bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Influencing the Association Between Coach and Athlete Rating of Exertion: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Paul Darren , Read Paul , Farooq Abdulaziz , Jones Luke
Published: January 2021

Background

Subjective monitoring of rate of perceived exertion is common practice in many sports. Typically, the information is used to understand the training load and at times modify forthcoming sessions. Identifying the relationship between the athlete and coach’s interpretation of training would likely further benefit understanding load management. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the relationship between coaches’ rating of intended exertion (RIE) and/or rating of observed exertion (ROE) and athletes’ reported rating of perceived exertion (RPE).

Methods

The review was undertaken in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We conducted a search of Medline, Google Scholar, Science Direct, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science databases. We assessed the correlation between coach-reported RIE and/or ROE and RPE. Assessment for risk of bias was undertaken using the Quality Appraisal for Reliability Studies (QAREL) checklist. Inclusion criteria were (1) male and/or female individuals, (2) individual and/or team sport active participants, and (3) original research article published in the English language.

Results

Data from 19 articles were found to meet the eligibility criteria. A random effect meta-analysis based on 11 studies demonstrated a positive association of player vs. coach rating of RIE (r = 0.62 [95% CI 0.5 to 0.7], p < 0.001). The pooled correlation from 7 studies of player vs. coach rating on ROE was r = 0.64 95% CI (0.5 to 0.7), p < 0.001.

Conclusion

There was a moderate to high association between coach RIE and/or ROE and athlete-reported RPE and this association seems to be influenced by many factors. The suggestions we present in this review are based on imploring practitioners to consider a multi-modal approach and the implications of monitoring when using RPE.

Trial Registration

CRD42020193387
Patients and public are important stakeholders in health technology assessment but the level of involvement is low – a call to action
Authors: Wale Janet L. , Thomas Samuel , Hamerlijnck Dominique , Hollander Ronald
Published: January 2021

Background

Health technology assessment (HTA) agencies have an important role in the evaluation and approval of new technologies. They determine their value within a health system so to promote equitable, quality care with available healthcare resources. Many HTA agencies have some mechanism for involving patients in their processes, but there is great variability and an absence of comprehensive, robust practices for involvement. The accelerating pace of medical innovation creates a need to improve the depth and breadth of patient involvement in the HTA process.

Main body

In this ‘Call to action’, we present ideas from three HTA expert commentaries calling for collaborative learning and to share innovative ideas for changes in HTA. We also draw on examples of HTA agencies creatively pursuing this goal. We propose a ‘Call to action’ for HTA stakeholders to undertake serious dialogue with patient advocates aimed at creating shared goals. HTA agencies can use these goals to ensure meaningful patient involvement at every step of the HTA process. Five elements are explored. In ‘Recognizing the value of shared purpose’, we highlight examples of HTA agencies that have patients working in partnership with medical practitioners and HTA staff. Results include improved processes that instil confidence. ‘Committing to patient involvement as part of HTA culture’ highlights several initiatives aimed at changes in HTA organisational culture to be more inclusive of patients. In ‘Aligning patient and HTA goals’ we cite work in Belgium and New Zealand which places a greater emphasis on quality of life rather than life expectancy and cost-effectiveness. By ‘Integrating patient involvement at every step of the HTA process’ patients can make vital contributions at every stage of the HTA process. We provide two examples of where HTA agencies have successfully involved patients early in the process in order to broaden the scope of evaluations. ‘Developing a common language and working together’ can support transformative dialogue through ‘unified language’.

Conclusion

The authors of this commentary ask that agencies and stakeholders involved in HTA take up this call to work together for visionary and transformative elevation of the voice of patients in HTA worldwide.
Translation and content validity of the Dutch Impact of Vision Impairment questionnaire assessed by Three-Step Test-Interviewing
Authors: Rausch – Koster T. P. , van der Ham A. J. , Terwee C. B. , Verbraak F. D. , van Rens G. H. M. B. , van Nispen R. M. A.
Published: January 2021

Background

Patients suffering from exsudative retinal diseases may experience severe central vision loss and this might have impact on their daily activities and quality of life. To measure the disabilities these patients may have, the use of the Impact of Vision Impairment Profile questionnaire is recommended. The aim of this study was to translate the original English 28-item Impact of Vision Impairment Profile (IVI) into the Dutch language and evaluate its comprehensibility, comprehensiveness and relevance as evidence of content validity. The translation process was performed using standardized methods. Content validity was assessed by cognitive debriefing using a Three-Step Test-Interview (TSTI) method for participants diagnosed with exudative retinal diseases. Step 1 and 2 focused on assessment of comprehensibility of items, step 3 on comprehensiveness and relevance. Audio-recorded qualitative data was analyzed using Atlas.ti. Data regarding comprehensibility problems was further categorized into item-specific problems and general problems.

Results

Few minor discrepancies in wording were found after translation. After conducting 12 cognitive interviews, data saturation was reached. All participants reported comprehensibility problems resulting from specific items, these were; sentence structure, vocabulary and formulation, influence of conditions or composite items and influence of comorbid disorders. Several general comprehensibility problems resulting from instructions or response categories were detected. The main general comprehensibility problem resulted from the layout of the Dutch-IVI. Most participants considered the included items as relevant and indicated that they covered the problems that occur due to vision impairment.

Conclusions

Minor problems in the Dutch translation were detected and adjusted. The layout and instructions of the Dutch-IVI resulted in some comprehensibility problems. The Dutch-IVI appeared to be at risk of being interpreted as a generic patient reported outcome measure, instead of a disease-specific instrument, mainly due to the influence of co-morbidities. Adaptations should improve validity and reliability of the Dutch-IVI, however, cross-cultural comparisons may be at stake.
Endophytic fungi, Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae, confer control of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), in two tomato varieties
Authors: Mwamburi Lizzy A.
Published: January 2021

Background

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is an important pest of tomatoes that reduces yield and fruit quality resulting in losses of up to 100%. The pest has developed resistance to chemical insecticides, therefore necessitating alternative control measures. The entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae have been exploited extensively for biological control of the insect pests of economic importance.

Results

The potential of B. bassiana (Bals.) Vuillemin (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae) (BbC1) and M. anisopliae (Metchn.) Sorokin (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) (M150) to persist as endophytic EPF in two tomato varieties, Matina and Harzfeuer, which spread within host tissues and protect plants against larval attack of S. frugiperda was evaluated. Tomato seedlings were inoculated by dipping roots in either BbC1 or M150 spore suspensions (108 spores/ ml). The qPCR analyses revealed the presence of both fungi in > 65% of the tested samples. Second-instar larvae of S. frugiperda were introduced onto inoculated plants that revealed the presence of fungal DNA and non-inoculated plants, 14 days after inoculation. Treating tomato plants with the EPF resulted in reducing weights and slowing larval development of Spodoptera. Larvae fed on BbC1 and M150-treated Matina significantly reduced weights than those treated with Harzfeuer tomato plants. The tomato variety Matina conferred enhanced level of resistance to the S. frugiperda larvae, further aggravated by the presence of both fungi through dietary stress resulting in slow development and reduce larval weight.

Conclusion

These results may serve the tomato production systems and the S. frugiperda integrated management programs.
Intra-arterial anaesthetics for pain control in arterial embolisation procedures: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Shiwani Taha Hanif , Shiwani Hunain
Published: January 2021

Purpose

A systematic review to determine the effectiveness of intra-arterial anaesthetics on post- operative pain and opioid analgesia requirements in arterial embolisation procedures.

Materials and methods

A systematic review of the literature was performed (Embase, PubMed, MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library) from inception to 10th August 2020. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies that utilised intra-arterial anaesthesia during an embolisation procedure for the purposes of pain control were included. Eligibility was assessed by two investigators independently.

Results

Eight hundred fifty-nine candidate articles were identified, and 9 studies met the inclusion criteria (6 RCTs and 3 retrospective cohort studies). Four studies were of hepatic chemoembolisation and 5 were of uterine artery embolisation.

Five hundred twenty-nine patients were treated in total. All studies used lidocaine as the anaesthetic with doses ranging from 20 to 200 mg, and the anaesthetic was delivered varyingly before, during or after embolisation. Pain intensity was converted to a numeric scale from 0 to 10, and opioid doses were converted to milligram morphine equivalent doses. A random-effects meta-analysis model was used to analyse the results of RCTs, and the results of cohort studies were summarised with a narrative synthesis. The meta-analyses suggested that pain scores were reduced by a mean of 1.02 (95% CI − 2.34 to 0.30; p = 0.13) and opioid doses were reduced by a mean of 7.35 mg (95% CI, − 14.77, 0.06; p = 0.05) in the intervention group however neither finding was statistically significant. No serious adverse events were reported.

Conclusion

Intra-arterial anaesthetic may slightly reduce pain intensity and post-operative opioid consumption following embolisation, however the results are not statistically significant. There is very limited data available on the effect of anaesthetic on length of hospital admission. Whilst no serious adverse events were reported, there are some concerns regarding the effect of lidocaine on the technical success of embolisation procedures that preclude our recommendation for routine use in embolisation procedures.

High quality randomised controlled trials are required to elucidate the dose-response effect of lidocaine on opioid consumption and pain following embolisation, particularly in the first few hours post-operatively, as well as effects on duration of hospital stay.
Susceptibility to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is associated with ABO and Rh blood groups: a case-control study from Afghanistan
Authors: Saify Khyber , Alborz Mohammad Sarwar , Saadat Mostafa
Published: January 2021

Background

There are preliminary studies about the association between COVID-19 and ABO phenotypes and the results are controversial. There are only two studies which investigated the association of Rh blood groups in addition to ABO with COVID-19; however, in the statistical analysis ABO and Rh blood groups have been considered separately. Therefore, the present case-control study was performed to determine the association of COVID-19 with ABO blood groups considering the Rh blood groups simultaneously. The study was conducted in Kunduz COVID-19 treatment specific center, Spin-Zar Hospital (Kunduz Province, North East Afghanistan). A total of 301 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 1039 healthy blood donors as control group were included in the study.

Results

The Rh− phenotype strongly increased the risk of COVID-19 (OR = 2.97, 95% CI 1.86–3.89, P < 0.001). Although blood group A increased the risk of developing COVID-19, the association did not reach statistical significance. In analysis of the combination phenotypes, the A− blood group remarkably increased the risk of COVID-19 (OR = 7.24, 95% CI 3.62–14.4, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that the interaction of Rh and ABO is significant (P < 0.013).

Conclusion

These findings indicate that susceptibility to COVID-19 is strongly associated with A− blood group.
Added value of contrast-enhanced spectral mammography in symptomatic patients with dense breasts
Authors: Mohamed Sara Ahmed Sadek , Moftah Sherine George , Chalabi Nivine Abd El Moneim , Salem Mona Ali Abdel-Wahed
Published: January 2021

Background

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in females around the world representing 25.1% of all cancers.

The high prevalence and need for early treatment of breast malignancy highlight the importance of early and accurate diagnosis. In order to achieve this target, it is necessary to select the most appropriate modality for investigation.

Early detection of breast cancer by conventional mammography tends to reduce mortality; however, it has a low sensitivity and specificity in young females with dense breasts owing to reduced contrast between a possible tumor and the surrounding breast tissue with superimposition of the glandular tissue obscuring underlying lesions.

Our study included 25 patients with dense breasts presented with different breast symptoms, yet the breast lump was the most common complaint. The aim of our study is to evaluate the supplementary value of contrast-enhanced spectral mammography in the assessment of symptomatic patients with dense breasts.

Results

In our study, the enrolled subjects underwent both contrast-enhanced spectral mammography (CESM) and conventional full-field digital mammography (FFDM). CESM was shown to be better than FFDM in terms of sensitivity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy, measuring 100%, 77.8%, 100%, and 84%, compared to 56%, 75%, 46%, and 60%, respectively, yet both modalities showed low specificity, measuring 63.6% and 66.6% for CESM and FFDM, respectively.

The added value of CESM was assessed in terms of ability to detect and correctly characterize the lesions in correlation to histopathological results where CESM could detect 88% of the lesions included in our study and correctly characterized 84% of the lesions; on the other side, FFDM detected only 20% of the lesions and correctly characterized 60% of the lesions. CESM changed the treatment plan to a more extensive surgery +/− neoadjuvant chemotherapy in 57% out of fourteen cases diagnosed with breast cancer emphasizing the role of CESM in assessing the extent of the disease, multicentricity, and multifocality and consequently tailoring the most appropriate treatment plan suitable for each patient.

Conclusion

Contrast-enhanced spectral mammography is superior to full-field digital mammography in patients with dense breasts with a significant supplementary value in detection, characterization of lesions, and tailoring the appropriate treatment plan.
Hybrid PET/MRI findings in a case of pulmonary and extra-pulmonary tuberculosis associated with motor-neuron disease-like illness—a coincidence or a causation?: a case report
Authors: Peer Sameer , Nagaraj Chandana , Mangalore Sandhya
Published: January 2021

Background

The association of tuberculosis and motor neuron disease-like illness has not been described previously. We present a case of co-existent pulmonary and extra-pulmonary tuberculosis in a young man whose clinical presentation was suggestive of a motor neuron disease-like illness and was subsequently diagnosed with tubercular infection. This case provokes our thought as to whether the association between tuberculosis and motor neuron dysfunction was just a co-incidence, given the high prevalence of tuberculosis in our set-up, or does it point towards a possible causative role of infection in motor neuron disease.

Case presentation

A 31-year-old man presented with progressive thinning of bilateral upper and lower limbs with associated pain and twitching sensation in upper and lower limb muscles. He had a history of loss of appetite and unintentional weight loss. On clinical examination, there was evidence of fasciculations in bilateral quadriceps, bilateral biceps, and paraspinal muscles which was further confirmed with electrophysiology. The work-up for underlying autoimmune, toxic and metabolic aetiology, and paraneoplastic aetiology was found to be negative. CT scan of the chest was suggestive of consolidations in bilateral upper lobes with multiple tree-in-bud nodules in both the lungs. Hybrid 18-Flourine-flourodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (F-18-FDG PET/MRI) imaging was also suggestive of pulmonary and extra-pulmonary tuberculosis. Imaging of the brain revealed atrophy along bilateral motor cortices with reduced tracer uptake. Diagnosis of tubercular infection was confirmed with nucleic acid amplification test and the patient was put on anti-tubercular therapy. On follow-up after 6 months, the patient reported improvement in the symptoms and the muscle power in bilateral upper and lower limbs.

Conclusion

We have described a very rare association of pulmonary and extra-pulmonary tuberculosis with motor neuron-like illness. It may be debated that such an association may just be co-incidental; however, given the improvement in the symptoms and signs of the motor neuron disease-like illness on follow-up while the patient was on anti-tubercular therapy, it may point towards a causative relationship between tubercular infection and motor neuron dysfunction. Further epidemiological studies should be sought for in order to reach a conclusive answer.
CT pulmonary angiography in COVID-19 pneumonia: relationship between pulmonary embolism and disease severity
Authors: Yassin Aya , Abdelkader Maryam Ali , Mohammed Rehab M. , Osman Ahmed M.
Published: January 2021

Background

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is one of the known sequels of COVID-19 infection. We aimed to assess the incidence of PE in patients with COVID-19 infection and to evaluate the relationship between the CT severity of the disease and the laboratory indicators. This was a retrospective study conducted on 96 patients with COVID-19 infection proved by positive PCR who underwent CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) with a calculation of the CT severity of COVID-19 infection. Available patients’ complaint and laboratory data at the time of CTPA were correlated with PE presence and disease severity.

Results

Forty patients (41.7%) showed positive PE with the median time for the incidence of PE which was 12 days after onset of the disease. No significant correlation was found between the incidence of PE and the patients’ age, sex, laboratory results, and the CT severity of COVID-19. A statistically significant relation was found between the incidence of PE and the patients’ desaturation, hemoptysis, and chest pain. A highly significant correlation was found between the incidence of PE and the rising in the D-dimer level as well as the progressive CT findings when compared to the previous one.

Conclusion

CT progression and the rising in D-dimer level are considered the most important parameters suggesting underlying PE in patients with positive COVID-19 infection which is commonly seen during the second week of infection and alert the use of CT pulmonary angiography to exclude or confirm PE. This is may help in improving the management of COVID-19 infection.
Multimodality imaging review of focal renal lesions
Authors: Lyske Jonathan , Mathew Rishi Philip , Hutchinson Christopher , Patel Vimal , Low Gavin
Published: January 2021

Background

Focal lesions of the kidney comprise a spectrum of entities that can be broadly classified as malignant tumors, benign tumors, and non-neoplastic lesions. Malignant tumors include renal cell carcinoma subtypes, urothelial carcinoma, lymphoma, post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease, metastases to the kidney, and rare malignant lesions. Benign tumors include angiomyolipoma (fat-rich and fat-poor) and oncocytoma. Non-neoplastic lesions include infective, inflammatory, and vascular entities. Anatomical variants can also mimic focal masses.

Main body of the abstract

A range of imaging modalities are available to facilitate characterization; ultrasound (US), contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, and positron emission tomography (PET), each with their own strengths and limitations. Renal lesions are being detected with increasing frequency due to escalating imaging volumes. Accurate diagnosis is central to guiding clinical management and determining prognosis. Certain lesions require intervention, whereas others may be managed conservatively or deemed clinically insignificant. Challenging cases often benefit from a multimodality imaging approach combining the morphology, enhancement and metabolic features.

Short conclusion

Knowledge of the relevant clinical details and key imaging features is crucial for accurate characterization and differentiation of renal lesions.
Cerebellum and brain stem volume loss in relapsing remission multiple sclerosis by MRI volumetry: relation to neurological disability score and number of relapses
Authors: Elzayady Magdy , Debees Naglaa Lotfy , Khalil Mohamed , Dawoud Mohammed Mahmoud
Published: January 2021

Background

MRI is the method of choice in the diagnosis of MS as well as in monitoring the disease activity. MRI volumetry is used to assess whole or regional brain volume loss which reflects neurodegenerative aspect of the disease and plays an important role in all stages of disease. The aim of this work is to study MRI volumetry in the evaluation of cerebellum and brain stem volume loss in RRMS patients and its correlation with neurological disability score and number of relapses.

Results

Volumes of whole brainstem, medulla, and pons showed a significant decrease in RRMS cases compared to controls (p < 0.05). Brainstem volume had a mean volume of 22.17 and 25.09 cm3 in cases and controls, respectively. However, midbrain volume showed no significant difference between cases and controls (p = 0.134). Volume of left cerebellar cortex showed a significant decrease in RRMS cases compared to controls (p < 0.001). It had mean volumes of 81.64 and 92.14 ml in cases and controls, respectively, at left cerebellar hemisphere, while right cerebellar hemisphere cortex volumes were 80.37 and 91.97 ml in cases and controls, respectively. Cerebellar white matter showed no significant volume decrease in cases and controls.

Conclusion

Volumetric MR imaging is an important tool for quantifying the MS disease, assesses MS activity, progression, and tissue loss. The degree and the pattern of atrophy on MRI images correlate significantly with the neurological disability score and number of relapses.
Domain multiplexed computer-generated holography by embedded wavevector filtering algorithm
Authors: Wu Lin , Zhang Ziyang
Published: January 2021

Computer-generated holography can obtain the wavefront required for constructing arbitrary intensity distributions in space. Currently, speckle noises in holography remain an issue for most computational methods. In addition, there lacks a multiplexing technology by which images from a single hologram and light source can be switched by a lens. In this work, we first come up with a new algorithm to generate holograms to project smoother images by wavevector filtering. Thereupon, we propose a unique multiplexing scheme enabled by a Fourier lens, as the incident light can be decomposed either by a superposition of spherical waves or plane waves. Different images are obtained experimentally in the spatial and wavevector domains, switchable by a lens. The embedded wavevector filtering algorithm provides a new prospective for speckle suppression without the need for postprocessing. The multiplexing technology can double the capacity of current holographic systems and exhibits potential for various interesting display applications.
Determinants of revenue management practices and their impacts on the financial performance of hotels in Kenya: a proposed theoretical framework
Authors: Murimi Michael , Wadongo Billy , Olielo Tom
Published: January 2021

This conceptual paper aims at identifying a theoretical framework for the determinants of revenue management (RM) practices and their impacts on the financial performance of hotels. To create this framework, a two-phased process is employed where the first stage involves an explicit examination of the literature related to practices of revenue management and their determinants and to hotel financial performance. The second stage involves an enhancement of the framework. The theoretical structure is developed based on past theoretical explanations, and empirical analysis is conducted in the fields of revenue management. The researchers propose a theoretical framework illustrating how revenue management practices and their determinants affect the financial performance of Kenyan hotels. The use of contingency theory and its justifications and inadequacies among studies on revenue management in hotels is highlighted. The methods highlighted by the reviewed theoretical framework may be utilized to organize revenue management (RM) practices and their determinants for Kenyan hotels. Measurements for the financial performance of hotels are also described. Last, the researchers call for empirical research that authenticates the proposed model using a cross-sectional survey. The present work can inspire scholars and specialists to determine how RM practices and their determinants impact the financial performance of hotels. By assimilating knowledge from numerous disciplines, this paper emphasizes aggregated awareness surrounding the conceptualization of RM, RM practices adopted in hotels, and the financial performance of hotels.
Out-of-time-order correlation and detection of phase structure in Floquet transverse Ising spin system
Authors: Kumar Shukla Rohit , Kamalakar Naik Gautam , Mishra Sunil Kumar
Published: January 2021

We study the out-of-time-order correlation (OTOC) of the Floquet transverse Ising model and use it to verify the phase diagram of the system. First, we present the exact analytical solution of the transverse magnetization OTOC using the Jorden-Wigner transformation. We calculate the speed of correlation propagation and analyze the behavior of the revival time with the separation between the observables. In order to get the phase structure of the Floquet transverse Ising system, we use the longitudinal magnetization OTOC as it is known to serve as an order parameter of the system. We show the phase structure numerically in the transverse Ising Floquet system by using the long time average of the longitudinal magnetization OTOC. In both the open and the closed chain systems, we find distinct phases out of which two are paramagnetic (0-paramagnetic and π-paramagnetic), and two are ferromagnetic (0-ferromagnetic and π-ferromagnetic) as defined in the literature.
Comparative assessment of biological activity of peloids of Ukraine of different genesis
Authors: ВABOV Konstantin , GUSHCHA Sergеy , KOIEVA Khrystyna , STRUS Oksana  , NASIBULIN Boris , DMITRIEVA Galina , АRABADJI Mikhailo , PLAKIDA Alexander
Published: January 2021

The article presents the results of comprehensive studies of the influence of peloids from different geographic regions of Ukraine and different genesis on the course of experimental pathology.
Methods:At the first stage of research we have determined the type of peloids these are medium-mineralized weakly sulfide magnesium-sodium silt peloids, low-ash organic sapropels, and peat low-mineralized high-ash sulfide-free peloids. Physicochemical parameters have been established: mass fraction of moisture, volumetric weight, hydrogen sulfide content, contamination with particles with a diameter greater than 0.25 × 10-3 m, shear stress, stickiness, specific heat capacity, the content of organic substances, colloidal complex, the concentration of water conduit ions (pH) , redox potential (Eh). In the second stage of the study, 55 white rats were examined for the state of the liverʹs detoxification function (by carrying out a metabolic test using sodium thiopental) and the morphological form of the liver in normal conditions and toxic alcoholic hepatosis. The toxic alcoholic hepatosis model was induced by daily (30 days) intragastric watering of animals with a 25% solution of ethyl alcohol. From the 15th day, the rats received a course of applications: a cake with the corresponding peloids was applied to the bare part of the back.
Results: It was determined that the peloids used had a positive effect on animalsʹ condition, which was expressed in the restoration of the detoxification function of the liver and its structural and functional organization. The most substantial positive effect is observed when using silt-sulfide peloids, which, according to the authors, is due to the peculiarities of their physicochemical composition (increased content of magnesium, chlorides, sodium, as well as hydrogen sulfide).
Conclusion: Based on the results obtained, it was concluded that the studied peloids meet the criteria for the quality of therapeutic peloids in terms of physicochemical parameters, biological activity, and expands the possibilities of their application in balneology.

Keywords: liver, toxic alcoholic hepatosis, rats, peloids,
Clinical and experimental substantiation of the use of bentonite suspension in the complex rehabilitation of patients with chronic viral hepatitis C with concomitant non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: IZHA Ganna , DRAGOMIRETSKA Natalia , GUSHCHA Sergey , PLAKIDA Alexander
Published: January 2021

Introduction. One of the most severe diffuse liver diseases is chronic viral hepatitis C (CHC) combined with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). After completing the treatment of CHC with drugs of direct antiviral action, there remains a high risk of further progression of liver fibrosis associated with the presence of comorbid pathology - NAFLD in patients. The above circumstances initiated us to search for new non-drug technologies to treat this category of patients. Purpose of the work: to study the effectiveness of use bentonite suspension in rats with a model of NAFLD and to substantiate the practicality of using bentonite in the complex treatment of CHC patients with concomitant NAFLD. Methods: experimental, anamnestic and clinical, general clinical, biochemical, determination of the HOMA index, leptin and adiponectin levels, ultrasonographic studies of the digestive system, bacteriological examination of feces, statistical methods.Results: According to microscopic examination, bentonite application in animals with the NAFLC model leads to a decrease in liver steatosis, restoration of bile formation and bile secretion, and protein-synthesizing liver function. In the blood, there was a positive dynamics to the restoration of energy-dependent transmembrane ion transport according to the activity of Na+/K+ -ATPase and Mg2+/Ca2+ -ATPase (in the liver tissue) and the balance of the antioxidant system (to restrain malondialdehyde and catalase activity). We examined 40 patients with CHC with concomitant NAFLD, who completed the course of antiviral therapy (AVT) and were divided into two groups. 1 (control) group (20 people) received a basic treatment complex (diet therapy, which corresponded to the Mediterranean diet, a regimen of dosed physical exertion, patients of 2 groups (20 people, the main group) additionally received a preparation based on bentonite clay inside - 10 days (1 dose three times a day) Evaluation of the effectiveness of treatment was carried out one month after the start of treatment. Conclusion: The treatment carried out in both groups was accompanied by positive dynamics in most of the diseaseʹs symptoms. But a significant advantage was observed in the second group, where the normalization of cholestatic and dyslipidemic syndromes was established, that is, the effect on the pathogenetic links of the progression of NAFLD was proved. The results obtained confirm the practicality of using the drug with bentonite in the complex treatment of CHC patients with concomitant NAFLD.

Keywords: chronic viral hepatitis C, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, bentonite clay,
"Eppur si muove" - Clinical case: evolutionary "saga" during the last 6 years: posttraumatic subdural hematoma, decompressive craniectomy, right hemiplegia and aphasia, cranioplasty, hydrocephalus and porencephaly, post-traumatic encephalopathy - in remission
Authors: ANGHELESCU Aurelian , MIHĂESCU Anca Sanda , MAGDOIU Anca Magdalena , ONOSE Gelu
Published: January 2021

The case reports a 59-year-old male patient who suffered a severe head injury (affirmative by accidental fall from 3 m) with multiple hemorrhagic lesions (bifrontal, bioccipital, biparieto-temporal) and left cerebral subdural hematoma, requiring a large fronto- temporo-parietal decompressive craniotomy for the mass lesion evacuation. Cranioplasty was performed after 6 months.
The paper synthesizes the evolution over six years of follow-up (12 in-patient admissions and 4 out-patient evaluations), like in a neurorehabilitation cinematographic “saga”. The posttraumatic encephalopathy had a peculiar evolution, sugestively compared with the humps of a camel: the brain injury (determined coma, right hemiplegia and mixed aphasia, intense psycho-motor agitation, severe dysphagia for solids and liquids, neurogenic bladder, anemia), was followed by a slowly progressive favorable neuro-psychological evolution (after the decompressive craniectomy). A brutal neurological fall-down was noticed after the cranioplasty, and finally a gradually favorable ascending trend, towards a global neuro-psichological stabilization (with an almost imperceptible sequelary ataxic hemiparesis). The paper discusses the pathophisiological aspects focused on the decompressive craniectomy and cranioplasty, correlated to the patient’s evolution. Complications of each neurosurgical procedures are succinctly depicted. The traumatic encephalopathy was complicated with post-traumatic seizures (therapeutically controlled) and active internal hydrocephalus with interstitial edema and an ischemic lesion. Finally it was a "happyend", with favorable clinical evolution, towards a stable and stationary normotensive asymmetric hydrocephalus, with a gigantic and deforming porencephaly. The paper advocates for a carefully follow-up and prompt intervention in order to prevent recurrences and/ or complications (secondary and tertiary prophylaxis).

Keywords: traumatic brain injury, subdural hematoma, decompressive craniectomy; cranioplasty; internal hydrocephalus; post-traumatic encephalopathy; seizures; neurorehabilitation,
The twisted role of natalizumab and rehabilitation in an aggressive form of multiple sclerosis: a case report
Authors: CORDOȘ M. Adrian , BARAC I. Simina , MUREȘANU F. Dafin
Published: January 2021

Multiple sclerosis is one of the main causes of neurological disability among young people, severely influencing life’s quality. Motor deficit is one of the most invalidating symptoms in multiple sclerosis. Motor involvement at onset, spinal demyelinating lesion distribution, highly active lesions, high frequency of relapses in the first 2 years after disease onset and post relapse residual disability with poor recovery, later age at onset and male gender represent unfavorable prognostic factors. Considering the significant role of prognostic factors in predicting the evolution of the disease, an induction treatment approach should always be considered. In this report we present the case of a middle-aged male patient presenting severe weakness and sensitive symptoms with a challenging therapeutic decision that had a favorable recovery after reconsidering the initial therapy. The recognition of aggressive forms of multiple sclerosis is mandatory in preventing further disability, improving the patient’s quality of life. Natalizumab is a monoclonal antibody used for the aggressive forms of multiple sclerosis, reducing the lymphocytes traffic through the blood brain barrier, with a great impact on relapses frequency and disease evolution.

Keywords: aggressive multiple sclerosis, brain derived neurotrophic factor, natalizumab, rehabilitation,
Development of species-specific SCAR markers for identification and authentication of three rare Peninsular Malaysian endemic Coelogyne (Orchidaceae) orchids
Authors: Kok Hon Yoh , Yong Christina Seok-Yien , Abdullah Janna Ong , Go Rusea
Published: January 2021

Background: Coelogyne kaliana, Coelogyne stenochila and Coelogyne tiomanensis are three valuable rare orchid species endemic to Peninsular Malaysia, currently rampantly traded illegally via the internet and through local nurseries, which label them as hybrids to avoid enforcement detection. Drastic measures to ensure the continued existence of their populations in the wild should be introduced as they are rapidly diminishing into extinction, including the development of rapid and accurate species-specific identification tools. These three orchid species are highly similar morphologically and currently it is impossible to distinguish among them without their reproductive structures.

Methods:  RAPD-based species-specific SCAR markers were developed to distinguish and authenticate the identity of these three endemic Peninsular Malaysian Coelogyne species.

Results: Three SCAR markers were successfully developed in this study. SCAR marker primer pair, CKL_f / CKL_r was specific to C. kaliana as it produced a unique single band of 271 bp but not in C. stenochila and C. tiomanensis.  SCAR marker primer pair CST_f / CST_r amplified a single band of 854 bp in C. stenochila and two bands of different sizes (372 bp and 858 bp) in C. tiomanensis, but no amplification in C. kaliana. The third SCAR marker primer pair, CTI_f / CTI_r produced a single band (about 500 bp) for both C. stenochila and C. tiomanensis, but showed no amplification in C. kaliana.

Conclusions: Although not all these SCAR markers were species amplification specific, they could be used to discriminate among the three Coelogyne species effectively.  Accurate species identification is one of the most important steps to allow a proper management plan to be established in the effort to conserve these three endangered orchid species of Peninsular Malaysia. Besides, it could effectively put a stop to the illegal trading of these rare endangered orchid species worldwide.
Health Hazards in Combat Division in the State Fire Service as Assessed by Officers of the Lubelskie Voivodeship
Authors: Dudziński Łukasz , Wysocki Dominik , Czyżewski Łukasz
Published: January 2021

Aim: The aim of the study is to analyse health threats and occupational risk based on the assessment of the State Fire Service (SFS) officers depending on the nature of the service performed in the combat division (commander, rescuer, driver). Methodology: The questionnaire survey which was carried out included 181 officers serving in SFS units across the Lubelskie Voivodeship. An original questionnaire consisting of 16 questions was used as a research tool. The opening questions concerned the age and service experience of the respondents. The remaining questions with a 5-point Likert scale, a point-rating scale and single-choice questions (YES/NO) referred to how the officers assess health threats in their service and the risk level for individual professional duties. Results: 50.8% of the respondents served as SFS rescuers, 32.1% as commanders, and 17.1% as drivers. One incident of damage to the skeletal system in the year before the survey was reported by 30 (16.6%) firefighters (including 19 rescuers). 26 (14.4%) firefighters (12 commanders) declared from 2 to 4 injuries. None of the firefighters declared more than 15 skeletal injuries per year. It was shown that firefighting activities were associated with the highest risk of health hazards – they concerned 20 (11.1%) firefighters. Sports activities were characterised by a high risk of injury, which was confirmed by 14 (7.7%) firefighters in the survey. 31 (17.1%) firefighters (14 rescuers, 12 commanders and 5 drivers) experienced stress reactions 2-4 times a year, while 6 (3.3%) officers (3 rescuers, 3 drivers) declared them to happen more than 15 times a year. Conclusions: The analysis showed that health risks of firefighters occupying various positions in the combat division is at a similar level. Numerous health risks in the form of bodily injuries occur as a consequence of sports activities. At the same time participation in operational readiness inspections and training classes is considered as posing the least risk. The use of personal protective equipment and proper protection of the rescuers’ respiratory system have an impact on reducing the health risk during the service.
Risk, Ambiguity, and the Value of Diversification
Authors: Berger Loïc , Eeckhoudt Louis
Published: January 2021

Diversification is a basic economic principle that helps to hedge against uncertainty. It is, therefore, intuitive that both risk aversion and ambiguity aversion should positively affect the value of diversification. In this paper, we show that this intuition (1) is true for risk aversion but (2) is not necessarily true for ambiguity aversion. We derive sufficient conditions, showing that, contrary to the economic intuition, ambiguity and ambiguity aversion may actually reduce the diversification value.

This paper was accepted by Manel Baucells, decision analysis.
That’s Not Fair: Tariff Structures for Electric Utilities with Rooftop Solar
Authors: Singh Siddharth Prakash , Scheller-Wolf Alan
Published: January 2021

Problem definition: Utility regulators are grappling to devise compensation schemes for customers who sell rooftop solar generation back to the grid, balancing environmental interests and the financial interests of utilities, solar system installers, and retail customers. This is difficult: Regulatory changes made in Nevada in 2015 to protect Nevada’s utility induced SolarCity, the market leader in solar systems, to suspend local operations. We show that the choice of utility tariff structure is crucial to achieving socially desirable objectives. Academic/practical relevance: It is important for regulators to understand how tariff structure interacts with social objectives. This has implications for consumers, regulators, and industry. Methodology: We use a sequential game to analyze the regulator’s social welfare maximization problem in a market with a regulated utility; an unregulated, price-setting, profit-maximizing solar system installer; and customers who endogenously determine whether to adopt solar or not, based on utility tariffs, solar prices, and their heterogeneous usage profiles and generation potentials. Results: We illustrate that the effectiveness of tariff structures is not governed simply by the number of free tariff parameters, but by the functions these parameters serve. In particular, an effective tariff must discriminate among customer usage tiers and between customers with and without rooftop solar to achieve socially desirable outcomes. We present a tariff structure with these two characteristics and show how it can be implemented as a simple buy-all, sell-all tariff while retaining its favorable properties. We illustrate our findings numerically using data from Nevada and New Mexico, two states grappling with this issue. Managerial implications: Many utilities in the United States operate tariff structures that are missing at least one of the two identified features. Regulators must overhaul these tariff structures to adequately safeguard all stakeholders.
Contextualizing the Global Standards for Designing Online Courses: A Design-Based Research Approach for Developing Small Private Open Courses
Authors: Al-Aghbari Mohamed S. , Osman Mohamed E. , Al-Musawi Ali S.
Published: January 2021

E-learning has become a viable mean to both Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), and Small Private Open Courses (SPOCs). Research has shown that the quality and effectiveness of these types of courses depend largely on the contextual factors that may impact the design and development of online courses. This study highlights a design framework for a SPOC offered at Sultan Qaboos University. It employs a design-based research methodology, which is a systematic research approach aimed to improve instructional practices through iterative analysis, design, development, and implementation to produce contextually-sensitive design principles. The sample of this study consists of a diverse group of subjects including instructional designers, subject-matter experts, as well as students. The findings illustrate the importance of contextual logistics that need to be considered in the design and development of SPOCs. The findings also highlight the importance of the DBR as a suitable research methodology for similar developmental studies.
Light curve VMD-MI: simultaneous estimation of precession and spin rates of space targets using light curves
Authors: Huo Yu-Rong , Zhang Feng , Li Zhi , Xu Can , Shi You-Mu
Published: January 2021

Optical data are important data sources for operating state estimation of space targets. Inversion of the rotation rate of tumbling targets via light curves can help us perform on-orbit services. However, previous methods cannot estimate the precession and spin rates of tumbling targets from light curves simultaneously. To solve the problem, an efficient precession and spin rate estimation algorithm for tumbling targets is proposed in this paper. The method combines the variational mode decomposition (VMD) method and mutual information (MI). Specifically, VMD is utilized to decompose each light curve into discrete frequency intrinsic mode functions (IMFs). Then, the MI between each IMF and light curve is generated, and the IMF frequencies corresponding to the two maximum MI values are extracted as spin and precession frequencies. Finally, the two frequencies are converted into spin and precession rates. Experimental results show that the estimation accuracy of the precession and spin rates is no less than 97% for a small nutation angle (no greater than 20º). The method provides a simple way to invert a space target state and mine more information from light curves.