bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research progress on the mechanism of interleukin-1β on epiphyseal plate chondrocytes
Authors: Tong Ziyuan , Yang Xu , Li Jianjun
Published: December 2022

Epiphyseal plate injury, a common problem in pediatric orthopedics, may result in poor bone repair or growth defects. Epiphyseal plate, also known as growth plate is a layer of hyaline cartilage tissue between the epiphysis and metaphyseal and has the ability to grow longitudinally. Under normal physiological conditions, the epiphyseal plate has a certain axial resistance to stress, but it is fragile in growth phase and can be damaged by excessive stress, leading to detachment or avulsion of the epiphysis, resulting in life-long devastating consequences for patients. There is an obvious inflammatory response in the phase of growth plate injury, the limited physiological inflammatory response locally favors tissue repair and the organism, but uncontrolled chronic inflammation always leads to tissue destruction and disease progression. Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), as representative inflammatory factors, not only affect the inflammatory phase response to bone and soft tissue injury, but have a potentially important role in the later repair phase, though the exact mechanism is not fully understood. At present, epiphyseal plate injuries are mainly treated by corrective and reconstructive surgery, which is highly invasive with limited effectiveness, thus new therapeutic approaches are urgently needed, so a deeper understanding and exploration of the pathological mechanisms of epiphyseal plate injuries at the cellular molecular level is an entry point. In this review, we fully introduced the key role of IL-1 in the progression of epiphyseal plate injury and repair, deeply explored the mechanism of IL-1 on the molecular transcript level and endocrine metabolism of chondrocytes from multiple aspects, and summarized other possible mechanisms to provide theoretical basis for the clinical treatment and in-depth study of epiphyseal plate injury in children.
Enhanced delivery of a low dose of aducanumab via FUS in 5×FAD mice, an AD model
Authors: Kong Chanho , Yang Eun-Jeong , Shin Jaewoo , Park Junwon , Kim Si-Hyun , Park Seong-Wook , Chang Won Seok , Lee Chang-Han , Kim Hyunju , Kim Hye-Sun , Chang Jin Woo
Published: December 2022

Background

Aducanumab (Adu), which is a human IgG1 monoclonal antibody that targets oligomer and fibril forms of beta-amyloid, has been reported to reduce amyloid pathology and improve impaired cognition after administration of a high dose (10 mg/kg) of the drug in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) clinical trials. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a lower dose of Adu (3 mg/kg) with enhanced delivery via focused ultrasound (FUS) in an AD mouse model.

Methods

The FUS with microbubbles opened the blood–brain barrier (BBB) of the hippocampus for the delivery of Adu. The combined therapy of FUS and Adu was performed three times in total and each treatment was performed biweekly. Y-maze test, Brdu labeling, and immunohistochemical experimental methods were employed in this study. In addition, RNA sequencing and ingenuity pathway analysis were employed to investigate gene expression profiles in the hippocampi of experimental animals.

Results

The FUS-mediated BBB opening markedly increased the delivery of Adu into the brain by approximately 8.1 times in the brains. The combined treatment induced significantly less cognitive decline and decreased the level of amyloid plaques in the hippocampi of the 5×FAD mice compared with Adu or FUS alone. Combined treatment with FUS and Adu activated phagocytic microglia and increased the number of astrocytes associated with amyloid plaques in the hippocampi of 5×FAD mice. Furthermore, RNA sequencing identified that 4 enriched canonical pathways including phagosome formation, neuroinflammation signaling, CREB signaling and reelin signaling were altered in the hippocami of 5×FAD mice receiving the combined treatment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the enhanced delivery of a low dose of Adu (3 mg/kg) via FUS decreases amyloid deposits and attenuates cognitive function deficits. FUS-mediated BBB opening increases adult hippocampal neurogenesis as well as drug delivery. We present an AD treatment strategy through the synergistic effect of the combined therapy of FUS and Adu.
Global patterns of diversity and metabolism of microbial communities in deep-sea hydrothermal vent deposits
Authors: Zhou Zhichao , St. John Emily , Anantharaman Karthik , Reysenbach Anna-Louise
Published: December 2022

Background

When deep-sea hydrothermal fluids mix with cold oxygenated fluids, minerals precipitate out of solution and form hydrothermal deposits. These actively venting deep-sea hydrothermal deposits support a rich diversity of thermophilic microorganisms which are involved in a range of carbon, sulfur, nitrogen, and hydrogen metabolisms. Global patterns of thermophilic microbial diversity in deep-sea hydrothermal ecosystems have illustrated the strong connectivity between geological processes and microbial colonization, but little is known about the genomic diversity and physiological potential of these novel taxa. Here we explore this genomic diversity in 42 metagenomes from four deep-sea hydrothermal vent fields and a deep-sea volcano collected from 2004 to 2018 and document their potential implications in biogeochemical cycles.

Results

Our dataset represents 3635 metagenome-assembled genomes encompassing 511 novel and recently identified genera from deep-sea hydrothermal settings. Some of the novel bacterial (107) and archaeal genera (30) that were recently reported from the deep-sea Brothers volcano were also detected at the deep-sea hydrothermal vent fields, while 99 bacterial and 54 archaeal genera were endemic to the deep-sea Brothers volcano deposits. We report some of the first examples of medium- (≥ 50% complete, ≤ 10% contaminated) to high-quality (> 90% complete, < 5% contaminated) MAGs from phyla and families never previously identified, or poorly sampled, from deep-sea hydrothermal environments. We greatly expand the novel diversity of Thermoproteia, Patescibacteria (Candidate Phyla Radiation, CPR), and Chloroflexota found at deep-sea hydrothermal vents and identify a small sampling of two potentially novel phyla, designated JALSQH01 and JALWCF01. Metabolic pathway analysis of metagenomes provides insights into the prevalent carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, and hydrogen metabolic processes across all sites and illustrates sulfur and nitrogen metabolic “handoffs” in community interactions. We confirm that Campylobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria occupy similar ecological guilds but their prevalence in a particular site is driven by shifts in the geochemical environment.

Conclusion

Our study of globally distributed hydrothermal vent deposits provides a significant expansion of microbial genomic diversity associated with hydrothermal vent deposits and highlights the metabolic adaptation of taxonomic guilds. Collectively, our results illustrate the importance of comparative biodiversity studies in establishing patterns of shared phylogenetic diversity and physiological ecology, while providing many targets for enrichment and cultivation of novel and endemic taxa.
Virus diversity and interactions with hosts in deep-sea hydrothermal vents
Authors: Cheng Ruolin , Li Xiaofeng , Jiang Lijing , Gong Linfeng , Geslin Claire , Shao Zongze
Published: December 2022

Background

The deep sea harbors many viruses, yet their diversity and interactions with hosts in hydrothermal ecosystems are largely unknown. Here, we analyzed the viral composition, distribution, host preference, and metabolic potential in different habitats of global hydrothermal vents, including vent plumes, background seawater, diffuse fluids, and sediments.

Results

From 34 samples collected at eight vent sites, a total of 4662 viral populations (vOTUs) were recovered from the metagenome assemblies, encompassing diverse phylogenetic groups and defining many novel lineages. Apart from the abundant unclassified viruses, tailed phages are most predominant across the global hydrothermal vents, while single-stranded DNA viruses, including Microviridae and small eukaryotic viruses, also constitute a significant part of the viromes. As revealed by protein-sharing network analysis, hydrothermal vent viruses formed many novel genus-level viral clusters and are highly endemic to specific vent sites and habitat types. Only 11% of the vOTUs can be linked to hosts, which are the key microbial taxa of hydrothermal habitats, such asGammaproteobacteriaandCampylobacterota. Intriguingly, vent viromes share some common metabolic features in that they encode auxiliary genes that are extensively involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, amino acids, cofactors, and vitamins. Specifically, in plume viruses, various auxiliary genes related to methane, nitrogen, and sulfur metabolism were observed, indicating their contribution to host energy conservation. Moreover, the prevalence of sulfur-relay pathway genes indicated the significant role of vent viruses in stabilizing the tRNA structure, which promotes host adaptation to steep environmental gradients.

Conclusions

The deep-sea hydrothermal systems hold untapped viral diversity with novelty. They may affect both vent prokaryotic and eukaryotic communities and modulate host metabolism related to vent adaptability. More explorations are needed to depict global vent virus diversity and its roles in this unique ecosystem.
Effects of acidic phosphorus-rich biochar from halophyte species on P availability and fractions in alkaline soils
Authors: Wang Xuyang , Sun Tao , Ma Haigang , Tang Guangmu , Chen Mo , Abulaizi Maidinuer , Yu Guangling , Jia Hongtao
Published: December 2022

Conditioning alkaline soil with acidic phosphorus-rich biochar might contribute to improving soil phosphorous (P) availability and waste utilization efficiency. In this study, acidic phosphorus-rich biochar was prepared using halophyte biochar (HBC) modified by H3PO4 (P-HBC) and H4P2O7 (PA-HBC). The P-containing groups and P fractions in the HBCs were characterized, and the effects of biochar on the P fractions in alkaline soil were examined with incubation experiments. The results showed that the pH of P-HBC (3.31) and PA-HBC (2.17) was significantly reduced compared with HBC, and the total P contents rose to 4.66 g·kg− 1 and 5.24 g·kg− 1, respectively. The spectral characterization confirmed the loading of P-containing and acidic functional groups in the HBCs after modification. The application of P-HBC and PA-HBC in alkaline soils decreased the soil pH and facilitated the transformation of stable P into active fractions. Overall, acidic phosphorus-rich biochar can be employed to increase P activity in alkaline soil.

Graphical Abstract
Gold nanoparticles loaded on TiO2 nanoparticles doped with N2 as an efficient electrocatalyst for glucose oxidation: preparation, characterization, and electrocatalytic properties
Authors: Jamil Yasmin M. S. , Awad Mohammed Ahmed Hussein , Al-Maydama Hussein M. A. , Alhakimi Ahmed N. , Shakdofa Mohamad M. E. , Mohammed Samir Osman
Published: December 2022

A powder of titanium oxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) was synthesized in this study by anodizing in 0.7 M HClO4 and then annealing in N2 at 450 °C for 3 h to produce TiO2 NPs-N2 powder as a catalyst. These TiO2 NPs-N2 nanoparticles were then encrusted with Au nanoparticles utilizing the photodeposition procedure with tetrachloroauric acid (HAuCl4) and isopropanol as sacrificial donors. With a surface area of 121 m2g−1, the Au NPs/TiO2 NPs-N2 powder catalyst has a high surface area, according to the Barrett–Joyner–Halenda technique. According to X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, TiO2 NPs-N2 contained uniformly integrated Au nanoparticles with an average crystallite size of about 26.8 nm. The XRD patterns showed that the prepared Au NPs/TiO2 NPs-N2 were crystallites and nano-sized. The transmission electron microscopy image revealed the spherical shape of the nanoparticles and their tendency for agglomeration. Utilizing the cyclic voltammetry, the electrochemical properties of the catalyst TiO2 NPs powders in a basic glucose solution were investigated. The electrocatalytic activity and stability of the loaded Au NPs/TiO2 NPs-N2 powder on the working electrode for the electrocatalytic oxidation of glucose were astonishingly high. The Au NPs/TiO2 NPs-N2 catalyst demonstrated electrocatalytic characteristics that were superior to a commercially available polycrystalline gold electrode in the application involving glucose alkaline fuel cells.
Pathologic complete response after laparoscopic surgery following treatment with nivolumab and ipilimumab for anticancer drug-resistant MSI-high descending colon cancer: a case report and literature review
Authors: Sawayama Hiroshi , Miyamoto Yuji , Ogawa Katsuhiro , Ohuchi Mayuko , Hisano Yuki , Kato Moeko , Tubakihara Hiroki , Yoshida Naoya , Baba Hideo
Published: December 2022

Background

Preoperative treatment is performed for locally advanced colon cancer with extensive tumor proximity or suspected invasion of skeletal muscles, major organs, and blood vessels. Oxaliplatin-based regimens are often used in preoperative chemotherapy. However, microsatellite instability (MSI)-high colorectal cancer is often resistant to cytotoxic anticancer agents. Herein, we describe a case of treatment of anticancer drug-resistant MSI-high locally advanced colon cancer and review cases of complete response to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy for colorectal cancer.

Case presentation

A 57-year-old woman was referred to our hospital with a large tumor in the descending colon and extensive thoracic and abdominal wall involvement, including the ribs and diaphragm. No distant metastasis was observed. The tumor had perforated the abdominal wall and formed an abscess. Upon visiting our hospital, emergency surgery was performed. An abdominal wall incision was made to drain the abscess and laparoscopic colostomy was performed. Histopathological examination of biopsy specimens revealed an adenocarcinoma with positive immunohistochemical expressions of both CDX2 and CK20. The patient was diagnosed with a descending colon cancer. Genetic examination found MSI-high, Kras mutation (F12G), and wild-type BRAF. After the inflammation improved, chemotherapy with the FOLFIRI regimen was initiated, but the tumor grew rapidly. As a second-line treatment, nivolumab and ipilimumab combination therapy was initiated. After four cycles of these therapies, the patient was administered nivolumab alone for five cycles. Tumor shrinkage was observed and radical surgery was performed. The patient underwent laparoscopic descending colon and partial thoracic and abdominal wall resection. The abdominal wall muscle was dissected from the abdominal cavity, and subcutaneous tissues, diaphragm, ribs were dissected from the body surface. Pathological examination revealed mucus components, fibrous tissues, and no malignant cells, indicating a complete pathological response (pCR). The patient had a good postoperative course and returned to work after being discharged. No recurrence was observed six months postoperatively.

Conclusions

Herein, we report a case of anticancer drug-resistant MSI-high colon cancer that was resected after treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors, and a pCR was achieved. This new treatment strategy can be used for the treatment of cases that are not responsive to conventional therapies.
A drug delivery system constructed by a fusion peptide capturing exosomes targets to titanium implants accurately resulting the enhancement of osseointegration peri-implant
Authors: Li Xuewen , Liu Zihao , Xu Shendan , Ma Xinying , Zhao Zhezhe , Hu Han , Deng Jiayin , Peng Cheng , Wang Yonglan , Ma Shiqing
Published: December 2022

Background

Exosomes derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC-exos) have been shown triggering osteogenic differentiation and mineralization of MSCs, but exosomes administered via bolus injections are rapidly sequestered and cleared. Therefore, we considered the implant as a new organ of patient’s body and expected to find a method to treat implant with BMSC-exos in vivo directly.

Methods

A fusion peptide (PEP), as a drug delivery system (DDS) which contained a titanium-binding peptide (TBP) possessing the ability to selectively bind to the titanium surface and another peptide CP05 being able to capture exosomes expertly, is constructed to modify the titanium surface.

Results

Both in vitro and in vivo experiments prove PEP retains the ability to bind titanium and exosome simultaneously, and the DDS gain the ability to target exosomes to titanium implants surface following enhancing osseointegration post-implantation. Moreover, the DDS constructed by exosomes of diverse origins shows the similar combination rate and efficiency of therapy.

Conclusion

This drug delivery system demonstrates the concept that EXO-PEP system can offer an accurate and efficient therapy for treating implants with long-term effect.
Sexual risk behaviour among school-going adolescents in Sierra Leone and Liberia: a secondary analysis of the 2017 Global school-based student health surveys
Authors: James Peter Bai , Osborne Augustus , Bah Abdulai Jawo , Margao Emmanuel Kamanda , Conteh-Barrat Mohamed
Published: December 2022

Background

Sierra Leone and Liberia have experienced civil wars and, recently, Ebola outbreaks that led to profound economic hardship, psychopathologies and family disruptions. These factors are associated with sexual risk behaviours among youths. However, there is very little information on sexual risk behaviour among Sierra Leonean and Liberian school-going adolescents. The present study assessed the prevalence and determinants of sexual risk behaviours among school-going adolescents (10–19 years) in Sierra Leone and Liberia. 

Method

We used publicly available nationally representative cross-sectional datasets of the 2017 Sierra Leone and Liberia Global school health survey. The sample consisted of 2798 and 2744 school-going adolescents from Sierra Leone and Liberia, respectively. Complex sample descriptive and regression analysis was used to analyse our data.

Results

The majority of adolescents in the two countries were involved in multiple sexual risk behaviour (80.2%), with a higher prevalence observed in Sierra Leone (85.2%) than in Liberia (75.3%). Liberian adolescents showed lesser odds of indulging in multiple sexual risk behaviours than their Sierra Leonean counterparts (AOR = 0.572; 95%CI: 0.345–0.946). Male, compared to females, were more likely to engage in multiple sexual risk behaviour (AOR = 2.310;95%CI:1.543–3.458), with a similar pattern observed in both countries. Alcohol use was associated with multiple sexual risk behaviour (AOR = 3.064; 95%CI: 2.137–4.392). Also, in Sierra Leone and Liberia, adolescents with one and two or more forms of psychological distress were more likely to have ever had sex than those who did not show any form of psychological distress. Missing class/school was associated with multiple sexual risk behaviour (AOR = 1.655; 95%CI:1.133–2.418). Peer support was only found to be a protective factor against no condom use among Liberian adolescents (AOR = 0.608; 95%CI: 0.435–0.850). Less parental support was only associated with ever had sex among adolescents in Sierra Leone (AOR = 2.027; 95%CI: 1.322–3.107) but not in Liberia (AOR = 1.034; 95%CI: 0.650–1.644).

Conclusion

Our study found a high sexual risk behaviour among school-going adolescents in Sierra Leone and Liberia. Our finding highlights the need to strengthen sexual and reproductive health education in schools and communities that incorporate mental health promotion activities tailored to this group.
Routine job dynamics in the Swiss labor market
Authors: Gschwendt Christian
Published: December 2022

I investigate the role of labor market flows in the decline of routine employment in Switzerland between 1992 and 2018 using rich individual-level panel data from the Swiss Labour Force Survey. Existing research on the labor market effects of digital transformation has identified jobs with a high content of routine tasks as particularly prone to automation. My analysis shows that the decline in routine employment was almost entirely driven by decreasing inflow rates from non-participation and non-routine occupations as opposed to increasing outflow rates from routine jobs. Performing Oaxaca-Blinder-type nonparametric decompositions, I find that these inflow rate decreases can primarily be accounted for by changed propensities to transition into routine occupations, whereas demographic changes play a minor role. The propensity to transition from non-routine into routine employment has decreased for all distinguished demographic groups, while the propensity to enter the labor market into routine cognitive employment has particularly decreased for middle-aged individuals and those with low or medium education. My findings suggest that the Swiss labor market is evolving differently than the US labor market in the wake of the digital transformation.
Do not trust landmarks and your feelings while inserting pediatric central venous catheters
Authors: Azizov Shahin , Sahutoglu Cengiz , Bor Canan , Balcioglu Taner
Published: December 2022

Background

Central venous catheterization (CVC) is a commonly used procedure in pediatric surgery and intensive care units. For some reasons, catheterizations in children are technically more difficult in comparison to adult patients. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the CVC procedures performed with the aid of anatomic landmarks by experienced (35, 14, 4 years of experience) anesthesiologists and the associated complications. A total of 498 cases under the age of 18 who underwent CVC (temporary, port, or Hickman) between the years 2014 and 2017 were included in this retrospective study. All catheters were inserted with the aid of anatomic landmarks.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 47.1 ± 59.2 months and 54.8% were male. By using anatomical landmarks, the average success rate in central venous catheterizations was calculated as 98.6%. Complications developed included arterial puncture in 8% (n 40), temporary arrhythmia in 6.2% (n 31) and pneumothorax in 1.4% (n 7) of the patients. Only using multiple punctures (p = 0.005) and catheterizations lasting more than 10 min (the time to blood return from the catheter, p = 0.017) were found to be associated with complications. The experience of the practitioner had no effect on the development of complications (p = 0.354).

Conclusions

In CVCs using anatomic landmarks, complications are seen more frequently in children. Even though a decrease in overall complication rates was detected in catheterizations performed by experienced hands, it is seen that experience does not eliminate complications in CVC insertions using anatomic landmarks.
The five keys for a successful implementation of a cardiac telerehabilitation: a step-by-step effective digitalization of rehabilitation health services in Egypt
Authors: Atef Hady , Gaber Marwa , Zarif Bassem
Published: December 2022

Background

Telerehabilitation enables patients to communicate with physicians through the Internet and may be utilized to evaluate patients’ conditions and offer treatment plans. This method became necessary as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and its influence on face-to-face rehabilitation choices. Many rehabilitation professionals throughout the world have turned to the ‘online’ approach, relying on smartphone and smartwatch services such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and various mobile applications that comply with the ESC requirements.

Main body

Throughout this editorial, we examine the function of cardiac telerehabilitation in light of the journalistic ‘5 W,’ taking into consideration the rising interest in this topic during the ‘COVID era.’

Conclusions

Telerehabilitation is the future of rehabilitation, particularly in the COVID age. Additionally, telerehabilitation has proved to be successful in the cardiac profession when compared to face-to-face treatments, implying that this type of rehabilitation may continue after the world is COVID-free, and forecasting that it would be the preferable choice in the future.

Graphical Abstract
POCUS, how can we include the brain? An overview
Authors: Caldas Juliana , Rynkowski Carla Bittencourt , Robba Chiara
Published: December 2022

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is an essential tool to assess and manage different pathologies in the intensive care unit, and many protocols have been proposed for its application in critical care literature. However, the brain has been overlooked in these protocols.

Brain ultrasonography (BU) is easily available, and it allows a goal-directed approach thanks to its repeatability and immediate interpretation and provides a quick management and real time assessment of patients’ conditions. Based on recent studies, the increasing interest from intensivists, and the undeniable benefits of ultrasound, the main goal of this overview is to describe the main evidence and progresses in the incorporation of BU into the POCUS approach in the daily practice, and thus becoming POCUS-BU. This integration would allow a noninvasive global assessment to entail an integrated analysis of the critical care patients.
Non invasive hemodynamic monitoring for fluids and blood resuscitation during placenta praevia accreta cesarean delivery: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Loreto Maria , Pisanti Massimo , Celentani Marco , Pasta Gilda , Erman Alfredo , Santangelo Claudio , Giaccari Luca Gregorio , Sansone Pasquale , Villani Romolo
Published: December 2022

Background

We carry out a retrospective observational analysis of clinical records of patients with major placenta praevia who underwent cesarean section surgery over a period of 20 months in our hospital. Out of a total of 40 patients, 20 were subjected to Goal-Directed Therapy (GDT) implemented with non-invasive hemodynamic monitoring using the EV1000 ClearSight system (Group I) and 20 to standard hemodynamic monitoring (Group II). Given the risk of conspicuous blood loss, this study evaluate the impact on maternal and fetal health of GDT relative to standard hemodynamic monitoring.

Results

Average total infusion of fluids was 1600 +/− 350 ml. Use of blood products occurred in 29 patients (72,5%), of which 11 had a hysterectomy and 8 were treated with Bakri Balloons. For 2 patients > 1000 mL of concentrated red blood cells were used. When stroke volume index SVI dropped below 35 mL/m2/beat, it responded well to the infusion of at least 2 crystalloid boluses (5 ml/kg) in 7 patients. Cardiac index (CI) increased in 8 patients in concomitance with a reduction in medium arterial pressure (MAP), but the use of ephedrine (10 mg iv) re-established acceptable baseline values. Group I means are higher than Group II means for MAP, lower for RBC usage, end-of-surgery maternal lactates and fetal pH, and for LOS. Statistical analysis determines that the null hypotheses of equalities between Groups I and II can be rejected for all measures apart from MAP at baseline and induction. Proportions of serious complications in Groups I and II are respectively 10% and 32% and Boschloo’s test rejects the null of equality of proportions against the alternative hypothesis of lower proportion of occurrence in Group I than in Group II.

Conclusions

Hypovolemia can lead to vasoconstriction and inadequate perfusion with decreased oxygen delivery to organs and peripheral tissues and ultimately cause organ dysfunction. Despite the small sample size due to the rarity of the pathology, our statistical analysis finds evidence in favor of more favorable clinical outcomes for patients who received GDT implemented with non-invasive hemodynamic monitoring infusion relative to patients who received standard hemodynamic monitoring.
Pilot randomised controlled trial of a remotely delivered online intervention for adolescent mental health problems in India: lessons learned about low acceptability and feasibility during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Gonsalves Pattie P. , Bhat Bhargav , Sharma Rhea , Jambhale Abhijeet , Chodankar Bindiya , Verma Mamta , Hodgson Eleanor , Weiss Helen A. , Leurent Baptiste , Cavanagh Kate , Fairburn Christopher G. , Cuijpers Pim , Michelson Daniel , Patel Vikram
Published: December 2022

Background

‘POD Adventures’ is a gamified problem-solving intervention delivered via smartphone app, and supported by non-specialist counsellors for a target population of secondary school students in India during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Aims

To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of undertaking a randomised controlled trial of POD Adventures when delivered online with telephone support from counsellors.

Method

We conducted a parallel, two-arm, individually randomised pilot-controlled trial with 11 secondary schools in Goa, India. Participants received either the POD Adventures intervention delivered over 4 weeks or usual care comprising information about local mental health services and national helplines. Outcomes were assessed at two timepoints: baseline and 6 weeks post-randomisation.

Results

Seventy-nine classroom sensitisation sessions reaching a total of 1575 students were conducted. Ninety-two self-initiated study referrals (5.8%) were received, but only 11 participants enrolled in the study. No intervention arm participants completed the intervention. Outcomes at 6 weeks were not available for intervention arm participants (n = 5), and only four control arm participants completed outcomes. No qualitative interviews or participant satisfaction measures were completed because participants could not be reached by the study team.

Conclusions

Despite modifications to address barriers arising from COVID-19 restrictions, online delivery was not feasible in the study context. Low recruitment and missing feasibility and acceptability data make it difficult to draw conclusions about intervention engagement and indicative clinical outcomes. Prior findings showing high uptake, adherence and engagement with POD Adventures when delivered in a school-based context suggest that an online study and delivery posed the biggest barriers to study participation and engagement.
Identifying Predictors of Adherence to the Physical Activity Goal: A Secondary Analysis of the SMARTER Weight Loss Trial
Authors: BIZHANOVA ZHADYRA , SEREIKA SUSAN M. , BROOKS MARIA M. , ROCKETTE-WAGNER BONNY , KARIUKI JACOB K. , BURKE LORA E.
Published: December 2022

Introduction/Purpose

Research is needed to inform tailoring supportive strategies for promoting physical activity (PA) in the context of behavioral treatment of obesity. We aimed to identify baseline participant characteristics and short-term intervention response predictors associated with adherence to the study-defined PA goal in a mobile health (mHealth) weight loss trial.

Methods

A secondary analysis was conducted of a 12-month weight loss trial (SMARTER) that randomized 502 adults with overweight or obesity to either self-monitoring of diet, PA, and weight with tailored feedback messages (n = 251) or self-monitoring alone (n = 251). The primary outcome was average adherence to the PA goal of ≥150 min·wk−1 of moderate- and vigorous-intensity aerobic activities (MVPA) from Fitbit Charge 2™ trackers over 52 wk. Twenty-five explanatory variables were considered. Machine learning methods and linear regression were used to identify predictors of adherence to the PA goal.

Results

The sample (N = 502) was mostly female (80%), White (82%) with the average age of 45 ± 14.4 yr and body mass index of 33.7 ± 4.0 kg·m−2. Machine learning methods identified PA goal adherence for the first week as the most important predictor of long-term PA goal adherence. In the parsimonious linear regression model, higher PA goal adherence for the first week, greater PA FB messages opened, older age, being male, higher education, being single and not having obstructive sleep apnea were associated with higher long-term PA goal adherence.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first study using machine learning approaches to identify predictors of long-term PA goal adherence in a mHealth weight loss trial. Future studies focusing on facilitators or barriers to PA among young and middle-age adults and women with low PA goal adherence are warranted.
A Driven Modern Portfolio Theory for Virtual Network Embedding in SDN-Enabled Cloud
Authors: Bouchair Abderrahim , Yagoubi Belabbas , Makhlouf Sid Ahmed
Published: December 2022

Network virtualization (NV) has evolved systematically through the urge to share computing resources and improve service deployment in a large-scale environment. Virtual network embedding (VNE) is a well-established technology applied to reinforce the NV process, providing a devoted implementation for a particular case study. In cloud computing, integration of software-defined networking (SDN) has proved to be a practical support to the principal cloud utilities. In return, the SDN-enabled cloud offers innovative deployment techniques for network-based services, which increase the opportunity to efficiently incorporate new network management policies that solve the VNE problem. In this paper, the authors proposed a transition of modern portfolio theory (MPT) into a VNE approach that optimally addresses the selection and ranking of resources in data center networks (DCNs). Results analysis demonstrates the VNE approach's better performance versus similar methods in terms of acceptance ratio, runtime, and substrate resource utilization.
A Novel CSINR Technique for Accurate and Precise GPS Communication by Geographical Centric Self-learning Nodes
Authors: Swaroop Kumar N. , Ramesh K.S. , Maheswary A. , Revathi R.
Published: December 2022

Since its introduction, the Global Positioning System (GPS) is finding many countless, useful, and emergency applications, focused mainly on track. As the technology is advancing day by day and the best feature of GPS, which does not, relies on mobile signal to work, making it a feasible feature to incorporate into other devices as functionalities. By adopting GPS to a system, accurate mapping and geographical labeling can be obtained. GPS works better with the coordination of nodes and requires centralized monitoring and a reporting system. As it is a known fact that a demerit follows merit anywhere else, In GPS also, the major attention is required to make the nodes to success in mapping the intermediate space between agent node used for reporting and the remaining nodes of a cluster, where satellite and node coordination can be possible integer ambiguity technique. Many researchers have proposed solutions to the aforementioned problem; unfortunately still today the proposed methods are weaker in achieving lesser time delay of Total Electron Content (TEC). The proposed Centric Self-Learning Interconnected Nodes Reading (CSINR) technique is novel in terms addressing the intermediate nodes failing to label the inter-connected object spaces between reporting agents and nodes using integer ambiguity technique for node co-ordination and using a dedicated GPS prediction-based clock system, which predicts precise and accurate mapping between interconnected nodes. Based on the information shared between among the network managers a separate pseudo-connected network will be formed and further this network will be considered an interconnected nodes network. From the information calculated from temporal factors and clock offset the separate pseudo network is extracted by using the proposed CSINR technique. Add-on self-improvement is introduced to the proposed method by a self--learning feature to an individual join extract the principal rate of partisan neighbouring join to sustain accuracy in order consistent basis. An evaluation ratio of 97.43%, sensitivity of node occurrence is resulted as 92.78% and accuracy of 97.43% and 97.12% is achieved among a cluster of 32and 64 nodes respectively.
Image-based Seat Belt Fastness Detection using Deep Learning
Authors: Kapdi Rupal A. , Khanpara Pimal , Modi Rohan , Gupta Manish
Published: December 2022

The detection of seat belts is an essential aspect of vehicle safety. It is crucial in providing protection in the event of an accident. Seat belt detection devices are installed into many automobiles, although they may be easily manipulated or disregarded. As a result, the existing approaches and algorithms for seat belt detection are insufficient. Using various external methods and algorithms, it is required to determine if the seat belt is fastened or not. This paper proposes an approach to identify seat belt fastness using the concepts of image processing and deep learning. Our proposed approach can be deployed in any organizational setup to aid the concerned authorities in identifying whether or not the drivers of the vehicles passing through the entrance have buckled their seat belts up. If a seat belt is not detected in a vehicle, the number plate recognition module records the vehicle number. The concerned authorities might use this record to take further necessary actions. This way, the organization authorities can keep track of all the vehicles entering the premises and ensure that all drivers/shotgun seat passengers are wearing seat belts.
Unsupervised Unmixing and Segmentation of Hyper Spectral Images Accounting for Soil Fertility
Authors: Lavanya K. , Jaya Subalakshmi R. , Tamizharasi T. , Jane Lydia , Victor Akila
Published: December 2022

A crucial component of precision agriculture is the capability to assess the fertility of soil by looking at the precise distribution and composition of its different constituents. This study aims to investigate how different machine learning models may be used to assess soil fertility using hyperspectral pictures. The development of images using a random mixing of different soil components is the first phase, and the hyper spectral bands utilized to create the images are not used again during the analysis procedure. The resulting end members are then acquired by applying the NFINDR algorithm to the process of spectral unmixing this image. The comparison between these end members and the band values of the known elements is then quantified., i.e. it is represented as a graph of band values obtained through spectral unmixing. Finally we quantify the similarities between both graphs and proceed towards the classification of the hyper spectral image as fertile or infertile. In order to classify the hyper spectral image as fertile or infertile, we quantify the similarities between the two graphs. Clustering and picture segmentation algorithms have been devised to help with this process, and a comparison is then made to show which techniques are the most effective.
Fault Tolerant Load Balancing with Quadruple Osmotic Hybrid Classifier and Whale Optimization for Cloud Computing
Authors: Anuradha Soundararajan , Kanmani P.
Published: December 2022

Cloud Computing (CC) environment is developing as a recently discovered caliber for computing applications over the network. Fault tolerance is one of the foremost issues in CC environment. Since the negligence in resource have a profound effect on job execution, throughput, response time and performance of the entire network. In this work, in order to address the issue, Quadruple Osmotic Hybrid Classification and Whale Optimization (QOHC-WO) is introduced to fault-tolerance under the requirement of different user request tasks. Initially, Quadruple Fault Tolerance Level is applied to allocate the fault tolerance level. Followed by, Hybrid Vector Classifier is used to categorize the user request tasks (task) and cloud server nodes (node). Then, the Osmotic function is employed for performing the migration among virtual machines with lesser response time. This helps to solve the maximum level of fault issue. Finally, Improved Whale Optimization Algorithm is applied to find the optimal allocation of tasks with the corresponding node. In addition, the Bandit function and Whale optimization are used to address the trade-off between exploitation and exploration. Experimental setup of the proposed QOHC-WO method and existing methods are carried out with different factors such as task response time, the number of VM migrations, and percentage of fault detected rate with respect to a number of tasks. The analyzed results validate that the proposed QOHC-WO method achieves a higher fault detection rate with minimum response time as well as task migration than the state-of-the-art methods.
Blockchain Enabled Architecture with Selective Consensus Mechanisms for IoT Based Saffron-Agri Value Chain
Authors: Ali Jahangeer , Sofi Shabir A.
Published: December 2022

The Internet of Things (IoT) is the backbone behind numerous smart and automated applications in the modern era by providing seamless connectivity and information retrieval among the physical and virtual objects. IoT networks are resource constraint platforms hence prone to security and privacy challenges. Blockchain technology comes to the forefront to improvise the security, privacy and less dependency on the third party centralized servers. There exists a rich amount of work with numerous practical applications by fusing IoT and blockchain. In blockchain technology, the consensus mechanisms are considered to be the driving force in its implementation. In this paper, we propose a simplified blockchain based internet of things (BIoT) architecture for resource constrained IoT devices with selective consensus mechanisms based on the scale of IoT networks. We have selectively highlighted some of the important consensus algorithms which are favourable for the IoT networks. We have tailored the blockchain framework in a manner that suits to the resource constrained IoT networks. To evaluate our design, we implemented a prototype leveraging the blockchain and IoT network. The preliminary results suggest that the proposed system incorporating supply chain management of Saffron agri-value chain outperforms the existing systems. Furthermore, we have carried out a detailed case study on the cultivation and marketing strategies for maintaining the originality and transparency starting from farmer-to-consumer as saffron-Agri value chain.
Studying the response of the mid-latitude ionosphere of the Northern Hemisphere to magnetic storms in March 2012
Authors: Chernigovskaya Marina , Shpynev Boris , Khabituev Denis , Ratovsky Konstantin , Belinskaya Anastasiya , Stepanov Aleksandr , Bychkov Vasily , Grigorieva Svetlana , Panchenko Valery , Mielich Jens
Published: December 2022

We have studied variations in ionospheric and geomagnetic parameters in the Northern Hemisphere during a series of magnetic storms in March 2012 by analyzing data from the Eurasian mid-latitude ionosonde chain, mid- and high-latitude chains of magnetometers of the global network INTERMAGNET. We have confirmed manifestations of the longitude inhomogeneity of ionospheric effects, which is associated with the irregular structure of the longitudinal variability of geomagnetic field components. The complex physics of the long magnetically disturbed period in March 2012 with switching between positive and negative phases of the ionospheric storm in the same period of the magnetic storm for different spatial regions is emphasized. The change in the effects of the ionospheric storm during this period might have been associated with the superposition in the mid-latitude region of the competing processes affecting the ionospheric ionization whose sources were in the auroral and equatorial ionosphere. We have compared the scenarios for the development of ionospheric disturbances under equinox conditions during magnetic storms in March 2012, October 2016, and March 2015.
Review and comparison of MHD wave characteristics at the Sun and in Earth’s magnetosphere
Authors: Chelpanov Maksim , Anfinogentov Sergey , Kostarev Danila , Mikhailova Olga , Rubtsov Aleksandr , Fedenev Viktor , Chelpanov Andrey
Published: December 2022

Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) waves play a crucial role in the plasma processes of stellar atmospheres and planetary magnetospheres. Wave phenomena in both media are known to have similarities and unique traits typical of each system.

MHD waves and related phenomena in magnetospheric and solar physics are studied largely independently of each other, despite the similarity in properties of these media and the common physical foundations of wave generation and propagation. A unified approach to studying MHD waves in the Sun and Earth's magnetosphere opens up prospects for further progress in these two fields.

The review examines the current state of research into MHD waves in the Sun’s atmosphere and Earth's magnetosphere. It outlines the main features of the wave propagation media: their structure, scales, and typical parameters. We describe the main theoretical models applied to wave behavior studies; discuss their advantages and limitations; compare characteristics of MHD waves in the Sun’s atmosphere and Earth’s magnetosphere; and review observation methods and tools to obtain information on waves in various media.
The diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection after the arthroplasty of knee joint
Authors: Tsitko Hanna , Dudzińska Paulina , Milanowska Małgorzata , Grudzińska Aleksandra , Jarosz Dominika
Published: December 2022

Total knee replacement is one of the most widely performed surgeries. It is stated as the most efficient method of treating end-stage osteoarthritis of the knee joint.  Due to the aging of the population and the prevalence of osteoarthritis, the number of arthroplasties is increasing every day.  Such extensive surgical procedures are associated with a large number of postoperative complications, one of which is periprosthetic joint infection. The reported prevalence of PJI out to 2 years after knee replacement is 1.55 %. Misconceptions in the management of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) can compromise the treatment success. The aim of the following article was to provide an overview of the medical knowledge on the periprosthetic joint infection after the arthroplasty of knee joint.

Infections are caused by microbes that can enter the joint, which are most often coagulase-negative Staphylococci, Staphylococcus Aureus, Streptococci, Enterococci and Gram-negative bacteria. Fungal infections are much less common. The diagnostic process requires the involvement of a large group of medical personnel, which is why protocols with algorithms have been created to facilitate and standardize the diagnosis in the direction of periprosthetic joint infections. Mainly used tests from the patient's serum, synovial tests and histology. The positive results of the above tests are taken into account in the assessment of the fulfillment of the major and minor criteria to assess the likelihood of the occurrence of periprosthetic infection. This research paper aims to analyze the latest medical reports on the PJI diagnostic algorithm, laboratory and imaging studies of their effectiveness. This article was written based on analyzing data available in publications in Pubmed and Google Scholar databases
PENGARUH ELECTRONIC WORD OF MOUTH TERHADAP MINAT BELI: PERAN MEDIASI CITRA MEREK
Authors: Fadzri Kusuma Aditya , Wijaya Tony
Published: December 2022

This study aims to determine the effect of Electronic Word of Mouth (E-WOM) on purchase intention through brand image. This research is quantitative research with a survey method. The population of this study are a customer of Compas Shoes who are domiciled in the Special Region of Yogyakarta. The sampling technique used purposive sampling with 164 people as respondents to the online survey. The data analysis techniques used to answer the hypothesis are simple regression analysis, hypothesis testing, and the Sobel test. The results of this study indicate that: (1) There is a positive and significant effect of E-WOM (Electronic Word of Mouth) on Purchase Intention. (2) There is a positive and significant effect of E-WOM (Electronic Word of Mouth) on Brand Image. (3) There is a positive and significant effect of Brand Image on Purchase Intention. (4) There is a positive and significant effect of E-WOM (Electronic Word of Mouth) on Purchase Intention through Brand Image as mediating variable.