bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eutrophication factor analysis using Carlson trophic state index (CTSI) towards non-algal impact reservoirs in Taiwan
Authors: Lin Jr-Lin , Karangan Arthur , Huang Ying Min , Kang Shyh-Fang
Published: April 2022

Carlson trophic state index (CTSI) has been commonly adopted to assess the eutrophication potential of reservoirs or lakes in water quality management. This study aims to analyze the influential factors of CTSI-based eutrophication by using Pearson correlation analysis and principal component analysis with long-term data from 2008 to 2019 on 21 drinking water reservoirs in Taiwan. The trophic state index (TSI) deviation indicates that most drinking water reservoirs, around 45.5% of statistical data fall within non-algal turbidity with surplus phosphorus, especially in the spring and winter season. Besides, about 78% of total collected data show that TSI chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) is less than TSI Secchi depth (SD) due to the small particulate predominance. On the other hand, three TSI variables (SD, total phosphorus (TP) and Chl-a) of CTSI exhibits insignificant correlation to each other in most cases. Under such conditions, the probability of eutrophication (TSI > 50) based on TSI (SD) is 63%, while it is low as 20% based on TSI (TP) and TSI (Chl-a). The influencing factors of eutrophication variables by suspended solids (SS) composition and turbidity have shown that the SD is strongly influenced by non-algal SS. The deviations of three TSI have shown that the highest algae-induced eutrophication potential occurs in summer season. In addition, the TP is the most significant loading factor of algae-induced eutrophication for drinking water reservoirs. It is concluded that the CTSI has limited applicability to identify the trophic state of drinking water reservoirs in Taiwan in the presence of sustainable non-algal turbidity comparative Chl-a that specifically represents the potential of algal growth.
Clustering free-falling paper motion with complexity and entropy
Authors: Pessa Arthur A. B. , Perc Matjaž , Ribeiro Haroldo V.
Published: April 2022

Many simple natural phenomena are characterized by complex motion that appears random at first glance, but that often displays underlying patterns and behavior that can be clustered in groups. The movement of small pieces of paper falling through the air is one of these systems whose complete mathematical description seems unworkable. Understanding these types of motion thus demands automated experimentation capable of producing large datasets covering different behaviors —a task that has become feasible only recently with advances in computer vision and machine learning methods. Here we use one of these datasets related to the motion of free-falling paper with different shapes to propose an information-theoretical approach that automatically clusters different types of behavior. We evaluate the permutation entropy and statistical complexity from time series related to the observable area of free-falling paper pieces captured by a video camera. We find that chaotic and tumbling motions have a distinct average degree of entropy and complexity, allowing us to accurately discriminate between these two types of behavior with a simple unsupervised machine learning algorithm. Our method has a performance comparable to other approaches based on physical quantities but does not depend on reconstructing the three-dimensional falling trajectory.
The Long-Term Consequences of a Golden Nest: Socioeconomic Status in Childhood and the Age at Leaving Home
Authors: Angelini Viola , Bertoni Marco , Weber Guglielmo
Published: April 2022

The age at leaving the parental home has significant implications for social and economic outcomes across the life course, highlighting the importance of examining nest-leaving patterns. We study the role of childhood standard of living on the age at nest leaving. Using data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), we show empirically that individuals who grow up in families with a higher socioeconomic status—that is, in a golden nest—leave the parental home later than others. Given that better-off individuals tend to obtain more education, and that young adults generally leave the parental home after completing their education, we also find that a higher level of education delays nest leaving. Nonetheless, the positive relationship between socioeconomic status and nest-leaving age still holds for given education levels, across European countries characterized by different cultural traits, for both males and females, and among urban and rural residents. We use a three-period life cycle model to show that this behavior is consistent with standard assumptions about preferences and resources if earnings increase with age. Moreover, habit-forming preferences that assume that utility depends on the gap between current and past consumption reinforce the delaying effect of a golden nest on nest leaving.
Protocol for a Multicenter, Prospective, Observational Pilot Study on the Implementation of Resource-Stratified Algorithms for the Treatment of Severe Traumatic Brain Injury Across Four Treatment Phases: Prehospital, Emergency Department, Neurosurgery, and Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Griswold Dylan P. , Carney Nancy , Ballarini Nicolas M. , Fernandez Laura L. , Kolias Angelos , Hutchinson Peter J. , Rubiano Andres M.
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND:

Severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) is a public health issue with great disparity among low- and middle-income countries where the implementation of evidence-based guidelines is challenging because resources are often unavailable. A consensus process including experts in the prehospital, emergency department, neurosurgery, and intensive care unit took place in Colombia to develop a set of stratified protocols called BOOTStraP, targeting resource-poor environments, but it has not been systematically implemented and tested.

OBJECTIVE:

To identify the facilitators of, and barriers to, collecting data about patients with sTBI and to implement a stratified protocol across the treatment phases of prehospital, emergency department, neurosurgery, and intensive care unit in low-resource settings. We also aim to identify a possible association between adherence to these protocols and outcomes for these patients.

METHODS:

A prospective, observational, before and after, pilot study will be performed in three phases as follows: before implementation, implementation, and after implementation. The BOOTStraP protocols will be implemented in three Colombian centers.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES:

We expect to find numerous barriers during the implementation phase. We also expect moderate adherence to the protocols. However, we expect to find an increase in the survival rate to hospital discharge and an improvement in neurological outcomes at discharge.

DISCUSSION:

This pilot study will serve as a first step to identify variables that are critical to successful implementation, to be considered for the design of a future large-scale international study to measure the effectiveness of resource-based protocols and to improve outcomes from sTBI.
Awake Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery Without Intraoperative Imaging Is Accurate and Effective: A Case Series
Authors: Hodge Johnie O. , Cook Piper , Brandmeir Nicholas J.
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND:

The success of deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery depends on the accuracy of electrode placement. Several factors can affect this such as brain shift, the quality of preoperative planning, and technical factors. It is crucial to determine whether techniques yield accurate lead placement and effective symptom relief. Many of the studies establishing the accuracy of frameless techniques used intraoperative imaging to further refine lead placement.

OBJECTIVE:

To determine whether awake lead placement without intraoperative imaging can achieve similar minimal targeting error while preserving clinical results.

METHODS:

Eighty-two trajectories in 47 patients who underwent awake, frameless DBS lead placement with the Fred Haer Corporation STarFix system for essential tremor or Parkinson's disease were analyzed. Neurological testing during lead placement was used to determine appropriate lead locations, and no intraoperative imaging was performed. Accuracy data were compared with previously performed studies.

RESULTS:

The Euclidean error for the patient cohort was 1.79 ± 1.02 mm, and the Pythagorean error was 1.40 ± 0.95 mm. The percentage symptom improvement evaluated by the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale for Parkinson's disease or the Fahn–Tolosa–Marin scale for essential tremor was similar to reported values at 58% ± 17.2% and 67.4% ± 24.7%, respectively. The operative time was 95.0 ± 30.3 minutes for all study patients.

CONCLUSION:

Awake, frameless DBS surgery with the Fred Haer Corporation STarFix system does not require intraoperative imaging for stereotactic accuracy or clinical effectiveness.
Fast stretching of skeletal muscle fibres abolishes residual force enhancement
Authors: Liu Shuyue , Joumaa Venus , Herzog Walter
Published: April 2022

The steady-state isometric force of a muscle after active stretching is greater than the steady-state force for a purely isometric contraction at the same length and activation level. The mechanisms underlying this property, termed residual force enhancement (rFE), remain unknown. When myofibrils are actively stretched while cross-bridge cycling is inhibited, rFE is substantially reduced, suggesting that cross-bridge cycling is essential to produce rFE. Our purpose was to further investigate the role of cross-bridge cycling in rFE by investigating whether fast stretching that causes cross-bridge slipping is associated with a loss of rFE. Skinned fibre bundles from rabbit psoas muscles were stretched slowly (0.08 µm s−1) or rapidly (800 µm s−1) while activated, from an average sarcomere length of 2.4 to 3.2 µm. Force was enhanced by 38±4% (mean±s.e.m) after the slow stretches but was not enhanced after the fast stretches, suggesting that proper cross-bridge cycling is required to produce rFE.
Mentoring and the Dynamics of Affirmative Action
Authors: Müller-Itten Michèle , Öry Aniko
Published: April 2022

We analyze the long-term workforce composition when the quality of mentoring available to majority and minority juniors depends on their representation in the workforce. A workforce with at least 50 percent majority workers invariably converges to one where the majority is overrepresented relative to the population. To maximize welfare, persistent interventions, such as group-specific fellowships, are often needed, and the optimal workforce may include minority workers of lower innate talent than the marginal majority worker. We discuss the role of mentorship determinants, talent dispersion, the scope of short-term interventions, various policy instruments and contrast our results to the classic fairness narrative. (JEL I20, J15, J16, J24)
The Electric Gini: Income Redistribution through Energy Prices
Authors: Levinson Arik , Silva Emilson
Published: April 2022

In theory, regulators concerned about inequality will deviate from efficient two-part tariffs, charging lower-than-efficient fixed monthly fees and higher-than-efficient per-kilowatt-hour prices. To quantify that relationship, we develop a measure of the redistributive extent of utility tariffs: the “electric Gini.” Utilities with higher electric Ginis shift more costs from households using relatively little electricity to households using more. In practice, US utilities whose ratepayers have more unequal incomes have higher electric Ginis. But electricity demand is only loosely correlated with income, which means that electricity prices are an indirect and ineffective policy for countering income inequality. (JEL D31, L11, L94, L98)
Avaliação econômica de uma estratégia individual de empoderamento farmacoterapêutico: um modelo em longo prazo aplicado do diabetes mellitus tipo II
Authors: Gonçalves Ana Carolina De Oliveira , Cazarim Maurílio Souza , Sanches Cristina , Pereira Leonardo Régis Leira , Camargos Ana Márcia Tomé , Aquino Jéssica De Azevedo , Oliveira William Neves , Baldoni André Oliveira
Published: April 2022

Objetivos: contribuir para a geração de dados de avaliação econômica de estratégias de empoderamento farmacoterapêutico para pacientes com Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2 (DM tipo 2). Métodos: este estudo farmacoeconômico é aninhado a um ensaio clínico com controle não randomizado que incluiu pacientes ≥18 anos de idade, cadastrados no HIPERDIA. Os pacientes foram alocados em um modelo de Markov conforme valores de hemoglobina glicada do acompanhamento. As probabilidades do surgimento de complicações relativas ao DM, incluindo-se óbito, foram estimadas por dez anos. Cada complicação do DM tipo 2 teve seu custo estabelecido para determinação do custo anual. Resultados: entre os participantes da intervenção, não ocorrem óbitos ocasionados por DM tipo 2, e a progressão de complicações mantém-se estável durante os anos simulados, enquanto, no grupo controle, 60% dos pacientes podem evoluir para óbito nos dez anos, e a probabilidade de serem acometidos por complicações relacionadas ao DM tipo 2 é crescente. Com relação aos custos, ao final de dez anos, os pacientes que participaram da Estratégia Individual de Empoderamento Farmacoterapêutico (EIEF) tiveram um custo médio de UU$134,45 poupando a vida de 100% dos pacientes, e os pacientes do atendimento convencional um custo médio de UU$237,12 e 40% dos pacientes acompanhados chegariam ao final do ciclo com vida. Conclusão: a EIEF parece ser uma alternativa economicamente viável em longo prazo, bem como para a promoção do controle glicêmico.
Frequency of psychological stress among women with new onset menstrual disorders amid corona pandemic lockdown
Authors: Tufail Amber , Mustafa Rozina , Munaver Sagheera Anjum , Nawaz Beenish
Published: April 2022

Objectives: To determine the frequency of psychological stress and associated demographic factors among women with new onset menstrual disorders amid corona pandemic lockdown.

Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the Pakistan Air Force Faisal Base Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan from 1st April 2020 to 31st July 2020. All women presented in the outpatient department or sought advice through telemedicine with new onset menstrual disorders during lockdown of COVID-19 were included. Information like age, parity, educational status, employment status, last menstrual period, previous cycle, new onset dysmenorrhea, and premenstrual syndrome were collected. Furthermore, level of stress was assessed by using 10 item Perceived Stress Sale questionnaire described by Sheldon Cohen in 1983.

Results: Of total 916 women who consulted the department physically or through telemedicine, 59 (31.3%) had new onset disease. The frequency of different types of new onset menstrual problem were scanty menstrual flow 21 (35.6%), oligomenorrhea 6 (10.2%), menorrhagia 5 (8.5%), amenorrhea 4 (6.8%), and polymenorrhagia 2 (3.4%). New onset premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea were present in 39 (66.1%) and 31 (52.5%) respectively. A significant association of premenstrual syndrome was observed with age (p-value 0.003), parity (p-value 0.045), educational status (p-value 0.007), and menstrual pattern (p-value 0.037). Furthermore, moderate stress was observed in 57 (96.6%) while severe in 2 (3.4%) patients.

Conclusion: Among women presented with new onset menstrual disorders in gynecological outpatient, a considerable number reflected increased level of psychological stress during COVID-19 lock down.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.5.4606

How to cite this:Tufail A, Mustafa R, Munaver SA, Nawaz B. Frequency of psychological stress among women with new onset menstrual disorders amid corona pandemic lockdown. Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(5):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.5.4606

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Relationship of placental edge thickness and cervical length to gestational age at delivery in patients with placenta previa
Authors: Syed Wajeeha , Liaqat Nazia , Naseeb Ghazala , Khattak Sumbal Mahmood
Published: April 2022

Background & Objective: Placenta previa and its accompanying fetomaternal complications are increasing day by day because of globally increasing rates of cesarean deliveries, trends of assisted reproductive techniques, and delaying pregnancies to later ages. Placenta previa is an important contributor to iatrogenic and mostly emergent preterm deliveries, which add to increased neonatal morbidity and mortality. The predictors of preterm deliveries can help clinician make necessary preparations for optimal fetomaternal outcome. The aim of the current study was to determine relationship of placental edge thickness and cervical length with gestation at delivery in patients having placenta previa.

Methods: It was a descriptive case series study conducted in the department of obstetrics and gynecology, Medical Teaching Institute Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar from January 2020 till January 2021. Seventy five patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in the study. Already diagnosed cases of placenta previa, with singleton alive pregnancies and gestation of 28 weeks or more were enrolled. Trans vaginal ultrasound was done to determine placental edge thickness and cervical length. Patients data on gestation at delivery were collected from hospital records.

Results: A significant negative correlation between the placental edge thickness and gestational age at delivery was seen (r= -0.566, P= 0.001). The correlation between length of cervical canal and gestation at delivery was positive (r= 0.362, P=0.001). Also thick placental edge of > 2cm had significant association with birth before 37 weeks (P=0.023). A short cervix of less than 2.5 cm had also statistically significant association with birth before 37 weeks (P=0.022).

Conclusion: There is linear inverse relationship of placental edge thickness with gestation at delivery. The relationship of cervical length with gestation is positive linear. Patients with thick placental edge are more likely to deliver preterm than those having thin placental edge.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.5.5097

How to cite this:Syed W, Liaqat N, Naseeb G, Khattak SM. Relationship of placental edge thickness and cervical length to gestational age at delivery in patients with placenta previa. Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(5):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.5.5097

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Efficacy of letrozole versus clomiphene citrate on ovulation induction in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome
Authors: Khakwani Mehnaz , Parveen Rashida , Yousaf Shazia , Tareen Ayesha Uzaima
Published: April 2022

Objectives: To compare the efficacy of letrozole (LTZ) vs clomiphene citrate (CC) for ovulation induction in patients having polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted at The Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Nishtar Medical University Hospital, Multan, Pakistan from January 2021 to June 2021. A total of 78 women aged 18 to 30 years, diagnosed having PCOS were enrolled. In Group-A, 39 women were given LTZ, 5mg for five days of menstrual cycle. In Group-B, 39 women were given CC, 100mg for five days of menstrual cycle. All patients underwent transvaginal scan (TVS) for the evaluation of efficacy in terms of ovulation induction.

Results: Overall mean age was noted to be 25.41±2.84 years. Most of the patients, 51 (65.4%) belonged to rural area of residence. There were 52 (66.7%) patients with BMI less than 25 kg/m2. Overall, mean duration of infertility was found to be 2.62±0.74 years. Among 70 patients who completed the follow ups and analyzed regarding efficacy, in Group-A, efficacy was noted in 23 (59.0%) patients in comparison to 14 (35.9%) in Group-B (p=0.0413). Mean endometrial thickness was significantly better in Group-A versus Group-B (8.1±1.5 mm vs. 6.8±1.9 mm, p=0.0022).

Conclusion: Aiming ovulation induction, letrozole in comparison to clomiphene citrate was found to have significantly better efficacy among women having anovulatory PCOS.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.5.5565

How to cite this:Khakwani M, Parveen R, Yousaf S, Tareen AU. Efficacy of letrozole versus clomiphene citrate on ovulation induction in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome. Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(5):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.5.5565

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Andrographolide, isolated from Andrographis paniculata, induces apoptosis in monocytic leukemia and multiple myeloma cells via augmentation of reactive oxygen species production
Authors: Doi Hiroki , Matsui Taei , Dijkstra Johannes M. , Ogasawara Atsushi , Higashimoto Yuki , Imamura Seiji , Ohye Tamae , Takematsu Hiromu , Katsuda Itsuro , Akiyama Hidehiko
Published: April 2022

Background: Andrographolide (Andro) is a diterpenoid component of the plant Andrographis paniculata that is known for its anti-tumor activity against a variety of cancer cells.  

Methods: We studied the effects of Andro on the viability of the human leukemia monocytic cell line THP-1 and the human multiple myeloma cell line H929. Andro was compared with cytosine arabinoside (Ara-C) and vincristine (VCR), which are well-established therapeutics against hematopoietic tumors. The importance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production for the toxicity of each agent was investigated by using an inhibitor of ROS production, N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC).   

Results:  Andro reduced the viability of THP-1 and H929 in a concentration-dependent manner. H929 viability was highly susceptible to Andro, although only slightly susceptible to Ara-C. The agents Andro, Ara-C, and VCR each induced apoptosis, as shown by cellular shrinkage, DNA fragmentation, and increases in annexin V-binding, caspase-3/7 activity, ROS production, and mitochondrial membrane depolarization. Whereas Ara-C and VCR increased the percentages of cells in the G0/G1 and G2/M phases, respectively, Andro showed little or no detectable effect on cell cycle progression. The apoptotic activities of Andro were largely suppressed by NAC, an inhibitor of ROS production, whereas NAC hardly affected the apoptotic activities of Ara-C and VCR. 

Conclusions: Andro induces ROS-dependent apoptosis in monocytic leukemia THP-1 and multiple myeloma H929 cells, underlining its potential as a therapeutic agent for treating hematopoietic tumors. The high toxicity for H929 cells, by a mechanism that is different from that of Ara-C and VCR, is encouraging for further studies on the use of Andro against multiple myeloma.
The relationship between parents' oral hygiene knowledge and children with Down Syndrome's oral hygiene via OHI-S
Authors: Sosiawan Agung , Wahjuningrum Dian Agustin , Setyowati Dini , Suhartono Michelle , Audrey Natasha Winona , Mawantari Tata Prasantat , Setiawan Fery , Pawar Ajinkya M.
Published: April 2022

Background: Down Syndrome (DS) is a genetic disorder that causes structural, functional anomalies, and intellectual disability. The common oral hygiene problems found in DS children are gingivitis, periodontal problems, pain, infection, and problems with the masticatory system. This study explored the relationship between parents' oral hygiene knowledge and oral hygiene of children with DS.  

Method: This was an observational analytical study. To assess parents' oral hygiene knowledge, a questionnaire consisting of 25 questions was distributed to 100 parents whose DS children in POTADS (Down Syndrome Parents Association) Surabaya. To assess the DS children's oral hygiene, dental exams were performed to calculate the individual Oral Hygiene Index-Simplified (OHI-S) scores by dividing the sum of the individual debris and calculus scores by six (the number of teeth examined). The data were analysed using regression analysis.

Results: There was a significant and strong inverse relationship between parents’ oral hygiene knowledge and DS children’s oral hygiene. Parents’ oral hygiene knowledge affected DS children’s oral hygiene. The results of the regression analysis indicated that a 1% increase in parents' knowledge caused a reduction in the OHI-S score to 7.377.

Conclusion: A significant inverse relationship between parents’ oral hygiene knowledge and DS children’s oral hygiene was observed in this study. Further studies could be conducted to determine other variables that my influence both parents’ oral hygiene knowledge and DS children’s oral hygiene.
The use of music for children and adolescents living with rare diseases in the healthcare setting: a scoping review study protocol
Authors: Karpaviciute Simona , Sweeney Alison , O‘Neill Aimee , McNulty Sandra , Kroll Thilo , Somanadhan Suja
Published: April 2022

Background: Interest in the application of music in the health, social care and community contexts is growing worldwide. There is an emerging body of literature about the positive effects of music on the well-being and social relationships of children and adult populations. Music has also been found to promote social interaction, communication skills, and social-emotional behaviours of children with medically complex care needs. Despite significant advancements in the area, to the authors’ knowledge, this is the first scoping review to investigate the evidence for using music therapy and music-based interventions for children living with rare diseases in the healthcare setting. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to conduct a scoping review of the literature to map out the existing studies about the use of music therapy and music-based interventions with children who have rare diseases in the healthcare setting. This review will also identify gaps in current knowledge and use of these interventions.

Method: This study follows the Joanna Briggs Institute’s methodology for scoping reviews, utilising Arksey and O’Malley’s six-stage scoping review framework: 1) identifying the research question; 2) identifying relevant studies; 3) study selection; 4) charting the data; 5) collating, summarising and reporting results; and 6) consulting with relevant stakeholders step. A comprehensive search will be conducted in CINAHL Complete; MEDLINE Complete; Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection; and PubMed Central databases. A search strategy with selected inclusion and exclusion criteria will be used to reveal a wide range of evidence. This study will include quantitative, qualitative and mixed research methods studies published in English from 2010 to 2020.
preCICE v2: A sustainable and user-friendly coupling library
Authors: Chourdakis Gerasimos , Davis Kyle , Rodenberg Benjamin , Schulte Miriam , Simonis Frédéric , Uekermann Benjamin , Abrams Georg , Bungartz Hans-Joachim , Cheung Yau Lucia , Desai Ishaan , Eder Konrad , Hertrich Richard , Lindner Florian , Rusch Alexander , Sashko Dmytro , Schneider David , Totounferoush Amin , Volland Dominik , Vollmer Peter , Koseomur Oguz Ziya
Published: April 2022

preCICE is a free/open-source coupling library. It enables creating partitioned multi-physics simulations by gluing together separate software packages.

This paper summarizes the development efforts in preCICE of the past five years. During this time span, we have turned the software from a working prototype -- sophisticated numerical coupling methods and scalability on ten thousands of compute cores -- to a sustainable and user-friendly software project with a steadily-growing community. Today, we know through forum discussions, conferences, workshops, and publications of more than 100 research groups using preCICE. We cover the fundamentals of the software alongside a performance and accuracy analysis of different data mapping methods. Afterwards, we describe ready-to-use integration with widely-used external simulation software packages, tests, and continuous integration from unit to system level, and community building measures, drawing an overview of the current preCICE ecosystem.
Rates of serious clinical outcomes in survivors of hospitalisation with COVID-19 in England: a descriptive cohort study within the OpenSAFELY platform
Authors:   The OpenSAFELY Collaborative, Tazare John , Walker Alex J. , Tomlinson Laurie A. , Hickman George , Rentsch Christopher T. , Williamson Elizabeth J. , Bhaskaran Krishnan , Evans David , Wing Kevin , Mathur Rohini , Wong Angel YS. , Schultze Anna , Bacon Seb , Bates Chris , Morton Caroline E. , Curtis Helen J. , Nightingale Emily , McDonald Helen I. , Mehrkar Amir , Inglesby Peter , Davy Simon , MacKenna Brian , Cockburn Jonathan , Hulme William J. , Warren-Gash Charlotte , Bhate Ketaki , Nitsch Dorothea , Powell Emma , Mulick Amy , Forbes Harriet , Minassian Caroline , Croker Richard , Parry John , Hester Frank , Harper Sam , Eggo Rosalind M. , Evans Stephen JW. , Smeeth Liam , Douglas Ian J , Goldacre Ben
Published: April 2022

Background: Patients surviving hospitalisation for COVID-19 are thought to be at high risk of cardiometabolic and pulmonary complications, but quantification of that risk is limited. We aimed to describe the overall burden of these complications in people after discharge from hospital with COVID-19.  

Methods: Working on behalf of NHS England, we used linked primary care records, death certificate and hospital data from the OpenSAFELY platform. We constructed three cohorts: patients discharged following hospitalisation with COVID-19, patients discharged following pre-pandemic hospitalisation with pneumonia, and a frequency-matched cohort from the general population in 2019. We studied seven outcomes: deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), ischaemic stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), heart failure, AKI and new type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) diagnosis. Absolute rates were measured in each cohort and Fine and Gray models were used to estimate age/sex adjusted subdistribution hazard ratios comparing outcome risk between discharged COVID-19 patients and the two comparator cohorts.

Results: Amongst the population of 77,347 patients discharged following hospitalisation with COVID-19, rates for the majority of outcomes peaked in the first month post-discharge, then declined over the following four months. Patients in the COVID-19 population had markedly higher risk of all outcomes compared to matched controls from the 2019 general population. Across the whole study period, the risk of outcomes was more similar when comparing patients discharged with COVID-19 to those discharged with pneumonia in 2019, although COVID-19 patients had higher risk of T2DM (15.2 versus 37.2 [rate per 1,000-person-years for COVID-19 versus pneumonia, respectively]; SHR, 1.46 [95% CI: 1.31 - 1.63]). 

Conclusions: Risk of cardiometabolic and pulmonary adverse outcomes is markedly raised following discharge from hospitalisation with COVID-19 compared to the general population. However, excess risks were similar to those seen following discharge post-pneumonia. Overall, this suggests a large additional burden on healthcare resources.
Practical Aspects of the Methodology for Constructing a System of Management Accounting and Controlling Cross-Functional Business Processes
Authors: Gordeeva Ekaterina
Published: April 2022

In the article, the author proposes and substantiates a methodology for building a system of management accounting and controlling cross-functional business processes based on performance indicators and consistency. The peculiarity of this technique lies in the interdisciplinary approach to the study of business processes from the side of management accounting, business analysis, controlling and management.
About Eclecticism in Accounting
Authors: Mislavskaya N.
Published: April 2022

Th e article reveals the features of the formation of accounting knowledge in the historical aspect. Th e author, analyzing the modern problems of the deconstruction of science under the infl uence of occult, esoteric knowledge, projects the current situation onto modern accounting and accounting (fi nancial) reporting. As a result, the main problem is revealed, — the loss of consistency at the level of methodology and accounting methods used, which can lead to the unsuitability of fi nancial information for making management decisions.
Evaluación de una entidad financiera usando camel: el caso de BBVA Perú
Authors: García-Gómez Conrado Diego , Lizarzaburu Bolaños Edmundo , Berggrum Luis , Cardona Emilio
Published: April 2022

El presente caso de estudio busca analizar la situación financiera BBVA Perú, utilizando la metodología CAMEL, y plantear una correcta valoración de la entidad, bajo los métodos de Múltiplos Comparables y Flujo de Caja Descontado. Previamente, se describe el entorno económico bajo la metodología Top-Down: región, país, sector financiero y, por último, la empresa. El periodo de desarrollo es de 2015 a 2019 y se utiliza datos de producción, industria y tecnología. Además, se  describe las operaciones del banco, detallando la estructura de ingresos, los productos y servicios financieros, políticas y gobierno corporativo.
Processing Technology, Chemical Composition, Microbial Quality and Health Benefits of Dried Fruits
Authors: Shah Asima Sajad , Bhat S.V. , Muzaffar Khalid , A. Ibrahim Salam , Dar B.N.
Published: April 2022

Fresh fruits have high moisture content and deteriorate quickly if not handled properly. Use of storage technologies like refrigeration and controlled atmospheres are very much expensive because of continuous energy requirement throughout the whole supply chain. So, drying of fruits is being utilized to minimize the postharvest losses and provide an ease in storage, transport, and availability through out the year. Fruits in dried form reperesent concentrated form of important nutrients and serve as valuable healthy foods. The routine consumption of dried fruits is advised to achieve the full advantage of their inherent vital nutrients and other bioactive compounds. Fruits are dried by various drying techniques including conventional (solar drying, shade drying) and novel (microwave, infrared, freeze and hybrid drying) drying methods , etc. Drying of fruits using conventional metods such as sun or open‐air drying is time consuming and may lead to the inferior quality along with microbial contamination. Numerous studies have revealed that dried fruits may contain food-borne pathogens including bacteria, yeasts and moulds, which can be responsible for the outbreak of life-threatening diseases. In this review, the drying of fresh fruits by different drying methods, their chemical composition, microbial quality, and health benefits has been discussed.
The Heart Healthy U Study: Formative Research to Design a Multimedia Campaign for Young Adults
Authors: Vilme Helene , Wordlaw LaShawn
Published: April 2022

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the US, and a high prevalence of CVD risks has been observed among Black young adults. Physical activity (PA) and healthy eating (HE) are essential components of lowering CVD risk. Therefore, this study explored the barriers, facilitators, behavior change activities, and health communication channels that can inform the development of a multimedia campaign to promote heart health (i.e., PA and HE) among Black young adults. Between September and November 2019, three focus group discussions (FGDs) with a total of 30 students were conducted at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) campus within the southern region of the US. Lack of time, body shaming in the gym, and limited HE options on campus were identified as some of the barriers to PA and HE. Knowledge of family health history, Instagram influencers, access to a peer trainer and a dietitian were mentioned as facilitators to PA and HE. Participants suggested various activities to promote heart healthy behaviors, including providing factual health information, teaching healthy food preparation skills, and promoting/creating healthy food options events through social media and print as the communication channels. The focus group findings identified barriers, facilitators, health behavior activity ideas, and the communication channels to encourage PA and HE among Black young adults. The results of this study can be used to inform the development of a multimedia campaign to reduce CVD risk among Black young adults.
Postharvest Biopreservation of Fresh Blueberries by Propolis-Containing Edible Coatings Under Refrigerated Conditions
Authors: Tumbarski Yulian Dimitrov , Todorova Mina Mihaylova , Topuzova Mariyana Georgieva , Georgieva Petya Ivanova , Petkova Nadezhda Traycheva , Ivanov Ivan Georgiev
Published: April 2022

Propolis is a complex honey bee product known for its antioxidant potential and antimicrobial activity, widely used as a food biopreservative and food additive. The object of the current research was to investigate the effects of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) edible coatings applied alone and in combination with a propolis extract on the quality parameters and storage life of fresh blueberries during refrigerated storage for 20 days. For this purpose, three experimental groups were prepared: blueberries without coating (control group), blueberries with 1% CMC coatings and blueberries with 1% CMC coatings + 1% propolis extract (CMC+P). During the storage, the physicochemical and microbiological parameters of the experimental groups were evaluated. The use of CMC and CMC+P coatings reduced the weight loss by 1.13% and 1.67% in comparison with the control group on the 20-th day of storage. A significant decrease in decay percentage was found, which was in the great extent in the CMC+P coated fruit compared to the CMC coatings and the control fruit. The CMC and CMC+P edible coatings did not affect the TSS levels, the decreasing TA and increasing pH values. The application of CMC and CMC+P coatings did not cause a protective effect on the lowering values of total phenolic and anthocyanin contents in both treatments, but exhibited a positive influence on the antioxidant activity in the coated blueberries. During the entire storage period, propolis containing edible coatings (CMC+P) reduced the bacterial, yeasts and fungal counts, visibly expressed by a reduction in decay incidence in comparison with the uncoated and CMC-treated fruit. Therefore, the application of propolis in the composition of edible coatings can be considered as an effective approach for improving the postharvest quality and prolonging the storage life of fresh blueberries.
Assessment of Nutrients Associated With the Risk of Osteoporosis in Postmenopausal Women: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Khammash Amal Al- , Ajeen Rawan , F. Tayyem Reema
Published: April 2022

Osteoporosis is a chronic bone disease characterized by the loss in bone density and modification in bone structure. These changes will increase bone fragility and the risk of fracture particularly among postmenopausal women. The purpose of this study is to explore the possible association between nutrient intake and the risk of suffering from osteoporosis in postmenopausal women who have recently been diagnosed with osteoporosis. A case-control study was designed to determine nutrients intake, as well as dietary and lifestyle patterns. One hundred patients who were newly diagnosed with osteoporosis, and 100 osteoporosis-free controls Jordanian postmenopausal women were enrolled in this study. The ratio of case to controls is 1:1. Several macro and micronutrients were identified as having a protective effect on the risk of osteoporosis. The intake of carbohydrates, vitamin B6 and phosphorus was associated with lower risk of osteoporosis in all quartiles. Moreover, Fiber, iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc are protective in the third and fourth quartiles. A significant protective effect of fats, monounsaturated fats, and vitamins C consumption was detected in the fourth quartile. The present results suggest that a poor diet and a lack of a healthy lifestyle do have significant effects on the development of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.
Spirulina (Arthrospira spp) as a Complementary COVID-19 Response Option: Early Evidence of Promise
Authors: Siedenburg Jules Renaldo , Cauchi John Paul
Published: April 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic poses a profound threat to human health across the world. A growing body of evidence suggests that dietary choice can support pandemic response efforts. This paper asks whether spirulina, a type of edible microalgae, may offer a means of reducing COVID-19 risk. This question follows from spirulina’s observed antiviral effects vis-à-vis other viral diseases. Questions about possible complementary therapies remain important due to the ongoing threat posed by COVID-19, given major gaps to vaccine rollout and the proliferation of mutant variants. The paper is based on a narrative review of the academic literature relevant to this question. The 25 papers identified were grouped and summarised, then discussed. The evidence reported suggests spirulina may have prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 via several pathways, though further investigation is needed to verify the linkages identified. Incorporating spirulina into diet might thus offer a way to lower COVID-19 risk. This option may moreover be particularly helpful for at-risk populations, such as those in the Global South where many remain unvaccinated and food insecurity is widespread. This review reports findings in non-technical language and could inform actions by diverse stakeholders, including researchers, governments and households.
Determinants of Complementary Feeding Practices and Nutritional Status of Children 6 – 23 Months in Pastoralist Communities of Isiolo, Kenya
Authors: Amunga Dorcas Anunda , Daniels Lynette , Ochola Sophie
Published: April 2022

Optimal complementary feeding practices play a vital role in the nutritional status of young children. In Kenya, significantly higher rates of acute malnutrition have been reported among pastoralist communities, particularly among children aged 6-23months. There is inadequate complementary feeding data on pastoralist communities despite their vulnerability. The objective of the study was to establish the determinants of complementary feeding practices and nutritional status of children 6-23 months among pastoralist communities of Isiolo County, Kenya. A cross-sectional analytical study using two-stage cluster sampling methodology was applied to select a sample of 288 children aged 6-23 months from pastoralist communities. Data on the socio-demographic characteristics of the study population, complementary feeding practices and anthropometric measurements of the children aged 6-23 months was collected and analysed. Overall, the prevalence of stunting, underweight and wasting was 19.1%, 7.3% and 5.2% respectively. A variation in malnutrition prevalence was observed with age of children, with the 18-23month age group showing a higher prevalence of all forms of undernutrition. Male children had significantly higher proportions of underweight and stunting (p ≤ 0.05). Complementary feeding practices were sub-optimal - minimum meal frequency (60.4%), minimum dietary diversity (35.4%) and minimum acceptable diet (25.3%). Child age, child sex, caregiver’s age, and caregiver education level were significant determinants for complementary feeding practices and nutritional status of children 6-23months (p ≤ 0.05). We recommend that community based approaches targeting pastoralist communities should address the basic cause of child malnutrition through nutrition education and women empowerment initiatives.
Synbiotic (L. plantarum Dad-13 and Fructo-oligosaccharide) Powder on Gut Microbiota (L. plantarum, Bifidobacterium and Enterobacteriaceae) on Stunting Children in Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Authors: Gunawan Delima Citra Dewi , Juffrie Mohammad , Siti Helmyati Siti Helmyati , Rahayu Endang Sutriswati
Published: April 2022

Synbiotics have a positive effect on the composition of the gut microbiota. They will increase the production of short-chain fatty acid that has modulating effect on gastrointestinal epithelial cell integrity, appetite regulation, and immune function. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of synbiotics (L. plantarum Dad-13 and fructo-oligosaccharide) on gut microbiota composition (L. plantarum, Bifidobacterium and Enterobacteriaceae) in stunting children under five in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The research methods used double blind randomized controlled trials with parallel design. The sample consisted of 39 stunting children under five which was divided into 19 subjects as a synbiotic group given synbiotic (L. plantarum Dad-13 1x1010 CFU and fructo-oligosaccharide 700 mg) powder and 20 subjects as a placebo group given skim milk. The intervention was carried out for 90 days. The result showed that, statistically, there were significant differences in synbiotic group on gut microbiota (increased in L. plantarum and Bifidobacterium, while decreased in Enterobacteriaceae). Protein and carbohydrate were significantly increasing (p=0.000; p=0.001) in synbiotic group compared to placebo group. Body weight and height were significantly different (p=0.000) in both groups. Bodyweight and height of children on synbiotic group was increasing 1.02 and 1.6 times higher than placebo group. Neither morbidity nor weight loss was recorded throughout consumption period. Synbiotic powder has significantly positive effect on gut microbiota that can induce nutrient intake, height and weight gain of stunting children.
Qualitative Consumption of Processed Foods with Allura Red Additive in Mexican Primary School Children
Authors: Martínez Miriam Fonceca , López Pérez Mari Carmen , Labrada Fabián Pérez
Published: April 2022

There is a high supply of industrialized food products that contain many additives, such as colorants. To verify the qualitative consumption of Allura Red in primary schoolchildren, the present cross-sectional quantitative work was established under a retrospective expo facto design. On a school child population (5 - 8 years) from the city of Ramos Arizpe, Coahuila, Mexico, selected in a probabilistic way, a questionnaire applied to qualitatively verify the consumption of said additive. Descriptive and frequency analyses applied to the data obtained, as well as the Mann-Whitney U test and Pearson's X2 test (p≤0.05). The child population evidenced a high consumption of processed products containing Allura Red additive, the intake of jellies and candies (p = 0.025 and p = 0.043, respectively) showed differences between girls and boys. There was a very frequent consumption of "red soft drinks”, dairy - yogurt, oatmeal - flour, and box cereals (61 and 54%, respectively). Likewise, a high association was found between the intake of dairy products - yogurt and cereals (p = 0.008), oats and flour for pancakes and cereal in the box (p = 0.010), as well as consumption of candies and jellies (p = 0.000). High qualitative consumption of processed foods with Allura Red additive was found; it's imperative to reduce the excessive consumption of these products by establishing comprehensive strategies.