bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Worldwide prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome among dental health care personnel - A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chenna Deepika , Madi Medhini , Kumar Mathangi , Kumar Vijay , Chopperla Sitaram , Tadikonda Abhinav , Pentapati Kalyana
Published: July 2023

Background: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is one such common disorder among dental health care personnel caused due to the entrapment neuropathy of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel. We aimed to evaluate the pooled estimates of the CTS among dental healthcare personnel.

Methods: We systematically reviewed the existing literature from six databases till January 1st, 2022. Studies reported in English along with the prevalence of CTS or where prevalence could be calculated were included. Independent screening of title and abstracts, and the full text was done by two examiners. Information collected was authors, year of publication, geographic location, type of dental healthcare personnel, sample size, distribution of age, sex, CTS, method of diagnosis, and risk of bias. The random effect model was used to estimate the pooled estimates.

Results: Thirty-seven studies yielded 38 estimates. A total of 17,152 dental health care personnel were included of which 2717 had CTS. The overall pooled prevalence of CTS among the included studies was 15%, with a high heterogeneity. Meta-analysis showed no significant difference in the pooled estimates of CTS between male and female dental healthcare personnel (OR: 0.73; 95% CI: 0.52 -1.02; I2= 69.71). The pooled estimates among the dentist and dental auxiliaries were 20% and 10%, respectively. The pooled prevalence of CTS with self-reported measures, clinical examination and NCS were 21%, 13% and 8% respectively. Meta-regression showed that the prevalence estimates were significantly associated with publication year (coefficient: 0.006; 95% CI= 0.002-0.01).

Conclusion: One out of seven dental health care personnel may be affected by CTS. No significant difference was seen in the prevalence of CTS between male and female dental healthcare personnel.
Single-cell transcriptional uncertainty landscape of cell differentiation
Authors: Gao Nan Papili , Gandrillon Olivier , Páldi András , Herbach Ulysse , Gunawan Rudiyanto
Published: July 2023

Background: Single-cell studies have demonstrated the presence of significant cell-to-cell heterogeneity in gene expression. Whether such heterogeneity is only a bystander or has a functional role in the cell differentiation process is still hotly debated.

Methods: In this study, we quantified and followed single-cell transcriptional uncertainty – a measure of gene transcriptional stochasticity in single cells – in 10 cell differentiation systems of varying cell lineage progressions, from single to multi-branching trajectories, using the stochastic two-state gene transcription model.

Results: By visualizing the transcriptional uncertainty as a landscape over a two-dimensional representation of the single-cell gene expression data, we observed universal features in the cell differentiation trajectories that include: (i) a peak in single-cell uncertainty during transition states, and in systems with bifurcating differentiation trajectories, each branching point represents a state of high transcriptional uncertainty; (ii) a positive correlation of transcriptional uncertainty with transcriptional burst size and frequency; (iii) an increase in RNA velocity preceding the increase in the cell transcriptional uncertainty.

Conclusions: Our findings suggest a possible universal mechanism during the cell differentiation process, in which stem cells engage stochastic exploratory dynamics of gene expression at the start of the cell differentiation by increasing gene transcriptional bursts, and disengage such dynamics once cells have decided on a particular terminal cell identity. Notably, the peak of single-cell transcriptional uncertainty signifies the decision-making point in the cell differentiation process.
Amanita thiersii and Amanita foetens are closely related but genetically and geographically distinct species, leaving the origins of A. thiersii and its range expansion enigmatic
Authors: Dunkirk Nora , Wang Yen-Wen , Drott Milton T. , Elmore Holly , Robledo Gerardo , Tulloss Rodham E. , Pringle Anne
Published: July 2023

Background: The decomposer Amanita thiersii was originally described from a Texas lawn. Over time the species appears to have spread its range, but whether A. thiersii is an introduced and invading fungus or a native expanding its range remains an open question. A striking morphological similarity between A. thiersii and the Argentinian A. foetens led us to question whether the two species are the same. We hypothesized A. thiersii was simply an A. foetens introduced from Argentina.

Methods: We first compared the original species descriptions of both taxa. Next, we used databases associated with iNaturalist and Mushroom Observer to plot the global ranges of A. thiersii and A. foetens, revealing new reports of A. thiersii in Mexico and an expanded range in the United States of America. Next, we sequenced three genomes: an A. thiersii specimen from the U.S.A., an isotype of A. foetens, and an Argentinian specimen tentatively identified as A. thiersii. We reconstructed phylogenies using our own and publicly available data of other Amanita species. Because the genetic diversity of A. thiersii in the U.S.A appears to be very low, we also searched for mating type loci.

Results: Macroscopic descriptions suggest the two taxa are distinguishable by mushroom stature and the decoration of the stipe. The geographic ranges of the two taxa seem distinct and not overlapping, although the inconsistent names used by database users causes confusion. Phylogenies suggest the genomes of mushrooms collected in U.S.A. are different from Argentinian genomes. We discovered an individual which appears to have a mating type locus present in one nucleus of the dikaryon and absent from the second nucleus.

Conclusions: While A. thiersii and A. foetens appear strikingly similar, each is morphologically, geographically and genetically distinct, leaving the question of whether A. thiersii is native or introduced to the U.S.A. unanswered.
IMPACTS OF FINTECH ON FINANCIAL INCLUSION: THE CASE OF SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
Authors: Wulli Faustin Djoufouet  , Thierry Messie Pondie
Published: July 2023

The objective of this paper is to determine the impact of FinTech on the financial inclusion of populations in sub-Saharan Africa where financial education is still low. To do so, data were collected on a sample of 35 countries over a period from 2011 to 2020. Estimates were made using two-stage least squares models and the Lewbel 2LS model. It is clear from the results that fintech contributes significantly to the financial inclusion of people in sub-Saharan Africa. Mobile phone ownership facilitates the use of financial services. It is noted that a 1% increase in the number of people using a phone would contribute to a 0.67% increase in the financial inclusion rate. The Driscoll-Kraay technique consolidated these results by showing that with 1% of people having access to fintech tools, there is an improvement in the financial inclusion rate of about 0.70%.
Radioactive contamination in feral dogs in the Chernobyl exclusion zone: Population body-burden survey and implications for human radiation exposure
Authors: Hecla Jake , Kambarian Erik , Tubbs Robert , McKinley Carla , Berliner Aaron J. , Russell Kayla , Spatola Gabrielle , Chertok Jordan , Braun Weston , Hank Natalia , Marquette Courtney , Betz Jennifer , Paik Terry , Chenery Marie , Cagan Alex , Willis Carl , Mousseau Tim
Published: July 2023

This report describes a two-year effort to survey the internal 137Cs and external β-emitter contamination present in the feral dog population near the Chernobyl nuclear power plant (ChNPP) site, and to understand the potential for human radiation exposure from this contamination. This work was performed as an integral part of the radiation safety and control procedures of an animal welfare oriented trap-neuter-release (TNR) program. The measurement program focused on external contamination surveys using handheld β-sensitive probes, and internal contamination studies using a simple whole-body counter. Internal 137Cs burden was measured non-invasively during post-surgical observation and recovery. External β contamination surveys performed during intake showed that 21/288 animals had significant, removable external contamination, though not enough to pose a large hazard for incidental contact. Measurements with the whole-body counter indicated internal 137Cs body burdens ranging from undetectable (minimum detection level ∼100 Bq/kg in 2017, ∼30 Bq/kg in 2018) to approximately 30,000 Bq/kg. A total of 33 animals had 137Cs body-burdens above 1 kBq/kg, though none posed an external exposure hazard. The large variation in the 137Cs concentration in these animals is not well-understood, could be due to prey selection, access to human food scraps, or extended residence in highly contaminated areas. The small minority of animals with external contamination may pose a contamination risk allowing exposures in excess of regulatory standards.
Presentism, dystopia, negative solution: Three forms of the punk chronotype ‘no future’
Authors: Grebe Justus
Published: July 2023

In recent years, the slogan ‘no future’ has been used to illustrate punk ideology, focusing on notions of nihilism, pessimism and anxiety against the backdrop of various crises. It has also been interpreted as emblematic of a certain temporality typical of the years after the post-war boom. However, the meaning of ‘no future’ in and for punk cultures is rarely explored in detail – a gap this article seeks to address. It conceptualizes ‘no future’ as a central chronotype of punk, manifesting in various forms. Providing close readings of the exemplary punk songs ‘Now I Wanna Sniff Some Glue’ by the Ramones, ‘London Calling’ by the Clash, and ‘Deutschland’ by Slime, the article explores three such forms: presentism, choosing the present over the future; dystopia, detailing a negative future; and negative solution, calling for the negation of a certain aspect of the present. In doing so, the article shows the plurality of meanings of ‘no future’ in punk and points to further research to be conducted on the time culture of punk.
A vállalkozói készségek hatása a gazdasági és társadalmi fejlődésre
Authors: Szendrei-Pál Eszter
Published: July 2023

A gazdaság sok szegmense számára kiemelten fontos, hogy minél több vállalkozó tevékenykedjen a piacon pozitív hatásaik miatt. Jelen tanulmány célja, hogy egy szakirodalmi áttekintés keretében megvizsgálja a vállalkozói készségek hatásával kapcsolatos diskurzusokat. Három fő témakör rajzolódott ki, melyek mentén a tanulmány struktúrája kialakult. Az első azon területek, amelyekre képesek hatni a vállalkozók, valamint azon készségek, amelyek segítségével el tudják ezt érni. Második téma a vállalkozói készségek megjelenése és alkalmazása egyéb területeken. Végezetül a tanulmány az említett vállalkozói készségek oktathatóságának kérdését helyezi középpontba. Az írás ezzel a három kérdéskörrel foglalkozik, majd végül összefoglalja a vizsgált szakirodalmak legfőbb üzeneteit és ezzel rávilágít arra, hogy a vállalkozók támogatása kiemelten fontos a gazdaság, a társadalom és sok más terület számára.
A munka jelentésének és értelemteliségének változása a jelentésadás folyamatán keresztül : Szisztematikus irodalmi áttekintés
Authors: Szőts-Kováts Klaudia , Bácsi Katalin , Harmat Vanda
Published: July 2023

A munka jelentése és az értelemteli munka egyre nagyobb figyelmet kap a szakemberek körében. A negyedik ipari forradalom, a COVID-19 járvány, a gazdasági válság nagymértékű változást generál a munkavállalók munkájában, ami kihat a munkájuk jelentésére és értelemteliségére. A szakirodalmi áttekintésben a szerzők megvizsgálják, hogy 2000-2022 között hogyan kutatták azt, hogy a megszokottól eltérő környezet milyen hatással van az egyének munkájának jelentésére és értelemteliségére. Szisztematikus irodalomkutatás módszerével 18 empirikus tanulmányt elemeztek. Azonosították az értelemteliség fő jellemzőit, legtöbben pozitív fogalmakkal társítják: pozitív értékhez, hatáshoz vagy érzéshez kapcsolják. A kutatások elsősorban negatív események hatását vizsgálták. Az eredmények alapján mind a negatív, mind a pozitív visszajelzések hatnak a munka értelemteliségének megélésére, jelentésadási folyamatot indítanak el. A munkakörnyezetnek és a vezetőnek meghatározó a szerepe van abban, hogy a negatív vagy ambivalens visszajelzések is a munka értelemteliségének növekedéséhez vezessenek. A tanulmányokban megjelenik az egyén aktív szerepvállalása, ahogyan pozitív irányba alakítja, konstruálja a munkája értelemteliségét.
Unilateral adrenalectomy for primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia
Authors: Chevais A. , Elfimova A. R. , Derkatch D. A. , Romanova A. N. , Ebzeeva A.  K.
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND: To date, surgical treatment is an effective treatment of hypercortisolism in primary bilateral macronodular hyperplasia (PBMAH). Due to the bilateral lesion, the most common treatment in Russia is the bilateral adrenalectomy, which requires the appointment of hormone replacement therapy. The results of various studies on the effectiveness of unilateral adrenalectomy (UA) in PBMAH are rather discordant.

AIM: The objective of the study was to assess the outcomes of UA in patients with PBMAH, accompanied by mild autonomous cortisol excess (MACE) or overt Cushing’s syndrome (CS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: 44 patients with PBMAH and a manifest form of CS (n=21) MACE with comorbid conditions (n=23) underwent UA in the surgical department of the Endocrinology Research Centre. The dynamics of laboratory parameters (cortisol after overnight dexamethasone suppression test (cortisol ONDST) urinary free cortisol (СКМ), ACTH), as well as the course of comorbid diseases (diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension (AH), metabolic disorders) were assessed before and after 6 months of surgical intervention. The cut-off level of blood cortisol (8:00–9:00) during the first day after OA was determined as a predictor of the development of adrenal insufficiency (AI) in the early postoperative period.

RESULTS: 6 months after OA, laboratory parameters improved in 40/44 (91%, 95% CI: 78%-97%) cases: cortisol ONDST decreased from 466 [173; 652] to 86 [61; 149] nmol/l, p=<0.01, СКМ dropped from 840 [468; 1892] to 267 [204; 432] nmol/day, p=<0.01), while ACTH increased gradually from 1 [1; 2.1] to 8.3 [2.6; 15.0] pg/ml, p=<0.01), which indicates the effectiveness of UA. Statistically significant changes in BMI were also obtained (before UA — 30.8 [27.5; 34.4], after — 28.5 [23.9; 32.2] kg/m2 (p <0.01)). When analyzing the long-term outcomes of UA on carbohydrate metabolism, a decrease in the level of HbA1c from 7.0 [6.3; 7.7] to 6.0 [5.6; 6.7] %, (p<0.01) was observed. Further, there was an improvement in the course of AH. After UA, antihypertensive therapy was completely discontinued in 27.7% of cases, and a reduction in the number of antihypertensive drugs was carried out in 44.4%. The level of cortisol in the early postoperative period less than 325 nmol/l was the strongest factor predicting the potential adrenal failure (AUC=0.96).

CONCLUSION: UA can be recommended as the first line treatment of PBMAH with CS due to the high probability of longterm remission of hypercortisolism and improvement in the course of comorbid diseases.
To the 120th anniversary of the birth of Professor Oleg Vladimirovich Nikolaev (1903–1980)
Authors: Kim I. V. , Nuralieva N. F.
Published: July 2023

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Key productivity factors in drug discovery and development projects
Authors:   Krakow University of Economics, Poland, Marciniak Magdalena
Published: July 2023

The field of health care is an important element of the economic and social life of every country in the world combining demographic, economic and epidemiological, ethical and social challenges. Spending on the development of new therapies has been increasing over the past two decades, and the amount of drugs approved by regulatory agencies has remained stable. Literature does not provide adequate knowledge about the reasons of the productivity drop that impacts the competitive advantage of the companies taking part in the project’s race to the market (Schuhmacher et al., 2022), and it therefore seems crucial to analyse the factors determining high productivity of the pharmaceutical industry to adjust further actions ensuring the highest quality of health care systems, focusing on the wellbeing of the patient and the development of increasingly safer medicines. To address this need the author performed systematic literature review followed by structured interviews with 14 experts working globally in the field of drug development to determine productivity factors in drug discovery research and development projects, with the goal of answering questions related to which factors play a key role in the productivity of scientific organisations and the relationship between the factors, providing an insight into which parts of drug discovery ecosystem can increase a chance to address highly unmet medical needs of patients waiting for novel, safe and effective forms of treatment. As a result of the research 22 key productivity factors were defined and clustered into 4 categories: scientific, managerial, business, environmental and relations between the factors were discussed.
South America: Industrial roundwood supply potential
Authors: Gonzalez Ronalds W. , Saloni Daniel , Dasmohapatra Sudipta , Cubbage Frederick
Published: July 2023

South America has substantial potential to expand its forest plantations and raw material supply. From 1997 to 2005, South America had a high annual growth rate in the production of industrial roundwood, with Brazil and Chile being the most important countries. In the same period, Asia had the only negative regional production growth rate in the world, and China became the largest round wood importer in the world. This paper summarizes the status of production, consumption, imports, and exports of industrial roundwood and forest products in South America. Produc-tion and exports from South America have continually increased at annual growth rates exceeding the forestry sector in general and the U.S. in particular. Based on timber growing investments to date, a strong timber production and forest products manufacturing sector has developed in the Southern Cone countries of Chile, Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay, and is increasing in other countries in Latin America. There will be continued opportunities for forest plantations and new manufacturing facilities throughout South America, tempered somewhat by perceived country financial and political risks. These opportunities will allow South America to increase its share of world production and increase imports to North America and to Asia.
The Emergence of “Esoteric” as a Comparative Category
Authors: Strube Julian
Published: July 2023

This case study contributes to ongoing debates about religious comparativism by focusing on the emergence of the notion of “esoteric” as a de facto comparative category since the seventeenth century. Scholars have so far restricted their studies to a preconceived “Western esoteric corpus” that limited our view on the majority of source material. This obfuscated the fact that notions such as “esoteric,” “gnosis,” or “Cabala” have been widely employed historically to discuss subjects ranging from the Arabic and Persianate world via India to East Asia. Since the eighteenth century, “esoteric” language formed an integral part of orientalist scholarship, which explains its omnipresence in (South) Asianist scholarship today. This immediately relates to broader issues of religious comparativism: I argue for the necessity of a decentered historiography to understand the development of categories such as “esotericism” and “religion,” not as a unilateral process of “Western” diffusion and projection but through entangled historical exchanges. Based on the approach of global religious history, I provide preliminary insights into what conditioned and structured these exchanges.
Comunicação e educação ambiental ecosófica: as imagens como possibilidade poética para o desenvolvimento comunitário
Authors: Mazzarino Jane Marcia , Marques Rodrigo Müller , Scheibe Denise Bisolo
Published: July 2023

Quando uma universidade de caráter comunitário possibilita a criação de processos de educação ambiental por meio de atividades colaborativas de educomunicação (com uso de imagens), que envolvem diversos grupos sociais, a fim de promover o acesso ao direito à comunicação a grupos sociais, questiona-se como a perspectiva comunicacional, que valoriza os saberes coletivos, pode apontar para uma possibilidade poética para o desenvolvimento comunitário? O objetivo do artigo é refletir sobre a contribuição da comunicação colaborativa para os processos de desenvolvimento. A pesquisa bibliográfica apoia as reflexões sobre a pesquisa-intervenção que gerou a experiência de co-criação de 28 filmes amadores. Tomam-se como referenciais teóricos as contribuições dos Estudos Culturais, da Comunicação Comunitária e da Educomunicação. Os processos construídos colaborativamente possibilitaram o desenvolvimento comunitário a partir do campo da Comunicação, explorando as possibilidades criativas que os audiovisuais oferecem, os quais refletiram-se em novos olhares sobre si e os usos das mídias, sobre o estar e o fazer em grupo e sobre o ambiente habitado.
Key principles of drug therapy in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia
Authors: Zhuravlev A. V. , Knysh O. I.
Published: July 2023

Objective: to summarize scientific information about the basic principles of modern drug therapy for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) considering their individual characteristics.

Material and methods. The basis of the study included modern scientific articles and clinical guidelines on CML diagnosis and treatment (2021), State Register of Medicines (SRM) of the Russian Federation, instructions for the use of medicines. The following methods were used: structural analysis, analytical method, content analysis, retrospective analysis, systematic approach, situational-logical and graphical methods of analysis.

Results. The analysis made it possible to summarize scientific information about the basic principles of drug therapy for patients suffering from CML. It was revealed that the problem of CML therapy today is relevant, since every year there is an increase in the incidence of this nosology. Currently, the most significant is the prescription of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), since they have pronounced effects and are well tolerated by patients. Therapy for CML in TKIs prescription consists of several lines. Imatinib is the first line therapy because it has better safety profile. There are combinations with imatinib; for example, it is used together with interferon alfa, which allows, in some cases, to increase the response to treatment. The following drugs are used in the second line: nilotinib, dasatinib, bosutinib, ponatinib. If TKI therapy is ineffective, it is possible to prescribe standard chemotherapy, interferon therapy, or bone marrow transplantation in the absence of contraindications. Studies are underway on the possibility of using and including in clinical guidelines such drugs as arsenic trioxide, decitabine, omacetaxime, inhibitors of farnesyl transferases, granulocyte-macrophage factors, antitumor vaccines. The analysis of SRM identified 27 trade names for TKIs, the share of domestic drugs was 60%. There were no Russian analogues for bosutinib and ponatinib in SRM, which are recommended for use in case of ineffective TKI therapy of previous lines.

Conclusion. The study of drug provision for CML patients is an urgent task for pharmaceutical practice and for the healthcare system as a whole. Currently, the acute issues are the individual approach to the treatment of each CML patient considering concomitant diseases, and the search for new, more effective drugs that can increase the life expectancy and quality of life of patients suffering from this disease.
Methodological approach to the formation of the list of high-tech medical care types
Authors: Zheleznyakova I. A. , Volkova O. A. , Fedyaev D. V. , Zuev A. V. , Plakhotnik O. S. , Trifonova G. V. , Zueva Yu. S. , Alexandrov I. A. , Omelyanovskiy V. V.
Published: July 2023

Background. The implementation of individual methods of high-tech medical care (HTMC) with methods of specialized medical care within the framework of a phased transition to payment methods by diagnostic-related groups (DRGs), on the one hand, significantly expanded the availability of HTMC methods for the population. Still, it created a situation with duplication of individual treatment methods in the list of HTMC types and DRGs. Amendments to the Order of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (MH RF) of August 1, 2017 No. 484n, regulating the revision of HTMC types list in terms of excluding treatment methods and (or) HTMC types in case of their duplication in the context of HTMC groups and/or DRGs, marked the beginning of large-scale work in this area and required methodological ensuring the processes of forming HTMC types list, including in terms of its revision.

Objective: development of a methodological approach to the formation of HTMC types list (using the example of the list for 2023). Material and methods. An analysis of legal documents regulating the HTMC availability in the Russian Federation was carried out, including the list of medical services approved by the Order of the MH RF of October 13, 2017 No. 804n, clinical recommendations for certain nosological entities, the International Classification of Diseases (10th revision), methodological recommendations on ways to pay for medical care at the expense of the compulsory health insurance (CHI) and appendices to them (decoders of DRGs for payment of medical care provided in inpatient and daytime hospital conditions), posted on the official website of the Federal CHI Fund. The frequency of the use of certain HTMC methods and DRGs was analyzed on the basis of impersonalized information from the database of registers of bills for specialized medical care, including HTMC for 2021–2022.

Results. A methodological approach to the revision of HTMC types list was developed. It included its primary analysis, expert discussion of the obtained results, consideration by the Interdepartmental Council of the MH RF of proposals agreed with experts on each HTMC method submitted for discussion, followed by a decision on the appropriateness of the proposed changes, and recalculation of the standard of financial costs for HTMC and/or basic tariff for DRGs.

Conclusion. The proposed methodological approach makes it possible to unify the process of revising the HTMC types list, including the exclusion of duplicate treatment methods and/or HTMC types in the sections of HTMC list types and/or in DRGs, as well as treatment methods missing in clinical recommendations, etc. in order to bring the HTMC types list in accordance with legal documents regulating the provision of medical care in the Russian Federation.
Review of Using Technologies of Artificial Intelligence in Companies
Authors: Abousaber Inam , Abdalla Haitham
Published: July 2023

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become increasingly prevalent in business as companies adopt machine algorithms that can learn and improve over time. These AI-powered solutions are used in various business areas, including operations, analytics, product personalisation, marketing, sales, customer service, and human resource (HR). AI can help companies automate mundane tasks, make smarter decisions based on data and insights, and provide capabilities for smoother customer experiences, better customer service, and increased efficiency. AI has also allowed companies to enhance the quality of their digital services, optimise supply chain processes, and gain access to real-time insights and analytics. Companies can use AI to reduce lead times, generate new customer insights, improve customer service, and create meaningful customer experiences. This paper aims to address the gap in knowledge on incorporating AI into business strategy by conducting a critical literature review, synthesising current approaches and frameworks, highlighting potential benefits, challenges, and opportunities, and discussing future research directions.
Infection with Pythium flevoense in a harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) as a novel cause of dermatitis in marine mammals
Authors: Kroeze Edwin JB Veldhuis , Elk Cornelis E. van , de Bildt Marco W.G. van , Run Peter R.W.A. van , Foster Geoffrey , Abou-Chakra Nissrine , Hare Rasmus Krøger , Kuiken Thijs
Published: July 2023

The oomycete Pythium flevoense was diagnosed as the etiology of dermatitis in a young adult female harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) that had been trapped in a pound net in a temperate saltwater environment. Disease from Pythium sp. infection—pythiosis—is infrequently diagnosed in humans, horses, dogs, cattle, and few other mammalian species. Pythiosis is typically associated with exposure to tropical or subtropical freshwater conditions, and typically caused by Pythium insidiosum. However, until now, pythiosis has been reported in neither marine mammals nor temperate saltwater conditions, and P. flevoense is not known as an etiology of pythiosis in mammals. This porpoise developed generalised dermatitis despite treatment and euthanasia was necessary. Histopathological evaluation revealed a chronic active erosive dermatitis, with intralesional hyphae morphologically consistent with a Pythium sp. PCR analysis and sequencing of affected skin matched Pythium flevoense with a 100% similarity to the reference strain. Additional diagnostics excluded other pathogens as etiology. Based on this case report, P. flevoense needs to be considered as a mammalian pathogen. Furthermore, harbour porpoises and possibly other marine mammals may be at risk of infection with P. flevoense, and pythiosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of dermatitis in marine mammals.
IEC-YOLOX:A Lightweight Object Detection Algorithm for UAV Target Detection
Authors: Song Qingzeng , Xu Shuo , Xue Yongjiang , Yu Jing
Published: July 2023

Recently, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have been widely used in industries such as transportation and agriculture for capturing scenes. Aerial images taken by UAVs are one of the most widely used scenario for object detection applications. However, since UAV images are captured from high altitude, the target scale of UAV images is inconsistent compared with ordinary images as the background is more complex and the target size is smaller. To address this problem, we proposed a new network model IEC-YOLOX, which is based on YOLOX. The model adds a detection layer to YOLOX-tiny to enable the detection of small targets and utilizes iAFF to fuse features of different scales. The backbone network CSPDarknet is replaced with Extended-ELAN, which reduces the number of parameters by one-fifth. Additionally, a lightweight attention mechanism called CBAM is added to the new backbone network.This paper uses VisDrone 2019 as the experimental data. The result of our YOLOX-tiny network structure's mAP@50 is 35.3$\%$, and the number of parameters is 4.29M, which is about 4.3$\%$ higher than the baseline model (YOLOX-tiny) in terms of mAP@50, and the number of parameters has been reduced by 0.74M.
Application of machine learning approaches in the computation of energy dissipation over rectangular stepped spillway
Authors: Pujari Saurabh , Kaushik Vijay , Awasthi Noopur , Gupta Shailesh Kumar , Kumar S. Anbu
Published: July 2023

The stepped spillway of a dam is a crucial element that serves multiple purposes in the field of river engineering. Research related to flood control necessitates an investigation into the dissipation of energy over stepped spillways. Previous research has been conducted on stepped spillways in the absence of baffles, utilizing diverse methodologies. This study employs machine learning techniques, specifically support vector machine (SVM) and regression tree (RT), to assess the energy dissipation of rectangular stepped spillways incorporating baffles arranged in different configurations and operating at varying channel slopes. Empirical evidence suggests that energy dissipation is more pronounced in channels with flat slopes and increases proportionally with the quantity of baffles present. Statistical measures are employed to validate the constructed models in the experimental investigation, with the aim of evaluating the efficacy and performance of the proposed model. The findings indicate that the SVM model proposed in this study accurately forecasted the energy dissipation, in contrast to both RT and the conventional method. This study confirms the applicability of machine learning techniques in the relevant field. Notably, it provides a unique contribution by predicting energy dissipation in stepped spillways with baffle configurations.
Multi-agent Iot-based System for Intelligent Vehicle Traffic Management
Using Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Kumar Golconda Ravi , Latha S. Bhargavi , Shaker Reddy Pundru Chandra , Sucharitha Yadala
Published: July 2023

Aims:

Integrated computing technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Multi-
Agent Systems (MAS), and automatic networking to deliver Internet of Vehicles (IoV) applications.

Methodology:

The main objective of this paper is to combine MAS with IoT or IoV a new paradigm
within its Cypher Physical System (CPS) for intelligent car applications. We proposed
the MAS algorithm and applied it to control traffic lights at multiple intersections. When using
MAS together with scattered computing architectures, IoV can achieve higher efficiency. The
proposed combination is based on the independent knowledge, adaptability, assertiveness, and
responsiveness that can be used in wireless sensor paradigms to bring new remedies. Smart
products will explore further advancements and diverse mobility capabilities.

Results:

IoT provides an appropriate atmosphere for connecting with MAS concepts and programs
in addition to providing reliable, adaptable, efficient, and intelligent solutions in the automotive
network. In addition, the combination of MAS with IoT and cognitive conditions
could result in scalable, automated, and smart wireless sensor solutions.

Conclusion:

We conduct experiments on three different datasets, and the results demonstrate
that MAS outperforms several state-of-the-art algorithms in alleviating traffic congestion with
shorter training time.
The Impact of Colourism in Social Media Advertising on Young Consumers’ Attitude and Behaviour in Malaysia
Authors: Suhaimi Nur Ikhlas , A Rahman Nur Atikah
Published: July 2023

Advertising has moved towards the notion that fair skin is the ideal standard of beauty. However, exposure to social media has opened the eyes of many, to issues such as colourism. Employing Critical Race Theory, this study explores the impact of colourism in social media advertisements on young consumers’ attitude and purchasing behaviour in Malaysia. In-depth interviews were conducted on 11 active social media users aged 19 to 27 years old. Thematic analysis was used and found that consumers’ awareness of colourism has caused an unfavourable attitude towards ads. Moreover, consumers’ behaviour towards products advertised were mostly impacted psychologically.
Deep fault-controlled fluid flow driving shallow stratigraphically-constrained gas hydrate formation: Urutī Basin, Hikurangi Margin, New Zealand
Authors: Gorman Andrew Robert , Crutchley Gareth J , Baker Dylan R. , Fraser Douglas R.A. , Henrys Stuart , Trehu Anne M. , Harris Robert N. , Phrampus Benjamin J. , Pecher Ingo
Published: July 2023

The Hikurangi Margin east of New Zealand’s North Island hosts an
extensive gas hydrate province with numerous gas hydrate accumulations
related to the faulted structure of the accretionary wedge. One such
hydrate feature occurs in a small perched upper-slope basin known as
Urutī Basin. We investigate this hydrate accumulation by combining a
long-offset seismic line (10-km-long receiver array) with a grid of
high-resolution seismic lines acquired with a 600-m-long hydrophone
streamer. The long-offset data enable quantitative velocity analysis
while the high-resolution data constrain the three-dimensional geometry
of the hydrate accumulation. The sediments in Urutī Basin dip landward
due to ongoing deformation of the accretionary wedge. These strata are
clearly imaged in seismic data where they cross a distinct bottom
simulating reflection (BSR) that dips, counterintuitively, in the
opposite direction to the regional dip of the seafloor. BSR-derived heat
flow estimates reveal a distinct heat flow anomaly that coincides
spatially with the upper extent of a landward-verging thrust fault. We
present a conceptual model of this gas hydrate system that highlights
the roles of fault-controlled fluid flow at depth merging into
strata-controlled fluid flow into the hydrate stability zone. The result
is a layer-constrained accumulation of concentrated gas hydrate in the
dipping strata. Our study provides new insight into the interplay
between deep faulting, fluid flow and the shallow processes involved in
gas hydrate formation.
Upper Albian, Cenomanian and Upper Turonian ammonite faunas from the Fahdène Formation of Central Tunisia and correlatives in northern Algeria
Authors: Kennedy William James
Published: July 2023

Over 130 species are documented from the Upper Albian, Cenomanian and Upper Turonian Fahdène Formation and correlatives in Central Tunisia and northern Algeria, based on material described by Henri Coquand (1852, 1854, 1862, 1880), Léon Pervinquière (1907, 1910), Georges Dubourdieu (1953), Jacques Sornay (1955), and new collections. The material consists predominantly of limonitic nuclei, together with adults of micromorphs. There is no continuous record, and a series of faunas are recognised that can be correlated with the zonation developed in Western Europe. These are the Upper Albian Ostlingoceras puzosianum fauna, Lower Cenomanian Neostlingoceras carcitanense and Mariella (Mariella) harchaensis faunas, the upper Lower to lower Middle Cenomanian Turrilites scheuchzerianus fauna, Middle Cenomanian Calycoceras (Newboldiceras) asiaticum fauna, Upper Cenomanian Eucalycoceras pentagonum fauna, and the Upper Turonian Subprionocyclus neptuni fauna. Two new micromorph genera are described, Coquandiceras of the Mantelliceratinae and Cryptoturrilites of the Turrilitinae. Most of the taxa present have a cosmopolitan distribution, with a minority of Boreal, North American and endemic taxa.
Factors associated with excess body weight in university students in times of COVID-19
Authors:   Universidad Nacional de Jaén, Cajamarca, Peru., Santa Cruz López Cinthya , Tenorio Villanueva Sheyla ,   Universidad Nacional de Jaén, Cajamarca, Peru., Pérez Ramírez Dámaris ,   Universidad Nacional de Jaén, Cajamarca, Peru., Cabrejo Paredes José ,   Universidad Nacional de Trujillo, La Libertad, Peru.
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Excess body weight affects the quality of life of millions of young people around the world. Objective: To determine the factors associated with the prevalence of overweight and obesity in university students during COVID-19, from October to December 2020. Methods: Analytical, cross-sectional research with non-experimental design. There was a population of 325 students of the professional career of medical technology and a sample of 169 students of both sexes. Body mass index and waist circumference diameter were used to calculate overweight and obesity. The associated factors were determined by means of a survey validated by expert judgment. Results: 49.1% of the students were overweight or obese, with females being the most affected. Of overweight or obese students, 59.0% were at high risk of abdominal obesity. According to eating habits, 97.6% of young people ate three or more meals per day, 81.9% consumed foods rich in carbohydrates and 54.2% consumed junk food 1 -2 times per week. In relation to sedentary lifestyle, 71.0% of students remained seated between 5 and 8 hours a day, 67.4% slept less than 7 hours a day and 57.8% did not perform any physical activity. Conclusions: The intake of food with high carbohydrate content, junk food, hours spent sleeping and sitting daily are the factors associated with the high prevalence of overweight and obesity among students during the COVID-19 period.
Decision-making support on planning the educational process based on the situational approach and the method of learning time rationalization
Authors:   Moscow Aviation Institute (National Research University), Kholostov Konstantin M. , Kholostov Aleksander L. ,   State Fire Academy of EMERCOM of Russia
Published: July 2023

PURPOSE. According to the authors’ point of view, the situational approach to decision-making in training system (pedagogical system) can be applied to formalize the decision-making process for managing this organizational system, and it will allow using various methods, ways of modeling and calculating the main indicators of its functioning. The proposed approach concentrates management activities of a chief based on the existing combination of input indicators and the performance results of the specified system. At the same time, it is possible to exclude to a certain extent the subjectivity introduced by students and their groups into decision-making process. The method of sequential recalculation of learning time on the totality of learning stages makes it possible to rationalize the planning of the educational process. The hypothesis of the research is that the model of pedagogical system functioning can be formally defined by means of implementing its function, which allows students to acquire new qualities from a variety of professionally significant qualities R on the basis of their basic qualities from a variety of Z. METHODS. As a mathematical apparatus, set-theoretic methods, methods of mathematical analysis, as well as methods of mathematical statistics have been used. FINDINGS. The presented approach and method make it possible to increase the efficiency of decisions made and implemented in a managed pedagogical system, which as a whole allows rationalizing and improving its work. RESEARCH APPLICATION FIELD. The proposed method is applicable both in implementing basic educational programs and advanced professional education programs, carried out in traditional forms and with the use of distance learning techniques. CONCLUSIONS. The situational approach allows applying formal methods to the pedagogical system, and the proposed method of learning time rationalization assumes reducing the total training time with the priotirization of individual disciplines and the parameters which are not subject to change.
Predicting duration of petroleum products evaporation in process units
Authors:   State Fire Academy of EMERCOM of Russia, Nazarov Vladimir P. , Vlasov Aleksander G. ,   State Fire Academy of EMERCOM of Russia, Tangiev Mukhammed M. ,   State Fire Academy of EMERCOM of Russia
Published: July 2023

PURPOSE. Predicting duration of petroleum products evaporation in process units is a necessary step in the development of engineering documentation before maintaining process units for under inflammable and combustible liquids. The article is devoted to one of the most common technological operations – gas space ventilation of process units. METHODS. The ventilation process is analytically described by the differential equation of material balance. Formulas for calculating ventilation duration are presented. Analytical determination of ventilation duration is performed. The procedure for the experimental study of the ventilation process is presented. FINDINGS. The ventilation process is conditionally divided into three periods: unsteady, stationary (main) and degassing period. The first and third periods are short-term ones. The main period depends on the amount of oil product residues in the process unit and its properties. RESEARCH APPLICATION FIELD. The results of analytical and experimental studies can be used for predicting ventilation process duration and assessing the level of its fire and explosion hazard during maintenance of process units and admission to hot works. CONCLUSIONS. The method of experimental and theoretical study of evaporation process of IFL (CL) and assessment of its fire hazard level is proposed.
A new approach to testing the toxicity of substances and materials during fires
Authors:   State Fire Academy of EMERCOM of Russia, Puzach Sergey V. , Komarevtsev Nikita V. ,   State Fire Academy of EMERCOM of Russia, Koroleva Nataliya V. ,   State Fire Academy of EMERCOM of Russia, Merkushkina Tatiyana Gr. ,   State Fire Academy of EMERCOM of Russia
Published: July 2023

PURPOSE. The aim of the research was to investigate methods for assessing the hazard of combustion products of substances and materials during fires in terms of their toxicity and to formulate a new approach to testing. METHODS. The authors conducted an analytical review of experimental methods for studying the toxicity of substances and materials during fires. The database of a standard fire load was analyzed in terms of carbon monoxide evacuation route blocking. FINDINGS. The analysis of experimental methods for studying the toxicity of substances and materials, as well as the database of a standard fire load, showed that standard tests do not allow for a correct assessment of combustion products toxicity in view of ensuring safe evacuation of people at fires. A new criterion for determining the level of toxicity of combustion products has been proposed, and a new approach to toxicity testing has been justified. RESEARCH APPLICATION FIELD. The results can be used to rank the toxicity of combustion products of substances and materials during fires based on the criterion of ensuring safe evacuation of people. CONCLUSIONS. It has been determined that standard tests cannot correctly assess the toxicity of substances or materials as regards safe evacuation of people. None of the existing installations can determine the toxicological hazard criterion KТО. Therefore, for experimental research on the toxicity of combustion products of substances and materials based on the proposed criterion, tests can be conducted on complementary setups.
The Variation of the Politics of Edification[王化] and Local Customs[風俗]: focusing on town chronicles of Gyeong-gi Province in Joseon Dynasty
Authors:   Institute For Kyeongki Cultural Studies, Kim Jiyoung
Published: July 2023

It was believed that the Gyeong-gi province, being close to the capital, should have “a noble custom” that could serve as a model for the rest of the distant regions. In the very early period of the dynasty, Gyeong-gi showed some aspects of keeping up with the achievements of the residents of the capital, Hanseong, to a certain extent. However, Gyeong-gi underwent significant changes during the two wars[兩亂] followed by the long process of restoration. Until the late 18th century, the custom of this region were quite different from the custom of the southern part of Joseon, Gyeongsang, and Jeolla. The latter two areas were successfully establishing harmonious customs based on their pure-minded nature unlike Gyeong-gi. Even until the late 19th century, some places in Gyeong-gi couldn’t possess noble customs. This unexpected situation was explained by several reasons. Some tried to explain it with the edifying discourse which says learning is possible when only economic conditions are favorable. Some pointed out the heavy roles played by the people in Gyeonggi, the ethos of pursuing commercial interests, and the frequent movement in this area. In the mid-19th century, a new discourse emerged in Gyeong-gi and its surrounding areas, which stressed material profit as a measure to bring people together. On the other hand, there was also a growing tendency of giving up making a noble custom.