bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The synergistic effect of the summer NAO and northwest Pacific SST on extreme heat events in the central–eastern China
Authors: Wang Hao , Li Jianping , Zheng Fei , Li Fei
Published: December 2022

The synergistic effect of the summer positive North Atlantic Oscillation (pNAO) and positive northwest Pacific (pNWP) sea surface temperature anomaly (SSTA) on the interannual variability of the extreme heat events in the central–eastern China (CEC) is investigated in this study. The two factors act synergistically in strengthening the extreme heat events in the CEC, and the CEC is likely to experience a hotter summer when both the summer pNAO and pNWP SSTA occur. The two factors influence the extreme heat events in the CEC via a series of atmospheric bridges. The pNWP SSTA increases the strength of pNAO via the eastward propagating Rossby wave from the western Pacific. The enhanced pNAO induces a stronger eastward Rossby wave propagation across the Eurasian continent, and leads to a strong anomalous anticyclone over the CEC. The significantly increased atmosphere thickness increases the air temperature of the layer, and favors the extreme heat events in the CEC. Besides, the anomalous southerlies on the west side of the anomalous anticyclone are also favorable for the increase in air temperature. Furthermore, the pNWP SSTA also has adjacent effect on the atmospheric circulation over the CEC, which could lead to a positive geopotential height anomaly. Therefore, the summer pNAO and pNWP SSTA act synergistically in influencing the atmospheric circulation over the CEC, and thereby significantly increase the extreme heat events in the CEC. Compared with the cooccurrence of the summer pNAO and pNWP SSTA, the magnitude of the extreme heat events decreases greatly when only one factor happens, which highlights the synergistic effect of the two factors.
The combined effect of EGR and hydrogen addition on a Syzygium cumini (Jamun) liquid biofuel engine
Authors: Kannappan Chandrasekar , Sengottaiyan Sudhakar , R rajappan
Published: December 2022

Rapid depletion of fossil fuels required the development of alternate and sustainable fuel sources that could replace conventional fuel while having no negative environmental impact. One of the best alternatives to conventional fuels that ensures strict emission standards and lowers energy usage is hydrogen induction combined with biodiesel. In this study, the performance, emissions, and combustion of a CI engine for Syzygium cumini (B20) were assessed and compared to diesel fuel while using a fixed amount of hydrogen flow rate (6L/m). Throughout the experiment, an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) technology of 10% and 20% and a constant engine speed of 1500 rpm at varying engine load circumstances were used. When hydrogen is added to B20, it increases the emissions of carbon monoxide (CO), unburned hydrocarbons (UHC), brake thermal efficiency (BTE), and brake specific energy consumption (BSEC). At maximum load, the use of the EGR system decreased the exhaust gas temperature (EGT) by 13.4% and nitrogen oxide (NOX) emission by 25%, but it had a negative impact on BTE, BSEC, as well as other emission parameters including CO and UHC. Therefore, using hydrogen in dual fuel mode in a CI engine enhances performance and lowers exhaust emissions, while using the EGR approach reduces NOX emissions.
Cost of bladder cancer in Lebanon before and after the economic collapse: A probabilistic modeling study
Authors: Raad Elie , Helou Samar , Hage Karl , Daou Melissa , Helou Elie El
Published: December 2022

Background:Lebanon has one of the highest incidence rates of bladder cancer (BC) in the world. In 2019, Lebanon’s economy collapsed which majorly impacted healthcare costs and coverage. This study assesses the overall direct costs of urothelial BC in Lebanon, from the perspective of public and private third-party payers (TPP) and households, and evaluates the impact of the economic collapse on these costs.Methods:This was a quantitative, incidence-based cost-of-illness study, conducted using a macro-costing approach. Costs of medical procedures were obtained from the records of various TPPs and the Ministry of Public Health. We modeled the clinical management processes for each stage of BC, and conducted probabilistic sensitivity analyses to estimate and compare the cost of each stage, pre-and post-collapse, and for each payer category. The model’s probability parameters were obtained from existing literature and local experts’ opinions, using the conventional Delphi method.Results:Before the collapse, the total annual cost of BC in Lebanon was estimated at LBP 19,676,494,000 (USD 13,117,662). Post-collapse, the use of optimal treatment and management decreased, paralleled with an increase in the proportion of BC patients not undergoing any follow-up. The total annual cost of BC in Lebanon increased by 767.67% and was estimated at LBP 170,727,187,000 (USD 7,422,921). TPP payments increased by 61.42% whereas out-of-pocket (OOP) payments increased by 2,745.33% resulting in a decrease in TPP coverage to only 16.5% of total costs. The cost contribution of low, intermediate and high risk BC slightly decreased whereas the cost contribution of muscle-invasive and metastatic BC slightly increased.Conclusions:Our study shows that BC in Lebanon constitutes a significant economic burden costing 0.32% of total health expenditures. The economic collapse induced an increase of 767.67% in the total annual cost, and a catastrophic increase in OOP payments.
Phytochemical profiling and toxicity effect of various seaweed species against diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella L. (Plutellidae; Lepidoptera)
Authors: J Mary Lisha , G Srinivasan , M Shanthi , M.L Mini , S Vellaikumar , K Sujatha
Published: December 2022

As a renewable resource, seaweeds are abundant in secondary metabolites that have the potential to accelerate metabolic processes in insects, induce toxicity, alter growth and development and delay oviposition and feeding activities. The purpose of the current experiment was to examine the insecticidal activity of brown and red algal seaweeds against diamondback moth under laboratory conditions in Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai. The marine algae were collected from Ramanathapuram districts of Tamil Nadu. Different extracts of seaweeds were made using the Soxhlet extraction method and were tested for toxicity at various concentrations, including 1%, 2% and 3% against a homogenous culture of second-instarP. xylostellalarvae. Their effects were compared to those of solvents (Methanol, chloroform, hexane and acetone), a treated check (Azadirachtin 1% @ 2ml/l) and an untreated control under leaf dip bioassay with three replications in Completely Randomized Design. The larval mortality data on the treated larvae were collected systematically, statistically examined and reported. Among different concentrations of tested seaweed extracts, the highest larvicidal activity (83.33%) was observed after 72 hrs withSargassum wightiimethanolic extracts @ 3% concentration and the least larval mortality was observed forGracilaria edulisacetone extracts @ 1% concentration (23.33%). Phytochemical profiling of all methanolic extracts of seaweeds was done by GC-MS/MS analysis. The heat map of the metabolites identified nine metabolites (6-Octadecanoic acid, Papveroline, Paroxypropione, o-Methoxymandelic acid, 11, 14-Eicosadienoic acid, Oxirane, 2-Hydroxy-5-Methyl acetophenone, Alpha-Bromo-gamma-valerolactone, 2-O-Methlyl-d-xylose) inS.wightiiwith high intensity that were not detected in other species. These metabolites are likely to possess insecticidal property. This study suggests the use of seaweed extract as botanical pesticide which will be an alternative in the creation of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) module for the control of diamondback moths.
The COVID-19 pandemic in rich and poor countries
Authors: Nesteruk Igor , Rodionov Oleksii
Published: December 2022

Large differences in the number of registered SARS-CoV-2 cases per capita in different countries encourage research into the causes of this phenomenon. In particular, a strong linear correlation was revealed between the gross domestic product per capita (GDP) and the numbers of cases per capita (CC) registered in African countries as of February 1, 2022. A non-linear correlation and datasets for African and European countries corresponding to August 1, 2022 show that CC values increase for richer countries probably be due to higher levels of testing. The much lower values of registered accumulated numbers of cases and deaths per capita (DC) in Africa are most clearly explained by the low testing level than by the influence of other factors. In some countries, the number of undetected COVID-19 cases may be tens or even hundreds of times higher than the number of registered ones, which increases the probability of the appearance of new dangerous SARS-CoV-2 strains and reduces the prospects for a quick end to the pandemic. Many unreported cases make it difficult to analyze the impact of vaccinations and other factors. In particular, the decline of DC values and the case fatality risk (DC/CC) with increasing vaccination rates in Europe requires additional research.
AN EXTENSIVE INVESTIGATION OF FLOW CONDITIONERS INSIDE A FI-FI MONITOR
Authors:   Yildiz Technical University, Dept. of Naval Arch. and Marine Engineering, Istanbul, Turkiye, Bilir Ahmet Çağrı , Doğrul Ali , Vardar Nurten ,   Department of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, Turkish Naval Academy, National Defense University, 34940, Istanbul, Türkiye
Published: December 2022

As it is known, to provide fire protection for any type of surface vessel, external fire-fighting (EFF) systems have been commonly used for decades as well as in coastal regions. These types of systems exist on several types of vessels such as fire-fighting ships, tugboats, supply vessels and naval vessels. Flow conditioners can be used in the EFF systems to provide better performance by regulating the flow inside the fi-fi monitor. In the present study, a fire-fighting (fi-fi) monitor was designed and different flow conditioners were implemented into the fi-fi monitor. A unique flow conditioner was designed in addition to the recommended ones by ISO 5167-3 in order to improve the performance of the flow conditioner in terms of head ratio and flow rate. A commercial computational fluid dynamics (CFD) solver was used to investigate the performance of the different flow conditioners. Before comparing the numerical results of different flow conditioners, the numerical model was validated with the experimental data and verified with appropriate methods. The results showed that the unique flow conditioner successfully regulates the streamlines and it has better performance than the recommended ones by ISO 5167-3 in terms of flow rate and head ratio. As the last part of the study, the effect of unique flow conditioner length was investigated and the best length was determined.
The relationship between economic growth, foreign direct investment, trade openness, and unemployment in South Asia
Authors: Anh Tru Nguyen
Published: December 2022

The aim of this article is to investigate the relationship between gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate, inflow foreign direct investment (FDI), trade openness, and unemployment in five South Asian countries between 1998 and 2017 using a vector autoregressive model. It has been empirically found that GDP growth rate and unemployment have positive relationships with FDI. Results demonstrated that there is a directional relationship running from FDI to GDP growth rate and from FDI to unemployment. The study shows that there is a long-run relationship between GDP growth rate, FDI, trade openness’s and unemployment in the region. Macro policies are recommended to accelerate economic growth, FDI, and reduce unemployment rate in South Asia.
Green innovation on firm value with financial performance as mediating variable: Evidence of the mining industry
Authors: Rina Yuniarti  , Noorlailie Soewarno  , Isnalita
Published: December 2022

The topic of environmental performance is gaining much attention from academics and politics when it is associated with each country’s policies regarding environmental problems. Unfortunately, the comprehensive studies to observe this case become rare, therefore this study is aimed to investigate the direct and indirect effect of green innovation on firm value based on financial performance as the mediating variable. Mining companies which participate in Corporate Performance Rating Assessment (PROPER) listed in the Indonesia Stock Exchange during the year of 2012–2018 were used as the samples. The financial performance was measured by return on assets (ROA) and the firm value were measured by Tobin’s Q. The results showed that green innovation had a positive effect on firm value. Financial performance has a positive effect on firm value and financial performance mediates the effect of green innovation on firm value. The green innovation could increase the mining company value. This increase is mediated by financial performance. This present study has been conducted to reveal the direct and indirect effect of green innovation and firm value, financial performance, and firm value comprehensively in which never been done before.
Educação, neoliberalismo e a atualidade do pensamento de Maurício Tragtenberg
Authors:   Universidade Ibirapuera, Barchi Rodrigo , Fernandes Costa Davi ,   Universidade Ibirapuera
Published: December 2022

Este estudo busca analisar a influência do neoliberalismo na educação e atualidade do pensamento do educador brasileiro Maurício Tragtenberg (1929-1998) a partir da análise do papel da função do(a) professor(a) universitário(a). O texto está dividido em três partes. Primeiramente o intuito foi realizar um breve panorama da história e do desenvolvimento do neoliberalismo como perspectiva do sistema socioeconômico capitalista, assim como enumerar alguns de seus aspectos contemporâneos. Na segunda parte a análise se concentra em compreender como que os aspectos do neoliberalismo se desdobram e ressoam na educação, em especial sobre o ensino superior. E na última parte a intenção foi discutir a situação do professor universitário brasileiro sob a chancela neoliberal – tanto no que diz respeito às relações e acúmulo de horas de trabalho, quanto em relação à própria adequação do currículo a essa perspectiva – dialogando e atualizando a leitura de Tragtenberg em seus posicionamentos sobre o papel do profissional da educação.
Esterilización de mascarillas higiénicas con métodos físicos. Un estudio de caso con estudiantes de secundaria españoles
Authors:   I.E.S. Isaac Albéniz, Girón-Gambero Jesús Ramón , Franco-Mariscal Antonio Joaquín ,   Universidad de Málaga
Published: December 2022

La situación actual de pandemia por COVID-19 se convierte en un contexto ideal para tratar en el aula de ciencias conocimientos sobre la energía en general, y la radiación y el calor en particular, aplicadas a la esterilización de mascarillas higiénicas. Este trabajo recoge una experiencia desarrollada con 26 estudiantes españoles de secundaria de 13-14 años centrada en métodos físicos de esterilización de mascarillas con radiación ultravioleta y convección de calor empleando la metodología de aprendizaje basado en proyectos. Los resultados de la experiencia, evaluada a través de una actividad competencial, muestran que el alumnado es capaz de aplicar sus conocimientos con éxito a situaciones reales y contextos diferentes a los estudiados en el aula, desarrollando un nivel de competencias científicas medio-alto. Asimismo, un cuestionario de valoración revela que los estudiantes perciben este aprendizaje, así como que han adquirido conocimientos útiles para resolver problemas de la vida diaria.
A Cross-sectional Study to Associate BMI with Pressure Pain Threshold and
Pain Tolerance Among Healthy Young Individuals
Authors: Sufiyan Rihab Sayed , Jawish Lin , Tayeb Sarah Ait , Bachir Aisha , Rathan Ramya , Salama Miral Nagy F.
Published: December 2022

Background:

Although pain is common for everyone, it is a subjective sensation influenced by different variables. One factor that influences pain threshold and perception is body mass index (BMI). This study investigates the connection between BMI and pain by assessing the pressure pain threshold and tolerance on the median and ulnar nerves in the palms.

Methods:

The PPT and PT of 120 participants were measured with a digital pressure algometer (FPIX50; Wagner Instruments). Measurement sessions consisted of consecutive PPT and PT readings on the thenar and hypothenar eminence of the dominant and non-dominant hand. In addition, the PPT and PT were compared between BMI, thenar and hypothenar, dominant and non-dominant hand, and sexes.

Results:

The results have shown that the PPT and PT increased with BMI. However, only three out of the eight readings were significant (p = <0.05). When comparing the thenar and hypothenar, the results revealed significantly higher PPT and PT levels in the hypothenar (p = < 0.001). The results comparing the PPT and PT between the dominant and non-dominant hand revealed a significantly higher PPT in the non-dominant hand reflected across the thenar and hypothenar (t= -6.197, p= <0.01) (t= -2.550, p= 0.012), respectively. In addition, males had higher PPT and PT values (p = <0.05).

Conclusion:

The results suggest that individuals with higher BMI can tolerate more pain. They also indicate that the hypothenar eminence could withstand higher pain levels than the thenar eminence. In addition, our assessment also revealed a higher pain threshold observed in participants' nondominant hands, but the same could not be deduced for the pressure pain tolerance. Furthermore, the results have shown that males could tolerate more pain than females.
Graphite Separation in Sunflower Oil and a Possible Food Monitoring
Sensor via Near-infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Arif Raz Noori
Published: December 2022

Introduction:

As a quick and non-destructive testing method, Fourier transform infrared
(FTIR) spectroscopy has become more popular for identifying food adulteration, manipulation,
and deception. Sunflower oil is a widely used food item that may be contaminated or even
adulterated with potentially harmful chemical substances associated with health issues.

Methods:

In this regard, this study was carried out to examine the applicability of near- and midinfrared
spectroscopy to identify modifications in the pure sunflower oil and sunflower oil dispersed
with graphite. The dispersion of graphite powder in sunflower oil was achieved using the
ultrasonic technique. The samples were analyzed using FTIR spectroscopy and transmission
electron microscopy.

Results:

Changes in the FTIR signal were observed, indicating changes in the hydrogen atoms distribution within the solution. The flattened peak at 3470 cm-1 was associated with the overtone of glyceride ester carbonyl absorption compared to pure SO. Additionally, the stretching vibration of carbonyl groups of triglyceride esters occurred as a significant absorption band at 1754 cm-1, and the FTIR absorption at 1447 cm-1 was absent. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis showed transparent layers of graphene sandwiched with sunflower oil with a distinct flake-like shape

Conclusion:

These findings support dispersed graphite in sunflower oil to check the food
quality.
Recurrent Nausea and Vomiting with Weight Loss Associated with Hypothyroidism: Fact or Myth
Authors: Singh Jitendra , Dinkar Anju , Kumar Nilesh , Kumar Kailash
Published: December 2022

Background:

Hypothyroidism is a commonly encountered endocrine disorder presenting in various clinical settings. It usually presents with classic manifestations, which are readily recognized and, therefore, easy to diagnose. However, occasionally, patients present with unusual symptoms, which becomes a challenge to diagnose. Thyroid dysfunction affects many body organs, including the gut and viscera. Studies show that intestinal motility might be affected by multiple factors, such as neuromuscular dysfunction, myopathy, or alterations in hormone receptors.

Case Presentation:

Here, we present the first case of a 21-year-old female student who had complaints of recurrent nausea, vomiting, loose stool, abdominal pain, and weight loss. In the second case, a 25-year-old male student presented with recurrent nausea, vomiting, loose stool, and weight loss. Their unremarkable blood routines and gastrointestinal-specific investigations failed to ascertain the diagnosis. Later, primary hypothyroidism was established by typical biochemical abnormalities.

Conclusion:

Thyroxine replacement treatment successfully resolved the presenting symptoms and normalized biochemical reports.
Expression of Circulating MicroRNAs Associated with Obesity and their
Relationships with Biochemical Parameters and Health-related Physical
Fitness in Children 6 to 10 Years Old in Cali, Colombia
Authors: Escudero Mildrey Mosquera , Rico-Flórez Carlos Andrés , Solis-Toro Daniel , Arboleda Ana Maria , Hoyos-Quintero Ángela , Bravo-Solarte Diego , Salazar Blanca , Garcia Harry , Ortega Jose Guillermo , Suaréz- Ortegón Milton Fabián , Arboleda-Franco Santiago
Published: December 2022

Background:

Obesity is a public health problem worldwide; it has reached pandemic proportions in the last 40 years. Its prevalence in children and adolescents increased from 0.7% to 7.8% between 1975 and 2016. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported as regulatory factors related to molecular functions under different conditions. These can be used as biomarkers of a disease to estimate risks in the early stages.

Objective:

This study aimed to determine the expression levels of miRNAs associated with childhood obesity and their relationships with biochemical parameters and Health-related Physical Fitness (HRPF).

Methods:

This was a descriptive cross-sectional study in which a population of 40 children between 6 and 10 years of age of both sexes from Cali, Colombia, was evaluated; the children were classified as 20 normal-weight and 20 obese. Blood biochemistry, HRPF, and miRNA expression levels were determined (hsa-miR-122-5p, hsa-miR-15b-5p, hsa-miR-191-5p, hsa-miR-486-3p, hsa-miR-222-3p. Comparisons were made between the groups, miRNA associations between the studied variables, and linear regression analysis.

Results:

Twenty normal-weight and 20 obese patients were evaluated. Both groups had an average age of eight years old. The miRNA hsa-miR-122-5p (p < 0.05) was overexpressed in the obese group. According to the linear regression analysis, the amount of adipose tissue may be associated with the production of miRNAs (hsa-miR-15b-5p, hsa-miR-222-3p, hsa-miR-122-5p, and hsa-miR-191-5p).

Conclusion:

Four miRNAs (hsa-miR-15b-5p, hsa-miR-222-3p, hsa-miR-122-5p, and hsa-miR-191-5p) are associated with modifications in biochemical variables of HRPF in this group. Adipose tissue mass could be associated with the production of these miRNAs, thus making them biomarkers of childhood obesity risk.
Case Report: Experience with Cariprazine in Organic Delusional
Disorder in an Elderly with Concomitant Somatic Pathology, Brief
Report
Authors: Darin Evgeny
Published: December 2022

Background:

Organic disorder remains one of the most pressing issues in practical
psychiatry, especially a disorder dominated by persistent or recurrent delusions. The difficulty
for practitioners is often due to the older age of patients and the burden of concomitant therapeutic
diseases. Modern and potentially promising pharmacological drugs developed in recent
years include partial agonists of D2 and D3 receptors. Currently, there are insufficient publications
of studies on Cariprazine use in various disorders that are not associated with endogenous
pathology.

Case Presentation:

The author presented the results of the patient’s clinical examination with a
complex of psychodiagnostic techniques, instrumental research methods, observation data in
the department, and an analysis of the patient’s medical history. The paper describes the experience
of treating a patient with the latest generation antipsychotic drug Cariprazine.

Results:

The author presents a case report on Cariprazine therapy in a 71-year-old female patient
with a persistent organic delusional disorder with concomitant severe somatic illness.

Conclusion:

Cariprazine showed good efficacy in this case. Delusional symptoms were significantly
reduced, and the author noted a reduction in negative symptoms. Mild side effects of
the drug quickly resolved in the course of treatment.
The key point is that the description of this case may be relevant to justify the need for further
clinical studies on Cariprazine. Further clinical studies of the drug in the treatment of various
mental pathologies may be in demand by specialists around the world.
COVID-19 Mortality and the Cytokine Storm: An Added Value for APOE
Genotyping
Authors: Diambra Luis , Rastmanesh Reza
Published: December 2022

The new COVID-19 presents some comorbidities, such as obesity, Alzheimer’s, and coronary
risk, among others. We argue that the current understanding of some of these clinical conditions may
illuminate the design of future COVID-19 studies to account for a bias that may be the cause of the paradoxical
associations between COVID-19 mortality and cytokine storm. Given that we know some of the
genetic mechanisms behind these diseases, it is possible to circumscribe these studies to some key genes
that help us understand why some patients experience a cytokine storm and what the treatment strategies
might be. In this paper, we discuss the role of A2M and APOE genes. A2M encodes a multifaceted protein
which is highly expressed in the liver and released to the bloodstream associated with the apolipoprotein
E. This association depends on the APOE genotype. A2M has protease-clearing activity binding of a
broad range of proteases, such as thrombin and Factor Xa. It also presents the ability to bind to proinflammatory
ligands, like cytokines. Further, A2M acts as chaperone of misfolded substrates, like betaamyloid
peptide. The last two molecular functions grant it a key role in regulating both inflammatory
processes, as well as extracellular protein homeostasis. For these reasons, we conclude that A2M-APOE
association will have prophylactic, therapeutic, and prognostic implications; and the proper understanding
of the physiological role of APOE and A2M in controlling inflammatory processes can shed further light
on the putative treatment of COVID-19-derived cytokine storm.
COVID-19 Associated Pancytopenia (CAP): A Clinical Impact
Authors: Dinkar Anju , Singh Jitendra , Kumar Nilesh , Kumar Kailash
Published: December 2022

Background:

SARS-CoV-2 infection has mild and asymptomatic to critical clinical
course affecting mainly the lungs. Few case reports of COVID-19-associated pancytopenia are
reported, but a series of 18 cases is not described in the literature to date.

Aims and Objectives:

This study aimed to investigate pancytopenia in COVID-19 and its correlation
with severity and to explore the detailed clinical and biochemical information in COVID-19-
associated pancytopenia. This study also highlights pancytopenia's rarity and prognostic value
among COVID-19 patients.

Materials and Methods:

This was a retrospective observational study conducted in a tertiary care
centre at a level 3 COVID care facility that included adults of either sex having positive RT PCR
for COVID-19 from October 2020 to May 2021. Data were collected from the online outpatient
department and hospitalized patients.

Results:

A total of 18 cases were included in the study; 13 were males (72.2%). The mean age was
calculated as 48.56 years. Cases were categorized as severe 13 (72.2%) and non-severe 5 (27.8%)
disease on the first day of pancytopenia. The most common presentations were fever 18 (100%)
and cough 18 (100%), followed by generalized weakness 16 (88.9%), breathlessness 15 (83.3%),
and diarrhoea 10 (55.6%). One case died in the severe disease group. The mean of haemoglobin,
leukocyte count, and platelets in severe vs non-severe disease were calculated as 8.59 vs 8.74,
2339 vs 2578, and 77769 vs 88600, respectively.

Conclusion:

Pancytopenia was more prevalent in severe disease and age group 40-60 years. CAP
was most likely due to secondary bone marrow suppression. It has no prognostic value for disease
outcomes.
Neuroprotective Effect of Ginkgo Biloba and its Role in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Prasad Divya Raj , Maurya Bipin , Mishra Aparna
Published: December 2022

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common age-related neurodegenerative
disorder that results in cognitive defects. The disease is a progressive, age-associated,
irreversible, neurodegenerative disease with severe memory loss, personality changes,
unusual behavior and impairment in cognitive function. There is no cure for AD, and
the drugs available for the treatment of the disease have limited efficacy. Medicine
develops from the extract of medicinal plants have been the single most productive and
common source for the development of drugs, and also, more than thousands of new
products are already in clinical study. Different types of therapeutic strategies like
herbal and synthetic approaches are being used against AD on the basis of
understanding AD mechanisms. Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) is the most effective and
highly investigated, herbal medicine for AD and other cognitive disorders. One of the
famous dietary supplements is GBE, consumed by the elderly population to improve
memory and age-related loss of cognitive function. The exact mechanism of action of
Ginkgo extract in AD is still not very clear. The phytochemical studies of the different
plant parts of the G. biloba have revealed the presence of many valuable secondary
metabolites, such as flavonoids, polyphenols, triterpenes, sterols, and alkaloids that
shows a wide spectrum of pharmacological activities like anti-amyloidogenic, anti.inflammatory and antioxidant effects. This book chapter gathers research on the G.
biloba plant and its neuroprotective and phytochemical effects, which are used against
AD. The summarized information concern pharmacological activities, neuroprotective
effect, and biological and clinical applications of the Ginkgo plant.
The Health Care Trajectories of Older People in Foster Families: Protocol for an Observational Study
Authors: Boucaud-Maitre Denis , Villeneuve Roxane , Simo-Tabué Nadine , Dartigues Jean-François , Amieva Helene , Tabué-Teguo Maturin
Published: December 2022

Background

With aging of the population, the search for alternative models of care adapted to older people with dependency is necessary. In this setting, foster families (1-3 older people per family) could be an alternative to nursing homes, residential care facilities, or community- and home-based care.

Objective

The KArukera Study of Ageing in Foster Families is a prospective cohort study designed to investigate the care pathways of older people with dependency in foster care over a year. The 1-year hospitalization rate (main objective), cost of hospitalization, incidence of mortality, prevalence of geriatric syndromes, and quality of life of residents will be assessed. Quality of life and burnout of their respective foster caregivers will also be studied.

Methods

This study cohort will include 250 older people living in foster families in Guadeloupe (French West Indies), as well as their respective foster caregivers. Both older people and caregivers will be interviewed concurrently on site at three time points: (1) at baseline, (2) at 6 months, and (3) at 12 months. For older people, we will collect anthropometric measures, cognitive impairment, depressive and anxiety symptoms, functional abilities, physical frailty, information on general health status, quality of life, and care pathways (hospitalization, mortality, and medical and paramedical consultations). We will also assess the quality of life and burnout symptoms of family caregivers at each follow-up. A phone update of vital status (alive or death) and care pathways of residents will be carried out at 3 and 9 months after the baseline examination.

Results

Recruitment opened in September 2020 and ended in May 2021, with 109 older people recruited and 56 respective foster caregivers. The 1-year follow-up was ended in June 2022. Data analyses are ongoing and the first results are expected to be published in May 2023.

Conclusions

Foster families are a potentially innovative way to accommodate dependent older people. This study could help define the clinical profile of older people adapted to foster families in the transition from frailty to dependency. The effectiveness of foster families, in terms of hospitalizations and mortality, will be compared with other models of care, particularly nursing homes. In this setting, a twin study carried out in nursing homes in Guadeloupe with similar aims and outcomes will be conducted. Beyond mortality and morbidity, the numerous outcomes will allow us to assess the evolution of geriatric syndromes over time.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04545775; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04545775

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/40604
Accuracy of a Standalone Atrial Fibrillation Detection Algorithm Added to a Popular Wristband and Smartwatch: Prospective Diagnostic Accuracy Study (Preprint)
Authors: Selder Jasper L , Te Kolste Henryk Jan , Twisk Jos , Schijven Marlies , Gielen Willem , Allaart Cornelis P
Published: December 2022

BACKGROUND

Silent paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) may be difficult to diagnose, and AF burden is hard to establish. In contrast to conventional diagnostic devices, photoplethysmography (PPG)–driven smartwatches or wristbands allow for long-term continuous heart rhythm assessment. However, most smartwatches lack an integrated PPG-AF algorithm. Adding a standalone PPG-AF algorithm to these wrist devices might open new possibilities for AF screening and burden assessment.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of a well-known standalone PPG-AF detection algorithm added to a popular wristband and smartwatch, with regard to discriminating AF and sinus rhythm, in a group of patients with AF before and after cardioversion (CV).

METHODS

Consecutive consenting patients with AF admitted for CV in a large academic hospital in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, were asked to wear a Biostrap wristband or Fitbit Ionic smartwatch with Fibricheck algorithm add-on surrounding the procedure. A set of 1-min PPG measurements and 12-lead reference electrocardiograms was obtained before and after CV. Rhythm assessment by the PPG device-software combination was compared with the 12-lead electrocardiogram.

RESULTS

A total of 78 patients were included in the Biostrap-Fibricheck cohort (156 measurement sets) and 73 patients in the Fitbit-Fibricheck cohort (143 measurement sets). Of the measurement sets, 19/156 (12%) and 7/143 (5%), respectively, were not classifiable by the PPG algorithm due to bad quality. The diagnostic performance in terms of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy was 98%, 96%, 96%, 99%, 97%, and 97%, 100%, 100%, 97%, and 99%, respectively, at an AF prevalence of ~50%.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that the addition of a well-known standalone PPG-AF detection algorithm to a popular PPG smartwatch and wristband without integrated algorithm yields a high accuracy for the detection of AF, with an acceptable unclassifiable rate, in a semicontrolled environment.
Effect of the Interaction between Co-author Scale and Paper Characteristics on Paper Citation in Medical Informatics: Bibliometric and Statistical Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Cao Xia , Yu Huixin , Gao Shanyan , Zhao Yueyang , Zhao Yuhong
Published: December 2022

BACKGROUND

There is currently no consensus on the impact of a higher co-author scale (the number of authors) on paper citation. No studies have comprehensively explored the interaction effects of co-author scale and paper characteristics on paper citations.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to determine the interaction effects between co-author scale and paper characteristics on paper citations in medical informatics.

METHODS

A total of 34,399 papers were included in this study. Highly-cited papers were identified among the top 10% of all published papers in the current year. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to estimate the associations between co-author scale and paper citation.

RESULTS

We found that higher co-author scale was significantly associated with highly-cited papers. Significant independent risk factors were identified using multivariate analysis. A subgroup analysis showed that higher co-author scale significantly increased the probability of a paper becoming highly-cited if it was published in the past 9-14 years (OR = 1.24; 95% CI: 1.03 –1.50), has 20-30 references (OR = 1.38; 95% CI: 1.13 –1.70), was a funded paper (OR = 1.30; 95% CI: 1.11 –1.52), was published in a European journal (OR = 1.22; 95% CI: 1.06 –1.40), or was published in multi-disciplinary (≥5) journals (OR = 1.70; 95% CI: 1.38 –2.08).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrated that there was a statistically significant interaction effect between co-author scale and paper characteristics on paper citation in medical informatics. These results provide further empirical evidence on the association between co-author scale, paper characteristics, and paper citation, and provide suggestions for researchers who are launching new projects.
Optimal nonequilibrium thermometry in Markovian environments
Authors: Sekatski Pavel , Perarnau-Llobet Martí
Published: December 2022

What is the minimum time required to take a temperature? In this paper, we solve this question for a large class of processes where temperature is inferred by measuring a probe (the thermometer) weakly coupled to the sample of interest, so that the probe's evolution is well described by a quantum Markovian master equation. Considering the most general control strategy on the probe (adaptive measurements, arbitrary control on the probe's state and Hamiltonian), we provide bounds on the achievable measurement precision in a finite amount of time, and show that in many scenarios these fundamental limits can be saturated with a relatively simple experiment. We find that for a general class of sample-probe interactions the scaling of the measurement uncertainty is inversely proportional to the time of the process, a shot-noise like behaviour that arises due to the dissipative nature of thermometry. As a side result, we show that the Lamb shift induced by the probe-sample interaction can play a relevant role in thermometry, allowing for finite measurement resolution in the low-temperature regime. More precisely, the measurement uncertainty decays polynomially with the temperature as T→0, in contrast to the usual exponential decay with T−1. We illustrate these general results for (i) a qubit probe interacting with a bosonic sample, where the role of the Lamb shift is highlighted, and (ii) a collective superradiant coupling between a N-qubit probe and a sample, which enables a quadratic decay with N of the measurement uncertainty.
Quantum Optimal Control via Semi-Automatic Differentiation
Authors: Goerz Michael H. , Carrasco Sebastián C. , Malinovsky Vladimir S.
Published: December 2022

We develop a framework of "semi-automatic differentiation" that combines existing gradient-based methods of quantum optimal control with automatic differentiation. The approach allows to optimize practically any computable functional and is implemented in two open source Julia packages,GRAPE.jlandKrotov.jl, part of theQuantumControl.jlframework. Our method is based on formally rewriting the optimization functional in terms of propagated states, overlaps with target states, or quantum gates. An analytical application of the chain rule then allows to separate the time propagation and the evaluation of the functional when calculating the gradient. The former can be evaluated with great efficiency via a modified GRAPE scheme. The latter is evaluated with automatic differentiation, but with a profoundly reduced complexity compared to the time propagation. Thus, our approach eliminates the prohibitive memory and runtime overhead normally associated with automatic differentiation and facilitates further advancement in quantum control by enabling the direct optimization of non-analytic functionals for quantum information and quantum metrology, especially in open quantum systems. We illustrate and benchmark the use of semi-automatic differentiation for the optimization of perfectly entangling quantum gates on superconducting qubits coupled via a shared transmission line. This includes the first direct optimization of the non-analytic gate concurrence.
Quantum algorithm for persistent Betti numbers and topological data analysis
Authors: Hayakawa Ryu
Published: December 2022

Topological data analysis (TDA) is an emergent field of data analysis. The critical step of TDA is computing the persistent Betti numbers. Existing classical algorithms for TDA are limited if we want to learn from high-dimensional topological features because the number of high-dimensional simplices grows exponentially in the size of the data. In the context of quantum computation, it has been previously shown that there exists an efficient quantum algorithm for estimating the Betti numbers even in high dimensions. However, the Betti numbers are less general than the persistent Betti numbers, and there have been no quantum algorithms that can estimate the persistent Betti numbers of arbitrary dimensions.
This paper shows the first quantum algorithm that can estimate the (normalized) persistent Betti numbers of arbitrary dimensions. Our algorithm is efficient for simplicial complexes such as the Vietoris-Rips complex and demonstrates exponential speedup over the known classical algorithms.
Russian Regions in Political Research and Identity Studies: Introducing the Issue
Authors: Mchedlova Maria M. , Sokolov Alexander V.
Published: December 2022

The editorial board presents an issue dedicated to the analysis of politics in the regions of Russia. Two interrelated paradigms of the political design of Russia’s regional diversity are to trace - territorial and ethno-national. They have become not only options for state registration of a space diversified by political, economic and ethno-cultural grounds, but also the subject of ideological battles, including assessments and the degree of preference of management strategies and political priorities. In the political and institutional context, the regional dimension of Russia implies an emphasis on the correlation of particular features and universalizing intentions. Such a ratio of the general and the special is included in the subject pool associated with understanding and ensuring the completeness of Russia’s sovereignty.
The Spread of the Post-Industrial Islamism in the Russian Federation
Authors: Demidenko Sergey V. , Margulis Sergey B. , Fainshmidt Roman I.
Published: December 2022

Radical Islam as a political phenomenon has undergone significant changes during the first decades of the 21st century. This process was accompanied, firstly, by the strengthening unification trends in the ideological field, and secondly, by the development of a specific “Jihadi Cool” subculture that combined the features of the consumer society (modern music, stylish clothes, Islamic merch, youth magazines, etc.) and jihadist agenda. These factors, in combination, form a new version of religious radicalism - post-industrial Islamism, which poses a significant threat to international security. Questions regarding the degree and the nature of post-industrial Islamism in the Russian Federation have not yet been scrutinized in academic literature. The article is the first attempt to understand this problem, which exists in a complex socio-economic and ethno-confessional environment of Russia. The theoretical framework of the study was the works of leading domestic Islamic scholars dealing with the problems of Islamic radicalism. In the indicated paradigm, the authors made an attempt to give their own definition of radical Islam, to identify the characteristic features of the phenomenon, to separate religious extremism from fundamentalism. Work with the empirical base was carried out through the methods of descriptive statistics, as well as the use of qualitative and quantitative content analysis. It was made on the basis of Google Trends data, cross-checked through the Wordstat.yandex system. In conclusion, the team of authors came to conclusions regarding the spread of post-industrial Islamism in Russia. There is an increase in the activity of radicals in the Internet space, their work to expand the base of support for the movement, based on knowledge of the algorithms of social networks. Also, elements of the ‘jihadi cool’ have been identified too. It is important to note that all the trends listed above originated outside the Russian Federation and were borrowed by the radicals. In general, this only confirms the idea of the peripheral nature of Russian Islamic radicalism, which throughout its history has been an alien element on the national ethno-cultural environment.
Transforming the Interaction Between Authorities and Civil Society in Digital: The Evidence from the Yaroslavl Region
Authors: Sokolov Alexander V. , Isaeva Elena A.
Published: December 2022

The development of information and communication technologies contributes to the creation and active use of various digital services and platforms in the public sphere of interaction between government and society. However, the conditions of their interaction in the digital space, especially at the regional level, have not been sufficiently studied and require close attention. In this regard, the article analyzes the processes of digitalization of electoral procedures, institutions of public chambers and public councils, the activities of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and volunteerism as forms of interaction between government and society. Empirical data were collected in a number of studies: analysis of the activities of resource centers for supporting NGOs and civil activists; analysis of the activity of public chambers on the Internet; identification of state regulation of the digitalization process of key forms of public activity; surveys of employees of public authorities of the Yaroslavl region; surveys of managers and employees of non-profit organizations of the Yaroslavl region.