bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early determination and evaluation of technogenic risks within the water purification systems of TSs and TPSs
Authors: Uriadnikova I. V , Lebedev V. H , Zaplatynskyi V. M , Tsyhanenko O. I
Published: March 2022

Purpose. To determine and evaluate technogenic risks within the water purification systems of TSs and TPSs during normal operation in terms of electrocoagulation plant. Methodology. It is proposed to apply a fault tree method for the analysis of various operation failures of water purification facilities in the heat power industry. Additional analysis method, applied at stages one and two of technogenic risk determination, is suggested for its use. The method is based upon the construction of matrix combining states of the system elements. Findings. The aggregation of the combination matrix and fault tree method makes it possible to derive a new grapho-analytical procedure to analyse probabilities of technogenic risk initiation in the context of any water purification system operation both at the stage of its design and at the stage of its work. Originality. Non-routine operation of a water purification system may depend upon certain internal reasons as well the external ones. The reasons pose risks to a situation that at the output of the system, water will turn out being insufficiently purified. It has been identified that in terms of the non-routine operation of water purification system, risk probability is worth analysing with the help of the fault tree serving as graphical representation of causal relationships obtained while considering dangerous situations in reverse order to determine probabilities for their initiation. Practical value. The procedure helps obtain quantitative, qualitative, and causal-consequential indicatorsfacilitating control of technogenic risk initiation in water purification systems. Software has been developed to calculate rapidly the probabilities of running of block elements or water purification system elements in an operation mode or in a failure mode, and see clearly the poorest combinations in terms of an electrocoagulation water purification system.
Hazard mapping as a fundamental element of OSH management systems currently used in the mining sector
Authors: Gridina E , Kovshov S , Borovikov D
Published: March 2022

Purpose. Development of approaches to modernize the occupational health and safety management system in a mining company based on the introduction of a risk-based approach, which reduces the likelihood of incidents and improves the quality of working conditions of personnel. Methodology. In this study, it is advisable to use a matrix method based on score estimates of working conditions for each identified hazard. To prepare the professional risk assessment map, the register of violations (incidents) over the past 10 years was carefully analyzed on the cross-section, the opinion of employees directly related to the implementation of technological operations was taken into account, third-party experts were also involved, thanks to which it was possible to structure the information obtained during the study. Findings. The main result is a map of professional risk assessment for a dragline driver compiled based on real data related to incidents, consisting of 90 dangerous situations, on the basis of which the main causes of injuries at a real mining enterprise were identified, as well as measures to improve working conditions were proposed. Originality. The authors proposed a specific type of maps for assessing the professional risks of employees, which allows considering the general situation of exposure to harmful and hazardous production factors on employees with the possibility of classifying: sources of danger; negative events with the reasons for their manifestation; risk management measures; assessing the severity and likelihood of such events. The specificity is that risk assessment should be carried out for all major open-pit coal operations. The proposed approach makes it possible to identify problem areas for each operation and to focus on specific tasks, with responsible actors. In this way, management has some recommendations to improve the quality of working conditions. Risk assessment maps are an intermediate element in the calculation of the safety index (Elmeri Index). In this way, it is possible to obtain a final opinion not only on safety in the performance of specific technological operations, but also on safety at the enterprise as a whole. Such information is relevant for insurance companies in connection with the application of tariff coefficients for obtaining services, which include comprehensive enterprise protection programs, which is an integral part for mining companies. Practical value. Early identification and elimination of situations that can adversely affect the health of an employee of the enterprise allows controlling the risk arising in the process of professional labor activity.
Trends of development of financial and economic activity of entrepreneurial structures during the period of quarantine restrictions
Authors: Kryshtal H , Kalina I , Shuliar N , Kapeliushna T , Martynenko M , Ingram K
Published: March 2022

Purpose. To study the impact of quarantine restrictions on the financial and economic performance of business structures. Methodology. Both general and special methods of cognition were used in the study: system analysis, structural and functional method, comparison, synthesis, deduction, logical research, graphical way of presenting information. Findings. The study revealed the impact of quarantine restrictions due to COVID-19 on the financial and economic activities of business structures and studied trends in the industry. A financial and economic analysis of the activity of enterprises, leaders of the international market in the chosen field of research is carried out. The data in the forecasts for the following periods have been adjusted to take into account the following factors: recognition of assets in the form of rights of use, separation of lease obligations, transfer of lease costs from operating expenses and depreciation assets in the form of rights of use. This made it possible to study the further development of new tools and their impact on future financial and economic performance of enterprises in quarantine conditions. Originality. The analysis, estimation and forecast concerning financial and economic activity of business structures are given and the tendencies of development in the period of quarantine restrictions of COVID-19 are revealed. This analysis makes it possible to make a forecast for the following periods adjusted taking into account quarantine restrictions. Practical value. The results of the study presented in this work can be used by economists, scientists and practitioners to develop and launch investment projects for enterprise development programs.
Financial and economic narratives for evaluation of innovative potential of enterprises
Authors: Smerichevska S , Miahkykh I , Yeletskykh S , Borysova S , Bryzhnychenko V
Published: March 2022

Purpose. Development of a methodological approach to the assessment of the enterprise innovation strategy and its modeling. Methodology. During the research, we used general and special methods: systematization for generalization of theoretical bases, comparative analysis and synthesis in order to clarify concepts, formal-logistical for the formation of a methodological approach, graphic-analytical method for visual presentation of research results; empirical research for the study of innovation potential, simulation and multiple regression modeling for the formation of strategic guidelines. Findings. The methodical approach of assessment of the enterprises innovative potential was grounded and the initiative model of choosing the strategy of enterprises was created, which allows analyzing quantitative indicators of structural elements of potential, assessing the level of development of each component. In the course of the research a methodical approach to assessing the intellectual potential of industrial enterprises has been developed. Originality. In contrast to the existing ones, this methodological approach provides: a comprehensive assessment of the innovation potential of industrial enterprises; econometric models for determining the components of the innovation potential of enterprises; the model of innovation strategy selection, which is an informational and analytical tool for working out the variants of strategies and development orients. It is proved that the implementation of the developed methodological approach will allow adopting an effective innovative strategy of enterprise development taking into account financial and economic narratives. Practical value. The results of the research can be used by practitioners, scientists, government officials (the Ministry of Economic Development and its structural divisions, local self-government bodies in the field of economics) for the development and implementation of innovation strategies, as well as for the development of managerial decisions in the field of innovation, increasing the value added, capitalization and level of competitiveness.
Effects of Multiple Pregnancies on Mother and Foetus
Authors: Akter Sheuly , Nigger Nasrin , Sarmin Sohalee
Published: March 2022

Background: The incidence of multiple pregnancies is on rising due to a variety of reasons like increased use of assisted reproductive techniques and an increasing number of women having a pregnancy at an advanced age. A mother with twin pregnancy needs to be taken under the special care category.
Objectives: We are intended to observe the effects associated with twin or higher-order pregnancy.
Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive type of cross-sectional observational study conducted in the Department of Gynae and Obstetrics, Bangabandhu Sheik Mujib Medical University and Dhaka medical college hospital over a period of six months from 1st July to 31st December 2014. Total fifty patients were included in the study. Inclusion criteria were pregnant women who would be admitted with multiple pregnancies in BSMMU & DMCH.
Results: Average age of the responding patients was 24.54 years with standard deviation of ±3.93. Forty-two (84%) patients had ANC. Maximum (34%) patients had no complication, 8(16%) patients had GDM, 8(16%) patients had Preterm labor (PTL), 12 (24%) patients had Preeclampsia and only 5(10%) patients had PROM. Maximum (50%) babies had no significant fetal outcome, 30% babies had low birth weight, 16% babies were very low birth weight and 4(8%) patients had fetal demise.
Conclusion: Now a days the incidence of multiple pregnancies is increasing due to ART. Multiple pregnancies are high-risk pregnancies with more complications in comparison to a single pregnancy. Our study reveals that nearly half of the cases had no maternal or fetal complication, Commonest maternal complications were preterm labor, Premature rupture of membranes (PROM), preeclampsia, and fetal outcomes were premature and low birthweight babies.
KYAMC Journal. 2022;12(04): 196-199
Non-sedative Antihistamines: Assessment of Efficacy Based on Total Nasal Symptom Score in Patient with Allergic Rhinitis.
Authors: Islam Baishakhi , Jannat Tamanna , Islam Raihana , Ghosh Kakali Rani , Paul Mithun Kumar , Rahman Tasnim
Published: March 2022

Background: Allergic rhinitis is a common and chronic immunoglobulin E–mediated respiratory disorder following allergen exposure that can affect the quality of life and work activities. Antihistamine should be prescribed for the relief of persistent allergic symptoms & advised to avoid known allergens also.
Objectives: The objective of the study is to assess the efficacy of non-sedating antihistamines in the treatment of allergic rhinitis based on the total nasal symptom score.
Materials and Methods: This is a prospective study of patients with clinically diagnosed allergic rhinitis following inclusion & exclusion criteria at the study center. Patients’ demographic profiles, symptoms and signs were obtained using a specially designed form. The symptoms were scored from baseline to end of treatment by using nasal symptom scoring protocol. The data were collated and analyzed using Microsoft excel & SPSS Version 17 statistical software.
Results: Recruited 360 patients with allergic rhinitis, 96.66% presented with running nose as the chief complaint. A large number of patients have total nasal symptom scores of above 9 (n =170; 47.22%), whereas few (n = 42; 11.66%) had symptom scores of below 6 at a baseline level. Upon treatment with rupatadine, a significant reduction of TNSS (p< 0.05) was found from baseline over the 14-day treatment period. The incidence of adverse effects (fatigue 1.3%, headache 2.7%) was found to be less in the rupatadine group.
Conclusion: non-sedative antihistamines effectively control persistent allergic rhinitis, where rupatadine is a drug of choice due to its better efficacy and having a low incidence of side effects.
KYAMC Journal. 2022;12(04): 231-236
Rancang Bangun Aplikasi Edukasi Mengenai Sampah Berbasis Android dengan Model Pembelajaran Mobile Learning
Authors: Mutaqin Ilpad , Cahyana Rinda , Fitriani Leni
Published: March 2022

Konsep penanganan sampah harus diubah dari “kumpul-angkut-buang” menjadi pengurangan dari sumber dan mendaur ulang sumber daya yang ada. Konsep tersebut yang didefinisikan sebagai Reduse yaitu pengurangan, Reuse yaitu pemakaian kembali dan Recycle yaitu daur ulang. Untuk Dinas Lingkungan Hidup (DLH) Garut sendiri penyuluhan mengenai sampah ini sudah di mulai tapi masih berjalan secara manual dan bertahap. Teknologi informasi juga dapat mengubah penyuluhan menjadi digital yang secara tidak langsung membuat masyarakat menjadi melek digital. Tujuan dibuatnya aplikasi ini dapat menjadi solusi dari permasalahan mengenai penanganan dan penyuluhan sampah. Metode penelitian yang dipakai dipenelitian ini adalah Rational Unified Process (RUP) yang di mana tahapan pelaksanaanya hanya meliputi Inception, Elaboration, dan Construction. Kemudian menggunakan Teknik pemodelan Unified Modelling Language (UML) dan pengujian alpha dengan memakai metode Black Box Testing. Hasil dari penelitian ini berupa Aplikasi Edukasi Mengenai Sampah Berbasis Android Dengan Model Pembalajaran Mobile Learning. Aplikasi ini dapat membantu DLH Garut dalam melakukan edukasi kepada masyarakat, melakukan survei kepada masyarakat, serta dapat membantu masyarakat menyampaikan kendala serta masukan melalui survei.
Extimacies: Strange Attachments in James Hogg, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Margaret Oliphant
Authors: Brewster Scott
Published: March 2022

The intense, uncanny relationship between intimacy and exclusion, homeliness and strangeness finds evocative expression in the Gothic tales and ghost stories of James Hogg, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Margaret Oliphant. Their narratives resist and open themselves to haunting, with the supernatural alterity they encounter proving oddly familiar and posing fundamental questions about knowledge and subjectivity. In these moments, distinctions between inside and outside in psychic, social and environmental terms are radically unsettled. Using Jacques Lacan’s notion of ‘extimacy,’ an ‘intimate exteriority’ that constitutes an estranged attachment to the stranger within, this article examines the unresolved struggle in Hogg and Stevenson with this intimate yet agitating sense of otherness that disrupts the assertion of identity. Contrastingly, Oliphant attempts to accommodate the extimate, and embraces her obligations to that which haunts.
Impossible Hauntings: Graeme Macrae Burnet and Barry Graham
Authors: Punter David
Published: March 2022

It has become something of a cliché to speak of ‘Scottish Gothic’ as though there were one country which could house a certain set of hauntings. But Scotland is, of course, a diverse country, as we have seen over many centuries in its political and religious dealings. In particular, we need to speak together of the industrial – or post-industrial – ‘heartland’ (whatever that contested term might mean) and of the hauntings that might specifically afflict those lands excluded from ‘development’ in any obvious social sense. No nation (especially a ‘stateless nation’) is unified; but in this paper I want to return to Graeme Macrae Burnet's remarkable Highlands-centred novel His Bloody Project, and place alongside it some of the prolific work of the more urban Barry Graham, who has been hailed as the successor to Stephen King. Might there be evidence here of some kinds of mutual haunting?
PERAN PEMERINTAH DESA DALAM MENINGKATKAN PEMASARAN PRODUK PELAKU USAHA RUMAHAN MELALUI PEMANFAATAN MEDIA SOSIAL DI DESA MANJALLING KECAMATAN BAJENG BARAT, KABUPATEN GOWA
Authors: Fadiah Hashiyatul , Setiawan Muhamad Rivandi , Setiawan Irfan
Published: March 2022

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji peran pemerintah desa dalam meningkatkan peasaran produk usaha rumahan melalui pemanfaatan produk usaha rumahan melalui pemanfaatan media sosial di desa Manjalling, Kecamatan bajeng Barat, Kabupaten Gowa. Metode peneltian yang digunakan adalah penelitian kualitatif dengan menggunakan pendekatan deskriptif, dimana masalah yang dikaji dalam peran pemerintah desa dalam meningkatkan pemasaran produk pelaku usaha. Hasil penelitian yang didapatkan yaitu terjadinya peningkatan pemasaran produk usaha yang melalui pemanfaatan media sosial sebagai sarana pemasaran produk hasil usaha di Desa Manjalling menjadi cukup baik. Pelaku usaha rumahan yang memiliki akun media sosial telah memanfaatkannya sebagai sarana pemasaran produk hasil usahanya.
PELAYANAN PUBLIK BERBASIS ONLINE DI DESA (STUDI PADA EMPAT DESA DI KECAMATAN JATINANGOR)
Authors: Ikhbaluddin Ikhbaluddin
Published: March 2022

Villages as one of the sub-systems of the government in Indonesia that carry out governance functions is at the forefront in providing services to the community. Especially, it is very essential in the midst of the current demands for easy, cheap, and fast services. One alternative solution to these demands is the use of information technology in the field of government (e-government), such as a website-based online service media. However, in reality, the villages that are used for this research location generally still provide services to the community in a conventional manner. Even when the websites are available, they do not meet the standards in e-government development. The method used in this research is qualitative with a descriptive approach, and with data collection techniques through interviews and observation. The study concludes that Cibeusi Village, Hegarmanah Village, Cileles Village, and Cilayung Village are still not optimal in utilizing website media as an alternative for online public services. Moreover, the necessary features related to online public services, namely information, interactions, and transactions are still not yet available.

Keywords: Villages, Online Public Services
Tradisi Pembacaan Al-Qur’an di Sebuah Keluarga di Kediri, Jawa Timur
Authors: Lailatunnadhiroh  , Aini Adrika
Published: March 2022

Living Quran is a study of phenomena that exist in the midst of people who are living the text of the Koran by accepting, responding, utilizing or using it in their daily lives. This paper aims to describe the meaning contained in the tradition of Reading Selected Letters in the Family of Mr. Khalimi Kras Kediri. This paper uses an ethnographic approach through living Quran research accompanied by qualitative descriptive methods, also focuses on the sociological theory offered by Karl Mannheim with a sociological analysis of knowledge. The results of the research with this analysis found that the meaning of the tradition of reading the reading of Surat al-Ikhlas, Surah al-Falaq, Surah an-Nas, Ayat Kursi and Surah at-Taubah verses 128-129 after fardhu prayers are: Objective meaning, this tradition becomes a habit that can be istiqomah to be implemented. Expressive meaning, from this tradition is understood as a manifestation of the dhikr to Allah swt to achieve security and sufficiency. Documentary meaning, actors are not fully aware that what they have done in the tradition is part of the meaning of reviving the Qur'an in the family environment.
The Choice of Ideology and Everyday Decisions
Authors: Burs Carina , Gries Thomas , Mueller Veronika
Published: March 2022

Individuals strive to make decisions that are consistent not only with their consumer preferences but also with their psychological needs and preferences. However, they are confronted with huge amounts of complex, ambiguous or even false information. Ideologies and belief systems provide guidance to process and evaluate information and give a coherent and comprehensible interpretation of reality. While belief systems have this important function the �first question is why is an individual attracted by a particular belief system? Individuals choose a belief system that resonates with their subjective psychological needs and preferences. Second, how do individuals search for ideologies and fi�nd out which ideologies match them best? We model the individual's sequential information search for the best matching ideology by applying Bayesian learning and standard utility optimization. Third, once a particular ideology is chosen individuals adhere to its rules and norms when making everyday decisions.
LiDAR mapping of the Snæfellsjökull ice cap, western Iceland
Authors: Jóhannesson Tómas , Björnsson Helgi , Pálsson Finnur , Sigurðsson Oddur , Þorsteinsson Þorsteinn
Published: March 2022

The surface of the Snæfellsjökull ice cap in western Iceland was mapped with airborne LiDAR in 2008. A comparison with a DTM from 1999 derived by aerial photogrammetry shows that the surface of the ice cap has been lowered by 14.0 m on average during this nine year period, corresponding to an annual average mass loss of 1.25 m w.e. per year when a correction has been made for the different timing of the LiDAR survey and the aerial photographs. The area of the ice cap was reduced from 12.5 km² in 2002 to 10.0 km² in 2008. Based on meteorological observations at Stykkishólmur, ∼60 km to the east of the ice cap, the ice volume reduction indicates a mass balance sensitivity of −1.9 m w.e. a$^{−1}$ °C$^{−1}$ for the ice cap. This is within the range of sensitivities estimated for other ice caps and glaciers in Iceland in recent years. As the average ice thickness of Snæfellsjökull is only 30 m, most of the ice cap is likely to disappear within a few decades if the warm climate of Iceland in recent years persists. The LiDAR DTM has been successfully used to delineate the location of crevasses with an automated procedure based on the calculation of the local curvature of the ice surface.
The Degradation of Synthetic Polymeric Scaffolds With Strut-like Architecture Influences the Mechanics-dependent Repair Process of an Osteochondral Defect in Silico
Authors: Tortorici Martina , Petersen Ansgar , Duda Georg N. , Checa Sara
Published: March 2022

Current clinical treatments of osteochondral defects in articulating joints are frequently not successful in restoring articular surfaces. Novel scaffold-based tissue engineering strategies may help to improve current treatment options and foster a true regeneration of articulating structures. A frequently desired property of scaffolds is their ability to degrade over time and allow a full restoration of tissue and function. However, it remains largely unknown how scaffold degradation influences the mechanical stability of the tissue in a defect region and, in turn, the regenerative process. Such differing goals–supporting regeneration by degrading its own structure–can hardly be analyzed for tissue engineered constructs in clinical trials and in vivo preclinical experiments. Using an in silico analysis, we investigated the degradation-induced modifications in material and architectural properties of a scaffold with strut-like architecture over the healing course and their influence on the mechanics-dependent tissue formation in osteochondral defects. The repair outcome greatly varied depending on the degradation modality, i.e. surface erosion or bulk degradation with and without autocatalysis, and of the degradation speed, i.e. faster, equal or slower than the expected repair time. Bulk degradation with autocatalysis, independently of degradation speed, caused the mechanical failure of the scaffold prior to osteochondral defect repair and was thereby deemed inappropriate for further application. On the other hand, scaffolds with strut-like architecture degrading by both surface erosion and bulk degradation with slow degradation speed resulted in comparably good repair outcomes, thereby indicating such degradation modalities as favorable for the application in osteochondral defects.
Different Design Feature Combinations of Flatfoot Orthosis on Plantar Fascia Strain and Plantar Pressure: A Muscle-Driven Finite Element Analysis With Taguchi Method
Authors: Peng Yinghu , Wang Yan , Wong Duo Wai-Chi , Chen Tony Lin-Wei , Chen Shane Fei , Zhang Guoxin , Tan Qitao , Zhang Ming
Published: March 2022

Customized foot orthosis is commonly used to modify foot posture and relieve foot pain for adult acquired flexible flatfoot. However, systematic investigation of the influence of foot orthotic design parameter combination on the internal foot mechanics remains scarce. This study aimed to investigate the biomechanical effects of different combinations of foot orthoses design features through a muscle-driven flatfoot finite element model. A flatfoot-orthosis finite element model was constructed by considering the three-dimensional geometry of plantar fascia. The plantar fascia model accounted for the interaction with the bulk soft tissue. The Taguchi approach was adopted to analyze the significance of four design factors combination (arch support height, medial posting inclination, heel cup height, and material stiffness). Predicted plantar pressure and plantar fascia strains in different design combinations at the midstance instant were reported. The results indicated that the foot orthosis with higher arch support (45.7%) and medial inclination angle (25.5%) effectively reduced peak plantar pressure. For the proximal plantar fascia strain, arch support (41.8%) and material stiffness (37%) were strong influencing factors. Specifically, higher arch support and softer material decreased the peak plantar fascia strain. The plantar pressure and plantar fascia loading were sensitive to the arch support feature. The proposed statistics-based finite element flatfoot model could assist the insole optimization and evaluation for individuals with flatfoot.
Bioprinting of Decellularized Porcine Cardiac Tissue for Large-Scale Aortic Models
Authors: Oropeza Beu P. , Adams Jason R. , Furth Michael E. , Chessa Jack , Boland Thomas
Published: March 2022

Bioprinting is an emerging technique used to layer extrudable materials and cells into simple constructs to engineer tissue or arrive at in vitro organ models. Although many examples of bioprinted tissues exist, many lack the biochemical complexity found in the native extracellular matrix. Therefore, the resulting tissues may be less competent than native tissues—this can be especially problematic for tissues that need strong mechanical properties, such as cardiac or those found in the great vessels. Decellularization of native tissues combined with processing for bioprinting may improve the cellular environment for proliferation, biochemical signaling, and improved mechanical characteristics for better outcomes. Whole porcine hearts were decellularized using a series of detergents, followed by lyophilization and mechanical grinding in order to produce a fine powder. Temperature-controlled enzymatic digestion was done to allow for the resuspension of the decellularized extracellular matrix into a pre-gel solution. Using a commercial extrusion bioprinter with a temperature-controlled printhead, a 1:1 scale model of a human ascending aorta and dog bone shaped structures were printed into a reservoir of alginate and xanthium gum then allowed to crosslink at 37C. The bioengineered aortic construct was monitored for cell adhesion, survival, and proliferation through fluorescent microscopy. The dog bone structure was subjected to tensile mechanical testing in order to determine structural and mechanical patterns for comparison to native tissue structures. The stability of the engineered structure was maintained throughout the printing process, allowing for a final structure that upheld the dimensions of the original Computer-Aided Design model. The decellularized ECM (Ē = 920 kPa) exhibited almost three times greater elasticity than the porcine cardiac tissue (Ē = 330 kPa). Similarly, the porcine cardiac tissue displayed two times the deformation than that of the printed decellularized ECM. Cell proliferation and attachment were observed during the in vitro cell survivability assessment of human aortic smooth muscle cells within the extracellular matrix, along with no morphological abnormalities to the cell structure. These observations allow us to report the ability to bioprint mechanically stable, cell-laden structures that serve as a bridge in the current knowledge gap, which could lead to future work involving complex, large-scale tissue models.
Performance-Based Wind Engineering: Background and State of the Art
Authors: Spence Seymour M. J. , Arunachalam Srinivasan
Published: March 2022

This paper surveys the rapidly growing field of performance-based wind engineering (PBWE) of engineered systems, with focus on not only how PBWE has evolved since its early incarnations inspired by performance-based seismic engineering, but also the unique challenges of PBWE and the research that continues to emerge to tackle them. The limitations of traditional prescriptive wind design approaches are discussed with the aim of illustrating how such approaches are inadequate for providing acceptable building performance during extreme wind events, thus motivating why performance-based strategies for wind engineering are gaining traction and are poised to complement, if not replace, current approaches to wind design. In this respect, the current state of knowledge on the factors that affect building performance via extreme structural response, damage to the envelope system, and nonstructural components, is reviewed and challenges are identified. Lastly, the potential benefit of integrating optimization methods is identified while acknowledging the computational difficulty associated with such approaches.
The Role of Diabetes and Hyperglycemia on COVID-19 Infection Course—A Narrative Review
Authors: Tzeravini Evangelia , Stratigakos Eleftherios , Siafarikas Chris , Tentolouris Anastasios , Tentolouris Nikolaos
Published: March 2022

It was previously reported that subjects with diabetes mellitus (DM) are more vulnerable to several bacterial or viral infections. In the era of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, it is reasonable to wonder whether DM is a risk factor for COVID-19 infection, too. It is not yet clear whether DM increases the risk for contracting COVID-19 infection or not. However, patients with DM when infected are more likely to develop severe or even fatal COVID-19 disease course than patients without DM. Certain characteristics of DM patients may also deteriorate prognosis. On the other hand, hyperglycemia per se is related to unfavorable outcomes, and the risk may be higher for COVID-19 subjects without pre-existing DM. In addition, individuals with DM may experience prolonged symptoms, need readmission, or develop complications such as mucormycosis long after recovery from COVID-19; close follow-up is hence necessary in some selected cases. We here present a narrative review of the literature in order to set light into the relationship between COVID-19 infection and DM/hyperglycemia.
Clinical Team Response to the Impact of COVID-19 on Diabetes Self-Management: Findings From a Qualitative Study
Authors: Hale Lily , Cameron Thomas C. , Donahue Katrina E. , Vu Maihan B. , Leeman Jennifer , Johnson Asia , Richman Erica , Rees Jennifer , Young Laura
Published: March 2022

The aims of this study were to explore providers’ perceptions of how COVID-19 affected patients’ psychological wellbeing and diabetes self-care and discover how providers responded to sustain and improve patients’ psychological health and diabetes management during the pandemic. Twenty-four semi-structured interviews were completed with primary care providers (n=14) and endocrine specialty clinicians (n=10) across sixteen clinics in North Carolina. Interview topics included: (1) current glucose monitoring approaches and diabetes management strategies for people with diabetes (2) barriers and unintended consequences encountered with respect to diabetes self-management, and (3) innovative strategies developed to overcome barriers. Interview transcripts were coded using qualitative analysis software and analyzed to identify cross-cutting themes and differences between participants. Primary care providers and endocrine specialty clinicians reported that people with diabetes experienced increased mental health symptoms, increased financial challenges and positive and negative changes in self-care routines due to COVID-19. To offer support, primary care providers and endocrine specialty providers focused discussions on lifestyle management and utilized telemedicine to connect with patients. Additionally, endocrine specialty clinicians helped patients access financial assistance programs. Findings indicate that people with diabetes experienced unique challenges to self-management during the pandemic and providers responded with targeted support strategies. Future research should explore the effectiveness of these provider interventions as the pandemic continues to evolve.
Identification of Epigenetically Modified Hub Genes and Altered Pathways Associated With Retinoblastoma
Authors: Karmakar Aditi , Ahamad Khan Md. Maqsood , Kumari Nidhi , Devarajan Nalini , Ganesan Senthil Kumar
Published: March 2022

Retinoblastoma (Rb) is the most common childhood malignancy initiated by biallelic mutation in RB1 gene and driven by various epigenetic events including DNA methylation and microRNA dysregulation. Hence, understanding the key genes that are critically modulated by epigenetic modifications in RB1−/− cells is very important to identify prominent biomarkers and therapeutic targets of Rb. In this study, we for the first time have integrated various Rb microarray NCBI-GEO datasets including DNA Methylation (GSE57362), miRNA (GSE7072) and mRNA (GSE110811) to comprehensively investigate the epigenetic consequences of RB loss in retinoblastoma tumors and identify genes with the potential to serve as early diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for Rb. Interestingly, the GEO2R and co-expression network analysis have identified three genes namely E2F3, ESR1, and UNC5D that are significantly deregulated by modified DNA methylation, mRNA and microRNA expression in Rb tumors. Due to their recognition in all epigenetic, transcriptomic, and miRNA datasets, we have termed these genes as “common genes”. The results of our integrative bioinformatics analysis were validated in vitro by studying the gene and protein expression of these common genes in Y79, WERI-Rb-1, Rb cell lines and non-tumorigenic retinal pigment epithelial cell line (hTERT-RPE). The expression of E2F3 and UNC5D were up-regulated and that of ESR1 was down-regulated in Rb tumor cells when compared to that in non-tumorigenic hTERT-RPE cells. More importantly, UNC5D, a potent tumor suppressor gene in most cancers is significantly up-regulated in Y79 and Weri Rb1 cells, which, in turn, questions its anti-cancer properties. Together, our study shows that E2F3, ESR1, and UNC5D may be crucially involved in Rb tumorigenesis and possess the potential to act as early diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets of Rb.
The Interplay Between TGF-β Signaling and Cell Metabolism
Authors: Liu Huidong , Chen Ye-Guang
Published: March 2022

The transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling plays a critical role in the development and tissue homeostasis in metazoans, and deregulation of TGF-β signaling leads to many pathological conditions. Mounting evidence suggests that TGF-β signaling can actively alter metabolism in diverse cell types. Furthermore, metabolic pathways, beyond simply regarded as biochemical reactions, are closely intertwined with signal transduction. Here, we discuss the role of TGF-β in glucose, lipid, amino acid, redox and polyamine metabolism with an emphasis on how TGF-β can act as a metabolic modulator and how metabolic changes can influence TGF-β signaling. We also describe how interplay between TGF-β signaling and cell metabolism regulates cellular homeostasis as well as the progression of multiple diseases, including cancer.
A New Area of Utilizing Industrial Internet of Things in Environmental Monitoring
Authors: Lou Helen H. , Mukherjee Rajib , Wang Zhenyu , Olsen Tim , Diwekar Urmila , Lin Sidney
Published: March 2022

Due to environmental regulations continually reducing emission quantity allowed over time, there is a growing need for adaptable and feasible environmental monitoring, such as emission, wastewater quality, and air pollution monitoring, for the process industry (and surrounding communities). Alternative environmental monitoring and process monitoring technologies based on industrial internet of things (IIoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) enable the process industry to take a proactive approach toward the environment and asset integrity management. The monitoring devices can be deployed in a stationary or dynamic manner. In this study, the emerging trend and various applications of IIoT and advanced data analytics methodologies in environmental monitoring are reviewed. An example showing challenges and research needs in sensor placement is given. Future directions in technology, regulation, and application have been discussed as well.
Network Analysis to Identify Multi-Omic Correlations in the Lower Airways of Children With Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: O’Connor John B. , Mottlowitz Madison , Kruk Monica E. , Mickelson Alan , Wagner Brandie D. , Harris Jonathan Kirk , Wendt Christine H. , Laguna Theresa A.
Published: March 2022

The leading cause of morbidity and mortality in cystic fibrosis (CF) is progressive lung disease secondary to chronic airway infection and inflammation; however, what drives CF airway infection and inflammation is not well understood. By providing a physiological snapshot of the airway, metabolomics can provide insight into these processes. Linking metabolomic data with microbiome data and phenotypic measures can reveal complex relationships between metabolites, lower airway bacterial communities, and disease outcomes. In this study, we characterize the airway metabolome in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples from persons with CF (PWCF) and disease control (DC) subjects and use multi-omic network analysis to identify correlations with the airway microbiome. The Biocrates targeted liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) platform was used to measure 409 metabolomic features in BALF obtained during clinically indicated bronchoscopy. Total bacterial load (TBL) was measured using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The Qiagen EZ1 Advanced automated extraction platform was used to extract DNA, and bacterial profiling was performed using 16S sequencing. Differences in metabolomic features across disease groups were assessed univariately using Wilcoxon rank sum tests, and Random forest (RF) was used to identify features that discriminated across the groups. Features were compared to TBL and markers of inflammation, including white blood cell count (WBC) and percent neutrophils. Sparse supervised canonical correlation network analysis (SsCCNet) was used to assess multi-omic correlations. The CF metabolome was characterized by increased amino acids and decreased acylcarnitines. Amino acids and acylcarnitines were also among the features most strongly correlated with inflammation and bacterial burden. RF identified strong metabolomic predictors of CF status, including L-methionine-S-oxide. SsCCNet identified correlations between the metabolome and the microbiome, including correlations between a traditional CF pathogen, Staphylococcus, a group of nontraditional taxa, including Prevotella, and a subnetwork of specific metabolomic markers. In conclusion, our work identified metabolomic characteristics unique to the CF airway and uncovered multi-omic correlations that merit additional study.
A Multimodal Score Accurately Classifies Fontan Failure and Late Mortality in Adult Fontan Patients
Authors: Kramer Peter , Schleiger Anastasia , Schafstedde Marie , Danne Friederike , Nordmeyer Johannes , Berger Felix , Ovroutski Stanislav
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Despite the outstanding success of the Fontan operation, it is a palliative procedure and a substantial number of patients experience late failure of the Fontan circulation. Clinical presentation and hemodynamic phenotypes of Fontan failure are considerably variable. While various parameters have been identified as risk factors for late Fontan failure, a feasible score to classify Fontan failure and possibly allow timely risk stratification is lacking. Here, we explored the possibility of developing a score based on hemodynamic, clinical and laboratory parameters to classify Fontan failure and mortality.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study in our cohort of adult Fontan patients from two institutions [n = 198, median follow-up after Fontan 20.3 (IQR 15.6–24.3) years], identifying those patients with clinical Fontan failure (n = 52, 26.3%). Various hemodynamic, echocardiographic, laboratory and clinical data were recorded and differences between patients with and without Fontan failure were analyzed. We composed a Fontan Failure Score containing 15 parameters associated with Fontan failure and/or mortality and assessed its accuracy to discriminate between patients with and without late Fontan failure as well as late mortality and survival.

Results

Late failure occurred at a median of 18.2 (IQR 9.1–21.1) years after Fontan completion. Mortality associated with Fontan failure was substantial (25/52, 48.1%) with freedom of death/transplantation/take-down of 64% at 5 years and 36% at 10 years after onset of Fontan failure, respectively. Patients with Fontan failure had a significantly higher median Fontan Failure Score compared to non-failing Fontan patients [8 points (IQR 5–10) vs. 2 points (IQR 1-5), p < 0.001]. The score accurately classifies Fontan failure as well as mortality as assessed with receiver operating characteristic analysis. Area under the curve of the Fontan Failure Score was 0.963 (95% CI 0.921; 0.985, p < 0.001) to discriminate failure and 0.916 (95% CI 0.873; 0.959, p < 0.001) to classify mortality.

Conclusion

We have developed an uncomplex yet remarkably accurate score to classify Fontan failure and late mortality in adult Fontan patients. Prospective validation and most likely refinement and calibration of the score in larger and preferably multi-institutional cohorts is required to assess its potential to predict the risk of Fontan failure and late mortality.
Identification of Specific Coronary Artery Disease Phenotypes Implicating Differential Pathophysiologies
Authors: Krohn Jona B. , Nguyen Y Nhi , Akhavanpoor Mohammadreza , Erbel Christian , Domschke Gabriele , Linden Fabian , Kleber Marcus E. , Delgado Graciela , März Winfried , Katus Hugo A. , Gleissner Christian A.
Published: March 2022

Background and Aims

The roles of multiple risk factors of coronary artery disease (CAD) are well established. Commonly, CAD is considered as a single disease entity. We wish to examine whether coronary angiography allows to identify distinct CAD phenotypes associated with major risk factors and differences in prognosis.

Methods

In a cohort of 4,344 patients undergoing coronary angiography at Heidelberg University Hospital between 2014 and 2016, cluster analysis of angiographic reports identified subgroups with similar patterns of spatial distribution of high-grade stenoses. Clusters were independently confirmed in 3,129 patients from the LURIC study.

Results

Four clusters were identified: cluster one lacking critical stenoses comprised the highest percentage of women with the lowest cardiovascular risk. Patients in cluster two exhibiting high-grade stenosis of the proximal RCA had a high prevalence of the metabolic syndrome, and showed the highest levels of inflammatory biomarkers. Cluster three with predominant proximal LAD stenosis frequently presented with acute coronary syndrome and elevated troponin levels. Cluster four with high-grade stenoses throughout had the oldest patients with the highest overall cardiovascular risk. All-cause and cardiovascular mortality differed significantly between the clusters.

Conclusions

We identified four phenotypic subgroups of CAD bearing distinct demographic and biochemical characteristics with differences in prognosis, which may indicate multiple disease entities currently summarized as CAD.
Treating Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: The Promise of Stem Cells, Artificial Intelligence, and Multi-Omics
Authors: Vera Carlos D. , Zhang Angela , Pang Paul D. , Wu Joseph C.
Published: March 2022

Muscular dystrophies are chronic and debilitating disorders caused by progressive muscle wasting. Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common type. DMD is a well-characterized genetic disorder caused by the absence of dystrophin. Although some therapies exist to treat the symptoms and there are ongoing efforts to correct the underlying molecular defect, patients with muscular dystrophies would greatly benefit from new therapies that target the specific pathways contributing directly to the muscle disorders. Three new advances are poised to change the landscape of therapies for muscular dystrophies such as DMD. First, the advent of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) allows researchers to design effective treatment strategies that make up for the gaps missed by conventional “one size fits all” strategies. By characterizing tissue alterations with single-cell resolution and having molecular profiles for therapeutic treatments for a variety of cell types, clinical researchers can design multi-pronged interventions to not just delay degenerative processes, but regenerate healthy tissues. Second, artificial intelligence (AI) will play a significant role in developing future therapies by allowing the aggregation and synthesis of large and disparate datasets to help reveal underlying molecular mechanisms. Third, disease models using a high volume of multi-omics data gathered from diverse sources carry valuable information about converging and diverging pathways. Using these new tools, the results of previous and emerging studies will catalyze precision medicine-based drug development that can tackle devastating disorders such as DMD.
A Mini-Review of the Anticancer Properties of Cryptotanshinone: A Quinoid Diterpene Extracted From the Root of Salvia miotiorrhiza Bunge
Authors: Naziri Mahdyieh , Ghafari Arezoo , Mehrabi Hoda , Ramezannezhad Elham , Nazari Farzaneh , Ansari Arina , Nikzad Farhad , Deravi Niloofar
Published: March 2022

Cancer is among the most life-threatening diseases worldwide. Along with conventional therapies like chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy, alternative treatment approaches such as traditional Chinese medicine have attracted considerable public and scientific interest that could be beneficial for patients diagnosed with cancer.Salvia miltiorrhizaBunge is greatly beloved for its roots and is extensively applied for various disease therapies, including cancers in traditional Chinese medicine. In this review, we intend to summarize the anti-cancer properties of Cryptotanshinone (CPT), an extract of Danshen (the root ofSalvia miltiorrhizaBunge), on different types of cancer.