bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preventing technosphere-associated emergencies in the territories of municipalities in the context of climate change
Authors: Vlad I. V. , Beznosov V. N.
Published: October 2023

The present study is aimed at providing systematic assessment and developing preventive measures for adverse technosphere effects emerging in the territories of municipalities in the context of climate change. The study emphasizes the search for methods, organizational-technical measures, and the best available technologies for preventing natural and anthropogenic emergencies, as well as their socio-economic, natural-resource, environmental and other adverse consequences. The paper considers assessing the dynamics, as well as forecasting climate change in environmentally-sensitive areas, taking into account the increasing global temperature associated with technosphere factors of human activity in the urban economy (heat and power engineering, housing and utilities infrastructure, transport, handling of hazardous solid municipal and other wastes). The impact of climate change on the natural environment is analyzed in terms of preventing adverse events and emergencies. Based on the generalization and systematization of materials, the present paper identifies directions and ways of preventing environmental hazards by reducing the technosphere load on the natural environment under the conditions of climate change.
Development and application of neural network technology in solving geodynamic problems
Authors: Maximova O. M.
Published: October 2023

The present study is aimed at searching the most effective, easy-to-use method for seismic zoning, in order to consider the ongoing environmental change in real time. The study demonstrates the relevance and necessity of tackling this problem, provides characteristics and peculiarities of current microzonation methods, and discusses the problem of seismic microzoning. The paper highlights traditional and neural network approaches as two directions in solving the problem, and determines their advantages and disadvantages. In addition, the paper provides significant arguments for applying the neural network approach and defines the perspectives for the solution. An intermediate problem of geophysics is suggested to be solved using the neural network approach. The current study results involved searching networks able to provide sufficient accuracy for obtaining pictures of geological sections and conducting analysis of predicted results for a number of neural networks. Multilayer perceptron is considered to give the most reliable results. The future work is supposed to develop an algorithm for building a map of seismic microzonation by means of neural network technology.
Analysis of probable consequences of cement composite frost destruction
Authors: Pinus B. I.
Published: October 2023

The article presents an analysis of variations in the internal resistance of standard and fiberreinforced cement composites under non-stationary low-temperature and humidity effects. Various aspects of the response kinetics of prismatic samples in the monotonous compression mode are considered. The sample set included control samples and those subjected to cyclic freezing and thawing according to their standard frost resistance. Test samples (100 × 100 × 400 mm) were made of conventional (B series) and fiber-reinforced (FB, polypropylene fibers df = 0.8 mm, lf = 40 mm, µf = 1.5 vol%) concrete with a component ratio of cement: sand: crushed stone: water = 1:1.42:3.57:0.55. The accepted base of T-W cycles corresponded to the standard concrete grade in terms of frost resistance, established in control tests (F200). Static tests of composites were preceded by low-temperature exposures according to an accelerated method for assessing frost resistance with a temperature decrease down to minus 35℃ and thawing in a 5% NaCl solution. Samples were automatically loaded (Instron 5989 test complex) according to a special program with a constant deformation rate of 5·10-5 mm/s and continuous recording of deformations. Significant differences were observed in the strength kinetics, magnitude and structure of deformations, along with a high sensitivity and quantitative informativeness of the significant parameters of the strength kinetic concept for solid bodies. The expediency of a differentiated approach to the selection of calculation models and criteria for the temperature and humidity transformations of cement-matrix composites, which takes operational requirements into account, is substantiated.
Influence of consumer motivations and perception on the adoption of smart, green, and sustainable building materials
Authors: P. Rajendra , T. Mohanasundaram
Published: October 2023

The purpose of this study is to analyze the barriers to the widespread use of smart, green, and sustainable building materials in the construction industry by focusing on the perceptions, motivations, strategies, and challenges faced by consumers. The analysis employed an exploratory methodology and surveyed 385 respondents in Bangalore, India. The study result shows a significant positive partial correlation (r = 0.629, p = 0.001) between the challenges of adoption and the overall factors that influence adoption after controlling the annual income as a control variable. The higher mean score of personal values and ethics of 4.25 implies that moral values and ethics influence the decisions on the adoption of construction materials. The findings of multiple regression with robust standard error revealed perception of performance of smart, green and sustainable building materials is better compared to traditional building materials (p-value = 0.001), factors positively influencing adoption (p-value = 0.004), motivating factors of adoption (p-value = 0.001) and strategies that encourage adoption of smart, green, and sustainable building materials (p-value = 0.001). All of these have a substantial influence on how consumers evaluate the government’s efforts to increase the adoption of such materials. However, challenges in adoption showed a negative coefficient (B= –0.049) and a robust standard error of 0.024 (p-value = 0.048), demonstrating a negative influence on consumers’ perception. This research acts as a guiding beacon for green adoption policies by studying consumer motivations and perceptions toward adoption of eco-friendly building materials for the sustainable future.
Type-2 fuzzy chance-constrained linear fractional programming model for a water resource management system: A case study of Taiyuan city, China
Authors: Wu Wenyu , Zhao Xuehua , Zhang Xueyou , Yao Liushan , Liu Xin
Published: October 2023

Uncertainties arising from extreme climate events and human activities pose a challenge to the efficient allocation of water resources. In this study, a type-2 fuzzy chance-constrained linear fractional programming (T2F-CCLFP) is developed to support the water resource management system under uncertainty by incorporating type-2 fuzzy sets, chance-constrained programming, and fractional programming into a comprehensive multi-objective optimization framework. The model enables the trade-off between economic, social, and environmental sustainability and provides water supply solutions associated with different levels of fuzzy uncertainty and risk of violating constraints. The T2F-CCLFP model is applied to Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China, to support its water resource management. Results reveal that: (i) the industrial structure is transitioning toward diverse industries from energy and heavy industry dominance; (ii) external water transfer will be the major water-supply sources for the city in the future, accounting for 55 and 50% of the total water supply in 2025 and 2030, respectively; (iii) the water-supply security of the city is enhanced by provoking the utilization of reclaimed water (the annual growth rate is 13.9%). The results are helpful for managers in adjusting the current industry structure, enhancing water supply security, and contributing to the sustainable development of socio-economic and water systems.
State-of-art of Liquid Hydrogen Carriers: Trends in the Selection of Organic
Molecules
Authors: Stepanenko Sergey A. , Koskin Anton P. , Kukushkin Roman G. , Yeletsky Petr M.
Published: October 2023

Nowadays, fossil fuels represent the main energy source. According to the BP
Statistical Review of World Energy report, in 2021, global energy consumption amounted to
595.15 EJ of which 82% was generated from natural gas, oil and coal. The energy consumption
growth, rapid depletion of fossil fuels and increasing pressure on the environment
threaten the continued sustainability of the global energy system. In this context, renewable
energy sources (RES), which now account for 6.7% are attracting increasing attention. The
key obstacles to the introduction of RES (solar, wind geothermal, etc.) are their nonstationarity
due to seasonality, meteorology and differences in geoclimatic conditions. In
this regard, an important role is played by the development of technologies for efficient
storage and transportation of renewable energy to consumers. One of the most promising
storage technologies is the processing of renewable energy into hydrogen, which, due to the
high mass energy intensity (120 MJ⋅kg-1) and environmental friendliness, can be considered a promising energy
carrier. Nevertheless, the widespread use of hydrogen as a fuel is limited due to the low volumetric energy density
and high explosiveness. Thus, along with the development of technologies for processing renewable energy
sources into hydrogen (e.g., electrolysis), a large number of studies are focused on the development of technologies
for storage and transportation. This study provides a brief overview of the state of the art of these technologies,
with a focus on technology based on the use of liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs).
Using Chaos-Game-Representation for Analysing the SARS-CoV-2
Lineages, Newly Emerging Strains and Recombinants
Authors: Thind Amarinder Singh , Sinha Somdatta
Published: October 2023

Background:

Viruses have high mutation rates, facilitating rapid evolution and the
emergence of new species, subspecies, strains and recombinant forms. Accurate classification of
these forms is crucial for understanding viral evolution and developing therapeutic applications.
Phylogenetic classification is typically performed by analyzing molecular differences at the genomic
and sub-genomic levels. This involves aligning homologous proteins or genes. However,
there is growing interest in developing alignment-free methods for whole-genome comparisons that
are computationally efficient.

Methods:

Here we elaborate on the Chaos Game Representation (CGR) method, based on concepts
of statistical physics and free of sequence alignment assumptions. We adopt the CGR method for
classification of the closely related clades/lineages A and B of the SARS-Corona virus 2019
(SARS-CoV-2), which is one of the fastest evolving viruses.

Results:

Our study shows that the CGR approach can easily yield the SARS-CoV-2 phylogeny
from the available whole genomes of lineage A and lineage B sequences. It also shows an accurate
classification of eight different strains and the newly evolved XBB variant from its parental strains.
Compared to alignment-based methods (Neighbour-Joining and Maximum Likelihood), the CGR
method requires low computational resources, is fast and accurate for long sequences, and, being a
K-mer based approach, allows simultaneous comparison of a large number of closely-related sequences
of different sizes. Further, we developed an R pipeline CGRphylo, available on GitHub,
which integrates the CGR module with various other R packages to create phylogenetic trees and
visualize them.

Conclusion:

Our findings demonstrate the efficacy of the CGR method for accurate classification
and tracking of rapidly evolving viruses, offering valuable insights into the evolution and emergence
of new SARS-CoV-2 strains and recombinants.
Prevention of Contrast-induced Nephropathy in Patients Undergoing
Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Pranata Raymond , Wahyudi Dendi Puji
Published: October 2023

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) or contrast-induced acute kidney injury has
varying definitions, but in general, increased serum creatinine level by ≥ 0.3 mg/dL (26.5
µmol/L) or 1.5x of baseline value or urine output <0.5 mL/kg/h within 1-7 days after contrast
media (CM) administration can be considered as CIN. CIN is one of the most common complications and is associated with increased mortality in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary
intervention (PCI). Thus, risk stratification for CIN should be made and preventive strategies
should be employed in which the intensity of the approach must be tailored to patient’s risk profile. In all patients, adequate hydration is required, nephrotoxic medications should be discontinued, and pre-procedural high-intensity statin is recommended. In patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 mL/min/1.73 m2, IV hydration should be started 12 hours
pre-procedure up until 12-24 hours after the procedure. Remote ischemic preconditioning may be
performed pre-procedurally. Radial first approach for vascular access is recommended. During
the procedure, low or iso-osmolar CM should be used and its volume should be limited to eGFR
x 3.7. In patients at high risk for CIN, additional contrast-sparing strategies may be applied, such
as using a contrast reduction system, 5 Fr catheter with no sideholes, CM dilution, limiting test
injection, confirming placement using guidewire, use of stent enhancing imaging technology, using metallic/software roadmap to guide PCI, use of IVUS or dextran-based OCT, and coronary
aspiration. A more advanced hydration technique based on central venous pressure, left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, or using furosemide-matched hydration, might be considered.
The Anti-hypoxia Potentials of Trans-sodium Crocetinate in Hypoxiarelated
Diseases: A Review
Authors: Klunko Natalia S. , Achmad Harun , Abdullah Tamara Muayad , Mohammed Sami , Saha Indranil , Salim Khulood Saadoon , Obaid Rasha Fadhel , Romero-Parra Rosario Mireya , Al-Hasnawi Shaker Shanawa , Al-Janabi Wissam Hamid , Farhood Bagher
Published: October 2023

Crocetin is a kind of apocarotenoid carboxylic acid extracted from saffron (Crocus
sativus L.), which is effective in upregulating tissue oxygenation. However, crocetin is difficult
to solubilize. It was shown that the trans isomer of crocetin is effective in improving oxygen
diffusivity, while its cis isomer appears not to be. Hence, the isolated trans isomer of crocetin or
trans-sodium crocetinate (TSC) can be used instead of crocetin. It is shown that TSC can upregulate
hypoxic tissue oxygenation and be effective in treating some hypoxia-related diseases.
Moreover, experimental and clinical studies have reported no adverse effects following TSC
treatment, even at high doses. The current study will discuss the potential role of TSC in hemorrhagic
shock, ischemia, brain tumor radiotherapy, and others.
Emerging Nanotechnological Applications in Preserving and Improving
the Shelf Life of Food
Authors: Saini Rashmi , Paserkar Neha , Varma Anand , Acharya Dhaval K. , Upadhye Vijay , Pathak Dinesh , Warghane Ashish
Published: October 2023

The ever-growing demand for safe and nutritious food has activated the scrutinization of
innovative approaches to enhance food preservation and extended shelf life. Nanotechnology has
progressed by making a significant contribution to the food industry at the nanoscale level and appeared
as a promising avenue for these challenges. Various nanomaterials have been employed to
preserve and extend the shelf life of a variety of food products. Since most harvested fruits and vegetables
have a perishable nature, they cannot be preserved in natural circumstances for a long period.
Due to a range of unique qualities, nanotechnology-related shelf life extension technologies can
compensate for the limitations of normal preservation procedures. The encapsulation of nutraceuticals
increases their stability and bioavailability, resulting in beneficial effects on humans. Nanoparticles
are used as carriers of health-promoting and/or functional substances in product formulations.
They have shown excellent effectiveness in encapsulating bioactive substances and retaining their
qualities to ensure their functioning (antioxidant and antibacterial) in food products. This review focuses
on the current developments in nanotechnology and their application for improving shelf life
and food preservation techniques. Here we excavated the implementation of different types and
forms of nanostructured materials (NSMs), from inorganic metals, metal oxides, and their nanocomposites
to nano-organic materials incorporating bioactive chemicals in the food system. This review
also focuses on exploring the slow and sustainable release of the bioactive compounds, and nutrients
enriching the taste and sensory characteristics of the food. Throughout the paper, we dug deep into
the regulatory, food safety, and assessment concerns about nanotechnology. The review provides a
deep understanding of the developing landscape of nanotechnological applications, challenges, and
future opportunities revolutionizing the preservation and extended shelf life of food products.
Broad-UNet-diff: Diffeomorphic Deformable Medical Image Registration
based on Multi-scale Feature Learning
Authors: Cheng Tianqi , Wang Lei , Wang Yuwei , Guo Xinping , Liu ChunXiang
Published: October 2023

Introduction:

To propose a medical image registration method with significant performance improvement. The spatial transformation obtained by the traditional deformable image
registration technology is not smooth enough, and the calculation amount is too large to solve the
optimization parameters. The network model proposed based on deep learning medical image
registration technology has some limitations, which cannot guarantee the registration of topological structures, resulting in the loss of spatial features. It makes the model have topological conservation and transform reversibility, has the ability to learn more multi-scale features and complex image structures, and captures finer changes while clearly encoding global correlation.

Method:

Based on the core UNet model, a deformable image registration method with a new
architecture Broad-UNet-diff is proposed. The model is equipped with asymmetric parallel convolution and uses diffeomorphism mapping.

Result:

Compared with the seven classical registration methods under the brain MRI datasets, the
proposed method has significantly improved the registration performance. In particular, compared
with the advanced TransMorph-diff registration method, the Dice score can be improved by 12
%, but only the 1/10 parameters are needed.

Conclusion:

This method confirms its convincing effectiveness and accuracy.
Effect of Avocado Seed Ethanol Extract (Persea americana Mill) on Superoxide Dismutase (SOD1) and Histological Expression of Pancreas in Rats (Rattus norvegicus) with Diabetes Mellitus
Authors:   Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Syiah Kuala Banda Aceh, Indonesia, Fauziah Fauziah , Nurhaida Nurhaida ,   Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Syiah Kuala Banda Aceh, Indonesia, Ginting Binawati ,   Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Syiah Kuala Banda Aceh, Indonesia, Aulanni’am Aulanni’am ,   Biochemistry Laboratory, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia,   Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia
Published: October 2023

Diabetes mellitus causes a pancreatic β-cells damage due to the increase of oxidative stress, thereby reducing Superoxide Dismutase 1 (SOD1) activity. This enzyme activity can be increased by utilizing antioxidant compounds from the avocado seed extract. This study aims to determine the increase of SOD1 expression and the repair of pancreatic β-cells tretaed with the ethanol extract of avocado seeds (Persea americana Mill). It is also aimed to observe the expression of pancreatic SOD1 and its histopathology change. The expression was measured by using immunohistochemical. This research used 20 Wistar rats aged of 2-3 moths, weighing of 150-200 grams. The diabetic rats were induced by streptozotocin (STZ) with dose of 30 mg/kg BW intraperitoneally. The rats were divided into 5 groups, namely: group 1 is healthy rats, group 2 is diabetic rats, while the group 3, 4 and 5 are therapeutic groups with 300, 350 and 400 mg/kg BW doses of ethanol extract for 14 days treatment. The results showed the ethanolic extract of avocado seeds has a potential as an antidiabetic agents based on the increase of pancreatic SOD1 (p<0.05) significantly, increase of SOD1 expression 7.6 ± 1.34, 11.6 ± 1.94 and 13.0 ± 2.82 in three different doses therapy (300, 350 and 400 mg/kg BW), and repairing structure of β-pancreatic cells on the therapeutic groups.
Identification of volatile compounds in several meat and bone broth using Solid Phase Micro Extraction-Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (SPME-GCMS) for initial detection of Halal and Non-Halal Food
Authors:   Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Brawijaya University, Malang 65145, Indonesia, Candra Dewi Diana ,   Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, UIN Maulana Malik Ibrahim, Malang 65145, Indonesia, Mahdi Chanif ,   Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Brawijaya University, Malang 65145, Indonesia, Sulistyarti Hermin ,   Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Brawijaya University, Malang 65145, Indonesia,   Research Group of Low Cost and Automated Method and Instrumentation (LCAMIA), Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Brawijaya University, Malang 65145, Indonesia, Aulani`am Aulani`am ,   Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Brawijaya University, Malang 65145, Indonesia
Published: October 2023

The development of techniques for detecting halal and non-halal animal meat is of great importance as a useful tool for monitoring and assuring food quality for Muslim. Flavor or aroma is one of the sensory attributes for consumers to distinguish broth cattle. The differences aroma of broth cattle is contributed by the content of volatile compounds. This study was aimed to determine the composition of volatile compounds in meat and bone broth from five different animals, i.e., cow (beef), pig (pork), goat, lamb, and chicken for initial identification of halal and non halal food. A preliminary test for samples of meat and bone broth was done by identifying their physical properties including pH, viscosity, and density. The volatile compounds in meat and broth samples were extracted using a solid phase-micro extraction (SPME) at room temperature and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS). The results revealed the physical properties of meat and bone broth, i.e., pH, viscosity, and density, cannot be used to distinguish the type of broth produced from beef, pork, goat, lamb, and chicken. Successful results for the identification were achieved through chromatogram profile of volatile compounds from meat and bone broth which show characteristics to each type of animal, and therefore it can be used to distinguish pork from beef, goat, lamb, and chicken as initial detection for halal and non halal food. The research also identified 7 predominant volatile compounds as a marker for meat pork and other 8 specific compounds marker for pork bone.
Effects of Preparation Temperature and Liquid-Solid Lipid Composition to Curcumin-Nanostructured Lipid Carrier Characteristics Fabricated by Microfluidic Technique
Authors:   Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Brawijaya University, Malang, Indonesia, Arief Al Rasyid Ridho , Mardiana Diah ,   Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Brawijaya University, Malang, Indonesia, Firmansyah Ridho ,   Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Brawijaya University, Malang, Indonesia, Ningsih Zubaidah ,   Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Brawijaya University, Malang, Indonesia
Published: October 2023

Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLC) are lipid-based carrier that uses a combination of liquid and solid lipids which is believed to deliver a higher amount of active substance to the human body. This study aimed to obtain the best formulation and evaluate the stability of curcuminloaded NLC (C-NLC) using microfluidic technique at temperature of 40o C and 60o C with the ratios of liquid:solid lipids were 2 : 1 ; 3.5 : 1 ; 4 : 1 ; 6 : 1% w/w. Our results showed that the increase of process temperature and liquid lipid concentration reduced particle size. There was a non-linear relationship between lipid ratio and temperature to encapsulation percentage. At ratio of soybean oil:stearic acid 6 : 1 and, at 40°C, particles size (PS) obtained was 143.87 ± 3.36 nm, polydispersity index (PDI) obtained was 0.44 ± 0.01, zeta potential (ZP) obtained was -33.3 ± 6.53 mV with encapsulation percentage of 20.62%. At the same ratio at 60°C, the PS obtained was 60.21 ± 2.55 nm, PDI obtained was 0.72 ± 0.03, ZP obtained was -26.10 ± 1.83 mV and encapsulation percentage of 31.45%. Stability test showed that C-NLC produced at 60°C was more stable since the change of particle size and pH were lower than C-NLC produced at 40°C.
Matrix Metalloproteinase-20 immunolocalization in rat first molar tooth development after treatment with amoxicillin
Authors: AL – Badri Samah R. H. , AL-Janabi NIDHAL M.S.
Published: October 2023

we aimed to apply vaeions solvents and extraction techniques for rice bran amber and jasmine Variety (certified and commercial) to get tricin by using distilled water at boiling point with 70 Cο , distilled water with a 70Cο , ethanol 80% and methanol 80% by maceration extraction with distilled water with 70 Co showed superiority over the other extraction solvents by depending on the concentration of phenols and total flavonoids as total phenols reached of the amber variety (certified and commercial) were 79.82 ±2.95, 79.17 ±2.57 mg/g respectively and flavonoids 0.71 ±0.08 and 0.79 ±0.08 mg/g respectively, was adopted as the extraction solvent in the assistant extraction methods ,soxhlet ,ultrasounication and microwave, rice bran of the commercial jasmine excelled by possessing the highest of total phenols 78.75 ±2.95, 53.19 ±2.06 and 50.91 ±2.47 mg/g respectively and flavonoids 0.87 ±0.20, 0.79 ±0.14 and 0.63 ±0.15 mg/g respectively, therefore rice bran adopted the commercial jasmine for extraction by thiolysis, base, acid, and the thiolysis was the best with the total of phenols 109.82 ±6.41 mg/g and total flavonoids 1.112 ±0.26 mg/g ,the results of separation were shown on a silica gel 60 column identification was proved by HPLC technology the presence of tricin at highest concentration in the thiolysis extract followed by the base hydrolysis reached 23.487 ±1.07and 12.257 ±0.86 µg/ml respectiveluy and was not found in the acid hydrolysis extract tricin gave an anti-inflammatory activity 92.42 ±4.08 % at a concentration 500 mg/ml. Keywords: Rice bran, Tricin, Extraction, Solvent, Flavonoids, Antiinflammatory
Continuous Critical Respiratory Parameter Measurements Using a Single Low-Cost Relative Humidity Sensor: Evaluation Study
Authors: Vaussenat Fabrice , Bhattacharya Abhiroop , Payette Julie , Benavides-Guerrero Jaime A , Perrotton Alexandre , Gerlein Luis Felipe , Cloutier Sylvain G
Published: October 2023

Background

Accurate and portable respiratory parameter measurements are critical for properly managing chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPDs) such as asthma or sleep apnea, as well as controlling ventilation for patients in intensive care units, during surgical procedures, or when using a positive airway pressure device for sleep apnea.

Objective

The purpose of this research is to develop a new nonprescription portable measurement device that utilizes relative humidity sensors (RHS) to accurately measure key respiratory parameters at a cost that is approximately 10 times less than the industry standard.

Methods

We present the development, implementation, and assessment of a wearable respiratory measurement device using the commercial Bosch BME280 RHS. In the initial stage, the RHS was connected to the pneumotach (PNT) gold standard device via its external connector to gather breathing metrics. Data collection was facilitated using the Arduino platform with a Bluetooth Low Energy connection, and all measurements were taken in real time without any additional data processing. The device’s efficacy was tested with 7 participants (5 men and 2 women), all in good health. In the subsequent phase, we specifically focused on comparing breathing cycle and respiratory rate measurements and determining the tidal volume by calculating the region between inhalation and exhalation peaks. Each participant's data were recorded over a span of 15 minutes. After the experiment, detailed statistical analysis was conducted using ANOVA and Bland-Altman to examine the accuracy and efficiency of our wearable device compared with the traditional methods.

Results

The perfused air measured with the respiratory monitor enables clinicians to evaluate the absolute value of the tidal volume during ventilation of a patient. In contrast, directly connecting our RHS device to the surgical mask facilitates continuous lung volume monitoring. The results of the 1-way ANOVA showed high P values of .68 for respiratory volume and .89 for respiratory rate, which indicate that the group averages with the PNT standard are equivalent to those with our RHS platform, within the error margins of a typical instrument. Furthermore, analysis utilizing the Bland-Altman statistical method revealed a small bias of 0.03 with limits of agreement (LoAs) of –0.25 and 0.33. The RR bias was 0.018, and the LoAs were –1.89 and 1.89.

Conclusions

Based on the encouraging results, we conclude that our proposed design can be a viable, low-cost wearable medical device for pulmonary parametric measurement to prevent and predict the progression of pulmonary diseases. We believe that this will encourage the research community to investigate the application of RHS for monitoring the pulmonary health of individuals.
Implementing Telemedicine in Clinical Practice in the First Digital Hematology Unit: Feasibility Study
Authors: Santamaria Amparo , Antón Maldonado Cristina , Sánchez-Quiñones Beatriz , Ibarra Vega Nataly , Ayo González Maikel , Gonzalez Cabezas Pedro , Carrasco Moreno Rafael
Published: October 2023

Background

Currently, there are no telemedicine models that fully integrate all areas of hematology into daily practice.

Objective

The objectives of this feasibility study were to assess the practicality of implementing telemedicine into our clinical practice in the first Digital Hematology Unit and propose an innovative integrative design for clinical practice.

Methods

We designed the Digital Hematology Unit, which is a specific physical space dedicated to carrying out telemedicine and monitoring patients in a holistic way. Also, a satisfaction questionnaire was performed and health care indicators were measured.

Results

In 2021, there were 1331 first visits and 7534 follow-up visits. Of the first visits, 12.2% (n=163) were face-to-face and 87.8% (n=1168) were telematic. For follow-up visits, 29.9% (n=2251) were face-to-face and 70.1% (n=5283) were telematic. The health care management indicators showed that we had a waiting time of less than 4 days and took less than 4 hours to answer interconsultations among specialists. Moreover, patients reported a high level of satisfaction with the services provided.

Conclusions

Our Digital Hematology Unit, as a case of success, serves as an example of how innovative digital solutions can contribute to the quality of care and excellence in health care achieved through a digital transformation process led by hematologists.
Continuous Critical Respiratory Parameter Measurements Using a Single Low-Cost Relative Humidity Sensor: Evaluation Study (Preprint)
Authors: Vaussenat Fabrice , Bhattacharya Abhiroop , Payette Julie , Benavides-Guerrero Jaime A , Perrotton Alexandre , Gerlein Luis Felipe , Cloutier Sylvain G
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND

Accurate and portable respiratory parameter measurements are critical for properly managing chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPDs) such as asthma or sleep apnea, as well as controlling ventilation for patients in intensive care units, during surgical procedures, or when using a positive airway pressure device for sleep apnea.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this research is to develop a new nonprescription portable measurement device that utilizes relative humidity sensors (RHS) to accurately measure key respiratory parameters at a cost that is approximately 10 times less than the industry standard.

METHODS

We present the development, implementation, and assessment of a wearable respiratory measurement device using the commercial Bosch BME280 RHS. In the initial stage, the RHS was connected to the pneumotach (PNT) gold standard device via its external connector to gather breathing metrics. Data collection was facilitated using the Arduino platform with a Bluetooth Low Energy connection, and all measurements were taken in real time without any additional data processing. The device’s efficacy was tested with 7 participants (5 men and 2 women), all in good health. In the subsequent phase, we specifically focused on comparing breathing cycle and respiratory rate measurements and determining the tidal volume by calculating the region between inhalation and exhalation peaks. Each participant's data were recorded over a span of 15 minutes. After the experiment, detailed statistical analysis was conducted using ANOVA and Bland-Altman to examine the accuracy and efficiency of our wearable device compared with the traditional methods.

RESULTS

The perfused air measured with the respiratory monitor enables clinicians to evaluate the absolute value of the tidal volume during ventilation of a patient. In contrast, directly connecting our RHS device to the surgical mask facilitates continuous lung volume monitoring. The results of the 1-way ANOVA showed high P values of .68 for respiratory volume and .89 for respiratory rate, which indicate that the group averages with the PNT standard are equivalent to those with our RHS platform, within the error margins of a typical instrument. Furthermore, analysis utilizing the Bland-Altman statistical method revealed a small bias of 0.03 with limits of agreement (LoAs) of –0.25 and 0.33. The RR bias was 0.018, and the LoAs were –1.89 and 1.89.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the encouraging results, we conclude that our proposed design can be a viable, low-cost wearable medical device for pulmonary parametric measurement to prevent and predict the progression of pulmonary diseases. We believe that this will encourage the research community to investigate the application of RHS for monitoring the pulmonary health of individuals.
Tracking the negationism related to protective measures during the COVID-19 pandemic: the case of #AglomeraBrasil on Twitter (Preprint)
Authors: Oliveira Leandro Machado
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND

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OBJECTIVE

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METHODS

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RESULTS

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CONCLUSIONS

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CLINICALTRIAL

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Self-management eHealth solutions for menopause - A scoping review (Preprint)
Authors: Vollrath Sabrina
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND

Despite the abundance of information available on the internet, there is a considerable need for easily accessible, confidential information on menopause for both patients and health care providers.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this scoping review is to highlight the current scientific evidence on eHealth-based information tools for menopause in terms of quality, requirements, and previous intervention outcomes.

METHODS

We systematically searched electronic databases (Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Global Health Database [Ovid], Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov [NLM], LIVIVO Search Portal [ZB MED] and Google Scholar) from 1974 to March 2022 for relevant records.

RESULTS

Our search yielded 1,773 records. Of these, 29 records met our inclusion criteria. Thirteen out of 29 selected studies were cross-sectional studies with qualitative content analysis of websites about menopause. Ten out of 29 selected studies were cohort studies examining the impact of an eHealth intervention. Two out of 29 selected studies were randomized controlled trials comparing eHealth tools with conventional ones. The remaining four out of 29 selected studies were non-systematic literature reviews.

CONCLUSIONS

This scoping review highlights the potential of eHealth-based information tools for the management of menopause. User-friendly eHealth based information tools (e.g. web portals) can encourage participation and engagement concerning self-management in menopause. Our scoping review shows that most eHealth-based information tools are inadequate in terms of readability and the balanced view on information. Providers of eHealth-based information tools should pay attention to the following aspects in the future: 1) participatory design, 2) readability, 3) balance of content, and 4) the use of multimedia tools for information delivery to improve comprehensibility.

CLINICALTRIAL

The study protocol was registered prospectively with the Open Science Framework
(https://osf.io/5rcdq) on March 24, 2022 in accordance with the reporting guidance provided in the Preferred Reporting Items for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-S) statements [28].
Towards Comprehensive mHealth App Analysis: Metadata Analysis of Heart Disease Apps in India (Preprint)
Authors: Dubbala Keerthi , Prizak Roshan , Metzler Ingrid , Rubeis Giovanni
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND

Smartphone health apps (mHealth apps) have gained significant popularity recently. mHealth apps can address healthcare disparities and enhance access to healthcare services in low-resource countries. With its vast and diverse population, India presents a unique context for studying the landscape of mHealth apps. However, only a few studies explored the breadth of mHealth apps available in India.

OBJECTIVE

Our study aimed to address this critical gap and aid in comprehensive evaluations by introducing an automated method for collecting data on mHealth apps. We aimed to create a comprehensive dataset initially focusing on heart disease-related apps.

METHODS

We collected individual app data from apps in the "Medical" and "Health & Fitness" categories from the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store in December 2022 and July 2023, respectively. Using Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques, we selected apps relevant to heart diseases (HD apps), performed statistical analysis, and applied Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) for clustering and topic modelling to categorise the resulting HD apps.

RESULTS

We collected 118.555 apps from the Apple App Store and 108.945 apps from the Google Play Store. Within these datasets, we found that approximately 1.7 percent apps on the Apple App Store and 0.5 percent on the Google Play Store included support for Indian languages. Using monograms and bigrams related to heart disease, we identified 1.681 HD apps from the Apple App Store and 588 HD apps from the Google Play Store. HD apps make only a small fraction of the total number of health apps available in India. About 90 percent of the HD apps are free of cost. However, more than 70 percent of HD apps have no reviews and rating scores, indicating low usage. Exploratory correlation analysis revealed that apps with longer descriptions tend to have higher rating-scores. Clustering analysis of these HD apps revealed three prominent clusters in both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store datasets - Clinical apps, Fitness & Lifestyle apps, and Sleep & Wellbeing apps.

CONCLUSIONS

Our paper contributes to mapping mHealth apps in India. It offers a user-friendly approach for researchers, potentially overcoming barriers to accessing and analysing valuable health app metadata. This approach's adaptability to other low-resource settings and diverse health issues makes it useful for further research and analysis.
Teaching Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes Self-Compassion (TADS) to Reduce Diabetes Distress: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Dover Saunya , Ahmet Alexandra , Bluth Karen , Feldman Brian M , Goldbloom Ellen B , Goldfield Gary S , Hamilton Sarah , Imran Omar , Khalif Adam , Khatchadourian Karine , Lawrence Sarah , Leonard Andrew , Liu Kuan , Ouyang Yongdong , Peeters Corien , Shah Jai , Spector Noah , Zuijdwijk Caroline , Robinson Marie-Eve
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND

Adolescents living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) often experience diabetes distress (DD), a construct distinct from depression or anxiety that refers to the negative emotions that arise from living with and managing diabetes. Self-compassion, which involves being open to one’s own suffering and treating oneself with the same care one would show to loved ones, is associated with better psychological and clinical outcomes among individuals with T1D. Self-compassion is a skill that can be taught and therefore represents an opportunity for intervention.

OBJECTIVE

The overall aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of a web-based mindful self-compassion for teens (MSC-T) intervention on improving DD, anxiety, depression, diabetes-related disordered eating, and suicidal ideation experienced by youth with T1D (aged between 12 and 17 years) compared with a waitlist control group (standard of care). We will also explore (1) if the effect of the MSC-T intervention changes over time, (2) if the MSC-T intervention has a positive impact on measures of glycemic control, and (3) if the effect of the MSC-T intervention differs based on self-reported gender.

METHODS

We will conduct a single-center, parallel-group randomized controlled trial of 140 adolescents with T1D followed for 12 months. Participants will be randomly allocated (using hidden allocation) in a 1:1 ratio to either the MSC-T intervention or the waitlist control group. Our primary outcome is DD, as measured by the Problem Areas in Diabetes-Teen (PAID-T) version at 3 months. Secondary outcomes, assessed at 3 and 12 months, include anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item [GAD-7] scale), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 [PHQ-9]), diabetes-related disordered eating (Diabetes Eating Problem Survey-Revised [DEPS-R] version), and suicidal ideation (using 1 question from the PHQ-9).

RESULTS

Study recruitment began in October 2022 and was completed in March 2023, with a total of 141 participants enrolling. Data collection will be ongoing until March 2024. The first results are expected in June 2024.

CONCLUSIONS

This study will be the first randomized trial to assess the effectiveness of the web-based MSC-T intervention on adolescents with T1D. Given that adolescence is a period where individuals are typically required to assume more responsibility for their diabetes care, providing adolescents with the tools they need to better manage the stress that often accompanies T1D management is paramount.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05463874; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05463874

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/53935
René Zavaleta Mercado: expresión barroca y bonapartismo
Authors: Rodas Morales Hugo
Published: October 2023

Este estudio aborda el problema de la expresión o apariencia estética (Shei) en los escritos de René Zavaleta Mercado. Se revisa críticamente la intersubjetividad del bonapartimo nacionalista: sus transfiguraciones y rectificación capitalista en tanto discurso de la autodeterminación burguesa, es decir, el libro de Abril de (1952) como libro del mundo boliviano y, específicamente, la ambigua praxis de Zavaleta en su inacabable reconstrucción narrativa del acontecimiento de 1952, locus ideológico supuestamente insuperable de la historia de Bolivia.
La izquierda latinoamericana contra los pueblos: el caso ecuatoriano (2007-2013)
Authors: Gaussens Pierre
Published: October 2023

A lo largo de los años 2000 en América Latina, la llegada al poder de una serie de nuevos gobiernos en varios países (con Chávez, Lula, Kirchner, Morales, Correa, Ortega, Mujica…) dibujó un giro a la izquierda en el panorama político regional. Sin embargo, su comprensión para los estudios latinoamericanos ha sido dificultada por los posicionamientos ideológicos y los discursos oficiales, que han presentado a este giro como una "revancha histórica" de los pueblos frente al neoliberalismo. En contra de esta ilusión, el autor explica por qué este giro a la izquierda obedece a reconfiguraciones estructurales que, en realidad, son favorables a la profundización del capitalismo en el continente.
Recolinización en Bolivia. Neonacionalismo extractivista y resistencia comunitaria
Authors: Makaran Gaya
Published: October 2023

El libro Recolinización en Bolivia. Neonacionalismo extractivista y resistencia comunitaria es fruto de un encuentro de dos personas y sus respectivas miradas, unidas por un complementarse y fundirse en un texto único que expresa integramente el senti-pensar de ambos. Escrito entre México y Bolivia, y también entre múltiples geografías, en las que a los autores les tocó coincidir en el tiempo-espacio creativo: apuntado en el cuaderno de campo en la Amazonía boliviana, tecleado en cafeterías coyacanenses y paceñas, este libro nace desde el compromiso y, a decir zapatista, la "digna rabia", para para que a través de sus páginas camine la palabra de esperanza en un escenario desesperante, pero con un horizonte "otro" siempre posible, como un homenaje a todos y todas los que siguen resistiendo y re-existiendo en el TIPNIS y otros tantos territorios y espacios en Bolivia y Abya Yala, en esta lucha común contra el despojo el autoritarismo y la mercantilización de la vida.
Redes e imaginario del exilio en México y América Latina: 1934-1940
Authors: Melgar Bao Ricardo
Published: October 2023

Redes e imaginario del exilio en México y América Latina: 1934-1940 resalta el papel de México frente a América Latina y el mundo en el periodo de Lázaro Cárdenas, por lo que entraña una toma de consciencia indispensable para los tiempos que corren. El libro revela la dinámica de las relaciones, códigos culturales y puntos de vista de actores políticos y militantes en la primera mitad del siglo XX. Indaga en torno a fenómenos como el exilio, el populismo, el sindicalismo y el comunismo, así como acerca de las expectativas que generó la imponente Revolución mexicana en los intelectuales de la disidencia latinoamericana.
Medical technologies assessment in COVID-19
Authors: Kolbin A. S. , Gomon Yu. M.
Published: October 2023

According to official information about the coronavirus, as of May 2023, about 400 thousand people died from COVID-19 in Russia, 6.9 million people in the world. Social, as well as medical and economic aspects are associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. The main global financial resources were allocated to the provision of vaccines ($13.8 billion, 40.4%); reorganization of health systems ($4.1 billion); COVID-19 drug therapy ($3.4 billion). The costs of research, development and study of vaccines and medicines accounted for only 0.6% of total costs ($166 million). The article presents a clinical and pharmacological analysis of various medicines recommended for the treatment of infection. In these conditions, the reliability and effectiveness of national health technology assessment systems has become particularly relevant.