bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study protocol paper for the multi-site feasibility evaluation of mobile and technology-assisted aftercare services for crisis stabilization units
Authors: Pettus Carrie , Fulmer Rachel , Pederson Shelby D. , Eikenberry Jacob
Published: July 2023

Background

Law enforcement frequently responds to substance abuse and mental health crises. Crisis stabilization units (CSUs) operate as a public-receiving facility to provide short-term stabilization services for individuals experiencing these crises and offer law enforcement an important alternative to arrest. However, there is limited understanding about how and when law enforcement decides to use CSUs. There is also the challenge of retaining individuals in treatment after CSU stabilization to prevent future crises and persistent engagement with police. This study will respond to these gaps by exploring CSU procedures and examining the feasibility and acceptability of a technology-assisted mobile aftercare intervention designed for individuals brought to a CSU by law enforcement.

Methods

This study will consist of three aims. Aim 1 will include qualitative interviews with law enforcement and CSU-affiliated mental health staff (n=80) regarding CSU utilization and collaboration logistics between the groups. Findings from Aim 1 will be synthesized for the development of an implementation guide of our intervention, mobile, and technology-assisted aftercare, designed for individuals brought to a CSU by law enforcement, during Aim 2. During Aim 2, intervention services will be pilot-tested for 6 months through a small sample (n=24), randomized control trial (RCT). Control participants will receive standard services available for individuals discharging from a CSU. Treatment participants will receive the mobile aftercare intervention. Qualitative and quantitative data will be collected at 2 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months post-recruitment for all study participants. Aims 1 and 2 will inform the design of a multi-site RCT to compare CSUs with and without mobile and technology-assisted aftercare (Aim 3).

Discussion

The study will offer decision making and procedural insight into law enforcement use of CSUs as an alternative to jail and provide opportunities to inform that process. This research will provide outcome trends for those who go through standard CSU services compared to those who receive mobile and technology-assisted aftercare services. The current study will inform a larger RCT efficacy study of CSUs with and without technology-assisted aftercare services.

Trial registration

This study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (reference #NCT04899934) on May 25, 2021.
Restoration of dysregulated intestinal barrier and inflammatory regulation through synergistically ameliorating hypoxia and scavenging reactive oxygen species using ceria nanozymes in ulcerative colitis
Authors: Zhang Ying , Lei Hengyu , Wang Pengchong , Zhou Qinyuan , Yu Jie , Leng Xue , Ma Ruirui , Wang Danyang , Dong Kai , Xing Jianfeng , Dong Yalin
Published: July 2023

Background

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction and excessive hypoxia play pivotal roles in the initiation and progression of ulcerative colitis (UC). Synergistic ROS scavenging and generating O
2
could be a promising strategy for UC treatment.

Methods

Ceria nanozymes (PEG-CNPs) are fabricated using a modified reverse micelle method. We investigate hypoxia attenuating and ROS scavenging of PEG-CNPs in intestinal epithelial cells and RAW 264.7 macrophages and their effects on pro-inflammatory macrophages activation. Subsequently, we investigate the biodistribution, pharmacokinetic properties and long-term toxicity of PEG-CNPs in mice. PEG-CNPs are administered intravenously to mice with 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid-induced colitis to test their colonic tissue targeting and assess their anti-inflammatory activity and mucosal healing properties in UC.

Results

PEG-CNPs exhibit multi-enzymatic activity that can scavenge ROS and generate O
2
, promote intestinal epithelial cell healing and inhibit pro-inflammatory macrophage activation, and have good biocompatibility. After intravenous administration of PEG-CNPs to colitis mice, they can enrich at the site of colonic inflammation, and reduce hypoxia-induced factor-1α expression in intestinal epithelial cells by scavenging ROS to generate O
2
, thus further promoting disrupted intestinal mucosal barrier restoration. Meanwhile, PEG-CNPs can effectively scavenge ROS in impaired colon tissues and relieve colonic macrophage hypoxia to suppress the pro-inflammatory macrophages activation, thereby preventing UC occurrence and development.

Conclusion

This study has provided a paradigm to utilize metallic nanozymes, and suggests that further materials engineering investigations could yield a facile method based on the pathological characteristics of UC for clinically managing UC.

Graphical Abstract
Automated localization and segmentation of cervical lymph nodes on contrast-enhanced CT using a 3D foveal fully convolutional neural network
Authors: Rinneburger Miriam , Carolus Heike , Iuga Andra-Iza , Weisthoff Mathilda , Lennartz Simon , Hokamp Nils Große , Caldeira Liliana , Shahzad Rahil , Maintz David , Laqua Fabian Christopher , Baeßler Bettina , Klinder Tobias , Persigehl Thorsten
Published: July 2023

Background

In the management of cancer patients, determination of TNM status is essential for treatment decision-making and therefore closely linked to clinical outcome and survival. Here, we developed a tool for automatic three-dimensional (3D) localization and segmentation of cervical lymph nodes (LNs) on contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) examinations.

Methods

In this IRB-approved retrospective single-center study, 187 CECT examinations of the head and neck region from patients with various primary diseases were collected from our local database, and 3656 LNs (19.5 ± 14.9 LNs/CECT, mean ± standard deviation) with a short-axis diameter (SAD) ≥ 5 mm were segmented manually by expert physicians. With these data, we trained an independent fully convolutional neural network based on 3D foveal patches. Testing was performed on 30 independent CECTs with 925 segmented LNs with an SAD ≥ 5 mm.

Results

In total, 4,581 LNs were segmented in 217 CECTs. The model achieved an average localization rate (LR), i.e., percentage of localized LNs/CECT, of 78.0% in the validation dataset. In the test dataset, average LR was 81.1% with a mean Dice coefficient of 0.71. For enlarged LNs with a SAD ≥ 10 mm, LR was 96.2%. In the test dataset, the false-positive rate was 2.4 LNs/CECT.

Conclusions

Our trained AI model demonstrated a good overall performance in the consistent automatic localization and 3D segmentation of physiological and metastatic cervical LNs with a SAD ≥ 5 mm on CECTs. This could aid clinical localization and automatic 3D segmentation, which can benefit clinical care and radiomics research.

Relevance statement

Our AI model is a time-saving tool for 3D segmentation of cervical lymph nodes on contrast-enhanced CT scans and serves as a solid base for N staging in clinical practice and further radiomics research.

Key points

• Determination of N status in TNM staging is essential for therapy planning in oncology.

• Segmenting cervical lymph nodes manually is highly time-consuming in clinical practice.

• Our model provides a robust, automated 3D segmentation of cervical lymph nodes.

• It achieves a high accuracy for localization especially of enlarged lymph nodes.

• These segmentations should assist clinical care and radiomics research.

Graphical Abstract
DMSO potentiates the suppressive effect of dronabinol on sleep apnea and REM sleep in rats
Authors: Calik Michael W. , Carley David W.
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is an amphipathic molecule with innate biological activity that also is used to dissolve both polar and nonpolar compounds in preclinical and clinical studies. Recent investigations of dronabinol, a cannabinoid, dissolved in DMSO demonstrated decreased sleep apnea frequency and time spent in REM sleep in rats. Here, we tested the effects of dronabinol dissolved in 25% DMSO diluted in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) to rule out potentiating effects of DMSO.

Methods

Sprague–Dawley rats were anesthetized and implanted with bilateral stainless steel screws into the skull for electroencephalogram recording and bilateral wire electrodes into the nuchal muscles for electromyogram recording. Each animal was recorded by polysomnography. The study was a fully nested, repeated measures crossover design, such that each rat was recorded following each of 8 intraperitoneal injections separated by three days: vehicle (25% DMSO/PBS); vehicle and CB1 antagonist (AM 251); vehicle and CB2 antagonist (AM 630); vehicle and CB1/CB2 antagonist; dronabinol (CB1/CB2 agonist); dronabinol and CB1 antagonist; dronabinol and CB2 antagonist; and dronabinol and CB1/CB2 antagonists. Sleep was manually scored into NREM and REM stages, and sleep apneas were quantified.

Results

Dronabinol dissolved in 25% DMSO did not suppress sleep apneas or modify sleep efficiency compared to vehicle controls, in contrast to previously published results. However, dronabinol did suppress REM sleep, which is in line with previously published results.

Conclusions

Dronabinol in 25% DMSO partially potentiated dronabinol’s effects, suggesting a concomitant biological effect of DMSO on breathing during sleep.
Preservation of β-cell Function in Pancreatic Insufficient Cystic Fibrosis With Highly Effective CFTR Modulator Therapy
Authors: Flatt Anneliese J , Sheikh Saba , Peleckis Amy J , Alvarado Paola , Hadjiliadis Denis , Stefanovski Darko , Gallop Robert J , Rubenstein Ronald C , Kelly Andrea , Rickels Michael R
Published: July 2023

Context

Elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (ETI; Trikafta) enhances aberrant cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator function and may improve the insulin secretory defects associated with a deterioration in clinical outcomes in pancreatic insufficient cystic fibrosis (PI-CF).

Objective

This longitudinal case-control study assessed changes in β-cell function and secretory capacity measures over 2 visits in individuals with PI-CF who were initiated on ETI after the baseline visit (2012-2018) and (1) restudied between 2019 and 2021 (ETI group) vs (2) those restudied between 2015 and 2018 and not yet treated with cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator modulator therapy (controls).

Methods

Nine ETI participants (mean ± SD age, 25 ± 5 years) and 8 matched controls were followed up after a median (interquartile range) 5 (4-7) and 3 (2-3) years, respectively (P < .01), with ETI initiation a median of 1 year before follow-up. Clinical outcomes, glucose-potentiated arginine, and mixed-meal tolerance test measures were assessed with comparisons of within- and between-group change by nonparametric testing.

Results

Glucose-potentiated insulin and C-peptide responses to glucose-potentiated arginine deteriorated in controls but not in the ETI group, with C-peptide changes different between groups (P < .05). Deterioration in basal proinsulin secretory ratio was observed in controls but improved, as did the maximal arginine-induced proinsulin secretory ratio, in the ETI group (P < .05 for all comparisons). During mixed-meal tolerance testing, early insulin secretion improved as evidenced by more rapid insulin secretory rate kinetics.

Conclusion

ETI preserves β-cell function in CF through effects on glucose-dependent insulin secretion, proinsulin processing, and meal-related insulin secretion. Further work should determine whether early intervention with ETI can prevent deterioration of glucose tolerance in PI-CF.
The Use of Wearable Activity Monitors to Measure Upper Limb Physical Activity After Axillary Lymph Node Dissection and Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
Authors: Che Bakri Nur Amalina , Kwasnicki Richard M. , Giannas Emmanuel , Tenang Luqman , Khan Naairah , Moenig Catharina , Imam Zoha , Dhillon Kieran , Ashrafian Hutan , Darzi Ara , Leff Daniel R.
Published: July 2023

Background

We suspect that morbidity from both sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) and axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) has been inadequately evaluated to date. Current methodologies are subjective and susceptible to bias. Objective assessment using wearable activity monitors (WAMs) would allow quantitative analysis of recovery by measuring physical activity (PA) and could provide evidence for axillary de-escalation.

Patients and Methods

A prospective, single center, observational study was conducted from February 2020 to May 2022. Consecutive patients undergoing breast and/or reconstructive surgery and axillary surgeries were identified from the operating schedules. Patients wore WAMs for an average of 3 days prior to surgery and up to 2 weeks following surgery. In total, 56 patients with breast cancer were recruited, of whom 35 underwent SLNB and 21 ALND.

Results

Patients who underwent ALND experienced significantly worse PA compared with those who underwent SLNB in week 2 (median 66.4% versus 72.7%, p = 0.015). Subgroup analysis revealed significantly lower PA in simple mastectomy (Mx)-ALND versus Mx-SLNB (median 90.3% versus 70.5%, p = 0.015) in week 2. The PA for SLNB did not return to baseline at 2 weeks after surgery.

Conclusions

Compared with SLNB, ALND results in a lower PA level in week 2. The findings also indicate that SLNB has a protracted effect on PA levels, which extend to 2 weeks postoperatively. Monitoring recovery objectively following breast cancer surgery provides patients and surgeons with more information regarding the predicted outcomes of their surgery, which can drive the development of a personalized rehabilitation program.
Ηλεκτρονική καταγραφή της συμμόρφωσης στη θεραπεία και συγκριτική μελέτη της επίπτωσης στην οφθαλμική επιφάνεια της συνδυασμένης θεραπείας σε σχέση με τη μεμονωμένη χορήγηση των αντιγλαυκωματικών φαρμάκων
Authors: Τουμανίδου Βικτώρια
Published: July 2023

Σκοπός: Διερεύνηση της συμμόρφωσης και της υγείας της οφθαλμικής επιφάνειας σε αγωγή με σταθερό συνδυασμό έναντι της συγχορήγησης των δύο κολλυρίων στο γλαύκωμα. Υλικό & Μέθοδος: Παράλληλη, μη παρεμβατική, μελέτη διάρκειας 6 μηνών που καταγράφει ηλεκτρονικά (με τη συσκευή MEMSCaps) τη συμμόρφωση και την επίδραση της αγωγής στην οφθαλμική επιφάνεια με τον σταθερό συνδυασμό λατανοπρόστης/τιμολόλης έναντι της συνχορήγησης των δυο κολλυρίων. Στη μελέτη συμμετείχαν καλά ρυθμιζόμενοι ασθενείς που ελάμβαναν είτε σταθερό συνδυασμό λατανοπρόστης /τιμολόλης (Xalacom) μία φορά το βράδυ είτε τα δύο κολλύρια μεμονωμένα, δηλαδή λατανοπρόστη (Xalatan) μία φορά το βράδυ και τιμολόλη δύο φορές την ημέρα. Έγινε καταγραφή της συμμόρφωσης καθώς και σημαντικών κλινικών σημείων στην οφθαλμική επιφάνεια μετά από 3 και 6 μήνες παρακολούθησης. Έγινε σύγκριση της μέσης πρωινής ΕΟΠ, του ποσοστού συμμόρφωσης (% των ενσταλάξεων) και των κλινικών σημείων της οφθαλμικής επιφάνειας μεταξύ των δυο ομάδων στον 3ο και 6ο μήνα παρακολούθησης. Αποτελέσματα: Στη μελέτη συμμετείχαν 142 γλαυκωματικοί ασθενείς, (71 ελάμβαναν τον σταθερό συνδυασμό και 71 τα δύο κολλύρια μεμονωμένα). Οι ασθενείς της ομάδας που ελάμβανε τα δύο κολλύρια εμφάνισαν χειρότερο κάθετο πηλίκο κοίλανσης και μέσο έλλειμμα στο οπτικό πεδίο κατά την έναρξη και μετά από 6 μήνες παρακολούθησης. Η μέση πρωινή ΕΟΠ ήταν παρόμοια μεταξύ των δύο ομάδων κατά την έναρξη, και μετά απο 1 και 3 μήνες, αλλά στην ομάδα της μη συνδυασμένης θεραπείας η μέση ενδοφθάλμια πίεση βρέθηκε υψηλότερη στους 6 μήνες παρακολούθησης. Το ποσοστό συμμόρφωσης, όπως κατεγράφη από τις συσκευές MEMS Caps ήταν σημαντικά καλύτερο στην ομάδα του σταθερού συνδυασμού μετά από 3 και 6 μήνες. Τα κλινικά σημεία στην οφθαλμική επιφάνεια ήταν χειρότερα στους ασθενείς με τη συγχορήγηση των 2 κολλυρίων σε όλες τις χρονικές στιγμές καταγραφής. Συμπεράσματα: Η μελέτη αυτή καταδεικνύει στατιστικά και κλινικά σημαντική διαφορά στη συμμόρφωση και στην υγεία της οφθαλμικής επιφάνειας μεταξύ των δύο ομάδων θεραπείας. Καταγράφει ένα σημαντικά δυσμενέστερο αντίκτυπο στη συμμόρφωση και στην υγεία της οφθαλμικής επιφάνειας από αγωγή με πολλαπλές δόσεις έναντι της μονήρους χρήσης της ίδιας αγωγής με τη μορφή σταθερού συνδυασμού στο γλαύκωμα. Επιβεβαιώνει, επίσης, τη διαπίστωση ότι όταν οι γλαυκωματικοί ασθενείς λαμβάνουν θεραπεία με περισσότερες από δύο ενσταλάξεις ημερησίως εμφανίζουν χειρότερα ποσοστά συμμόρφωσης. Στην καθημερινή πρακτική οι σταθεροί συνδυασμοί εμφανίζονται να υπερτερούν συγκριτικά με τη συγχορήγηση. Ωστόσο,μέχρι σήμερα δεν υπήρξε επιστημονική επιβεβαίωση για τα οφέλη των σταθερών συνδυασμών σε σχέση με τη συμμόρφωση και την υγεία της οφθαλμικής επιφάνειας. Στην παρούσα μελέτη για πρώτη φορά διαπιστώνονται οι παραπάνω ισχυρισμοί.
Υβριδικά υλικά βασισμένα σε χημικά τροποποιημένα διχαλκογενίδια μετάλλων μετάπτωσης και νανοδομές άνθρακα για ηλεκτροκαταλυτικές εφαρμογές, διαχείριση φαινομένων μεταφοράς φορτίου και μοριακή ανίχνευση
Authors: Σιδέρη Ιωάννα
Published: July 2023

Η παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή πραγματεύεται την χημική τροποποίηση διχαλκογενιδίων μετάλλων μετάπτωσης και νανοδομών άνθρακα, με στόχο την αξιοποίησή τους σε ηλεκτροκαταλυτικές εφαρμογές, τη συμμετοχή τους σε φαινομένα φαινόμενα μεταφοράς φορτίου, καθώς και σε συστήματα μοριακής ανίχνευσης. Το πρώτο μέρος της διδακτορικής διατριβής περιλαμβάνει το σχεδιασμό, την ανάπτυξη και μελέτη νέων μεθοδολογιών για την ομοιοπολική και μη ομοιοπολική τροποποίηση του γραφενίου και των νανοκώνων άνθρακα, καθώς και των MoS2 και MoSe2, ως αντιπροσωπευτικών μελών της οικογένειας των διχαλκογενιδίων μετάλλων μετάπτωσης. Συγκεκριμένα, παρασκευάστηκε υβριδικό υλικό αποτελούμενο από κατάλληλα σχεδιασμένο συμπολυμερές κατά συστάδες, ώστε να αλληλεπιδρά με το γραφένιο και νανοκρυστάλλους περοβσκίτη, μέσω πολλαπλών δυνάμεων van der Waals και ηλεκτροστατικά μέσω έλξεων Coulomb. Χρησιμοποιώντας τη μεθοδολογία των in-situ παραγόμενων άρυλο διαζωνιακών αλάτων, πραγματοποιήθηκε ομοιοπολική πρόσδεση οργανικών άρυλο υποκαταστατών στο πλέγμα νανοκώνων άνθρακα. Επιπλέον, αναπτύχθηκε νέα μεθοδολογία για την ομοιοπολική τροποποίηση, τόσο της μεταλλικής όσο και της ημιαγώγιμης φάσης του MoS2, με διθειολενικούς υποκαταστάτες. Επιπρόσθετα, επιτεύχθηκε η τροποποίηση της μεταλλικής φάσης του MoS2, μέσω διάνοιξης εποξειδίων, με αποτέλεσμα την διακόσμηση του πλέγματος με δευτεροταγείς αλκοόλες. Στη συνέχεια, μελετήθηκε η ομοιοπολική άκυλο τροποποίηση της ημιαγώγιμης φάσης των MoS2 και MoSe2, με αλειφατικές και αρωματικές αλδεΰδες, μέσω φωτοεπαγώμενης ριζικής κατάλυσης. Το δεύτερο μέρος της διδακτορικής διατριβής, αφορά τις ηλεκτροκαταλυτικές εφαρμογές των χημικά τροποποιημένων νανοσωλήνων άνθρακα και του γραφενίου και επεκτείνεται στην επίδοση των χημικά τροποποιημένων υλικών του MoS2 σε άλλες εφαρμογές, όπως η διαχείριση φαινομένων μεταφοράς φορτίου και η μοριακή ανίχνευση. Ειδικότερα, νανοσωλήνες άνθρακα τροποποιήθηκαν ομοιοπολικά με τρισχιδείς πυριδινικούς υποκαταστάτες, οι οποίοι συμπλέχθηκαν ακολούθως με μεταλλικά κέντρα ρουθηνίου, και μελετήθηκε η επίδραση της σταδιακής χημικής τροποποίησής τους στην ηλεκτροκαταλυτική αντίδραση παραγωγής οξυγόνου. Στη συνέχεια, μελετήθηκαν χημικά τροποποιημένα υλικά με βάση το γραφένιο που φέρουν κοβαλοξίμη ως ενεργό ηλεκτροκαταλύτη, με σκοπό την συγκριτική μελέτη της επίδρασης του χημικού περιβάλλοντος αυτής, στην αναγωγή πρωτονίων προς παραγωγή υδρογόνου. Ακολούθως, πραγματοποιήθηκε χημική τροποποίηση MoS2 με περυλενικό υποκαταστάτη, ειδικά σχεδιασμένο, ώστε να αναδείξει την φωτοεπαγώμενη ηλεκτρονιοδοτική ικανότητα του MoS2, σε ένα σύστημα δότη-δέκτη ηλεκτρονίων. Τέλος, ορθολογικά σχεδιασμένος υποδοχέας Hamilton ακινητοποιήθηκε μέσω χημικής πρόσδεσης στο πλέγμα του MoS2 και αποδείχθηκε η ικανότητα μοριακής αναγνώρισης βαρβιτουρικών παραγώγων από το υβριδικό υλικό, μέσω σχηματισμού δεσμών υδρογόνων με τη χρήση κατάλληλου ιχνηθέτη.
Immunoexpression of E-cadherin in oral potentially malignant disorders, oral squamous cell carcinoma and its correlation with clinicopathological parameters
Authors: Kalmegh Padmashri , Hande Alka , Gawande Madhuri , Patil Swati , Sonone Archana , Pakhale Aayushi
Published: July 2023

The most common malignancy of the head and neck region is “oral squamous cell carcinoma” (OSCC) because of its low survival rate and the increasing incidence in some geographic areas. The process of invasion and metastasis, which is noted in most cancers, requires loss of cell-to-cell attachment. It is therefore important to identify a marker that would help in the identification of lesions that would acquire the ability to transform into OSCC. Cell-to-cell adhesion and cell motility are monitored by E-cadherin; its loss is associated with OSCC progression. Early detection, proper analysis, and correct handling of oral potentially malignant disorder (OPMD) are beneficial to preventing its malignant progression. Thus, the purpose of the present study is to identify the expression and determine the role of E-cadherin in OPMD and OSCC.
Clinical use of antiviral, antibiotic and immunomodulatory drugs in hospitalized COVID-19 patients: a retrospective study in Bandung, Indonesia
Authors: Muflihah Heni , Bhekti Rahimah Santun , Widiyanto Tulus , Mahwati Yeni , Parumasivam Thaigarajan , Yulianto Fajar Awaila , Sastramihardja Herri S.
Published: July 2023

Background: Evidence of highly effective repurposed drugs for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is insufficient. However, empirical therapy using antiviral, antibiotic and immunomodulatory drugs is massive. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical use of these drugs and the outcome of hospitalization in COVID-19 patients.

Methods: We performed a retrospective study using medical records of hospitalized COVID-19 patients from July 2020 to March 2021 in Bandung, Indonesia. Data were collected at relevant timelines: age, sex, comorbid condition, peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO 2), and hematology at admission; antiviral, antibiotic, and immunomodulator treatment during hospitalization; length of stay hospitalization (LOS) and death at discharge. Clinical use of the drug regimens included dose, frequency, and duration of therapy. The main outcome of hospitalization was LOS and death.

Results: Out of 249 patients, 43.3% had a comorbid condition, 74.7% had non-severe COVID-19 (SpO 2 ≥ 90%), and almost all received antiviral or antibiotic agents. Patients receiving a combination of remdesivir and favipiravir had lower SpO 2 compared to those receiving oseltamivir alone (p=0.01). Remdesivir alone and combination of favipiravir and oseltamivir had shorter LOS compared to the other antivirals (p=0.03 and p=0.01 respectively). Immunomodulatory drugs (methylprednisolone, dexamethasone, tocilizumab) were prescribed in patients with lower baseline SpO 2 (p=0.001) and resulted ini longer LOS (p=0.0043) compared to those with no immunomodulators. The increased risk of death in patients treated with the combination of remdesivir and favipiravir (OR 4.1;95%CI 1.4-12.2), and immunomodulatory drugs (OR 6.2; 95%CI 1.7-23.3) was confounded by the baseline characteristics of older age, comorbid condition, SpO 2 level, and low lymphocyte number.

Conclusions: Some treatment regimens were associated with short LOS, but there were drug regimens which might increase the risk of death. Further study should control the clinical conditions of COVID-19 patients at admission to confirm the outcome of death following drug therapy.
A Criticism of Transhumanism from the Society 5.0 Perspective in the Context of Social Values
Authors: BÜYÜKBİNGÖL Abdulkadir , MARAL Taylan
Published: July 2023

From the standpoint of Society 5.0, the transhumanist perspective, which advances along the trajectory of technological singularity, appears to pose certain challenges, particularly in relation to its treatment of social values. Consequently, it is essential to critically examine and compare these two perspectives. The primary objective of this research is to offer a conceptual contribution aimed at mitigating potential complexities associated with social design projects developed for the future of humanity.
As part of the literature review, data pertaining to the perspectives of Society 5.0 and transhumanism on social values were gathered and systematically analyzed. The findings of the study indicate that while transhumanist objectives may encompass certain positive elements, they are inadequate to achieve a content and flourishing society. Given that the social values that lend meaning to human existence are contingent upon cultural norms, it becomes necessary to reevaluate transhumanist goals in alignment with the principles of Society 5.0. This is because neglecting spiritual well-being can adversely affect goal achievement and may trigger social crises.
The Interaction of Religion and Robotics and al-Sāmirī’s Calf (the Golden Calf) as an Early Theomorphic Robot
Authors: ŞAHİN Meryem , GÜLTEKİN Mücahit
Published: July 2023

The interaction between technology and religion has led to discussions on social robots in religious studies. Various robots have been produced to conduct funerals, give blessings, respond to personal prayer requests, preach, answer religious questions, or instruct religious education. Parallel to these developments, the term theomorphic robot was introduced to describe robots employed for religious purposes, and the characteristics of this type of robot have been described. Attitudes toward technological advances have been influenced by the religious or cultural origins of individuals and society. The present study investigates the “calf”, called “The Story of al-Sāmirī” in Islam and the “Golden calf” in Judaism, in terms of theomorphic robot design and features and discusses whether the “calf” can be considered an early theomorphic robot. It is concluded that the “calf” can be considered an example of an early theomorphic robot in terms of most of its features, and the Story of al-Sāmirī can be employed as a criterion for theomorphic robot analysis. This can explain the interaction between religion and robotics in Muslim culture. Attitudes toward the interaction of religion and robotics vary based on the description and perception of theomorphic robots.
Psychological characteristics of investigators with different types of strategies for preliminary investigation of criminal cases
Authors: Litvinova Marina
Published: July 2023

The article substantiates the original concept of the investigator's choice of a criminal investigation strategy based on the practical experience of the author's investigative work. According to the traditional approach in legal psychology, the investigator's activity is completely determined by the norms of the Criminal Procedure Code, and therefore does not represent the freedom of choice to the subject of the investigation. However, the author comes to the conclusion that such qualities of the subject as a tendency to risky behavior, the level of creativity, communicative and organizational abilities, tolerance to uncertainty and the type of behavior in conflict, influence the investigator's choice of a certain strategy for investigating a criminal case. The article attempts an empirical analysis of psychological resources to improve the effectiveness of the investigator.
O CONTROLE DA EXECUÇÃO PENAL E DA SUPERPOPULAÇÃO CARCERÁRIA NA JURISPRUDÊNCIA DAS CORTE REGIONAIS DE DIREITOS HUMANOS / CONTROL OF CORRECTIONS SYSTEMS AND PRISON OVERCROWD IN THE CASELAW OF REGIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COURTS
Authors: Japiassú Carlos Eduardo
Published: July 2023

Resumo: A jurisprudência dos sistemas regionais de direitos humanos tem contribuído para o desenvolvimento de padrões sobres os direitos das pessoas privadas de liberdade e produzem impacto além das respectivas bases territoriais, exercendo influência na jurisprudência de outros sistemas regionais. O presente artigo aborda o controle da execução penal e a influência mútua entre os Sistemas Europeu e Interamericano de Direitos Humanos, no que diz respeito aos direitos das pessoas privadas de liberdade, especialmente no que se refere ao controle da superpopulação carcerária.Palavras-chave: Encarceramento. Superpopulação. Penal. Política Criminal. Direito Internacional dos Direitos Humanos. Abstract: The caselaw of the regional human rights systems has contributed to the development of standards in respect to the rights of incarcerated people, and it has an impact beyond their territorial bases, exerting influence on the jurisprudence of other regional systems. This article deals with the mutual influence between the European, and Interamerican Human Rights Systems concerning the rights of incarcerated people, especially with regard to the control of prison overcrowd.Keywords: Imprisonment. Overcrowding. Punishment. Criminal Policy. International Human Rights Law.
Detector to Track Nuclear Particles
Authors: Ford Jason
Published: July 2023

WATCHMAN instrument in North Yorkshire to monitor antineutrinos at plants
FutureCat Looks to Next-Gen Li-ion
Authors: Fowler David
Published: July 2023

Team hopes for batteries with longer lifespan and more energy density
Sensor Helps Healing Wounds
Authors: Ford Jason
Published: July 2023

Two-year project aims to better understand healing process
Data is Key to Re-using Resources
Authors: Fowler David
Published: July 2023

Aeroengines investigated in circular economy study
Ferrari Portofino: Everyday Supercar
Authors: Pickering Chris
Published: July 2023

Innovative chassis technology and an award-winning engine combine to deliver scintillating performance in a supercar you could use every day
EV Tyre Advances
Authors: Norman Helen
Published: July 2023

Four leading tyre manufactures share their latestEV-”““ focused developments, with new technologies bringing benefits including weight reduction, enhanced grip and comfort, and improved range, durability and sustainability
The Perennial Exit of Teachers From Alaska and the Inadequacy of Herzberg Theory: A Follow-Up Qualitative Study
Authors: Ann Rose , V. Jennifer
Published: July 2023

The researcher assessed the subject teachers’ levels of satisfaction and/or dissatisfaction using the Herzberg Two-Factor Theory. The study assesses employee motivation and hygiene, as discussed in the first part of the study about exploring the socio-demographic profile and job satisfaction level among teachers in Alaska. Frederick Herzberg (1923–2000) was a well-known author, and his work was praised by the Harvard Business Review. His theory has been widely accepted by many different groups and studies, with many people adapting and applying the theory to business management. For many years, teachers have been leaving school districts, particularly in Alaska, and this project seeks to investigate the causes of this phenomenon. Running a school is like running a business, except your clients or customers are students and parents. You must be able to choose what type of education they require. Schools have a system structure that is like a business. A school district that oversees several schools is analogous to a conglomerate that oversees a group of businesses. The study was conducted in the Bering Strait School District, in northwest Alaska, which serves fifteen isolated villages and two islands. Various methods including survey questionnaires, interviews and data gathering, were used and implemented. Out of 30 targeted respondents, 13 had high hygiene and high motivator factor (HHHM) scores and were further analyzed through interviews, with the data gathered subjected to thematic analysis. It was noted that some of the factors that affected the respondents in leaving their school are professional-related reasons, professional growth, job stability, physiological growth, no consistent reliable childcare options or childcare, very cold weather, and emotional reasons. Lack of these factors can influence the participants to seek such services elsewhere—from another workplace that can provide them with these services, and thus give them comfort, and peace of mind as well.
Does Financial Development Enhance Economic Growth? The Case of Turkic Countries
Authors: ÇETENAK Emin Hüseyin , HAYKIR Özkan , ÖZTÜRK ÇETENAK Özlem
Published: July 2023

In this study, we investigate whether financial development enhances economic growth in Turkic countries, namely, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Türkiye from 1995 to 2017. The financial development index is obtained from the International Monetary Fund to proxy for the level of financial development. The index shows the level of development of financial institutions and financial markets in terms of depth, access, and efficiency. The annual percentage growth rate of GDP per capita based on constant local currency is taken as an indicator of economic growth. The main result of the analysis shows that there is a positive relationship between financial development and economic growth. The result is robust using random effect regression, adding inflation, and including Banking Z Score. However, the main impact can be seen in the financial institution instead of the financial market proxy. The results support the supply-leading hypothesis for the economies of four Turkic countries.
Translating the untranslatable
Authors: Naomi Carlson Nancy
Published: July 2023

In coining the term ‘Coolitude’ to re-imagine and re-vision the indenture experience, Khal Torabully has created a new identity and language, based on the strength and resiliency garnered through the rich intercultural exchanges among indentured workers. The central image in Khal’s seminal work, Cargo Hold of Stars: Coolitude, is a ship’s cargo hold from where its occupants – no matter their country of origin, language, religion, gender, caste or shade of skin – could still look up and see the stars. Believing that ordinary language was not capable of representing the myriad diverse voices of indenture, Khal’s ‘poetics of Coolitude’ or ‘corallian poetics’ intersperses French with Mauritian Creole, Hindi, mariner’s language, Bhojpuri, Urdu and neologisms, among other lexicons. To bring the music of this unique language into English, without sacrificing significant meaning, the translator employed a sound mapping technique to identify the salient patterns of assonance, alliteration, rhythm and silence that characterized each poem, performing a kind of ‘linguistic acrobatics’.
My Qoolitude is of whale bone
Authors: Mohabir Rajiv
Published: July 2023

In this hybrid work of prose and poetry I consider the limits of Marina Carter’s and Khal Torabully’s concept of Coolitude and reflect how I have thought about it and how it affects my own thinking as a poet. I draw from the recent scholarship of Ryan Persadie to show how queerness (a curious silence in the original text of Coolitude: An Anthology of the Indian Labour Diaspora) can erupt through juxtaposing lyric flight with narrative prose.
Phonetic variation in Italian L2: An acoustic analysis of sibilant fricatives in the speech of L1 Spanish learners
Authors: Rossi Martina , Meluzzi Chiara , Lahoz-Bengoechea José María
Published: July 2023

The present study investigates the acoustic features of Italian sibilant fricatives (/s/, /z/ and /ʃ/) in the speech of L1 Spanish learners. Segmental duration, degree of voicing and place of articulation of learners’ productions are analysed alongside those of a control group of L1 Italian speakers to investigate the fine-grained phonetic differences between native and non-native pronunciation. Results from a quantitative analysis suggest that factors such as the degree of typological markedness of the phoneme and the influence of the L1 in perception and production affect L2 pronunciation to a different extent for each of the target sounds.
Presentación
Authors: Gil Pujol Xavier , De Benedictis Angela
Published: July 2023

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De El Carpio a la Avellaneda. García de Haro (1588-1670), un periplo de juventud
Authors: Mazín Óscar
Published: July 2023

Este artículo considera la asimilación de varias experiencias de vida: la agregación de casas nobiliarias a linajes, la vocación por el saber y un proceso de ennoblecimiento caballeresco. Se centra en la formación y trayectoria inicial del cortesano García de Haro y Avellaneda, a caballo entre los siglos XVI y XVII. Con apego a un perfil biográfico, organizan el relato los temas siguientes: tierra y sacralidad; crianza y tronco familiar; saber y formación; primer desempeño judicial; agregación y ennoblecimiento.
Unidad, desigualdad, comunidad. Las crisis de gobernanza urbana de 1520 y la constitución del orden comunero
Authors: Sánchez León Pablo
Published: July 2023

Este artículo adopta un método dual, retrospectivo y prospectivo, con el fin de sortear anacronismos imperceptibles en el estudio de las condiciones políticas a escala urbana del levantamiento castellano de 1520. El presente trabajo propone, primero, un marco de interpretación centrado en la categoría de gobernanza, y, a continuación, realiza comparaciones entre la fisonomía y el contenido de los formatos institucionales establecidos en las capitales comuneras y en las juntas urbanas de 1808. Este enfoque permite identificar como precondición de la nueva gobernanza comunera la apropiación por parte de la comunidad urbana de la capacidad de designar todos los cargos institucionales, y define como sus ejes la revocabilidad de los oficios de gobierno y la capacidad de representación de las organizaciones estamentales —de pecheros y privilegiados— en las juntas urbanas; por último, en las conclusiones se ofrece una reflexión sobre las Comunidades de Castilla como momento de política potencialmente absoluta, lo cual permite dejar de interpretarlos desde la dicotomía tradicional/moderno.
Между литературным сообществом и индивидуальным жизнетворчеством: Пушкин и Вольное общество любителей российской словесности
Authors: Bodrova Alina
Published: July 2023

Abstract: The article reviews the history of Pushkin's participation in the activities of the Free Society of Lovers of Russian Literature, one of the most significant literary and social institutions of the 1810s and the first half of the 1820s. The author reconstructs in detail the cases when Pushkin's texts were presented at the meetings of the Free Society in 1819–23 using the materials of the Society's archive, including unpublished documents. She also introduces previously unknown information about the presentation of the Lycée cycle of "Tableaux"—"The Faun and the Shepherdess" ("Favn i Pastushka") in 1820 and identifies which of Pushkin's poems was read at the Free Society's May 1823 public meeting under the title "Farewell" ("Proshchanie"). This newly discovered information allows us to revisit the question of why, despite his participation in the Society, Pushkin was never inducted as a member. The answer offered here proceeds from analysis of both Pushkin's literary strategy 1819–25 and the Free Society's institutional principles: the poet did not fit into the organizational structure of the Free Society, and his literary strategy at the time eschewed legitimization from any literary society, salon or circle.
Navigium amoris and an Encounter in Mikhailovskoe (Pushkin—Zhukovsky—Florian—Cervantes)
Authors: Pilshchikov Igor
Published: July 2023

Abstract: It is well known that Pushkin's "Ia pomniu chudnoe mgnoven´e…" ("I remember a wondrous moment…," 1825) exploits recognizable motifs from Zhukovsky's "Ia Muzu iunuiu, byvalo…" ("I used to meet the youthful Muse…," 1824). This article shows that the two poems share a lyrical plot that emerged in Zhukovsky's work twenty years earlier. Almost all the relevant elements are found in his "Lad´eiu legkoi upravliaia…" ("Steering a light boat…," 1804), one of the poems in his translation of Don Quixote , which he made from Florian's French version of Cervantes's novel. The key motif of the resurrection of the past, which forms the nucleus of "Ia pomniu…" and "Ia Muzu…," is not present in Don Luis's ballad from Don Quixote , "Marinero soy de amor…"—it resulted from a chain of step-by-step transformations of its final quatrain. Despite all the metamorphoses, the proto-source of Russia's best-known love elegy was a Spanish ballad ( romance ), even though the initial metaphor of sailing across the sea of love led by a guiding star was eventually lost.
Тяжкий млат (О генезисе одного образа в «Полтаве»)
Authors: Proskurin Oleg
Published: July 2023

Abstract: This note addresses the genesis of a famous image in Pushkin's narrative poem "Poltava": "Having born the blows of the fates, Rus´ grew stronger, just as the heavy hammer crushes glass but forges steel." We note a connection to the European Baroque's symbolism of the hammer as an ambivalent tool, one which both destroys and creates. Further, we propose that the structure of this poetic image reflects Pushkin's familiarity with the books of symbols and emblems common in Peter the Great's day, particularly the emblem titled "A Diamond beaten with hammers," which is a representation of hardness and constancy. In its Russian version, the accompanying motto for this emblem was " Vsegda nesokrushaem " ("Always indestructible"). However, Pushkin introduced important modifications to the emblematic image he uses, putting at its center not the idea of immutability but, to the contrary, the ability to change and improve. "Poltava" thus explains the historical significance of the Petrine transformations (and their accompanying tribulations) using an original take on the symbolic language of Peter's epoch.
A Specter Haunting Holocaust Studies: The Muselmann
Authors: Oster Sharon B.
Published: July 2023

Abstract: Attention to the figure of the Muselmann in Holocaust studies is finally picking up steam, in what is a long overdue conversation. Recent studies of the concept and phenomenon are challenging long-held assumptions about to whom and what the term Muselmann refers, what it meant in the Nazi concentration camps, and what it means now. This essay responds to two pieces published here, "Did Jews Die as Muslims at Auschwitz? Spectres of the Muselmann ," by Kathrin Wittler, and "Witnessing the Ghost, Letting the Ghost Witness," by Alexander Williams. Raising key questions about the term Muselmann , these essays together illustrate the ongoing problems it poses for Holocaust studies. While Wittler provides a historical excavation of the Orientalist and colonialist associations that cleave to the word Muselmann , one desperately needed in Holocaust studies, Williams approaches the subject theoretically, in effort to make the term perform sweeping conceptual work. Explaining "spectral" figures in Holocaust testimony remains fruitful, but doing so through inherited definitions of Muselmänner , based on a few iconic survivor testimonies, simplifies the ethical implications of the phenomenon, and perpetuates its problematic semantic history. I therefore argue that scholars would do well to use the term carefully and critically, lest we perpetuate these problems. Other recent studies on the topic that look at a wider variety of survivor perspectives prove the Muselmann to be an incoherent category and raise new ethical questions about concentration camp prisoner agency. As such work shows, it is time to demystify the specter haunting Holocaust studies.
Adaptive penalty method with an Adam optimizer for enhanced convergence in optical waveguide mode solvers
Authors: Chiang Po-Jui
Published: July 2023

We propose a cutting-edge penalty method for optical waveguide mode solvers, integrating the Adam optimizer into pseudospectral frequency-domain (PSFD) frameworks. This strategy enables adaptable boundary fluctuations at material interfaces, significantly enhancing numerical convergence and stability. The Adam optimizer, an adaptive algorithm, is deployed to determine the penalty coefficient, greatly improving convergence rates and robustness while effectively incorporating boundary conditions into the interfaces of subdomains. Our solver evaluates the numerical performance of optical waveguides by calculating effective indices of standard benchmark waveguides with high accuracy. This method diminishes numerical boundary errors and provides a marked increase in convergence speed and superior accuracy when compared to conventional methods and even metaheuristic optimization methods, all while maintaining the inherent global spectral accuracy of the PSFD.
NIR to MIR ultra-broadband supercontinuum laser source based on all-silica fibers
Authors: Lei Hao , Xie Kunlin , Wang Xuehan , Wang Senyu , Luo Hongyu , Li Jianfeng
Published: July 2023

We demonstrated an ultra-broadband supercontinuum (SC) laser source with a wavelength range spanning the near-infrared (NIR) to mid-infrared (MIR) region. The SC spectrum was generated in a very short piece of highly nonlinear silica fiber (HNLF) which has a zero-dispersion wavelength (ZDW) of 1.55 µm. The pump source used has a spectral coverage of 1.5∼2.4 µm which covers the ZDW of HNLF, resulting in a dramatic blue and red shift of the spectrum through strong non-linear effects. As the pump laser pulse launched into HNLF, a SC spectrum with broadband range of 0.92∼2.92 µm and maximum average power of 5.09 W was achieved, which sets record coverage of HNLF-based watts magnitude SC laser sources for now, to the best of the authors’ knowledge. The setup consists of silica fiber that can be considered easy-to-implement and with a cost-effectiveness scheme for ultra-broadband SC generation that could be easily applied to optical fiber sensing and spectral imaging technology.
Spectrum enhancement of extraordinary terahertz transmission through metal-dielectric multilayer compound annular hole array metamaterial
Authors: Zeng Jiahao , Zhang Xue , Yan Shuzhan
Published: July 2023

This study presents, what we believe to be, a novel approach to enhance the spectrum of extraordinary terahertz transmission utilizing surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) mode coupling in metal-dielectric compound annular hole array metamaterial. The transmitting properties of the structure are thoroughly assessed through a combination of theoretical analysis and numerical simulation, with a particular focus on understanding the surface plasmon mode coupling. Our investigation revealed the presence of propagating surface plasmon polaritons (PSPP), localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) and Fabry-Perot (FP) resonances within the compound layer. We find that the coupling of PSPP and LSPR modes plays a crucial role in determining the broadband nature of the structure. Interference theory is utilized to mitigate the FP resonance, while further optimization of the transmission bands is attained by implementing the impedance matching hypothesis. By adjusting the structure parameters, the effective coupling of the SPPs modes and numerous reflections in the dielectric cavity produced a remarkably smooth and transparent character, leading to a significant enhancement of transmission spectrum and a reduction in the incident loss of terahertz wave.
Dimension Expansion Virtual Reality – Head Mounted Display
Authors: Ogata Yoichi , Kolchiba Mykyta , Hizumi Kohki
Published: July 2023

The development of virtual reality (VR) devices
including novel functions has social significance. When
the police station will perform on-site verification of any
traffic accidents, in this work, a spatial grasp of the site and
communication among staff are necessary. To help with
their tasks, we fabricated a VR goggle which possesses a
dimension expansion function. Concretely, we create 3D-
VR images from one photo by using depth estimation
software and the depth fused 3D (DFD) technique. In
this way, obtained 3D-VR image can be displayed on the
user’s gaze on a goggle.