bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The burden and care cascade in young and middle-aged patients with diabetes hypertension comorbidity with abdominal obesity in India: A nationally representative cross-sectional survey
Authors: Basu Saurav , Maheshwari Vansh , Malik Mansi , Barzangi Kara , Hassan Refaat
Published: July 2024

We ascertained the burden, determinants, and care cascade in the young and middle-aged patients having co-existing hypertension (HTN), Diabetes Mellitus (DM), and abdominal obesity in India from a secondary data analysis of nationally representative data. The study examined cross-sectional data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) conducted in India from 2019 to 2021 in 788974 individuals aged 15–49 years including 695707 women and 93267 men. The weighted prevalence of DM-HTN comorbidity with high waist circumference in the sample was 0.75% (95% CI: 0.71 to 0.79) including 46.33% (95% CI: 44.06 to 48.62) newly diagnosed cases detected for HTN and high blood sugars. The weighted prevalence of Metabolic syndrome as per NCEP ATPIII criteria was found to be 1.13% (95% CI: 1.08 to 1.17). Only 46.16% existing cases were treated with both anti-diabetes and antihypertensive medication (full treatment), while 34.71% cases were untreated. On adjusted analysis, increasing age, females, higher wealth index, high fat diet, obesity and comorbidities were significantly associated with having DM-HTN comorbidity along with high-waist circumference. More than half of young and middle aged-population in India with DM-HTN-abdominal obesity triad are not initiated on treatment for DM and HTN comorbidities, while a majority of the previously diagnosed cases have uncontrolled blood pressure and poor glycemic control. The poor cascade of care for DM and HTN in these high-risk group of patients may substantially increase their risk for early progression and severity of microvascular and macrovascular complications especially cardiovascular disease.
An efficient algorithm for data transmission certainty in IIoT sensing network: A priority-based approach
Authors: Nalbant Kemal Gökhan , Almutairi Sultan , Alshehri Asma Hassan , Kemal Hayle , Alsuhibany Suliman A. , Choi Bong Jun
Published: July 2024

This paper proposes a novel cache replacement technique based on the notion of combining periodic popularity prediction with size caching. The popularity, size, and time updates characteristics are used to calculate the value of each cache item. When it comes to content replacement, the information with the least value is first eliminated. Simulation results show that the proposed method outperforms the current algorithms in terms of cache hit rate and delay. The hit rate of the proposed scheme is 15.3% higher than GDS, 17.3% higher than MPC, 20.1% higher than LRU, 22.3% higher than FIFO, and 24.8% higher than LFU when 350 different categories of information are present. In real-world industrial applications such as including supply chain management, smart manufacturing, automation energy optimization, intelligent logistics transportation, and e-healthcare applications, it offers a foundation for the selection of caching algorithms.
Effects of indoor plants on CO2 concentration, indoor air temperature and relative humidity in office buildings
Authors: Jiang Junzhiwei , Irga Peter , Coe Robert , Gibbons Philip
Published: July 2024

This experimental study investigates the influence of indoor plants on three aspects of air quality in office spaces: relative humidity, indoor air temperature, and carbon dioxide concentration. Employing a Latin square design, we rotated three different treatments across three offices over six time periods. These treatments included a control (no plants), a low-volume treatment (five plants), and a high-volume treatment (eighteen plants) of Nephrolepis exaltata (Boston fern). Air quality parameters were continuously monitored at five-minute intervals using Trace Gas Analyzers. Generalised linear mixed modelling (GLMM) was employed to examine the effect of each treatment on relative humidity, indoor air temperature and CO2 concentration. We observed a significant positive correlation between the number of indoor plants and relative humidity levels. In offices without any plants, the median relative humidity was 29.1%. This increased to 38.9% in offices with 5 plants and further to 49.2% in offices with 18 plants. However, we did not find significant associations between the number of indoor plants and indoor air temperature or corrected CO2 concentration. Our research provides support for the use of indoor plants to increase relative humidity, which can have health benefits in dry climates, but does not provide support for using indoor plants to regulate indoor air temperatures or CO2 concentration in office environments.
Anesthetics drug wastage and preventive strategies: Systematic review
Authors: Habte Meseret Firde , Tegegne Biresaw Ayen , Alemayehu Tikuneh Yetneberk
Published: July 2024

Background

Surgical Patients and hospitals are now facing financial strain due to direct anesthetic demand as a result of the development of new anesthetic drugs, equipment, and techniques. Up to 15% of a hospital’s pharmacy budget is currently allocated to anesthetic drug expenses. Drug wastage during anesthesia practice is a widespread hidden source of healthcare waste that leads to anesthetic drug shortages as well as poor operating room efficiency. On the other hand, despite the fact that it is preventable in the vast majority of cases, it is well described that drug wastage is routinely observed, including in developing countries where the consequences significantly affect both hospitals and patients.

Methods

This review aims to review the prevalence of anesthetic drug waste across the world and systematically formulate and describe preventive strategies. Relevant publications were identified using systematic searches on databases including Google Scholar, Medline (PubMed), the Cochrane Library, and Embase. In addition, papers were detected and then selected through the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria guidelines and the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Using the predetermined terms and dates from the searching databases, a total of 504 articles were identified. Based on the screening criteria, 16 papers were considered eligible and included in the final review. In addition, the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Manual for Evidence Synthesis was used for evaluating the quality of selected articles. This study is registered on PROSPERO, number CRD42024497044.

Results

Of the sixteen publications from eleven different nations that were considered suitable for inclusion, only two of them addressed the waste of inhalational anesthetics. In more than half of eligible articles, propofol was the frequently wasted drug that contributed to increased financial loss through drug waste. The first most significant factor contributing to the waste of intravenous and inhalational anesthetics was the disposal of multidrug vials following their use for a single patient and high fresh gas flow, respectively.

Conclusion

Anesthetic medication waste is a common occurrence worldwide, despite the fact that it is expensive and has a significant negative impact on operating room efficiency. Because the majority of drug waste is avoidable, preventive measures may lower drug waste and improve patient and hospital efficiency.
The Liver Cirrhosis Network Cohort Study: Cirrhosis Definition, Study Population, and Endpoints
Authors: Tapper Elliot B. , Goldberg David , Parikh Neehar D. , Terrault Norah A. , Welch Nicole , Sharpton Suzanne , Hameed Bilal , Khalili Mandana , Stolz Andrew , Verna Elizabeth C. , Brown Robert S. , Sanyal Arun J. , VanWagner Lisa , Ladner Daniela P. , Moylan Cynthia A. , Diehl Anna Mae , Jones Patricia D. , Loomba Rohit , Dasarathy Srinivasan , Simonetto Douglas A. , Shah Vijay H. , Bajaj Jasmohan S. ,   for the LCN Study Group
Published: July 2024

INTRODUCTION:

One of the primary goals of the Liver Cirrhosis Network (LCN) is to develop a cohort study to better understand and predict the risk of hepatic decompensation and other clinical and patient-reported outcomes among patients with Child A cirrhosis.

METHODS:

The LCN consists of a Scientific Data Coordinating Center and 10 clinical centers whose investigators populate multiple committees. The LCN Definitions and Measurements Committee developed preliminary definitions of cirrhosis and its complications by literature review, expert opinion, and reviewing definition documents developed by other organizations. The Cohort Committee developed the study protocol with the input of the steering committee.

RESULTS:

The LCN developed a prospective cohort study to describe and predict the rates of incident clinical events pertaining to first decompensation and patient-reported outcomes. The LCN developed a pragmatic definition of compensated cirrhosis incorporating clinical, laboratory, imaging, and histological criteria. Definitions of incident and recompensated ascites, overt hepatic encephalopathy, variceal hemorrhage, bleeding because of portal gastropathy, and hepatocellular carcinoma were also codified.

DISCUSSION:

The LCN Cohort Study design will inform the natural history of cirrhosis in contemporary patients with compensated cirrhosis. The LCN Definitions and Measures Committee developed criteria for the definition of cirrhosis to standardize entry into this multicenter cohort study and standardized criteria for liver-related outcome measures. This effort has produced definitions intended to be both sensitive and specific as well as easily operationalized by study staff such that outcomes critical to the LCN cohort are identified and reported in an accurate and generalizable fashion.

REGISTRATION:

NCT05740358.
Bridging Minds and Frontiers: An Unconventional Academic Odyssey with Francisco José Ayala
Authors: Silva Heslley
Published: July 2024

The text recounts the author’s remarkable experience in establishing contact with Francisco José Ayala, a renowned professor, researcher, author, and philanthropist. Beginning in an unusual manner, the connection transcended the conventional boundaries of academia, dispelling the notion of inaccessibility of eminent scientists. This resulted in an interview and the publication of a letter in the Science journal, exemplifying Ayala’s generosity. The narrative highlights Ayala’s extensive contribution to the understanding of evolution, his role in issues of science and religion, and his notable philanthropy. The challenges faced during a period of collaborating in California are shared, emphasizing the consolidation of a relationship of trust. Ayala’s influence is evident in the author’s shift towards contemporary issues such as scientific misinformation and climatic themes, reflecting the enduring legacy Ayala left on his academic journey and the positive transformation in the author’s career.
Francisco Ayala y la pasión por los parásitos protistas
Authors: Lukeš Julius
Published: July 2024

Francisco J. Ayala, reputado biólogo evolutivo, realizó importantes contribuciones al estudio de los protistas parásitos, en particular en los campos de la enfermedad de Chagas, la leishmaniasis y la tripanosomiasis. Sus investigaciones revelaron la estructura multiclonal de las poblaciones de Trypanosoma cruzi y las diferencias extremas de secuencia de ADN entre sus aislados, lo que fue crucial para comprender la prevención, propagación y focos naturales de la enfermedad de Chagas. Ayala y su colaborador Michel Tibayrenc formularon la Teoría Clonal de los Protozoos Parásitos, que cuestionaba la visión predominante de la recombinación sexual en estos organismos. El trabajo de Ayala sobre la leishmaniosis describió la estructura de población predominantemente clonal de los parásitos de Leishmania en todo el mundo. Además, su experiencia en biología evolutiva ayudó a resolver la confusión taxonómica en torno a Trypanosoma equiperdum y Trypanosoma evansi, apoyando la hipótesis de que son formas de Trypanosoma brucei, el agente causante de la enfermedad del sueño en África. La pasión de Ayala por el estudio de los protistas parásitos surgió de su deseo de contribuir a aliviar el sufrimiento humano causado por estas enfermedades.
In-silico approaches for discrimination of Curcuma species and their closely related family using the novel technique of DNA Barcoding
Authors: Sahu Vinod Kumar , Tantwai Keerti , Tiwari Sharad , Sapre Swapnil , Mishra Nishi , Sondhia Sobha
Published: July 2024

In this study, we have discriminated and identified the Genus of Curcuma and related species Zingiberaceae using rbcL and trnL DNA barcode primers. Curcuma genus related to the family Zingiberaceae comprises a significant number of medicinal plants renowned for their use in ethnomedicine, playing a pivotal role in the medical, health, and pharmaceutical sectors. Traditionally, morphological methods alone have proven insufficient for accurately identifying species within this family. However, DNA barcoding technology provides a contemporary solution by utilizing plant DNA sequences for species identification, thus enabling effective conservation efforts. We used DNA barcoding techniques and for analysis used the Maximum Parsimony tree in MEGA 11 with the Kimura 2-parameter (KP model) to analyse the genetic relationships between species. Out of the 13 accessions that were studied, 12 accessions belonged to Curcuma caesia and 1 accession belonged to Curcuma aeruginosa. The genetic relationships observed were correlated with the geographical distributions of these species. It was determined that C. aeruginosa is a mutated species of C. caesia. Additionally, 1 specimen of Alpinia galanga, a plant species related to the Zingiberaceae. Barcode primer trnL primer demonstrated a 92% efficiency during the investigation. The rbcL and trnL loci are recommended as potential barcode markers for discriminating between different plant species. This study developed a comprehensive DNA barcoding database that can confidently differentiate between species by combining morphological and molecular data. This database has the potential to identify adulteration in herbal products, combat illegal trade and adulteration of plant species, and assist in germplasm conservation efforts.
Effect of impaired myocardial contractility on coronary flow reserve and inflammatory processes in chronic coronary syndrome
Authors: Tashchuk V. K. , Bota R. A.
Published: July 2024

Aim. To study the relationship between myocardial contractility impairment in chronic coronary syndrome and the state of coronary flow reserve, the degree of systemic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction.
Materials and methods. We examined 120 patients with stable angina pectoris (SAP) of functional class (FC) II–III, who were assigned into two groups: group 1 comprised 65 patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥55 %, and group 2 was composed of 55 patients with LVEF <55 %. Diagnostic methods included clinical and instrumental examination data, analyses of lipid profile, inflammation biomarkers, endothelial functional state, hemogram data, leukocyte inflammation markers, and questionnaires.
Results. Compared to group 1, group 2 patients showed an increase in the left atrium (p < 0.001) and right ventricle (p = 0.027) sizes; significantly lower LVEF (50.16 ± 0.42 % vs 58.77 ± 0.41 %; p < 0.001); thickening of the intima-media complex in the right (p = 0.003) and left (p = 0.017) common carotid arteries; significantly lower load threshold values (p = 0.008), exercise tolerance (p = 0.004) and heart rate variability indicators – SDNN (standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals over 24 hours; p = 0.046).
Group 2 patients were characterized by more active low-grade chronic inflammation, as indicated by increased levels of leukocytes (p = 0.024), neutrophils (p < 0.001), and decreased lymphocyte levels (p = 0.021); significantly higher levels of leukocyte inflammation markers, in particular, the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (p < 0.001), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (p = 0.004), systemic immune-inflammation index (p < 0.001), systemic inflammation response index (p < 0.001), and aggregate index of systemic inflammation (p < 0.001) as compared to group 1 individuals. Patients with LVEF <55 % had higher levels of fibrinogen (p < 0.001), uric acid (p = 0.002), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (p = 0.007), and endothelin-1 (p < 0.001) compared to those with LVEF ≥55 %.
Conclusions. Group 2 patients need a more thorough monitoring and a more intensive treatment aimed at reducing the inflammatory process.
Stroke‐induced excess in capillarization relative to oxidative capacity in rats is muscle specific
Authors: Degens Hans , Paudyal Arjun , Kwakkel Gert , Slevin Mark , Maas Huub
Published: July 2024

Stroke is not only associated with muscle weakness, but also associated with reduced muscle fatigue resistance and reduced desaturation during exercise that may be caused by a reduced oxidative capacity and/or microvasculature. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to determine the effects of stroke on muscle mass, fiber size and shape, capillarization and oxidative capacity of the rat m. extensor carpi radialis (ECR) and m. flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU) after a photothrombotic stroke in the forelimb region of the primary sensorimotor cortex. The main observation of the present study was that 4 weeks after induction of stroke there were no significant changes in muscle fiber size and shape. Although there was no significant capillary rarefaction, there was some evidence for remodeling of the capillary bed as reflected by a reduced heterogeneity of capillary spacing (p = 0.006) that may result in improved muscle oxygenation. In the ECR, but not in the FCU, this was accompanied by reduction in muscle fiber oxidative capacity as reflected by reduced optical density of sections stained for succinate dehydrogenase (p = 0.013). The reduced oxidative capacity and absence of significant capillary rarefaction resulted in a capillary to fiber ratio per unit of oxidative capacity that was higher after stroke in the ECR (p = 0.01), but not in the FCU. This suggests that at least during the early stages, stroke is not necessarily accompanied by muscle fiber atrophy, and that stroke‐induced reductions in oxidative capacity resulting in relative excess of capillarization are muscle specific.
Assessment of cardiovascular risk and physical activity: the role of cardiac-specific biomarkers in the general population and athletes
Authors: Clerico Aldo , Zaninotto Martina , Aimo Alberto , Galli Claudio , Sandri Maria Teresa , Correale Mario , Dittadi Ruggero , Migliardi Marco , Fortunato Antonio , Belloni Lucia , Plebani Mario
Published: July 2024

The first part of this Inter-Society Document describes the mechanisms involved in the development of cardiovascular diseases, particularly arterial hypertension, in adults and the elderly. It will also examine how consistent physical exercise during adolescence and adulthood can help maintain blood pressure levels and prevent progression to symptomatic heart failure. The discussion will include experimental and clinical evidence on the use of specific exercise programs for preventing and controlling cardiovascular diseases in adults and the elderly. In the second part, the clinical relevance of cardiac-specific biomarkers in assessing cardiovascular risk in the general adult population will be examined, with a focus on individuals engaged in sports activities. This section will review recent studies that suggest a significant role of biomarkers in assessing cardiovascular risk, particularly the presence of cardiac damage, in athletes who participate in high-intensity sports. Finally, the document will discuss the potential of using cardiac-specific biomarkers to monitor the effectiveness of personalized physical activity programs (Adapted Physical Activity, APA). These programs are prescribed for specific situations, such as chronic diseases or physical disabilities, including cardiovascular diseases. The purposes of this Inter-Society Document are the following: 1) to discuss the close pathophysiological relationship between physical activity levels (ranging from sedentary behavior to competitive sports), age categories (from adolescence to elderly age), and the development of cardiovascular diseases; 2) to review in detail the experimental and clinical evidences supporting the role of cardiac biomarkers in identifying athletes and individuals of general population at higher cardiovascular risk; 3) to stimulate scientific societies and organizations to develop specific multicenter studies that may take into account the role of cardiac biomarkers in subjects who follow specific exercise programs in order to monitor their cardiovascular risk.
Phytochemicals as eco-friendly corrosion inhibitors for mild steel in sulfuric acid solutions: a review
Authors: Sharma Shobhana , Solanki Aashu S. , Thakur Abhinay , Sharma Ankit , Kumar Ashish , Sharma Sushil K.
Published: July 2024

Plant extracts represent abundant sources of biomolecules distributed throughout various plant parts. These biomolecules are extracted using diverse solvents and methods. Within these plant extracts lie bioactive compounds, known for their antioxidant properties and anticorrosive capabilities. Detecting and isolating these active biomolecules from plant extracts necessitates analytical techniques such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The active biomolecules within plant extracts contain heteroatoms within their structures, facilitating their adsorption on steel surfaces and conferring corrosion inhibition properties. The advantages of plant extracts as green corrosion inhibitors include ready availability, ease of application, eco-friendly characteristics, and cost-effectiveness. These extracts adhere to steel surfaces, blocking their active sites and effectively reducing the corrosion rate. This review consolidates the findings on the corrosion inhibition potential of plant extracts from various plant parts, elucidating their performance in different concentrations of sulfuric acid.
“Global challenge program” projects themed on preventing zoonosis: developing One Health core competences in medical students at SJTU
Authors: Hu Qinqin , Zhang Xiaoxi , Han Lefei , Li Xiangwei , Yang Xuechen , Wang Shuxun , Zhou Xiaonong , Wang Zhaojun
Published: July 2024

Objectives

To develop One Health (OH) core competencies in medical students, Shanghai Jiao Tong University has conducted an OH practice project named the “Global Challenge Program” (GCP) for three years. This study aims to understand the outcomes and challenges of the pilot projects, thereby providing evidences to support the expansion of One Health education program on a larger scale.

Methods

We conducted a questionnaire survey to a purposive sample of 48 participants who were involved in GCP projects. A questionnaire was designed to assess the effect of GCP projects on improving the core competencies of OH professionals. It consists of 32 questions divided into four categories: basic information, overall assessment, communication skills, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Statistical analysis was conducted and reported based on the data collected from the survey.

Results

A total of 42 students (87.5 % of 48 participants) completed the follow-up survey. Among them, 64.3 % perceived a significant improvement in their understanding of the OH concept and approach after participating in the GCP projects. Benefiting from the communication opportunities offered by the GCP projects, 24.0 % and 49.0 % of the students reported significant and moderate improvement in their international communication abilities, respectively. In addition, 74 .0% of the students noted that the GCP projects greatly enhanced their capabilities in interdisciplinary cooperation and systematic thinking in addressing complex health issues.

Conclusions

The GCP project has served as a pilot initiative for participatory OH education, contributing to the development of OH core competencies in medical students, particularly in systems thinking, international communication, and interdisciplinary collaboration. However, generalizing the experience of the pilot project to a large-scale education program for medical students requires careful revisit of the gaps of resources and talents in curriculum building and project operation.
Carbon Pricing and Intergenerational Fairness
Authors: Corvino Fausto
Published: July 2024

John Broome and Duncan Foley have proposed an ingenious way to transfer benefits backwards in time, from people who are not here yet to people who will not be here in the future. Present people can crowd out conventional, and often brown, investments by issuing global climate bonds (GCBs). The debate about GCBs has focused on whether it is justified to use this financial instrument to allow future people to buy off present people for climate mitigation. In this article, I ask whether it is fair to use GCBs to share the cost of a global carbon price between present and future people. My answer is that it depends on the approach used to calculate the carbon price and, of course, on the normative claims underlying the different approaches. Specifically, I argue that the internalisation principle underlying the cost-benefit approach does not justify intergenerational cost-shifting if, as in most cases, the social cost of carbon is determined using, inter alia, a social discount rate. Instead, the conservative justifications underlying a cost-effective carbon price consistent with the Paris mitigation target allow for intergenerational cost-shifting, but only to the extent of the difference (if any) between the Paris-consistent and the Pareto-efficient carbon price.
Experimental investigations and material modeling of an elastomer jaw coupling
Authors: Ewert Arthur , Menning Johannes D. M. , Prokopchuk Artem , Rosenlöcher Thomas , Vorrath E.-F. Markus , Wallmersperger Thomas , Schlecht Berthold
Published: July 2024

This work investigates the hyper-viscoelastic behavior of a thermoplastic polyurethane IROGRAN A 92 E 5670 FCM used in the gear rim of a jaw coupling. The aim is to provide the material parameters for the modeling of jaw couplings in engineering tasks. Uniaxial compression tests were conducted at various temperatures and loading speeds to fit a hyper-viscoelastic material model. The material model uses the Yeoh free energy and the power law model with one Maxwell element. The parametrized material model showed very good results in comparison to experimental data. In addition, the influence of friction on the experiments was modeled, investigated, and discussed. Further component tests for a jaw coupling of size 28 were conducted with two different specimen types. The original gear rim and a modified gear rim with central boreholes for integrated sensors were used in the test. The influence of such a modification was investigated with four different loading cases, focusing on the torsion-torque characteristic and the relative damping. These component tests enable the validation of numerical models of jaw couplings.
What if fractography does not tell us anything? – Failure of a side seal retainer
Authors: Fischer B. , Giller M. , Cagliyan E. , Neidel A.
Published: July 2024

A fractured transition side seal retainer, together with an intact piece for reference, was received from the client on December of 2023. The subject part fractured next to the fastening hole, liberating a long ligament that was never found but reportedly caused some damage to hot gas path components downstream of a large gas turbine engine. It is speculated that the subject side seal retainer fractured due to high-stress, not fully reversed bending high cycle fatigue failure. It is recommended to make the design sturdier by considering dampening the long free length of the part, and by specifying a larger fillet radius in the initiation area. Also, over-torquing upon assembly of the subject part should be avoided.
Addition of diazonium salts to the coordinatively unsaturated core of a dinuclear organoruthenium complex
Authors: Mayer Tobias , Mayer Peter , Böttcher Hans-Christian
Published: July 2024

The reaction of [Ru2(CO)4(µ-H)(µ-PtBu2)(µ-Ph2PCH2PPh2)] (1) with the diazonium salts [PhN2]BF4 and [p-BrC6H4N2]BF4 in dichloromethane at T = 273 K was investigated. The oxidative addition afforded the products [Ru2(CO)4(µ-H)(µ-PtBu2)(µ-Ph2PCH2PPh2)(µ-N2Ph)]BF4 (2a) and [Ru2(CO)4(µ-H)(µ-PtBu2)(µ-Ph2PCH2PPh2)(µ-N2C6H4-p-Br)]BF4 (2b) in good yields. The products have been characterized by NMR and IR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry and the molecular structure of 2a has been determined by a single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis (monoclinic, space group P21/m, Z = 2).
Relative Acceleration and Maximum Velocity in Rugby Players According to Age Category and Playing Position
Authors: Zabaloy Santiago , Freitas Tomás T. , Alcaraz Pedro E. , Gálvez-González Javier , Pereira Lucas A. , Comyns Tom , Loturco Irineu , Healy Robin
Published: July 2024

Zabaloy, S, Freitas, TT, Alcaraz, PE, Gálvez-González, J, Pereira, LA, Comyns, T, Loturco, I, and Healy, R. Relative acceleration and maximum velocity in rugby players according to age category and playing position. J Strength Cond Res 38(10): 1778–1785, 2024—This study aimed to: (a) assess the intrasession reliability of the acceleration time constant (i.e., τ) and τ-derived measures; (b) analyze the influence of τ and maximum velocity (Vmax) on 40-m sprint performance and to compare various sprint-related outcomes among rugby players from different playing positions and age categories; and (c) explore the associations between τ and several sprint performance metrics. A total of 300 male rugby players volunteered to participate in this study and were divided into age categories (i.e., under-14 [U14]: n = 91, age: 12.6 ± 0.5 years; under-16 [U16]: n = 85, age: 14.8 ± 0.5 years; under-18 [U18]: n = 75, age: 16.6 ± 0.5 years; and Seniors: n = 49, age: 24.2 ± 4.1 years). The results demonstrated good to excellent reliability for all measured parameters (intraclass correlation coefficient >0.75 and coefficient of variation <9.0%). Younger players (i.e., U14 and U16) displayed lower τ values (effect size: moderate to large; p < 0.02) compared with their older peers (i.e., U18 and Seniors), regardless of their playing position. Moreover, τ was associated with sprint performance metrics at varying levels of correlations (Rho: small to almost perfect; p < 0.001). In conclusion, younger players exhibited lower τ values than their older counterparts, irrespective of their playing positions. The model employed in this study demonstrated its accuracy in assessing several key sprint performance metrics, offering insights that can enhance sprint training programs for rugby players, which can be based on the associations observed among these different variables.
Energetics and Basic Stroke Kinematics of Swimming With Different Styles of Wetsuits
Authors: Lim Boram , Villalobos Alejandro , Mercer John A. , Crocker George H.
Published: July 2024

Lim, B, Villalobos, A, Mercer, JA, and Crocker, GH. Energetics and basic stroke kinematics of swimming with different styles of wetsuits. J Strength Cond Res 38(10): 1793–1799, 2024—This study investigated the physiological responses and basic stroke kinematics while wearing different styles of wetsuits during submaximal intensity front-crawl swimming. Fourteen subjects (6 men and 8 women) completed a swimming-graded exercise test to determine maximal aerobic capacity (V̇O2max) and four 4-minute submaximal front-crawl swims at a pace that elicited 80% of V̇O2max with different wetsuits: regular swimsuit (no wetsuit [NWS]), buoyancy shorts (BS), sleeveless wetsuit (SLW), and full-sleeve wetsuit (FSW). The rate of oxygen consumption (V̇O2), rate of carbon dioxide production (V̇CO2), minute ventilation (V̇E), heart rate (HR), respiratory exchange ratio, and cost of swimming (CS) were determined as the average for the last minute of each trial. The rating of perceived exertion was assessed after each swimming bout. In addition, stroke length and index were determined from swimming pace and stroke rate. V̇O2, V̇CO2, V̇E, HR, and CS differed significantly among wetsuit conditions (p < 0.01). Respiratory exchange ratio and rating of perceived exertion also varied by wetsuit conditions (p < 0.05). However, stroke rate, length, and index were not significantly different across wetsuit conditions (p > 0.05). No differences existed between SLW and FSW for any dependent variable (p > 0.05). Results from this study suggest that swimming at the same pace without a wetsuit is the least economical, and both SLW and FSW are most and equally economical without significant kinematic changes. In addition, BS could be beneficial during training and racing in terms of less physiological demands than a regular swimsuit but not as economical as the SLW or FSW.
Quality Assessment of LIDAR in Apple Digital Devices
Authors: Vipavec Jernej , Kregar Klemen
Published: July 2024

In 2020, Apple incorporated a LiDAR sensor system into its smart devices, being the first to offer the laser scanning technology to the general consumer. This article investigates how a low-cost LiDAR scanning system integrated into Apple devices performs in comparison to professional geodetic terrestrial laser scanners. In addition to providing a brief overview of the functionality of the measurement system within Apple devices, a comprehensive literature review was conducted. Various authors have examined the system either in comparison to other spatial data capture methods or in studies of its applicability across different fields. In this article, we examined the geometric quality of the lidar scanning system embedded in the Apple iPad Pro device for the purpose of 3D modeling of indoor building spaces. We conducted experiments in a smaller (~1 m) and larger (~10 m) test field and evaluated the geometric quality of the captured data. The findings indicate that the Apple system cannot achieve relative positional accuracy better than 10 cm and is primarily suitable for creating informative 3D representations.
Uporabnost nacionalnih podatkov laserskega skeniranja in cikličnega aerofotografiranja pri zaznavanju gozdnih vrzeli
Authors: Pintar Anže Martin , Skudnik Mitja
Published: July 2024

The forest floor is covered with tree canopy, and the forest canopy gap is a larger or smaller area of the floor that is not covered by the canopy of the dominant tree layer. The size of the gap affects tree species rejuvenation, as well as the vertical and horizontal structure of the forest. In the Pohorje area (Pahernik’s forest estate), which is characterized by forests where trees of different diameters and ages occur in small areas, we analyzed the possibilities of automatic gap detection based on data from the Laser Scanning of Slovenia (LSS) and the Cyclic Aerial Survey of Slovenia (CAS). We used Canopy Height Models (CHM) derived from both data sources. The overall detection accuracy even for the smallest gaps (smaller than 50 m2) was 94.4% based on the LSS data and 83.1% based on the CAS data. A larger number and area of gaps can be detected based on the LSS data, and the gaps derived from the LSS data are more disaggregated and elongated. The detection of gaps with CAS data and LSS data is more comparable with a minimum gap area of 100 m²; the accuracy of detecting such gaps is 85.4 and 94.4 % respectively. The results of the study show that in the absence of LSS data, the use of CAS data to detect forest canopy gaps on a large scale is useful when gaps with an area of more than 100 m² are detected.
Kriging algorithm for mapping the gravimetric data in the north of Algeria
Authors: Benikhlef Ilies , Senoussaoui Abderrahmane , Daho Sid Ahmed Benahmed
Published: July 2024

The purpose of this work is to analyze and validate the gravimetric information in the study area in order to highlight the valid data for mapping the gravity anomaly from a grid generated by interpolation. In this context, we have performed a first step of data validation using the Kriging interpolation, this method was applied to a set of free-air anomalies reduced by the EGM08 geopotential model, from the test zone located in the north of Algeria, but the data were considered as values of an isotropic variable whose the variographic analysis depends only on the distances between points. In the second step the anisotropic character was taken into account, where the main tasks were to calculate the directional variograms for validating data and to perform interpolation by directional models. Finally, we have performed a computer application for interpolation and validation of gravimetric data by Kriging method, based on the algorithm for validation and grid generation of free-air anomalies, proposed in this article, where the results showed that the free-air anomaly is an isotropic variable which only depends on the distances between positions, and that the values resulting from interpolation are validated by the BGI grid, where the two maps generated one by interpolation and the other by the BGI grid are very similar to confirm the validity of the Kriging algorithm developed in this context.
3D GIS reconstruction of Hungarian Southern Defense Line
Authors: Juhasz Attila , Balogh Arpad
Published: July 2024

Remote sensing technologies and GIS have become every-day practice in military historical reconstruction. Our research employed laser scanning survey in conjunction with historical data to execute a detailed reconstruction of a common part of the Hungarian Southern Defence System. The system’s remaining objects are well documented and in good condition. However, the previous maps only provide approximate positions and fire directions. Currently, the objects are covered by extremely dense vegetation, making surveying particularly difficult. To overcome these challenges, both airborne and terrestrial laser scanning data collected and integrated. The 3D reconstruction of the defensive line had two major objectives. Firstly, to compare the reconstructed objects and their original plans based on 3D CAD models derived from in-field data. Secondly, to improve the historical military tactical maps, including object positions and orientations by the integration of 3D models into the digital terrain model from airborne scanning data. Finaly, the dimensions and the condition of the objects were analysed, and the defensive structure appearing on historical tactical maps was improved based on the surveyed data. The described methodology has the potential to reconstruct the entire fortified line, which could have archaeological, educational, architectural and tourism applications.
Išmaniųjų telefonų turėjimo mokymosi metu poveikis informacijos atsiminimui psichologijos studentų imtyje
Authors: Zarevičiūtė Lela , Jarašiūnaitė - Fedosejeva Gabija
Published: July 2024

The impact of smartphones on people’s daily lives is increasing. However, despite the benefits of smartphones, the adverse effects of these devices are becoming more prominent in the academic environment; therefore, it is important to analyse them. The aim of the research is to evaluate the effects that possessing of a smartphone while studying has on the recall of information in a sample of psychology students. The research analysed data collected from a sample of 80 second and third-year students from the bachelor’s program in psychology (69 females, 10 males, and 1 “other”). The age of the participants varied from 19 to 54 years (average age – 24 years, std. deviation – 7.93 years). Research method: experiment. The participants were divided into groups, according to the effects: 1) those who could not have their smartphones during the lecture; 2) those who could have their smartphones during the lecture but were asked not to use them; 3) those who could have their smartphones during the lecture and were not given any instruction on their usage. During each experiment session, 8–13 students from each group watched a 20-minute lecture recording. After the lecture, the participants completed a short test on the lecture’s content. After finishing the test, the participants filled in a nomophobia questionnaire (Yildirim & Correia, 2015). One week after participating in the experiment, students sent in a screenshot with the information on their average smartphone screen time. Students who had their smartphones during the lecture recalled the information worse than those who did not. However, no significant differences were found between the group of students who were given instructions on the usage of smartphones and those who were not. The results also revealed that a higher average time spent using a smartphone was associated with poorer recall of lecture information.
SEMANTICS OF SILENCE IN POETICS OF O. F. BERGHOLZ
Authors: Prozorova Natalya
Published: July 2024

The phenomenon of silence in the creative heritage of O. F. Bergholz has not been studied to date. The category of silence is considered in the article as a nonverbal communicative act, a nonverbal form of spiritual experience and a behavioral strategy. In the center of attention is the poem “Except” (“Reached mute despair…”), written by Bergholz after a trip to the construction site of the Volga-Don Canal. The text mentions the icon of the Savior “Good Silence,” thanks to which the category of silence acquires axiological characteristics: forced silence is a strategic means and is realized as salvation from lies (good silence). At the same time, the lexeme silence rhyming with despair in a socio-political context means that the cowardly silencing of the people’s suffering deserves censure. In the poem “Except” with an allusion to Tyutchev’s “Silentium!” and in direct reference to true knowledge (“He knew”), the limitations of the verbal capabilities of language are noted (“no consonance/what he saw cannot be conveyed”). In the poem “February Diary,” silence is actualized as “the identity of speaker, the listener and the topic,” the expressiveness of silence as highest point of communication is emphasized, its conventionality is noted. In the poem “No, not from our meager books…,” the semantics of silence goes back to the author’s religious memory: in the final scene, the chain of generations closes in Christian silence/reconciliation. Silence as a special communicative behavior acquires a ritual character in a number of other texts: the heroine’s meeting with her father in the story “Day Stars” (chapter “The Secret of the Earth”) is saturated with silentium vocabulary; the call to silence on the eve of mortal battles in the poem “The hand pulls to the heart of the Motherland…” determines the normative behavior of a person in a borderline situation. Silence as conscious and effective resistance to the actions of the authorities (an act of disagreement) is manifested in the diary discourse of the poetess and the late cycle “Anna Akhmatova.” An extensive semantic palette of silence is revealed on the basis of Bergholz’s poetic, prose and diary texts.
Use of generative-adversarial networks when creating content
Authors: L Korotka ,   Ukrainian State University of Science and Technology, Ukraine, D Klevzhyts , D Shvydko ,   Ukrainian State University of Science and Technology, Ukraine,   Ukrainian State University of Science and Technology, Ukraine
Published: July 2024

The application of generative-adversarial networks in the creation of content is studied. Monitoring of training, analysis of architectures, determination of internal processes at the level of layers, research of properties of latent space, and interaction with it are carried out. Variants of using the specified networks in image generation are considered. Special attention is paid to practical implementation aspects, including selecting optimal parameters and data processing. The difference between a classifier and a discriminator is formulated. The principles of generative-adversarial networks and their influence on the efficiency and quality of generated images are studied. The advantages and limitations of using GANs in content creation are considered.
Quantitative estimates of the metachromasia reaction of volutin granules of yeast using neural networks
Authors: Yu. Gorgo ,   National Technical University of Ukraine ", I Hretskyi , P Nejedlik , A Prigancova , E Kalinichenko , E Gromozova ,   Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute",   , Ukraine,   D.K. Zabolotny Institute of Microbiology and Virology of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Ukraine,   Earth Science Institute of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Slovakia,   Earth Science Institute of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Slovakia,   National Technical University of Ukraine "Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute", Ukraine,   D.K. Zabolotny Institute of Microbiology and Virology of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Ukraine
Published: July 2024

The metachromatic coloration of volutinous granules of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is one of the indicators of the influence of sharp geomagnetic field (GMF) perturbations. The metachromasia reaction is based on the aggregation of dye molecules in interaction with inorganic polyphosphates, which are components of volutinous granules. To determine the characteristics of the geomagnetic field that cause the appearance of different colors of the metachromasia reaction, it is necessary to simultaneously monitor this reaction and changes in the GMF. High-quality monitoring is possible with rapid automated counting of cells with all possible color changes during the metachromasia reaction. The aim of the work was to develop a neural network architecture for recognizing and quantifying color changes and heterogeneity in real time during monitoring of the metachromasia reaction of volutinous granules of the yeast S. cerevisiae, which is necessary for further determining their correlations with changes in the geomagnetic field of different intensities. A program based on a nonrecursive labeling algorithm was created to count the number of cells in the study groups. In the course of the work, the software of two neural network architectures was compared to determine the best results in recognizing and quantifying yeast cells with different colors during the volutinous granule metachromasia reaction. It was determined that the Unet architecture type coped with the tasks of cell classification and segmentation much more efficiently than the Inception v3 architecture. The average relative error for automatic recognition of all cell groups was 3.85%, and the maximum relative error was 4.56%. The performance of the neural network was 89.9% when detecting cell segmentation and 86.4% when detecting color differences in the metachromasia reaction.