bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Glaucoma Medication on Dry Eye Syndrome and Quality of Life in Patients with Glaucoma
Authors: Maeng Kyung Joo , Lee Kwanghyun , Kim Sangah , Park Chan Keum , Kim Eun Woo , Lee Sang Yeop , Bae Hyoung Won , Seong Gong Je , Kim Chan Yun
Published: October 2021

Purpose: To investigate ocular surface diseases and changes in the quality of life of patients using glaucoma medications.Methods: Participants were divided into the normal (31 individuals, 62 eyes) and glaucoma medication (30 patients, 60 eyes) groups. Changes in tear break-up time, lipid layer thickness (LLT), corneal and conjunctival staining scores, ocular surface disease index (OSDI), and Visual Function Questionnaire 25 (VFQ-25) score were assessed for 1 year.Results: The change in mean LLT was lower in glaucomatous eyes than in control eyes (p = 0.019) after 1 year. The results of OSDI deteriorated (p’ = 0.008), but conjunctival staining and Schirmer test results showed improvement in glaucomatous eyes compared to those in control eyes (p’ =0.035 and 0.009, respectively). The average LLT decreased at 6 and 12 months, but there was no change at 24 months. In pairwise analysis, the decrease in LLT over the first 6 months was statistically significant (p < 0.001) and remained unchanged until 24 months. Among the VFQ items, scores for near activity and social function deteriorated over 1 year in the medication group (p’ = 0.033 and 0.015, respectively). However, there was no difference in the total VFQ score.Conclusions: Significant reduction in LLT and deterioration of OSDI were observed in the medication group compared to the control group. However, this deterioration was observed only in the first 6 months. There was no significant difference in the VFQ total score. Nonetheless, there were significant differences in near activity and social function between the control and medication groups. Therefore, the results of this study showed that although glaucoma medication worsened eye dryness, the change was limited and did not worsen the quality of life. Glaucoma medication should be used with the consideration that they can limit near activity and social functioning.
Assessing Sustainability Impact of Autonomous Haul System in Indonesian Open Pit Coal Mining Company
Authors: Wasfadhita Yonta , Baskoro Gembong , Budiarto Eka , Hendriana Dena , Nasution Henry
Published: October 2021

Autonomous Haul System (AHS) has been widely developed in the world since 2007. The main objective of AHS is to eliminate human factors, so that AHS productivity is much higher compared to manned dump trucks. The use of AHS in Indonesia will impact the sustainability index of open pit coal mines. Implementation AHS will affect with slightly higher sustainability index than manned haul trucks, AHS sustainability index is 78,712 and manned haul truck is 74,966. However, there are two sustainability dimensions when using AHS will go decrease, those dimensions are the social and economic dimensions, and AHS will be increasing sustainability index for Ecology, Legal dan Infrastructure Technology.
“YOU SHOULD HAVE VISITED BORYSLAV THIRTY YEARS AGO…”: ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF IVAN FRANKO’S STORY “POLUIKA”
Authors: Dron Kateryna
Published: October 2021

The paper analyzes the poetics of Ivan Franko’s story “Poluika” — the work that was included in the second thematic collection on the oil industry of Boryslav named “‘Poluika’ and other stories about Boryslav” (Lviv, 1899). The researcher focuses on the modern, in particular impressionistic, principles of displaying the working and industrial environment. The narration is performed through the life story of an old oilman who, being at the end of his life, recalls a custom of ‘poluika’, which existed among Boryslav oilmen thirty years ago. The new elements of “Poluika” poetics help in the deeper revealing of the inner world of a character, his values, and psychology. The story shows a number of new changes at the level of formal features of poetics. It presents still unknown aspects of Boryslav life and reflects the eloquent features of the modernistic type of I. Franko’s creative work. The story is based on retrospection of the events that happened thirty years ago, and this approach also makes its plot and composition peculiar. The origin, primary meaning, and expressive content of the word “poluika”, used as a title, have been clarified.

The industrial landscape wasn’t new in contemporary literature but the writer tended to use it in an innovative way. The workers presented by Franko gain such new features as social, moral, and professional maturity. The researcher also pays attention to the peculiarities of applying the first-person form of narration tested by Ivan Franko in his works from 1870―1880. In general, “Poluika” has the genre features of a story but the structure of the work also reveals evident elements of a short story. Thus, the genre of “Poluika” is defined as a short story of social psychological content.
Spiel-Beobachtungsbogen
Authors: Biene-Deißler Elke , Schroer Barbara
Published: October 2021

Der Spiel-Beobachtungsbogen ist ein förderdiagnostischer Beitrag zur Durchführung der heilpädagogischen Übungsbehandlung. Zu Beginn der HPÜ dient die Spiel-Beobachtung dazu, eine differenzierte und qualitative diagnostische Einschätzung des Kindes zu formulieren (Beschreibung des Entwicklungsstands). Diese ermöglicht es, einen verstehenden Zugang zum Kind zu finden, ein verantwortungsvolles, zielorientiertes Handeln abzuleiten und die notwendige heilpädagogische Hilfe zu begründen. Im Prozess der HPÜ ist die Spiel-Beobachtung ein durchgängig relevantes Element, um in den einzelnen Spiel-Szenen angemessen pädagogisch-therapeutisch intervenieren zu können, die jeweiligen Spiel-Stunden zu reflektieren, die Lernziele zu kontrollieren, die Vorgehensweise zu modellieren und um die Entwicklungsfortschritte im Prozess zu überprüfen, zu dokumentieren und zu evaluieren. Zum Ende der Begleitung ermöglicht eine Dokumentation der Spiel-Beobachtung im Verlauf eine Auswertung der heilpädagogischen Entwicklungsförderung und Begleitung. Ein differenziertes Wissen über die Spielentwicklung und ihre Formen bildet die Grundlage der Spiel-Beobachtung und die Basis für eine Entwicklungsförderung und Begleitung, in der das Spiel als ein zentrales Medium eingesetzt wird.
STUDY OF THE DEPTH STRUCTURE OF SEISMICALLY ACTIVE ZONES BY THE METHOD OF MAGNETOTELLURIC SOUNDING
Authors: Bataleva Elena A.
Published: October 2021

The paper presents the results of the analysis of data from magnetotelluric soundings performed in 2003-2020. A comparison of geoelectric models for the Chui and Kochkor basins of the Northern Tien Shan is shown. The main objective of the study is to identify patterns in the distribution of geoelectric inhomogeneities in the deep structure of the Bishkek geodynamic test site. Particular attention in geoelectric models was paid to the study of key objects of transition zones from mountain ranges to intermontane basins. The nature of crustal electrical conductivity anomalies is considered.
CREATING A MAP OF ACCESSIBILITY OF URBAN AREA FOR PEOPLE WITH LIMITED MOBILITY
Authors: Tsilinchenko Anastassia A. , Poshivaylo Yaroslava G.
Published: October 2021

The article is devoted to the issues of mapping the accessibility of the urban area for the purpose of informing citizens about the most convenient routes of movement. The authors propose approaches to mapping accessibility in the environment of geographic information systems. A test geoinformation model of a part of urban area was created and an optimal route for people with visual impairments and for people moving in wheelchairs was build.
METHODS OF ENGINEERING AND SURVEYING WORKS FOR CREATING A 3D MODEL OF ARCHITECTURAL OBJECTS
Authors: Ustavitch Georgy A. , Ivanov Andrey V. , Goril'ko Aleksandr S. , Astapov Andrej M.
Published: October 2021

Currently, geospatial 3D modeling is one of the modern ways to represent digital geodetic data on the size and shape of the objects under study. However, the publication of requirements and recommendations in methodological and regulatory documents describing the use of laser scanning in engineering-geodesy, as well as methods for analyzing the accuracy of the obtained measurements, today, significantly lags behind the market demand. In this regard, we propose an experimental technique that allows conducting field work using a robotic electronic total station Trimble SX10 with a laser scanning function and identify measurement errors, followed by an analysis of the influence of external and internal factors of deterioration in the quality of the data obtained, for example, facade surveying and creating a united 3D model of the Assumption Cathedral, located in Omsk.
GREEN PLANTS AS A METHOD OF NOISE PROTECTION IN URBANIZED AREAS
Authors: Lugovskaya Anna Yu. , Anopchenko Lyudmila Yu.
Published: October 2021

When assessing the ecological state of urbanized areas, there is a tendency to an increase in noise pollution. This process adversely affects human health. The main reason for this process in urbanized areas is the increase in the intensity of the traffic load. To solve this problem, various methods can be applied, ranging from technical means, the use of which is difficult to implement and costly, to planting green spaces, whose efficiency is high enough, and the costs of their creation are insignificant. The creation of green spaces helps to reduce noise levels in urbanized areas.
USE OF UNMANNED AERO PHOTOGRAPHY DATA IN MONITORING OF PINE GEOGRAPHIC CULTURES
Authors: Pristanskova Alexandra A. , Arbuzov Stanislav A. , Dubovik Dmitry S. , Tarakanov Vyacheslav V.
Published: October 2021

The study of geographical cultures makes it possible to identify the features of their population and geographical differences in certain environmental conditions. For this, it is necessary to monitor and track the condition of tree plantations. In this paper, we consider the possibilities of using unmanned aerial photography data in monitoring geographical crops of Scots pine, in particular, the possibility of assessing heights in conditions of strong thickening of stands. Various approaches to determining the heights of trees are compared. The obtained errors in determining heights by the proposed approach are comparable with traditional measurement methods and do not exceed the established standards for taxation.
SIGNIFICANCE OF SOIL FERTILITY INDICATORS FOR MONITORING
Authors: Larionov Yury S. , Zharnikov Valeriy B. , Baranova Evgeniya I. , Larionova Olga A. , Kovalivker Gennady N.
Published: October 2021

The need to search for integral indicators of soil fertility for monitoring based on the control of the synthesis of total biomass (the organic substance underlying the law of soil fertility) and crop productivity using modern information (primarily unmanned technologies) is justified in order to obtain detailed information on soil fertility occupied by crops. At the same time, it is important to develop methods for monitoring the balance of organic matter of the soil, reflecting its mineralization, humification and other types of its transformation.
Advances and Opportunities of CRISPR/Cas Technology in Bioengineering Non-conventional Yeasts
Authors: Shan Lu , Dai Zongjie , Wang Qinhong
Published: October 2021

Non-conventional yeasts have attracted a growing interest on account of their excellent characteristics. In recent years, the emerging of CRISPR/Cas technology has improved the efficiency and accuracy of genome editing. Utilizing the advantages of CRISPR/Cas in bioengineering of non-conventional yeasts, quite a few advancements have been made. Due to the diversity in their genetic background, the ways for building a functional CRISPR/Cas system of various species non-conventional yeasts were also species-specific. Herein, we have summarized the different strategies for optimizing CRISPR/Cas systems in different non-conventional yeasts and their biotechnological applications in the construction of cell factories. In addition, we have proposed some potential directions for broadening and improving the application of CRISPR/Cas technology in non-conventional yeasts.
Histopathological Images and Multi-Omics Integration Predict Molecular Characteristics and Survival in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Chen Linyan , Zeng Hao , Xiang Yu , Huang Yeqian , Luo Yuling , Ma Xuelei
Published: October 2021

Histopathological images and omics profiles play important roles in prognosis of cancer patients. Here, we extracted quantitative features from histopathological images to predict molecular characteristics and prognosis, and integrated image features with mutations, transcriptomics, and proteomics data for prognosis prediction in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Patients obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were divided into training set (n = 235) and test set (n = 235). We developed machine learning models in training set and estimated their predictive performance in test set. In test set, the machine learning models could predict genetic aberrations: ALK (AUC = 0.879), BRAF (AUC = 0.847), EGFR (AUC = 0.855), ROS1 (AUC = 0.848), and transcriptional subtypes: proximal-inflammatory (AUC = 0.897), proximal-proliferative (AUC = 0.861), and terminal respiratory unit (AUC = 0.894) from histopathological images. Moreover, we obtained tissue microarrays from 316 LUAD patients, including four external validation sets. The prognostic model using image features was predictive of overall survival in test and four validation sets, with 5-year AUCs from 0.717 to 0.825. High-risk and low-risk groups stratified by the model showed different survival in test set (HR = 4.94, p < 0.0001) and three validation sets (HR = 1.64–2.20, p < 0.05). The combination of image features and single omics had greater prognostic power in test set, such as histopathology + transcriptomics model (5-year AUC = 0.840; HR = 7.34, p < 0.0001). Finally, the model integrating image features with multi-omics achieved the best performance (5-year AUC = 0.908; HR = 19.98, p < 0.0001). Our results indicated that the machine learning models based on histopathological image features could predict genetic aberrations, transcriptional subtypes, and survival outcomes of LUAD patients. The integration of histopathological images and multi-omics may provide better survival prediction for LUAD.
Barriers, Enablers and Strategies for the Treatment and Control of Hypertension in Nepal: A Systematic Review
Authors: Dhungana Raja Ram , Pedisic Zeljko , Pandey Achyut Raj , Shrestha Nipun , de Courten Maximilian
Published: October 2021

Background: Understanding country-specific factors influencing hypertension care is critical to address the gaps in the management of hypertension. However, no systematic investigation of factors influencing hypertension treatment and control in Nepal is available. This study aimed to systematically review the published literature and synthesise the findings on barriers, enablers, and strategies for hypertension treatment and control in Nepal.

Methods: Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, ProQuest and WorldCat, and Nepali journals and government websites were searched for qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods studies on factors or strategies related to hypertension treatment and control in Nepal. Information from qualitative studies was analysed using template analysis, while results from quantitative studies were narratively synthesised. Summary findings were framed under “health system”, “provider”, and “patient” domains. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42020145823).

Results: We identified 15 studies; ten related to barriers and enablers and five to strategies. The identified barriers associated with the health system were: lack of affordable services and lack of resources. The barriers at the provider's level were: communication gaps, inadequate counselling, long waiting hours for appointments, lack of national guidelines for hypertension treatment, and provider's unsupportive behaviours. Non-adherence to medication, irregular follow-up visits, lack of awareness on blood pressure target, poor help-seeking behaviours, reluctance to change behaviours, perceived side-effects of anti-hypertensive medication, self-medication, lack of family support, financial hardship, lack of awareness on blood pressure complications, and comorbidity were barriers identified at patient level. The following enablers were identified: free essential health care services, family support, positive illness perception, and drug reminders. Strategies implemented at the health system, provider and patient levels were: establishing digital health records at health centres, health worker's capacity development, and health education.

Conclusion: There is a range of barriers for hypertension treatment and control in Nepal pertaining to the health system, health providers, and patients. Comprehensive interventions are needed at all three levels to further improve management and control of hypertension in Nepal.
The Placebo-Controlled Effect of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention on Exercise Induced Changes in Anti-Malondialdehyde-LDL Antibody Levels in Stable Coronary Artery Disease: A Substudy of the ORBITA Trial
Authors: Hartley Adam , Shun-Shin Matthew , Caga-Anan Mikhail , Rajkumar Christopher , Nowbar Alexandra N. , Foley Michael , Francis Darrel P. , Haskard Dorian O. , Khamis Ramzi Y. , Al-Lamee Rasha K.
Published: October 2021

Aim: Malondialdehyde-modified low-density lipoprotein (MDA-LDL) forms a significant component of oxidised LDL. The effects of exercise on levels of MDA-LDL and anti-MDA-LDL antibodies are not well-understood. Furthermore, it is not known whether these can be modified in patients with coronary artery disease by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods: The Objective Randomised Blinded Investigation with optimal medical Therapy of Angioplasty in stable angina (ORBITA) trial was the first blinded, multi-centre randomised trial of PCI vs. placebo procedure for angina relief. Serum samples were available at four time-points: pre-randomisation pre- (P1) and post- (P2) exercise and post-randomisation (6-weeks following the PCI or placebo procedure), pre- (P3) and post- (P4) exercise. ELISAs were performed using laboratory-developed assays for MDA-LDL (adjusted for Apolipoprotein B) and anti-MDA-LDL antibodies.

Results: One hundred ninety-six of the 200 patients (age 66.1 [SD 8.99] years, 28% female) with severe single vessel coronary artery disease suitable for PCI enrolled in the ORBITA trial had blood available for analysis. With exercise at pre-randomisation (P2–P1) there was no significant change in adjusted MDA-LDL (−0.001, 95% CI −0.004 to 0.001; p = 0.287); however, IgG and IgM anti-MDA-LDL significantly declined (−0.022, 95% CI −0.029 to −0.014, p < 0.0001; −0.016, 95% CI −0.024 to −0.008, p = 0.0002, respectively). PCI did not have a significant impact on either the pre-exercise values (P3 controlling for P1) of MDA-LDL (p = 0.102), IgG (p = 0.444) or IgM anti-MDA-LDL (p = 0.909). Nor did PCI impact the exercise induced changes in these markers (P4 controlling for P1, P2, and P3) for MDA-LDL (p = 0.605), IgG (p = 0.725) or IgM anti-MDA-LDL (p = 0.171). Pre-randomisation ischaemia on stress echo did not impact these interactions.

Conclusions: Exercise results in an acute reduction in anti-oxLDL antibodies in patients with severe single vessel coronary disease, possibly indicating an induction in homoeostatic clearance via the innate immune system. However, PCI did not ameliorate this effect.
A Novel Method Based on Combination of Independent Component Analysis and Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition for Removing Electrooculogram Artifacts From Multichannel Electroencephalogram Signals
Authors: Teng Chao-Lin , Zhang Yi-Yang , Wang Wei , Luo Yuan-Yuan , Wang Gang , Xu Jin
Published: October 2021

Electrooculogram (EOG) is one of common artifacts in recorded electroencephalogram (EEG) signals. Many existing methods including independent component analysis (ICA) and wavelet transform were applied to eliminate EOG artifacts but ignored the possible impact of the nature of EEG signal. Therefore, the removal of EOG artifacts still faces a major challenge in EEG research. In this paper, the ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) and ICA algorithms were combined to propose a novel EEMD-based ICA method (EICA) for removing EOG artifacts from multichannel EEG signals. First, the ICA method was used to decompose original EEG signals into multiple independent components (ICs), and the EOG-related ICs were automatically identified through the kurtosis method. Then, by performing the EEMD algorithm on EOG-related ICs, the intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) linked to EOG were discriminated and eliminated. Finally, artifact-free IMFs were projected to obtain the ICs without EOG artifacts, and the clean EEG signals were ultimately reconstructed by the inversion of ICA. Both EOGs correction from simulated EEG signals and real EEG data were studied, which verified that the proposed method could achieve an improved performance in EOG artifacts rejection. By comparing with other existing approaches, the EICA obtained the optimal performance with the highest increase in signal-to-noise ratio and decrease in root mean square error and correlation coefficient after EOG artifacts removal, which demonstrated that the proposed method could more effectively eliminate blink artifacts from multichannel EEG signals with less error influence. This study provided a novel promising method to eliminate EOG artifacts with high performance, which is of great importance for EEG signals processing and analysis.
Irinotecan-Induced Steatohepatitis: Current Insights
Authors: Han Jun , Zhang Jing , Zhang Chengliang
Published: October 2021

The hepatotoxicity of irinotecan is drawing wide concern nowadays due to the widespread use of this chemotherapeutic against various solid tumors, particularly metastatic colorectal cancer. Irinotecan-induced hepatotoxicity mainly manifests as transaminase increase and steatosis with or without transaminase increase, and is accompanied by vacuolization, and lobular inflammation. Irinotecan-induced steatohepatitis (IIS) increases the risk of morbidity and mortality in patients with colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CRCLM). The major risks and predisposing factors for IIS include high body mass index (BMI) or obesity, diabetes, and high-fat diet. Mitochondrial dysfunction and autophagy impairment may be involved in the pathogenesis of IIS. However, there is currently no effective preventive or therapeutic treatment for this condition. Thus, the precise mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of IIS should be deciphered for the development of therapeutic drugs. This review summarizes the current knowledge and research progress on IIS.
Factors Associated With Hospital Readmission of Heart Failure Patients
Authors: Al-Tamimi Maitha Abdul-Aziz , Gillani Syed Wasif , Abd Alhakam Mohamed Elhassan , Sam Kishore Gnana
Published: October 2021

Background: Heart failure (HF) is a significant cause of mortality, morbidity and impaired quality of life and is the leading cause of readmissions and hospitalization. This study aims to identify the factors contributing to readmission in patients with HF.

Methods: A prospective-observational single-centre study was conducted in Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. A total of 146 patients with HF are included in the study. Patient’s demographics, patient medical characteristics, lab values, medications were collected for each patient, and the factors associated with readmission are identified. The primary outcome is to identify the factors contributing to readmission and reduce readmission rate. SPSS software for windows version 26 is used for data analysis.

Results: The number of patients with heart failure admitted to hospital is higher with males (73.3%) than females. 42.1% were readmitted and were not compliant, whereas patients who are not readmitted and were compliant shows a lower percentage. Noncompliance was the most significant factor associated with readmission (p = 0.02, OR = 3.6, 95%CI: 1.57 - 8.28). Other factors that are associated with readmission were low haemoglobin (p = 0.001, OR = 0.96, 95%CI: 0.94 - 0.98), and NYHA class of HF (p = 0.023, OR = 2.22, 95%CI: 1.12 - 4.43). In addition, there are other factors that are linked with the disease but were not associated with readmission in our findings such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, gender, systolic blood pressure on admission, and age. Majority of the readmitted patients were NYHA Class IV 32/57 (56.1%) against 20/89 (22.7%) in non-readmission group. Length of stay is (Median ± IQR, 6 ± 8.5).

Conclusion: The study has revealed that noncompliance, low haemoglobin and NYHA Class IV of HF were the main factors associated with readmission. Clinical pharmacist as a team member could help to improve adherence in order to reduce the rate of admission.
On the Species Delimitation of the Maddenia Group of Prunus (Rosaceae): Evidence From Plastome and Nuclear Sequences and Morphology
Authors: Su Na , Liu Bin-bin , Wang Jun-ru , Tong Ru-chang , Ren Chen , Chang Zhao-yang , Zhao Liang , Potter Daniel , Wen Jun
Published: October 2021

The recognition, identification, and differentiation of closely related plant species present significant and notorious challenges to taxonomists. TheMaddeniagroup ofPrunus, which comprises four to seven species, is an example of a group in which species delimitation and phylogenetic reconstruction have been difficult, due to the lack of clear morphological distinctions, limited sampling, and low informativeness of molecular evidence. Thus, the precise number of species in the group and the relationships among them remain unclear. Here, we used genome skimming to generate the DNA sequence data for 22 samples, including 17Maddeniaindividuals and five outgroups in Amygdaloideae of Rosaceae, from which we assembled the plastome and 446 single-copy nuclear (SCN) genes for each sample. The phylogenetic relationships of theMaddeniagroup were then reconstructed using both concatenated and coalescent-based methods. We also identified eight highly variable regions and detected simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and repeat sequences in theMaddeniaspecies plastomes. The phylogenetic analysis based on the complete plastomes strongly supported three main subclades in theMaddeniagroup ofPrunus, while five subclades were recognized based on the nuclear tree. The phylogenetic network analysis detected six hybridization events. Integrating the nuclear and morphological evidence, we proposed to recognize five species within theMaddeniagroup, i.e.,Prunus fujianensis, P. himalayana, P. gongshanensis, P. hypoleuca, andP. hypoxantha. Within this group, the first three species are well-supported, while the gene flow occurring throughout theMaddeniagroup seems to be especially frequent betweenP. hypoleucaandP. hypoxantha, eroding the barrier between them. The phylogenetic trees based on eight concatenated hypervariable regions had a similar topology with the complete plastomes, showing their potential as molecular markers and effective barcodes for further phylogeographic studies onMaddenia.
The COVID-19 Vaccination Hesitancy Among the People With Inflammatory Bowel Disease in China: A Questionnaire Study
Authors: Wu Xia , Lin Jue , Buch Heena , Ding Quchen , Zhang Faming , Cui Bota , Ji Guozhong
Published: October 2021

Objective: To explore the attitudes and views of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) on COVID-19 vaccination.

Methods: An online interview questionnaire concerning the acceptance or hesitancy toward vaccination for COVID-19 was designed and 543 patients with IBD in China were invited to complete the structured self-administered anonymous questionnaire.

Results: Of all the participants, 50.7% were indecisive about the vaccination and only 16.0% opted for it. Vaccination hesitancy was significantly associated with women and those without medical or biomedical backgrounds. The acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination was higher in participants with no history of immune-modifying therapies, especially in those without immunosuppressants. Participants who considered vaccination critically important to self-health or the health of others were more likely to choose immediately or later vaccination. Safety and potential adverse reactions, personal hypoimmunity, efficacy, and reliability of COVID-19 vaccines were the top three concerns of the participants that were independent of their willingness for vaccination.

Conclusions: This study discloses the presence of hesitancy for COVID-19 vaccination in patients with IBD. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of COVID-19 vaccines in IBD individuals, with a specific focus on the impact of immune-modifying therapies. Health education and recommendation from authoritative sources may facilitate COVID-19 vaccination efforts.
Identification of Scams in Initial Coin Offerings With Machine Learning
Authors: Karimov Bedil , Wójcik Piotr
Published: October 2021

Following the emergence of cryptocurrencies, the field of digital assets experienced a sudden explosion of interest among institutional investors. However, regarding ICOs, there were a lot of scams involving the disappearance of firms after they had collected significant amounts of funds. We study how well one can predict if an offering will turn out to be a scam, doing so based on the characteristics known ex-ante. We therefore examine which of these characteristics are the most important predictors of a scam, and how they influence the probability of a scam. We use detailed data with 160 features from about 300 ICOs that took place before March 2018 and succeeded in raising most of their required capital. Various machine learning algorithms are applied together with novel XAI tools in order to identify the most important predictors of an offering’s failure and understand the shape of relationships. It turns out that based on the features known ex-ante, one can predict a scam with an accuracy of about 65–70%, and that nonlinear machine learning models perform better than traditional logistic regression and its regularized extensions.
Towards an Integrated Case Method in Management Education—Developing an Ecosystem-Based Research and Learning Journey for Flipped Classrooms
Authors: Büchler Jan-Philipp , Brüggelambert Gregor , de Haan-Cao Haijing Helen , Sherlock Roger , Savanevičienė Asta
Published: October 2021

In the field of management science and business administration, the case method is gaining ground in research and in teaching. Case studies support on the one hand exploratory research and on the other hand problem-based teaching. However, we find that case research and case teaching remain unchained in management study programs and propose to close this gap. We identify an untapped potential of boosting the case method by integrating case-based research and teaching into a discovery and learning journey of applied science. We suggest embedding the “integrated case method” (ICM) in the ecosystem of universities, with the aim of enhancing and intensifying the knowledge transfer between business and the higher educational sector, thereby achieving better learning objectives in higher education. As a result, this approach enables the development of a high level of contextual intelligence and thus helps to avoid the fallacies of teaching based on uniform theoretical content.
Turbojet Thrust Augmentation through a Variable Exhaust Nozzle with Active Disturbance Rejection Control
Authors: Villarreal-Valderrama Francisco , Zambrano-Robledo Patricia , Hernandez-Alcantara Diana , Amezquita-Brooks Luis
Published: October 2021

Turbojets require variable exhaust nozzles to fit high-demanding applications; however, few reports on nozzle control are available. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the possible advantages of an exhaust gas control through a variable exhaust nozzle. The control design method combines successful linear active disturbance rejection control (LADRC) capabilities with a loop shaping controller (LSC) to: (i) allow designing the closed-loop characteristics in terms of gain margin, phase margin and bandwidth, and (ii) increase the LSC disturbance rejection capabilities with an extended state observer. A representation of the nozzle dynamics is obtained from first principles and adapted to achieve a stream-velocity-based control loop. The results show that the resulting controller allows improving the expansion of the exhaust gas to the ambient pressure for the whole operating range of the turbojet, increasing the estimated thrust by 14.23% during the tests with experimental data.
Effects of Different Wheat Tissues on the Population Parameters of the Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda)
Authors: Zhang Zhi , Batuxi  , Jiang Yanan , Li Xiangrui , Zhang Aihuan , Zhu Xun , Zhang Yunhui
Published: October 2021

The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, is an invasive migratory pest that prefers to feed on crops of the Gramineae family such as maize and wheat. It has been recorded in different locations in China since its invasion in 2019. To assess its effect on different wheat tissues and to provide a risk evaluation for wheat fields, FAW larvae were reared on the wheat seedling (WS), spike (SPK), peduncle (PDC), flag leaf blade (F-b), and blade of the first leaf under flag (F-1b). The population parameters were recorded, and the data were analyzed using the age-stage, two-sex life table method. The results showed that the FAW achieved successful development on all the substrates, although those fed on F-1b grew the slowest, had the smallest pupal weight, and deposited the fewest eggs. The larval survival rates of those fed on WS, SPK, and PDC were more than 80%, while for F-b and F-1b they were 56.58% and 32.03%, respectively. Feeding on leaf blades also resulted in lower fertility, reproductive capacity, life expectancy, net reproductive rate, intrinsic rate of increase, and finite rate of increase. These results indicated that feeding on WS, SPK, and PDC were more beneficial for development compared to F-b and F-1b alone. However, leaf blades alone can still support the full FAW lifecycle and thus could play an important role in nutrition, especially when quantities of the preferred host tissues are not sufficient. These results provide guidance for assessing the FAW risk in China.
The Quality Characteristic and Fatty Acid Profile of Cold-Pressed Hazelnut Oils during Nine Months of Storage
Authors: Król Katarzyna , Gantner Magdalena , Piotrowska Anna
Published: October 2021

Poland is one of the largest producers of hazelnuts in Europe; however, information regarding the storage of cold-pressed hazelnut oil is limited. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the oxidative indices and fatty acid composition of oils from six hazelnut cultivars during 9 months of storage. At the beginning of storage, the hazelnut oils showed zero or very low oxidation values, which indicated the absence of initial triglyceride hydrolysis and fatty acid oxidation. Acid values increased with storage time, which was statistically significant, ranging from 0.17 to 0.34 mg KOH/g oil. The peroxide value in the first 5 months of storage was undetectable, whereas after 9 months the oils showed a slight increase in oils obtained from the ‘Olbrzym z Halle’ cultivar, followed by the ‘Barcelonski’ cultivar, at 3.39 and 2.15 meq O2/kg, respectively. The lipid content of the kernels was very stable under storage conditions. Total monounsaturated fatty acid content exhibited the highest proportion, while saturated fatty acids (SFAs) had the lowest content over the entire storage period. The percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids showed a small decrease during storage, but was not statistically significant; therefore, polyunsaturated fatty acid remained stable. The percentage of monounsaturated fatty acids decreased by approx. 1.6%, thus the percentage of SFA increased by approx. 13.7% during 9 months of storage. The oil yield ranged from 69% for nuts from the ‘Nottinghsamski’ cultivar to 75% from the ‘Webba Cenny’ and ‘Barcelonski’ cultivars.
Concordance of the Histopathologic Diagnosis of Concurrent Duodenal and Ileal Biopsy Specimens in Dogs
Authors: Caulfield Sarah , Priestnall Simon L. , Kathrani Aarti
Published: October 2021

Histopathologic discordance between gastrointestinal (GI) locations in canine chronic inflammatory enteropathy (CIE) has prompted recommendations to biopsy both the duodenum and ileum, while further evaluation is required for non-CIE. We aimed to determine the concordance of histopathologic diagnosis between duodenal and ileal endoscopic or full-thickness biopsy specimens for all dogs with CIE and GI neoplasia and to assess the association between histopathologic discordance between GI locations with clinicopathologic variables. Seventy-nine dogs were eligible, with endoscopic (74) or full-thickness (5) biopsy specimens. Clinicopathological data were recorded for all dogs. Concordance of histopathologic diagnosis was retrospectively assessed for concurrent duodenal and ileal biopsy specimens by a single board-certified veterinary pathologist using the modified World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) Gastrointestinal Standardization Group guidelines. Sixty-seven dogs were diagnosed with CIE and 5 with enteric-associated T-cell lymphoma-2 (EATL-2). Concordance of histologic diagnosis between duodenal and ileal sites was similar between endoscopic (73.0%) and full-thickness (80.0%) biopsy groups. For the CIE cases, lymphoplasmacytic enteritis had the highest concordance (73.0%) and eosinophilic enteritis the least (16.7%). Of the 5 neoplastic cases, 5/5 (100%) were present at the duodenum but only 3/5 (60%) in the ileum. No clinicopathologic variables demonstrated a statistically significant association with discordance. We conclude that the level of discordance necessitates concurrent biopsy of both duodenum and ileum in all dogs with chronic GI signs. The rate of EATL-2 was lower than rates reported for cats.
Preharvest Management and Postharvest Intervention Strategies to Reduce Escherichia coli Contamination in Goat Meat: A Review
Authors: Kannan Govind , Mahapatra Ajit K. , Degala Hema L.
Published: October 2021

Goat meat is the main source of animal protein in developing countries, particularly in Asia and Africa. Goat meat consumption has also increased in the US in the recent years due to the growing ethnic population. The digestive tract of goat is a natural habitat for Escherichia coli organisms. While researchers have long focused on postharvest intervention strategies to control E. coli outbreaks, recent works have also included preharvest methodologies. In goats, these include minimizing animal stress, manipulating diet a few weeks prior to processing, feeding diets high in tannins, controlling feed deprivation times while preparing for processing, and spray washing goats prior to slaughter. Postharvest intervention methods studied in small ruminant meats have included spray washing using water, organic acids, ozonated water, and electrolyzed water, and the use of ultraviolet (UV) light, pulsed UV-light, sonication, low-voltage electricity, organic oils, and hurdle technologies. These intervention methods show a strong antimicrobial activity and are considered environmentally friendly. However, cost-effectiveness, ease of application, and possible negative effects on meat quality characteristics must be carefully considered before adopting any intervention strategy for a given meat processing operation. As discussed in this review paper, novel pre- and post-harvest intervention methods show significant potential for future applications in goat farms and processing plants.
Characterization of blaKPC-2-Carrying Plasmid pR31-KPC from a Pseudomonas aeruginosa Strain Isolated in China
Authors: Yuan Min , Guan Hongxia , Sha Dan , Cao Wenting , Song Xiaofeng , Che Jie , Kan Biao , Li Juan
Published: October 2021

This work aimed to characterize a 29-kb blaKPC-2-carrying plasmid, pR31-KPC, from a multidrug resistant strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from the sputum of an elderly patient with multiple chronic conditions in China. The backbone of pR31-KPC is closely related to four other blaKPC-2-carrying plasmids, YLH6_p3, p1011-KPC2, p14057A, and pP23-KPC, none of which have been assigned to any of the known incompatibility groups. Two accessory modules, the IS26-blaKPC-2-IS26 unit and IS26-ΔTn6376-IS26 region, separated by a 5.9-kb backbone region, were identified in pR31-KPC, which was also shown to carry the unique resistance marker blaKPC-2. A comparative study of the above five plasmids showed that p1011-KPC2 may be the most complete plasmid of this group to be reported, while pR31-KPC is the smallest plasmid having lost most of its conjugative region. Regions between the iterons and orf207 in the backbone may be hot spots for the acquisition of exogenous resistance entities. The accessory regions of these plasmids have all undergone several biological events when compared with Tn6296. The further transfer of blaKPC-2 in these plasmids may be initiated by either the Tn3 family or IS26-associated transposition or homologous recombination. The data presented here will contribute to a deeper understanding of blaKPC-2 carrying plasmids in Pseudomonas.
Can Immobilized Artificial Membrane Chromatography Support the Characterization of Antimicrobial Peptide Origin Derivatives?
Authors: Ciura Krzesimir , Ptaszyńska Natalia , Kapica Hanna , Pastewska Monika , Łęgowska Anna , Rolka Krzysztof , Kamysz Wojciech , Sawicki Wiesław , Greber Katarzyna E.
Published: October 2021

The emergence and spread of multiple drug-resistant bacteria strains caused the development of new antibiotics to be one of the most important challenges of medicinal chemistry. Despite many efforts, the commercial availability of peptide-based antimicrobials is still limited. The presented study aims to explain that immobilized artificial membrane chromatography can support the characterization of antimicrobial peptides. Consequently, the chromatographic experiments of three groups of related peptide substances: (i) short cationic lipopeptides, (ii) citropin analogs, and (iii) conjugates of ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin, with a cell-penetrating peptide were discussed. In light of the discussion of the mechanisms of action of these compounds, the obtained results were interpreted.
Biodynamic Lighting and Functional Disability; a Single-Case Experimental Design in Three Community Dwelling People with Dementia
Authors: Aarden-van Delft Noortje , Peeters Manon , Snaphaan Liselore
Published: October 2021

Functional disability in people with dementia is associated with placement in long-term care facilities, feelings of depression and caregiver burden. As there is currently no cure for dementia, more attention is needed for personalised support for people living with dementia at home. A promising non-pharmacological innovation for reducing problems in functional activities is biodynamic lighting. This type of artificial lighting resembles a normal daylight curve, including changes in light intensity and colour during the day. The aim of this pilot study with three participants is to explore the possible influence of biodynamic lighting on functional activities over time on people with dementia living at home. The study used an A-B-A-B withdrawal single-case experimental design. In the intervention phases, the participants were exposed to biodynamic lighting, while in the placebo phases, the participants were exposed to placebo light. Both light phases came from the same light system. Based on this study protocol, the quantitative effects of biodynamic light related with functional activity did not reach significance. However, the qualitative results of lighting seem promising with a stabilisation of functional activity experienced over time. Future research should examine the effects that light may have on functional activity more in-depth. This study offers recommendations for longitudinal research.
Research on Kinematics Analysis and Trajectory Planning of Novel EOD Manipulator
Authors: Zhao Jianwei , Han Tao , Ma Xiaofei , Ma Wen , Liu Chengxiang , Li Jinyu , Liu Yushuo
Published: October 2021

To address the problems of mismatch, poor flexibility and low accuracy of ordinary manipulators in the complex special deflagration work process, this paper proposes a new five-degree-of-freedom (5-DOF) folding deflagration manipulator. Firstly, the overall structure of the explosion-expulsion manipulator is introduced. The redundant degrees of freedom are formed by the parallel joint axes of the shoulder joint, elbow joint and wrist pitching joint, which increase the flexibility of the mechanism. Aiming at a complex system with multiple degrees of freedom and strong coupling of the manipulator, the virtual joint is introduced, the corresponding forward kinematics model is established by D–H method, and the inverse kinematics solution of the manipulator is derived by analytical method. In the MATLAB platform, the workspace of the manipulator is analyzed by Monte Carlo pseudo-random number method. The quintic polynomial interpolation method is used to simulate the deflagration task in joint space. Finally, the actual prototype experiment is carried out using the data obtained by simulation. The trajectory planning using the quintic polynomial interpolation method can ensure the smooth movement of the manipulator and high accuracy of operation. Furthermore, the trajectory is basically consistent with the simulation trajectory, which can realize the work requirements of putting the object into the explosion-proof tank. The new 5-DOF folding deflagration manipulator designed in this paper has stable motion and strong robustness, which can be used for deflagration during the COVID-19 epidemic.
Biological Diabrotica Management and Monitoring of Metarhizium Diversity in Austrian Maize Fields Following Mass Application of the Entomopathogen Metarhizium brunneum
Authors: Zottele Maria , Mayerhofer Johanna , Embleton Hannah , Wechselberger Katharina , Enkerli Jürg , Strasser Hermann
Published: October 2021

Inundative mass application of Metarhizium brunneum BIPESCO 5 (Hypocreales, Clavicipitaceae) is used for the biological control of Diabrotica v. virgifera (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae). Long-term field trials were performed in three Austrian maize fields—with different cultivation techniques and infestation rates—in order to evaluate the efficacy of the treatment to control the pest larvae. In addition, the indigenous Metarhizium spp. population structure was assessed to compare the different field sites with BIPESCO 5 mass application. Annual application of the product Granmet-PTM (Metarhizium colonized barley kernels) significantly increased the density of Metarhizium spp. in the treated soil above the upper natural background level of 1000 colony forming units per gram dry weight soil. Although a decrease in the pest population over time was not achieved in heavily infested areas, less damage occurred in treated field sites in comparison to control sites. The Metarhizium population structure was significantly different between the treated field sites. Results showed that inundative mass application should be repeated regularly to achieve good persistence of the biological control agent, and indicated that despite intensive applications, indigenous populations of Metarhizium spp. can coexist in these habitats. To date, crop rotation remains the method of choice for pest reduction in Europe, however continuous and preventive application of M. brunneum may also present an alternative for the successful biological control of Diabrotica.