bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Signal Detection of Pediatric Drug–Induced Coagulopathy Using Routine Electronic Health Records
Authors: Nie Xiaolu , Yu Yuncui , Jia Lulu , Zhao Houyu , Chen Zhenping , Zhang Liqiang , Cheng Xiaoling , Lyu Yaqi , Cao Wang , Wang Xiaoling , Peng Xiaoxia
Published: July 2022

Background: Drug-induced coagulopathy (DIC) is a severe adverse reaction and has become a significantly increased clinical problem in children. It is crucial to the detection of the DIC safety signal for drug post-marketing scientific supervision purposes. Therefore, this study aimed to detect potential signals for DIC in children using the routine electronic medical record (EMR) data.

Methods: This study extracted EMR data from Beijing Children’s Hospital between 2009 and 2020. A two-stage modeling method was developed to detect the signal of DIC. We calculated the crude incidence by mining cases of coagulopathy to select the potential suspected drugs; then, propensity score-matched retrospective cohorts of specific screened drugs from the first stage were constructed and estimated the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) using conditional logistic regression models. The current literature evidence was used to assess the novelty of the signal.

Results:In the study, from a total of 340 drugs, 22 drugs were initially screened as potentially inducing coagulopathy. In total, we identified 19 positive DIC associations. Of these, potential DIC risk of omeprazole (OR: 2.23, 95% CI: 1.88–2.65), chlorpheniramine (OR:3.04, 95% CI:2.56–3.60), and salbutamol sulfate (OR:1.36, 95% CI:1.07–1.73) were three new DIC signals in both children and adults. Twelve associations between coagulopathy and drugs, meropenem (OR: 3.38, 95% CI: 2.72–4.20), cefoperazone sulbactam (OR: 2.80, 95% CI: 2.30–3.41), fluconazole (OR: 2.11, 95% CI: 1.71–2.59), voriconazole (OR: 2.82, 95% CI: 2.20–3.61), ambroxol hydrochloride (OR: 2.12, 95% CI: 1.74–2.58), furosemide (OR: 2.36, 95% CI: 2.08–2.67), iodixanol (OR: 2.21, 95% CI: 1.72–2.85), cefamandole (OR: 1.82, 95% CI: 1.56–2.13), ceftizoxime (OR: 1.95, 95% CI: 1.44–2.63), ceftriaxone (OR: 1.95, 95% CI: 1.44–2.63), latamoxef sodium (OR: 1.76, 95% CI: 1.49–2.07), and sulfamethoxazole (OR: 1.29, 95% CI: 1.01–1.64), were considered as new signals in children.

Conclusion: The two-stage algorithm developed in our study to detect safety signals of DIC found nineteen signals of DIC, including twelve new signals in a pediatric population. However, these safety signals of DIC need to be confirmed by further studies based on population study and mechanism research.
CEO turnover and corporate innovation: What can we learn from Chinese listed companies
Authors: Sun Shujun , Jiang Haiwei
Published: July 2022

Using data of China’s listed companies from 2000 to 2016, we employ a staggered difference-in-difference (DID) approach to identify the causal effects of CEO turnover on corporate innovation. First, we find that listed companies with CEO turnover experienced an average increase of 9.5% in the quantity of innovation and 8.9% in innovation quality after the change. The dynamic effect test supports the parallel trend condition, and the placebo test rules out the nonrandom selection issue. Second, the heterogeneity tests show that CEO turnover plays a more prominent role in promoting innovation for listed firms with CEO duality, high financial constraints, and in high-tech industries. Third, CEO turnover affects corporate innovation by driving top management team reorganization and promoting R&D input. This paper has important implications for the understanding of the role of CEO turnover in companies’ innovation, as well as for strategy formulation and implementation.
Initial Experience With Transoral Endoscopic Thyroidectomy via the Submental and Vestibular Approach for the Treatment of Thyroid Cancer: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Wang Yuanyuan , Fu Yilong , Wu Guoyang , Luo Yezhe , Yan Chaolong , Fu Jinbo , Lin Suqiong
Published: July 2022

Background

Transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach is feasible and safe but has some unavoidable limitations, such as sensory changes in the center of the chin region. We aim to report our initial experience in performing transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy via the submental and vestibular approach for the treatment of thyroid cancer.

Patients and Methods

This retrospective cohort study included patients with thyroid cancer confirmed by fine-needle aspiration who underwent endoscopic thyroidectomy and central lymph node dissection via the submental and vestibular approaches between November 2019 and January 2020. Patients’ clinicopathological characteristics, operation details, and postoperative complications were analyzed.

Results

Fifteen surgeries were performed successfully. The mean ± standard deviation age of the patients was 37 ± 10.8 years, the average duration of surgery was 146.5 ± 34.6 min, and the median intraoperative blood loss was 11.1 ± 6.3 mL. None of the surgeries were converted to open thyroidectomy. According to postoperative pathology, all cases involved papillary thyroid carcinoma or papillary thyroid microcarcinoma. One patient developed transient recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis. No patient developed skin numbness at the center of the chin region.

Conclusions

Transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy via the submental and vestibular approach is effective and safe in patients with thyroid cancer and does not lead to skin numbness at the center of the chin region. This technique is beneficial for surgeons less experienced in performing transoral thyroid surgery as it involves using a short and direct route to the thyroid gland, which can reduce the difficulty in establishing the first operative space to some extent.
The Effect of High-Intensity Ultrasound and Natural Oils on the Extraction and Antioxidant Activity of Lycopene from Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) Waste
Authors: Campos-Lozada Gieraldin , Pérez-Marroquín Xóchitl Alejandra , Callejas-Quijada Graciela , Campos-Montiel Rafael G. , Morales-Peñaloza Alejandro , León-López Arely , Aguirre-Álvarez Gabriel
Published: July 2022

The extraction of lycopene was carried out with three types of vegetable oils (grape, extra virgin olive, and peanut) by means of two methods: agitation and high-intensity ultrasound with a frequency of 20 kHz at an amplitude of 80% with periods of 40 s of sonication for 20 min at a temperature of 40 °C. The antioxidant determination by inhibition of ABTS and DPPH radicals showed no significant differences (p > 0.05) for inhibition of the ABTS radical in native oils and oils with lycopene. However, the radical DPPH showed that the native oils presented significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) compared to the samples with lycopene. FTIR spectra revealed the characteristic functional groups of lycopene exhibiting two characteristic peaks at 2923 cm−1 and 2957 cm−1. The DSC thermograms showed that the higher the degree of oil unsaturation, the lower the melting temperatures. Olive oil was the least unsaturated with the highest amount of oleic fatty acid. Grapeseed oil reported the lowest melting temperature at around −24.64 °C. Extra virgin olive oil showed the lightest values (L* = 41.08 ± 0.45) of brightness, and the peanut oil with lycopene was the darkest (L* = 16.72 ± 0.05). The extraction of lycopene from organic wastes treated with agitation and ultrasound was satisfactory reducing the use of conventional solvents. However, extraction with olive oil under agitation showed the best results.
Experimental Examination of Automatic Tether Winding Method Using Kinetic Energy in Tether Space Mobility Device
Authors: Nirayama Kazuki , Takehara Shoichiro , Takayama Satoshi , Ito Yusuke
Published: July 2022

Tethers (strings and wires) are used in various mechanical systems because they are lightweight and have excellent storability. Examples of such systems include elevators and cranes. In recent years, the use of tethers in special environments, such as outer space, is expected, and various systems have been proposed. In this study, we propose a mobility system using a tether that moves a human by winding a tether attached to a wall. However, the method has a problem whereby the attitude of the human can lack stability during the winding of the tether. We developed the attitude control method of the Tether Space Mobility Device during tether winding while focusing on fluctuations in the rotational kinetic energy of systems. The effectiveness of the control method was shown using numerical simulation. In this paper, the proposed control system is installed in the experimental device for validating the numerical simulation model. Then, we verified the effectiveness of the proposed control method through experiments using an actual system. The experimental results confirm that the angular velocity of the Tether Space Mobility Device converges to 0 deg/s when control is applied. In addition, it was shown that the proposed control method is effective for automatically winding the tether.
Development of Long-Acting Human Adrenomedullin Fc-Fusion Proteins
Authors: Nagata Sayaka , Yamasaki Motoo , Kuroishi Nobuko , Kitamura Kazuo
Published: July 2022

(1) Background: Human adrenomedullin (hAM) is a hypotensive peptide hormone that exerts powerful anti-inflammatory effects. AM also had therapeutic effects in various animal experimental models of disease. However, treatment required continuous administration as the half-life of native AM is short in blood. To resolve this, we developed four human IgG1 and IgG4 Fc-fusion proteins containing full-length hAM or hAM residues 6-52. (2) Methods: We used mammalian cells to produce recombinant Fc-AM derivatives and tested the pharmacokinetics and biological activity of Fc-AM. (3) Results: We developed four Fc-fusion AMs (Fc-AM), which are long-acting AM derivatives in mammalian cells. Fc-AM had a prolonged half-life in blood and retained its ability to bind to the AM1 receptor. Fc-AM (6-52) induced higher cAMP levels for the receptor than Fc-AM. After the administration of IgG1-AM (6-52) or IgG4-AM (6-52) to rats, tissue transfer to the kidney and small intestine was observed. In addition, treatment with IgG4-AM (6-52) inhibited blood pressure increase in spontaneously hypertensive rats. (4) Conclusions: Fc-AM produced from mammalian cells can be easily prepared and might be an effective novel therapeutic agent.
Early Summer Temperature Variation Recorded by Earlywood Width in the Northern Boundary of Pinus taiwanensis Hayata in Central China and Its Linkages to the Indian and Pacific Oceans
Authors: Peng Meng , Li Xuan , Peng Jianfeng , Cui Jiayue , Li Jingru , Wei Yafei , Wei Xiaoxu , Li Jinkuan
Published: July 2022

The Tongbai Mountains are an ecologically sensitive region to climate change, where there lies a climatic transitional zone from a subtropical to a warm–temperate monsoon climate. The northern boundary of Pinus taiwanensis Hayata is here; thus, climate information is well recorded in its tree rings. Based on developed earlywood width (EWW), latewood width (LWW) and total ring width (RW) chronologies (time period: 1887–2014 year) of Pinus taiwanensis Hayata in the Tongbai Mountains in central China, this paper analyzed characteristics of these chronologies and correlations between these chronologies and climate factors. The correlation results showed that earlywood width chronology contains more climate information than latewood width chronology and total ring width chronology, and mean temperature and mean maximum temperature in May–June were the main limiting factors for radial growth of Pinus taiwanensis Hayata. The highest significant value in all correlation analyses is −0.669 (p < 0.05) between earlywood width chronology and May–June mean temperature (TMJ) in the pre-mutation period (1958–2005) based on mutating in 2006. Thus, this paper reconstructed May–June mean temperature using earlywood width chronology from 1901 to 2005 (reliable period of earlywood width chronology is 1901–2014). The reconstructed May–June mean temperature experienced eight warmer periods and eight colder periods and also showed 2–3a cycle change over the past 105 years. The spatial correlation showed that the reconstructed series was representative of the May–June mean temperature variation in central and eastern China and significant positive/negative correlation with the sea surface temperature (SST) of the subtropical Pacific Ocean and the tropical Western Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean from the previous October to the current June. This also indicated that May–June mean temperature periodic fluctuations might be related to the quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) in the tropical Western Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean. The results of this study have extended and supplemented the meteorological records of the Tongbai Mountains and have a guiding significance for forest tending and management in this area.
Sexual Dimorphism in the Fibular Extremities of Italians and South Africans of Identified Modern Human Skeletal Collections: A Geometric Morphometric Approach
Authors: Pietrobelli Annalisa , Sorrentino Rita , Durante Stefano , Marchi Damiano , Benazzi Stefano , Belcastro Maria Giovanna
Published: July 2022

Fibular metric variations have revealed their potential in distinguishing between males and females; however the fibula remains scarcely analyzed in studies of sexual dimorphism. This work aims at investigating sexually dimorphic features in fibular proximal and distal epiphyses through geometric morphometrics methods. A total of 136 left fibulae, from two Italian and one South African identified skeletal collections were virtually acquired through CT and laser scanning and analyzed using geometric morphometric methods. Statistical analyses were performed on shape, form, and size variables. Results show that fibular epiphyses are smaller with narrower articular surfaces in females than in males in both extremities. Relevant sexual differences emerge in fibular form and size for the two Italian samples but not for the South African one, likely for its small sample size. Discriminant analysis on form principal components (PCs) offers accuracy above 80% when the samples are pooled, and reaches accuracy of 80–93% when the Italian samples are considered separately. However, our method on form PCs was not successful for the South African sample (50–53% accuracy), possibly due to the small sample size. These results show relevant morphological variation in relation to fibular form and size, with a degree of accuracy that indicates the utility of the present method for sexing human fibulae in both forensic and bioarchaeological contexts for Italian samples.
Study on the Attitudes and Knowledge of Teachers and Future Teachers about Immediate Health Care Measures at School
Authors: Pais-Roldán Paula , del Carmen Olmos-Gómez María , Cuevas-Rincón Jesús Manuel , Luque-Suárez Mónica
Published: July 2022

The level and need for immediate health care measures training for teachers are of growing concern for two main reasons: on the one hand, these contents are part of the school curriculum and, on the other hand, teachers are the first adults to intervene in case of school injury. However, in Spain, first aid (FA) does not appear as obligatory content in the university training of teachers. The aim of the present study was to design and validate a questionnaire on the attitude of pre-school and primary school teachers towards first aid knowledge adapted to the school context and to analyze its psychometric properties. First of all, the psychometric values of the questionnaire were tested: through its validation and reliability. Subsequently, a correlation study was carried out as well as a logistic regression in order to know the knowledge and attitudes of teachers and future teachers about the importance of the Immediate Attention Measures at school. The sample consisted of 392 participants: active teachers (71%) and future teachers (29%, the latter being final year students) of the infant and primary stages from the northern, central and southern areas of Spain. The results show adequate psychometric values, establishing three factors: attitude towards general knowledge in FA and learning methodology; attitude towards wounds and CPR algorithm (most frequent and/or serious events); self-perception of knowledge or skill in FA. Pearson’s correlation test identified significant values (p < 0.01) and positive association between Factors 1 and 2 (r = 0.422) and between 1 and 3 (0.244). The conclusions of the results of the validation process of the questionnaire on the attitude of teachers and future teachers to knowledge for immediate health care measures training are valid and reliable to an acceptable degree. Regression study demonstrates the importance of including first aid training in teachers’ degrees.
Model Predictive Control of a Modular 7-Level Converter Based on SiC-MOSFET Devices—An Experimental Assessment
Authors: Gregor Raúl , Pacher Julio , Renault Alfredo , Comparatore Leonardo , Rodas Jorge
Published: July 2022

Power converter technology has expanded into a wide range of low, medium, and high power applications due to the ability to manage electrical energy efficiently. In this regard, the modular multilevel converter has become a viable alternative to ensure an optimal harmonic profile with a sinusoidal voltage at the load side. Model predictive control (MPC) is a state-of-the-art technique that has been successfully used to control power electronic converters due to its ability to handle multiple control objectives. Nevertheless, in the classical MPC approach, the optimal vector is applied during the whole sampling period producing an output voltage. This solution causes an unbalanced switching frequency of the power semiconductor, which then causes unbalanced stress on the power devices. Modulation strategies have been combined with MPC to overcome these shortcomings. This paper introduces the experimental assessment of a 7-level converter combining a simple phase shift multicarrier pulse-width modulation approach with the MPC technique. A custom test-bed based on SiC-MOSFETs switches is used to validate the proposal.
Gearing Urban Metabolism toward the Carbon Neutrality Target: A Case Study of Hebei Province, China
Authors: Tang Zhipeng , Mei Ziao , Song Tao , Yang Chenxinyi
Published: July 2022

Urban metabolism has emerged over the past decades as an important new paradigm of regional and urban sustainability governance towards a Chinese national scheme of ‘carbon neutrality’ by 2060. Hebei province in China faces twin pressures related to its supply of water and energy resources, which has brought humans and nature into conflict. Overcoming this tension in the human-land relationship in Hebei and determining a suitable development path for the future has become a core issue for the achievement of coordinated development within the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region. This paper constructs a system to simulate the metabolism of water, energy, and human relationships, and uses this model to carry out simulations for Hebei province. The model establishes five scenarios: a natural development scenario, economic growth scenario, water conservation development scenario, energy conservation development scenario, and low carbon scenario. The simulation results show that, without intervention, the natural development scenario results in greater pressure on supply gaps and a greater demand for water and energy, with more production of industrial waste gas and domestic wastewater discharges. The economic growth, water conservation development, and energy conservation development scenarios focus on single economic, water conservation, and energy conservation measures by looking at core economic, water, and energy elements within the metabolic system; however, solving issues with individual elements merely leads to other, remaining problems. Under the low carbon scenario, issues with multiple elements in Hebei’s metabolic system are considered more comprehensively, so the simulation results are better than those in the other scenarios, and it better fits the future orientation of sustainable development of Hebei province.
A Hybrid Framework Combining Data-Driven and Catenary-Based Methods for Wide-Area Powerline Sag Estimation
Authors: Wu Yunfa , Zhang Bin , Meng Anbo , Liu Yong-Hua , Su Chun-Yi
Published: July 2022

This paper is concerned with the airborne-laser-data-based sag estimation for wide-area transmission lines. A systematic data processing framework is established for multi-source data collected from power lines, which is applicable to various operating conditions. Subsequently, a k-means-based clustering approach is employed to handle the spatial heterogeneity and sparsity of powerline corridor data after comprehensive performance comparisons. Furthermore, a hybrid model of the catenary and XGBoost (HMCX) method is proposed for sag estimation, which improves the accuracy of sag estimation by integrating the adaptability of catenary and the sparsity awareness of XGBoost. Finally, the effectiveness of HMCX is verified by using power data from 116 actual lines.
Comprehensive Comparison of a High-Speed Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor Considering Rotor Length–Diameter Ratio
Authors: Gao Wentao , Zhang Yufeng , Du Guanghui , Pu Tao , Li Niumei
Published: July 2022

For high-speed permanent magnet machines (HSPMMs), many design schemes of rotor length–diameter ratios can satisfy the constraints of multiple physical fields during the motor design period. The rotor length–diameter ratio greatly impacts the comprehensive performances of multiple physical fields. However, these analyses are missing in the existing literature. Therefore, this paper focuses on the influence of the rotor length–diameter ratio on comprehensive performances. Firstly, finite element models (FEM) of multiple physical fields are built by ANSYS Workbench platform and Motor-CAD software. Then, the comprehensive performances of multiple physical fields are comparatively analyzed. Finally, the designed HSPMM is implemented, based on one prototype of 60 kW, 30,000 rpm to verify the results of comparative analysis. Based on the comparative analysis above, the influent laws of rotor length–diameter ratios on comprehensive performances of multiple physical fields are discussed and summarized, which can be used as a reference for the rotor structural design of HSPMMs.
Decaying DC Offset Current Mitigation in Phasor Estimation Applications: A Review
Authors: Mohammadi Sina , Mahmoudi Amin , Kahourzade Solmaz , Yazdani Amirmehdi , Shafiullah GM
Published: July 2022

Decaying DC (DDC) offset current mitigation is a vital challenge in phasor current estimation since it causes malfunctioning/maloperation of measurements and protection systems. Due to the inductive nature of electric power systems, the current during fault inception cannot change immediately and it contains a transient oscillation. The oscillatory component acts similar to an exponential DC signal and its characteristics depend on the X/R ratio of the system, fault location, and fault impedance. DDC attenuates accurate phasor estimation, which is pivotal in protection systems. Therefore, the DDC must be eliminated from the fault current (FC) signal. This paper presents an overview of DDC mitigation methods by considering different groups—before the discrete Fourier transform (pre-DFT), after the discrete Fourier transform (post-DFT), the least square-based (LS-based), and other methods. Through a comprehensive review of the existing schemes, the effects of noise, harmonics, multiple DDCs (MDDCs), and off-nominal frequency (ONF) on the accuracy of DDC estimation, were recognized. A detailed discussion (along with some simulation results) are presented to address the main advantages/disadvantages of the past studies. Finally, this paper presents a few suggestions for future researchers, for researchers to investigate more implementable solutions in this field.
The Impact of Natural Gas, Oil, and Renewables Consumption on Carbon Dioxide Emissions: European Evidence
Authors: Belucio Matheus , Santiago Renato , Fuinhas José Alberto , Braun Luiz , Antunes José
Published: July 2022

Natural gas has returned to prominence in the agenda of European countries since the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine by Russia in 2022. However, natural gas is a fossil source with severe environmental implications. This paper aims to verify the impact of natural gas on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions for a European panel from 1993 to 2018 for sixteen countries. An Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model in the form of an unrestricted error correction model was used to identify the short-run impacts, the long-run elasticities, and the speed of adjustment of the model. The results indicate that in the short-run, natural gas has a negligible impact on CO2 emissions when faced with oil consumption (6.7 times less), whereas the consumption of renewables and hydroelectric energy proved to be able to decrease the CO2 emissions both in the short- and long-run. The elasticity of oil consumption is lower than the unit, indicating that efficiency gains have been achieved during the process of the energy transition to clean energy sources. If economies use non-renewable energy, governments must continue to prefer natural gas to oil. Renewables and hydroelectric consumption must be used to revert the path of CO2 emissions. Given the unstable scenario that has been caused by the War in Eastern Europe, politicians should focus on accelerating the transition from fossil to renewable energies.
Methodological Framework to Select Evaluation Criteria for Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis of Road Transportation Fuels and Vehicles
Authors: Kügemann Martin , Polatidis Heracles
Published: July 2022

Studies applying Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) to evaluate Road Transportation Fuels and Vehicles (RTFV) rely on a wide variety of evaluation criteria and appear to lack a structured and consistent way of criteria selection. This leads to non-transparent and not easily comparable evaluation results. To address this issue, a methodological framework is developed to systematically identify and select relevant MCDA-evaluation criteria for the assessment of RTFV. The methodological framework is based on Life Cycle Sustainability Analysis (LCSA) and considers environmental, economic, and social criteria that are complemented with a technical pillar. The scope of the analysis is further enlarged by considering positive and negative externalities. The first part of the framework follows the LCSA approach and requires the analyst to clearly define the context of the analysis. The second part is to decompose the problem by developing criteria categories along the relevant life cycle for each of the evaluation dimensions. This decomposition process helps decision makers to easily identify and select relevant criteria with clear added value within the context of the analysis. In an exemplary application, the developed methodological framework is used to identify relevant criteria for the evaluation of RTFV alternatives for an island aiming at energy self-sufficiency.
Novel Exon-Skipping Therapeutic Approach for the DMD Gene Based on Asymptomatic Deletions of Exon 49
Authors: Abaji Mario , Gorokhova Svetlana , Da Silva Nathalie , Busa Tiffany , Grelet Maude , Missirian Chantal , Sigaudy Sabine , Philip Nicole , Leturcq France , Lévy Nicolas , Krahn Martin , Bartoli Marc
Published: July 2022

Exon skipping is a promising therapeutic approach. One important condition for this approach is that the exon-skipped form of the gene can at least partially perform the required function and lead to improvement of the phenotype. It is therefore critical to identify the exons that can be skipped without a significant deleterious effect on the protein function. Pathogenic variants in the DMD gene are responsible for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). We report for the first time a deletion of the in-frame exon 49 associated with a strikingly normal muscular phenotype. Based on this observation, and on previously known therapeutic approaches using exon skipping in DMD for other single exons, we aimed to extend the clinical use of exon skipping for patients carrying truncating mutations in exon 49. We first determined the precise genomic position of the exon 49 deletion in our patients. We then demonstrated the feasibility of skipping exon 49 using an in vitro AON (antisense oligonucleotide) approach in human myotubes carrying a truncating pathogenic variant as well as in healthy ones. This work is a proof of concept aiming to expand exon-skipping approaches for DMD exon 49.
MicroRNA Processing Pathway-Based Polygenic Score for Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma in the Volga-Ural Region Populations of Eurasian Continent
Authors: Ivanova Elizaveta , Gilyazova Irina , Pavlov Valentin , Izmailov Adel , Gimalova Galiya , Karunas Alexandra , Prokopenko Inga , Khusnutdinova Elza
Published: July 2022

The polygenic scores (PGSs) are developed to help clinicians in distinguishing individuals at high risk of developing disease outcomes from the general population. Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is a complex disorder that involves numerous biological pathways, one of the most important of which is responsible for the microRNA biogenesis machinery. Here, we defined the biological-pathway-specific PGS in a case-control study of ccRCC in the Volga-Ural region of the Eurasia continent. We evaluated 28 DNA SNP variants, located in microRNA biogenesis genes, in 464 individuals with clinically diagnosed ccRCC and 1042 individuals without the disease. Individual genetic risks were defined using the SNP-variant effects derived from the ccRCC association analysis. The final weighted and unweighted PGS models were based on 21 SNPs, and 7 SNPs were excluded due to high LD. In our dataset, microRNA-machinery-weighted PGS revealed 1.69-fold higher odds (95% CI [1.51–1.91]) for ccRCC risk in individuals with ccRCC compared with controls with a p-value of 2.0 × 10−16. The microRNA biogenesis pathway weighted PGS predicted the risk of ccRCC with an area under the curve (AUC) = 0.642 (95%nCI [0.61–0.67]). Our findings indicate that DNA variants of microRNA machinery genes modulate the risk of ccRCC in Volga-Ural populations. Moreover, larger powerful genome-wide association studies are needed to reveal a wider range of genetic variants affecting microRNA processing. Biological-pathway-based PGSs will advance the development of innovative screening systems for future stratified medicine approaches in ccRCC.
Biosafety Construction Composite Based on Iron Oxide Nanoparticles and PLGA
Authors: Gudkov Sergey V. , Burmistrov Dmitriy E. , Lednev Vasily N. , Simakin Aleksander V. , Uvarov Oleg V. , Kucherov Roman N. , Ivashkin Petr I. , Dorokhov Alexey S. , Izmailov Andrey Yu.
Published: July 2022

Nanocomposites based on polymers and nanoparticles are used in agriculture for photoconversion of solar radiation, as a basis for covering material, as a packaging material, and as functional films. At the same time, nanocomposites are almost never used in agriculture as biosafe structural materials. In this work, we have developed a technology for obtaining a nanocomposite based on PLGA and iron oxide nanoparticles. The nanocomposite has unique physical and chemical properties and also exhibits pronounced antibacterial properties at a concentration of iron oxide nanoparticles of more than 0.01%. At the same time, the nanocomposite does not affect the growth and development of pepper and is biocompatible with mammalian cells. Nanocomposites based on PLGA and iron oxide nanoparticles can be an attractive candidate for the manufacture of structural and packaging materials in agriculture.
An Efficient Method to Determine the Thermal Behavior of Composite Material with Loading High Thermal Conductivity Fillers
Authors: Tran Chi-Cuong , Nguyen Quang-Khoi
Published: July 2022

Improvement of the thermal conductivity of encapsulant material using doping filler is an important requirement for electronic device packaging. We proposed a simple method for determining the thermal characteristics of composite material that can help save time, increase research performance, and reduce the cost of buying testing equipment. Based on the theory of Fourier law, a general 3D model is simplified into a 2D model, which can then be applied to calculate the thermal conductivity of the tested sample. The temperature distribution inside the sample is simulated by the finite element method using MATLAB software; this is a simple and useful option for researchers who conduct studies on thermal conduction. In addition, an experimental setup is proposed to help determine the extent of thermal conductivity improvement in a sample with doping filler compared to a bare sample. This method is helpful for research on optoelectronics packaging, which relates to the enhancement of thermal conductivity composite material.
Augmenting Performance: A Systematic Review of Optical See-Through Head-Mounted Displays in Surgery
Authors: Doughty Mitchell , Ghugre Nilesh R. , Wright Graham A.
Published: July 2022

We conducted a systematic review of recent literature to understand the current challenges in the use of optical see-through head-mounted displays (OST-HMDs) for augmented reality (AR) assisted surgery. Using Google Scholar, 57 relevant articles from 1 January 2021 through 18 March 2022 were identified. Selected articles were then categorized based on a taxonomy that described the required components of an effective AR-based navigation system: data, processing, overlay, view, and validation. Our findings indicated a focus on orthopedic (n=20) and maxillofacial surgeries (n=8). For preoperative input data, computed tomography (CT) (n=34), and surface rendered models (n=39) were most commonly used to represent image information. Virtual content was commonly directly superimposed with the target site (n=47); this was achieved by surface tracking of fiducials (n=30), external tracking (n=16), or manual placement (n=11). Microsoft HoloLens devices (n=24 in 2021, n=7 in 2022) were the most frequently used OST-HMDs; gestures and/or voice (n=32) served as the preferred interaction paradigm. Though promising system accuracy in the order of 2–5 mm has been demonstrated in phantom models, several human factors and technical challenges—perception, ease of use, context, interaction, and occlusion—remain to be addressed prior to widespread adoption of OST-HMD led surgical navigation.
Climate Smart Agriculture Implementation on Coffee Smallholders in Indonesia and Strategy to Accelerate
Authors: Djufry Fadjry , Wulandari Suci , Villano Renato
Published: July 2022

Sustainable coffee production is significantly threatened by climate change. While implementing CSA practices offers numerous benefits, adoption rates remain low. Coffee plantations are dominated by smallholders and located in rural areas, making them more complex and requiring a comprehensive analysis and intervention. This study used an exploratory approach to assess farmers’ preferences for CSA practices, identify barriers to implement, and design a support system model. The investigation focused on Arabica and Robusta farmers, with case studies from two Indonesian production centres. Preferences assessment used conjoint analysis, barriers evaluation used Mann–Whitney analysis, model development used synthetic approaches, and priority analysis used the Analytical Hierarchy Process. The study revealed that diversification is more desirable than cultivation, soil management, and water management. Arabica farmers preferred intercropping with annual crops, whereas Robusta farmers preferred perennials crops. Robusta farmers assessed that agricultural inputs, such as labor, capital, climatic data, and farm equipment and machinery, existed as barriers. However, these represent a lesser issue for Arabica farmers. We proposed agricultural innovation support system, consisting of innovation support facilities and services, as a comprehensive support system model to accelerate CSA implementation. Further analysis showed that the priority strategy for Arabica farmers is support services that focus on network development, while for Robusta farmers is support facilities that focus on climate information system development.
Upper Airway Flow Dynamics in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients with Various Apnea-Hypopnea Index
Authors: Lin Shengmao , Premaraj Thyagaseely Sheela , Gamage Peshala T. , Dong Pengfei , Premaraj Sundaralingam , Gu Linxia
Published: July 2022

Background and aim: This study evaluates the upper airway flow characteristics, anatomical features and analyzes their correlations with AHI in patients with varied degrees of OSA severity seeking for discernments of the underlying pathophysiological profile. Materials and Methods: Patient-specific computational fluid dynamics models were reconstructed from high-resolution cone-beam computed tomography images for 4 OSA patients classified as minimal, mild, moderate, and severe according to AHI. Results: The parameters, minimal cross-sectional area (MCA), and the pharyngeal airway volume did not show clear correlations with the OSA severity defined according to AHI. No correlations were found between the classically defined resistance of the airway in terms of pressure drop and AHI. The flow analysis further showed that the fluid mechanisms likely to cause airway collapse are associated with the degree of narrowing in the pharyngeal airway rather than AHI. Results also suggested that some patients classified as severe OSA according to the AHI can show less susceptibility to airway collapse than patients with relatively lower AHI values and vice versa. Conclusions: The relative contribution of anatomical and non-anatomical causes to the OSA severity can significantly vary between patients. AHI alone is inadequate to be used as a marker of the pathophysiological profile of OSA. Combining airflow analysis with AHI in diagnosing OSA severity may provide additional details about the underlying pathophysiology, subsequently improving the individualized clinical outcomes.
Analytical Calculations of the Quantum Tsallis Thermodynamic Variables
Authors: Hussein Ayman , Bhattacharyya Trambak
Published: July 2022

In this paper, we provide an account of analytical results related to the Tsallis thermodynamics that have been the subject matter of a lot of studies in the field of high-energy collisions. After reviewing the results for the classical case in the massless limit and for arbitrarily massive classical particles, we compute the quantum thermodynamic variables. For the first time, the analytical formula for the pressure of a Tsallis-like gas of massive bosons has been obtained. The study serves both as a brief review of the knowledge gathered in this area, and as original research that forwards the existing scholarship. The results of the present paper will be important in a plethora of studies in the field of high-energy collisions including the propagation of non-linear waves generated by the traversal of high-energy particles inside the quark-gluon plasma medium showing the features of non-extensivity.
Prevalence and Spatial Patterns of Major Limb Loss in the Acholi Sub-Region of Uganda
Authors: Huck Jonathan J. , Atim Pamela , Moro Emmanuel B. , Nirmalan Mahesh
Published: July 2022

There is a widely reported yet poorly understood preponderance of major limb loss in Northern Uganda, caused in large part by prolonged civil war. Access to rehabilitation services is extremely limited, and there is no understanding of how many people have major limb loss, nor how many have had access to medical or rehabilitative services. This research represents the first prevalence study of disability and major limb loss in the Acholi sub-region of Northern Uganda, as well as a novel evaluation of spatial patterns in cases of major limb loss. We conservatively estimate that there are c. 10,117 people with major limb loss in Acholi (c. 0.5% of the population) who require long-term rehabilitation services, as well as c. 150,512 people with other disabilities (c. 8.2% of the population). We also demonstrate that people with major limb loss are spread throughout the region (as opposed to clustered in specific locations) and are disproportionately male, older, and less well educated than the general population. This research demonstrates a clear inadequacy in both the supply and service delivery models of rehabilitation services for those with major limb loss in the study area and provides much-needed insight into the challenges that must be addressed for an effective system to be put in place.
The Effect of Tax-Collection Mechanism and Management on Enterprise Technological Innovation: Evidence from China
Authors: Jiang Yuan , Qin Jianwen , Khan Hayat
Published: July 2022

Tax collection and management is an important cornerstone to safeguard a country’s financial strength, and it is also a key task to realize the modernization of a country’s tax governance. This study examines the effect of tax-collection mechanism and management on technological innovation in China from 2007 to 2020. By using a fixed effect model, the findings indicate that a higher intensity of regional compulsory tax collection and management rises the level of technological innovation of enterprises. Strengthening tax collection and management is more conducive to raising the level of technological innovation of midwestern enterprises, non-high-tech enterprises and enterprises in a poor market environment. The concrete impact mechanism shows that tax collection and management improve the level of enterprises and technology innovation by using a tax credit-rating system and enhancing enterprises’ information transparency; the application of the Golden Three system has been more conducive to strengthening tax collection and management to enhance the level of enterprises’ technological innovation. The findings of this study have policy implications for China regarding rising innovation through tax collection
Building Relations between the Company and Employees: The Moderating Role of Leadership
Authors: Słupska Urszula , Drewniak Zbigniew , Drewniak Rafał , Karaszewski Robert
Published: July 2022

The relationships between employees and the actions taken by leaders have become critical. The purpose of this paper is to highlight activities that may improve internal relations in an enterprise, and how managers and employees perceive such actions. The study was conducted between 2018 and 2020 and focused on the importance of relational competencies in creating enterprise value and the importance of leadership. The analysis included 10 large companies operating internationally. Both managers (N = 10) of the surveyed companies and employees (N = 185) participated in the study. It can be stated that it is not uncommon for the studied businesses to take steps to improve their internal relationships. The evaluation of the steps taken to improve internal connections, on the other hand, differs between the groups tested. Cluster analysis revealed that managers’ views of the importance and application of the provided measures in their organizations were similar, whereas employees’ assessments of the researched phenomena were not. Building intra-organizational relations plays an important role in ensuring the sustainable operation of modern enterprises. It is of great importance, especially in the crisis situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the geopolitical uncertainty in the world currently.
Total Mercury Mass Load from the Paglia–Tiber River System: The Contribution to Mediterranean Sea Hg Budget
Authors: Fornasaro Silvia , Morelli Guia , Costagliola Pilario , Rimondi Valentina , Lattanzi Pierfranco , Fagotti Cesare
Published: July 2022

The Mediterranean Sea is characterized by a marked mercury (Hg) geochemical anomaly, arising in part from large Hg deposits. Mercury mass loads discharged from the Monte Amiata mining district (Central Italy) to the Mediterranean Sea through the Paglia–Tiber River system were estimated. Data from two seasons showed that up to 40 kg year−1 of Hg are drained to Tiber River and finally to the Mediterranean Sea. The mercury mass loads varied in different seasons, from 3 mg day−1 in the upper section of Paglia River in November to 42 g day−1 before the confluence with Tiber River in June. Along Tiber River, up to 15 ng L−1 of the total Hg found at a site after Rome showed that Hg can be discharged to the sea. The Alviano reservoir along Tiber River acts as a temporary trap for Hg-rich particulate, while dam operations may promote Hg release (up to 223 g day−1). The combination of hydrologic factors controlling Hg transport, the torrential regime in the upper catchment of Paglia River, the waterway steepness, together with Hg-contaminated legacy sediments in the Paglia River floodplain, make the Paglia–Tiber River system a long-lasting intermittent source of Hg to Tiber River and the Mediterranean Sea.
Aplicación del programa “Sapere Aude” en estudiantes de filosofía de una universidad de Lima, 2021
Authors: Calcín Figueroa Eduardo , Flores-Morales Jorge Alberto , Romero-Vela Sonia Lidia
Published: July 2022

A dos años de la pandemia del COVID-19 la sociedad fue afectada en la salud socio-emocional, especialmente en estudiantes universitarios. El objetivo fue determinar el efecto que tiene la aplicación del programa “Sapere Aude” en la ansiedad en los estudiantes de Filosofía del primer ciclo de una universidad de Lima. La investigación es cuantitativa de diseño cuasi experimental, al cual se aplicó el Test de ansiedad de Zung. La muestra estuvo conformada: grupo A 12 estudiantes y el grupo B control conformado por 14 estudiantes universitarias. Se obtuvo promedios diferenciados por 1,78 en su comparación; así también las diferencias en el estadístico t- Student no fueron significativas (t (24) = ,457; p >.005); con valores superiores al 60 %. La aplicación del programa “Sapere Aude” tuvo un efecto positivo y significativo en el manejo de la ansiedad. Esto permitió tener una mirada interdisciplinaria desde la Filosofía, Teología y Psicología.
Entorno virtual para el aprendizaje de estudiantes de Educación Secundaria Básica: Mirada prospectiva
Authors: Muñoz Cuchca Edward
Published: July 2022

La pandemia a causa del Covid-19, transformó de manera abrupta la forma de enseñar y aprender de maestros y estudiantes. Ante esta situación, surge la alternativa del servicio educativo virtual, saltando a la vista la necesidad de implementar Entornos Virtuales para el Aprendizaje (EVA). El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo, determinar las condiciones para la implementación futura de un EVA a partir de la percepción actual que tienen los estudiantes. Para ello se utilizó un enfoque de investigación mixta, a través de la cual se obtuvieron de manera cuantitativa la percepción sobre los EVA, en una muestra no probabilística intencional de 41 estudiantes de educación secundaria básica, a los que también se les aplicó una entrevista para obtener datos cualitativos complementarios. Los resultados indicaron que los estudiantes tienen una percepción alta del éxito de los entornos virtuales para el aprendizaje por lo que se concluye que existe un escenario propicio para la implementación de EVA, que generen en el futuro aprendizajes híbridos.