bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What makes the Wuhan virus American?
Authors: Borza Natalia
Published: March 2023

From the sociolinguistic perspective, conspiracy theories (CT), which convey heterodox forms of knowledge that diverge from accepted narratives, are worth examining since their discourses abound in persuasive language. Still, the discourse of CTs is under-researched (Demata/Zorzi/ Zottola 2022). The present empirical, discourse-analytical case study seeks to address this lacuna by exploring the discursive (de)legitimation strategies of conspiracy discourse in competing narrative frames. The research adopted the Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) perspective, and the comparative analysis was carried out within the methodological framework developed by van Leeuwen (2008) and Tankard (2001). The findings complement van Leeuwen’s “grammar of legitimation”, and also contribute to existing knowledge on framing theories. The results of the explorative case study indicate that the persuasiveness of the discursive strategies of (de)legitimisation depends on several features, such as synergy, projection, the sense of belonging, silencing with blockers, implying the generality of specific cases, and the partial investigation of causality.
A note on Middle High German lengthening and related developments in diachronic perspective
Authors: Cercignani Fausto
Published: March 2023

The aim of this paper is to present a detailed analysis of the relevant material concerning lengthening of the Middle High German short accented vowels with a view to establishing the actual conditions under which this change operated. Special attention is given to the relevant, controversial developments in an open syllable, where lengthening is shown to have been regular not only before voiced consonants but also before the only available voiceless consonant, namely /t/. Apparent exceptions with a short vowel are shown to reflect phonological variants inherited from earlier stages of the language. The whole phenomenon of lengthening is discussed in a diachronic perspective which involves other changes, such as diphthongization, monophthongization, and shortening. Moreover, the conditioned mergers of the relevant short vowels with their long counterparts are presented in the wider context of the subsequent development of the Middle High German vowels, with special regard to the changes that affected /e/, /ɛ/, /æ/ and /e:/, /æ:/.
Periphrastische Diskursmarker im (inner)romanisch-deutschen Sprachvergleich.
Authors: Mayr Paul
Published: March 2023

Verbal periphrases (VP) constitute a typological feature of Romance languages and they are especially frequent in the Iberoromanic languages. In the context of this paper, the aspectual verbal construction stare a + infinito and the modal VP volere + infinito will be “grasped in the concrete speech action” (Katelhön 2013: 237; my translation) in order to show how these two VPs are used as discourse-structuring elements in contemporary Italian (outline signals, turn-taking markers, hesitation phenomena etc.). Furthermore, formal and functional equivalents of the periphrastic discourse markers it. sta(mmi) a sentire and it. voglio dire will be analyzed in two Romance “sister languages”, namely French and Spanish, as well as in a typologically more distant language, namely German. The translation strategies chosen in the respective target languages will be examined with regard to the preservation or modification of pragmatic-discursive values inherent in the source language structure. For the present study, which is exclusively qualitative, the LIP corpus and the OPUS corpus (Tiedemann 2012, Italian), which is a collection of subtitles from a wide range of films in various languages, were used.
Optical vortex convolution generator and quasi-Talbot effect
Authors: Tang Ao , Xiong Guangyun , Shen Feng
Published: March 2023

In this Letter, a simple optical vortex convolution generator is proposed where a microlens array (MLA) is utilized as an optical convolution device, and a focusing lens (FL) is employed to obtain the far field, which can convert a single optical vortex into a vortex array. Further, the optical field distribution on the focal plane of the FL is theoretically analyzed and experimentally verified using three MLAs of different sizes. Moreover, in the experiments, behind the FL, the self-imaging Talbot effect of the vortex array is also observed. Meanwhile, the generation of the high-order vortex array is also investigated. This method, with a simple structure and high optical power efficiency, can generate high spatial frequency vortex arrays using devices with low spatial frequency and has excellent application prospects in the field of optical tweezers, optical communication, optical processing, etc.
High-performance grating couplers by inverse design for perfectly vertical coupling
Authors: Zhao Mingshan , Yang Mingxiang , YAN YUNJIE , Wu Zhenlin , Morthier Geert
Published: March 2023

In the application of free-space optical (FSO) communication, grating couplers (GCs) are the key components, enabling the coupling of the vertically incident optical beam to optical waveguides. This paper presents the design and experimental characterization of apodized grating couplers for perfectly-vertical coupling to 220 nm thick silicon-on-insulator (SOI) waveguides in the C-band. We also designed and characterized uniform grating couplers to demonstrate the superior performance of apodized grating couplers. We used a gradient-based inverse design method to optimize apodized grating couplers. The design and measurement results show that apodized grating couplers have a 3dB lower coupling loss than uniform grating couplers. We fabricated focusing apodized grating couplers by electron beam lithography with a 70 nm shallow etch and a minimum feature size of 100 nm, which is compatible with CMOS technology. They achieved an excellent coupling loss of 5.86 dB for perfectly vertical coupling.
Effects of phase synchronization and frequency specificity in the encoding of conditioned fear–a web-based fear conditioning study
Authors: Plog Elena , Antov Martin I. , Bierwirth Philipp , Stockhorst Ursula
Published: March 2023

Oscillatory synchronization in the theta-frequency band was found to play a causal role in binding information of different modalities in declarative memory. Moreover, there is first evidence from a laboratory study that theta-synchronized (vs. asynchronized) multimodal input in a classical fear conditioning paradigm resulted in better discrimination of a threat-associated stimulus when compared to perceptually similar stimuli never associated with the aversive unconditioned stimulus (US). Effects manifested in affective ratings and ratings of contingency knowledge. However, theta-specificity was not addressed so far. Thus, in the present pre-registered web-based fear conditioning study, we compared synchronized (vs. asynchronized) input in a theta-frequency band vs. the same synchronization manipulation in a delta frequency. Based on our previous laboratory design, five visual gratings of different orientations (25°, 35°, 45°, 55°, 65°) served as conditioned stimuli (CS) with only one (CS+) paired with the auditory aversive US. Both CS and US were luminance or amplitude modulated, respectively, in a theta (4 Hz) or delta (1.7 Hz) frequency. In both frequencies, CS-US pairings were presented either in-phase (0° phase lag) or out-of-phase (90°, 180°, 270°), resulting in four independent groups (each group N = 40). Phase synchronization augmented the discrimination of CSs in CS-US contingency knowledge but did not affect valence and arousal ratings. Interestingly, this effect occurred independent of frequency. In sum, the current study proves the ability to successfully conduct complex generalization fear conditioning in an online setting. Based on this prerequisite, our data supports a causal role of phase synchronization in the declarative CS-US associations for low frequencies rather than in the specific theta-frequency band.
Avoiding contingent incidents by quadrotors due to one or two propellers failure
Authors: Altınuç Kemal Orçun , Khan Muhammad Umer , Iqbal Jamshed
Published: March 2023

With the increasing impact of drones in our daily lives, safety issues have become a primary concern. In this study, a novel supervisor-based active fault-tolerant (FT) control system is presented for a rotary-wing quadrotor to maintain its pose in 3D space upon losing one or two propellers. Our approach allows the quadrotor to make controlled movements about a primary axis attached to the body-fixed frame. A multi-loop cascaded control architecture is designed to ensure robustness, stability, reference tracking, and safe landing. The altitude control is performed using a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller, whereas linear-quadratic-integral (LQI) and model-predictive-control (MPC) have been investigated for reduced attitude control and their performance is compared based on absolute and mean-squared error. The simulation results affirm that the quadrotor remains in a stable region, successfully performs the reference tracking, and ensures a safe landing while counteracting the effects of propeller(s) failures.
Development and validation of a pharmaceutical assessment screening tool to prioritise patient care in a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Chang Cheok Ee , Khan Rahela Ambaras , Tay Chan Yen , Thangaiyah Baavaanii , Ong Victor Sheng Teck , Pakeer Oothuman Sabariah , Zulkifli Shazwani , Azemi Nur Fatin Najwa , Subramaniam Pavithira
Published: March 2023

Background

Clinical pharmacy plays an integral role in optimizing inpatient care. Nevertheless, prioritising patient care remains a critical challenge for pharmacists in a hectic medical ward. In Malaysia, clinical pharmacy practice has a paucity of standardized tools to prioritise patient care.

Aim

Our aim is to develop and validate a pharmaceutical assessment screening tool (PAST) to guide medical ward pharmacists in our local hospitals to effectively prioritise patient care.

Method

This study involved 2 major phases; (1) development of PAST through literature review and group discussion, (2) validation of PAST using a three-round Delphi survey. Twenty-four experts were invited by email to participate in the Delphi survey. In each round, experts were required to rate the relevance and completeness of PAST criteria and were given chance for open feedback. The 75% consensus benchmark was set and criteria with achieved consensus were retained in PAST. Experts’ suggestions were considered and added into PAST for rating. After each round, experts were provided with anonymised feedback and results from the previous round.

Results

Three Delphi rounds resulted in the final tool (rearranged as mnemonic ‘STORIMAP’). STORIMAP consists of 8 main criteria with 29 subcomponents. Marks are allocated for each criteria in STORIMAP which can be combined to a total of 15 marks. Patient acuity level is determined based on the final score and clerking priority is assigned accordingly.

Conclusion

STORIMAP potentially serves as a useful tool to guide medical ward pharmacists to prioritise patients effectively, hence establishing acuity-based pharmaceutical care.
Assessing the association between an early and recommended number of focused antenatal care visits and the number of prenatal care content received before delivery in Ethiopia
Authors: Kpordoxah Mary Rachael , Issah Abdul-Nasir , Yeboah Daudi , Mruts Kalayu Brhane , Boah Michael
Published: March 2023

Background

Early and frequent antenatal care (ANC) has been linked to better pregnancy outcomes. This study assessed whether having at least four ANC contacts was associated with increased prenatal care content if the first visit was started in the first trimester in Ethiopia.

Methods

Data from the 2019 Ethiopia Mini Demographic and Health Survey on 2894 women aged 15–49 who received ANC during their last pregnancy were analyzed. The sum of women’s responses to six questions about ANC components (blood pressure taken, urine sample taken, blood sample taken, provided or bought iron tablet, counselling by a health worker on nutrition, and told about pregnancy complications) was used to construct a composite score of routine ANC components. The main predictor was a combination of the timing of the first contact and the number of ANC contacts before birth.

Results

We found that 28.7% of women who began ANC early made at least four ANC contacts. More than one-third (36%) received all six components, with blood pressure monitoring being the most common (90.4%). After adjusting for potential confounding factors, women who had at least four contacts and booked early were substantially more likely than their counterparts to get a factor-of-one increase in the number of components received (IRR = 1.08; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.10).

Conclusion

We found a strong association between increased prenatal care content and early ANC with at least four contacts. However, less than a third of women in the study setting had at least four contacts, with the first occurring in the first trimester. In addition, less than half of women received essential prenatal care interventions before delivery. The findings suggest that the WHO’s new guidelines for ANC frequency and timing may be challenging to implement in some countries, such as Ethiopia, that already have low coverage of four or more contacts. If the recommendations are adopted, effective strategies for increasing early starts and increasing contacts are required.
An Enigmatic Case of Jaundice and Photosensitivity in an Adolescent
Authors: Bhagat Naveen , Singh Pranjal , De Arka , Mitra Suvradeep , Kumar Ashwani , Dhanasekaran Venkatesh , Parkhi Mayur Vilas , Ray Debadrita , Duseja Ajay
Published: March 2023

Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) presents with nonblistering photosensitivity. Hepatobiliary manifestations are seen in around 5% cases and include cholelithiasis, elevations in liver enzymes, progressive jaundice, and end-stage liver disease. The diagnosis is suspected based on clinical features and elevated erythrocyte metal-free protoporphyrin and confirmed by genetic analysis showing loss-of-function mutations in the ferrochelatase (FECH) gene. We present an adolescent boy who presented with jaundice and photosensitivity with the liver biopsy showing deposition of brown pigments within the canaliculi and hepatocytes. This pigment showed Maltese cross birefringence on polarizing microscopy and Medusa-head appearance on electron microscopy. Genetic analysis revealed loss-of-function mutations in FECH. Introduction of EPP is an inborn error of heme biosynthesis caused by mutations in FECH with a prevalence of 1:75,000 to 1:200,000. We present a case of a 16-year-old adolescent boy with photosensitivity, abdominal pain, and jaundice with protoporphyrin deposition in the liver who was ultimately diagnosed with EPP based on genetic analysis.
Integrated management analysis of production performance, maintenance, and PDCA Cycle
Authors: Fernandes Rafael da Silva , Sousa Jaci Clayton da Conceição , Luz Rosana Maria do Nascimento
Published: March 2023

The performance measure of a production can be determined by applying tools that can evaluate the relationship between production functions, process quality and maintenance, and propose an integrated management model. The objective of this study was to propose the application of the PDCA cycle and to use its analysis to minimize the operational impacts that lead to non-compliance with the goals established in the Production Master Plan compared to the actual one. The motivational problem at work is related to the adoption of the innovative IPCC mining method by a Brazilian mining company, which in 2019 had a production plan of 18,051,425.8 tons; however, it produced 13,526,587.5. It was possible to observe the good performance of the action plan regarding the results of the indicators and standardization of the processes. In summary, the indicators showed an average performance higher than expected for 2020. As for variability, the indicators showed a decrease in the standard deviation between performance and schedule. It is noteworthy that the PU, productivity and average production indicators showed an upward trend.
O ensino de Administração e Economia para engenheiros de produção nas universidades estaduais paulistas
Authors: Dermonde Matheus , Correa Raísa , Toniol Ana Paula Nobile , Miyahira Ney Nakazato , Martins ✞ Amanda Araújo
Published: March 2023

O curso de Engenharia de Produção (EP) se configura na interface da engenharia clássica com a área administrativa, capaz de aliar tanto o conhecimento técnico da engenharia, quanto a capacitação nas áreas de gestão e estratégias de uma organização. Partindo do caso das quatro Universidades Estaduais Paulistas (USP, UNICAMP, UNESP e UNIVESP), este trabalho teve como objetivo comparar a ênfase dada às disciplinas de administração e economia em seus principais cursos de EP. Este estudo é de natureza qualitativa com enfoque exploratório e utilizou como técnica investigativa a pesquisa documental nas Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais dos Cursos de Graduação no Brasil (DCN), nos Projetos Político-Pedagógicos (PPP) dos cursos analisados e nas ementas de cada uma das disciplinas selecionadas; e por fim, procedeu-se com a aplicação de um questionário juntos aos coordenadores/supervisores dos cursos. Pode-se verificar que todos os cursos analisados se alinham às DCN no oferecimento de disciplinas de administração e economia. Contudo, verificou-se grande variabilidade na organização destes conteúdos dentro das disciplinas e seus respectivos enfoques. Por se tratar de um estudo exploratório, este trabalho apresentou uma primeira visão sistematizada acerca da temática, contribuindo ao apresentar sugestões de caminhos a serem percorridos em novos estudos.
Análise e redução de Lead Time em uma indústria de confecção
Authors: Wendt Carla , Baú Bianca Giordani
Published: March 2023

Este trabalho científico, de natureza aplicada, objetivou implantar ferramentas da filosofia lean manufacturing em uma indústria de confecção. O propósito destas ações foi reduzir o lead time, visto que a empresa vinha enfrentando problemas com atrasos na entrega das encomendas. O método aplicado para guiar a pesquisa foi o hipotético-dedutivo, aliado a abordagem de pesquisa-ação. A partir disso, os resultados obtidos foram satisfatórios. Obteve-se uma redução de 82,85% do tempo de entrega dos pedidos aos clientes, maior organização dos processos e envolvimento da equipe na tomada de decisões. Ao final da pesquisa, concluiu-se que as ferramentas enxutas proporcionaram resultados positivos para a organização.
Nutrition and cancer: modern aspects of a healthy lifestyle (literature review)
Authors: Kolesnik O. P. , Levyk O. M. , Cherniavskyi D. Ye. , Kuzmenko V. O. , Lytvynenko L. S.
Published: March 2023

Despite significant improvements in screening, diagnosis and targeted therapy, cancer remains the second leading cause of death in the world. It is becoming increasingly clear that diet and lifestyle play a significant role in the development and progression of cancer. Thus, various dietary combinations can be proposed to reduce the risk of cancer and to improve the impact of basic therapy. Nutrition is closely linked to cancer. Food carcinogens, macronutrients, micronutrients such as vitamins A, C and D, dietary fiber, modulation of metabolism by diet, dietary supplements and anticancer agents in food affect the development of cancer. This article discusses research on the relationship between nutrition and cancer, as well as current dietary guidelines for reducing the risk of cancer.
The aim of the study is to analyze information from the professional literature on the influence of various nutritional regimes in cancer patients.
Conclusions. Proper nutrition can prevent the risk of cancer and improve the impact of treatment on the disease. Ketogenic diet is useful in combination with standard therapy on the basis of its ability to enhance the antitumor effects of classical chemotherapy and radiation therapy, its overall good safety and tolerability, as well as improving the quality of life. Mediterranean diet is a protective factor against cancer, due to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the ingredients. Fasting is also a potentially effective strategy for inducing the differential stress resistance of cancer and normal cells as an adjunct to standard treatment. Promising benefits of vitamins in the prevention and treatment of cancer can be achieved through the use of new potent analogues, as well as combinations of vitamins in the early stages of cancer.
Clinical case of atypical course of Crohn’s disease
Authors: Zhuravlyova L. V. , Sikalo Yu. K. , Oliinyk M. O. , Zhuravlyova A. K. , Zinchenko H. P. , Tytov Ye. V.
Published: March 2023

Crohn’s disease (CD) is a chronic recurrent inflammatory bowel disease with a wide variety of clinical manifestations – from classical gastrointestinal phenotypes to predominance of extraintestinal symptoms. Atypical course of CD is observed relatively often and is manifested with a damage to almost all body systems, including hepatobiliary, immune, hematopoietic, cardiovascular, nervous, as well as eyes, skin, lungs and kidneys. Atypical manifestation often precedes intestinal, making diagnosis difficult. The presence of various clinical manifestations of CD, often an atypical course, as well as the absence of standardized diagnostic criteria can be an obstacle for physicians in the timely detection of the disease and effective treatment.
Aim: to describe a clinical case of a diagnostically difficult patient of our clinic with an atypical course of CD and complications incompatible with life; highlight the problem of monitoring and possible solutions.
Results. In the presented clinical case the patient with an atypical course of CD, with the prevailing displays of defeat of nervous and vascular systems is described. During hospitalization, a full range of diagnostic tests was performed, consultations with related specialists were obtained, but no direct data of inflammatory bowel disease were found. At the same time, the impossibility of performing a colonoscopy with a biopsy, due to the severity of the patient’s condition, delayed the timely diagnosis of CD and contributed to the development of complications incompatible with life.
The diagnosis was made posthumously. The patient died as a result of intoxication due to the development of complications of CD – perforation of the intestine, intestinal abscess, development of peritonitis, septicemia.
Conclusions. In the described clinical case CD is considered as a complex interdisciplinary problem, and emphasizes the importance of doctor’s awareness of the variants of atypical manifestations and course of inflammatory bowel disease, methods for their assessment and ways of effective management. This case also presents the latest epidemiological data on the prevalence of atypical manifestations of CD, identifies key areas of diagnostic search in case of a difficult patient.
Dynamics of leukocyte inflammatory markers in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction depending on left ventricle ejection fraction
Authors: Tashchuk V. K. , Bota R. A. , Al Salama M. V. O.
Published: March 2023

Aim: to evaluate the dynamics of leukocyte inflammatory markers in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) depending on ejection fraction of left ventricular (LV).
Material and methods. The study group consisted of 23 consecutive patients with STEMI admitted to the Regional Clinical Cardiology Center in Chernivtsi, who underwent successful reperfusion treatment by PCI. To evaluate inflammatory markers, a complete blood count (CBC) was assessed at admission, and on day 10 of hospital stay on the background of optimal drug therapy.
Results. It was found that patients with STEMI and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (group 2) at admission had a significantly higher leukocyte count (P < 0.05) and an increase in the absolute neutrophils (P < 0.01) with significantly higher inflammatory markers: neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (P < 0.01), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), systemic immune inflammation index (SII) (P < 0.01), systemic inflammation response index (SIRI) (P < 0.01), aggregate index of systemic inflammation (AISI) (P < 0.05), and integrated index of inflammation (III) (P < 0.05). On day 10 of treatment, the analysis of inflammatory markers showed that in patients of group 2, NLR (P < 0.01) and SII (P < 0.05) remained significantly higher than in STEMI patients with preserved LVEF (group 1). At the study of the changes in leukocyte-based inflammatory markers in STEMI patients under the influence of optimal drug therapy after PCI, a decrease (P < 0.05) in NLR, MLR, SII, SIRI, IIII, and an increase in (P < 0.05) LMR were observed.
Conclusions. CBC of inflammatory markers at admission identifies the risk of adverse cardiovascular events and determines measures to regulate the activity of the inflammatory process in STEMI.
Research of the current state of the market of vitamin and mineral complexes for pregnant women and information support for women during pregnancy
Authors: Demchenko V. O. , Tkachenko N. O. , Demchenko V. O.
Published: March 2023

Aim of the work is to study of the domestic market of vitamin and mineral complexes for pregnant women with the subsequent formation of an information array for making rational decisions on the formation of the pharmacy range of this group of products and information support for women during pregnancy.
Materials and methods. The State Register of Medicinal Products of Ukraine, the Compendium Online Directory of Medicinal Products, Internet resources on drug search in Ukrainian pharmacies GeoApteka and Tabletki.ua, Internet resources of online pharmacies, wholesale offers of vitamin and mineral complexes for pregnant women for pharmacies according to the “Apteka” software package were used as research material. The marketing method, monitoring methods, logical generalization, grouping, and graphic were used in the work.
Results. Based on the analysis of information sources about vitamin and mineral complexes for pregnant women, two assortment groups were formed: 99 % of the segment is represented by special food products and 1 % – by medicines. We studied the corporate structure of the market, as well as analyzed the socio-economic accessibility for consumers – pregnant women.
Conclusions. The Ukrainian pharmaceutical market of vitamin and mineral complexes for pregnant women is dominated by generic multicomponent drugs of foreign production, which have medium availability for the consumer. This situation creates the preconditions for the development of own production of proper quality, which will increase their availability and reduce the economic burden on the consumer – a pregnant woman. The information support of women before the beginning of pregnancy planning and during childbirth is in satisfactory condition. This is primarily due to the need for a woman to see a doctor during pregnancy planning and constant monitoring during pregnancy. On the other hand, pharmaceutical care is not able to compensate for the lack of information on vitamin and mineral complexes for pregnant women due to the peculiarity of the woman’s condition – pregnancy, which requires medical supervision.
Features of the planimetric organization of the endocrine part of the pancreas in hypertensive rats of the SHR line
Authors: Ivanenko T. V.
Published: March 2023

Analysis of the endocrine structure of the pancreas and assessment of its degree of heterogeneity is key to assessing such important physiological parameters as islet endocrinocyte mass in healthy people or functional reserve of β-cells in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
The aim of the study is to perform a comparative planimetric analysis of pancreatic islets of normotensive Wistar rats and hypertensive SHR rats, using the method of double immunofluorescent staining of endocrinocytes.
Materials and methods. The study was performed on the pancreas of SHR and Wistar rats. Insulin and glucagon in the islets of the pancreas were determined by immunofluorescence. The immunofluorescence reaction was studied with an AxioImager-M2 fluorescent microscope.
Results. Planimetric analysis showed the presence of pancreatic islets of all types in the pancreatic tissue of SHR and Wistar rats. The number of single endocrinocytes in SHR hypertensive animals was 2.3 times higher (P < 0.001), and the number of giant islets was 34.2 % higher (P < 0.001), than in normotensive Wistar rats. The presence of regions in some endocrinocytes, that show immunoreactivity to both hormones at once – insulin and glucagon. Such areas were present in islets of all types of both rat lines, however, the total rates in hypertensive rats of the SHR line were 21.8 % lower (P < 0.001), than in normotensive rats of the Wistar line.
Conclusions. Planimetric analysis showed, that the pancreatic islets in normotensive Wistar rats and hypertensive SHR rats occupy 1.4 % of the cross-sectional area of the pancreas. In hypertensive rats the SHR line in the gland by 16.9 % larger total area of the material immunoreactive to insulin. In contrast to Wistar rats, the number of single α-endocrinocytes in the pancreas of hypertensive SHR rats was significantly increased.
Effectiveness of antiviral treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C GT 1b depending on the presence of comorbid chronic renal insufficiency
Authors: Venytska H. V. , Riabokon O. V.
Published: March 2023

Aim. The aim of the work was to analyze the effectiveness of antiviral therapy (3D mode) in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) GT1 in clinical practice, depending on the presence of comorbid chronic renal insufficiency stage V, who receiving hemodialysis.
Materials and methods. 101 patients with CHC GT1 who received antiviral therapy (AVT) according to the scheme OBV/PTV/r + DSV ± RBV (3D-mode) during 12 weeks were included in the study. All patients with CHC were divided into two groups depending on the presence of comorbid chronic renal insufficiency (CRI): 92 patients who did not have accompanying CRI and 9 patients with comorbid CRI stage V who received program hemodialysis.
Results. The effectiveness of antiviral therapy in patients with CHC GT1 according to the OBV/PTV/r + DSV ± RBV scheme in clinical practice was high in terms of the achievement of 12 weeks sustained virologic response (SVR 12) SVR 12 (94.1 %). The frequency of achieving SVR 12 in CHC patients without concomitant CRI was 94.6 %, and with of comorbid CRI stage V (hemodialysis) – 88.9 % and had not statistically significant differences (P > 0.05). Treatment according to the 3D-mode was accompanied with stable normalization of ALT activity in 86.0 % of patients with CHC, and the frequency of it is achievement did not depend on the presence of comorbid CRI stage V (100.0 % vs. 85.2 % in patients without the specified concomitant pathology, P > 0.05).
Conclusions. The effectiveness of antiviral therapy in patients with CHC GT1 according to the OBV/PTV/r + DSV ± RBV scheme in clinical practice is high in terms of the achievement of SVR 12 (94.1 %) and does not depend in the presence of comorbid CRI stage V in the patient (94.6 % vs. 88.9 %, P > 0.05). The severity of liver fibrosis does not affect the effectiveness of AVT in patients with CHC GT1 in the presence of comorbid CRI stage V and without this comorbid condition.
Impacto de la pandemia de COVID-19 sobre la utilización de la medición de la HbA1c y sus resultados en pacientes ambulatorios adultos y pediátricos con diabetes
Authors: Oliver Paloma , Pellicer Marina , Prieto Daniel , Diaz-Garzon Jorge , Mora Roberto , Tomoiu Ileana , Gonzalez Noemi , Carcavilla Atilano , Gonzalez-Casado Isabel , Losantos Itsaso , Buño Antonio , Pilar Fernandez-Calle
Published: March 2023

Objetivos

La diabetes mellitus incrementa los riesgos y complicaciones asociadas a la COVID-19. Una de las principales consecuencias de la pandemia ha sido la drástica reducción de las consultas presenciales. El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar el impacto que ha tenido la pandemia de COVID-19 en la gestión de la determinación de HbA1c y sus resultados en pacientes ambulatorios adultos y pediátricos con diabetes, teniendo en cuenta tanto la medición realizada en el laboratorio como las pruebas de laboratorio en el lugar de asistencia o point-of-care testing (POCT).

Métodos

Se realizó un estudio observacional retrospectivo que incluyó pacientes de las Unidades de Diabetes Pediátrica y de Adultos. A través del sistema de información del laboratorio, se extrajeron los resultados de HbA1c obtenidos en el laboratorio y los resultados de POCT en un periodo de tres años (2019–2021).

Resultados

El número de mediciones de HbA1c se redujo considerablemente tras el confinamiento. En poco tiempo, los pacientes pediátricos volvieron a recibir su asistencia médica habitual. El número de mediciones de HbA1c fue aumentando paulatinamente en los adultos, especialmente POCT. En general, los valores de HbA1c fueron inferiores en los pacientes pediátricos que en los adultos (p<0,001). Los valores de HbA1c en niños (p<0,001) y adultos (p=0,002) se redujeron tras la pandemia con respecto al periodo previo a la misma, aunque fueron inferiores al valor de referencia del cambio de la HbA1c. El porcentaje de resultados de HbA1c superiores al 8% se mantuvo estable durante el periodo de estudio.

Conclusiones

Los sistemas de monitorización continua de la glucosa y la telemedicina fueron cruciales, habiéndose producido incluso una mejoría respecto a los niveles de HbA1c. Durante el confinamiento, a los pacientes con mejor control metabólico, las pruebas analíticas se les realizaron en el laboratorio, mientras que a los pacientes con peor control o una situación clínica grave se les realizaron mediante POCT en las Unidades de Diabetes. En los pacientes adultos, el retorno a la asistencia habitual previa a la pandemia se produjo de forma lenta y gradual, ya que presentaban mayor riesgo de morbimortalidad asociado a la COVID-19. La coordinación entre todos los profesionales sanitarios fue esencial a la hora de garantizar la mejor atención posible, especialmente en escenarios complejos, como la pandemia de COVID-19.
New lipophilic organic nitrates: candidates for chronic skin disease therapy
Authors: Marini Elisabetta , Sodano Federica , Rolando Barbara , Chegaev Konstantin , Maresca Daniela Claudia , Ianaro Angela , Ercolano Giuseppe , Lazzarato Loretta
Published: March 2023

Organic nitrates are widely used, but their chronic efficacy is blunted due to the development of tolerance. The properties of new tolerance free organic nitrates were studied. Their lipophilicity profile and passive diffusion across polydimethylsiloxane membrane and pig ear-skin, and their efficacy in tissue regeneration using HaCaT keratinocytes were evaluated. The permeation results show that these nitrates have a suitable profile for NO topical administration on the skin. Furthermore, the derivatives with higher NO release exerted a pro-healing effect on HaCaT cells. This new class of organic nitrates might be a promising strategy for the chronic treatment of skin pathologies.
Low-Temperature Plasma Nitriding of Martensitic and Austenitic Steels to Increase Tribocorrosion Resistance*
Authors: Hahn I. , Siebert S. , Paschke H. , Brückner T. , Weber S.
Published: March 2023

Tribocorrosion is the simultaneous occurrence of wear and corrosion in a tribosystem and their interaction. In many applications, such as media-lubricated rolling bearings and (cutting-)tools in the food industry or medicine, tribocorrosion occurs and leads to a high material loss and damage to materials. The tribocorrosion resistance of mechanically and chemically stressed steel surfaces can be significantly increased by low-temperature plasma nitriding at T < 400 °C. In this process, nitrogen is forcibly dissolved in the surface area (up to approx. 20 μm) in high contents of 15 wt.-% without precipitation. This results in an extreme expansion and distortion of the metal lattice (“expanded martensite”, “expanded austenite”), which leads to an increase in hardness of up to 1000 HV with the same or even increased pitting corrosion resistance. Due to the formation of expanded martensite/austenite, the tribocorrosion resistance of the martensitic steels X40Cr14 and X54CrMnN13-2 and that of an austenitic CrMn steel can be significantly improved compared to the initial state, which is expressed in a 40–70 % lower material loss under tribocorrosive attack. It was found that the tribocorrosion resistance depends on the process parameters of the surface treatment and on the chemical composition of the steels and their crystal lattice.
Influence of an Increased Case Hardening Depth on the Tooth Root Load Carrying Capacity of Large Modulus Cylindrical Gears Made of Materials with Higher Hardenability*
Authors: Sorg A. , Güntner C. , Tobie T. , Stahl K.
Published: March 2023

Highly stressed gears are usually manufactured from case hardening steels. The case hardening depth (CHD) has a significant influence on the tooth root load carrying capacity. For the materials 16MnCr5 and 20MnCr5, comprehensive investigations have been carried out in the past to determine the optimum case hardening depth up to size module mn = 10 mm on cylindrical spur gears. In certain applications, however, it may be necessary to select an increased CHD, e. g. to reduce the risk of tooth flank breakage. The question therefore arises as to what extent the available findings on the influence of the CHD on the tooth root load carrying capacity can also be transferred to materials of higher hardenability and larger sizes. For this purpose, several materials with different alloy systems and hardenabilities were examined under variation of the case hardening depth. In addition to extensive material characterization, pulsator tests were carried out to determine the tooth root load-carrying capacity on test gears of size mn = 12 mm. It is shown that the results obtained on MnCr steels up to size mn = 10 mm can in principle also be transferred to the variants investigated here.
Determination of the height reference surface for the Republic of Albania by using global geopotential models
Authors: Bajrami Lubishtani Fitore , Idrizi Bashkim , Lubishtani Milot
Published: March 2023

For the development of various geodetic tasks within a state, determining the Height Reference Surface by the geoid model is extremely important. Considering this, one of the main task of geodesy is to determine the geoid, which is defined as an equipotential surface of the Earth’s gravity field, as a result, it corresponds on average to the sea level. The aim of this study is to analyze the best-fitting geoid model for the territory of the Republic of Albania. In this study, DFHRS (Digital Finite Element Height Reference Surface) method was used (www.dfhbf.de), developed by Reiner Jäger [Jäger R. State of the art and present developments of a general approach for GPS-based height determination. East Africa: University of Applied Sciences, Faculty Geoinformationswesen, Department of Surveying and Geomatics. Paper Presented at the First Workshop on GPS and Mathematical Geodesy in Tanzania (Kilimanjaro Expedition 1999); 1999] to determine the most suitable geoid model for the territory of Albania. This approach allows the conversion of ellipsoidal heights determined by GNSS into the standard heights, which refer to the height reference surface (HRS) of an orthometric. The DFHRS is defined as continuous HRS in arbitrarily large areas by bivariate polynomials over an irregular grid [Jäger R, Schneid S. Online and postprocessed GPS heighting based on the concept of a digital height reference surface (DFHRS), in vertical reference systems. In: IAG Symposium. Cartagena, Colombia, Heidelberg: Springer; 2001, vol 124:203–8 pp]. The DFHRS approach uses a wide range of input data (Geometric and Physical) and in our case, there were 151 GPS/levelling height data as well as physical derivatives from different global geopotential models. The main focus of this study is placed on the calculation of the most suitable geoid model for the territory of Albania using global geopotential models (EGM96, EGM2008, EIGEN04, EIGEN6C4 and European Gravimetric Geoid Model 1997 (EGG97)). After analyzing the results and comparing the models among themselves, the Albanian DFHRS-EIGEN6C4 model was selected as the most suitable model for the territory of Albania.
Image processing methods and light optical microscopy for in-situ quantification of chromatic change and anode dilation in Li-ion battery graphite anodes during (de-)lithiation
Authors: Jansche A. , Desapogu S. , Hogrefe C. , Choudhary A. K. , Trier F. , Kopp A. , Weisenberger C. , Waldmann T. , Wohlfahrt-Mehrens M. , Bernthaler T. , Schneider G.
Published: March 2023

In Lithium-ion batteries, the graphite anode is known to undergo a noticeable chromatic change during lithiation and de-lithiation by forming graphite intercalation compounds. Additionally, the graphite anode primarily contributes to the volume change of the battery. Using a novel in-situ optical microscopy setup for imaging cross-sections of Li-ion full cells, both effects can be studied simultaneously during charging and discharging. In this work, we describe feature extraction methods to quantify these effects in the image data (3730 images in total) captured during the lithiation and de-lithiation process. Automated and manual evaluations are compared. The images show graphite anodes and NMC 622 cathodes. For colorfulness, we evaluate different methods based on classical image processing. The metrics calculated with these approaches are compared to the results of ColorNet, which is a trainable colorfulness estimator based on deep convolutional neural networks. We propose a supervised semantic segmentation approach using U-Net for the layer thickness measurement and the anode dilation derived from it.
Hot Tearing in an Investment Cast Burner Swirler
Authors: Neidel A. , Fischer B. , Riesenbeck S.
Published: March 2023

The damage case dealt with in the present work relates to a generally less common manufacturing defect that was discovered during its installation. The part was sourced from a supplier. An installation of the defective part in a large gas turbine engine used for energy generation could thus be prevented. The defect, a solidification crack, could have been repaired by welding and the component could have been used for operation. Instead, it was subjected to destructive examinations aiming at identifying what caused the crack. As the component could not possibly perform its function prior to being repaired by welding we are, in any event, talking about a damage case. The solidification crack initiated at a site of oxide infiltration. It was thus clearly a casting defect. The respective supplier was advised to reduce the content of non-metallic inclusions by the use of ceramic filters when the material is poured into the shell mold and a better control of the vacuum in the casting furnace.
How Psychoanalytic Theory and Track II Diplomacy Can Inform Each Other: A Dialogue with the Former Heads of India and Pakistan's Foreign Intelligence Agencies
Authors: Aggarwal Neil Krishan , Dulat Amarjit Singh , Durrani General Asad
Published: March 2023

Starting with Sigmund Freud, psychoanalysts have considered the psychological dimensions of peacemaking in international relations. In the 1980s, psychiatrists, psychologists, and diplomats began developing theories on Track II negotiations, defined as unofficial meetings among influential stakeholders with access to government policymakers. In recent years, psychoanalytic theory building has waned with the decline of interdisciplinary collaborations among mental health professionals and practitioners of international relations. This study seeks to revive such collaborations by analyzing the reflections of an ongoing dialogue between a cultural psychiatrist trained in South Asian studies, the former head of India's foreign intelligence agency, and the former head of Pakistan's foreign intelligence agency on applications of psychoanalytic theory to Track II initiatives. Both former heads have participated in Track II initiatives to build peace between India and Pakistan and agreed to react on the record to a systematic review of psychoanalytic theories on Track II. This article describes how our dialogue can offer new directions for theory building and the practical conduct of negotiations.
Examining Anti-Racism Efforts in Psychiatry Residency Programs
Authors: Smith Justin Reynard
Published: March 2023

High-profile instances of police and citizen brutality against Black people in the United States in 2020 spurred increased attention to longstanding racial injustice, leading to widespread adoption of anti-racism concepts, discussions, and efforts. Due to the relative infancy of anti-racism agendas on an organizational level, effective anti-racism strategies and best practices are still being developed. The author—a Black psychiatry resident—aims to contribute to the anti-racism efforts and discourse happening nationally within medicine and psychiatry. A personal account is given reviewing challenges and successes from recent anti-racism efforts on the organizational level of a psychiatry residency program.
Development of normalized soil area index for urban studies using remote sensing data
Authors: Javed Akib , Shao Zhenfeng , Sumari Neema Simon , Mardia  , Bai Bin , Yu Zhuoyang , Wang Jiabing , Ara Iffat , Huq Md. Enamul , Ali Md. Yeamin , Saleem Nayyer , Nasar Ahmad Muhammad
Published: March 2023

This paper presents two novel spectral soil area indices to identify bare soil area and distinguish it more accurately from the urban impervious surface area (ISA). This study designs these indices based on medium spatial resolution remote sensing data from Landsat 8 OLI dataset. Extracting bare soil or urban ISA is more challenging than extracting water bodies or vegetation in multispectral Remote Sensing (RS). Bare soil and the urban ISA area often were mixed because of their spectral similarity in multispectral sensors. This study proposes Normalized Soil Area Index 1 (NSAI1) and Normalized Soil Area Index 2 (NSAI2) using typical multispectral bands. Experiments show that these two indices have an overall accuracy of around 90%. The spectral similarity index (SDI) shows these two indices have higher separability between soil area and ISA than previous indices. The result shows that percentile thresholds can effectively classify bare soil areas from the background. The combined use of both indices measured the soil area of the study area over 71 km2. Most importantly, proposed soil indices can refine urban ISA measurement accuracy in spatiotemporal studies.
DEPENDENCE OF MOTOR ABILITIES ON HEIGHT PARAMETERS OF PRESCHOOLERS
Authors: Traykova Tsveta
Published: March 2023

: A number of studies show that a certain correlation between the functional and structural characteristics of the organism exist as the structural ones play some role in the development and improvement of better physical fitness.
The purpose of the study was to establish the dynamics in the character and level of the relationship between the motor abilities and the anthropometric parameter “height“ of 6/7-year-olds over a period of one school year.
Methodology: theoretical analysis, pedagogical experiment, pedagogical testing, statistical methods.
A total of 121 boys and girls were tested twice at the beginning and the end of the school year.
Results: The initial study found a moderate correlation between the height and grip strength of both hands and the explosive strength of the upper extremities. In the final testing, a significant correlation was established between the height and grip strength of the right hand and a moderate one between the height and grip strength of the left hand, static back strength and the explosive strength of the upper extremities.
The influence of height on the other motor abilities examined is weak and statistically unsignificant.