bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Gold Film-Coated V-Shape Dual-Core Photonic Crystal Fiber Polarization Beam Splitter Covering the E + S + C + L + U Band
Authors: Qu Yuwei , Yuan Jinhui , Qiu Shi , Zhou Xian , Li Feng , Yan Binbin , Wu Qiang , Wang Kuiru , Sang Xinzhu , Long Keping , Yu Chongxiu
Published: January 2021

In this paper, a novel gold film-coated V-shape dual-core photonic crystal fiber (V-DC-PCF) polarization beam splitter (PBS) based on surface plasmon resonance effect is proposed. The coupling lengths of the X-polarization (X-pol) and Y-polarization (Y-pol) and the corresponding coupling length ratio of the proposed V-DC-PCF PBS without gold film and with gold film are compared. The fiber structure parameters and thickness of the gold film are optimized through investigating their effects on the coupling lengths and coupling length ratio. As the propagation length increases, the normalized output powers of the X-pol and Y-pol of the proposed V-DC-PCF PBS at the three wavelengths 1.610, 1.631, and 1.650 μm are demonstrated. The relationships between the extinction ratio (ER), insertion loss (IL) and wavelength for the three splitting lengths (SLs) 188, 185, and 182 μm are investigated. Finally, it is demonstrated that for the proposed V-DC-PCF PBS, the optimal SL is 188 μm, the ILs of the X-pol and Y-pol are less than 0.22 dB, and the splitting bandwidth (SB) can cover the E + S + C + L + U band. The proposed V-DC-PCF PBS has the ultra-short SL, ultra-wide SB, and ultra-low IL, so it is expected to have important applications in the laser, sensing, and dense wavelength division multiplexing systems.
Evaluation of Indium Tin Oxide for Gas Sensing Applications: Adsorption/Desorption and Electrical Conductivity Studies on Powders and Thick Films
Authors: Dietrich Stefan , Kusnezoff Mihails , Petasch Uwe , Michaelis Alexander
Published: January 2021

By combining results of adsorption/desorption measurements on powders and electrical conductivity studies on thick and thin films, the interaction of indium tin oxide with various ambient gas species and carbon monoxide as potential target gas was studied between room temperature and 700 °C. The results show that the indium tin oxide surfaces exhibit a significant coverage of water-related and carbonaceous adsorbates even at temperatures as high as 600 °C. Specifically carbonaceous species, which are also produced under carbon monoxide exposure, show a detrimental effect on oxygen adsorption and may impair the film’s sensitivity to a variety of target gases if the material is used in gas sensing applications. Consequently, the operating temperature of an ITO based chemoresistive carbon monoxide sensor should be selected within a range where the decomposition and desorption of these species proceeds rapidly, while the surface oxygen coverage is still high enough to provide ample species for target gas interaction.
Compact Dual-Polarized Vivaldi Antenna with High Gain and High Polarization Purity for GPR Applications
Authors: Sun Hai-Han , Lee Yee Hui , Luo Wenhao , Ow Lai Fern , Yusof Mohamed Lokman Mohd , Yucel Abdulkadir C.
Published: January 2021

A compact ultra-wideband dual-polarized Vivaldi antenna is proposed for full polarimetric ground-penetrating radar (GPR) applications. A shared-aperture configuration comprising four Vivaldi elements for orthogonal polarizations is designed to reduce the low-end operating frequency and improve the port isolation with a compact antenna size. The directivity of the antenna is enhanced by the oblique position of the radiators and the implementation of a square loop reflector. Experimental results demonstrate that the antenna has very good impedance matching, port isolation, and dual-polarized radiation performance, with low dispersion characteristics across band of interest from 0.4 GHz to 3.0 GHz. GPR measurements with the designed antenna show that the antenna maintains good detection capability even for objects buried in a highly conductive soil.
Automatic Cephalometric Landmark Identification System Based on the Multi-Stage Convolutional Neural Networks with CBCT Combination Images
Authors: Kim Min-Jung , Liu Yi , Oh Song Hee , Ahn Hyo-Won , Kim Seong-Hun , Nelson Gerald
Published: January 2021

This study was designed to develop and verify a fully automated cephalometry landmark identification system, based on multi-stage convolutional neural networks (CNNs) architecture, using a combination dataset. In this research, we trained and tested multi-stage CNNs with 430 lateral and 430 MIP lateral cephalograms synthesized by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) to make a combination dataset. Fifteen landmarks were manually and respectively identified by experienced examiner, at the preprocessing phase. The intra-examiner reliability was high (ICC = 0.99) in manual identification. The results of prediction of the system for average mean radial error (MRE) and standard deviation (SD) were 1.03 mm and 1.29 mm, respectively. In conclusion, different types of image data might be the one of factors that affect the prediction accuracy of a fully-automated landmark identification system, based on multi-stage CNNs.
Compensation Strategies for Bioelectric Signal Changes in Chronic Selective Nerve Cuff Recordings: A Simulation Study
Authors: Sammut Stephen , Koh Ryan G. L. , Zariffa José
Published: January 2021

Peripheral nerve interfaces (PNIs) allow us to extract motor, sensory, and autonomic information from the nervous system and use it as control signals in neuroprosthetic and neuromodulation applications. Recent efforts have aimed to improve the recording selectivity of PNIs, including by using spatiotemporal patterns from multi-contact nerve cuff electrodes as input to a convolutional neural network (CNN). Before such a methodology can be translated to humans, its performance in chronic implantation scenarios must be evaluated. In this simulation study, approaches were evaluated for maintaining selective recording performance in the presence of two chronic implantation challenges: the growth of encapsulation tissue and rotation of the nerve cuff electrode. Performance over time was examined in three conditions: training the CNN at baseline only, supervised re-training with explicitly labeled data at periodic intervals, and a semi-supervised self-learning approach. This study demonstrated that a selective recording algorithm trained at baseline will likely fail over time due to changes in signal characteristics resulting from the chronic challenges. Results further showed that periodically recalibrating the selective recording algorithm could maintain its performance over time, and that a self-learning approach has the potential to reduce the frequency of recalibration.
Acceleration, Deceleration and Dynamic Stress Load in Elite Hurling: A Between-Quarter and Between-Position Comparison
Authors: Young Damien , Coratella Giuseppe
Published: January 2021

This study described the decrement in accelerations, decelerations and dynamic stress load (DSL) between quarters in elite hurling. GPS (10-Hz) were used to record data from 42 players over 22 games (2018–2020 season). The number of accelerations and decelerations and DSL between quarters were assessed. Accelerations and decelerations were greater in Q1 than Q2 (ES = 0.28 and ES = 0.44, respectively), and Q4 (ES = 0.57 and ES = 0.60, respectively), and in Q3 compared to Q4 (ES = 0.50 and ES = 0.44, respectively). The DSL was 56 ± 21 AU in Q1, 56 ± 20 AU in Q2, 52 ± 20 AU in Q3 and 56 ± 24 AU in Q4. There was a decrease in DSL in Q3 compared to Q1 (ES = −0.20) and Q2 (ES = −0.20). Each position experienced a temporal decrease in at least one quarter (ES = 0.43–1.46) in all metrics except full-backs’, half-backs’ and full forwards’ accelerations, midfielders’ decelerations and midfielders’ and half forwards’ DSL. Current data show temporal decrements in running performance in Q2 and Q4 and DSL in Q3. Players should be conditioned to minimize the drop-off in running performances following the third quarter.
Effect of Green Construction on a Building’s Carbon Emission and Its Price at Materialization
Authors: Zhou Shuangxi , Guo Zhenzhen , Ding Yang , Dong Jingliang , Le Jianming , Fu Jie
Published: January 2021

Buildings consume many resources and generate greenhouse gases during construction. One of the main sources of greenhouse gases is carbon emission associated with buildings. This research is based on the computing rule of carbon emission at the materialization stage. By taking the features of green construction into consideration, quantitative analysis on construction carbon emission was undertaken via Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). Making use of Vensim (a system dynamics software package), we analyzed the amount of carbon emission at the materialization stage and determined the major subsystems affecting the carbon emission, then took into comprehensive consideration the differences of each subsystem’s carbon emission under different construction technologies. Under the mechanism of carbon trade at the materialization stage, the total price of carbon trades remains unchanged, while the trading price of each subsystem is adjusted. Under these conditions, a coefficient for step-wise increases in carbon price was proposed. By establishing such a system of gradient prices, construction companies are encouraged to adopt high-efficiency emission reduction technologies. Meanwhile, the system also provides a reference for the formulation of price-based policies about buildings’ carbon trading, and accelerates the process of energy conservation and emission reduction in China and the world at large.
The Influence of Word-Of-Mouth Referral on Consumers’ Purchase Intention: Experimental Evidence from WeChat
Authors: Yuan Bing , Peluso Alessandro M.
Published: January 2021

Based on the perspective of dual-system information processing, this article explores how word-of-mouth (WOM) referral affects the purchase intentions of consumers with different types of self-construal. Two experimental studies, using WeChat as a research setting, tested the interactive influence of type of WOM referral (economic vs. public welfare) and type of self-construal (independent vs. interdependent) on consumers’ purchase intention toward the referred product and its intermediary mechanism. The results showed that economic (vs. public welfare) WOM referrals, which emphasize a product’s economic benefits, increased the purchase intention of consumers with an independent (vs. interdependent) self-construal, who typically take an individualistic perspective. In contrast, public welfare (vs. economic) WOM referrals, which emphasize the social benefits connected to a company for the community at large, increased the purchase intention of consumers with an interdependent (vs. independent) self-construal, who take a more collectivistic perspective. The results also shed light on the underlying mechanism by showing that different types of self-construal activate different information processing systems in consumers, which mediate consumers’ reaction to different types of WOM referrals. Specifically, economic WOM referrals can inspire consumers with an independent self-construal to engage in more emotional processing, thereby generating higher purchase intentions; in contrast, public welfare WOM referrals can stimulate consumers with an interdependent self-construal to get involved in more cognitive processing, thereby generating higher purchase intentions. These findings contribute to WOM literature and provide practical implications for companies adopting societal marketing strategy and implementing sustainable promotional plans.
A Chatbot System to Support Mine Safety Procedures during Natural Disasters
Authors: Tsai Meng-Han , Chan Hao-Yung , Chan Yi-Lin , Shen Heng-Kuang , Lin Pei-Yi , Hsu Ching-Wen
Published: January 2021

This study developed a chatbot to improve the efficiency of government activation of mine safety procedures during natural disasters. Taiwan has a comprehensive governmental system dedicated to responding to frequent natural disasters, and the Bureau of Mines has instituted clear procedures to ensure the delivery of disaster alarms and damage reports. However, the labor- and time-consumption procedures are inefficient. In this study, we propose a system framework for disaster-related information retrieval and immediate notifications to support the execution of mine safety procedures. The framework utilizes instant messaging (IM) applications as the user interface to look up information and send messages to announce the occurrence of disaster events. We evaluated the efficiency of the procedures before and after adopting the system and achieved a time-cost reduction of 55.8 min among three types of disaster events. The study has proven the feasibility of adopting novel techniques for decision-making and assures the improvement of the efficiency and effectiveness of the procedure activation.
Impact of Municipal Waste Recycling and Renewable Energy Consumption on CO2 Emissions across the European Union (EU) Member Countries
Authors: Bayar Yilmaz , Gavriletea Marius Dan , Sauer Stefan , Paun Dragos
Published: January 2021

The world population maintains a growing trend and in turn, the amount of municipal waste is also increasing. Rising municipal waste quantity poses a challenge for human beings and the environment, therefore recycling becomes important for environmental sustainability and circular economy. This study explores the effects of municipal waste recycling and renewable energy on the environment sustainability proxied by CO2 emissions in EU member states over the period from 2004 to 2017 through panel cointegration and causality analyses. Recycling is considered an efficient way to reduce CO2 emission, but surprisingly our results indicate mixed findings. The causality analysis revealed no significant interaction among recycling rate, renewable energy and CO2 emissions. However, in the long run, the negative impact of recycling and renewable energy use on CO2 emissions were revealed but varied among the countries. Results indicate that increasing renewable energy consumption will play a significant role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. These findings must raise awareness among policymakers that should focus on the adoption and implementation of different types of sustainable energy policies that can affect directly or indirectly renewable energy sector development.
Innovation of Startups, the Key to Unlocking Post-Crisis Sustainable Growth in Romanian Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
Authors: Bărbulescu Oana , Tecău Alina Simona , Munteanu Daniel , Constantin Cristinel Petrişor
Published: January 2021

This paper aims at identifying the entrepreneurial opportunities for establishing innovative startups during and post COVID-19 crisis. To reach this goal, we conducted an exploratory study based on semi-structured interviews with 168 students who intend to involve themselves in entrepreneurship in their future career. The research started from the debates in literature regarding the huge negative impact of the COVID-19 crisis on economic development, which can jeopardize the achievement of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The research findings confirm the results of other studies regarding the vulnerability of startups during crises, the reason why they have to refocus on innovative businesses, especially based on information and communication technology (ICT). Such businesses are considered incentives of sustainable development. Other ideas highlighted the importance of social entrepreneurship for the management of startups. It means that startups should develop strong relationships with employees but also with other stakeholders, like companies in the same industry, the public sector, academia, and citizens. In addition, changing the business culture aiming at developing green business could be an inexpensive solution for developing a sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem. These empirical results have implications for both business and the academic environment, which should cooperate in order to overcome the crisis. Such an approach could be used in the long run in order to manage other crises and to develop sustainable business.
Photogrammetry and 3D Printing for Marble Statues Replicas: Critical Issues and Assessment
Authors: Bonora Valentina , Tucci Grazia , Meucci Adele , Pagnini Bernardo
Published: January 2021

A project for realizing replicas of a couple of marble statues starting from reality-based 3D models is being presented in this paper. On the crowning element of the baptistry, consecrated to San Giovanni in Corte in Pistoia (Italy), there were originally a couple of marble statues that, in the 1980s, were removed to preserve them better and to avoid security issues. Recently, the Superintendence started a project aimed to reproduce both statues with additive manufacturing techniques. High-resolution 3D models are required for supporting the replica process. This project takes advantage of the structure from motion (SfM) technique to produce reality-based models and fused deposition modeling (FDM) to 3D print the replicas. This paper presents an overview of the potential of additive manufacturing systems in the field of cultural heritage conservation and describes all the phases of the project, up to the evaluation of the correspondence between the original and the copy.
A Methodological Comparison of Three Models for Gully Erosion Susceptibility Mapping in the Rural Municipality of El Faid (Morocco)
Authors: Azedou Ali , Lahssini Said , Khattabi Abdellatif , Meliho Modeste , Rifai Nabil
Published: January 2021

Erosion is the main threat to sustainable water and soil management in Morocco. Located in the Souss-Massa watershed, the rural municipality of El Faid remains an area where gully erosion is a major factor involved in soil degradation and flooding. The aim of this study is to predict the spatial distribution of gully erosion at the scale of this municipality and to evaluate the predictive capacity of three prediction methods (frequency ratio (FR), logistic regression (LR), and random forest (RF)) for the characterization of gullying vulnerability. Twelve predisposing factors underlying gully formation were considered and mapped (elevation, slope, aspect, plane curvature, slope length (SL), stream power index (SPI), composite topographic index (CTI), land use, topographic wetness index (TWI), normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), lithology, and vegetation cover (C factor). Furthermore, 894 gullies were digitized using high-resolution imagery. Seventy-five percent of the gullies were randomly selected and used as a training dataset, whereas the remaining 25% were used for validation purposes. The prediction accuracy was evaluated using area under the curve (AUC). Results showed that the factor that most contributed to the prevalence of gullying was topographic (slope, CTI, LS). Furthermore, the fitted models revealed that the RF model had a better prediction quality, with the best AUC (91.49%). The produced maps represent a valuable tool for sustainable management, land conservation, and protecting human lives against natural hazards (floods).
Tradition and Sustainability in Vernacular Architecture of Southeast Morocco
Authors: Gil-Piqueras Teresa , Rodríguez-Navarro Pablo
Published: January 2021

This article is presented after ten years of research on the earthen architecture of southeastern Morocco, more specifically that of the natural axis connecting the cities of Midelt and Er-Rachidia, located North and South of the Moroccan northern High Atlas. The typology studied is called ksar (ksour, pl.). Throughout various research projects, we have been able to explore this territory, documenting in field sheets the characteristics of a total of 30 ksour in the Outat valley, 20 in the mountain range and 53 in the Mdagra oasis. The objective of the present work is to analyze, through qualitative and quantitative data, the main characteristics of this vernacular architecture as a perfect example of an environmentally respectful habitat, obtaining concrete data on its traditional character and its sustainability. The methodology followed is based on case studies and, as a result, we have obtained a typological classification of the ksour of this region and their relationship with the territory, as well as the social, functional, defensive, productive, and building characteristics that define them. Knowing and puttin in value this vernacular heritage is the first step towards protecting it and to show our commitment to future generations.
Environmentally Motivated Travel Reduction: The Effects of Availability, Herding Bias, and Self-Monitoring
Authors: Ghorban Nejad Shiva , Hansen Håvard
Published: January 2021

Asking consumers to consume less, or to travel less, does not necessarily make them do so and is, therefore, a key challenge for public policy-makers and green marketers. In this paper, we scrutinize the effect of intuitive decisions/judgments as well as personality differences on consumers’ intentions to consume less. More specifically, we study how the availability heuristic, herding biases, and self-monitoring influence environmentally motivated consumption reduction (EMCR) in a tourism context. Drawing on EMCR and a heuristics-and-biases approach, we present an experimental study designed to test how availability (high vs. low information availability), herding behavior (herd present vs. no herd), and high vs. low self-monitoring influence consumers’ intentions to travel less in the future. The results suggest that the existence of a herd influence environmentally motivated travel reductions. Also, high self-monitors are more capable of sensing the eco-friendly direction of the public opinion in general, and adjust their behavior to align with this, than individuals with a lower self-monitoring tendency. Finally, there is a positive interaction between herding bias and self-monitoring, while we found no significant effect of the availability heuristic on the environmentally motivated travel reduction. The implications of the results and future research avenues are discussed.
Dyson’s Equations for Quantum Gravity in the Hartree–Fock Approximation
Authors: Hamber Herbert W. , Yu Lu Heng Sunny
Published: January 2021

Unlike scalar and gauge field theories in four dimensions, gravity is not perturbatively renormalizable and as a result perturbation theory is badly divergent. Often the method of choice for investigating nonperturbative effects has been the lattice formulation, and in the case of gravity the Regge–Wheeler lattice path integral lends itself well for that purpose. Nevertheless, lattice methods ultimately rely on extensive numerical calculations, leaving a desire for alternate methods that can be pursued analytically. In this work, we outline the Hartree–Fock approximation to quantum gravity, along lines which are analogous to what is done for scalar fields and gauge theories. The starting point is Dyson’s equations, a closed set of integral equations which relate various physical amplitudes involving graviton propagators, vertex functions, and proper self-energies. Such equations are in general difficult to solve, and as a result they are not very useful in practice, but nevertheless provide a basis for subsequent approximations. This is where the Hartree–Fock approximation comes in, whereby lowest order diagrams get partially dressed by the use of fully interacting Green’s function and self-energies, which then lead to a set of self-consistent integral equations. The resulting nonlinear equations for the graviton self-energy show some remarkable features that clearly distinguish it from the scalar and gauge theory cases. Specifically, for quantum gravity one finds a nontrivial ultraviolet fixed point in Newton’s constant G for spacetime dimensions greater than two, and nontrivial scaling dimensions between d=2 and d=4, above which one obtains Gaussian exponents. In addition, the Hartree–Fock approximation gives an explicit analytic expression for the renormalization group running of Newton’s constant, suggesting gravitational antiscreening with Newton’s constant slowly increasing on cosmological scales.
Gravitational Dynamics—A Novel Shift in the Hamiltonian Paradigm
Authors: Ashtekar Abhay , Varadarajan Madhavan
Published: January 2021

It is well known that Einstein’s equations assume a simple polynomial form in the Hamiltonian framework based on a Yang-Mills phase space. We re-examine the gravitational dynamics in this framework and show that time evolution of the gravitational field can be re-expressed as (a gauge covariant generalization of) the Lie derivative along a novel shift vector field in spatial directions. Thus, the canonical transformation generated by the Hamiltonian constraint acquires a geometrical interpretation on the Yang-Mills phase space, similar to that generated by the diffeomorphism constraint. In classical general relativity this geometrical interpretation significantly simplifies calculations and also illuminates the relation between dynamics in the ‘integrable’ (anti)self-dual sector and in the full theory. For quantum gravity, it provides a point of departure to complete the Dirac quantization program for general relativity in a more satisfactory fashion. This gauge theory perspective may also be helpful in extending the ‘double copy’ ideas relating the Einstein and Yang-Mills dynamics to a non-perturbative regime. Finally, the notion of generalized, gauge covariant Lie derivative may also be of interest to the mathematical physics community as it hints at some potentially rich structures that have not been explored.
Oral Vaccination of Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) with Baculovirus-Expressed Grass Carp Reovirus (GCRV) Proteins Induces Protective Immunity against GCRV Infection
Authors: Mu Changyong , Zhong Qiwang , Meng Yan , Zhou Yong , Jiang Nan , Liu Wenzhi , Li Yiqun , Xue Mingyang , Zeng Lingbing , Vakharia Vikram N. , Fan Yuding
Published: January 2021

The grass carp reovirus (GCRV) causes severe hemorrhagic disease with high mortality and leads to serious economic losses in the grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) industry in China. Oral vaccine has been proven to be an effective method to provide protection against fish viruses. In this study, a recombinant baculovirus BmNPV-VP35-VP4 was generated to express VP35 and VP4 proteins from GCRV type Ⅱ via Bac-to-Bac baculovirus expression system. The expression of recombinant VP35-VP4 protein (rVP35-VP4) in Bombyx mori embryo cells (BmE) and silkworm pupae was confirmed by Western blotting and immunofluorescence assay (IFA) after infection with BmNPV-VP35-VP4. To vaccinate the grass carp by oral route, the silkworm pupae expressing the rVP35-VP4 proteins were converted into a powder after freeze-drying, added to artificial feed at 5% and fed to grass carp (18 ± 1.5 g) for six weeks, and the immune response and protective efficacy in grass carp after oral vaccination trial was thoroughly investigated. This included blood cell counting and classification, serum antibody titer detection, immune-related gene expression and the relative percent survival rate in immunized grass carp. The results of blood cell counts show that the number of white blood cells in the peripheral blood of immunized grass carp increased significantly from 14 to 28 days post-immunization (dpi). The differential leukocyte count of neutrophils and monocytes were significantly higher than those in the control group at 14 dpi. Additionally, the number of lymphocytes increased significantly and reached a peak at 28 dpi. The serum antibody levels were significantly increased at Day 14 and continued until 42 days post-vaccination. The mRNA expression levels of immune-related genes (IFN-1, TLR22, IL-1β, MHC I, Mx and IgM) were significantly upregulated in liver, spleen, kidney and hindgut after immunization. Four weeks post-immunization, fish were challenged with virulent GCRV by intraperitoneal injection. The results of this challenge study show that orally immunized group exhibited a survival rate of 60% and relative percent survival (RPS) of 56%, whereas the control group had a survival rate of 13% and RPS of 4%. Taken together, our results demonstrate that the silkworm pupae powder containing baculovirus-expressed VP35-VP4 proteins could induce both non-specific and specific immune responses and protect grass carp against GCRV infection, suggesting it could be used as an oral vaccine.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN ECONOMY AND POLICY NOWADAYS. ARTICLE 3. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN RUSSIAN AND FOREIGN PUBLIC POLICY
Authors: Leksin V.N.
Published: January 2021

The third and final article of the three-part series of articles «Artificial intelligence in the economy and politics of our time» (the first and second articles of the series were published in the fourth and fifth issues of the journal for this year, respectively) presents the results of a study of the goals, motivations and specifics of the adoption of national strategies to support the development of artificial intelligence in different countries. It is shown that such a strategy in Russia is based on the idea of the most important role of using artificial intelligence in solving the most complex economic, social, and military-political problems of the country. Differences in conceptual approaches to the development of research and practical use of artificial intelligence developments in the national strategies of the largest countries of the world — the United States, China and India.
Integrated cardiovascular risk management programme versus usual care in patients at high cardiovascular risk: an observational study in general practice
Authors: Marchal Suzanne , van 't Hof Arnoud WJ , Bilo Henk JG , Deijns Sander J , Heeg Jan Evert , Schoenmakers Marieke , Schouwink Michiel , Schwantje Olof , Bots Michiel L , Hoes Arno W , Hollander Monika
Published: January 2021

Background

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide. Despite the impact of CVDs, risk factors are often insufficiently controlled in patients at high risk. Recently, integrated multidisciplinary cardiovascular risk management (CVRM) programmes have been introduced in primary care.

Aim

To investigate the effects of a CVRM programme on systolic blood pressure (SBP) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol.

Design & setting

A prospective observational study was undertaken in patients at high cardiovascular (CV) risk who were aged 40–80 years. Integrated CVRM care was compared with usual care in general practice in the Netherlands.

Method

Intervention and usual care patients were matched at baseline on age, sex, and presence of CVD. During 1 year of follow-up, patients received integrated or usual CVRM care in general practice. Primary outcomes were SBP and LDL-cholesterol. Secondary outcomes included calculated 10-year CV risk, body mass index (BMI), lifestyle (smoking, physical activity, and dietary habits), medication use, patient satisfaction, healthcare consumption, morbidity, comorbidity, and mortality. Mixed-model analyses were used to assess the outcomes.

Results

Totals of 372 and 317 patients were included in the intervention and usual care group, respectively. Mean age at baseline was 65.1 years and 66.2 years, respectively, and 42% were female in both groups. After 1 year, no differences were observed in: SBP (137.2 mmHg versus 139.0 mmHg in the intervention and usual care group, respectively); LDL-cholesterol (2.6 mmol/l in both groups); or in any of the secondary outcomes.

Conclusion

Integrated CVRM care in general practice did not lead to a lower SBP or LDL-cholesterol in patients at high CV risk. Further research is needed to improve CVRM.
Hubungan Pola Makan Dan Self Image Dengan Status Gizi Remaja Putri SMA (15-18 Tahun)
Authors: Alinengsih Wahyuni , Hadju Veni , Aminuddin Aminuddin , Hamid Firdaus , Arifuddin Sharvianty , Bahar Burhanuddin
Published: January 2021

Objektif: Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui hubungan antara pola makan dan self image dengan status gizi pada remaja putri SMA (15-18 tahun) di Kecamatan Polongbangkeng Utara Kabupaten Takalar.

Metode: Desain penelitian adalah cross sectional study dengan penelitian sebanyak 170 siswa yang diambil dengan tehnik purposive sampling pada remaja putri SMA umur 15-18 tahun di SMA 6 dan SMA 11 Polongbangkeng Utara Kabupaten Takalar  dengan menggunakan kuesioner, pengukuran antropometri, dan penimbangan kadar lemak, pada bulan September-Oktober 2019. Penelitian ini diuji menggunakan analisis Uji Chi Square.

Hasil : Hasil analisis menunjukkan antara karakteristik remaja yaitu umur, pendidikan orangtua dan penghasilan orangtua tidak terdapat hubungan dengan status gizi remaja, hasil uji statistik pola makan dengan status gizi berdasarkan IMT (p=0.133>α=0.05), self Image dengan status gizi berdasarkan IMT (p=0.86>α=0.05), pola makan dengan status gizi berdasarkan kadar lemak (p=0.333>α=0.05), antara self image dengan status gizi berdasarkan kadar lemak (p=0.869>α=0.05), dan antara IMT dengan kadar lemak (p=<0.001<α=0.05).

Kata Kunci: Pola makan, Self Image, Status Gizi
PENGEMBANGAN DAN EVALUASI PROGRAM KONSELING GIZI INTENSIF PADA IBU HAMIL DALAM MENINGKATKAN KUALITAS DIET
Authors: Pamilangan Natalia Rorrong , Aminuddin Aminuddin , Bukhari Agussalim , Hadju Veni , Usman Andi Nilawati , As’ad Suryani
Published: January 2021

Kualitas Diet ibu hamil penting untuk kesehatan ibu, pertumbuhan dan perkembangan janin. Intervensi konseling gizi efektif untuk mencegah komplikasi terhadap ibu dan janin. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui perbedaan kualitas diet ibu hamil pada kelompok perlakuan dan kelompok kontrol, mengetahui perbedaan kualitas diet ibu hamil sebelum dan sesudah diberikan konseling gizi intensif menggunakan media leaflet. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian quasi eksperimen dengan pendekatan pre post control group one design. Penelitian ini dilakukan di Puskesmas Polongbangkeng Utara Kabupaten Takalar. Teknik pengambilan sampel menggunakan metode simple random sampling. Sampel dalam penelitian adalah ibu hamil trimester I-III yang memenuhi kriteria inklusi dan ekslusi. Kelompok yang mendapatkan konseling gizi intensif 35 orang dan kelompok tanpa konseling gizi intensif 35 orang. Konseling gizi intensif diberikan oleh peneliti dengan alat bantu media leaflet selanjutnya pendampingan dengan target enam kali sesi/pertemuan selama 45 menit. Setiap 7 (tujuh) hari akan dilakukan kembali penilaian kualitas diet per individu Responden mencatat makanan yang dikonsumsi dalam URT (Ukuran Rumah Tangga) atau gram, kemudian peneliti memperkirakan/estimasi URT (estimated food record) kedalam ukuran berat (gram). Perhitungan kualitas diet dihitung dengan menggunakan software Nutrisurvey 2007. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan terdapat perbedaan kualitas diet ibu hamil pada kelompok perlakuan dan kelompok kontrol dengan nilai p=0.002 < 0,05. Hasil uji statistik menggunakan wilcoxon menunjukkan terdapat perbedaan kualitas diet ibu hamil sebelum dan sesudah diberikan intervensi konseling gizi intensif (p<0.05). Konseling gizi intensif menggunakan media leaflet dapat meningkatkan kualitas diet ibu hamil.
The concept of an open dynamic system
Authors:   Institute of Mathematical Machines and Systems Problems of the Ukraine National Academy of Science, Reznik O.M.
Published: January 2021

The concept of an open dynamical system as a general model of the development of systems and processes of various nature is proposed. It is based on a new interpretation of M. Mesarovich’s theorem on the decomposition of the Universum, and the concept of observation as an asymmetric relation corresponding to the movement of basis elements of a set of states of a dynamical system between its external and internal space. The element of the basis, according to the concept of geometrodynamics, exists as a vortex in an empty curved internal space of a dynamical system, or as an elementary particle that transfers a quantum of energy when observed. An open dynamical system is defined as a finite dynamical system exchanging observations with the environment, divided into local, representing an inverse dynamical system, and external, where external observations come from. In the intervals between external observations, it exists as a conservative dynamical system. It is regarded the evolution of dynamic systems in the process of expansion and cooling of the Universe: the appearance of elementary particles and atoms, the formation of complex molecules and chain macromolecules, the appearance of living cells, the formation of multicellular organisms, the nervous system and the brain, the appearance of a human and the intellect, the development of society and civilization. With the emergence of life, open dynamic systems became distributed and perform the functions of natural selection of members of the population, and after the appearance of intelligence and the formation of society, they realize social intelligence and become virtual. Threats of uncontrolled behavior of virtual systems, in particular digital artificial intelligence systems, which can neglect the discreteness of space-time due to the use in their design of the classical model of infinitesimal, which do not exist due to the discreteness of space-time, are considered. The incompatibility of the classical model with the discrete model of an open dynamic system is an urgent scientific problem that requires further study.
Importance of Nano Medicine and New Drug Therapies for Cancer
Authors: Abdolmaleki Arash , Asadi Asadollah , Gurushankar Krishnamoorthy , Karimi Shayan Tahereh , Abedi Sarvestani Fatemeh
Published: January 2021

Cancer is one of the deadly diseases leading to approximately 7.6 million deaths worldwide, with the mortality rate of 13%, and the number of deaths is expected to increase to 13.1 million within the next 10 years. In controlled drug delivery systems (DDS), the drug is transported to the desired location. Thus, the influence of drugs on vital tissues and undesirable side effects can be minimised. Additionally, DDS protects the drug from rapid degradation or clearance and enhances drug concentration in target tissues, and therefore, minimise the required dose of drug. This modern form of therapy is particularly important when there is a discrepancy between the dose and concentration of a drug. Cell-specific targeting can be achieved by attaching drugs to individually designed carriers. Recent developments in nanotechnology have shown that nanoparticles (particles with diameter < 100 nm in at least one dimension) have great potential as drug carriers. Because of their small size, these nanostructures exhibit unique physicochemical and biological properties that make them a favourable material for biomedical applications. Therefore, in this review, we aimed to describe the importance and types of nanomedicines and efficient ways in which new drug delivery systems for the treatment of cancer can be developed.
Antibacterial Activities of Phytofabricated ZnO and CuO NPs by Mentha pulegium Leaf/flower Mixture Extract against Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria
Authors: Alavi Mehran , Dehestaniathar Saeed , Mohammadi Shadieh , Maleki Afshin , Karimi Naser
Published: January 2021

Purpose: In this study, leaf/flower aqueous extract of medicinal plant species Mentha pulegium was used to synthesize ZnO and CuO nanoparticles (NPs) as a cost-effective, one-step, and eco-friendly method. Methods: Physicochemical properties of both metal oxide NPs (MONPs) were determined by UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier-Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) techniques. Results: Phytofabricated ZnONPs and CuNPs illustrated 65.02±7.55 and 26.92±4.7 nm with antibacterial activities against antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Higher antibacterial activities were observed for CuONPs compared with ZnONPs. Conclusion: Large surface area and more reactivity resulted from smaller size as well as higher production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were considered to antibacterial efficiency of CuONPs against antibiotic-resistant E. coli and S. aureus.
Prophylactic and Therapeutic Effects of MOG-Conjugated PLGA Nanoparticles in C57Bl/6 Mouse Model of Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Gholamzad Mehrdad , Baharlooi Hussein , Shafiee Ardestani Mehdi , Seyedkhan Zeinab , Azimi Maryam
Published: January 2021

Purpose: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a debilitating neuroinflammatory disorder of the central nervous system. It is believed to result from an impaired immune response against myelin components especially myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG). Some efforts have been made to bioconjugate the MOG peptides to tolerogenic particles like poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) for treating animal models of autoimmune disorders. Accordingly, we aimed to elucidate the tolerogenic effects of MOG-PLGA particles on experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Methods: PGLA nanoparticles were synthesized using water/oil/water procedure. Next, the MOG or ovalbumin (OVA) peptides covalently linked to the PLGA particles. These particles were then intravenously or subcutaneously administered to nine groups of C57BL/6 mice before and after EAE induction. The brain tissues were assessed for the infiltration of immune cells. The Tolerogenic effect of the vaccine was also assessed on the quantity of the Treg cells. Moreover, the amount of interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and interleukin-17 levels produced by splenic lymphocytes were then quantified by ELISA. Results: Intravenous administration of PLGA500-MOG35-55 nanoparticles before EAE induction ameliorated EAE clinical scores as well as infiltration of immune cells into the brain. In the spleen, the treatment increased CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ Treg population and restored the homeostasis of IFN-γ, IL-10, and IL-17 (all p values <0.0001) among splenocytes. Conclusion: The conjugation of MOG peptides to the PLGA nanoparticles significantly recovered clinical symptoms and the autoimmune response of EAE. The MOG-PGLA particles are potentially valuable for further evaluations, hopefully progressing toward an optimal approach that can be translated to the clinic.
­­­­Evaluation of Design and Fabrication of Food-Grade Nanofibers from Chitosan-Gelatin for Nanoencapsulation of Stigmasterol Using the Electrospinning Method
Authors: Mousavi Mir-Michael , Torbati Mohammadali , Farshi Parastou , Hosseini Hedayat , Aman Mohammadi Masoud , Hosseini Seyede Marzieh , Hosseinzadeh Simzar
Published: January 2021

Purpose: In this research, electrospinning method was employed to fabricate food-grade nanofibers (NFs) from chitosan-gelatin combination for stigmasterol encapsulation. The spinnability of mixed chitosan and gelatin solutions was investigated at different polymer ratios, and the physicochemical properties of the NFs were evaluated. Methods: The mixture solution of chitosan (1.5 % w/v) and gelatin (20 % w/v) in acetic acid indicated spinnability under the following conditions: the ratio of 25:75, voltage of 17 kV, and 15 cm capillary collector distance with a flow rate of 0.2 mL/min. Stigmasterol (0.04 % w/v) was incorporated into NFs of chitosan-gelatin at a respective ratio of 25:75. Results: Encapsulation efficiency (EE) of loaded stigmasterol was found to be 87 ± 5 %. The antioxidant ability of loaded stigmasterol was considerably higher than that observed for free stigmasterol. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results demonstrated the formation of the ultrathin fibers with no bead (with diameters of 217 ± 43 nm). The concentration of polymeric solution and viscosity had a notable effect on the electrospinning efficiency of the chitosan-gelatin-based nanofibers. The thermal stability of chitosan and gelatin fibers was more than that of native gelatin and chitosan. The in vitro stigmasterol release from these nanofibers followed a controlled-release pattern. The released phytosterol from chitosan formula was less than from those without chitosan formula (46 ± 3 % and 96 ± 4 % respectively). Conclusion: The obtained results suggested that gelatin had a high potential for enhancing the spinnability of chitosan under acidic conditions at optimized concentrations.
Optimization of Influential Variables in the Development of Buprenorphine and Bupivacaine Loaded Invasome for Dermal Delivery
Authors: Babaie Soraya , Taghvimi Arezou , Charkhpour Mohammad , Zarebkohan Amir , Keyhanvar Peyman , Hamishehkar Hamed
Published: January 2021

Purpose: Hydrophilic drugs are extensively applied in clinical applications. Inadequate dermal penetration of these drugs is a great challenge. Incorporation of drugs into nano-carrier systems overcomes lower penetration drawbacks. Invasomes are novel nano-carrier systems which enhance transdermal penetration by using terpene and ethanol in their structures. buprenorphine and bupivacaine hydrochlorides are two potent analgesic drugs that are loaded simultaneously in the nano-invasome structure as opioid and non-opioid drugs. Methods: The full factorial experimental design was used for planning and estimating optimum formulations of invasome systems. Three influential factors like terpene type, terpene concentration and preparation method were comprehensively analyzed for achieving high encapsulation efficiency and optimum size. Results: The mean sizes of designed invasomes were in the range of 0.39-5.86 µm and high values of EE and LC were reported as 98.77 and 19.75 for buprenorphine-loaded invasome, respectively. Zeta potential measurements confirmed that the obtained high value of EE might be as a result of reversible ionic interactions between positively charged drugs and negatively charged phospholipidic part of invasome structure. Another characterization of the prepared formulations was carried out by FTIR, XRD and DLS technique. Conclusion: The satisfactory obtained results of formulations encourage researchers to get optimum topical analgesic formulations with potent and rapid onset time properties required in invasive cutaneous procedures.
Identification of Novel Mutations in Arabidopsis thaliana DOF 4.2 Coding Gene
Authors: Jamshidi Kandjani Omid , Rahbar-Shahrouziasl Mahdieh , Alizadeh Ali Akbar , Hamzeh-Mivehroud Maryam , Dastmalchi Siavoush
Published: January 2021

Purpose: DOF (DNA-binding with One Finger) proteins are plant-specific transcription factors which mediate numerous biological processes. The purpose of the current study is to report new naturally occurring mutations in the gene encoding for one of the members of DOF proteins named DOF 4.2. Methods: The expression of zinc finger domain of DOF 4.2 (DOF 4.2-ZF) was investigated by first synthesis of cDNA library using different parts of Arabidopsis thaliana plant. Then the coding sequence for zinc finger domain of DOF 4.2 protein was prepared using nested PCR experiment and cloned into pGEX-6P-1 expression vector. Finally, the prepared construct was used for protein expression. Furthermore, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation was carried out to predict DNA binding affinity of DOF 4.2-ZF using AMBER package. Results: For the first time a new variant of DOF 4.2-ZF protein with three mutations was detected. One of the mutations is silent while the other two mutations lead to amino acid replacement (S18G) as well as introduction of a stop codon ultimately resulting in a truncated protein production. In order to investigate whether the truncated form is able to recognize DNA binding motif, MD simulations were carried out and the results showed that the chance of binding of DOF 4.2-ZF protein to cognate DNA in its truncated form is very low. Conclusion: The findings demonstrated that the observed mutations adversely affect the DNA binding ability of the truncated form of DOF4.2 if it is expressed in the mutant variant of A. thaliana used in this study.