bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Frozen Meat-Containing Semi-Finished Minced Products: Biopolymer Packaging Materials
Authors: Korotkiy Igor , Korotkaya Elena , Rasshchepkin Aleksandr , Sahabutdinova Gulnar
Published: March 2021

Introduction. Meat-containing semi-finished minced products demonstrate a wide variety of properties, as they contain both plant and meat components. This heterogeneity makes it difficult to plan the freezing process. In view of the current environmental situation, packaging films used for cold storage should be biodegradable. The effect of low-temperature freezing and storage on biodegradable polymers remains understudied. The research objective was to find the optimal modes for minced-meat semi-finished products frozen in a biopolymer package.

Study objects and methods. The study featured zrazy, or meat balls, with vegetable filling and a biopolymer film based on corn starch. It involved a laboratory combination freezing and storage cabinet and an XLW(M) tension tester to establish the physical properties of the film.

Results and discussion. The meat-containing semi-finished minced products were vacuum-packaged in biopolymer material and subjected to convection, contact, and combined freezing. The experiments resulted in a new combined method of freezing for biopolymer-packaged semi-finished meat-containing products. The research also tested the strength properties of the CornBag biopolymer film during freezing and cold storage. The paper introduces a graphoanalytic method of calculation of freezing time.

Conclusion. The new combined freezing method involved vacuum packaging, air-blast subfreezing, and further freezing on a refrigerated plate. The biopolymer film proved suitable for freezing and cold storage of food products. It keeps the product from drying, reduces vitamin losses, and preserves sensory properties. The optimal storage mode was –18°C, the maximum storage time – 6 months. The improved freezing technology combined freezing method with convective air-blasting and contact freezing on a refrigerated plate for products pre-packaging in a biopolymer vacuum bag. The optimal freezing parameters: temperature = –40°С, time = 85 min, rate = 1.33 cm/h.
Biocide Effect of Non-Thermal Atmospheric Pressure Plasma
Authors: Petrukhina Daria , Polyakova Irina , Gorbatov Sergei
Published: March 2021

Introduction. New methods of sterilization with non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma remain an extremely relevant field of food science. The present research estimated the effect of non-thermal argon plasma on lactic acid bacteria obtained from walnuts.

Study objects and method. The non-thermal argon plasma was generated by electrode discharge induced by a coaxial microwave plasmatron at atmospheric pressure. The discharge was generated in a special electrode construction. Its stability was achieved via low gas flow through the discharge gap. Argon consumption was 10 L/min. The study involved Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus mali in their natural association and vegetative form. Endo’s medium (Endo agar) was inoculated with lactobacilli. 100 μl of the suspension were added into a Petri dish with nutrient medium and carefully rubbed with a spreader. The plates with Endo agar inoculated with lactobacilli were placed under plasma radiation at a distance of 45 mm. The biocidal effect of plasma radiation was estimated by the diameter of the affected areas. After the plasma treatment, the Petri dishes were incubated in an incubator for 24–48 h at 37°C, after which the diameters of the affected areas were measured again.

Results and discussion. The paper introduces experimental data on the effect of argon plasma on lactobacilli isolated from food. After treating the surface of inoculated Petri dishes with non-thermal plasma for five minutes, the diameter of the inhibition zone reached the diameter of a Petri dish (80 mm) and exceeded the diameter of the spark gap of the plasma generator (36 mm). The temperature on the surface of the nutrient medium during plasma treatment was within the optimal temperature for lactobacillus growth, i.e. 37.3 ± 0.6°C, which excluded thermal effects. Only a few colonies survived a five-minute treatment. After one-minute treatment, the number of survived colony-forming units was considerably higher.

Conclusion. Non-thermal argon plasma treatment proved effective in inhibiting the growth of gram-positive bacteria (Lactobacillus isolated from walnuts) on solid surfaces (agar plates). After five minutes of plasma treatment, the inactivated area (80 mm) exceeded the anode electrode cross section (36 mm) of the plasma generator.
Starch Grain Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.): Composition, Morphology and Physico-Chemical Properties
Authors: Orlova Tatiana , Aider Mohammed
Published: March 2021

Introduction. The main component of quinoa grain is starch, the properties of which affect the quality of quinoa-based food products. There is no information about quinoa starch in the Russian scientific literature. Therefore, the review summarizes and presents foreign knowledge about the isolation, chemical composition, structure, and physicochemical properties of quinoa starch Study objects and methods. The research featured scientific articles and chapters of scientific books on the structure and chemical composition of quinoa published over the past 10 years. The work used empirical and theoretical methods of scientific research. Results and its discussion. Currently, starch from quinoa grain is produced only under laboratory conditions by various methods of grinding and soaking. Most studies point to up to 10% of amylose in quinoa starch. Amylopectin in quinoa starch has a high number of short single chains and a very low number of long single chains, and their ratio is higher than that in other starches. The granule size of quinoa starch is 0.4–2.0 microns, which is significantly smaller than that of most starches. Quinoa starch belongs to polymorphic type A. The gelatinization temperature and enthalpy of quinoa starch are lower than those of amaranth, corn, sorghum, millet, and wheat starch, which is probably due to the fine structure of amylopectin. With an increase in temperature for every 10°C, the swelling force and solubility of quinoa starch increase on average by 21.5–27%. As the temperature rises from 55 to 65°C, the solubility index of quinoa starch increases sharply by 5–10 times. The viscosity of quinoa starch is significantly higher than that of most known starches. It also is more sensitive to enzymes. Conclusion. The work presents the results of scientific research on various matters: methods of starch isolation from quinoa, its chemical composition, and methods of amylose determination; structure of starch grains, their shape, type, and degree of crystallization; physicochemical properties of starch, including gelatinization, swelling, solubility, rheological properties, retrogradation, changes in the transparency of starch gel, and susceptibility to enzymes. The latter determines the choice of technological parameters in the development of formulations and food technologies, including functional foods for people with gluten intolerance (celiac disease). Further studies of the chemical composition of quinoa can help to meet the growing demand for these products and expand the range of the domestic market for gluten-free foods.
Asociación entre conducta sedentaria y diabetes gestacional
Authors: Von Oetinger Giacoman Astrid Andrea , Trujillo Gitterman Luz María , Garcia León Daniela Alejandra
Published: March 2021

Teniendo en cuenta las alarmantes tasas de obesidad mundial y el aumento en la conducta sedentaria, consideramos importante determinar cómo esto podría afectar a mujeres embarazadas (1). La conducta sedentaria se define como estar por un tiempo prolongado (más de tres horas) en actividades de bajo gasto energético (1 a 1,5 MRTS), que incluyen estar sedente, acostado, viendo televisión, leer, etc., durante el tiempo de vigilia (2).
Application of interval-valued triangular fuzzy numbers and their functional to the healthcare problems
Authors: Naithani Kapil , Dangwal Rajesh
Published: March 2021

Aim. In healthcare field there exist different types of uncertainty due to medical error generated by human and technologies. In general the crisp value generate loss of precision and inaccuracy about result and therefore the available data is not sufficient to assessed clinical process up to desired degree of accuracy. Therefore fuzzy set theory play as an important and advance role in accuracy of results in healthcare related problems.

Methods. Here for more accuracy of result, we use functional fuzzy numbers in this paper. This study uses a new fuzzy fault tree analysis for patient safety risk modelling in healthcare. In this paper we will use level (λ, ρ) interval-valued triangular fuzzy number, their functional, t-norm operation and centre of gravity defuzzification method to evaluate fuzzy failure probability and estimate reliability of system. The effectiveness of these methods is illustrated by an example related to healthcare problems and then we analyse the result obtained with the other existing techniques. Tanaka et al.’s approach has been used to give the rank of basic events of the considered problems. Also, we use functional of fuzzy numbers to analyse the change in fuzzy failure probability.

Results. The paper examines the application of the failure tree, t-norm and functional fuzzy numbers in the context of interval-valued triangular fuzzy numbers. The research examined two types of healthcare-specific problems and the corresponding defuzzification techniques for the purpose of reliability analysis using the existing methods. The authors concluded that t-norm is not associated with significant accumulation and identified how a functional fuzzy number affects reliability. Similarly, using the V index method, the least critical events were found for each system.
Buscando Ajuda
Authors: Kfuri Carneiro Bruno , Antonio Mendonça Marcos
Published: March 2021

O programa de computador “Buscando Ajuda” é um produto técnico desenvolvido na Universidade de Vassouras como resultado de um projeto de pesquisa. Idealizado com o objetivo de motivar os usuários do programa e complementar as consultas realizadas pelos profissionais de saúde, principalmente o médico e/ou psicólogo, reunindo dados sobre a saúde mental de seus pacientes. Foi programado na linguagem C#, utilizando o Visual Studio Community 2017 da Microsoft, versão:15.9.14, sendo capaz de funcionar no Windows 10. Para ter acesso a todas as informações contidas neste software é necessário ter acesso à internet. Ao iniciar o programa e o usuário responder as perguntas da Escala de Depressão do Centro de Estudos Epidemiológicos (CES-D), ele será instruído a clicar no botão denominado “Projeto Transformador”, um local onde terá acesso a 7 vídeos de cunho motivacional para serem vistos durante a semana (1 vídeo por dia). Decorrendo esses 7 dias, o usuário será instruído a responder novamente o questionário. Essa, por sua vez, foi escolhida para integrar o programa por ter como foco os sintomas depressivos ao longo da semana anterior, tornando possível verificar se os vídeos cumprem o seu papel motivacional. O programa não busca diagnosticar, nem mesmo medicar, serve somente como um complemento a fim de melhorar a autoestima dos participantes e fornecer dados para o profissional da saúde sobre os seus pacientes. Mais estudos serão necessários para comprovar a eficácia do programa.

Palavras-chave: Depressão; Autoestima; Software;
Role of Natural Products in the Treatment of Obesity: Nanotechnological Perspectives
Authors: Kapoor Kashish , Madaan Reecha , Kumar Suresh , Bala Rajni , Walia Raman P.
Published: March 2021

Obesity is a major disorder characterized by excessive fat in the body. Various factors responsible for
obesity are dietary, lifestyle, genetic, and environmental factors. The last two decades witnessed an enormous increase
in obesity and its comorbidities among people worldwide, thus making it the fifth major cause of human
death. As per the recent report of WHO, a total of 38 million children (age < 5 years) were overweight or obese in
2019, and according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) report, almost 1 in 4
people are obese. For the treatment of obesity, various synthetic drugs are available but on the other side, these are
associated with severe adverse effects. To overcome this problem and in the view of the current situation, researchers
emphasize more on the development of natural products for the management of obesity. Primary and secondary
metabolites like polyphenols, alkaloids, saponins, and flavonoids derived from various plants worldwide are used to
develop a formulation for the management of obesity. The phytoconstituents exert their action by suppressing the
proliferation of adipocytes, inducing apoptosis of adipocytes, inhibiting lipogenesis, activating lipases, stimulating
fatty acid β-oxidation, diminishing inflammatory responses, or conquering oxidative stress. This review also highlights
the importance of the nanoencapsulation technique which enhances the efficacy of phytoconstituents by improving
solubility, stability, and bioavailability to fight against obesity and comorbidity.
A clinical case of arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia
Authors: Solovyoval E. V. , Popova N. A. , Vlasoval T. V. , Gorbunova M. L. , Antsygina L. N.
Published: March 2021

Arhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ADP) refers to hereditary myocardial diseases, in which there are structural and functional disorders in the right ventricular myocardium, causing rhythm and conduction disorders, including fatal ventricular arrhythmias. ADP is considered one of the most common causes of sudden cardiac death in young people and people who are engaged in sports. However, in practice, there are cases of this disease in people of an older age category. Diagnosis of ADP is still difficult due to the possible long-term asymptomatic course of the disease. The article describes a clinical case of ADP in a 48-year-old man.
Early vascular aging in patients with metabolic syndrome: features of the course and diagnosis
Authors: Nedogoda S. V. , Salasyuk A. S. , Barykina I. N. , Lutova V. O. , Popova E. A.
Published: March 2021

Purpose: identifying the causes of early vascular aging (EVA) in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS), assessing the relationship between vascular age and various metabolic disorders, the severity of metabolic syndrome , tissue and circulating risk markers, the severity of non-infectious inflammation, and derive a new score for calculation vascular age and predicting early vascular aging in patients with metabolic syndrome.

Materials and methods: а total of 750 patients aged 35 to 80 years with metabolic syndrome were examined. Early vascular aging syndrome was detected in 484 patients with metabolic syndrome and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) values exceeding expected for average age values by 2 or more SD.

Results: Multiple logistic regression shown, that presence of type 2 diabetes and IR were associated with greater risk of early vascular aging, the risk of having early vascular aging increased by 76% with an increase in HOMA-IR by 1 unit, by 17% with an increase in carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity by 1 mg/l, by 4% with an increase in DBP by 1 mm Hg, and by 1% with each 1 pmol / L increase in the level of UA. For vascular age, calculated from carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, SCORE scale, QRISK-3 scale and Framingham scale, respectively. Diabetes mellitus and clinical markers of IR (yes/no), HOMA-IR and UA level were used to develop a new VAmets score for EVA prediction providing a total accuracy of 0.830 (95% CI 0,799 to 0,860).

Conclusion: parallel efforts for effective integration simple clinical score into clinical practice have been offered. Our score (VAmets) may accurately identify patients with metabolic syndrome and early vascular aging on the basis of widely available clinical variables and classic cardiovascular risk factors can prioritize using of vascular age in routine care.
Prospects for the treatment of central sleep apnea and Cheyne-Stokes respiration in heart failure
Authors: Alyokhina Y. V. , Seredenina E. M. , Kalinkin A. L.
Published: March 2021

The risk factors, clinical manifestations, pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment options for central sleep apnea and Cheyne-Stokes respiration in patients with heart failure are highlighted in this review. The effectiveness and prospects of therapeutic approaches are discussed: CPAP therapy, adaptive servo ventilation, transvenous stimulation of the phrenic nerve.
¿Podría el hantavirus Seúl ser una etiología de la enfermedad febril aguda indiferenciada en Colombia?
Authors: Silva-Ramos Carlos Ramiro , Faccini-Martínez Álvaro A
Published: March 2021

Los hantavirus se clasifican en dos grupos principales, hantavirus del Viejo Mundo' y del ''Nuevo Mundo' debido a la distribución geográfica de sus reservorios (roedores) (1). Los hantavirus del Viejo Mundo (por ejemplo, virus Hantaan, Seúl, Puumala, entre otros) causan fiebre hemorrágica con síndrome renal (HFRS, por sus siglas en inglés), mientras que los hantavirus del Nuevo Mundo (por ejemplo, virus Sin Nombre, Andes, entre otros) afectan principalmente al pulmón causando el síndrome pulmonar por hantavirus (HPS, por sus sigla en inglés) (1).
Acute Graft-Versus-Host Disease, Prophylaxis and Therapy
Authors: Sharma Nidhi , Efebera Yvonne ,   Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center Columbus, Ohio, USA
Published: March 2021

Graft-versus host disease is one of the major causes of death in patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Major contributing factors to severity of graft-versus host disease include HLA mismatch, conditioning regimen intensity, age of donor and recipient, source of stem cell, and donor type. Strategies and clinical trials are ongoing to reduce the incidence of graft-versus host disease, and to improve on the survival outcome of patients with graft-versus host disease, Research efforts continue to develop new ways of identification, prevention, and treatment for graft versus host disease. In addition, efforts are also being made to incorporate biomarker for the early detection of graft versus host disease. In addition, strategies utilizing monoclonal antibodies and cytokines are being tested as potential therapeutic options. Here we provide evidence for recommended regimens for graft versus host disease, prophylaxis and treatment.
Use of Spinal Anesthesia in Pediatric Laparoscopic Appendectomies: Case Series
Authors: Hannan Md Jafrul , Parveen Mosammat Kohinnor , Nandy Alak , Hasan Md Samiul
Published: March 2021

Background

Owing to the widespread use of general anesthesia, administration of spinal anesthesia in pediatric patients is not widely practiced. Yet there is ample positive evidence demonstrating its safety, effectiveness, and success.

Objective

The objective of this study is to compare postoperative patient comfort, length of hospital stay, and cost-effectiveness of pediatric laparoscopic appendectomies performed under spinal and general anesthesia with the usual standard-of-care procedures employed in the hospital.

Methods

This is a case series of 77 consecutive pediatric laparoscopic appendectomies (involving 5-8–year-old children) that took place in a hospital in Chittagong, Bangladesh, in 2019. A total of 40 patients underwent spinal anesthesia and 37 patients underwent general anesthesia. Variables such as surgery and operation theater times, pain score, incidence of postsurgery vomiting, analgesic usage, discharge times, and hospital costs were recorded. Statistical analysis was used to analyze the data as a function of anesthesia type.

Results

The probability of vomiting when using spinal compared to general anesthesia was lower within the first 5 hours (P<.001) and 6 hours (P=.008) postoperation. A significant difference (P<.001) was observed between the total costs of the two procedures, with spinal anesthesia being less expensive. Patients were more likely to be discharged the same day of the procedure when spinal anesthesia was used (P=.008).

Conclusions

Spinal anesthesia has many advantages compared to general anesthesia for pediatric laparoscopic appendectomies. Patient comfort is improved due to a significant decrease in vomiting. This allows for more rapid hospital discharges and substantial cost savings, without compromising the outcome of the procedure.
Prediction and Feature Importance Analysis for Severity of COVID-19 in South Korea Using Artificial Intelligence: Model Development and Validation
Authors: Chung Heewon , Ko Hoon , Kang Wu Seong , Kim Kyung Won , Lee Hooseok , Park Chul , Song Hyun-Ok , Choi Tae-Young , Seo Jae Ho , Lee Jinseok
Published: March 2021

Background

The number of deaths from COVID-19 continues to surge worldwide. In particular, if a patient’s condition is sufficiently severe to require invasive ventilation, it is more likely to lead to death than to recovery.

Objective

The goal of our study was to analyze the factors related to COVID-19 severity in patients and to develop an artificial intelligence (AI) model to predict the severity of COVID-19 at an early stage.

Methods

We developed an AI model that predicts severity based on data from 5601 COVID-19 patients from all national and regional hospitals across South Korea as of April 2020. The clinical severity of COVID-19 was divided into two categories: low and high severity. The condition of patients in the low-severity group corresponded to no limit of activity, oxygen support with nasal prong or facial mask, and noninvasive ventilation. The condition of patients in the high-severity group corresponded to invasive ventilation, multi-organ failure with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation required, and death. For the AI model input, we used 37 variables from the medical records, including basic patient information, a physical index, initial examination findings, clinical findings, comorbid diseases, and general blood test results at an early stage. Feature importance analysis was performed with AdaBoost, random forest, and eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost); the AI model for predicting COVID-19 severity among patients was developed with a 5-layer deep neural network (DNN) with the 20 most important features, which were selected based on ranked feature importance analysis of 37 features from the comprehensive data set. The selection procedure was performed using sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, balanced accuracy, and area under the curve (AUC).

Results

We found that age was the most important factor for predicting disease severity, followed by lymphocyte level, platelet count, and shortness of breath or dyspnea. Our proposed 5-layer DNN with the 20 most important features provided high sensitivity (90.2%), specificity (90.4%), accuracy (90.4%), balanced accuracy (90.3%), and AUC (0.96).

Conclusions

Our proposed AI model with the selected features was able to predict the severity of COVID-19 accurately. We also made a web application so that anyone can access the model. We believe that sharing the AI model with the public will be helpful in validating and improving its performance.
Measurement of Heart Rate Using the Polar OH1 and Fitbit Charge 3 Wearable Devices in Healthy Adults During Light, Moderate, Vigorous, and Sprint-Based Exercise: Validation Study (Preprint)
Authors: Muggeridge David Joseph , Hickson Kirsty , Davies Aimie Victoria , Giggins Oonagh M , Megson Ian L , Gorely Trish , Crabtree Daniel R
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

Accurate, continuous heart rate measurements are important for health assessment, physical activity, and sporting performance, and the integration of heart rate measurements into wearable devices has extended its accessibility. Although the use of photoplethysmography technology is not new, the available data relating to the validity of measurement are limited, and the range of activities being performed is often restricted to one exercise domain and/or limited intensities.

OBJECTIVE

The primary objective of this study was to assess the validity of the Polar OH1 and Fitbit Charge 3 devices for measuring heart rate during rest, light, moderate, vigorous, and sprint-type exercise.

METHODS

A total of 20 healthy adults (9 female; height: mean 1.73 [SD 0.1] m; body mass: mean 71.6 [SD 11.0] kg; and age: mean 40 [SD 10] years) volunteered and provided written informed consent to participate in the study consisting of 2 trials. Trial 1 was split into 3 components: 15-minute sedentary activities, 10-minute cycling on a bicycle ergometer, and incremental exercise test to exhaustion on a motorized treadmill (18-42 minutes). Trial 2 was split into 2 components: 4 × 15-second maximal sprints on a cycle ergometer and 4 × 30- to 50-m sprints on a nonmotorized resistance treadmill. Data from the 3 devices were time-aligned, and the validity of Polar OH1 and Fitbit Charge 3 was assessed against Polar H10 (criterion device). Validity was evaluated using the Bland and Altman analysis, Pearson moment correlation coefficient, and mean absolute percentage error.

RESULTS

Overall, there was a very good correlation between the Polar OH1 and Polar H10 devices (r=0.95), with a mean bias of −1 beats·min-1 and limits of agreement of −20 to 19 beats·min-1. The Fitbit Charge 3 device underestimated heart rate by 7 beats·min-1 compared with Polar H10, with a limit of agreement of −46 to 33 beats·min-1 and poor correlation (r=0.8). The mean absolute percentage error for both devices was deemed acceptable (<5%). Polar OH1 performed well across each phase of trial 1; however, validity was worse for trial 2 activities. Fitbit Charge 3 performed well only during rest and nonsprint-based treadmill activities.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with our criterion device, Polar OH1 was accurate at assessing heart rate, but the accuracy of Fitbit Charge 3 was generally poor. Polar OH1 performed worse during trial 2 compared with the activities in trial 1, and the validity of the Fitbit Charge 3 device was particularly poor during our cycling exercises.

CLINICALTRIAL
Modeling Predictive Age-Dependent and Age-Independent Symptoms and Comorbidities of Patients Seeking Treatment for COVID-19: Model Development and Validation Study (Preprint)
Authors: Huang Yingxiang , Radenkovic Dina , Perez Kevin , Nadeau Kari , Verdin Eric , Furman David
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to ravage and burden hospitals around the world. The epidemic started in Wuhan, China, and was subsequently recognized by the World Health Organization as an international public health emergency and declared a pandemic in March 2020. Since then, the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have had an unparalleled effect on all aspects of life.

OBJECTIVE

With increasing total hospitalization and intensive care unit admissions, a better understanding of features related to patients with COVID-19 could help health care workers stratify patients based on the risk of developing a more severe case of COVID-19. Using predictive models, we strive to select the features that are most associated with more severe cases of COVID-19.

METHODS

Over 3 million participants reported their potential symptoms of COVID-19, along with their comorbidities and demographic information, on a smartphone-based app. Using data from the >10,000 individuals who indicated that they had tested positive for COVID-19 in the United Kingdom, we leveraged the Elastic Net regularized binary classifier to derive the predictors that are most correlated with users having a severe enough case of COVID-19 to seek treatment in a hospital setting. We then analyzed such features in relation to age and other demographics and their longitudinal trend.

RESULTS

The most predictive features found include fever, use of immunosuppressant medication, use of a mobility aid, shortness of breath, and severe fatigue. Such features are age-related, and some are disproportionally high in minority populations.

CONCLUSIONS

Predictors selected from the predictive models can be used to stratify patients into groups based on how much medical attention they are expected to require. This could help health care workers devote valuable resources to prevent the escalation of the disease in vulnerable populations.
Virtual Interactive Surgical Skills Classroom: Protocol for a Parallel-Group, Noninferiority, Adjudicator-Blinded, Randomized Controlled Trial (VIRTUAL) (Preprint)
Authors: Nathan Arjun , Fricker Monty , Patel Sonam , Georgi Maria , Hang Man Kien , Asif Aqua , Sinha Amil , Mullins William , Shea Jessie , Hanna Nancy , Lamb Benjamin , Kelly John , Sridhar Ashwin , Collins Justin
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

Traditional face-to-face training (FFT) for basic surgical skills is inaccessible and resource-intensive. Noninteractive computer-based learning is more economical but less educationally beneficial. Virtual classroom training (VCT) is a novel method that permits distanced interactive expert instruction. VCT may optimize resources and increase accessibility.

OBJECTIVE

We aim to investigate whether VCT is superior to computer-based learning and noninferior to FFT in improving proficiency in basic surgical skills.

METHODS

This is a protocol for a parallel-group, noninferiority, randomized controlled trial. A sample of 72 undergraduates will be recruited from 5 medical schools in London. Participants will be stratified by subjective and objective suturing experience level and allocated to 3 intervention groups at a 1:1:1 ratio. VCT will be delivered using the BARCO weConnect software, and FFT will be provided by expert instructors. Optimal student-to-teacher ratios of 12:1 for VCT and 4:1 for FFT will be maintained. The assessed task will be interrupted suturing with hand-tied knots.

RESULTS

The primary outcome will be the postintervention Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills score, adjudicated by 2 experts blinded to the study and adjusted for baseline proficiency. The noninferiority margin (δ) will be defined using historical data.

CONCLUSIONS

This study will serve as a comprehensive appraisal of the suitability of virtual basic surgical skills classroom training as an alternative to FFT. Our findings will assist the development and implementation of further resource-efficient, accessible, virtual basic surgical skills training programs during the COVID-19 pandemic and in the future.

CLINICALTRIAL

International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number ISRCTN12448098; https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN12448098

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

PRR1-10.2196/28671
Development, Testing, and Implementation of the Belgian Patient Reported Experience Measure for Pancreatic Cancer Care (PREPARE) Project: Protocol for a Multi-Method Research Project (Preprint)
Authors: Moens Katrien , Peeters Marc , Van den Bulcke Marc , Leys Mark , Horlait Melissa
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

Patients with pancreatic cancer do not feel involved in the development of their treatment and care plans. In Belgium, these plans are decided on during multidisciplinary team meetings. However, limited time is spent on the discussion of the preferences of the patient during these meetings. This research project aims to develop a patient-reported experience measure (PREM) for pancreatic cancer and assess if its use can support collaborative treatment decision-making.

OBJECTIVE

This paper aims to outline the protocol for a multi-method research project to improve person-centered pancreatic cancer care in Belgium. Three subobjectives are pursued: (1) to develop a PREM to assess the experiences of care-related aspects in pancreatic cancer care, (2) to validate the PREM, and (3) to develop and evaluate an educational intervention to support the use of the PREM’s results.

METHODS

For the development of the PREM, an exploratory mixed methods study design will be used. The study will start with a survey followed by a telephone interview involving patients with pancreatic cancer and digestive oncology health care professionals. Study two is the testing of the content and construct validity of the PREM. Study three involves the implementation study according to the Medical Research Council framework of a complex intervention introducing the PREM in practice. The effectiveness of the intervention will be investigated using a pragmatic randomized controlled trial study design.

RESULTS

The protocol presents the entire structure of the research project. Ethics approval to conduct the exploratory mixed methods study (objective 1) has been obtained, and recruitment has started since January 2022.

CONCLUSIONS

The poor prognosis of patients with pancreatic cancer should not be considered a hurdle to not study this patient population group. Involving patients in the research and decision-making processes early on is key. This project aims to realize a scientifically sound research process providing research outputs that can easily and timely be implemented in the care trajectory of patients with pancreatic cancer. This research project will also lead to recommendations on how to involve patients with pancreatic cancer and how the methodology of this research project can be translated to other patient groups.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

PRR1-10.2196/29004
ЭВОЛЮЦИЯ ПРЕДСТАВЛЕНИЙ ПО СОВЕРШЕНСТВОВАНИЮ ПРОГРЕВАЕМЫХ СВЕРХВЫСОКОВАКУУМНЫХ КОММУТАЦИОННЫХ УСТРОЙСТВ
Authors: Вязовецкова А.Е. , Вязовецков В.В.
Published: March 2021

Анализируются известные предложения по повышению качества сверхвысоковакуумных коммутационных разъемных устройств. Основной тенденцией развития сверхвысоковакуумных разъемных соединений является концепция повышения вакуумной плотности узлов герметизации в процессе многократного термоциклирования. Обсуждаются модельные представления контактных взаимодействий в процессах герметизации и термоциклирования разъемного соединения. Указываются конструктивные особенности выполнения рекомендуемых коммутационных устройств.
ОПЫТ ИЗМЕРЕНИЯ ОСТАТОЧНОГО ДАВЛЕНИЯ В ТЕПЛОИЗОЛЯЦИОННЫХ ПОЛОСТЯХ (ТИП) КРИОГЕННЫХ РЕЗЕРВУАРОВ РЦГ-250/0,6, РЦГ -250/1,0, РЦГ-250/1,1 СИСТЕМЫ ЗАПРАВКИ ЖИДКИМ КИСЛОРОДОМ И СИСТЕМЫ ОБЕСПЕЧЕНИЯ АЗОТОМ НА КОСМОДРОМЕ «ВОСТОЧНЫЙ» (СТАРТ ДЛЯ «АНГАРЫ»)
Authors: Жировов Е.В. , Сметанин К.В. , Артемова Н.В.
Published: March 2021

В статье описан опыт измерения остаточного давления в теплоизоляционных полостях (ТИП) криогенных резервуаров РЦГ-250/0,6, РЦГ-250/1,0, РЦГ-250/1,1 системы заправки жидким кислородом и системы обеспечения азотом на космодроме «Восточный» перед монтажом оборудования в условиях среднесуточной температуры окружающего воздуха ниже минус 30 °С на новом строящемся старте для «Ангары».
ВЛИЯНИЕ ОБРАБОТКИ В ПЛАЗМЕ ПОНИЖЕННОГО ДАВЛЕНИЯ НА РАСТВОРИМОСТЬ ХИТОЗАНСОДЕРЖАЩИХ ПЛЕНОК
Authors: Лунёв И.В. , Бердибекова А.В. , Попырина Т.Н. , Демина Т.С. , Гильман А.Б. , Тимашев П.С. , Акопова Т.А.
Published: March 2021

Исследовано влияние обработки в плазме низкочастотного тлеющего разряда при пониженном давлении на растворимость пленок на основе хитозана или его сополимера с олиголактидом и коллагеном в водных средах. Изучен вклад различных факторов, в т. ч. пониженного давления, УФ-излучения, взаимодействия активных компонентов плазмы с поверхностью полимеров, на потерю растворимости. Установлено, что образование нерастворимой в воде фракции хитозансодержащих пленочных образцов после обработки в плазме связано в основном с воздействием УФ-излучения, однако определенную роль играет воздействие электронов и ионов, а также пониженное давление.
УПРАВЛЕНИЕ ПАРАМЕТРАМИ МАЛОГАБАРИТНОГО ВАКУУМНОГО РАЗРЯДНИКА ПУТЕМ КОРРЕКЦИИ ЭНЕРГЕТИКИ СИСТЕМЫ ИНИЦИИРОВАНИЯ
Authors: Козлов А.А. , Давыдов С.Г. , Долгов А.Н. , Якубов Р.Х.
Published: March 2021

Исследовано влияние энергии системы инициирования малогабаритного искрового разрядника на его напряжение пробоя и задержку срабатывания.
ИССЛЕДОВАНИЕ ВЛИЯНИЯ ПАРАМЕТРОВ ПРОЦЕССА СИНТЕЗА КОЛЛОИДНЫХ ЧАСТИЦ НА СВОЙСТВА ПОЛУЧАЕМЫХ ПРИ ИХ САМООРГАНИЗАЦИИ ФОТОННО-КРИСТАЛЛИЧЕСКИХ ПЛЕНОК
Authors: Шрамко Д.Ю. , Кузнецов Н.Н. , Панфилова Е.В.
Published: March 2021

Технологии самосборки перспективны для использования в различных областях оптоэлектроники. Свойства формируемых в результате самоорганизации коллоидных частиц фотонно-кристаллических тонких пленок сильно зависят от качества коллоидных суспензий. Наиболее часто в технологии коллоидных фотонных кристаллов используются суспензии диоксида кремния, получаемые на основе тетраэтоксисилана методом Штобера. Монодисперсность коллоидных частиц влияет на упорядоченность структуры фотонного кристалла, так называемой опаловой матрицы. Эта структура определяет характер взаимодействия излучения с пленкой. В настоящей работе показано влияние таких условий гидролиза тетраэтоксисилана, как концентрация аммиака и время выстаивания, на спектральные характеристики пленок. Представлены результаты исследования спектров отражения пленок, сформированных методом вертикального осаждения из коллоидных суспензий, синтезированных с шестью комбинациями режимов гидролиза. Метод вертикального осаждения был реализован посредством вытягивания ситалловых подложек из суспензии. Выявлено, что уменьшение концентрации аммиака до 0,5 % и варьирование временем выстаивания позволяют получать пленки с наиболее ярко выраженной фотонной запрещенной зоной. Исследование образцов методом атомно-силовой микроскопии подтвердило полученные результаты.
FEATURES OF REGIONAL BUDGET REVENUES FORMATION (ON THE EXAMPLE OF THE AMUR REGION)
Authors:   V.K. Likay Amur State University, Likay V.K. , Tsepelev O.A. ,   O.A. Tsepelev Amur state University
Published: March 2021

The article assesses the features of the formation of the revenue side of the budget of the Amur Region. The dynamics and structure of the main types of income receipts of the regional budget are analyzed
OPTIMIZATION OF THE TAX BURDEN AS A COMPONENT OF THE ECONOMIC SECURITY OF A COMMERCIAL ORGANIZATION ON THE EXAMPLE OF LLC «BZSM»
Authors:   O.A. Sayapina Amur State University, Sayapina O.A. , Shelepova N.V. ,   N.V. Shelepova Amur State University
Published: March 2021

The article analyzes the economic security of the enterprise under the influence of the tax burden. Measures to optimize the organization's tax base are defined.
PECULIARITIES OF APPLICATION OF PROFESSIONAL INCOME TAX IN AMUR REGION
Authors:   I.O. Chemeris Amur State University, Chemeris I.O. , Tsepelev O.A. ,   O.A.Tsepelev Amur State University
Published: March 2021

The article considers the regulatory framework governing the tax regime «Professional income tax» the advantages of this tax regime and the results of its application in the Amur Region.
TRENDS AND DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY OF THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY IN THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION UNTIL 2021
Authors:   D.S. Solovyova Amur State University, Solovyova D.S. , Samoilova E.A. ,   E.A. Samoilova Amur State University
Published: March 2021

The article examines the trends and development strategy of the insurance industry in the Russian Federation until 2021, as well as identifies problems in key areas and presents ways to solve them.
ACCOUNTING AND ANALYTICAL TOOL FOR FORMATION OF FINANCIAL RESULTS OF THE ORGANIZATION'S ACTIVITY
Authors:   T.V. Cheremushnikova  Orenburg state University, Cheremushnikova T.V. , Arslanova D.D. ,   D.D. Arslanova Orenburg state University
Published: March 2021

The article substantiates the importance of accounting and analytical tools for the formation of financial results of an organization in a crisis. The main directions of maintaining the financial stability of organizations in modern conditions are defined. Measures are proposed to increase the disclosure of information about the results of activities in order to attract potential inverters.
RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE SECURITIES MARKET
Authors:   F.V. Vodyanik Amur State University, Vodyanik F.V. , Novopashina E.S. ,   E.S. Novopashina Amur State University
Published: March 2021

This article presents the results of research on investment risks in the securities market, identifies ways to assess risks and defines the principles of risk management.
COMPARATIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF TAXATION OF RUSSIA AND CHINA ON THE EXAMPLE OF THE TAX TO INCOMES OF PHYSICAL PERSONS (NDFL)
Authors:   D.A. Yakimchuk Amur State University, Yakimchuk D.A. , Serikov S.G. ,   S.G. Serikov Amur State University
Published: March 2021

The paper provides a comparative description of the NDFL of the two largest countries - Russia and China. Conclusions are drawn about the effectiveness and fairness of NDFL calculation systems of these countries.
TAX CAPACITY OF THE REGION: THEORETICAL ASPECT
Authors:   K.E. Chuprakova Amur State University, Chuprakova K.E. , Tsepelev O.A. ,   O.A.Tsepelev Amur State University
Published: March 2021

This article discusses the category «tax capacity of the region». The main approaches to determining the regional tax capacity and factors affecting its value have been studied.
ASSESSMENT OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE LEVEL OF PERCEPTION OF CORRUPTION AND THE COUNTRY'S ECONOMIC SECURITY
Authors:   A.S. Naumochkin Amur State University, Naumochkin A.S. , Babkina N. A. ,   N. A. Babkina Amur State University
Published: March 2021

This article examines the level of perception of corruption in Russia and its impact on the economic security of the state.
PROBLEMS OF RETAINING HIGHLY QUALIFIED SPECIALISTS IN THE AMUR REGION
Authors:   V.A. Nikitina Amur State University, Nikitina V.A. , Rychkova E.S. ,   E.S. Rychkova Amur State University
Published: March 2021

The article deals with the current problems of migration of highly qualified specialists in Russia, as well as the leakage of specialists from the Amur region. The reasons are revealed, the directions for retaining highly qualified specialists in the region are determined.
PROBLEMS OF INVESTMENT SECURITY OF THE FAR EASTERN FEDERAL DISTRICT
Authors:   O.E.Gribauskas Amur State University, Gribauskas O.E. , Rychkova E.S. ,   E.S. Rychkova Amur State University
Published: March 2021

In this article reveals the essence of investment security, the relationship between economic security and foreign investment. The inflow of foreign investments is considered.
THREATS TO INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC SECURITY AND ITS CONSEQUENCES
Authors:   A.Y. Rudenko Amur State University, Rudenko A.Y. , Novopashina E.S. ,   E.S. Novopashina Amur State University
Published: March 2021

Radical changes are taking place in the modern world. Globalization caused by technological changes has become the main trend of world development. On the one hand, increased interdependence of countries and regions, and increasing the gap between rich and poor countries, aggravated the socio-economic, socio-political, ethno-cultural conflicts within countries. Therefore, maintaining international economic security requires new approaches and a new level of interstate interaction. The Russian Federation is in such a situation, which determines the need for research and implementation of a scientifically based security system.
MODERN APPROACHES TO ASSESSMENT OF THE ECONOMIC SECURITY OF THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR
Authors:   E.R. Kuklin  Amur state University, Kuklin E.R. , Shulgina N.G. ,   N.G. Shulgina  Amur state University
Published: March 2021

The article talks about modern approaches to assessing the industrial sector in terms of economic security.
COMPLIANCE AS A PART OF THE ECONOMIC SECURITY OF THE COMPANY
Authors:   E.K. Kuzmenko  Amur State University, Kuzmenko E.K. , Novopashina E.S. ,   E.S. Novopashina Amur State University
Published: March 2021

The article considers the definition of the concept of "compliance" and discloses its essence. Also, the article reveals the need to create compliance in an organization as a system in order to ensure a high level of economic security of the organization.
AQUA PARKS AS A POSSIBLE DIRECTION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF ENTERTAINMENT TOURISM IN THE AMUR REGION
Authors:   V.E. Goryagina  Amur state University, Goryagina V.E. , Miroshnichenko T.A. ,   T.A. Miroshnichenko Amur state University
Published: March 2021

The history of development of aqua parks in Russia is analyzed. A comparative analysis of indoor and outdoor aqua parks was carried out. The prospects for the development of aqua parks in the city of Blagoveshchensk are analyzed.
Load simulation of a semi-trailer of the mobile transport and overloading rope complex
Authors:   Bryansk Automobile Plant JSC, Tarichko V.I. , Shalupina P.I. ,   Bryansk Automobile Plant JSC
Published: March 2021

The article deals with the issues of modeling the stress-strain state of a semi-trailer designed to accommodate the equipment of a mobile transport and overloading rope complex. The main computational cases are determined. Geometric and computational finite element models are constructed, taking into account the features of the metal structure and suspension elements. The method of gluing elements of the grid model is applied. On the basis of the performed calculations, conclusions are drawn about the compliance of the developed structure with the requirements of strength and rigidity.
Evolution of Grain and Seed Cleaning Equipment in Russia
Authors: Drincha V. M. , Tsench Yu. S.
Published: March 2021

The authors determined that in the development of grain production technical support, the main role was played by such a system-forming factor as the transition of the country’s grain enterprises to private ownership. Over the past 30 years, private companies and individuals became grain owners (with the exception of a small share). The authors substantiated the necessity for the development of grain-seed cleaning equipment in Russia. They showed the relevance of developing a new scientific and technical policy in the field of machine development support for grain production and its optimal functioning.

(Research purpose) To carry out an evolutionary analysis of grain and seed cleaning equipment development and functioning, to determine the main periods and system-forming factors of its development.

(Materials and methods) The authors applied the historical-analytical method in addition to technical systems. As research objects, they studied the original works of domestic and foreign authors for more than 100 years: monographs, dissertations, reports of research institutions, machine testing stations protocols, scientific journals, conference materials, as well as descriptions for domestic and foreign patent documentation.

(Results and discussion) They described the evolution of grain-seed cleaning equipment development over the past 150 years: from the simplest tools to complex machine systems of industrial flow technologies. The authors presented the main characteristics of grain-seed cleaning machines and indicators of grain mixtures separation by sieves processes at various stages.

(Conclusions) The main system-forming factors influencing the technical support of grain production such as: socio-economic conditions; soil and climatic conditions; science and technology policy; organizational factors were revealed. They substantiated four stages of its development: the first (1870-1930) – the use of the simplest manual machines of foreign production; the second (1930-1950) – the birth of domestic production of grain-seed cleaning equipment; the third (1950-1991) – the transition from the use of separate machines to industrial flow technologies; the fourth (1991 – to the present) – the transition from traditional flow technology to a variety of technologies and machines.