bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Author-suggested reviewers rate manuscripts much more favorably: A cross-sectional analysis of the neuroscience section of PLOS ONE
Authors: Acuna Daniel E. , Teplitskiy Misha , Evans James A. , Kording Konrad
Published: December 2022

Peer review is an important part of science, aimed at providing expert and objective assessment of a manuscript. Because of many factors, including time constraints, unique expertise needs, and deference, many journals ask authors to suggest peer reviewers for their own manuscript. Previous researchers have found differing effects about this practice that might be inconclusive due to sample sizes. In this article, we analyze the association between author-suggested reviewers and review invitation, review scores, acceptance rates, and subjective review quality using a large dataset of close to 8K manuscripts from 46K authors and 21K reviewers from the journal PLOS ONE’s Neuroscience section. We found that all-author-suggested review panels increase the chances of acceptance by 20 percent points vs all-editor-suggested panels while agreeing to review less often. While PLOS ONE has since ended the practice of asking for suggested reviewers, many others still use them and perhaps should consider the results presented here.
The C4EB study—Transvamix (10% THC / 5% CBD) to treat chronic pain in epidermolysis bullosa: A protocol for an explorative randomized, placebo controlled, and double blind intervention crossover study
Authors: Schräder Nicholas H. B. , Duipmans José C. , Renken Remco J. , Sörös Peter , Vermeulen Karin M. , Bolling Maria C. , Wolff André P.
Published: December 2022

Patients with the genetic blistering skin condition epidermolysis bullosa (EB) report severe pain as a consequence of skin and mucous membrane lesions including blisters, wounds, and scars. Adequate symptom alleviation is not often achieved using conventional pharmacologic interventions. Finding novel approaches to pain care in EB is imperative to improve the quality of life of patients living with EB. There are several anecdotal reports on the use of cannabinoid-based medicines (CBMs) by EB patients to reduce the burden of symptoms. However, controlled clinical investigations assessing these reported effects are lacking. As the pain quality “unpleasantness” delineates EB pain, we hypothesize the modulation of affective pain processing in the brain by way of intervention with CBMs comprising the cannabinoids Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol—objectified by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The C4EB study is an investigator-initiated, single-centre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled and crossover trial. Adult patients with the diagnosis epidermolysis bullosa, reporting chronic pain will be eligible to participate. Following baseline measurements, participants will be randomized to receive the sublingually administered interventions placebo and Transvamix® in forward or reversed orders, each for two weeks and separated by a washout. The primary outcome is the difference in numeric rating scale pain scores between grouped interventions, using affective descriptors within the Short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire-2. Secondary outcomes include pain self-efficacy, concomitant analgesic medication-use and adverse events. Additionally, fMRI will be employed to assess brain connectivity related to neuroanatomic pain circuits at baseline, placebo and Transvamix® interventions. The study was approved by the ethical committee at the University Medical Center of Groningen in the Netherlands. Results will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

Trial registration number: Netherlands Trial Register: NL9347 (Acronym: C4EB).
Phenotypic screening of 1,953 FDA-approved drugs reveals 26 hits with potential for repurposing for Peyronie’s disease
Authors: Ilg Marcus M. , Lapthorn Alice R. , Ralph David J. , Cellek Selim
Published: December 2022

Drug repurposing has been shown to bring safe medications to new patient populations, as recently evidenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. We investigated whether we could use phenotypic screening to repurpose drugs for the treatment of Peyronie’s disease (PD). PD is a fibrotic disease characterised by continued myofibroblast presence and activity leading to formation of a plaque in the penile tunica albuginea (TA) that can cause pain during erection, erectile dysfunction, and penile deformity. PD affects 3–9% of men with treatment options limited to surgery or injection of collagenase which can only be utilised at late stages after the plaque is formed. Currently there are no approved medications that can be offered to patients presenting with early disease before the formation of the plaque. Drug repurposing may therefore be the ideal strategy to identify medical treatments to address this unmet medical need in early PD. We used primary human fibroblasts from PD patients in a phenotypic screening assay that measures TGF-β1-induced myofibroblast transformation which is the main cellular phenotype that drives the pathology in early PD. A library of FDA-approved 1,953 drugs was screened in duplicate wells at a single concentration (10 μM) in presence of TGF-β1. The myofibroblast marker α-SMA was quantified after 72h incubation. A positive control of SB-505124 (TGF-β1 receptor antagonist) was included on each plate. Hits were defined as showing >80% inhibition, whilst retaining >80% cell viability. 26 hits (1.3%) were identified which were divided into the following main groups: anti-cancer drugs, anti-inflammation, neurology, endocrinology, and imaging agents. Five of the top-ten drugs that increase myofibroblast-transformation appear to act on VEGFR. This is the first phenotypic screening of FDA-approved drugs for PD and our results suggest that it is a viable method to predict drugs with potential for repurposing to treat early PD.
Pterin-based small molecule inhibitor capable of binding to the secondary pocket in the active site of ricin-toxin A chain
Authors: Saito Ryota , Goto Masaru , Katakura Shun , Ohba Taro , Kawata Rena , Nagatsu Kazuki , Higashi Shoko , Kurisu Kaede , Matsumoto Kaori , Ohtsuka Kouta
Published: December 2022

The Ricin toxin A chain (RTA), which depurinates an adenine base at a specific region of the ribosome leading to death, has two adjacent specificity pockets in its active site. Based on this structural information, many attempts have been made to develop small-molecule RTA inhibitors that simultaneously block the two pockets. However, no attempt has been successful. In the present study, we synthesized pterin-7-carboxamides with tripeptide pendants and found that one of them interacts with both pockets simultaneously to exhibit good RTA inhibitory activity. X-ray crystallographic analysis of the RTA crystal with the new inhibitor revealed that the conformational change of Tyr80 is an important factor that allows the inhibitors to plug the two pockets simultaneously.
Tracking development assistance for health from India to low- and middle-income countries, 2009–2020
Authors: Moitra Modhurima , Patel Nishali K. , Cogswell Ian , Chanana Dweep I. , Maddison Emilie , Simpson Kyle , Stutzman Hayley , Zhao Yingxi , Tsakalos Golsum , Dieleman Joseph , Micah Angela E.
Published: December 2022

Background

Development assistance for health (DAH) is an important source of financing for health for many low-income and some middle-income countries. Most DAH has predominantly been contributed by high-income countries. However, in the context of economic progress and changing global priorities, DAH contributions from countries of the Global South such as India have gained importance. In this paper, we estimate DAH contributed by India between 2009 and 2020.

Methods

We leveraged data from budgetary documents, databases, and financial reports of the Ministry of External Affairs and multilateral organizations to estimate DAH contributions. The proportions of development assistance that go towards health in major recipient countries were estimated and reported by recipient country and year.

Results

Between 2009 and 2020, DAH contributed by India to bilateral and multilateral partners totaled $206.0 million. South Asian countries including Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar received the most DAH from India. DAH contributed relative to DAH received ranged from 1.42% in 2009 to 5.26% in 2018, the latest year with country-level data. Health focus areas prioritized by India included technical training and innovation, health care infrastructure support, and supply of medications and medical equipment.

Conclusion

India is an important development partner to many countries–particularly to those in the South Asian region. India’s DAH allocation strategy prioritizes contributions toward neighboring countries in the South Asia region in several health focus areas. Detailed project-level data are needed to estimate DAH contributions from India with greater precision and accuracy.
Perceived discomfort and neuromuscular fatigue during long-duration real driving with different car seats
Authors: Lecocq Mathieu , Lantoine Pascaline , Bougard Clément , Allègre Jean-Marc , Bauvineau Laurent , González Damián , Bourdin Christophe , Marqueste Tanguy , Dousset Erick
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Identification of the seat features that could improve driving experience is a main issue for automotive companies.

Objective

Long duration real driving sessions were performed to assess the effect of three seats (soft–S1, firm–S2 and suspended–S3) on perceived discomfort and neuromuscular fatigue (NMF).

Materials & methods

For each seat, the muscular activity of bilateral Trapezius Descendens (TD), Erector Spinae (ES) and Multifidus (MF) muscles of twenty-one participants was recorded during real driving sessions of 3-hours each lasting approximately 3 hours and following the same itinerary. During each driving session, participants were also regularly asked to self-evaluate their level of whole-body and local discomfort. In addition, an endurance static test (EST) was performed before (ESTpre) and after (ESTpost) each driving session to assess the seat effect on physical capacity.

Results

Whole-body discomfort increased with driving time for all seats, but this increase became significant latter for S3. The highest scores of local discomfort occurred for neck and lower back. Contrary to S1 and S2, the duration of ESTpost was not significantly lower compared to ESTpre with the S3. Interestingly, muscular activity of S1 remained stable throughout the driving task which could be attributed to sustained muscular contraction, while muscular recruitment adjustments occurred for S2 and S3 from 1H00 of driving. This muscular compensation concerns mostly the right side for S2 and S3 but with different profiles. On the left side, the muscular adjustments concern only the MF with S2 and the ES with S3.

Conclusion

Overall, our results demonstrated that S3 could be considered as the most suitable seat to delay discomfort and NMF appearance.
Knowledge, attitude and practices towards COVID-19 preventive measures among adults in Bhutan: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Yangzom Tshering , Cheki Tshering , Koirala Nirmala , Rai Dipsika
Published: December 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic posed a major global health challenge. Preventive measures against the spread of COVID-19 require the involvement of all sections of society. Knowledge and attitude towards COVID-19 preventive measures influence human practices. We describe the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of COVID-19 preventive measure in Bhutan. This was a cross-sectional survey using multistage-cluster sampling involving participants from all 20 districts of the country. The knowledge was assessed using 12 items, attitude using 6 Likert items and practice using 10 items. There was total of 1708 respondents. The mean knowledge was 10.7, (SD = 1.5; range 0–12); 86.38% had good knowledge, 10.95% had average knowledge, 2.69% had poor knowledge. The common sources of knowledge were television (84.9%) and family and friends (74.7%). Those younger than 30 years were associated with good knowledge. The fear of contracting COVID-19 was reported by 96% and 86.4% agreed that appropriate preventive measures can help control the spread of COVID-19. Nearly all the respondents (97%) wore mask while going out and majority practiced good hand hygiene (87.9%) and proper cough etiquette (84.1%). The knowledge on COVID-19 preventive measures was good and the majority held positive attitudes and practices.
Prevalence of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus in south and southeast Asian women with history of gestational diabetes mellitus: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Shivashri Chockalingam , Hannah Wesley , Deepa Mohan , Ghebremichael-Weldeselassie Yonas , Anjana Ranjit Mohan , Uma Ram , Mohan Viswanathan , Saravanan Ponnusamy
Published: December 2022

Background

The burden of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is very high in south Asia (SA) and southeast Asia (SEA). Thus, there is a need to understand the prevalence and risk factors for developing prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) postpartum, in this high-risk population.

Aim

To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the prevalence of prediabetes and T2DM among the women with history of GDM in SA and SEA.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was performed in the following databases: Medline, EMBASE, Web of Knowledge and CINHAL till December 2021. Studies that had reported greater than six weeks of postpartum follow-up were included. The pooled prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes were estimated by random effects meta-analysis model and I2 statistic was used to assess heterogeneity.

Results

Meta-analysis of 13 studies revealed that the prevalence of prediabetes and T2DM in post-GDM women were 25.9% (95%CI 18.94 to 33.51) and 29.9% (95%CI 17.02 to 44.57) respectively. Women with history of GDM from SA and SEA seem to have higher risk of developing T2DM than women without GDM (RR 13.2, 95%CI 9.52 to 18.29, p<0.001). The subgroup analysis showed a rise in the prevalence of T2DM with increasing duration of follow-up.

Conclusion

The conversion to T2DM and prediabetes is very high among women with history of GDM in SA and SEA. This highlights the need for follow-up of GDM women for early identification of dysglycemia and to plan interventions to prevent/delay the progression to T2DM.
Microtubule-associated protein 1B is implicated in stem cell commitment and nervous system regeneration in planarians
Authors: Gambino Gaetana , Rossi Leonardo , Iacopetti Paola , Ghezzani Claudio , Guidi Patrizia , Linsalata Stefania , Ippolito Chiara , Salvetti Alessandra
Published: December 2022

Microtubule-associated 1B (MAP1B) proteins are expressed at the nervous system level where they control cytoskeleton activity and regulate neurotransmitter release. Here, we report about the identification of a planarian MAP1B factor (DjMap1B) that is enriched in cephalic ganglia and longitudinal nerve cords but not in neoblasts, the plentiful population of adult stem cells present in planarians, thanks to which these animals can continuously cell turnover and regenerate any lost body parts. DjMap1B knockdown induces morphological anomalies in the nervous system and affects neoblast commitment. Our data put forward a correlation between a MAP1B factor and stem cells and suggest a function of the nervous system in non-cell autonomous control of planarian stem cells.
Factors associated with acute malnutrition among children aged 6–59 months in Haiti, Burkina Faso and Madagascar: A pooled analysis
Authors: Nassur Ali-Mohamed , Daanouni Oussama , Luc Gwenaelle , Humphreys Alexandra , Blanarova Lenka , Heymsfield Grace , Kouassi Firmin , Kangas Suvi T. , N’Diaye Dieynaba S.
Published: December 2022

Background

Acute malnutrition is one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality among children under 5 years worldwide, and Action Contre la Faim (ACF) aims to address its causes and consequences. To better tailor humanitarian programs, ACF conducts standardized contextual studies called Link NCAs (Nutrition Causal Analysis), to identify factors associated with severe acute malnutrition (SAM) and moderate acute malnutrition (MAM). Data from three Link NCAs performed in 2018 and 2019 in Haiti, Burkina Faso and Madagascar were used to explore the prevalence of malnutrition by different indicators and associated risk factors among children aged 6–59 months.

Methods

Cross-sectional data, collected via household surveys applying two-stage cluster sampling, were pooled to build a sample of 1,356 children. Recommended anthropometric thresholds were used to define SAM (Weight-for-Height Z-score (WHZ) <-3 or Mid-upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) <115 mm and/or presence oedema), MAM (-3≤WHZ<-2 or 115≤MUAC<125 mm) and global acute malnutrition GAM (SAM or MAM) among children. Multivariate analyses for each anthropometric indicator were performed using logistic mixed models and adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

The prevalence of acute malnutrition was the highest in Madagascar. The risk of having GAM and MAM varied across countries, while the risk of having SAM varied across clusters. Being male, suffering from diarrhea, and having unwashed face and hands, were significantly associated with GAM by WHZ with adjusted odds ratio of 1.9 [95%Confidence interval (CI):1.1–3.2], 1.7 (95%CI: 1.0–3.1) and 1.9 (95%CI: 1.0–3.6) respectively. These factors were also associated with MAM by WHZ. None of the studied factors was significantly associated with SAM, which could be due to a small sample size.

Conclusion

These results obtained from a large sample contribute to the evidence of the factors associated with undernutrition in children aged 6–59 months. Further research with larger sample sizes is needed to confirm these results.
Understanding dietary behaviour change after a diagnosis of diabetes: A qualitative investigation of adults with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Rigby Roshan R. , Williams Lauren T. , Mitchell Lana J. , Ball Lauren , Hamilton Kyra
Published: December 2022

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a major public health concern. Optimal management of T2D often requires individuals to make substantial changes to their dietary intake. This research employed a qualitative methodology to examine decision making processes underpinning dietary behaviour change. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted on a purposive sample of 21 Australian adults who had recently consulted a dietitian after being diagnosed with T2D. Data were analysed using theoretical thematic analysis and themes were matched deductively with constructs that underpin motivational, volitional, and implicit processes which exist in common models of behaviour change. Influences on motivation, such as a desire to improve health status and making use of valuable support networks featured in participant narratives. Volitional influences included knowing their limits, dealing with falling off the wagon, and learning how their body responds to food. The themes unlearning habits and limit the availability were identified as underpinning implicit influences on dietary change. Individual differences and emotions were constructs additional to the model that influenced dietary change. These findings contribute to a richer understanding of the subjective experiences of adults with T2D regarding dietary change and highlight the multiple processes that guide their decision making in this context.
In silico structure-based designers of therapeutic targets for diabetes mellitus or obesity: A protocol for systematic review
Authors: Gomes Ana Francisca Teixeira , de Medeiros Wendjilla Fortunato , de Oliveira Gerciane Silva , Medeiros Isaiane , Maia Juliana Kelly da Silva , Bezerra Ingrid Wilza Leal , Piuvezam Grasiela , Morais Ana Heloneida de Araújo
Published: December 2022

Obesity is a significant risk factor for several chronic non-communicable diseases, being closely related to Diabetes Mellitus. Computer modeling techniques favor the understanding of interaction mechanisms between specific targets and substances of interest, optimizing drug development. In this article, the protocol of two protocols of systematic reviews are described for identifying therapeutic targets and models for treating obesity or diabetes mellitus investigated in silico. The protocol is by the guidelines from the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyzes Protocols (PRISMA-P) and was published in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews database (PROSPERO: CRD42022353808). Search strategies will be developed based on the combination of descriptors and executed in the following databases: PubMed; ScienceDirect; Scopus; Web of Science; Virtual Health Library; EMBASE. Only original in silico studies with molecular dynamics, molecular docking, or both will be inserted. Two trained researchers will independently select the articles, extract the data, and assess the risk of bias. The quality will be assessed through an adapted version of the Strengthening the Reporting of Empirical Simulation Studies (STRESS) and the risk of bias using a checklist obtained from separate literature sources. The implementation of this protocol will result in the elaboration of two systematic reviews identifying the therapeutic targets for treating obesity (review 1) or diabetes mellitus (review 2) used in computer simulation studies and their models. The systematization of knowledge about these treatment targets and their in silico structures is fundamental, primarily because computer simulation contributes to more accurate planning of future either in vitro or in vivo studies. Therefore, the reviews developed from this protocol will guide decision-making regarding the choice of targets/models in future research focused on therapeutics of obesity or Diabetes Mellitus contributing to mitigate of factors such as costs, time, and necessity of in vitro and/or in vivo assays.
A broadly neutralizing monoclonal antibody overcomes the mutational landscape of emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern
Authors: Parray Hilal Ahmad , Narayanan Naveen , Garg Sonal , Rizvi Zaigham Abbas , Shrivastava Tripti , Kushwaha Sachin , Singh Janmejay , Murugavelu Praveenkumar , Anantharaj Anbalagan , Mehdi Farha , Raj Nisha , Singh Shivam , Dandotiya Jyotsna , Lukose Asha , Jamwal Deepti , Kumar Sandeep , Chiranjivi Adarsh K. , Dhyani Samridhi , Mishra Nitesh , Kumar Sanjeev , Jakhar Kamini , Sonar Sudipta , Panchal Anil Kumar , Tripathy Manas Ranjan , Chowdhury Shirlie Roy , Ahmed Shubbir , Samal Sweety , Mani Shailendra , Bhattacharyya Sankar , Das Supratik , Sinha Subrata , Luthra Kalpana , Batra Gaurav , Sehgal Devinder , Medigeshi Guruprasad R. , Sharma Chandresh , Awasthi Amit , Garg Pramod Kumar , Nair Deepak T. , Kumar Rajesh
Published: December 2022

The emergence of new variants of SARS-CoV-2 necessitates unremitting efforts to discover novel therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Here, we report an extremely potent mAb named P4A2 that can neutralize all the circulating variants of concern (VOCs) with high efficiency, including the highly transmissible Omicron. The crystal structure of the P4A2 Fab:RBD complex revealed that the residues of the RBD that interact with P4A2 are a part of the ACE2-receptor-binding motif and are not mutated in any of the VOCs. The pan coronavirus pseudotyped neutralization assay confirmed that the P4A2 mAb is specific for SARS-CoV-2 and its VOCs. Passive administration of P4A2 to K18-hACE2 transgenic mice conferred protection, both prophylactically and therapeutically, against challenge with VOCs. Overall, our data shows that, the P4A2 mAb has immense therapeutic potential to neutralize the current circulating VOCs. Due to the overlap between the P4A2 epitope and ACE2 binding site on spike-RBD, P4A2 may also be highly effective against a number of future variants.
Educação política em Freire e a crítica marxista
Authors: Mendes Samara Jamile , Carnut Leonardo
Published: December 2022

Este ensaio tem como objetivo refletir sobre a educação política freireana e a crítica marxista tentando delinear os caminhos de seus encontros teóricos resgatando seus aspectos históricos. Para isso, utilizou-se da perspectiva do materialismo histórico-dialético para ensaiar de que forma a educação política é pautada e quais os elementos marxistas foram fundamentais na construção da história da educação para a luta dos trabalhadores. O encontro dos elementos marxianos e freireanos apontam para a necessidade de um projeto político-pedagógico crítico, no esforço de (re)colocar os trabalhadores enquanto constituintes de sua própria práxis. Ao aprofundar a busca pelo espaço da educação política crítica, o pensamento freireano resgata elementos importantes do método dialético, contudo, se readapta às influências da conjuntura local da América Latina, ressignificando as premissas fundamentais da luta. Destaca-se a necessidade da crítica ao capitalismo, pois sem ela não se configura, necessariamente, como educação política crítica.
Use of biochar for enhance carbon sequestration to mitigate climate change and growth of maize in Sudan savanna zone of Nigeria
Authors: Mustapha Yunusa , Manu Ibrahim , Alhassan Ibrahim
Published: December 2022

Application of biochar to the soil improves its physical, chemical and biological characteristics, promoting plant growth and productivity. The potential of biochar for carbon sequestration and its ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions make it a very interesting alternative to counteract the adverse effect of climate change. The study examined the use of Biochar to enhance carbon sequestration and growth of maize in theSudan savanna zone of Nigeria. The experiment was conducted during the dry season of 2021/2022 at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Federal College of Horticulture, Dadin Kowa, Nigeria. Treatments involved seven levels of biochar (0, 2.5, 5.0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 t ha-1) which laid out in a randomized complete block design replicated three times. Data were collected on growth parameters, yield and yield components and post-harvest soil parameters were also determined for each treatment. Results indicated that biochar improves soil properties such as soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus and water-holding capacity of the soil. Carbon was sequestrated with biochar application and significantly higher under 40 t ha-1 treatment. It is recommended that biochar could be used for improved soil properties and carbon storage to mitigate the greenhouse effect.
PAISAGEM: CONCEPÇÕES, ASPECTOS MORFOLÓGICOS E SIGNIFICADOS
Authors: Silva Vicente de Paulo de Paulo da
Published: December 2022

O objetivo deste trabalho é discutir acerca do conceito de paisagem sob as perspectivas morfológica

e de seu significado. Dessa forma é importante que se busque, inicialmente, entender

o conceito sob as formas que se nos apresentam para, em seguida, analisá-lo do ponto de

vista dos diversos significados que possam ser atribuídos a essa categoria. A paisagem apresenta

várias dimensões privilegiadas por várias matrizes epistemológicas. Sendo assim, ela

tem uma dimensão morfológica e uma dimensão funcional, uma dimensão espacial e uma

dimensão histórica (CORRÊA E ROSENDAHL, 1998). De acordo com estes autores a dimensão

morfológica é definida como um conjunto de formas criadas pela natureza, bem como pela

ação humana, sendo que, ao apresentar relações entre as diversas partes, define-se a sua

dimensão funcional. Essa ação humana, ao longo do tempo, definirá a dimensão histórica,

enquanto que o fato desta ocorrer em certa área da superfície da terra atribui-lhe a dimensão

espacial. Enfim, o fato de ser portadora de significados, expressando valores, crenças, mitos e

utopias, confere à paisagem a sua dimensão simbólica.
Wideband Fabric Antenna for Ultra Wideband Applications using for Medical Applications
Authors: Bhavani S. , Shanmuganantham T.
Published: December 2022

Traditional cancer detection imaging techniques suffer high costs, high false negatives, high false positives,and pain. The microwave imaging techniques overcome the limitations, which depend primarily on antenna design. If an antenna is wearable and implantable, the imaging system gives better results with less pain and cost. A wide band fabric antenna that operates at the ultra-wideband frequency with a low specific absorption rate (SAR) on breast phantom is verified. The proposed design has Jeans material as a substrate and the copper patch as a radiating element. The patch is designed in a circular shape with an M-type slot to suppress the spurious modes. The designed antenna model is commonly used for monitoring microwave imaging and has dimensions of 28X30X1.6 mm3. The proposed antenna design covers 2.3-8 GHz frequency with a broadside radiation pattern. The gain over the operating frequency is about 2.3-4.5 dB, and the efficiency is 55 %–79 %. The antenna model was designed and simulated in CST microwave studio. The performance of an antenna is tested on breast cancer to detect the presence of tumor cells in the breast. The antenna analysis on the phantom was done by considering the tumor location and corresponding results are presented. By varying the sizes of the tumor the antenna performance is analysed. The simulated SAR values of the proposed antenna design on breast phantom are under the limits of FCC.
Plastic Deformation of High Explosive Projectile 155 mm during Gun Launch Conditions using Finite Element Method
Authors: Ohol Rajesh B. , Parate B.A. , Thakur Dineshsingh
Published: December 2022

The structural integrity of artillery projectile 155mm high explosive Extended Range Full Bore (ERFB)boat tail designed for 155mm howitzer guns of 39, 45 and 52 calibre plays a key role inside the gun barrel. Thisprojectile comprises a shell body, a driving band, a boat tail, nubs, an explosive, and a fuze. Plastic deformationof the projectile and stripping of driving band are not permitted, when projectile is fired. An investigational study is necessitated to check the plastic deformation of the projectile subjected to maximum propellant charge pressure.The aim of this study is to check the effective plastic deformation and affirm the structural integrity. A 3-D explicit dynamic structural analysis of 155 mm HE ERFB BT during gun launch conditions is carried out by finite element method using FE code ABAQUS/Explicit. To understand the non-linear mechanical behavior of the projectile, the true stress-strain curves of the materials are considered. The plastic behavior of the projectile subjected to the time-dependent loading is studied by using the von Mises plasticity model. The results reveal that the shell body and boat tail have no plastic deformation and the most stressed component is the driving band. The investigation has affirmed the structural integrity of the projectile during gun launch conditions.
A REVIEW OF AGRICULTURAL AND COASTAL CITIES IN INDONESIA IN FINDING URBAN SPRAWL PRIORITY PARAMETERS
Authors: Suwarlan Stivani Ayuning , Lai Lee Yoke , Said Ismail
Published: December 2022

Urban sprawl has caused an impact on urban development, causing land use changes, loss of income and cultural values, environmental degradation, and high monetary costs. Urban sprawl needs to be carried out efficiently and inclusively to ensure sustainable land use and management including cities in Indonesia. Since 1980s, urban sprawl in Indonesia is high due to limited land which causes the expansion of development on the expanse of agricultural areas and coastal settlements. This paper presents a critical review of the parameters of urban sprawl in agricultural cities including Bandung, Batu, Pekanbaru and coastal cities including Surabaya, Gresik, and Madura using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). The parameters are gathered from a review of articles related to urban sprawl in agricultural and coastal cities in Indonesia. The result of this comparative studies showed two key important variables that caused urban sprawl in Indonesia: population growth, and land limitation to encompass agricultural and coastal cities. Furthermore, there are four priority parameters out of eight, namely immigrant population ratio-transnational, birth ratio, population growth rate, and land occupation ratio causing urban sprawl in agricultural and coastal cities. In sum, the findings of this study suggest the importance of applying urban sprawl parameters in analyzing urban development as it is useful for evaluating and monitoring the rapid urban development in Indonesia.
Molecular insights into endolysosomal microcompartment formation and maintenance
Authors: Kümmel Daniel , Herrmann Eric , Langemeyer Lars , Ungermann Christian
Published: December 2022

The endolysosomal system of eukaryotic cells has a key role in the homeostasis of the plasma membrane, in signaling and nutrient uptake, and is abused by viruses and pathogens for entry. Endocytosis of plasma membrane proteins results in vesicles, which fuse with the early endosome. If destined for lysosomal degradation, these proteins are packaged into intraluminal vesicles, converting an early endosome to a late endosome, which finally fuses with the lysosome. Each of these organelles has a unique membrane surface composition, which can form segmented membrane microcompartments by membrane contact sites or fission proteins. Furthermore, these organelles are in continuous exchange due to fission and fusion events. The underlying machinery, which maintains organelle identity along the pathway, is regulated by signaling processes. Here, we will focus on the Rab5 and Rab7 GTPases of early and late endosomes. As molecular switches, Rabs depend on activating guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs). Over the last years, we characterized the Rab7 GEF, the Mon1-Ccz1 (MC1) complex, and key Rab7 effectors, the HOPS complex and retromer. Structural and functional analyses of these complexes lead to a molecular understanding of their function in the context of organelle biogenesis.
Rapid diagnosis of intra-amniotic infection using nanopore-based sequencing
Authors: Chaemsaithong Piya , Romero Roberto , Pongchaikul Pisut , Vivithanaporn Pornpun , Lertrut Waranyu , Jaovisidha Adithep , Mongkolsuk Paninee , Nitayanon Perapon , Pongsuktavorn Khontawan , Kamlungkuea Threebhorn , Jung Eunjung , Suksai Manaphat , Singhsnaeh Arunee , Jenjaroenpun Piroon , Thaipisuttikul Iyarit , Wongsurawat Thidathip
Published: December 2022

Objectives

Early diagnosis and treatment of intra-amniotic infection is crucial. Rapid pathogen identification allows for a definite diagnosis and enables proper management. We determined whether the 16S amplicon sequencing performed by a nanopore sequencing technique make possible rapid bacterial identification at the species level in intra-amniotic infection.

Methods

Five cases of confirmed intra-amniotic infection, determined by either cultivation or 16S rDNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) Sanger sequencing, and 10 cases of women who underwent mid-trimester genetic amniocentesis were included. DNA was extracted from amniotic fluid and PCR was performed on the full-length 16S rDNA. Nanopore sequencing was performed. The results derived from nanopore sequencing were compared with those derived from cultivation and Sanger sequencing methods.

Results

Bacteria were successfully detected from amniotic fluid using nanopore sequencing in all cases of intra-amniotic infection. Nanopore sequencing identified additional bacterial species and polymicrobial infections. All patients who underwent a mid-trimester amniocentesis had negative cultures, negative 16S PCR Sanger sequencing and nanopore sequencing. Identification of the microorganisms using nanopore sequencing technique at the bacterial species level was achieved within 5–9 h from DNA extraction.

Conclusions

This is the first study demonstrating that the nanopore sequencing technique is capable of rapid diagnosis of intra-amniotic infection using fresh amniotic fluid samples.
A HOLISTIC REVIEW OF DETERMINANTS AND EFFECTS OF INTEGRATED REPORTING ADOPTION
Authors: Tiron-Tudor Adriana , Hurghis Rares , Topor Dan Ioan
Published: December 2022

IR represents a new reporting model focusing on the value created by a company over time, using various capitals, and is based on integrated thinking. The latest focus of IR research and articles shifted from analysing the potential benefits or the limitations of IR adoption towards identifying determinants and effects of adoption and implementation. Using a holistic approach of IR literature review and incorporating a scientometric analysis for 2011–2021 period, this study aims to provide the big picture of the IR research, revealing contemporary IR themes and providing future research directions. The study identified six major themes that have evolved in the last ten years related to the IR phenomenon: adherence, quality, elements disclosure, alignment, readability, and process. The results highlight three groups of determinants of IR adoption and implementation related to company, country, or industry, company-level ones being the most analysed group. Furthermore, the most-analysed company-level determinants are related to a company’s corporate governance, particularly the board of directors’ characteristics. The effects of IR adoption and implementation are grouped in two categories related to market and company, primarily focusing on market-level effects. Of the examined market-level effects, company value and analysts’ earnings forecasting precision are the two most encountered. This study provides a comprehensive approach by integrating bibliometric analysis, science mapping, and qualitative analysis with the latest IR research. The current literature review brings various implications for practice, regulators and academia. Companies that aim to implement integrated reporting using the IIRC Framework could implement company-specific determinants to encourage IR adoption. Moreover, companies can benefit from real effects by adopting IR. Regulators can require specific regulations or implement specific regulations to foster IR rollout. Finally, academics can use the findings of the current literature review for further development and in-depth analysis, even though empirical research.
MODERATING ROLES OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY LINK AND INFORMATION SHARING IN DRIVING SUPPLY CHAIN PERFORMANCE THROUGH SUPPLIER DEVELOPMENT AND KNOWLEDGE ABSORPTION: EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM MANUFACTURING FIRMS ACROSS COUNTRIES
Authors: Phan Anh Chi , Nguyen Ha Thu , Nguyen Hao Anh , Matsui Yoshiki
Published: December 2022

Along with information technology adoption, supply chain coordination through information sharing activities has become essential to achieve supply chain effectiveness and resilience. This paper presents the results of an empirical study investigating the moderating roles of information technology link and information sharing on the relationship between supplier development, knowledge absorption from customers, and supply chain performance. Statistical techniques such as measurement test, correlation analysis, and regression analysis are applied to analyze the data collected during the Round 4 of the High Performance Manufacturing (HPM) Project. The data sample includes 304 manufacturing plants operating in 13 countries including Brazil, China, Finland, German, Italy, Israel, Japan, Korea, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, United Kingdom, and Vietnam. Analytical results indicate that a supply chain would perform better when focal firms invest their effort in supplier development and knowledge absorption activities and develop a strong link with suppliers and customers through information technology systems. Information technology links with suppliers and customers have significant moderating roles in strengthening the relationship between supplier development, knowledge absorption from customers, and supply chain performance. Moreover, information sharing exchange with suppliers were found to make the association between supplier development and supply chain performance becomes more pronounced. The empirical results contribute to the existing literature of information sharing and supply chain coordination in supply chain management. In addition, this study provides several practical implications, such that information technology linkage and information sharing activities should be considered as the platforms for organizations to interact with different supply chain partners for achieving high supply chain performance.
Translational regulation by Hfq–Crc assemblies emerges from polymorphic ribonucleoprotein folding
Authors: Dendooven Tom , Sonnleitner Elisabeth , Bläsi Udo , Luisi Ben F
Published: December 2022

The widely occurring bacterial RNA chaperone Hfq is a key factor in the post‐transcriptional control of hundreds of genes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. How this broadly acting protein can contribute to the regulatory requirements of many different genes remains puzzling. Here, we describe cryo‐EM structures of higher order assemblies formed by Hfq and its partner protein Crc on control regions of different P. aeruginosa target mRNAs. Our results show that these assemblies have mRNA‐specific quaternary architectures resulting from the combination of multivalent protein–protein interfaces and recognition of patterns in the RNA sequence. The structural polymorphism of these ribonucleoprotein assemblies enables selective translational repression of many different target mRNAs. This system elucidates how highly complex regulatory pathways can evolve with a minimal economy of proteinogenic components in combination with RNA sequence and fold.
Piecewise Linear Approximation of Smooth, Flat Curves by the Secant Method
Authors:   G.E. Pukhov Institute for Modelling in Energy Engineering  National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kryvoruchko I.P.
Published: December 2022

The approximation of smooth lines by a piecewise linear function is relevant in many applications, where this representation can significantly simplify the technological process without a significant loss in quality indicators. An improved method of dividing or representing a smooth curve by a piecewise linear line is proposed, which, in comparison with dividing by the "chord" method, reduces the degree of difference between the approximated and approximating curves for the selected number of segments. The essence of the method consists in the successive point-by-point calculation of the deviation between the approximated line, given analytically, and the straight line segment until the condition of equality of this deviation of the specified tolerance value is met. The next step is to correct the point of intersection of these lines by moving it along the ordinate axis by an amount equal to part of the tolerance in the direction determined by the convexity (concavity) of the original curve. The proposed method of piecewise linear approximation is supposed to be used to implement the sinusoidal motion of the carriage with the sensors in the vibro-calibration system.
Recommendations for Ensuring Cyber Protection of Industrial Control Systemsof Energy Sector
Authors:   G.E. Pukhov Institute for Modelling in Energy Engineering  National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Komarov M.Yu. , Honchar S.F. ,   G.E. Pukhov Institute for Modelling in Energy Engineering  National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Onyskova A.V. ,   G.E. Pukhov Institute for Modelling in Energy Engineering  National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Bakalynskyi O.O. ,   G.E. Pukhov Institute for Modelling in Energy Engineering  National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Pakholchenko D.V. ,   G.E. Pukhov Institute for Modelling in Energy Engineering  National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine
Published: December 2022

One of the factors of the state's ability to ensure the security of its own resources and assets in the conditions of an international political crisis and an ongoing hybrid war is the ability to provide cyber protection of critical information infrastructure facilities, such as enterprises of the energy industry, chemical industry, industrial production, etc. Therefore, the cyber security of a critical structure consists primarily in ensuring the protection of technological processes from any unauthorized informational influences that cause incorrect execution of technological processes. On the basis of NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) Special Publication 800-53, basic recommendations for ensuring cyber protection of automated technological process control systems are provided.
Current State and Prospects of Increasing the Functionality of Augmented Reality Using Neural Networks
Authors:   National Technical University of Ukraine «Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute», Zhabokrytskyi I.V.
Published: December 2022

The dynamics of the development of modern society and the rapid breakthrough of the technological component led to the need to interact with fast-changing and client-oriented information in real time. This need is met through the use of augmented reality technology, which allows users to interact in real time with both the real physical and virtual digital worlds. The rapid digitization of human existence has provoked an exponential increase in the amount of existing data, thereby posing new challenges to the scientific community. At the same time, the technology of deep learning, which is successfully applied in various fields, has a rather large potential. The purpose of this study is to present the potential of combining technologies of augmented reality and deep learning, their mutual improvement and further application in the development of modern highly intelligent programs. The work briefly provides an understanding of the concepts of augmented and mixed reality and also describes the technology of deep learning. Based on the literature review, relevant studies on the development of augmented reality applications and systems using these technologies are presented and analyzed. After discussing how the integration of deep learning into augmented reality increases the quality and efficiency of applications and facilitates the daily life of their users, conclusions and suggestions for future research are provided.
Evolution of the structure of national health care systems
Authors:   Ukrainian Academy of the History of Medicine, Rogozhin B.A. , Oparin O.A. ,   Ukrainian Academy of the History of Medicine
Published: December 2022

Changes in the organization of national health care systems have been studied. The existence of a conflict between production forces and industrial relations in the field of health care in conditions of limited public resources is shown. The phasing and content of generations of structural reforms are substantiated.