bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Case series of the first three severe COVID-19 patients treated with the secretome of hypoxia-mesenchymal stem cells in Indonesia
Authors: Putra Agung , Widyatmoko Agus , Ibrahim Sugeng , Amansyah Fajar , Amansyah Farid , Berlian Mukti Arja , Retnaningsih Retnaningsih , Pasongka Zenitalia , Sari Flora Eka , Rachmad Basuki
Published: October 2021

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which has been rapidly spreading. Several guideline therapies have been proposed as a possible treatment for SARS-CoV-2, however, these therapies are not sufficient to treat a severe condition of SARS-CoV-2 infection characterised by the increase of D-dimer and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, and patchy ground-glass opacities (GGOs). Secretome-mesenchymal stem cells (S-MSCs) produced by MSCs under hypoxia could excessively release several anti-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors to control the COVID-19 cytokine storm and accelerate lung injury improvement. This is the first study investigating the clinical outcomes of three severe COVID-19 patients admitted to the intensive care unit of three different hospitals in Indonesia treated with S-MSCs. The decrease of D-dimer and CRP level was reported for all patients treated with S-MSCs. This was in line with improvement of pulmonary radiology, blood gas level, and hematologic assessment. In conclusion, these cases suggest that S-MSCs could effectively control D-dimer, CRP level and GGOs of severe COVID-19 patients associated with recovered pulmonary function.
Quantifying the potential market for new contraceptive technologies: global projections of 2040 contraceptive needs and preferences
Authors: Weinberger Michelle , Reidy Meghan , Winfrey William
Published: October 2021

Background:Despite a wide range of contraceptive methods, unmet need persists. New contraceptive technologies (CTs) have the potential to improve uptake and continuation. CT development has a long-time horizon; products will be introduced into markets that look very different than today. Identifying viable investments requires an understanding of these future markets. For this work the 2040 potential contraceptive market is described utilizing seven market segments based on marital status, fertility preferences, and patterns of sexual activity outside of marriage. 

Methods:Market size estimates are developed by country for all countries in the world for a current market (2020) and a future market (2040). United Nation’s (UN) population projections of the number of women of reproductive age (WRA) form the basis of this work. WRA are then segmented into market segments based on marital status, fertility intentions, and patterns of sexual activity outside of marriage.  Each segment is further subdivided by contraceptive use versus non-use.  Segmentation draws from UN projections, household surveys, census data, and modeling techniques developed for this work.

Results:The largest market increases will be seen in Africa; most notably among the segment of married women wanting no more children. By contrast, Asia will see declines across all three married segments, coupled with increases among sexually active unmarried segments.  Levels of contraceptive use are projected to vary widely by segment, with differential patters across regions.

Conclusions:This analysis projects the impact of demographic changes, evolving fertility preferences, shifts in sexual activity outside of marriage and increased utilization of contraceptives in shaping the contraceptive market of 2040. Results show that there is not one global market, but distinct markets that vary in size and shape across the world. This diversity suggests that a range of different new CTs could have potential for uptake.
Children against antibiotics misuse and antimicrobial resistance: assessing effectiveness of storytelling and picture drawing as public engagement approaches
Authors: Appiah Bernard , Anum-Hagin David , Gyansa-Luterrodt Martha , Samman Elfreda , Agyeman Franklin Konadu Addo , Appiah George , Odonkor Gloria , Ludu Julius Yaw , Osafo Josephine , Rene Antonio
Published: October 2021

Background: Interventions delivered in schools have been found to be effective in improving knowledge of antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among school-aged children, particularly those in high-income countries, but the evidence is largely lacking in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to design, implement and assess storytelling in one school and picture drawing in another school as engagement approaches for improving knowledge, attitudes and beliefs about antibiotics and AMR among schoolchildren in Ghana. 

Methods: Two schools with a total population of 375 schoolchildren ages 11-15 years in Tema, a city in Ghana, participated in public engagement interventions involving storytelling in one school and picture drawing in another school. The interventions included eight weeks of engagement led by science teachers and a competition held in each school. For quantitative outcome-based evaluation, schoolchildren were randomly sampled in each school (31 in the storytelling school and 32 in the picture-drawing school). Purposive sampling was also used to select 20 schoolchildren in each school for qualitative outcome-based evaluation. Respondents completed identical knowledge, attitudes and beliefs questionnaires and were interviewed at two time points (before and at most a week) after key interventions to assess changes in antibiotics and AMR knowledge, attitudes and beliefs. McNemar test was conducted to assess statistical significance between baseline and endline scores. Framework analysis was used for analysing the qualitative data.

Results: Picture drawing had more significant effects (both positive and negative) on schoolchildren’s AMR knowledge, attitudes and beliefs, whereas storytelling had a negative effect on children’s AMR knowledge and no significant impact on beliefs and attitudes. 

Conclusions: Our project’s findings suggest that public engagement interventions that use picture drawing and storytelling may influence the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of schoolchildren regarding antibiotic misuse and AMR. However, modifications are required to make them much more effective.
Exploring the accountability relationship between non-profit organisations and the state auditor
Authors: Carman Joanne G.
Published: October 2021

This article explores the accountability relationship between the state auditor’s office and non-profit organisations by examining the audit reports prepared by the North Carolina State Auditor’s Office for non-profit organisations from 2009 to 2018. The data collected for this study show that the extent to which the state auditor conducts audits of non-profit organisations is fairly limited. Yet, when it does audit them, it is doing so to police their behaviours, monitor their expenditures and ensure that they are being good stewards with the resources they have been given. The findings from this study have important implications, in that they suggest that other accountability mechanisms continue to be important, including: training and education for board members about their legal and fiduciary responsibilities; the importance of adhering to best practices and standards; and the important role that third-party watchdog organisations and accreditors can play in ensuring non-profit accountability.
Three-dimensional virtual histology of the cerebral cortex based on phase-contrast X-ray tomography
Authors: Eckermann Marina , van der Meer Franziska , Cloetens Peter , Ruhwedel Torben , Möbius Wiebke , Stadelmann Christine , Salditt Tim
Published: October 2021

In this work, we optimize the setups and experimental parameters of X-ray phase-contrast computed-tomography for the three-dimensional imaging of the cyto- and myeloarchitecture of cerebral cortex, including both human and murine tissue. We present examples for different optical configurations using state-of-the art synchrotron instruments for holographic tomography, as well as compact laboratory setups for phase-contrast tomography in the direct contrast (edge-enhancement) regime. Apart from unstained and paraffin-embedded tissue, we tested hydrated tissue, as well as heavy metal stained and resin-embedded tissue using two different protocols. Further, we show that the image quality achieved allows to assess the neuropathology of multiple sclerosis in a biopsy sample collected during surgery.
Deterministic photonic quantum computation in a synthetic time dimension
Authors: Bartlett Ben , Dutt Avik , Fan Shanhui
Published: October 2021

Photonics offers unique advantages as a substrate for quantum information processing, but imposes fundamental scalability challenges. Nondeterministic schemes impose massive resource overheads, while deterministic schemes require prohibitively many identical quantum emitters to realize sizeable quantum circuits. Here we propose a scalable architecture for a photonic quantum computer that needs minimal quantum resources to implement any quantum circuit: a single coherently controlled atom. Optical switches endow a photonic quantum state with a synthetic time dimension by modulating photon–atom couplings. Quantum operations applied to the atomic qubit can be teleported onto photonic qubits via projective measurement, and arbitrary quantum circuits can be compiled into a sequence of these teleported operators. This design negates the need for many identical quantum emitters to be integrated into a photonic circuit and allows effective all-to-all connectivity between photonic qubits. The proposed device has a machine size that is independent of quantum circuit depth, does not require single-photon detectors, operates deterministically, and is robust to experimental imperfections.
Survival of vascularized osseous flaps in mandibular reconstruction: A network meta-analysis
Authors: Mashrah Mubarak Ahmed , Aldhohrah Taghrid , Abdelrehem Ahmed , Sakran Karim Ahmed , Ahmad Hyat , Mahran Hamada , Abu-lohom Faisal , Su Hanfu , Fang Ying , Wang Liping
Published: October 2021

Objective

An evidence regarding which bony flap for reconstruction of mandibular defects following tumour resection is associated with the highest survival rate is still lacking. This network meta-analysis (NMA) aimed to guide surgeons selecting which vascularized osseous flap is associated with the highest survival rate for mandibular reconstruction.

Methods

From inception to March 2021, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane library were searched to identify the eligible studies. The outcome variable was the flap survival rate. The Bayesian NMA accompanied by a random effect model and 95% credible intervals (CrI) was calculated.

Results

Twenty-two studies with a total of 1513 patients, comparing four osseous flaps namely fibula free flap (FFF), deep circumferential iliac artery flap (DCIA), scapula flap, and osteocutaneous radial forearm flap (ORFF) were included. The respective survival rates of FFF, DCIA, Scapula, and ORFF were 94.50%, 93.12%, 97%, and 95.95%. The NMA failed to show a statistically significant difference between all comparators (FFF versus DCIA (Odd ratio, 1.8; CrI, 0.58,5.0); FFF versus ORFF (Odd ratio, 0.57; CrI, 0.077; 2.9); FFF versus scapula flap (Odd ratio, 0.25; CrI, 0.026; 1.5); DCIA versus ORFF (Odd ratio, 0.32; CrI, 0.037; 2.1); DCIA versus scapula flap (Odd ratio, 0.14; CrI, 0.015; 1.1) and ORFF versus scapula flap (Odd ratio, 2.3; CrI, 0.16; 34)).

Conclusion

Within the limitations of the current NMA, FFF, DCIA, Scapula, and ORFF showed a comparable survival rate for mandibular reconstruction. Although the scapula flap reported the highest survival rate compared to other osseous flaps for mandibular reconstruction; however, the decision making when choosing an osseous flap should be based on many factors rather than simply flap survival rate.
Enhancement of drought tolerance in rice by silencing of the OsSYT-5 gene
Authors: Shanmugam Sudha , Boyett Virginia Ann , Khodakovskaya Mariya
Published: October 2021

Improvement of drought tolerance of crops is a great challenge in conditions of increasing climate change. This report describes that the silencing of the synaptotagmin-5 (OsSYT-5) gene encoding the rice Ca2+ sensing protein with a C2 domain led to a significant improvement of rice tolerance to water deficit stress. Transgenic lines with suppressed expression of the OsSYT-5 gene exhibited an enhanced photosynthetic rate but reduced stomatal conductance and transpiration during water deficit stress. The abscisic acid (ABA) content under both normal and drought conditions was elevated in the leaves of the transgenic rice as compared to the wild type. The silencing of the OsSYT-5 gene affected the expression of several genes associated with ABA-related stress signaling in the transgenic rice plants. In the water deficit experiment, the transgenic lines with a silenced OsSYT-5 gene exhibited symptoms of drought stress seven days later than the wild type. Transgenic lines with suppressed OsSYT-5 gene expression exhibited higher pollen viability and produced more grains compared to the wild type at both normal and drought stress conditions.
Bioinformatics analysis identifies DYNC1I1 as prognosis marker in male patients with liver hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhou Jian , Zhu Yue , Ma Songlin , Li Yi , Liu Kun , Xu Sihuan , Li Xin , Li Li , Hu Junfang , Liu Yan
Published: October 2021

Background

Liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) is one of the most common malignant tumors. However, the etiology and exact molecular mechanism of LIHC are still not fully understood, which makes it urgent for us to further study the molecular events behind.

Methods

In this study, differences in mRNA expression between LIHC samples and normal adjacent samples were found through analyzing the TCGA database, and key targets were sought. We analyzed 371 LIHC samples and 50 normal adjacent samples according to P <0.01 and logFC>2.5, a total of 1092 genes were identified differentially expressed, including 995 up-regulated genes and 97 down-regulated genes. We predicted the interactions of these differentially expressed mRNAs, and used Cyto-Hubba to locate the hub gene-dynein cytoplasmic 1 intermediate chain 1 (DYNC1I1).

Results

Survival analysis showed that DYNC1I1 was a prognostic factor for LIHC male patients. Functional enrichment indicated that DYNC1I1 and differentially expressed interacting proteins were involved in the cell cycle.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study discovers that DYNC1I1 can be used as a prognostic marker for LIHC male patients.
Determinants of first-line antiretroviral treatment failure among adult patients on treatment in Mettu Karl Specialized Hospital, South West Ethiopia; a case control study
Authors: Zenu Sabit , Tesema Tariku , Reshad Mohammed , Abebe Endegena
Published: October 2021

Background

Antiretroviral therapy has dramatically reduced Human Immunodeficiency Virus related morbidity and mortality. It has also transformed HIV infection into a manageable chronic condition. However, first-line antiretroviral treatment failure continues to grow especially in resource limited settings. Despite this, determinants of first-line antiretroviral treatment failure are not well studied in Ethiopia.

Objective

To identify determinants of first-line antiretroviral treatment failure among adult patients on antiretroviral therapy in Mettu Karl Specialized Hospital, South West Ethiopia, in 2020.

Methods

A hospital based case-control study was conducted from October to November 2020. Simple random sampling technique was used to select participants. Interviewer administered questionnaire and record review were used for data collection. Data were entered into epi data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis were used. At the end, variables with P-value < 0.05 at 95% confidence intervals for adjusted odds ratio were considered statistically significant determinants of first line treatment failure.

Result

A total of 113 cases and 339 controls were included in the study with response rate of 98.6%. Sixty-four (56.6%) of cases and 183 (54.0%) of controls were females. Baseline WHO clinical stage III and IV (AOR = 1.909, 95% CI: (1.103, 3.305), baseline body mass index<18.5kg/m2(AOR = 2.208,95% CI:(1.257,3.877),baseline CD4 cell count <100cells/mm3 (AOR = 3.016, 95% CI: (1.734, 5.246), having history of TB co-infection (AOR = 1.855, 95% CI: (1.027, 3.353), having history of lost to follow up (AOR = 3.235, 95% CI: (1.096, 9.551), poor adherence to medication (AOR = 7.597, 95% CI: (4.059, 14.219) and initiation of treatment after two years of diagnosis with HIV (AOR = 4.979, 95% CI: (2.039, 12.158) were determinants of first-line antiretroviral treatment failure.

Conclusion

In this study several variables were found to be determinants of first-line antiretroviral treatment failure. Concerned bodies should give more attention to early diagnosis of HIV, early enrollment in chronic HIV care and early initiation of ART before patients develop advanced WHO clinical stages. In addition, focus has to be given for patients with low CD4 count. Regular screening for TB, counseling on optimal adherence to medication and enhancing nutritional status of patients with low body mass index are also crucial to prevent first-line antiretroviral treatment failure.
Prevalence and biomarkers in metabolic syndrome
Authors: Kytikova O. Y. , Antonyuk M. V. , Kantur T. A. , Novgorodtseva T. P. , Denisenko Y. K.
Published: October 2021

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) has a worldwide tendency to increase and depends on many components, which explains the complexity of diagnostics and approaches to the prevention and treatment of this pathology. Age, lifestyle, socioeconomic status, insulin resistance (IR), dyslipidemia, obesity and genetic predisposition are factors influencing the risk of developing and progression of MS. Features of the distribution and dysfunction of adipose tissue are important factors in the development of IR, with obesity, as well as the risk of the formation of cardiometabolic diseases and MS. ­Understanding of mechanisms is linked to advances in metabolic phenotyping. Metabolic phenotyping of obese persons is important for the development of important diseases in relation to the study of the pathophysiology of metabolic disorders, the possible concomitant disease and the search for innovative strategies for the prevention and treatment of MS. The understanding of MS mechanisms is associated with advances in metabolic phenotyping. Therefore, the relevance of further study of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying various metabolic phenotypes of MS is one of the promising areas of modern scientific research. This review summarizes the current literature data on the prevalence of MS depending on gender, age, population, area of residence, education, level of physical activity, and many other parameters. Metabolic risks of MS development are detailed. Biological markers of MS are considered. The necessity of metabolic phenotyping of MS has been shown, which may have potential therapeutic value.
Metabolic endotoxemia: possible causes and consequences
Authors: Beloglazov V. A. , Yatskov I. A. , Kumelsky E. D. , Polovinkina V. V.
Published: October 2021

This review article presents data from the literature, which provide an idea of the relationship between metabolic disorders occurring against the background of obesity and endotoxinemia, as well as the effect of these conditions on the maintenance of low-grade inflammation in the body. A description of the hormonal and immune restructuring of white adipose tissue, the main routes of entry and metabolism of endotoxin is given. Particular attention is paid to the mechanisms of the mutual influence of obesity and endotoxinemia. Described by Yakovlev M.Yu. in 1988 «endotoxin aggression» and Cani P.D. et al. in 2007, «metabolic endotoxinemia», in our opinion, is one of the most important triggers for the development and progression of a whole spectrum of acute and chronic diseases. Based on the data of recent years, adipose tissue is an active endocrine organ capable of influencing both metabolic processes and the state of innate and acquired immune defense mechanisms. It has now been proven that high-calorie diets lead not only to an increase in overweight, but also to an increase in the level of endotoxin circulating in the blood. An in-depth study of the ability of obesity and endotoxinemia to potentiate the mutual pro-inflammatory effect can help both in understanding the pathogenesis of the main cardiovascular, autoimmune, allergic and infectious (including viral) diseases, and in the development of methods for non-pharmacological and drug correction of these conditions.
Endocrine disruptors in the pathogenesis of socially significant diseases such as diabetes mellitus, malignant neoplasms, cardiovascular diseases, pathology of the reproductive system
Authors: Evteeva A. A. , Sheremeta M. S. , Pigarova E. A.
Published: October 2021

Some environmental chemicals capable of interfering with the endocrine regulation of energy metabolism and the structure of adipose tissue in the function of the reproductive, immune, cardiovascular and other systems are called endocrine disruptors or disruptors. According to the WHO definition, the term «endocrine disruptors» means: «Exogenous substances or mixtures thereof that alter the function (s) of the endocrine system and, as a result, cause adverse effects in the intact organism or in its offspring, or (sub) population.» This includes compounds to which humanity is exposed in daily life as a result of their use in pesticides, herbicides, industrial and household products, plastics, detergents, refractory impregnations and as ingredients in personal care products. This review will present the latest scientific data on various ERs, such as persistent organic pollutants (POPs): pesticides (mirex, chlordecane, endosulfan, hexachlorobenzene-HCB dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane-DDT and its metabolites), industrial chemicals (bisphenol A, polybrominated ether -PBDE, polychlorinated biphenyls-PCB, nonylphenol, dioxins, perfluorooctanoic acid-PFOA, phthalates), pharmaceuticals (diethylstilbestrol-DES). ERs are regarded as compounds that cause obesity, since they have the ability to influence cellular processes associated with adipose tissue, initiating changes in lipid metabolism and adipogenesis. Analysis of scientific materials on this issue indicates that ERs are ubiquitous in the environment and have a detrimental effect on the health of animals and mankind. The scientific and practical interest in this article is based on the growing statistics of the development of such socially significant pathologies as obesity and related diseases, including diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases, menstrual irregularities, as well as cancer and infertility, for of which obesity is a risk factor.
Russian clinical practice guidelines «congenital adrenal hyperplasia»
Authors: Mokrysheva N. G. , Melnichenko G. A. , Adamyan L. V. , Troshina E. A. , Molashenko N. V. , Sazonova A. I. , Uvarova E V. , Esayan R. M. , Andreeva E. N. , Uzhegova Z. A. , Kareva M. A. , Kalinchenko N. Yu. , Shifman B. M. , Fadeev V. V. , Biryukova E. V. , Antsiferov M. B. , Suplotova L. A. , Kiseleva T. P. , Yarmolinskaya M. I. , Suturina L. V.
Published: October 2021

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a group of autosomal recessive diseases characterized by a defect in one of the enzymes or transport proteins involved in the cortisol synthesis in the adrenal cortex. The most common form of CAH, which occurs in more than 90% of cases, is a 21-hydroxylase enzyme deficiency. The latter is subdivided into nonclassical and classic (salt-losing and virilizing) forms. The prevalence of classic forms of 21-hydroxylase deficiency ranges from 1: 14,000 to 1:18,000 live births worldwide. According to the data of neonatal screening in the Russian Federation, the prevalence of the disease in some regions ranges from 1: 5000 to 1: 12000, in the country as a whole - 1: 9638 live newborns. The non-classical form of CAH occurs more often - from 1: 500 to 1: 1000 among the general population. In second place is the hypertensive form of CAH - a deficiency of 11β-hydroxylase, which, according to the literature, occurs in about 1 per 100,000 newborns. These clinical guidelines were compiled by a professional community of narrow specialists, approved by the expert council of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, and updated the previous version published in 2016. The clinical guidelines are based on systematic reviews, meta-analyses and original articles, and scientific work on this issue in the Russian Federation and other countries. The purpose of this document is to provide clinicians with the most up-to-date, evidence-based guidelines for the CAH diagnosis and treatment
Brasil entre o passado e o futuro: o que temos e o que queremos
Authors: Nez Egeslaine de , Cardoso Neto Odorico Ferreira , Souza Warley Carlos de
Published: October 2021

Este artigo objetiva discutir o que sentimos falta com relação às mudanças no sistema educacional brasileiro, levando em conta os dados existentes nos últimos governos (Bolsonaro, Dilma e Lula), especificamente sobre a Educação Básica e Superior. Metodologidamente, é um ensaio teórico  (pesquisa bibliográfica e documental) com abordagem de análise crítica. A justificativa para esse estudo são as políticas promovidas pelo governo atual que provocam, em nível nacional e internacional, um amplo debate na mídia e nas comunidades científicas. Além de uma possibilidade de refletir sobre o contexto da pandemia e as inseguranças geradas pela ausência de ações governamentais. O levantamento identifica que não há um sistema nacional que coordene as responsabilidades pela educação brasileira. Além disso, há extrema confusão no atual governo, falta investimento público, disputa de um projeto político-ideológico, entre outros fatores que impossibilitam a gestão da educação no país de forma democrática.
Três olhares sobre a análise de narrativas na pesquisa em educação matemática
Authors: Silva Carla Regina Mariano da , Gonzales Kátia Guerchi , Nakamura Maria Eliza Furquim Pereira
Published: October 2021

Este texto discute  narrativas em diferentes movimentos investigativos na História da Educação Matemática. Para essa reflexão, apresenta-se a experiência a partir de uma metodologia comum a três trabalhos. Assim, a História Oral (HO) é o aporte teórico-metodológico que coloca em movimento e faz refletir do seu potencial. Desta forma, tratamos – mais especificamente para esse texto – do modo como procedemos com as análises, explicitando para o leitor, como o caminhar da pesquisa e o amadurecimento científico do pesquisador fomentaram discussões e permitiram a constituição dos trabalhos analíticos. Os três diferentes olhares analíticos aqui apresentados enfatizam a potência da subjetividade na pesquisa, já que as escolhas teóricas estão intrinsecamente ligadas a trajetória da pesquisa e do pesquisador.
A Metaheuristic Solution for the School Bus Routing Problem with Homogeneous Fleet and Bus Stop Selection
Authors: Pérez Pérez Ana Camila , Sánchez-Ansola Eduardo , Rosete Alejandro
Published: October 2021

Contexto: Los problemas de optimización permiten representar situaciones de la vida real, y con un método apropiado se puede llegar a una buena solución del problema. Conceptualmente, el problema bajo estudio se conoce como problema de planificación de ruta de autobuses escolares. El presente trabajo puede ser tomado como punto de partida para la creación de herramientas para este problema. Método: En este trabajo se diseñó e implementó un modelo matemático del problema basado en la literatura y se adaptó para su solución usando algoritmos metaheurísticos. Se implementaron tres operadores de mutación y un mecanismo de selección basado en pesos, según las mejoras que brindaba cada uno a la solución. Para evaluar los resultados, se realizó una comparación estadística con otra solución de la literatura a partir de la evaluación de 112 instancias del problema. Resultados: En la solución de las 112 instancias del problema se utilizaron los siguientes algoritmos: búsqueda tabú, variantes del escalador de colinas, recocido simulado y un portafolio de algoritmos que incluye a los anteriores. Los resultados reflejaron que el mejor comportamiento lo obtuvo el portafolio con resultados comparables a los de la literatura. Sin embargo, a medida que crece el número de instancias, los resultados tienden a empeorar. Conclusiones: Con esta investigación se obtuvo un modelo que permite representar el problema inicial, así como dos algoritmos para la búsqueda de soluciones utilizando metaheurísticas. Según los resultados obtenidos, los trabajos futuros deben encaminarse hacia nuevas formas de construcción de la solución inicial y la implementación de nuevos operadores de asignación y mutación.
Retos en el modelado de la trazabilidad en las cadenas de suministro de alimentos
Authors: Maya Tatiana , Orjuela Castro Javier Arturo , Herrera Milton Mauricio
Published: October 2021

Contexto: Los intereses en los hábitos alimentarios de los consumidores han vuelto relevante el acceso a la información relacionada con un producto, donde toma relevancia la trazabilidad en la cadena de suministro de alimentos (TCSA). Método: Para identificar los principales focos problemáticos y los retos a enfrentar en los sistemas de trazabilidad y el modelado de la TCSA, se realizó una revisión sistemática de la literatura en la que se analizaron 84 artículos y se presentaron diferentes taxonomías sobre modelos de gestión, modelos de optimización y modelos de simulación, luego se realizó una discusión sobre retos y futuros focos en el modelado de trazabilidad en las cadenas de suministro de alimentos (CSA). Resultados: Se identificaron limitaciones en el tipo de decisiones analizadas (tácticas y operativas), asimetrías en el flujo de información entre eslabones, falta de modelos robustos, relevancia de la gestión de la información como instrumento de integración, vacíos en la medición de políticas de gestión tecnológica en la trazabilidad, necesidad de modelos holísticos y brechas en la relación entre trazabilidad y sostenibilidad. Conclusiones: Hace falta el desarrollo de modelos basados en la gestión de tecnologías, los sistemas de trazabilidad que faciliten las relaciones y los flujos entre los diferentes actores, el desarrollo de modelos de gestión logística sostenible que involucren la trazabilidad, la utilización de enfoques multicriterio relacionando múltiples eslabones y cuantificar diferentes medidas de desempeño de la CSA para maximizar los beneficios de la trazabilidad mediante modelos multiobjetivo.
Restauración de imágenes borrosas usando un modelo regularizado de programación lineal
Authors: Exequiel Fuentes José , Ruiz Vera Jorge Mauricio
Published: October 2021

Contexto: Los problemas de minimización en el sentido de los mínimos cuadrados han sido constantemente usados en la restauración de imágenes borrosas. Estos se caracterizan por ser sensibles a valores atípicos afectando significativamente la calidad de la imagen restaurada. Teniendo en cuenta que la norma L1 es menos sensible a datos atípicos, el problema de restauración de imágenes borrosas se plantea como un problema de programación lineal.
Método: Un método de punto interior se utiliza para la solución del problema de programación lineal. Se presenta la adaptación de técnicas de regularización al problema de programación lineal de la imagen buscada y su derivada. Se realiza un estudio comparativo con otras técnicas de restauración bajo diferentes tipos de difuminado de imágenes.
Resultados: Se probó que el método propuesto conduce a mejoras notables en las imágenes recuperadas. Los experimentos numéricos muestran que el método de programación lineal funciona mucho mejor que los propuestos en la literatura, en términos de valores de PSNR, SSIM y en la calidad visual de las imágenes reconstruidas.
Conclusiones: El problema de programación lineal regularizado puede utilizarse eficazmente como modelo matemático del problema de restauración de imágenes borrosas. Para trabajos futuros se plantea el estudio de la selección automática de parámetros de regularización y solución de restauración sin conocimiento previo del núcleo de difuminado.
GeCo
Authors: Schleich Maximilian , Geng Zixuan , Zhang Yihong , Suciu Dan
Published: October 2021

Machine learning is increasingly applied in high-stakes decision making that directly affect people's lives, and this leads to an increased demand for systems to explain their decisions. Explanations often take the form of
counterfactuals
, which consists of conveying to the end user what she/he needs to change in order to improve the outcome. Computing counterfactual explanations is challenging, because of the inherent tension between a rich semantics of the domain, and the need for real time response. In this paper we present CeCo, the first system that can compute plausible and feasible counterfactual explanations in real time. At its core, CeCo relies on a genetic algorithm, which is customized to favor searching counterfactual explanations with the smallest number of changes. To achieve real-time performance, we introduce two novel optimizations: Δ-representation of candidate counterfactuals, and partial evaluation of the classifier. We compare empirically CeCo against five other systems described in the literature, and show that it is the only system that can achieve both high quality explanations and real time answers.
Validation of the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire-Long Version II (COPSOQ II) in Greek employees
Authors: Zigkiri Eleni , Charalampopoulou Maria , Kokka Anastasia , Bacopoulou Flora , Darviri Christina , Chrousos George P.
Published: October 2021

The aim of this study was to validate the long second version of the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ II) in the Greek language. The study was carried out in two phases following a mixed-method design. Six hundred and fifty-two Greek employees (response rate 93.3%) responded in the second phase of the study, either online or in writing. Both types of participation to the study were confidential for the participants and the companies as well. Most participants were females (68.1%), married (47.4%), aged 30-49 years (60.9%), with high educational level (60.4%). The majority were occupied in the health and the social care services (37.4%) and employed by the private sector (63.2%). Internal consistency of the GR-COPSOQ II was assessed with the Cronbach alpha criterion (Cronbach’s a) and it was acceptable (0.8>α>0.7) for most of the scales. Mean scores were high in many scales that describe exposure to psychosocial risk factors at the workplace. Construct validity was established by exploratory factor analysis (EFA) for the entire study sample and scales. In conclusion, the Greek version of the COPSOQ-II (GR-COPSOQ II) has good psychometric properties and can be recommended as a valid tool for the assessment of psychosocial risk in Greek employees.
How photoautotrophy, photomixotrophy, and ventilation affect the stomata and fluorescence emission of pistachios rootstock?
Authors: Meimand Mohammad Javad Mahmoudi , Shamshiri Mohammad Hossein , Malekzadeh Khalil , Dehghani Mohammad Reza
Published: October 2021

The effects of ventilation and sucrose concentration on proliferation and organogenesis of pistachio cutting and photosynthetic performance of two in vitro cultures of pistachio rootstocks have been assessed. The apical leaf buds (Qazvini and UCB1 cultivars) were cultured in filter vessels containing Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 0, 10, 15, and 30 g L
−1 of sucrose. The plants treated with 10, 15, and 30 g L
−1 sucrose showed no significant differences regarding the measured traits; therefore, this treatment was set aside from the final statistical analyses. Use of different ventilation systems showed to be suitable for increasing the growth of pistachio. Referring to root production difficulties under in vitro cultivation of pistachio, ventilation increased the root production and length. However, the full ventilation system was more effective in improving the growth properties. Regression between fluorescence feature vs root length showed that F
v/F
m had a significant positive relationship with root length. Stomata of cell parameters under ventilation systems improved compared to no ventilation, which was highly similar to the trend in the greenhouse. The overall results indicated that low concentrations of sucrose (e.g., 10 g L
−1) and full ventilation are recommended for producing high quality and vigorous pistachio plantlets under in vitro conditions.
Bullshit, trust, and evidence
Authors: Briciu Adrian
Published: October 2021

It has become almost a cliché to say that we live in a post-truth world; that people of all trades speak with an indifference to truth. Speaking with an indifference to how things really are is famously regarded by Harry Frankfurt as the essence of bullshit. This paper aims to contribute to the philosophical and theoretical pragmatics discussion of bullshit. The aim of the paper is to offer a new theoretical analysis of what bullshit is, one that is more encompassing than Frankfurt’s original characterization. I part ways with Frankfurt in two points. Firstly, I propose that we should not analyze bullshit in intentional terms (i.e. as indifference). Secondly, I propose that we should not analyze it in relation to truth. Roughly put, I propose that bullshit is best characterized as speaking with carelessness toward the evidence for one’s conversational contribution. I bring forward, in the third section, a battery of examples that motivate this characterization. Furthermore, I argue that we can analyze speaking with carelessness toward the evidence in Gricean terms as a violation of the second Quality maxim. I argue that the Quality supermaxim, together with its subordinate maxims, demand that the speaker is truthful (contributes only what she believes to be true) and reliable (has adequate evidence for her contribution). The bullshitter’s main fault lies in being an unreliable interlocutor. I further argue that we should interpret what counts as adequate evidence, as stipulated by the second Quality Maxim, in contextualist terms: the subject matter and implicit epistemic standards determine how much evidence one needs in order to have adequate evidence. I contrast this proposed reading with a subjectivist interpretation of what counts as having adequate evidence and show that they give different predictions. Finally, working with a classic distinction, I argue that we should not understand bullshit as a form of deception but rather as a form of misleading speech.
Strengthening Disaster Response Through Analysis of Crime During Hurricane Ike
Authors: Augusto Daniel
Published: October 2021

This study uses time series analysis in an effort to inform disaster response efforts by identifying changes to Houston crime during Hurricane Ike. The results indicate that Burglaries increased significantly by 305% during Ike. Aggravated Assaults also increased significantly, but Theft and Auto Theft decreased by 37% and 16% respectively. Several other crimes revealed no significant differences during Ike. These findings, when combined with other research, show that Burglaries consistently increase during natural disasters, and Emergency Support Function 13 (ESF-13) responders should plan for that reality. This study also provides some other considerations for ESF-13 management related to disaster preparedness training and exercises. Additionally, the study provides evidence of the need for ESF-13 responders and reinforces their importance as a key form of capable guardianship under Routine Activities Theory.
Mode-I interlaminar fracture of aramid and carbon fibers reinforced epoxy matrix composites at various SiC particle contents
Authors: Alsaadi Mohamad , Erkliğ Ahmet
Published: October 2021

The Mode-I interlaminar fracture characteristics of aramid fabric andcarbon fabric reinforced epoxy composites along with the influence of SiC particle content were explored. Double cantilever beam (DCB) tests were performed in accordance with ASTM D 5528 for the purpose of examining the behavior of Mode-I delamination. The results showed that, the adhesion strength of an SiC particle within an aramid/ epoxy composite system was better than that within a carbon/epoxy composite system. The highest values of Mode-I fracture toughness of an aramid fabric/epoxy specimen and a carbon fabric/epoxy specimen were 1391 J × m-2 and 701 J × m-2 with SiC particle contents of 10 wt.-% and 5 wt.-%, respectively. The micrographs from optical and scanning electron microscopes verified the enhancements of Mode-I interlaminar fracture toughness behavior.
Investigation of dipole emission near a dielectric metasurface using a dual-tip scanning near-field optical microscope
Authors: Abbasirad Najmeh , Barreda Angela , Arslan Dennis , Steinert Michael , Fasold Stefan , Rockstuhl Carsten , Staude Isabelle , Setzpfandt Frank , Pertsch Thomas
Published: October 2021

A wide variety of near-field optical phenomena are described by the interaction of dipole radiation with a nanophotonic system. The electromagnetic field due to the dipole excitation is associated with the Green’s function. It is of great interest to investigate the dipole interaction with a photonic system and measure the near-field Green’s function and the quantities it describes, e.g., the local and cross density of optical states. However, measuring the near-field Green’s function requires a point-source excitation and simultaneous near-field detection below the diffraction limit. Conventional single-tip near-field optical microscope (SNOM) provides either a point source excitation or amplitude and phase detection with subwavelength spatial resolution. The automated dual-tip SNOM, composed of two tips, has overcome the experimental challenges for simultaneous near-field excitation and detection. Here, we investigate the dipole emission in the near-field of a dielectric metasurface using the automated dual-tip SNOM. We have analyzed the near-field pattern and directional mode propagation depending on the position of the dipole emission relative to the metasurface. This study is one further step toward measuring the dyadic Green’s function and related quantities such as cross density of optical states in complex nanophotonic systems for both visible and near-infrared spectra.
Thermal conductivity and dynamic viscosity of mono and hybrid organic- and synthetic-based nanofluids: A critical review
Authors: Amin At-Tasneem Mohd , Hamzah Wan Azmi Wan , Oumer Ahmed Nurye
Published: October 2021

Thermal conductivity and dynamic viscosity are two critical properties of nanofluids that indicate their heat transfer performance and flow. Nanofluids are prepared by dispersing mono or several organic or synthetic nanoparticles in selected base fluids to form mono or hybrid nanofluids. The qualitative and quantitative stability measurement of nanofluids will then be addressed, followed by a detailed discussion on how the dispersion of nanoparticles in water (W), ethylene glycol (EG), and the mixture of W:EG 60:40% by volume affects the thermal conductivity and dynamic viscosity ratio. The data comparison demonstrated that the thermal conductivity ratio increases with increasing normalized concentrations, the bulk temperature of nanofluids, and the smaller nanoparticle size. The dynamic viscosity ratio is multiplied by the normalized concentration increase. Nevertheless, as the bulk temperature climbed from 0 to 80°C, the dynamic viscosity ratio was scattered, and the dynamic viscosity ratio trend dropped with increasing particle size. While the majority of nanofluids enhanced thermal conductivity ratio by 20%, adding carbon-based nanoparticles to synthetic nanofluid increased it by less than 10%. The disadvantage of nanofluids is that they multiply the dynamic viscosity ratio of all nanofluids, which increase power consumption and reduces the efficiency of any mechanical system.
Recent advances in waste-recycled nanomaterials for biomedical applications: Waste-to-wealth
Authors: Abd Elkodous Mohamed , El-Husseiny Hussein M. , El-Sayyad Gharieb S. , Hashem Amr Hosny , Doghish Ahmed S. , Elfadil Dounia , Radwan Yasmine , El-Zeiny Hayam M. , Bedair Heba , Ikhdair Osama A. , Hashim Hisham , Salama Ahmed M. , Alshater Heba , Ahmed Ahmed Ali , Elsayed Mahmoud Gamal , Nagy Maria , Ali Nouran Y. , Elahmady Maryam , Kamel Ahmed M. , Elkodous Mahmoud Abd , Maallem Imene , Kaml Maria B. Sh. , Nasser Nayera , Nouh Ahmed AlaaEldin , Safwat Fatma M. , Alshal Mai M. , Ahmed Salma K. , Nagib Taha , El-sayed Fatma M. , Almahdi Manal , Adla Yahia , ElNashar Noha T. , Hussien Aya Misbah , Salih Alaa S. , Mahmoud Somaya Abdulbaset , Magdy Shireen , Ahmed Diana I. , Hassan Fayrouz Mohamed Saeed , Edward Nermin A. , Milad Kirolos Said , Halasa Shereen R. , Arafa Mohamed M. , Hegazy Abdullah , Kawamura Go , Tan Wai Kian , Matsuda Atsunori
Published: October 2021

Global overpopulation, industrial expansion, and urbanization have generated massive amounts of wastes. This is considered as a significant worldwide challenge that requires an urgent solution. Additionally, remarkable advances in the field of biomedicine have impacted the entire spectrum of healthcare and medicine. This has paved the way for further refining of the outcomes of biomedical strategies toward early detection and treatment of different diseases. Various nanomaterials (NMs) have been dedicated to different biomedical applications including drug delivery, vaccinations, imaging modalities, and biosensors. However, toxicity is still the main factor restricting their use. NMs recycled from different types of wastes present a pioneering approach to not only avoid hazardous effects on the environment, but to also implement circular economy practices, which are crucial to attain sustainable growth. Moreover, recycled NMs have been utilized as a safe, yet revolutionary alternative with outstanding potential for many biomedical applications. This review focuses on waste recycled NMs, their synthesis, properties, and their potential for multiple biomedical applications with special emphasis on their role in the early detection and control of multiple diseases. Their pivotal therapeutic actions as antimicrobial, anticancer, antioxidant nanodrugs, and vaccines will also be outlined. The ongoing advancements in the design of recycled NMs are expanding their diagnostic and therapeutic roles for diverse biomedical applications in the era of precision medicine.