bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expectations and educational needs of rheumatologists, rheumatology fellows and patients in the field of precision medicine in Canada, a quantitative cross-sectional and descriptive study
Authors: Ruel-Gagné Sophie , Simonyan David , Légaré Jean , Bessette Louis , Fortin Paul R. , Lacaille Diane , Dogba Maman Joyce , Michou Laëtitia
Published: November 2021

Background

Precision medicine, as a personalized medicine approach based on biomarkers, is a booming field. In general, physicians and patients have a positive attitude toward precision medicine, but their knowledge and experience are limited. In this study, we aimed at assessing the expectations and educational needs for precision medicine among rheumatologists, rheumatology fellows and patients with rheumatic diseases in Canada.

Methods

We conducted two anonymous online surveys between June and August 2018, one with rheumatologists and fellows and one with patients assessing precision medicine expectations and educational needs. Descriptive statistics were performed.

Results

45 rheumatologists, 6 fellows and 277 patients answered the survey. 78% of rheumatologists and fellows and 97.1% of patients would like to receive training on precision medicine. Most rheumatologists and fellows agreed that precision medicine tests are relevant to medical practice (73.5%) with benefits such as helping to determine prognosis (58.9%), diagnosis (79.4%) and avoid treatment toxicity (61.8%). They are less convinced of their usefulness in helping to choose the most effective treatment and to improve patient adherence (23.5%). Most patients were eager to take precision medicine tests that could predict disease prognosis (92.4%), treatment response (98.1%) or drug toxicity (93.4%), but they feared potential negative impacts like loss of insurability (62.2%) and high cost of the test (57.5%).

Conclusions

Our study showed that rheumatologists and patients in Canada are overall interested in getting additional precision medicine education. Indeed, while convinced of the potential benefits of precision medicine tests, most physicians don’t feel confident in their abilities and consider their training insufficient to incorporate them into clinical practice.
Treatment of cephalic arch stenosis in dysfunctional arteriovenous fistulas with paclitaxel-coated versus conventional balloon angioplasty
Authors: Tng Ren Kwang A. , Tan Ru Yu. , Soon Shereen X. Y. , Pang Suh Chien. , Tan Chieh Suai. , Yap Charyl J. Q. , Gogna Apoorva. , Chong Tze Tec. , Tang Tjun Y.
Published: November 2021

Background

Treatment of cephalic arch stenosis (CAS) with standard plain old balloon angioplasty (POBA) in dysfunctional arteriovenous fistulas (AVF), is associated with early re-stenosis and higher failure rates compared to other lesions. Paclitaxel-coated balloons (PCB) may improve patency rates. This is a retrospective cohort study. Patients who underwent POBA or PCB for CAS over a 3-year period were included. Outcomes compared were circuit primary patency rates (patency from index procedure to next intervention), circuit primary assisted-patency rates (patency from index procedure to thrombosis), and target lesion (CAS) patency rates (stenosis > 50%) at 3, 6 and 12 months.

Results

Ninety-one patients were included. Sixty-five (71.4%) had POBA, while 26 (28.6%) had PCB angioplasty. There were 62 (68.1%) de-novo lesions. CAS was the only lesion that needed treatment in 24 (26.4%) patients. Circuit primary patency rates for POBA versus PCB groups were 76.2% vs. 60% (p = 0.21), 43.5% vs. 36% (p = 0.69) and 22% vs. 9.1% (p = 0.22) at 3, 6 and 12-months respectively. Circuit assisted-primary patency rates were 93.7% vs. 92% (p = 1.00), 87.1% vs. 80% (p = 0.51) and 76.3% vs. 81.8% (p = 0.77), whilst CAS target lesion intervention-free patency rates were 79.4% vs. 68% (p = 0.40), 51.6% vs. 52% (p = 1.00) and 33.9% vs. 22.7% (p = 0.49) at 3, 6 and 12-months respectively. Estimated mean time to target lesion intervention was 215 ± 183.2 days for POBA and 225 ± 186.6 days for PCB (p = 0.20).

Conclusion

Treatment of CAS with PCB did not improve target lesion or circuit patency rates compared to POBA.
Exploring the potentialities of the Mexican fermented beverage: Pulque
Authors: Garcia-Arce Zahirid Patricia , Castro-Muñoz Roberto
Published: November 2021

Traditional alcoholic beverages are today recognized for their potentialities and benefits to human health. Pulque is likely to be one of the most consumed traditional beverages in Mexico, which is currently being explored by the research community. Different research and applications have been developed towards the full identification and characterization of the compounds and microbiota presented in pulque. Moreover, to improve its commercialization, specific emerging techniques have been proposed and implemented for the processing of such a traditional alcoholic beverage. Therefore, the goal of this review is to release a comprehensive overview of the latest research and developments focused on exploring the pulque. Herein, a particular emphasis has been paid to the relevant studies and findings in the field. Moreover, a clear overview of the microbial, physicochemical composition, elaboration protocols, together with the main parameters influencing its quality, are given. Few applications and processes aiming for its commercialization have been done (e.g., microencapsulation, spray-drying and ohmic treatment); however, within the exploitation of pulque, its main compounds have been implemented towards the enhancement of properties of other commercial products, such as tortilla and bread. Finally, this review provides the current research gaps and recommendations to the new researchers in the field.
GIL: a tightly coupled GNSS PPP/INS/LiDAR method for precise vehicle navigation
Authors: Li Xingxing , Wang Huidan , Li Shengyu , Feng Shaoquan , Wang Xuanbin , Liao Jianchi
Published: November 2021

Accurate positioning and navigation play a vital role in vehicle-related applications, such as autonomous driving and precision agriculture. With the rapid development of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), Precise Point Positioning (PPP) technique, as a global positioning solution, has been widely applied due to its convenient operation. Nevertheless, the performance of PPP is severely affected by signal interference, especially in GNSS-challenged environments. Inertial Navigation System (INS) aided GNSS can significantly improve the continuity and accuracy of navigation in harsh environments, but suffers from degradation during GNSS outages. LiDAR (Laser Imaging, Detection, and Ranging)-Inertial Odometry (LIO), which has performed well in local navigation, can restrain the divergence of Inertial Measurement Units (IMU). However, in long-range navigation, error accumulation is inevitable if no external aids are applied. To improve vehicle navigation performance, we proposed a tightly coupled GNSS PPP/INS/LiDAR (GIL) integration method, which tightly integrates the raw measurements from multi-GNSS PPP, Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS)-IMU, and LiDAR to achieve high-accuracy and reliable navigation in urban environments. Several experiments were conducted to evaluate this method. The results indicate that in comparison with the multi-GNSS PPP/INS tightly coupled solution the positioning Root-Mean-Square Errors (RMSEs) of the proposed GIL method have the improvements of 63.0%, 51.3%, and 62.2% in east, north, and vertical components, respectively. The GIL method can achieve decimeter-level positioning accuracy in GNSS partly-blocked environment (i.e., the environment with GNSS signals partly-blocked) and meter-level positioning accuracy in GNSS difficult environment (i.e., the environment with GNSS hardly used). Besides, the accuracy of velocity and attitude estimation can also be enhanced with the GIL method.
Assessment of venous Doppler ultrasound findings of acute unilateral lower limb swelling in a tertiary facility in central Ghana: a retrospective analytical study
Authors: Edzie Emmanuel Kobina Mesi , Dzefi-Tettey Klenam , Brakohiapa Edmund Kwakye , Gorleku Philip Narteh , Ghartey Frank Naku , Amankwa Adu Tutu , Appiah-Thompson Peter , Amedi Michael Kofi , Idun Ewurama Andam , Adanusa Madison , Cudjoe Obed , Boadi Evans , Kpobi Joshua Mensah , Quarshie Frank , Edzie Richard Ato , Asemah Abdul Raman
Published: November 2021

Background

Unilateral lower limb swelling has wide differential diagnoses with varying treatment plans, requiring an early and accurate diagnosis. Doppler ultrasound offers an extensive examination of the vascular system providing a platform for diagnosis and avoidance of unnecessary invasive procedures. Thus, it becomes pertinent to ensure that all the sonographic information required for the accurate diagnosis of a swollen lower limb is documented and critically analyzed in our setting, hence this study.

Results

The records of a total of 151 patients with acute unilateral lower limb swelling were retrieved, females constituted the majority (51.7%). The overall mean age was 58.70 ± 16.71 years. Statistical significance was specified at p ≤ 0.05 for this study. The males were on the average 1.86 years younger than the female, but this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.495). Patients older than 60 years constituted the majority 72 (47.7%) followed by the 40–60-year age category 61 (40.4%), and the left lower limb was affected more often 82 (54.3%). Multiple inguinal lymphadenopathy 82 (35.7%) and edema with thickened skin and subcutaneous layers 67 (29.1%) were the two most recurrent ultrasound features. There was no significant association between the sonographic features and the diagnoses made for acute unilateral lower limb swelling, except for the feature of edema with thickened skin and subcutaneous layers (p = 0.004) and the diagnosis of cellulitis (p = 0.047) that increased significantly with age.

Conclusion

Multiple inguinal lymphadenopathy and edema of the skin and subcutaneous layers were the most recurrent ultrasound features with cellulitis as the main diagnosis for acute unilateral lower limb swelling in our setting. Edema with thickened skin and subcutaneous layers and cellulitis both increased significantly with age. Sonographers, sonologists, and radiologists must be on the look-out for these in their practices.
Long-term assessment of risk factors for canine tumors registered in Xi’an, China
Authors: Wang Wei , Li Weihui , Chu Dianfeng , Hua Jinlian , Zhang Xinke , Lu Dezhang , Wang Yan , Zhang Shiqiang
Published: November 2021

Tumors are one of the leading causes to death in pet dogs among diseases. The tumor incidence of pet dogs has been increasing, raising widespread concern. In this study, retrospective analysis was performed with 246 tumor cases registered in Xi’an Animal Hospital, Northwest A&F University from 2009 to 2018. Correlations of sex, age and breed with tumor incidences were evaluated. The results showed that reproductive system tumors occupied the highest proportion (39.84%), followed by cutaneous tumors (28.05%), digestive tumors (18.70%) and ocular tumor (4.47%). Among the reproductive system tumors, breast tumors are the most common tumor in female pet dogs, especially for Pekingese (11.43%). Female dogs with high susceptibility to breast tumors were at the ages of 6–18 years old. As far as cutaneous tumors were concerned, the male pet dogs at all ages, particularly Golden Retrievers (17.39%), showed a high incidence. By contrast, male Samoyed aged from 4 to 13 years had the highest incidence (15.22%) of digestive tumors. In addition, pet dogs with ocular tumors mainly happened at the ages of 0–1 years and 6–13 years. Collectively, our findings are significant to develop effective measures of medical surveillance for pet dogs’ health and will provide insights for comparative oncology.
Calculating multiple scattering from a time-varying undulating sea surface using a full-wavefield multistage algorithm
Authors: Meng Xiangyu , Han Fuxing , Sun Jianguo , Liu Mingchen , Xu Zeshuang , Lv Mingyang
Published: November 2021

The sea-surface interface between ocean and air is time varying and can be spatially rough as a result of wind, tides, and currents; the shape of this interface changes over time under the influence of wind, tides, etc. As a result, waves impinging on the sea surface are continuously scattered. In the case of marine seismic, the multiple-scattered waves propagate downward into the underwater formation and result in complex seismic responses. To understand the structure of the responses, we have adopted a multistage algorithm for computing the scattered waves at the sea surface. Specifically, we first extrapolate the upgoing incident waves stepwise using thin-slab approximation from the scattering theory based on the De Wolf approximation of the Lippmann-Schwinger equation. Then, we implement the air-water boundary condition at the sea surface. Finally, we use the irregular boundary processing technique to compute the time-varying undulating sea-surface scattered waves from different scattering stages. To overcome the angular limitation of the original parabolic approximation, we introduce a multidirectional parabolic approximation based on computational electromagnetics. Numerical tests indicate that the multistage algorithm presented here can accurately calculate sea-surface scattered waves and should be useful in investigating the structure of marine seismic responses.
Novel method for detecting weak acoustic emission signals based on the similarity of time-frequency spectra
Authors: Yang Wencheng , Li Xiao , Wang Yibo , Zheng Yue , Guo Peng
Published: November 2021

The acoustic emission (AE) technique has played a critical role in characterizing the fracturing process during laboratory rock mechanics experiments. However, this method is limited by low signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) because of significant noise in the measurement and environment and inaccurate AE location. Furthermore, it is difficult to distinguish two or more hits because their arrival times are very close when AE signals are mixed with strong background noise. Thus, we have developed a new method for detecting weak AE signals using the mathematical morphology (MM) character correlation of the time-frequency spectrum. The character in all hits of an AE event can be extracted from time-frequency spectra based on the theory of MM. Through synthetic and real data experiments, we determined that this method accurately identifies weak AE signals. Compared with conventional methods, our approach can detect AE signals with a lower S/N.
Far-offset detection of normal modes and diving waves: A case study from the Valhall Field, southern North Sea
Authors: Borges Filipe , Landrø Martin
Published: November 2021

The use of permanent arrays for continuous reservoir monitoring has become a reality in the past decades, with Ekofisk and Valhall being its flagships. One of the possibilities when such a solution is available is to passively record data while acquisitions with an active source are ongoing in nearby areas. These recordings might contain ultrafar-offset data (more than 30 km), which are hardly used in standard reservoir exploration and monitoring because they are mostly a combination of normal modes, deep reflections, and diving waves. We present data from the Valhall life-of-field seismic array, recorded while an active seismic survey was acquired at Ekofisk, in April 2014. Despite the lack of control on source firing time and position, analysis of the data indicates that the normal modes are remarkably clear, overcoming the ambient noise in the field. The normal modes can be well explained by a two-layer acoustic model, whereas a combination of diving waves and refracted waves can be fairly well reproduced with a regional 1D velocity model. We suggest a method to use far-offset recordings to monitor changes in shallow sediments between source and receivers, with and without a coherent seismic source in the area.
Neurology in the psychiatric patient: how to think about differentials in altered mental status and diagnoses not to miss
Authors: McLaughlin Jonathan , Young Tim
Published: November 2021

A wide variety of neurological conditions may present first to a psychiatrist and it is important to be aware of these in differential diagnosis. A careful history, examination and a broad differential diagnosis can help set up an appropriate management plan – with room to change if things change in unexpected ways. In this article we explore common ground shared by psychiatry and neurology and show how incorporation of neurological knowledge can improve the practice of psychiatry. Using four fictional case vignettes of altered mental status we explore important neurological differential diagnoses which could present to the Psychiatrist.
Point-Based Brachytherapy in Cervical Cancer With Limited Residual Disease: A Low- and Middle-Income Country Experience in the Era of Magnetic Resonance–Guided Adaptive Brachytherapy
Authors: Gupta Ankita , Dey Treshita , Rai Bhavana , Oinam Arun S. , GY Srinivasa , Ghoshal Sushmita
Published: November 2021

PURPOSE

To evaluate the clinical outcomes in patients with cervical cancer with limited residual disease at brachytherapy (BT) treated with point-based dose prescription.

METHODS

Patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix treated with computed tomography (CT)-based intracavitary BT were considered for analysis. Patients with good response to external beam radiotherapy and limited residual disease suitable for intracavitary BT alone were included. Postapplication CT scans were performed before each fraction and individual plans were made for each session. The dose per fraction was 9Gy high dose rate, prescribed to point-A. Two sessions were planned, 1 week apart. The organs at risk were contoured, and cumulative dose-volume histograms were computed. Local control, pelvic control, disease-free survival, and overall survival were evaluated and late toxicities were documented.

RESULTS

Four hundred ninety patients were included. Overall, 79.8% had International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage IB2 to IIB disease and 20.2% had stage III to IVA disease. Median dose at point A (EQD210Gy) was 74.4 Gy (interquartile range [IQR] 72.3-74.5 Gy) and median D2cc (EQD23Gy) for bladder, rectum, and sigmoid were 82.5 Gy (IQR, 65.5-90.8 Gy), 66.5 Gy (IQR, 60.7-75.7 Gy), and 54.1 Gy (IQR, 50.5-77.3 Gy), respectively. At a median follow-up of 62 (IQR, 33-87) months, the 5-year local and pelvic control rates were 90.1% and 88.3%, respectively. The 5-year disease-free survival was 80% and overall survival was 88%. Rates of grade 3-4 bladder and rectosigmoid toxicities were 6.93% and 4.08%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

In patients with limited residual disease at BT, point-based dose prescription with CT planning results in good local control and acceptable toxicity. In a resource-constrained setting, patients may be triaged to receive point-based BT or magnetic resonance imaging–guided adaptive BT depending on the extent of residual disease.
ASCO-Sponsored Oncology Student Interest Groups in the World
Authors: Anampa-Guzmán Andrea , Loli-Guevara Silvana , Gutierrez-Narvaez Cristian Antonio , Nimboma Luis Enrique , Leon-Ferre Roberto
Published: November 2021

PURPOSE

In 2015, ASCO established a program designed to support medical interest in cancer-related careers: Oncology Student Interest Groups (OSIGs). The purpose of this study was to describe the characteristics of current student leaders of ASCO-sponsored OSIGs and their perceptions of cancer-related careers.

METHODS

We reviewed the list of all ASCO-sponsored OSIGs between 2015 and 2021. For this study, we focused on OSIGs that were sponsored during the 2019-2020 academic year. All student leaders of the 89 OSIGs active in that academic year were invited to participate.

RESULTS

The number of groups has more than tripled in the 6 years since the program's inception. The number of international groups has increased to become almost one fifth of all OSIGs; however, the range of countries represented remains limited. The majority of OSIG leaders were female. Eighty two percent of OSIGs were returning members, with most of their leaders being registered ASCO student members. Almost all participants reported an interest in pursuing a cancer-related specialty. Only a minority (14.8%) reported having a family member working in a cancer-related career. However, 85% reported having experience with a cancer diagnosis in their family. The majority of the respondents had a favorable perception of medical oncology as a specialty. Participants reported the highest levels of interest in medical oncology and pediatric oncology.

CONCLUSION

The number of ASCO-sponsored OSIGs has steadily increased since the creation of the program. Most participants reported an interest in pursuing a cancer-related career. To our knowledge, this study is the first to provide insights into the makeup of this program around the world. Additional efforts are needed to increase the global reach of the program, particularly in low-income countries.
Wittgenstein's Tractatus as Poetic Philosophy and Philosophical Poetics
Authors: Bremer Józef
Published: November 2021

This article argues that it is helpful to discuss the logico-philosophical contents of Wittgenstein's Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus in terms that confront the poetic and literary qualities of its form and style. To begin with, it analyzes Wittgenstein's short remarks about expression as manifested in the “tone” of Georg Trakl's poetry and the “ineffability” of Ludwig Uhland's poem “Count Eberhard's Hawthorn.” Then it proceeds to consider his exchange of letters with Gottlob Frege about the form and style of the Tractatus. The final part of the article considers such Tractarian metaphors as “showing and saying,” “logical space,” “reflecting the world as in a mirror,” “ineffability,” and “climbing and throwing away a ladder.” The proposed examination concentrates mainly on the distinction—but also the connection—between what, through language as used in both philosophy and poetry, can be said and what can be shown, this being one of the central themes of the Tractatus itself. It is then claimed that the roots of Wittgenstein's later understanding of both “ordinary language” and the connection between philosophy, poetry, and the ethical form of one's life are already present in his first period of creativity.
Guo Xi on Painting the Invisible Gaze of the Dao
Authors: Chai David
Published: November 2021

For the Song dynasty painter and theorist Guo Xi, Daoism runs like veins through his Lofty Appeal of Forests and Streams, helping it become one of the greatest works of landscape painting theory in China. This essay explores the influence Laozi and Zhuangzi had on Guo Xi's thought, paying particular attention to the latter's implementation of spirit, nature, and incompleteness. Guo Xi succeeded in giving these Daoist themes an aesthetic significance that had yet to be fully realized by his predecessors, while expounding them in a manner that remained faithful to the texts from which they were drawn. While Guo Xi was not the first person in China to employ the principles of Daoist philosophy in their discourse on landscape painting, his ability to synthesize them into a cohesive representation of the invisible gaze of the Dao led to his becoming one of the most eminent painters and aesthetic theorists in the history of Chinese aesthetics.
Marginalia Transcription and Scholarly Culture in the Qing Dynasty
Authors: Yinzong Wei
Published: November 2021

In the Qing, transcription of marginalia became common scholarly practice, involving a number of different people who created a new reading culture. This article follows the marginalia trail of scholar and calligrapher He Zhuo 何焯 through various transcribers and others involved in the process: He's disciples, later generations of scholars, bibliophiles, calligraphers, and booksellers. Connected through He's and others' marginalia across time and space, these transcribers established a network for the efficient transmission of information, knowledge, and thought. Transcription of such marginalia created a unique book culture that shaped scholarship, thought, and society in the Qing and produced critical texts that are still read today.
There's a Disco Ball Between Us
Authors: Allen Jafari S.
Published: November 2021

In There’s a Disco Ball Between Us, Jafari S. Allen offers a sweeping and lively ethnographic and intellectual history of what he calls “Black gay habits of mind.” In conversational and lyrical language, Allen locates this sensibility as it emerged from radical Black lesbian activism and writing during the long 1980s. He traverses multiple temporalities and locations, drawing on research and fieldwork conducted across the globe, from Nairobi, London, and Paris to Toronto, Miami, and Trinidad and Tobago. In these locations and archives, Allen traces the genealogies of Black gay politics and cultures in the visual art, poetry, film, Black feminist theory, historiography, and activism of thinkers and artists such as Audre Lorde, Marsha P. Johnson, Essex Hemphill, Colin Robinson, Marlon Riggs, Pat Parker, and Joseph Beam. Throughout, Allen renarrates Black queer history while cultivating a Black gay method of thinking and writing. In so doing, he speaks to the urgent contemporary struggles for social justice while calling on Black studies to pursue scholarship, art, and policy derived from the lived experience and fantasies of Black people throughout the world.
Climate Lyricism
Authors: Song Min Hyoung
Published: November 2021

In Climate Lyricism Min Hyoung Song articulates a climate change-centered reading practice that foregrounds how climate is present in most literature. Song shows how literature, poetry, and essays by Tommy Pico, Solmaz Sharif, Frank O’Hara, Ilya Kaminsky, Claudia Rankine, Kazuo Ishiguro, Teju Cole, Richard Powers, and others help us to better grapple with our everyday encounters with climate change and its disastrous effects, which are inextricably linked to the legacies of racism, colonialism, and extraction. These works employ what Song calls climate lyricism—a mode of address in which a first-person “I” speaks to a “you” about how climate change thoroughly shapes daily life. The relationship between “I” and “you” in this lyricism, Song contends, affects the ways readers comprehend the world, fostering a model of shared agency from which it can become possible to collectively and urgently respond to the catastrophe of our rapidly changing climate. In this way, climate lyricism helps to ameliorate the sense of being overwhelmed and feeling unable to do anything to combat climate change.
Generation of structural systems based on topology optimization
Authors: Σωτηρόπουλος Στέφανος
Published: November 2021

Σκοπός αυτής της έρευνας είναι η δημιουργία ενός ολιστικού πλαισίου για τη φάση εννοιολογικού σχεδιασμού των κατασκευών πολιτικού μηχανικού από την άποψη της Βελτιστοποίησης Τοπολογίας Κατασκευών (STO). Στη βιβλιογραφία, η εφαρμογή του STO στον τομέα των Πολιτικών Μηχανικών, είναι αρκετά περιορισμένη. Βασικοί περιορισμοί των υφιστάμενων εργασιών, είναι οι δυσκολίες στην αναπαράσταση των βελτιστοποιημένων διατάξεων και το γεγονός ότι στις περισσότερες περιπτώσεις λαμβάνονται υπόψη εξιδανικευμένες δομικές συνθήκες. Η αντιπαράθεση αυτών των δύο ζητημάτων είναι ο πρωταρχικός στόχος αυτής της διδακτορικής έρευνας. Οι κατασκευαστικοί περιορισμοί εφαρμόζονται στη Βελτιστοποίηση Τοπολογίας (TO) που βασίζεται σε συνεχές, προκειμένου να παρέχονται λύσεις για εφαρμογές Πολιτικού Μηχανικού. Οι προτεινόμενες μεθοδολογίες, καθοδήγησαν τον αλγόριθμο στη δημιουργία διακριτών δομών, που αποτελούνται από δοκούς ή προκαθορισμένα δομικά στοιχεία. Αποκορύφωμα αυτών των διαδικασιών είναι η αυτοματοποίηση της ενσωμάτωσης των βελτιστοποιημένων δομών σε περιβάλλον σχεδίασης με τη βοήθεια υπολογιστή (CAD). Για το σκοπό αυτό εφαρμόζονται προσεγγίσεις επεξεργασίας εικόνας και τεχνικές παραμετρικού σχεδιασμού. Παρουσιάζονται καινοτόμα δομικά συστήματα για ψηλά κτίρια και κελύφη, που δεν μπορούν να παραχθούν με συμβατικές τεχνικές σχεδιασμού. Επιπλέον, εξετάζεται η βελτιστοποίηση δομικής τοπολογίας πλαισίου (FSTO) και εξετάζεται η απόδοση των δομικών συστημάτων υπό στατικές και δυναμικές φορτίσεις. Η συμβατική διατύπωση της ελαχιστοποίησης της συμμόρφωσης εφαρμόζεται στο εμπορικό λογισμικό SAP2000. Το διπλό πρόβλημα της ελαχιστοποίησης όγκου εκτελείται σε ένα εσωτερικό λογισμικό, που αναπτύχθηκε στα πλαίσια αυτής της έρευνας και τα τυποποιημένα χαλύβδινα μέλη υλοποιούνται μέσω ανάλυσης παλινδρόμησης. Οι περιορισμοί που επιβάλλονται από τους κανονισμούς του κώδικα σχεδιασμού εφαρμόζονται, με αποτέλεσμα βελτιστοποιημένες διατάξεις που είναι πολύ κοντά στις δομές του πραγματικού κόσμου. Ορισμένα από τα προτεινόμενα δομικά συστήματα σχεδιάζονται επίσης από εμπορικό λογισμικό, επισημαίνοντας τη σημασία του FSTO στον κατασκευαστικό κλάδο. Επιπλέον, διεξάγεται μια εκτεταμένη έρευνα βελτιστοποιημένων τοπολογικών κατασκευών υπό δυναμικές διεγέρσεις και πραγματικές συνθήκες σεισμού. Περιγράφεται διεξοδικά η κρίσιμη διαδικασία της αξιολόγησης της ανάλυσης ευαισθησίας και παρουσιάζονται καινοτόμα δομικά συστήματα για ψηλά κτίρια.
Διαχρονική μελέτη της Γοργούς/Μέδουσας στον Ελλαδικό χώρο έως την ύστερη αρχαιότητα
Authors: Λαζάρου Άννα
Published: November 2021

Η μεγάλης διάρκειας παρουσία του γοργονείου μέσα στους αιώνες σημαίνει ότι πρόκειται για διαχρονικό σύμβολο με μεταβλητή μορφή, αλλά με την ουσία του να παραμένει η ίδια. Η δύναμη του αποτροπαϊκού συνοψίζεται στο απολιθωτικό βλέμμα της Μέδουσας, η οποία δίνει σάρκα και οστά σε ένα μύθο που κάνει παντοδύναμο τον Περσέα με τη χρήση αυτής της μαγείας. Στην παρούσα διατριβή διερευνήθηκε η εξέλιξη στη μορφή διαμέσου της τέχνης και των εκάστοτε δομών (κοινωνικό-πολιτικό-οικονομικό-φιλοσοφικό-ιδεολογικό πλαίσιο) που την περικλείουν. Αυτή η μελέτη εξέτασε τη διαχρονικότητα του συμβόλου ταξινομώντας το σε έξι κατηγορίες τυπολογικές (τύπους) με αρίθμηση 1-6. Το έναυσμα για τη συγκεκριμένη κατηγοριοποίηση προήλθε από την προϊστορία με τις μεμονωμένες κεφαλές/γοργόνεια και τις μάσκες (τύπος 1) που χρονολογούνται από το ~5000 π.Χ., καθώς και τα μηλιακά αγγεία και τις μινωικές σφραγίδες ΜΚ περιόδου με τους πρώτους ολόσωμους δαίμονες, των οποίων η εξέλιξη οδήγησε στη μορφή σε κίνηση δρόμου (εν γούνασι δρόμο) ή καμψίπους (τύπος 4) της αρχαϊκής εποχής. Την αρχαϊκή περίοδο εμφανίζονται επιπλέον παραστάσεις με την αφήγηση του μύθου της Μέδουσας και του Περσέα (τύπος 6). Το εντυπωσιακό με την αρχαϊκή εποχή είναι η ποικιλία θεμάτων που έδωσε τρείς επιπλέον τύπους: τα μιξιγενή τέρατα με γοργόνειες κεφαλές (τύπος 2), το συσχετισμό της Γοργούς με τα ζώα (τύπος 3) και τη χθόνια γοργόνα στον Άδη (τύπος 5). Ορισμένοι τύποι, κυρίως ο τύπος 1 και ο τύπος 6, εξακολουθούν στις επόμενες περιόδους (κλασική, ελληνιστική, ρωμαϊκή και ύστερη αρχαιότητα). Η εξέλιξη της μορφής διαπιστώνεται από τη διαφοροποίηση τυπολογικών χαρακτηριστικών, τα οποία εντοπίζονται στις υποπεριόδους της καθεμιάς χρονολογικής περιόδου, ξεκινώντας από τον 7ο αιώνα π.Χ. και φθάνοντας ως τον 5ο αιώνα μ.Χ., ενώ δύο τύποι εντοπίστηκαν στην προϊστορική περίοδο. Οι αρχαίες πηγές παρατίθενται σε ξεχωριστό παράρτημα. Στο κεφάλαιο 2 γίνεται ο σχολιασμός των αρχαίων πηγών, ενώ στα υπόλοιπα κεφάλαια αναδεικνύεται η αλληλεπίδραση των συγγραφέων και ποιητών με την καλλιτεχνική δημιουργία. Η καλλιτεχνική απόδοση της Γοργόνας Μέδουσας και του γοργονείου, είτε με άσχημη και τερατώδη όψη, είτε με όμορφη θηλυκή όψη, συμβαδίζει με τις αρχαίες πηγές και τους μύθους. Η παρούσα διατριβή επιχειρεί να γνωρίσει τη σημασία και σπουδαιότητα που είχε το σύμβολο της γοργόνειας μορφής στον καθημερινό βίο και τις δοξασίες των ανθρώπων. Η μελέτη κάλυψε γεωγραφικά τον ελληνικό κόσμο με τις αποικίες, τα βασίλεια και τις αυτοκρατορίες, κατά την αρχαιολογική περίοδο από την 6η χιλιετία π.Χ. έως την ύστερη αρχαιότητα (5ος αι. μ.Χ.). Επειδή το αντικείμενο της μελέτης ως τώρα δεν έχει ολιστικά συζητηθεί και διερευνηθεί σε αλληλεπίδραση με το ιστορικό, κοινωνικό, πολιτικό, φιλοσοφικό και καλλιτεχνικό πλαίσιο της εκάστοτε περιόδου, ο στόχος αυτής της θεώρησης είναι να αναδειχτούν τα χαρακτηριστικά και οι τάσεις της τέχνης στην εκάστοτε εποχή. Λόγω της μεγάλης πληθώρας παραστάσεων στις ιστορικές περιόδους, ο κατάλογος της παρούσας διατριβής είναι ενδεικτικός και επιχειρεί να καλύψει τον ελληνικό κόσμο.
Μελέτη του μηχανισμού αντικαρκινικής δράσης ουσιών φυτικής προέλευσης στο γλοιοβλάστωμα
Authors: Βαρθολομάτος Ευρυσθένης
Published: November 2021

To γλοιοβλάστωμα είναι η συχνότερη και πιο επιθετική μορφή πρωτοπαθούς όγκου του εγκεφάλου στους ενήλικες. Παρά την εντατική κλινική έρευνα λίγες θεραπευτικές προσεγγίσεις υπάρχουν ως σήμερα και η μέση επιβίωση των ασθενών παραμένει στο εύρος των 15 μηνών. Η πλειοψηφία των όγκων υποτροπιάζουν καθίστανται ανθεκτικοί θεραπείας σε σύντομο χρονικό διάστημα, δημιουργώντας έτσι επιτακτική ανάγκη για νέες θεραπείες. Ένας σημαντικός αριθμός φαρμάκων με αντικαρκινική δράση έχουν απομονωθεί από φαρμακευτικά φυτά. Στη μελέτη μας έγινε χρήση των ουσιών φυσικής προέλευσης μοσχαμίνη (ΜΜ), n-p-κουμαροϋλ-σεροτονίνη (CS), και δεγλουκοελλεβρίνη (DGH) οι οποίες έχουν απομονωθεί από ενδημικά φυτά της πατρίδας μας. Οι ουσίες παρουσιάζουν ομοιότητες στη δομή τους και εν δυνάμει αντιφλεγμονώδη-αντιοξειδωτική δράση. Παρατηρήσαμε ότι οι ΜΜ, CS και DGH παρουσιάζουν ισχυρή αντιγλοιωματική δράση στην κυτταρική σειρά U251MG που είναι ευαίσθητη στην ΤΜΖ, αλλά και την T98G που είναι ανθεκτική στην ΤΜΖ. Οι ΜΜ και CS οδήγησαν σε αναστολή της προόδου του κυτταρικού κύκλου στη φάση S, ενώ η DGH στη φάση G2/M. Το σύνολο των ουσιών ενεργοποίησε το μιτοχονδριακό μονοπάτι απόπτωσης, ενώ οι CS και DGH ενεργοποίησαν επιπλέον και το εξωγενές, εξαρτώμενο της κασπάσης-8, μονοπάτι απόπτωσης. Οι ουσίες οδήγησαν σε διαφορετική έκφραση δεικτών επιφανείας CDs που σχετίζονται με την καρκινογένεση. Οι ουσίες αποδείχθηκαν μη τοξικές στις μελετούμενες in vitro συγκεντρώσεις, σε ιχθύες Zebrafish. Το μονοπάτι του NF-κΒ, δρα ογκογόνα στο γλοιοβλάστωμα και συμβάλει στη χημειοανθεκτικότητα. Επαληθεύσαμε ότι o NF-κΒ είναι ενεργός στο γλοιοβλάστωμα και ότι οι δείκτες CDs: CD15, CD26, CD28, CD44, CD58, CD62L, CD71 και CD122 που στοχεύουν οι MM, CS και DGH, φέρουν θέσεις πρόσδεσης NF-κΒ. Η μελέτη μας παραθέτει δεδομένα ότι η στόχευση και η αναστολή του μονοπατιού του NF-κΒ από τις φυσικές ενώσεις MM, CS και DGH, σχετίζεται με την αντιγλοιωματική τους δράση.
Study of the Higgs boson production in association with two top quarks and its subsequent decay to a bbar pair with the CMS detector at the CERN LHC
Authors: Κόρακα Χάρις-Κλειώ
Published: November 2021

Η τρέχουσα διατριβή, αφορά την μελέτη της διεργασίας ttH, H → bb με μια νέα μέθοδο η οποία ανακατασκευάσει τη μάζα του μποζόνιου Higgs με σάρωση του δισδιάστατου επίπεδου των μαζών των top και W και τον υπολογισμό του πιο πιθανού σημείου αναφορικά με τις συναρτήσεις πυκνότητας πιθανότητας για τις αλληλεπιδράσεις πρωτονίου-πρωτονίου. Η τελική κατάσταση του συστήματος όταν τα t κουάρκς διασπώνται λεπτονικά, αποτελείται από δύο λεπτόνια, τέσσερις αδρονικούς πίδακες, και ελλείπουσα εγκάρσια ενέργεια. Το κύριο υπόβαθρο το οποίο προέρχεται από γεγονότα ζεύγους t και t̄ σωματιδίων προσδιορίζεται με μια νέα μέθοδο από τα δεδομένα. Προκειμένου να ενισχυθεί ο διαχωρισμός σήματος και υποβάθρου εφαρμόζεται ένα σύνολο βελτιστοποιημένων κριτηρίων προεπιλογής, που αποτελούνται από διάφορα κινηματικά και τοπολογικά κριτήρια. Εκτός από αυτό, χωρίζουμε τα γεγονότα μας σε δύο περιοχές, μια ελέγχου και μια σήματος με βάση την πολλαπλότητα τωναδρονικών πιδάκων που έχουν χαρακτηριστεί ως b−tagged. Η περιοχή ελέγχου αποτελείται από γεγονότα με ακριβώς 2 b − tagged αδρονικούς πίδακες ενώ στην περιοχή σήματος απαιτούνται γεγονότα με τουλάχιστον 4 b − tagged αδρονικούς πίδακες. Και στις δύο περιοχές το κύριο υπόβαθρο προέρχεται από τη διαδικασία tt̄ + jets. Ελέγχεται εκτενώς η ορθότητα και η απόδοση τόσο της μεθόδου ανακατασκευής της αναλλοίωτης μάζας του Higgs όσο και της μεθόδου πρόβλεψης του υποβάθρου από τα δεδομένα πραγματοποιώντας διάφορες μελέτες τόσο σε επίπεδο γεννήτορα καθώς και με γεγονότα τα οποία χαρακτηρίζονται από πλήρη προσομοίωση του ανιχνευτή έτσι ώστε να επαληθεύσουμε τις νέες μεθόδους που εισάγαμε. Σύγκριση των αποτελεσμάτων της εφαρμογής της μεθόδου έγινε μεταξύ δεδομένων και προσομοίωσης όπου και παρατηρήθηκε και επιβεβαιώθηκε ότι δεν υπήρξε ένδειξη συστηματικής διαφοράς μεταξύ των δεδομένων και προσομοίωσης. Η μέτρηση της σημαντικότητας του σήματος πραγματοποιείται χρησιμοποιώντας δεδομένα σύγκρουσης pp από τον LHC, τα οποία συλλέγονται με την βοήθεια του πειράματος CM S, συνολικής φωτεινότητας L = 137.2 fb −1 καταγεγραμμένα σε ενέργεια κέντρου μάζας sqrt(s) = 13 TeV. Η προκύπτουσα παρατηρούμενη (αναμενόμενη) σημαντικότητα αντιστοιχεί σε 0.34(1.35) τυπικές αποκλίσεις.
Delays in initiating rabies post-exposure prophylaxis among dog bite victims in Wakiso and Kampala districts, Uganda
Authors: Kisaka Stevens , Makumbi Fredrick , Majalija Samuel , Bahizi Gloria , Thumbi SM
Published: November 2021

Background  

Although rabies in dog bite patients is preventable through timely initiation of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), a number of barriers to achieving PEP exist. This study investigated the delays to initiation of PEP among dog bite patients in the emergency departments of two PEP centers in Uganda.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among dog-bite patients that presented to two selected rabies PEP centers. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Delay to receive PEP was defined as reporting for PEP beyond 24 hours after the bite event. Generalized linear models were used to calculate prevalence ratios and the 95% confidence intervals as a measure of association between delay and patient factors.

Results

Out of 376 participants, just over half (53.5%) were males. The majority of participants (54.0%) were 15 years or older and 28.5% had no formal education. Just over three-quarters (77.9%) had category II dog bite wounds. Nearly 40% delayed to receive PEP, and median (inter quartile range) lag time between bite event and seeking medical care of 18 (41) hours. Compared to education level of secondary or above, patients with no formal education (adj. PR=4.06, 95% CI: 2.69 -  6.10) or primary education (adj.PR=2.15, 95% CI: 1.37 -  3.35), belonging to the lowest socio-economic tertile as compared to the highest (adj.PR=1.58, 95% CI: 1.10 - 2.28), knowing the owner of the biting dog (adj.PR=1.30, 95% CI: 1.02 - 1.65) and having category II wounds (adj.PR=2.31, 95% CI: 1.43 - 3.71) were all associated with delayed presentation for PEP.

Conclusions and recommendations

Delays to receive PEP are common and are associated with poor level of education or low socio-economic status, knowledge of who the dog owner is and less severity of bite wounds. Seeking care irrespective of wound severity or knowledge of dog owner should be promoted.
Hematologic and coagulopathy parameter as a survival predictor among moderate to severe COVID-19 patients in non- ICU ward: a single-center study at the main referral hospital in Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia
Authors: Bintoro Siprianus Ugroseno Yudho , Dwijayanti Ni Made Intan , Pramudya Dana , Amrita Putu Niken , Romadhon Pradana Zaky , Asmarawati Tri Pudy , Bachtiar Arief , Hadi Usman
Published: November 2021

Background : This research aimed to examine and analyze risk factors for death, hematologic parameters and coagulation in COVID-19 patients at RSUD Dr. Soetomo Surabaya, one of the referral centers for probable COVID-19 patient cases in East Java.

Method : This was a retrospective analytical study by taking secondary data on patients with probable COVID-19 cases who were treated in hospital isolation rooms from May to September, 2020.

Result : Of 538 probable COVID-19 patients, 217 were tested positive, with an average age of 52.11±13.12 years, and there were 38 death cases. Hematologic parameters, such as white blood cell, neutrophil and lymphocyte counts, showed significantly different result in the deceased group. On the other hand, coagulation parameters, consisting of D-dimer, CRP, PT, and aPTT showed significantly similar value in the deceased group. Univariate analysis concluded that chronic kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease, WBC, NLR, and PPT counts could predict the mortality, while multivariate analysis revealed that coronary heart disease was the only significant independent predictor of mortality.

Conclusion : This research shows that hematologic and coagulation parameters increased in the majority of COVID-19 patients and the deceased group.  While the number of neutrophils and WBC increases, the number of lymphocytes decreases significantly as the disease gets more severe.. Coronary heart disease is an independent predictor of mortality.
Identifying priorities for the collection and use of data related to community first response and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: protocol for a nominal group technique study
Authors: Keegan Dylan , Heffernan Eithne , McSharry Jenny , Barry Tomás , Masterson Siobhán
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is a devastating health event that affects over 2000 people each year in Ireland. Survival rate is low, but immediate intervention and initiation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and administration of an automated external defibrillator (AED) can increase chances of survival. It is not always possible for the emergency medical services (EMS) to reach OHCA cases quickly. As such, volunteers, including lay and professional responders (e.g. off-duty paramedics and fire-fighters), trained in CPR and AED use, are mobilised by the EMS to respond locally to prehospital medical emergencies (e.g. OHCA and stroke). This is known as community first response (CFR).

Data on the impact of CFR interventions are limited. This research aims to identify the most important CFR data to collect and analyse, the most important uses of CFR data, as well as barriers and facilitators to data collection and use. This can inform policies to optimise the practice of CFR in Ireland.

Methods: The nominal group technique (NGT) is a structured consensus process where key stakeholders (e.g. CFR volunteers, clinicians, EMS personnel, and patients/relatives) develop a set of prioritised recommendations. This study will employ the NGT, incorporating an online survey and online consensus meeting, to develop a priority list for the collection and use of CFR data in Ireland. Stakeholder responses will also identify barriers and facilitators to data collection and use, as well as indicators that improvements to these processes have been achieved. The maximum sample size for the NGT will be 20 participants to ensure sufficient representation from stakeholder groups.

Discussion: This study, employing the NGT, will consult key stakeholders to establish CFR data collection, analysis, and use priorities. Results from this study will inform CFR research, practice, and policy, to improve the national CFR service model and inform international response programs.
Implementation of a software defined FLISR solution on an active distribution grid
Authors: Leniston Darren , Ryan David , Power Clem , Hayes Paul , Davy Steven
Published: November 2021

Background: The resiliency of the distribution grid is of increasing concern to the distribution system operator (DSO) due to factors such as climate change and the resulting faults caused by inclement weather conditions, leading to service disruption to consumers. Loss of service negatively affects key performance indicators (KPI) of the DSO, such as customer minutes lost (CML) and customer interruptions (CI), leading to financial penalties imposed by the regulator.

Methods: In this paper we propose a software-driven Fault Location, Isolation and Service Restoration (FLISR) solution, leveraging modern software and communication technologies married with the DSO's existing infrastructure, to aid fault detection and resolution, with the aim of reducing CMLs & CIs and curtailing the financial penalties incurred.

Results: The proposed FLISR solution was trialled in an area of south-east Ireland which sees a higher count of service loss as compared to more inland areas, providing an ideal environment to gauge the effectiveness of the solution. It was found that the solution generated outputs that could potentially lead to the resolution of fault events faster than the current systems in place by the DSO.

Conclusions: Based on the results gathered from operating the FLISR solution on an active grid, it has demonstrated that leveraging modern software technologies in tandem with existing grid infrastructure benefits the DSO with reference to grid management and operations and the customer in terms of quality of service site.
Mortality in rural coastal Kenya measured using the Kilifi Health and Demographic Surveillance System: a 16-year descriptive analysis
Authors: Otiende Mark , Bauni Evasius , Nyaguara Amek , Amadi David , Nyundo Christopher , Tsory Emmanuel , Walumbe David , Kinuthia Michael , Kihuha Norbert , Kahindi Michael , Nyutu Gideon , Moisi Jennifer , Deribew Amare , Agweyu Ambrose , Marsh Kevin , Tsofa Benjamin , Bejon Philip , Bottomley Christian , Williams Thomas N. , Scott J. Anthony G.
Published: November 2021

Background: The Kilifi Health and Demographic Surveillance System (KHDSS) was established in 2000 to define the incidence and prevalence of local diseases and evaluate the impact of community-based interventions. KHDSS morbidity data have been reported comprehensively but mortality has not been described. This analysis describes mortality in the KHDSS over 16 years.

Methods: We calculated mortality rates from 2003–2018 in four intervals of equal duration and assessed differences in mortality across these intervals by age and sex. We calculated the period survival function and median survival using the Kaplan–Meier method and mean life expectancies using abridged life tables. We estimated trend and seasonality by decomposing a time series of monthly mortality rates. We used choropleth maps and random-effects Poisson regression to investigate geographical heterogeneity.

Results: Mortality declined by 36% overall between 2003–2018 and by 59% in children aged <5 years. Most of the decline occurred between 2003 and 2006. Among adults, the greatest decline (49%) was observed in those aged 15–54 years. Life expectancy at birth increased by 12 years. Females outlived males by 6 years. Seasonality was only evident in the 1–4 year age group in the first four years. Geographical variation in mortality was ±10% of the median value and did not change over time.

Conclusions: Between 2003 and 2018, mortality among children and young adults has improved substantially. The steep decline in 2003–2006 followed by a much slower reduction thereafter suggests improvements in health and wellbeing have plateaued in the last 12 years. However, there is substantial inequality in mortality experience by geographical location.