bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Topological Properties of Sierpinski Network and its Application
Authors: Fang Juanyan , Rafiullah Muhammad , Siddiqui Hafiz Muhammad Afzal
Published: July 2021

Background:

Sierpinski graphs !(!, !) are largely studied because of their fractal
nature with applications in topology, chemistry, mathematics of Tower of Hanoi and computer
sciences. Applications of molecular structure descriptors are a standard procedure which are used
to correlate the biological activity of molecules with their chemical structures, and thus can be
helpful in the field of pharmacology.

Objective:

The aim of this article is to establish analytically closed computing formulae for
eccentricity-based descriptors of Sierpinski networks and their regularizations. These computing
formulae are useful to determine a large number of properties like thermodynamic properties,
physicochemical properties, chemical and biological activity of chemical graphs.

Methods:

At first, vertex sets have been partitioned on the basis of their degrees, eccentricities and
frequencies of occurrence. Then these partitions are used to compute the eccentricity-based indices
with the aid of some combinatorics.

Results:

The total eccentric index and eccentric-connectivity index have been computed. We also
compute some eccentricity-based Zagreb indices of the Sierpinski networks. Moreover, a
comparison has also been presented in the form of graphs.

Conclusion:

These computations will help the readers to estimate the thermodynamic properties
and physicochemical properties of chemical structure which are of fractal nature and can not be
dealt with easily. A 3D graphical representation is also presented to understand the dynamics of the
aforementioned topological descriptors.
Animal Venom Peptides Cause Antinociceptive Effects by Voltage-gated
Calcium Channels Activity Blockage
Authors: Trevisan Gabriela , Oliveira Sara Marchesan
Published: July 2021

:

Pain is a complex phenomenon that is usually unpleasant and aversive. It can range widely
in intensity, quality, and duration and has diverse pathophysiologic mechanisms and meanings.
Voltage-gated sodium and calcium channels are essential to transmitting painful stimuli from the periphery
until the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. Thus, blocking voltage-gated calcium channels
(VGCCs) can effectively control pain refractory to treatments currently used in the clinic, such as
cancer and neuropathic pain. VGCCs blockers isolated of cobra Naja naja kaouthia (α-cobratoxin),
spider Agelenopsis aperta (ω-Agatoxin IVA), spider Phoneutria nigriventer (PhTx3.3, PhTx3.4,
PhTx3.5, PhTx3.6), spider Hysterocrates gigas (SNX-482), cone snails Conus geographus (GVIA),
Conus magus (MVIIA or ziconotide), Conus catus (CVID, CVIE and CVIF), Conus striatus (SO-
3), Conus fulmen (FVIA), Conus moncuri (MoVIA and MoVIB), Conus regularis (RsXXIVA), Conus
eburneus (Eu1.6), Conus victoriae (Vc1.1.), Conus regius (RgIA), and spider Ornithoctonus
huwena (huwentoxin-I and huwentoxin-XVI) venoms caused antinociceptive effects in different
acute and chronic pain models. Currently, ziconotide is the only clinical used N-type VGCCs blocker
peptide for chronic intractable pain. However, ziconotide causes different adverse effects, and the
intrathecal route of administration also impairs its use in a more significant number of patients. In
this sense, peptides isolated from animal venoms or their synthetic forms that act by modulating or
blocking VGCCs channels seem to be a relevant prototype for developing new analgesics efficacious
and well tolerated by patients.
Effects of Di-2-Ethylhexyl Phthalate on Central Nervous System Functions:
A Narrative Review
Authors: Safarpour Soheila , Ghasemi-Kasman Maryam , Safarpour Samaneh , Darban Yasaman Mahdizadeh
Published: July 2021

Background:

Phthalates are widely used in the plastics industry. Di-2-Ethylhexyl Phthalate
(DEHP) is one of the most important phthalate metabolites that disrupt the function of endocrine
glands. Exposure to DEHP causes numerous effects on animals, humans, and the environment. Low
doses of DEHP increase neurotoxicity in the nervous system that has arisen deep concerns due to the
widespread nature of DEHP exposure and its high absorption during brain development.

Objective:

In this review article, we evaluated the impacts of DEHP exposure from birth to adulthood
on neurobehavioral damages. Then, the possible mechanisms of DEHP-induced neurobehavioral
impairment were discussed.

Methodology:

Peer-reviewed articles were extracted through Embase, PubMed, and Google Scholar
till the year 2021.

Results:

The results showed that exposure to DEHP during pregnancy and infancy leads to memory
loss and irreversible nervous system damage.

Conclusion:

Overall, it seems that increased levels of oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators
possess a pivotal role in DEHP-induced neurobehavioral impairment.
Synthesis, Application and Antimicrobial Activity of New Acid Dyes Based
on 3-Amino-2-thioxo-4-thiazolidinone Nucleus on Wool and Silk Fabrics
Authors: Mohamed Fatma A. , Elkhabiry Shaban , Ismail Ismail A. , Attia Attia O.
Published: July 2021

The dyes are synthesized by 3-Amino-2-thioxo-4thiazolidinone (N-Amino rhodanine) with glutaraldehyde or terephthalaldehyde by 2:1 mole to form a and b then coupled with diazonium salts p-Amino benzenesulfonic acid and 4-Amino 3,4-disulfoazobenzeneazobenzene by 2:1 to form new different bis-mono-azo a1 and b1 and diazo a2 and b2 acid dyes. Therefore, the synthesized dyes were applied to both silk and wool fabric materials. We also evaluated the antimicrobial susceptivity of these dyed fabrics to two model gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. Further, the chemical composition of these dyes is emphasized by an elemental analysis.

Aims:

This paper aims to synthesize and apply dye and antimicrobial to four new acid dyes based on derivatives of N-Amino rhodanine as a chromophoric group. Then, these dyes are used in dyeing silk and wool which have good lightfastness, and are also excellent for washing, rubbing and sweating fastness. Also, we measure antimicrobial susceptivity of silk and wool fabrics to Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.

Background:

The new synthetic acid dyes, which have antimicrobial susceptivity to gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, are mostly used on silk and wool fabrics which are excellent for lightfastness, washing, rubbing and sweating fastness.

Objective:

The present studies aimed at synthesis, characterization and antimicrobial susceptivity to gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria.

Methods:

The infra-red spectrum was recorded using an Infra-red spectrometer, Perkin Elmer/1650 FT-IR. The 1H-NMR spectra were recorded using a Varian 400MHz spectrometer. The absorbance of the dyes was measured in the ultraviolet-visible region between 300 and 700 nm by a UNICAM UV spectrophotometer. The dye uptake by wool and silk fabrics was measured using a Shimadzu UV-2401PC (UV/V is spectrophotometer at λmax) before and after dyeing. The produced dyes were found to have a good antimicrobial susceptivity to a variety of bacteria.

Results and Discussion:

The compounds a1, b1, a2 &b2 show good antimicrobial activity toward gram-negative (E. coli), gram-positive (S. aurous) bacteria. The data showed that exhaustion and fastness activities of silk and wool dyed fabrics were both very high.

Conclusion:

In this work, we prepared newly synthesized acid dyes based on 3-Amino-2-thioxo-4-thiazolidinone derivatives and used them for dyeing wool and silk fabrics. Both synthetic dyes have shown good lightfastness and fastness properties. Also, all dyes have shown a good antimicrobial effect.
Determinants of Tobacco Use and Nicotine Dependence Among Healthcare
Students and Their Undergraduate Peers
Authors: Parthasarathi Ashwaghosha , Shankar Malavika , Madhivanan Purnima , Lokesh Komarla Sundararaja , Undela Krishna , Krishna Mamidipudi Thirumala , Mahesh Padukudru Anand
Published: July 2021

Background:

Global estimates suggest that tobacco will account for 8 million deaths
per year by 2030. The Global Adult Tobacco Survey (2016-17) reported that more than half of men
and one in ten women aged 15 years and above smoke in India.

Introduction:

Health science courses students (HCS), being the future of our health care system,
are expected to be more knowledgeable regarding the hazards of tobacco and are considered less
likely to use it compared to their peers (non-HCS) from other fields. The aim of the study is to determine
the prevalence and determinants of tobacco use and levels of nicotine dependence amongst
HCS and non-HCS students.

Methods:

Web-based survey (response rate of 72%) employing Global Youth Tobacco Survey
(GYTS) and Fagerström standardized questionnaires (n = 4770 [21.5 (SD: ± 1.61) years: 62%
male] was filled by HCS (43.5%) and non-HCS (56.3%) students from three universities. A descriptive,
comparative and multivariate analysis was performed.

Results:

Half of non-HCS and a third of HCS used tobacco, with a higher proportion of male users
in both groups. 70% of overall participants showed ‘low nicotine dependence’ with a higher proportion
of ‘high dependence’ within the non-HCS group (13.89% vs. 9.2%). There were crucial differences
in specific determinants and ages of initiation of tobacco use between the two groups.

Conclusion:

Tobacco use in HCS, apart from personal health risks, may potentially affect their future
commitment to support patients in tobacco cessation programs. There is a need for further research
into tobacco prevention and cessation programs tailored to the needs of student groups
based on the determinants affecting them.
Half-Lantern Cyclometalated Platinum(II) Complexes as Anticancer Agents: Molecular
Docking, Apoptosis, Cell Cycle Analysis, and Cytotoxic Activity Evaluations
Authors: Hajipour Fatemeh , Mahdavinia Masoud , Fereidoonnezhad Masood
Published: July 2021

Background and Objective:

In the design of modern metal-based anticancer drugs, platinum-based complexes
have gained growing interest. In this study, the anticancer activity of half-lantern cyclometalated Pt(II)‒Pt(II)
complexes was evaluated using MTT, apoptosis, cell cycle analysis, and DNA binding studies.

Materials and Methods:

The cytotoxicity of Pt(II)‒Pt(II) complexes were evaluated against different cancer cell lines,
such as human lung (A549), breast (MCF-7, and MDA-MB-231), ovarian (SKOV-3), and colon (HT-29) as well as
normal breast (MCF-10A), and human lung fibroblast (MRC-5) cells using MTT assay. BioLegend's PE Annexin, V
Apoptosis Detection Kit with 7AAD, was applied to assess the apoptotic effects of 1A and 1B compound against
MCF-7 and A549 cell lines. Cell cycle analysis was determined using the flow cytometry method. The interaction of
compounds with four different DNA structures with PDB codes (1BNA, 1LU5, 3CO3, and 198D) has been investigated
by molecular docking. To achieve binding to DNA experimentally, the electrophoresis mobility shift assay and
comet assay were applied.

Results:

In the evaluation of cytotoxic effects, 1A showed the highest cytotoxicity among the studied compounds, and
it showed higher potency with more selectivity against normal cell lines than cisplatin. This compound had IC50 of
7.24, 2.21, 1.18, 2.71, 10.65, 18.32, and 49.21 μM against A549, SKOV3, HT29, MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, MRC-5, and
MCF-10A, respectively, whereas cisplatin had IC50 of 9.75, 19.02, 107.23, 15.20, 18.09, 14.36, and 24.21 μm, respectively,
on the same cell lines. In order to check the DNA binding activity of 1A, and 1B, electrophoretic mobility was
also conducted, which indicated that the binding of these compounds led to a slight change in electrophoretic mobility
to DNA. The migration of chromosomal DNA from the nucleus in the form of a tail or comet was executed in the
comet assay of 1A on MCF-7. Examination of apoptosis of 1A and 1B on the MCF-7 cancer cell line showed that it
could increase induction of apoptosis in this cancerous cell in a concentration-dependent manner. Investigating the
effect of 1A using cell cycle analysis on MCF-7 cancer cell line showed that this complex affects stage G1 and S of the
cell cycle.

Conclusion:

1A has the potential to play a significant role in future biopharmaceutical studies.
Initial Investigation of Athletes’ Electrocardiograms Acquired by Wearable Sensors during the Pre-exercise Phase
Authors: Romagnoli Sofia , Sbrollini Agnese , Colaneri Massimo , Marcantoni Ilaria , Morettini Micaela , Zitti Gianluca , Brocchini Maurizio , Pozzi Marco , Burattini Laura
Published: July 2021

Aim:

The aim of this study is to support large-scale prevention programs fighting sport-related sudden cardiac death by providing a set of electrocardiographic features representing a starting point in the development of normal reference values for the pre-exercise phase.

Background:

In people with underlying, often unknown, cardiovascular abnormalities, increased cardiovascular load during exercise can trigger sport-related sudden cardiac death. Prevention remains the only weapon to contrast sport-related sudden cardiac death. So far, no reference values have been proposed for electrocardiograms of athletes acquired with wearable sensors in the pre-exercise phase, consisting of the few minutes immediately before the beginning of the training session.

Objective:

To perform an initial investigation of athletes’ electrocardiograms acquired by wearable sensors during the pre-exercise phase.

Methods:

The analyzed electrocardiograms, acquired through BioHarness 3.0 by Zephyr, belong to 51 athletes (Sport Database and Cycling Database of the Cardiovascular Bioengineering Lab of the Università Politecnica delle Marche, Italy). Preliminary values consist of interquartile ranges of six electrocardiographic features which are heart rate, heart-rate variability, QRS duration, ST level, QT interval, and corrected QT interval.

Results:

For athletes 35 years old or younger, preliminary values were [72;91]bpm, [26;47]ms, [85;104]ms, [-0.08;0.08]mm, [326;364]ms and [378;422]ms, respectively. For athletes older than 35 years old, preliminary values were [71;94]bpm, [16;65]ms, [85;100]ms, [-0.11;0.07]mm, [330;368]ms and [394;414]ms, respectively.

Conclusion:

Availability of preliminary reference values could help identify those athletes who, due to electrocardiographic features out of normal ranges, are more likely to develop cardiac complications that may lead to sport-related sudden cardiac death.
Dynamic Monitoring of an Existing Reinforced Concrete Building in Naples Port Area
Authors: Bencivenga Pasquale , Chisari Corrado , Dell’Aversano Costantino , Pasquino Vittorio , Ferraioli Massimiliano , Vasaturo Adele , De Matteis Gianfranco
Published: July 2021

Introduction:

The conservation and preservation of existing buildings, in particular public infrastructures, is currently a significant issue in Italy and Europe, considering their strategic role and the risk represented by human losses, management issues and also economic disruption in case of collapse.

In this context, the interest in conservation is not restricted to monumental or artistical buildings but also includes the several buildings composing the Italian infrastructural heritage, which in many cases are made of reinforced concrete and show signs of ageing after half a century and more from their construction.

Methods:

On the basis of these premises, in the present paper, a preliminary investigation on an infrastructural case study located in Naples port is presented. Such a study is part of a research activity aimed at defining critical structural issues of the central administrative building of the Central Tyrrhenian Sea Port System Authority.

Results:

A system of high-sensitivity and low-cost MEMS acceleration sensors were installed on the structure, with the aim of investigating its dynamic behaviour. A Finite Element model of the building was created, including information about material properties and cross-section details from prior experimental activities. A model updating procedure was carried out, based on the dynamic data collected by the monitoring system and post-processed to estimate the fundamental frequencies.

Conclusion:

This has allowed highlighting the main features of the dynamic response of the building, and the critical role played by deformability of infill panels and floors on the modal properties of the structure.
Producing Sustainable Concrete using Nano Recycled Glass
Authors: Abbas Zena K. , Mahdi Hayder A. , Tayeh Bassam A.
Published: July 2021

Background:

Many tools and techniques have been recently adopted to develop construction materials that are less harmful and friendlier to the environment. New products can be achieved through the recycling of waste material. Thus, this study aims to use recycled glass bottles as sustainable materials.

Objective:

Our challenge is to use nano glass powder by the addition or replacement of the weight of the cement for producing concrete with enhanced strength.

Methods:

A nano recycled glass powder is prepared by crushing and storming a glass bottle to obtain a Blaine surface area of approximately 28 m2/g and conforming to the chemical requirements for natural pozzolana class N, according to ASTM C618. The outcome of using nano recycled glass for theaddition and replacement of ordinary Portland cement weight on the compressive and flexural strengths of concrete at 7, 28, and 90 days is investigated.

Results:

The concrete mixes with 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, and 10% replacements of cement by nano recycled glass powder show improvements in compressive and flexural strengths of up to 12.77% and 7.66%, respectively, at 28 days. Meanwhile, mixes with the addition of 5% nano glass powder show best improvements in compressive and flexural strengths of up to 11.49% and 7.46%, respectively.
A Novel Analog Circuit Fault Diagnosis Approach
Authors: Zhang Chaolong , Ye Lingling , Wu Jing , Zhang Bo , Yao Ningguang , Wang Yuanzhi
Published: July 2021

Background:

Correct classifying of analog circuit faults is helpful in the health management
of the circuit. It is difficult to be implemented because of the lack of proper feature extraction
methods and accurate fault diagnosis models.

Objective:

T-SNE based core components extraction method and PSO-ELM-based fault diagnosis
model are presented to improve the diagnostic accuracy of analog circuit fault diagnosis.

Methods:

Firstly, circuit output signals are collected, and they are transformed to wavelet coefficients.
Then, the high-dimensional wavelet coefficients are processed by t-SNE to generate lowdimensional
core components as features. The Extreme Learning Machine (ELM) based diagnosing
model is constructed by using the features, and the key parameters of ELM are optimized by using
Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm. Finally, the constructed PSO-ELM diagnosis model
is employed to identify different analog circuit faults.

Results:

Leapfrog filter circuit and three-phase bridge circuit fault diagnosis experiments are implemented
to demonstrate the proposed t-SNE based features extraction method and PSO-ELM
based fault diagnosis model. Also, comparisons are performed to verify the high performance of
proposed fault diagnosis methods.

Conclusion:

The proposed t-SNE based core components extraction method and PSO-ELM diagnosis model are effective to improve the fault diagnosis accuracy of the analog circuit.
Social correlates of variation in urinary oxytocin concentrations of mantled howler monkeys Alouatta palliata (Gray, 1849) (Primates: Atelidae): A preliminary assessment
Authors: Moreno-Espinoza Diana , Dias Pedro Américo D. , Coyohua-Fuentes Alejandro , Canales-Espinosa Domingo , Rangel-Negrín Ariadna
Published: July 2021

There is growing evidence that non-human primate sociality is linked to proximate neuroendocrine mechanisms. Arginine vasopressin, endorphins, and oxytocin may be involved in such mechanisms. Here, we perform a preliminary analysis of the social correlates of variation in urinary oxytocin concentrations in mantled howler monkeys (Alouatta palliata). From January to December 2017, we studied 13 adult mantled howler monkeys belonging to two groups. We recorded the occurrence of social interactions (547.5 observation hours); assessed proximity among group members (2,194 instantaneous recordings); and collected 172 urine samples. Urine samples were assayed (ELISA) for oxytocin concentrations, which were corrected for specific gravity, resulting in 54 analyzed samples. Hormone concentrations increased by approximately 62% when individuals were involved in affiliative interactions. With respect to when no affiliative interactions occurred, urinary oxytocin concentrations were higher when dyads with a low-quality social relationship affiliated. These results agree with previous contentions that this hormone is linked to participation in affiliative interactions. Convergence between these and results from other taxa supports the hypothesis that the biological mechanisms that allow for primate sociality are shared among species.
Quantifying Online News Media Coverage of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Text Mining Study and Resource
Authors: Krawczyk Konrad , Chelkowski Tadeusz , Laydon Daniel J , Mishra Swapnil , Xifara Denise , Gibert Benjamin , Flaxman Seth , Mellan Thomas , Schwämmle Veit , Röttger Richard , Hadsund Johannes T , Bhatt Samir
Published: July 2021

Background

Before the advent of an effective vaccine, nonpharmaceutical interventions, such as mask-wearing, social distancing, and lockdowns, have been the primary measures to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Such measures are highly effective when there is high population-wide adherence, which requires information on current risks posed by the pandemic alongside a clear exposition of the rules and guidelines in place.

Objective

Here we analyzed online news media coverage of COVID-19. We quantified the total volume of COVID-19 articles, their sentiment polarization, and leading subtopics to act as a reference to inform future communication strategies.

Methods

We collected 26 million news articles from the front pages of 172 major online news sources in 11 countries (available online at SciRide). Using topic detection, we identified COVID-19–related content to quantify the proportion of total coverage the pandemic received in 2020. The sentiment analysis tool Vader was employed to stratify the emotional polarity of COVID-19 reporting. Further topic detection and sentiment analysis was performed on COVID-19 coverage to reveal the leading themes in pandemic reporting and their respective emotional polarizations.

Results

We found that COVID-19 coverage accounted for approximately 25.3% of all front-page online news articles between January and October 2020. Sentiment analysis of English-language sources revealed that overall COVID-19 coverage was not exclusively negatively polarized, suggesting wide heterogeneous reporting of the pandemic. Within this heterogenous coverage, 16% of COVID-19 news articles (or 4% of all English-language articles) can be classified as highly negatively polarized, citing issues such as death, fear, or crisis.

Conclusions

The goal of COVID-19 public health communication is to increase understanding of distancing rules and to maximize the impact of governmental policy. The extent to which the quantity and quality of information from different communication channels (eg, social media, government pages, and news) influence public understanding of public health measures remains to be established. Here we conclude that a quarter of all reporting in 2020 covered COVID-19, which is indicative of information overload. In this capacity, our data and analysis form a quantitative basis for informing health communication strategies along traditional news media channels to minimize the risks of COVID-19 while vaccination is rolled out.
Using Telehealth to Deliver Primary Care to Adolescents During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic: National Survey Study of US Primary Care Professionals
Authors: Gilkey Melissa B , Kong Wei Yi , Huang Qian , Grabert Brigid K , Thompson Peyton , Brewer Noel T
Published: July 2021

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to unprecedented use of telehealth, including by primary care professionals (PCPs) who serve adolescents.

Objective

To inform future practice and policies, we sought to characterize PCPs’ recent experience using adolescent telehealth as well as their support for it after the COVID-19 pandemic is over.

Methods

From February to March 2021, we conducted a web-based survey of 1047 PCPs in the United States. Our national sample included physicians (747/1047, 71%), advanced practice providers (177/1047, 17%), and nurses (123/1047, 12%) who provided primary care to adolescents aged 11-17 years.

Results

Most PCPs reported using telehealth for a low, moderate, or high proportion of their adolescent patients in the three months prior to the survey (424/1047, 40%, 286/1047, 27%, and 219/1047, 21%, respectively); only 11% (118/1047) reported no use. A majority of respondents agreed that adolescent telehealth increases access to care (720/1047, 69%) and enables them to provide high-quality care (560/1047, 53%). Few believed that adolescent telehealth takes too much time (142/1047, 14%) or encourages health care overuse (157/1047, 15%). Most supported giving families the option of adolescent telehealth for primary care after the pandemic is over (683/1047, 65%) and believed that health insurance plans should continue to reimburse for telehealth visits (863/1047, 82%). Approximately two-thirds (702/1047, 67%) wanted to offer adolescent telehealth visits after the pandemic, with intentions being higher among those with recent telehealth experience (P<.001).

Conclusions

PCPs in our national sample reported widespread use of and predominantly positive attitudes toward adolescent telehealth. Our findings also suggest broad support among PCPs for continuing to offer adolescent telehealth after the COVID-19 pandemic ends.
The Influence of Inhomogeneous Input Data from Different Waves on Predictive Model Development for COVID-19 ICU Patients (Preprint)
Authors: Fritsch Sebastian Johannes , Sharafutdinov Konstantin , Einollahzadeh Samadi Moein , Marx Gernot , Schuppert Andreas , Bickenbach Johannes
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND

During the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, a variety of machine learning models were developed to predict different aspects of the disease, such as long-term causes, organ dysfunction or ICU mortality. The number of training datasets used has increased significantly over time. However, these data now come from different waves of the pandemic, not always addressing the same therapeutic approaches over time as well as changing outcomes between two waves. The impact of these changes on model development has not yet been studied.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the investigation was to examine the predictive performance of several models trained with data from one wave predicting the second wave´s data and the impact of a pooling of these data sets. Finally, a method for comparison of different datasets for heterogeneity is introduced.

METHODS

We used two datasets from wave one and two to develop several predictive models for mortality of the patients. Four classification algorithms were used: logistic regression (LR), support vector machine (SVM), random forest classifier (RF) and AdaBoost classifier (ADA). We also performed a mutual prediction on the data of that wave which was not used for training. Then, we compared the performance of models when a pooled dataset from two waves was used. The populations from the different waves were checked for heterogeneity using a convex hull analysis.

RESULTS

63 patients from wave one (03-06/2020) and 54 from wave two (08/2020-01/2021) were evaluated. For both waves separately, we found models reaching sufficient accuracies up to 0.79 AUROC (95%-CI 0.76-0.81) for SVM on the first wave and up 0.88 AUROC (95%-CI 0.86-0.89) for RF on the second wave. After the pooling of the data, the AUROC decreased relevantly. In the mutual prediction, models trained on second wave´s data showed, when applied on first wave´s data, a good prediction for non-survivors but an insufficient classification for survivors. The opposite situation (training: first wave, test: second wave) revealed the inverse behaviour with models correctly classifying survivors and incorrectly predicting non-survivors. The convex hull analysis for the first and second wave populations showed a more inhomogeneous distribution of underlying data when compared to randomly selected sets of patients of the same size.

CONCLUSIONS

Our work demonstrates that a larger dataset is not a universal solution to all machine learning problems in clinical settings. Rather, it shows that inhomogeneous data used to develop models can lead to serious problems. With the convex hull analysis, we offer a solution for this problem. The outcome of such an analysis can raise concerns if the pooling of different datasets would cause inhomogeneous patterns preventing a better predictive performance.
An Evaluation of Real-world Smart Sock–Based Temperature Monitoring Data as a Physiological Indicator of Early Diabetic Foot Injury: Case-Control Study (Preprint)
Authors: Reyzelman Alexander M , Shih Chia-Ding , Tovmassian Gregory , Nathan Mohan , Ma Ran , Scholten Henk Jan , Malhotra Kara , Armstrong David G
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND

Lower extremity complications of diabetes represent major health care complications both in terms of cost and impact to quality of life for patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Temperature monitoring has been shown in previous studies to provide a useful signal of inflammation that may indicate the early presence of a foot injury.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we evaluated the temperature data for patients that presented with a diabetic foot injury while using a sock-based remote temperature monitoring device.

METHODS

The study abstracted data from patients who were enrolled in a remote temperature monitoring program (2020-2021) using a smart sock (Siren Care). In the study cohort, a total of 5 participants with a diabetes-related lower extremity injury during the study period were identified. In the second comparison cohort, a total of 26 patients met the criteria for monitoring by the same methods but did not present with a diabetes-related podiatric lower extremity injury during the same period. The 15-day temperature differential between 6 defined locations on each foot was the primary outcome measure among subjects who presented with a diagnosed foot injury. Paired t tests were used to compare the differences between the two groups.

RESULTS

A significant difference in temperature differential (temperature measured in °F) was observed in the group that presented with a podiatric injury over the course of evaluation versus the comparator group that did not present with a podiatric injury. The average difference from all 6 measured points was 1.4 °F between the injury group (mean 3.6, SD 3.0) and the comparator group (mean 2.2, SD 2.5, t=–71.4, df=39; P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study suggest temperature monitoring in a sock form factor could be used to predict a developing foot injury. The continuous temperature monitoring system employed has implications for further algorithm development to enable early detection. The study was limited by a nonrandomized, observational design with limited injuries present in the study period. We look forward to further studies that will refine the predictive potential and confirm or refute the current promising data.
A Comprehensive Literature Search of Digital Health Technology Use in Neurological Conditions: Digital Tools to Promote Self-Management and Support (Preprint)
Authors: Spreadbury John Henry , Young Alex , Kipps Christopher
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND

The use of digital health technology to promote and deliver post-diagnostic care in neurological conditions is becoming increasingly common. However, the range of digital tools available across different neurological conditions and how they facilitate self-management is unclear.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to identify digital tools that promote self-management in neurological conditions, and to investigate their underlying functionality and salient clinical outcomes.

METHODS

We conducted a search of six databases (i.e. CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Review) using free text and equivalent database-controlled vocabulary terms.

RESULTS

We identified 27 published articles reporting 17 self-management digital tools. Multiple sclerosis had the highest number of digital tools followed by epilepsy, stroke, and headache and migraine with a similar number, and then pain. The majority were aimed at patients with a minority for carers. There were five broad categories of functionality promoting self-management: 1) Knowledge and understanding; 2) Behaviour modification; 3) Self-management support; 4) Facilitating communication; and 5) Recording condition characteristics. Salient clinical outcomes included improvements in self-management, self-efficacy, coping, depression, and fatigue.

CONCLUSIONS

There now exist numerous digital tools to support user self-management, yet relatively few are described in the literature. More research is needed to investigate their use, effectiveness and sustainability, and how this interacts with increasing disability, and their integration within formal neurological care environments.

CLINICALTRIAL

N/A
How We Understand Hilbert’s Thought of Infinity
Authors: Hong Zhang , Qiang Zhou Hong
Published: July 2021

We know that Hilbert’s thought of infinity has profoundly influenced and changed the mathematical development of the 20th century, and yet there is inherent contradiction in his thought of infinity itself, building his understanding of infinity on Kant’s intuition and the principle of finalism. This paper analyzes his thought of infinity based on Hegel’s view of dialectical infinity, and points out the incompleteness of his understanding of infinity.
METHODS FOR IMPROVING ALPHA-MANGOSTIN SOLUBILITY: A REVIEW
Authors: FAJERIYATI NURUL , MUCHTARIDI MUCHTARIDI , SOPYAN IYAN
Published: July 2021

Solubility is an important parameter to achieve for the bioavailability of a drug to reach the therapeutic windows. Garcinia mangostana Linn is a plant with great potency for the development of natural medicine. Alpha-mangostin is one of the secondary metabolites of G. mangostana and has been reported to have several pharmacological activities. The Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS) is a system that classifies drugs based on their solubility and permeability. Due to its low solubility but high permeation, alpha-mangostin is categorized into class II of the Biopharmaceutics Classification System. Therefore, the determination of dosage forms and modification of solubility enhancers is limited due to its physical properties, as mentioned above. This disadvantage requires new methods to improve its solubility to administer alpha-mangostin, especially for oral administration. Here, we discuss the development of the methods to increase alpha-mangostin solubility to be applied to formulate a dosage form to reach a useful plasma level for medication.
DESIGN, OPTIMIZATION AND EVALUATION OF ACECLOFENAC FAST DISSOLVING TABLETS EMPLOYING STARCH VALERATE–A NOVEL SUPERDISINTEGRANT
Authors: SANTOSH KUMAR R. , KANDUKURI SHAMBHAVI , RAMYA M. , LATHA B. KUSUMA
Published: July 2021

Objective: To synthesize, characterize and evaluate starch valerate as a superdisintegrant in the formulation of aceclofenac fast dissolving tablets by employing 23 factorial design.

Methods: Starch valerate was synthesized and its physical and micromeritic properties were performed to evaluate it. The fast dissolving tablet of aceclofenac was prepared by employing starch valerate as a superdisintegrant in different proportions in each case by direct compression method using 23 factorial design for evaluation of tablet parameters like disintegration and dissolution efficiency in 5 min.

Results: The starch valerate prepared was found to be fine, amorphous and free flowing. Starch valerate exhibited good swelling in water with swelling index (125.2%). The study of starch valerate was shown by fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR). The drug content (200±5%), hardness (3.5–4 kg/sq. cm), and friability (<0.15%) has been effective with regard to all the formulated fast dissolving tablets employing starch valerate. The disintegration time of all the formulated tablets was found to be in the range of 14±0.04 to 25.7±0.02 sec. The optimized formulation F4 had the least disintegration time i.e., 12.8±0.02 sec. The wetting time of the tablets was found to be in the range of 76±0.21 to 217±0.17s. The In vitro wetting time was less (i.e., 28±0.02s) in optimized formulation F4. The water absorption ratio of the formulated tablets was found to be in the range of 46±0.12 to 100±0.27%. The percent drug dissolved in the optimized formulation F8 was found to be 99.93% in 5 min.

Conclusion: Starch valerate, when combined with sodium starch glycolate, croscarmellose sodium, with aceclofenac, was found to be an effective super disintegrant which improved the dissolution efficiency and could therefore be used in the formulation of quick dissolving tablets to provide immediate release of the contained drug within 5 min.
THE EFFECT OF BANGGAI YAM (DIOSCOREA ALATA L.) MODIFICATION ON FILM CHARACTERISTICS AS A FILM COATING MATERIAL FOR MODIFIED RELEASE DOSAGE FORMS
Authors: YUSRIADI  , SULASTRI EVI , ATHIYAH  , AANISAH NUUR
Published: July 2021

Objective: This study aims to determine the effect of modification of Banggai yam (Dioscorea alata L.) as a coating agent in modified release drug based on the film characteristics.

Methods: Banggai yam starch was physically modified to produce pregelatinized Banggai yam starch (PGBYS) powder as well as chemically to produce pregelatinized Banggai yam starch phthalate (PGBYSP). Powder obtained was each physically and chemically characterized including organoleptics, morphology, tapped density, water content content and degree of substitution. Furthermore, the formulation was made to produce film-coated drug with the same coating agent concentration in 2 formulas: F1 (PGBYSP 6 %) and F2 (PGBYS 6 %).

Results: The results were then evaluated including organoleptics, film thickness, morphology, mechanical strength, and film solubility. Results of evaluation showed that film thickness values for both formulas, ​​F1 and F2 respectively, were 0.13±0.020 mm and 0.18±0.005 mm. Mechanical strength included tensile strength consecutively at values of F1= 0.08±0.005 MPa and F2= 0.27±0.05 MPa; % elongation of F1= 114.16±11.8 % and F2= 164.06±57.94%; Young's modulus of F1= 7.3×104±9.8×10-5 MPa and F2= 1.8×103±7.9×10-4 MPa. The solubility of the film-coating in HCl pH 1.2 medium for F1 was 7.9±1.92% and F2 was 25.8±2.42%. In pH 6.8 medium, F1 was 8.6±2.27% and F2 was 11.6±1.44%, while in pH 7.4 medium, F1 was 19.1±5.46% and F2 was 13.1±1.78%. Both film-coated formulas were soluble in alkaline medium, but F2 could not maintain its conditions in acid medium. This proves that the chemical modification product by esterification to form a film can withstand acidic medium.

Conclusion: Therefore, PGBYSP has potential to be used as a coating agent in controlled release drug.
A NOVEL NANOGEL FORMULATION OF FINASTERIDE FOR TOPICAL TREATMENT OF ANDROGENETIC ALOPECIA: DESIGN, CHARACTERIZATION AND IN VITRO EVALUATION
Authors: SANGANABHATLA DIVYA , SUNDER R. SHYAM
Published: July 2021

Objective: The present paper describes the development and evaluation of a Novel Finasteride (FSD) nanogel topical delivery for the treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia. Nano-based topical formulation was chosen to enhance the solubility, permeability, biocompatibility of drug and to overcome the problems associated with the oral delivery of finasteride.

Methods: Various trails batches were prepared by using probe sonication method. Based on stability studies and particle size, NP4 trail was optimized which exhibited a spherical shape with a mean diameter of 113.80±0.72, the polydispersity of 0.28±0.01, zeta potential of-25.2 mV, drug entrapment efficiency of 92.67±0.47 %, and drug loading of 6.15±0.02 %. Storage stability studies demonstrated that the particle size and entrapment efficiency were not changed during 3 mo both at 4 °C and room temperature. Finasteride (FSD) NLCs were characterized for particle size by scanning electron microscope (SEM), chemical state by X-Ray diffraction (XRD), physical stability by centrifugation and thermodynamic stability by Freeze-thaw method. These prepared nanoparticles were transformed into topical nanogel and further evaluated.

Results: Among the different trails, C2 trail of NLC gel has shown excellent gelling capacity, clear appearance, good viscosity characteristics and was selected for further evaluation studies. Batches of topical nanogel were characterized through pH, homogeneity, spreadability, viscosity, drug content and in vitro drug release study. Based on pH (6.5-6.8), drug content (91.25±0.9%), spreadability (6.7 cm/sec), C2 batch was subjected to In vitro skin occlusivity study, in-vitro release study and In vitro heamolysis study.

Conclusion: The percent cumulative drug release for Finasteride (FSD) gel was found to be 758.52±1.49 µg at 24 h which is quite higher than plain gel and Finasteride (FSD) gel showed maximum occlusiveness and excellent spreadability and found to be stable. In conclusion, prepared Finasteride (FSD) Nanogel could be used with promising potential for the treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia.
PRELIMINARY STUDY ON THE IMPACT OF POLYMER-LIPID TYPES AND RATIO TO POLYMERIC-LIPID HYBRID NANOPARTICLE
Authors: PUSPITA OKTAVIA EKA , WIDODO FERRI , PUTRI MONICA ANDIKA , ROSSARIZA ISWA , FADHILLA AVIOLA , SARI NI PUTU JUNITA
Published: July 2021

Objective: This study aims to determine the best lipid to polymer ratios in polymeric-lipid nanoparticles using various types and ratios of polymers and lipids.

Method: Polymeric-lipid nanoparticle was prepared using the modified one-step nanoprecipitation method. This study used chitosan and Na alginate as polymers and lecithin and egg phosphatidylcholine as lipids. The lipid was crossed-combined with polymer in various ratios, i. e 12.5%, 25.0%, and 37.5%. On its preparation, Cinnamomum burmanii extract was loaded into the resulted polymeric-lipid nanoparticle as an active substance model. The results were assessed its particle surface characteristics including particle size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential.

Results: Twelve formulas resulted from crossed-combination between the lipid and polymer were used in this study. Polymeric-lipid nanoparticles resulted from the combination of egg phosphatidylcholine/Na alginate has particle size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential of 380.07±3.52 nm, 0.66±002, and-30.6±1.15 mV, respectively.

Conclusions: The best lipid to polymer ratio and type was observed in egg phosphatidylcholine: Na alginate. The particle surface characteristics were better compared to other combinations.
Editorial
Authors: Waxman Rebecca , McQuater Abigail
Published: July 2021

Editorial for issue 1.
‘Where Did That Voice Come From?’
Authors: Morton Melissa
Published: July 2021

For the last two decades, the viewers of televised talent competitions have witnessed an intriguing phenomenon—singers with voices that fail to ‘match’ their bodies. With a particular focus on female child singers, this article explores the phenomenon of the ‘mismatched girl’. Combining theories from voice studies and musicology, the article examines the depiction of the relationship between voice and body within the talent competitions. Ultimately, mismatched girls prompt journalists, fans, and musicians alike to consider fundamental questions concerning the human voice—where do voices come from and what do they mean?
The Cosmic & The Corporeal
Authors: Macaulay Cameron
Published: July 2021

Under the Skin is a film deeply preoccupied with the human experience. Our protagonist is ‘Laura,’ an alien in disguise who stalks Glasgow in search of male prey. We are entirely situated with her throughout — seeing the streets through her eyes, sitting with her in the van during each hunt. Our proximity to her complicates the ontological question beyond a blunt dichotomy of Laura and the human subjects. Rather, it’s a dynamic continuum whereby Laura might glean empathy while ordinary people are estranged. The article argues that audiovision is the primary channel through which entanglements between the cosmic and the corporeal are explored in the film. Through director Jonathan Glazer and composer Mica Levy’s maintaining of the ‘alien lens’ (as well as an alien audition) the subject of humanity is ravelled.
Digitalization of Mental Health Solution
Authors: . Kartikey
Published: July 2021

Research is based on the current market of mental health apps in the market and will there be a recession or boom in their use. Comparing famous mental health apps available and research about their common features and what features an app should have to get more downloads in the mental health domain. Discussion about mental health policies of India. Research on the mentality of Indians and Americans on mental illness and how both mindsets differ from each other.
Design and Analysis of MIMO Dual Band Patch Antenna for 5G New Radio Applications in Mobile Terminals
Authors: Dhandade Swati
Published: July 2021

This paper presents a dual-band MIMO antenna design with compact size for 5G communication under 6 GHz band frequency. The metallic monopole stub structure is used to miniaturization of antenna. The L-shape monopole antenna is modified by adding semi-circular element in radiating structure of monopole to obtain dual-band resonance. The High isolation is achieved by employing T-shaped stub in ground plane.It has compact size is 45 mm × 25 mm × 1.6 mm3. The proposed Dual Band MIMO antenna has been design on FR4 material with ɛr = 4.4 with 1.6 thickness. The proposed antenna has 5G application in the bands of 2.5 GHz (2.34 GHz-2.62 GHz) and 3.5 GHz (3.20 GHz-5.20 GHz). The bandwidth of antenna getting 320MHz and 2500MHz at 2.5GHz and 3.5GHz respectively. The Isolation (S21) of proposed antenna is -31.2 dB at 2.5 GHz and -19.5 dB at 3.5 GHz. VSWR is less than 1.06 for both the bands. The designed dual band MIMO antenna covers 5G bands of 2.3-2.4GHz (n30/n40), 2.4-2.5GHz (n7/n38/n41/n90), and 3.2-5.2GHz (n77/n78/n80). The experimental and simulated results observed good matching except some slight variation. This proposed dual band MIMO antenna is suitable for 5G mobile Communications.
Simulation and Detection of Small Drones/Suspicious UAVs in Drone Grid
Authors: Gupta Arpit
Published: July 2021

Today’s technology is evolving towards autonomous systems and the demand in autonomous drones, cars, robots, etc. has increased drastically in the past years. This project presents a solution for autonomous real-time visual detection and tracking of hostile drones by moving cameras equipped on surveillance drones. The algorithm developed in this project, based on state-of-art machine learning and computer vision methods, succeeds at autonomously detecting and tracking a single drone by moving a camera and can run at real-time. The project can be divided into two main parts: the detection and the tracking. The detection is based on the YOLOv3 (You Only Look Once v3) algorithm and a sliding window method. The tracking is based on the GOTURN (Generic Object Tracking Using Regression Networks) algorithm, which allows the tracking of generic objects at high speed. In order to allow autonomous tracking and enhance the accuracy, a combination of GOTURN and tracking by detection using YOLOv3 was developed.