score for atherosclerotic CVD assessment could be useful for risk stratification in PWH.
Making maternity and neonatal care personalised in the COVID-19 pandemic: results from the Babies Born Better Survey in the UK and the Netherlands
Authors: van den Berg Lauri M.M. , Akooji Naseerah , Thomson Gill , de Jonge Ank , Balaam Marie-Clare , Topalidou Anastasia , Downe Soo
Published: April 2022

Structured abstract

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic had a severe impact on women’s birth experiences. To date, there are no studies that use both quantitative and qualitative data to compare women’s birth experiences before and during the pandemic, across more than one country.

Aim

To examine women’s birth experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic and to compare the experiences of women who gave birth in the United Kingdom (UK) or the Netherlands (NL) either before or during the pandemic.

Method

This study is based on analyses of quantitative and qualitative data from the online Babies Born Better survey. Responses recorded by women giving birth in the UK and the NL between June and December 2020 have been used, encompassing women who gave birth between 2017 and 2020. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively, and chi-squared tests were performed to compare women who gave birth pre- versus during pandemic and separately by country. Qualitative data was analysed by inductive thematic analysis.

Findings

Respondents in both the UK and the NL who gave birth during the pandemic were as likely, or, if they had a self-reported above average standard of life, more likely to rate their labour and birth experience positively when compared to women who gave birth pre-pandemic. This was despite the fact that those labouring in the pandemic reported less support and choice. Two potential explanatory themes emerged from the qualitative data: respondents had lower expectations during the pandemic, and they appreciated that care providers tried hard to personalise care.

Conclusion

Our study implies that many women labouring during the COVID-19 pandemic experienced restrictions, but their experience was mitigated by staff actions. However, personalised care should not be maintained by the good will of care providers, but should be a priority in maternity care policy to benefit all service users equitably.
Prevalence and factors associated with post-partum depression in a remote area of Cameroon: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Dingana Therence Nwana , Ngasa Stewart Ndutard , Ngasa Neh Chang , Tchouda Leticia Armelle Sani , Abanda Christabel , Niba Juste , Mbanyor Bill Erich , Sanji Eric Wah , Babila Carlson-Sama
Published: April 2022

Postpartum depression is one of the many challenges associated with childbirth. In Cameroon, the focus is more on postpartum obstetric complications resulting in underdiagnosis and misdiagnosis of this condition. The current socio-political crisis plaguing the English-speaking part of Cameroon has increased the stressors that may inherently increase the prevalence. There is no published data describing post-partum depression in a rural setting in Cameroon. We seek to determine the prevalence and factors associated with PPD in women attending the Tubah District hospital, North West Region, Cameroon. We conducted a cross-sectional hospital-based study at the Tubah District Hospital. A consecutive convenience sampling technique was used to recruit participants. Our main outcome was post-partum depression which was assessed using the Edinburgh Post-partum Depression Scale. A total of 207 post-partum women took part in this study with a mean age of 27.54 ± 5.78 years. The prevalence of depression was 31.8%. Gender-based violence (OR: 4.67, P = 0.013), financial stress (OR:3.57, P = 0.002) and male baby (OR: 2.83, P < 0.001) were independent psychosocial factors associated with PPD. Independent psycho-clinical factors of post-partum depression include family history of mental health illness (OR: 4.34, P = 0.04) and previous history of depression (OR: 4.17, P = 0.02). The prevalence of post-partum depression in women attending the Tubah District Hospital, Northwest Region, Cameroon is high. The factors associated with PPD are many. Identification of risk factors, early diagnosis and proper management can prevent PPD, disabling morbidity, and suicide in mothers.
Reproducibility of Survey Measurements of Sexual Orientation in the USA
Authors: Turner Charles F. , Turner Brett A. , Chromy James R.
Published: April 2022

Survey measurements of sexual orientation have become increasingly common in national population surveys although validation of these measurements is rare and inherently problematic. We instead assess the reproducibility of parallel measurements from two independent samples of the USA population made in the 2008-2018 General Social Surveys and the adult probability subsets of the 2013-2018 National Health Interview Survey (Ns = 12,098 and 190,113).

Restricting analysis to the categories gay/lesbian, bisexual, and straight, we obtain similar estimates of the proportion of the U.S. population who consider themselves gay/lesbian (NHIS: 1.59% vs. GSS: 1.93%, p = 0.059) but not bisexual (NHIS: 1.03% vs. GSS: 2.90%, p < 0.001). Fitting multinomial logistic regression models controlling for year, gender, birth cohort, education, and race, we find that compared to the NHIS, the GSS had 1.248 (p=0.022) times higher relative odds of eliciting a response of Gay-Lesbian (vs. Straight) and 2.980 (p<0.001) times higher relative odds of eliciting a response of Bisexual (vs. Straight). Expanding the model by adding 3-way interaction terms for orientation-by-predictor-by-survey, we find that we cannot reject the null hypothesis that trends over time and across subpopulations in reporting of sexual orientation were statistically equivalent for the two survey programs.
Morphology reflects differently the various facets of species traits in stream fish
Authors: Côte Jessica , Kuczynski Lucie , Grenouillet Gaël
Published: April 2022

Biodiversity is a multifaceted concept for which the functional component, that influences many aspects of ecosystem functioning, remains difficult to characterise. In several taxa, many studies rely on morphological traits as proxies of species ecological attributes. However, the extent to which morphology provides a good surrogate of ecological traits has rarely been acknowledged.

Here, we used morphological and ecological trait databases to test whether morphological traits are linked to ecological traits and can be used to assess various biodiversity facets in 254 stream fish communities across France.

We firstly computed co‐inertia analyses to test the association between morphological and ecological traits related to either habitat use, feeding or life‐history strategies. We then computed a suite of diversity indices to investigate the relationship between morphological and ecological indices.

We found a strong association between morphological and ecological traits, and significant relationships between diversity indices computed on morphological and ecological traits. However, these relationships varied according to the index and type of ecological traits, with the strongest relationship observed with traits related to habitat use.

Although these results highlight that the use of morphological data is a promising way to understand ecological diversity, they also reveal that the choice of diversity index and the type of ecological traits targeted are particularly important and need to be taken into consideration.
Mutations equivalent to Drosophila mago nashi mutants imply reduction of Magoh protein incorporation into exon junction complex
Authors: Oshizuki Saya , Matsumoto Eri , Tanaka Satoshi , Kataoka Naoyuki
Published: April 2022

Pre‐mRNA splicing imprints mRNAs by depositing multi‐protein complexes, termed exon junction complexes (EJCs). The EJC core consists of four proteins, eIF4AIII, MLN51, Y14 and Magoh. Magoh is a human homolog of Drosophila mago nashi protein, which is involved in oskar mRNA localization in Drosophila oocytes. Here we determined the effects of Magoh mutations equivalent to those of Drosophila mago nashi mutant proteins that cause mis‐localization of oskar mRNA. We found that Magoh I90T mutation caused mis‐localization of Magoh protein in the cytoplasm by reducing its binding activity to Y14. On the other hand, G18R mutation did not affect its binding to Y14, but this mutation reduced its association with spliced mRNAs. Our results strongly suggest that Magoh mutations equivalent to Drosophila mago nashi mutants cause improper EJC formation by reducing incorporation of Magoh into EJC.
Characterization of two infection‐induced transcription factors of Magnaporthe oryzae reveals their roles in regulating early infection and effector expression
Authors: Cao Yiyang , Chen Jia , Xie Xuze , Liu Shenghua , Jiang Yue , Pei Mengtian , Wu Qianfei , Qi Pengfei , Du Lili , Peng Baoyi , Lan Jianwu , Wu Fan , Feng Ke , Zhang Yifei , Fang Yu , Liu Muxing , Jaber Mohammed Y. , Wang Zonghua , Olsson Stefan , Lu Guodong , Li Ya
Published: April 2022

The initial stage of rice blast fungus, Magnaporthe oryzae, infection, before 36 h postinoculation, is a critical timespan for deploying pathogen effectors to overcome the host's defences and ultimately cause the disease. However, how this process is regulated at the transcription level remains largely unknown. This study functionally characterized two M. oryzae Early Infection‐induced Transcription Factor genes (MOEITF1 and MOEITF2) and analysed their roles in this process. Target gene deletion and mutant phenotype analysis showed that the mutants Δmoeitf1 and Δmoeitf2 were only defective for infection growth but not for vegetative growth, asexual/sexual sporulation, conidial germination, and appressoria formation. Gene expression analysis of 30 putative effectors revealed that most effector genes were down‐regulated in mutants, implying a potential regulation by the transcription factors. Artificial overexpression of two severely down‐regulated effectors, T1REP and T2REP, in the mutants partially restored the pathogenicity of Δmoeitf1 and Δmoeitf2, respectively, indicating that these are directly regulated. Yeast one‐hybrid assay and electrophoretic mobility shift assay indicated that Moeitf1 specifically bound the T1REP promoter and Moeitf2 specifically bound the T2REP promoter. Both T1REP and T2REP were predicted to be secreted during infection, and the mutants of T2REP were severely reduced in pathogenicity. Our results indicate crucial roles for the fungal‐specific Moeitf1 and Moeitf2 transcription factors in regulating an essential step in M. oryzae early establishment after penetrating rice epidermal cells, highlighting these as possible targets for disease control.
Immune complexes as a tool for strongyloidiasis immunodiagnosis in kidney and liver transplant candidate
Authors: Corral Marcelo A. , Gonçalves Ana Lucia R. , Costa Idessania N. , Abdala Edson , Pierrotti Ligia C. , Chieffi Pedro Paulo , Costa‐Cruz Julia Maria , Gryschek Ronaldo Cesar B. , de Paula Fabiana Martins
Published: April 2022

Strongyloidiasis is a chronic and asymptomatic infection in immunocompetent patients. Immunocompromised patients, such as organ transplant candidates, can develop severe forms of this disease, and the best way to prevent progression to these forms is early diagnosis. Serological techniques using specific IgG and immune complexes (IC) detection can help in the diagnosis of these patients. This study aimed to detect specific anti‐Strongyloides IC and IgG antibodies in kidney transplant (KT) and liver transplant (LT) candidates. A total of 100 blood samples was collected from transplant candidates (50 blood samples each from KT and LT candidates). Serum was obtained and analysed using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay for IC and IgG detections. The IC levels showed frequencies of 18% and 2% in the KT and LT groups, respectively, whereas anti‐Strongyloides IgG was detected in 34% and 12% of KT and LT candidates, respectively. The correlation between IC and IgG detection is poor in KT candidates, while in LT candidates, there is a significant positive correlation. The detection of IC can be an additional tool for the diagnosis of strongyloidiasis, especially when associated with the detection of specific IgG anti‐Strongyloides antibodies.
The Americanisation of English in Brunei
Authors: Sharbawi Salbrina
Published: April 2022

Previous studies investigating postulations that Brunei English was being shaped by American English did not yield any conclusive findings. In recent years, claims of young English‐speaking Bruneians sounding American have become more persistent, thereby precipitating this research. Data was collected from 38 Bruneian Malays who are in their late teens and mid‐twenties and over 900 tokens representative of American English features were analysed. Outcomes reveal that Brunei English is indeed diverging from its traditional exonormative norm, British English, and is displaying new and incipient pronunciations that are indicative of on‐going sound changes. While Americanisation accounts for some of these changes, it is not the only force at play. The findings of this study provide ample evidence that Brunei English is in active state of dynamic change and is steadily progressing towards the next stage of its evolutionary cycle.
Multivariate Regression with Stable Errors Using Order Statistics
Authors: Alizadeh Noughabi Reza , Mohammadpour Adel
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we investigate a multivariate regression model with multivariate heavy-tailed stable errors. Since in heavy-tailed data, especially in multivariate stable distributions, some moments do not exist; classical multivariate regression methods do not perform well. We suggest using an effective property of the existence of some moments of order statistics stable distribution. We propose a method for trimming the data set using this property. Then, we estimate the regression coefficients based on the rest of the ordered data. We calculate the trimmed data set based on the error’s tail index and skewness parameters. Also, we analytically compute the bias and variance of the introduced estimators of the regression parameters. Finally, we study the performance of the proposed methods with ordinary least squares via a simulation study and a real data set.
Pneumatosis Intestinalis of the Colon and Greater Omentum following Small Bowel Resection
Authors: Benesch Matthew G. K. , O’Driscoll Mark F.
Published: April 2022

Introduction. Pneumatosis intestinalis (PI) is a condition of gas collection within the bowel wall that can represent either a benign clinical finding or a forerunner to potential gastrointestinal catastrophe. As a potentially sinister discovery typically first detected on radiographic imaging, clinicians need to astutely assess the need for additional urgent medical or surgical management in these patients. Apart from portal venous gas, PI outside of the bowel wall is an extremely rare entity that is poorly described. Hence, it is not necessarily clear if PI outside the bowel wall warrants more aggressive management. Case Presentation. We describe a patient with intermittent abdominal pain who presented with PI of the greater omentum in addition to the right and transverse colon nearly two weeks after small bowel resection. Due to his clinical stability, we elected to closely observe him. His condition completely resolved with conservative management. Discussion. PI in the omentum has not been described in a patient who has survived their underlying pathology. Our patient demonstrated PI radiographically in his right and transverse colon and omentum with complete resolution. We did not have to alter our clinical management because of this unique clinical presentation. Conclusion. This case highlights that pneumatosis intestinalis can extend extraluminally and still be managed conservatively with judicious monitoring in the otherwise stable patient.
Association between the fatty liver index and the risk of severe complications in COVID-19 patients: a nationwide retrospective cohort study
Authors: Chang Yoonkyung , Jeon Jimin , Song Tae-Jin , Kim Jinkwon
Published: April 2022

Background

Research on the association of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) with prognosis in COVID-19 has been limited. We investigated the association between the fatty liver index (FLI), a non-invasive and simple marker of NAFLD, and the severe complications of COVID-19 patients in South Korea.

Methods

We included 3122 COVID-19-positive patients from the nationwide COVID-19 cohort dataset in South Korea between January and June 2020. The FLI was calculated using triglyceride, body mass index, glutamyl transpeptidase, and waist circumference, which were obtained from the national health screening program data. Severe complications related to COVID-19 were defined as the composite of mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit treatment, high-oxygen flow therapy, and death within 2 months after a COVID-19 infection. We performed a multivariate logistic regression analysis for the development of severe complications in COVID-19 patients.

Results

The mean ± standard deviation of FLI were 25.01 ± 22.64. Severe complications from COVID-19 occurred in 223 (7.14%) patients, including mechanical ventilation in 82 (2.63%) patients, ICU admission in 126 (4.04%), high-flow oxygen therapy in 75 (2.40%), and death in 94 (3.01%) patients, respectively. The multivariate analysis indicated that the highest tertile (T3) of FLI was positively associated with severe complications from COVID-19 (adjusted odds ratio (OR): 1.77, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.11–2.82), P = 0.017) compared with the lowest tertile (T1).

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated that FLI, which represents NAFLD, was positively associated with an increased risk of severe complications from COVID-19. FLI might be used as a prognostic marker for the severity of COVID-19.
Stiffness in breast masses with posterior acoustic shadowing: significance of ultrasound real time shear wave elastography
Authors: Luo Hui , Li Jian , Shi Yang , Xiao Xiaojun , Wang Yuanyang , Wei Zhanghong , Xu Jinfeng
Published: April 2022

Background

To assess the stiffness of benign breast masses in ultrasound images with posterior acoustic shadowing (PAS) and malignant lesions, and explore the significance of differential diagnosis using ultrasound real time shear wave elastography.

Material and methods

All 117 mammary masses (98 patients) with PAS were assessed by using routine ultrasound examination, and elastic modulus values were obtained with the real time shear wave elastography mode. All breast lesions were confirmed by surgery or biopsy. The significance of differences in ultrasound elastography values between breast benign and malignant masses with posterior acoustic shadowing was assessed, and the ROC curves of elasticity modulus values were analyzed.

Results

Among the 117 masses, 72 were benign and 45 were malignant. The two types of breast masses showed significant differences in size, margin, internal echo, calcification, and blood flow characteristics (P < 0.05), although the difference in orientation was not significant (P > 0.05). Emean, Emax and Esd obtained with real time shear wave elastography showed statistically significant differences between benign masses with posterior acoustic shadowing and breast cancer (P < 0.05), while Emin showed no significant difference between them (P = 0.633). Ultrasound real time shear wave elastography showed higher sensitivity and specificity than conventional ultrasound.

Conclusions

Benign and malignant breast masses with PAS show different ultrasound manifestations. Real time shear wave elastography can facilitate the differential diagnosis and treatment planning for these breast masses.
Integrated-Block: A New Combination Model to Improve Web Page Segmentation
Authors: Ghaemmaghami Saeedeh Sadat Sajjadi , Miller James
Published: April 2022

Context: Web page segmentation methods have been used for different purposes such as web page classification and content analysis. These methods categorize a web page into different blocks, where each block contains similar components.
Objective: The goal of this paper is to propose a new segmentation approach that semantically segments web pages into integrated blocks and obtains high segmentation accuracy.
Method: In this paper, we propose a new segmentation model that semantically segments web pages into integrated blocks, where (1) it merges web page content into basic-blocks by simulating human perception using Gestalt laws of grouping; and, (2) it utilizes semantic text similarity to identify similar blocks and regroup these similar basic-blocks as integrated blocks.
Results: To verify the accuracy of our approach, we (1) applied it to three datasets, (2) compared it with the five existing state-of-the-art algorithms. The results show that our approach outperforms all the five comparison methods in terms of precision, recall, F-1 score, and ARI.
Conclusion: In this paper, we propose a new segmentation model and apply it to three datasets to (1) generate basic-blocks by simulating human perception to segment a web page, (2) identify semantically related blocks and regroup them as an integrated block, and (3) address limitations found in existing approaches.
How policymakers employ ethical frames to design and introduce new policies: the case of childhood vaccine mandates in Australia
Authors: Attwell Katie , Navin Mark
Published: April 2022

Australian states exclude unvaccinated children from early education and care via ‘No Jab No Play’ policies, but some offer exemptions for the socially disadvantaged. Such mandatory vaccination policies provoke heated arguments about morality and potential downstream impacts, and the politics of which kinds of people get exempted from mandates are often fraught. Synthesising existing frameworks for considering the role of moral principles and rational-technical justifications in policymaking, we show how the same values can be the focus of both ‘rational-instrumental’ and ‘morality’ frames, while ‘pragmatic’ approaches are crowded out by high epistemic or moral certainty.
The draftsman’s contract: Gianfranco Rosi’s El Sicario, Room 164
Authors: Harries Rhiannon
Published: April 2022

In Gianfranco Rosi’s El Sicario, Room 164 (2010), a former sicario (‘contract killer’) for a Mexican drug cartel narrates a twenty-year career of torture and murder. Veiled to preserve his anonymity, he delivers his 80-minute monologue within the confines of a motel room. Though the ‘talking head’ is a well-worn device associated with televisual documentary, Rosi’s film, shot on digital, might be said to be anchored in a cinematic documentary tradition by recourse to another medium: drawing. As the sicario talks, he sketches cartel activities ranging from drug transportation to brutal physical violence on the pages of a notepad. This article considers how Rosi’s filming of drawing in El Sicario reveals something significant of drawing in film, in documentary and in this director’s documentary films in particular. Informed by Jacques Derrida’s reflections on drawing and by the ethical thought of Emmanuel Levinas, I suggest that the drawing of El Sicario illuminates concerns fundamental to documentary film – of sight and its occlusion, of scepticism and faith, evidence and education.
EFFECTIVENESS OF STEGO IMAGES PRE-PROCESSING WITH SPECTRAL ANALYSIS METHODS
Authors: Progonov Dmytro O. , Lucenko Volodymyr M.
Published: April 2022

Early detection of sensitive data leakage during message transmission in communication systems is topical task today. This is complicated by applying of attackers to advanced steganographic methods. Feature of such methods is sensitive information embedding into innocuous (cover) files, such as digital images. This drastically reduces effectiveness of modern stegdetectors based on applying of signature and statistical steganalysis methods. There are proposed several approaches for improving detection accuracy of stegdetectors that are based on image pre-processing (calibration). These methods are aimed at estimation parameters either of stego, or cover images from current analysed image. The first group of calibration methods requires prior information about features of used embedding methods to minimize detection error. In most cases, this information is limited that decrease effectiveness of such calibration methods. The second group of calibration methods is of special interest today due to extensive set of proposed methods for advanced image denoising techniques. Nevertheless, practical usage of such methods requires carefully adjustment of parameters. This restricts fast re-training of stegdetector for revealing stego images formed according to unknown embedding methods.The promising approach for estimation cover image parameters from current (noisy) images is based on applying of novel methods of spectral analysis, namely sparse and redundant representation of signals. Feature of these methods is ability to adjust parameters of basic functions to statistical parameters of analysed set of image. This allows improving effectiveness of stegdetectors without necessity to re-tune theirs parameters for new set if images. The paper is aimed at performance analysis of stego images preprocessing with usage of advanced methods of spectral analysis. The analysis was performed for state-of-the-art HUGO embedding methods by usage of standard ALASKA dataset. Based on obtained results, it was revealed that applying of proposed methods allows improving detection accuracy up to 6 % even in case of absence prior information about used embedding methods and low cover image payload, e.g. less than 10 %. Nevertheless, practical usage of these methods for image calibration requires further improvement of dictionary learning procedure, namely decreasing its computation complexity by processing images with high resolution.
Numerical simulation of the performance of a spaceborne Offner imaging hyperspectrometer in the wave optics approximation
Authors:   Joint Stock Company ", Rastorguev A.A. ,   Rocket and Space Center ",   Progress", Kharitonov S.I. ,   IPSI RAS – Branch of the FSRC "Crystallography and Photonics" RAS; Samara National Research University,   Samara National Research University, Kazanskiy N.L. ,   IPSI RAS – Branch of the FSRC “Crystallography and Photonics” RAS,   Samara National Research University
Published: April 2022

We propose a method for calculating the point scattering function (PSF) of an Offner imaging hyperspectrometer with a diffraction grating in the approximation of scalar diffraction theory. The method consistently takes into account limitations and diffraction of a light beam by elements of the hyperspectrometer system in accordance with the physics of image formation. The PSF of the Offner imaging hyperspectrometer is numerically simulated at various beam parameters and wavelengths. The simulation results are verified using analytical relationships, a geometrical optics approach, as well as a comparison with the related works of other researchers.
Detection of retroreflective objects based on search for spatial anomalies
Authors:   Institute of Automation and Electrometry of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Borzov S.M. , Potaturkin O.I. ,   Institute of Automation and Electrometry of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Usilov S.B. ,   Institute of Automation and Electrometry of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: April 2022

This work is devoted to the study of methods for detecting retroreflective objects, including optical and optoelectronic observation devices, based on the search for spatial anomalies in images formed in pulsed laser ranging systems. Algorithms, software and hardware for detecting retroreflective objects have been developed. At the same time, special attention is paid to various ways of forming difference frames with periodic illumination, including with the preliminary replacement of each pixel of the background images by the maximum value for the corresponding neighborhood. The effectiveness of the proposed methods for detecting retroreflective objects exposed to bright sunlight, despite the presence of (mirror and diffuse) reflecting surfaces in the field of view, is demonstrated.
Analysis of Roller in V-Belt Base Cutting for Material Optimization
Authors: Umbarkar Mr. Kshitij
Published: April 2022

Abstract: Along with the fourth industrial revolution different tools coming from optimization are creating new opportunities in production management. While manufacturing processes are stochastic and rescheduling decisions need to be made under certainty, it is complicated task to decide whether rescheduling is worthwhile, which is often addressed in practice on a greedy basis. To find a trade-off between rescheduling frequency and the growing accumulation of delays, we propose a rescheduling framework, which integrates optimization algorithms. To prove the effectiveness, we first model work scheduling problem with dependent setup and limited resources inspired by an industrial application. Then we solve the scheduling problem through a hybrid approach and train the model for rescheduling patterns. Finally, we compare its rescheduling performance with periodical approaches. Through observing the simultaneous results, we find the integration of these techniques can provide a good compromise between rescheduling frequency and delays. The main contribution of the work is the formalization of the problem, the development, solution methods and the optimization-based framework for supporting rescheduling decisions. Keywords: Optimization, Analysis, Production, Framework, Simulation.
PENYULUHAN MENGHITUNG PENGGUNAAN LISTRIK RUMAH TANGGA SELAMA MASA PANDEMI COVID-19 DI WILAYAH JAKARTA SELATAN
Authors: Mardiana Dwi Atty , Riswati Shabrina Sri , Kosasih Andri
Published: April 2022

Wabah COVID-19 membuat pola aktivitas masyarakat berubah. Hampir seluruh kegiatan dilakukan di rumah. Akibatnya, penggunaan energi listrik dan gas bertambah. Masyarakat mulai mengeluhkan tagihan listrik yang meningkat selama pandemi COVID-19. Permasalahan yang timbul kemudian adalah bagaimana memperhitungkan tagihan listrik dan menggunakan listrik secara bijak. Tujuan kegiatan pengabdian kepada masyarakat ini adalah memberi wawasan tentang cara menghitung tagihan listrik bulanan, cara menghitung pemakaian daya listrik berdasarkan alat elektronik yang dimiliki, perbedaan jenis pelanggan listrik, serta cara penggunaan listrik yang lebih hemat dan bijak. Penyuluhan dilakukan di sekolah yang ada di RT.007/RW.13 Menteng Dalam, Tebet, Jakarta Selatan, dan diikuti oleh 20 keluarga. Pelaksanaan kegiatan dilakukan dimulai dengan memberikan kuisioner sebelum penyuluhan dilakukan, dilanjutkan dengan penyuluhan dan pelatihan cara menghitung penggunaan daya dan biaya listrik. Kegiatan mendapat respon positif dan antusiasme tinggi dari peserta penyuluhan. Setelah kegiatan dilaksanakan, pengetahuan dan kepedulian warga tentang penggunaan listrik menjadi bertambah.
Heavy Metals as Useful Drugs
Authors: Reedijk Jan
Published: April 2022

A brief overview of the key role for heavy-metal compounds in medicine is given, with a special focus on platinum compounds used in treatment of cancer. Molecular aspects of the mechanism of action are presented in more detail.
Modelling and Computer Simulations of Large Chemical Systems
Authors: Brickmann Juergen
Published: April 2022

The methodology of mathematical modelling and computer simulations for large chemical systems is outlined. It is demonstrated with some examples from the author's group that this methodology can provide answers where theoretical methods are limited and/or experiments cannot be performed.
Some perspectives are given for overcoming the time and size limitation of standard simulation techniques.
'Photozellen nach Pflanzenart' und 'Chemische Kabinettstücke'
Authors: Christen-Marchal W. , Andermatt P.
Published: April 2022

No abstract.
IMPROVEMENT OF THE METHOD OF IDENTIFICATION AND QUANTITATIVE DETERMINATION OF SULFORAPHANE
Authors: СОНИН С.А. , ЕЛЕЦКАЯ М.И. , ЗАБОЛОТНИЙ А.В. , КАБРАТАЙ И.
Published: April 2022

Сульфорафан – биологически активное вещество, содержащееся в растениях семейства капустных, используется в качестве физиологически функционального микроингредиента. Отсутствие в РФ аттестованных методов его идентификации и количественного определения в составе пищевых матриц обусловило актуальность настоящих исследований. Определена калибровочная зависимость, разработана методика пробоподготовки и предложен усовершенствованный метод идентификации и количественного определения сульфорафана в липидсодержащих пищевых матрицах, основанный на использовании ВЭЖХ со спектрофотометрическим детектором. Проведена верификация метода, установлены его метрологические характеристики. Метод апробирован на биологически активных добавках, содержащих сульфорафан. Предел обнаружения сульфорафана составляет 0,001%, абсолютная погрешность не превышает 0,008%. Метод может быть рекомендован для использования в исследовательских и производственных лабораториях, оснащенных необходимым оборудованием.

Sulforaphane is a biologically active substance contained in plants of the cabbage family, used as a physiologically functional micro-ingredient. The absence in the Russian Federation of certified methods of its identification and quantitative determination in the composition of food matrices has determined the relevance of these studies. The calibration dependence was determined, a sample preparation technique was developed, and an improved method for the identification and quantitative determination of sulforaphane in lipid-containing food matrices based on the use of HPLC with a spectrophotometric detector was proposed. Verification of the method was carried out; its metrological characteristics were established. The method has been tested on biologically active additives containing sulforaphane. The detection limit of sulforaphane is 0,001%, the absolute error does not exceed 0,008%. The method can be recommended for use in research and production laboratories equipped with the necessary equipment.
Ensino de Microbiologia com materiais de baixo custo e fácil acesso: uma sequência didática voltada a alunos do Ensino Médio
Authors: Novo Juliana Martins Marteleto , Cavalcanti Danielle Pereira
Published: April 2022

Pesquisas apontam que abordagens investigativas e experimentais podem facilitar o ensino da Microbiologia na Educação Básica, tendo em vista o caráter abstrato relacionado aos microrganismos e dada a necessidade de desconstrução de uma visão equivocada sobre esses seres, por parte dos estudantes. Nesse contexto, desenvolvemos um estudo de caso, de natureza predominantemente qualitativa, no qual descrevemos uma sequência didática investigativa sobre microrganismos, utilizando materiais de baixo custo e fácil acesso, voltada a alunos do Ensino Médio de uma escola pública estadual do Rio de Janeiro. Foram priorizados referenciais teórico-metodológicos que abrangem pesquisas nas áreas da alfabetização científica e ensino de Ciências por investigação. Os resultados obtidos por meio da análise de questionários demonstraram aumento gradativo na quantidade de acertos após as atividades, sugerindo aprendizagem conceitual. Observou-se, ainda, o amadurecimento de habilidades motora, afetiva, das relações interpessoais e o desenvolvimento de habilidades relacionadas ao fazer científico e à capacidade argumentativa dos estudantes
O ensino das plantas na Educação Básica: percepções e desafios dos professores em escolas no município de Alegrete (RS, Brasil)
Authors: Mann Moacir Silvestre , Bertuzzi Tatiane , Canto-Dorow Thais Scotti do
Published: April 2022

Os conteúdos sobre as plantas estão entre os assuntos que vêm ganhando destaque nas pesquisas sobre ensino, o que vem contribuindo para uma mudança na forma como o ensino-aprendizagem de Botânica é percebido por estudantes e professores. Ainda assim, o ensino sobre as plantas pode ser desafiador e a busca por estratégias que melhorem esse cenário passa por conhecer as percepções e dificuldades dos professores. O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar como os professores que ensinam a Botânica, em escolas da rede de educação do município de Alegrete (RS, Brasil), percebem o tema e o processo de ensino-aprendizagem do mesmo. Para isso, foi realizado um questionário on-line com os professores participantes. Os resultados apontam para um aspecto animador relacionado ao ensino das plantas, ainda pouco registrado no contexto escolar, que é o interesse dos professores e a percepção, por parte dos professores, de que os estudantes gostam e se interessam pelos temas da Botânica. A formação continuada pode ser uma forma acessível de minimizar algumas das dificuldades apontadas pelos professores, contribuindo com atualização teórica, didática e com espaço para reflexão sobre os conteúdos e práticas
Autism in women - under-diagnosed, under-served and under-represented
Authors: Morgan-Trimmer Rachel
Published: April 2022

Autism has historically been seen as primarily a male issue, and these attitudes still persist. The result is that autistic women and girls are going undiagnosed. This leads to huge problems with mental illness, inability to access the services and support they need, and significant social and professional issues, such as long-term unemployment. This article looks at some of the specific issues that affect autistic women, and how to address these, so that autistic women and girls can live the fulfilling lives they deserve.
vestir como impulso criativo das mudanças políticas:
Authors: Cucinotta Caterina , Patricio Catarina
Published: April 2022

No dia 6 de janeiro, o assalto ao Capitólio americano na cidade de Washington deixou muitas perplexidades, não só ao nível político, mas também e, sobretudo, ao nível sociocultural. A espetacularização deste evento materializou-se no corpo re-vestido de um dos assaltantes, o qual tomou a posse da iniciativa como líder indiscutível desta ação reivindicatória. Com este artigo pretende-se reflexionar a maneira como a moda, na sua forte ligação com a mídia, pode influenciar a sociedade e a maneira de vestir das pessoas. A relação corpo/vestuário/política é aprofundada através de certas formas de vestir, que parecem expressar opiniões políticas e performances sociais.
Palavras-chaves: Moda; Política; Performance; Corpo revestido.
 
Abstract
On January 6th, the assault on the U.S. Capitol in the city of Washington left many perplexed, not only on the political level but also and above all on the sociocultural level. The spectacularization of this event materialized in the re-dressed body of one of the robbers, who took possession of the initiative as the undisputed leader of this vindicatory action. With this article we intend to reflect and discover the way fashion in its strong connection with the media can influence society and the way people dress. The relationship body/ clothing/politics is deepened through certain ways of dressing that seems to express political opinions and social performances.  
Keywords: Fashion; Politics; Performance; Clothes.
Notas para uma revolução bissexual
Authors: Saldanha Inácio
Published: April 2022

Shiri Eisner é uma ativista genderqueer israelense engajada com os movimentos trans, bissexual e de solidariedade à Palestina no seu país e uma figura fundamental no debate contemporâneo sobre bissexualidade no mundo. Fundadora do Panorama, um grupo de bi e pansexuais organizados, e criadora do blog Radical Bi (escrito em inglês e hebraico), ela publicou seu influente livro Bi: notas para uma revolução bissexual em 2013. Nesta obra, que ela define como um “manual de campo” para o ativismo em torno da bissexualidade, defende sua proposição de um movimento bissexual interseccional e “radical”.
Letter from the Editor
Authors: Dizon Chloe
Published: April 2022

Letter from the Editor
Teknik Identifikasi Zat Aditif pada Makanan untuk Menghindari Dampak Negatifnya terhadap Kesehatan
Authors: M. Yamin  , A. Wahab Jufri  , Jamaluddin  , Khairuddin  , Andra Ade Riyanto
Published: April 2022

Penggunaan zat aditif berupa bahan pengawet, penyedap, pemanis mapun suplemen pada makanan dewasa ini tidak dapat dihindari untuk menjamin persediaan dan peningkatan mutu makanan, namun sangat sedikit orang yang tahu, sadar dan peduli terhadap dampak negatifnya. Tulisan ini menyajikan informasi mengenai teknik identifikasi keberadaan zat aditif pada makanan dan dampak negatif terhadap kesehatan manusia. Tujuannya untuk memberikan pengetahuan, keterampilan dan kesadaran kepada khalayak sasaran untuk meningkatkan kesehatannya. Untuk mencapai tujuan tersebut, tim pengabdian ini melakukan dua macam kegiatan yaitu penyulahan dan demonstrasi. Kegiatan penyuluhan untuk penyampaian materi dampak zat aditif pada makanan terhadap kesehatan. Demontrasi cara identifikasi keberadaan zat aditif pada makanan dan contoh jeni-jenis makanan yang mengandung zat aditif. Hasilnya, kegiatan pengabdian ini dilaksanakan pada 08 September Tahun 2020 diikuti oleh 20 orang siswa dan 10 orang guru SMP Negri 4 Gunungsari Kabupaten Lombok Barat.