bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development prospects of the technologies and infrastructure for a transport and logistics system of a new type
Authors: Savin Gleb
Published: July 2021

In contemporary conditions, the transport and logistics system (TLS) is developing in the field of intelligent transportation systems (ITS) and highly automated vehicles (HAV), but to create a unified integrated stream management system it is necessary to search for a new approach, which would reduce the load on infrastructure and decrease transaction costs. And the technologies of the distributed data register, which have the status of “end-to-end” digital technologies, have the opportunity today to combine these spheres in the field of functioning and forecasting the rational choice of optimizing streaming processes, and also ensure the formation of a new TLS type. For its development today, it is necessary to introduce “regulatory sandboxes”, which are a general trend for testing ready-made solutions in the field of smart contracts development. At the same time, this approach enables to collect and take into account the consumers’ opinions; it also provides a higher level of infrastructure reliability in order to ensure sustainable economic development.
Environmental tourism in Crimea: experience in implementing the sustainable development principles
Authors: Yakovenko Irina M. , Tsohla Svetlana Yu. , Karlova Anna I. , Karlov Leonid S.
Published: July 2021

The conceptual basis of modern changes in tourism is a sustainable development, the basic principles of which are most translated into the idea of ecological tourism. The paper presents the results of a study of the organization of ecological tourist routes and programs in protected areas of the Crimean peninsula. Spatial differences in the density of ecological route network, the functional structure of routes and trails, the degree of their infrastructure and information support were revealed. Attractiveness of the routes is dueto the high concentration of socially significant objects of natural and cultural heritage within boundaries of protected areas. For ecological tourism, the most developed are mountain-forest and coastal areas located in the south-west, south and south-east of Crimea. The implementation heterogeneity on the principles of environmental, economic and social sustainability in regional ecotourism development was established. Violations of the regulation principles of recreational load on natural complexes, preservation and reproduction of the resource quality, insufficient use of potential of local communities in the management system of ecological tourism were revealed. Constructive suggestions for optimizing ecotourism in Crimea on the sustainability principles were formulated.
Strategic development priorities of safety standards and business models of the hospitality industry in the conditions of restrictions and post-Covid period (by the example of St. Petersburg)
Authors: Arkhipova Olga , Stepanova Svetlana , Nikolaev Andrey , Bedyaeva Tatyana , Fomicheva Natalya
Published: July 2021

This article covers the issue of determining new standards of tourist and hotel business, including safety in new realities formed under the influence of novel coronavirus infection. The authors provide research results representing strategic development priorities of safety standards and business models of hotel business of St. Petersburg in the conditions of restrictions and post-Covid period.
Sustainable development of recreation and tourism
Authors: Kumar Manish , Arora Nilesh , Gautam Prashant Kumar
Published: July 2021

Over the period of time, responsible and sustainable development have become very important phenomenon and integrating with each form of development. When it comes to tourism and its various forms then it plays a significant role in order to develop, retain and sustain the tourism for the future generation even without compromising the present needs, wants and desires of tourists, local residents and stakeholders. Therefore, the present study has measured the impacts and relationship between sustainable development and recreation (most common form of tourism) and tourism development. This is an empirical research conducted through both quantitative and qualitative approaches and methods. Sample of 100 respondents which includes tourists, local residents, tourism stakeholders, tourism professionals, academician and research scholars has been collected via self-administrated standardized questionnaire or tool name; Sustainable Development Measurement Scale (SDMS) over five point Likert Scale. SDMS have ten distinct and specific items related to sustainable development with reference to recreation and tourism development. Collected data has been analysis with the help of both descriptive and inferential statistics such as correlation coefficient and SEM (Structural Equation Modeling). Findings of the study suggested that sustainable development has high positive correlation with recreation and tourism development and also significantly impacting both recreation and tourism development at tourism destinations. On the basis of researcher findings appropriate suggestions and recommendations were also made in relation to sustainable recreational tourism development.
Investments in green economy as a driving force for sustainable economic development
Authors: Mikryukov Aleksey , Chilimova Tatyana , Serebrennikova Anna
Published: July 2021

The paper is devoted to the study of investments in green energy as a driving force for sustainable economic development. The paper highlights the features of sustainable economic development, the relationship between economic development and environment, the goals in the field of sustainable development and current trends in their implementation. The key directions of sustainable economy are identified on the basis of a combination of productive elements of foreign practice and domestic experience available in this area. The theoretical aspects of the concept of “green economy” and its tasks at the present stage are considered. Energy remains the key element in clean technologies. A definition of green investments is given by the authors. Green investments solve the problems of increasing energy efficiency, accelerating the development of renewable energy sources from alternative sources leading to the improved environment. The paper presents the dynamics of investments in green technologies in the Russian Federation and abroad, a brief analysis of the goals and direction of projects in the context of economic and social impact given. The authors conclude that the development of financial instruments and investment instruments is interdependent with the development of green economy and the sustainability of economy.
Green economy as a basis for designing sustainable development programs for the Russian enterprises
Authors: Yuzvovich Larisa , Polyakova Ekaterina , Pustovalova Larisa , Lavrova Oksana
Published: July 2021

At present, a number of economic actions undertaken by the Russian enterprises for development, directly or indirectly, lead to water and air pollution, nuclear radiation and many other perverse outcomes. The environment destruction is closely related to the enterprises activities that implement minerals and natural resources in their performance. If an enterprise establishes a reliable organizational management process, analyses the research and production process and implements modern equipment, then it can, to a certain extent, avoid environmental pollution, thereby preserving space for the economic activity.
National beverages in a healthy diet system
Authors: Bazhenova Irina , Chernova Elena , Bazhenova Tatiana , Bychenkova Valeria
Published: July 2021

Migration of people with different ethnic and cultural origins observed during past decade worldwide resulted in the introduction of national beverages into food markets. In this study, we have investigated and critically appraised properties and marketing potential of the Kyrgyz-Kazakh beverage Maksim. This national non-alcoholic beverage is produced by mixed fermentation of milk in the presence of fried cereal such as barley, proso millet, oats, and corn. Pure cultures of lactic acid bacteria are used as a leaven for fermentation. Maksim is used as a thirst-quenching and tonic beverage. It could be also considered as functional food. While being dense, it serves as an excellent source of nutrients, fiber, vitamins, microelements, and other biologically active ingredients that offer health benefits that extend beyond basic nutrition. However, this beverage is not recommended for those affected by gluten sensitivity disorders. Here, we reviewed a number of different national beverages, assess physico-chemical properties of Maksym, and evaluate marketing strategies for the introduction of this beverage to Russian food markets. Although being unfamiliar to most of Russian consumers, this beverage is of interest due to its nutritional and thirst-quenching properties, and that a better advertisement strategies are needed to advance this healthy drink to food market. These strategies could include tasting, explanation of production process, historical and cultural origins of this beverage to general public.
Development of formulation and technology of marshmallows with dried persimmon
Authors: Sapozhnikov Aleksandr N. , Kopylova Anastasiia V. , Hafizov Gharib
Published: July 2021

The paper shows a short review of main useful properties of persimmon fruits, methods of their processing and practical use in formulations of different food production types. Based on the review, the advisability of using persimmon in marshmallows formulations is shown. Comparative characteristics of two drying methods of persimmon are carried out practically, and optimal parameters of drying process, where losses of biologically active substances are minimal, are established. The comparison of sensory characteristics of two marshmallow samples is shown, and their nutritional value is calculated. First (control) marshmallow sample was obtained using classical formulation. The formulation of second (experimental) marshmallow sample also included dried persimmon powder. It is determined that persimmon powder does not have negative effect on sensory properties of marshmallows and improves its nutritional value. Therefore, powder can be implemented practically. The developed marshmallows are a healthy food product, so it can work towards sustainable development of modern society reducing the number of nutritional diseases.
Mechanical activation in utilising milling byproducts: a way to improve effectiveness
Authors: Lesnikova Nataliya , Chugunova Olga , Lapina Valentina , Kotova Tatiana , Pastushkova Ekaterina
Published: July 2021

The study focuses on obtaining the finely ground wheat germ flour mix by employing dry mechanical activation. During the study, wheat germ is ground using DESI-11 disintegrator and mechanically activated in PM-10 centrifugal mill with the rotor speed of 1050 rpm. According to the study findings, the finely ground wheat germ flour mix obtained by dry mechanical activation possesses increased bulk density and improved water absorption capacity when compared to the product obtained from wheat germ without mechanical activation applied. The average particle size is reduced from 114 μm to 52 μm. The study findings indicate that obtaining the finely ground wheat germ flour mix by dry mechanical activation prevents the occurrence of the caking effect as well as improves the quality of baked products.
Distance education influence on medical students readiness for educational and professional self-development
Authors: Gromakova Nataliya , Plotnikova Irina
Published: July 2021

The article presents an analysis of domestic and foreign specialists attitudes regarding modern trends in the development of distance education and the forced transition of all educational organizations to online learning in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic. The article reflects the results of an empirical research aimed at studying the readiness of medical students for educational and professional self-development in the context of distance education.
The importance of environmental education for effective environmental management
Authors: Yekimov Sergey , Nianko Viktoriia , Kulagin Dmytro , Lunkina Tetyana , Haponenko Serhii
Published: July 2021

The importance of environmental management is determined by the need to manage human activities related to harming the environment. The introduction of environmental management has a positive impact on reducing the anthropogenic load on the environment. Environmental management contributes to the harmonization of the relationship between man and nature. The implementation of environmental management at the enterprise largely depends on the interest of its employees in the protection of the natural environment. The preservation of the external environment is possible only if people have a responsible attitude to this problem. The effectiveness of the functioning of the elements of environmental management at the enterprise increases if the employees have a responsible attitude to environmental problems and an understanding of the environment as a human habitat, as a biological species. The social and economic development of human society is closely related to the protection of the external environment. The existing environmental problems in the modern world require a change in the thinking of humanity.
Mathematical modeling of the process of sustainable development of the personnel potential of industrial universities
Authors: Kalganova Natalia
Published: July 2021

The paper considers mathematical differential models of the dynamics of the number of teaching staff of a railway university during a certain period of its functioning. With the help of the constructed systems of ordinary differential equations, a method for managing the sustainable development of the personnel potential of industrial universities is proposed. In his research, the author relied on the works of Russian scientists, in particular, on [1-5]. To implement the principle of the scientific approach, the article proposes a method for studying the regularities of the dynamics of the number of university faculty members using mathematical tools and mathematical modeling. Modeling in this case allows us to identify some patterns and contribute to the management of the sustainable development of the personnel potential of railway universities. The paper presents an analytical solution of the Cauchy problem for a system of differential equations with given initial conditions. The model built on the basis of differential equations has practical value, because it allows you to determine and predict the number of personnel of the university at a specified time. In this paper, based on the methods of statistical analysis, the composition of PPS by age is studied. Some negative trends in the groups of teachers that create risks in the provision of the university with highly qualified personnel are identified.
Ecological engineering education: ways of formation and development
Authors: Komarova Larisa , Somin Vladimir , Lazutkina Yulia
Published: July 2021

A system approach based on ecological and economic development required organizing the specialists training in the field of industrial ecology which was first established in our country in the 70s of the last century. In Polzunov Altai State Technical University (AltSTU) at the Department of Chemical Engineering and Engineering Ecology the training of environmental engineers began in the following areas: protection of the atmosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere from industrial pollution with a specialization in wasted gases purification, wastewater treatment and solid waste recycling. Along with the educational process the scientific direction of creating energy efficient and resource-saving low-waste technologies and natural and waste water treatment was organized. In this area a large number of PhD and doctoral works based on innovative technologies in the field of separation of liquid industrial mixtures - wastes of various industries, as well as water treatment and water purification processes, were performed. More than 1000 environmental engineers have been trained since the creation of the program. Most of them stayed to work in Altai Krai. The accumulated experience made it possible to create a system of advanced training for engineering personnel in the field of environmental protection and ecological security and to win the Russian presidential grants including overseas internships in Sweden and Finland. This allowed to get acquainted with the concept of the best available technologies in the field of environmental protection for sustainable development.
Content conceptualization and issues of solving the education system development tasks for the purposes to achieve sustainable development of the region social area
Authors: Bezvikonnaya E.V. , Bogdashin А.V. , Volokh T.S. , Portnyagina E.V.
Published: July 2021

The education sector is one of the most vulnerable levels of public social management. The main contradiction here lies in the presence of a purpose to perform a social order for the creation of conditions for receiving education by various categories of citizens and market mechanisms of education relationship adjustment. In conditions of unstable environment, the development of the education strategic concept through 2035 appears to be a vital prerequisite to forecast the potential of this social management branch. Regional development context forms the required conditions for adapting the concept goals and tasks to the region social and economic development level. The impact of education at social processes in the region is expressed in the change of social order for educational services under the impact of market conditions.
Education: innovative approaches and sustainable development in modern world
Authors: Okhrimenko Elena , Radygina Evgenia
Published: July 2021

In the article, the authors consider problems related to the professional mobility of students, outline and analyze innovative teaching methods used in the educational process. Features of modern technologies used in the educational process are identified and presented; active methods of training and modeling are determined and discussed, efficiency of training technologies is investigated. Special attention is paid to the study of interactive forms of students’ training. The authors present the results of deep analysis of approaches used in the educational process, within the framework of which, classifications of interactive teaching methods are given. The main stages of the business game with a discussion approach are developed and justified; an experimental test of the application of a business game with a discussion approach the purpose of which is to control knowledge and motivate students is presented. The authors prove that usage of debating approach in the framework of active forms of education has a positive impact on educational process and increases students' motivation to gain knowledge.
Development of an ontology-based semantic building post-occupancy evaluation framework
Authors: Zhao Yuanhong , Yang Qingping
Published: July 2021

Post-occupancy evaluation (POE) is a systematic method to evaluate the actual building performance against the theoretical design intents after the building has been occupied for some time, to understand how the building is performing and to capture lessons learned. The POE offers an opportunity to investigate the buildings' actual performance based upon the occupants' satisfaction levels in the aspects of building overall design, indoor environmental quality, thermal comfort, etc. However, as the key part of POE, occupant satisfaction assessment (OSA) is a missing link in the building performance evaluation (BPE) domain, and there is not a systematic evaluation method for the OSA. Moreover, it is time-consuming and error-prone to conduct the OSA manually. This paper presents from the end-user's satisfaction perspective a semantic post-occupancy evaluation ontology (POEontology) to facilitate the occupant satisfaction assessment of buildings, with the ultimate aim of optimizing building operation guidelines, and improving occupants' use experience quality and well-being. An ontology-based knowledge model has been developed to capture the fragmented knowledge of building use satisfaction assessment in the POE domain, with the benchmarking evaluation rules encoded in Semantic Web Rule Language (SWRL) to enable automatic rule-based rating and reasoning. This ontology model also enables the effective OSA-related knowledge retrieving and sharing, and promotes its implementation in the POE domain. A field study has been conducted based upon the Building Use Study (BUS) methodology to validate the proposed ontology framework.
Die urologische Praxis in der Corona-Pandemie
Authors: Stephan-Odenthal Michael
Published: July 2021

Die Corona-Pandemie stellt die urologische Praxis vor besondere Herausforderungen, da die meisten Urologischen Patienten aufgrund von Alter und Begleiterkrankungen zur Hochrisikogruppe für einen schweren Verlauf der COVID19-Erkrankung zählen. Effektivste Schutzmaßnahmen sind eine priorisierte Reduktion von Patientenkontakten unter Zuhilfenahme von telemedizinischen Kontakten und das konsequente Tragen von FFP2-Masken bei direktem Kontakt. Weitere Maßnahmen wie Zugangskontrollen, Schutzwände und Luftfilterung können das Infektionsrisiko weiter senken. Letztlich führt nur ein flächendeckendes Impfen aus den pandemiebedingten Einschränkungen für die Behandlung urologischer Erkrankungen.
Ausgestaltung und Barrieren für eine Tabakentwöhnung
in Hausarztpraxen: Ergebnisse einer qualitativen Studie
Authors: Kersting Christine , Nohutcu Gül , Weckbecker Klaus , Bleckwenn Markus
Published: July 2021

Ziel der Studie Etwa 25% der deutschen Bevölkerung raucht.
Obgleich Tabakentwöhnung eines der effektivsten Mittel zur Reduktion
tabakassoziierter Folgen ist, findet sie nicht ihren Weg in die Regelversorgung.
Auch in Hausarztpraxen wird sie nur vereinzelt angeboten. Diese Studie
untersucht, wie Hausärztinnen und Hausärzte mit dem Thema
Tabakentwöhnung umgehen und welche Faktoren die Umsetzung von
Tabakentwöhnung behindern.

Methodik Es wurden leitfadengestützte Einzelinterviews mit 13
LehrärztInnen des Instituts für Hausarztmedizin in Bonn
geführt. Die Interviews wurden auf Tonband aufgezeichnet und
transkribiert. Anhand des Textmaterials erfolgte in MAXQDA eine inhaltlich
strukturierende Inhaltsanalyse mit deduktiv-induktiver Kategorienbildung.

Ergebnisse Die HausärztInnen berichten verschiedene Arten, wie sie
Tabakentwöhnungsmaßnahmen in der Praxis umsetzen, wobei sie
kombinierte Ansätze als erfahrungsgemäß effektiv
beschreiben. Nikotinersatztherapie und verschreibungspflichtige Mittel behalten
sie starken Rauchern mit erfolglosen Entwöhnungsversuchen vor. Ihrer
Erfahrung nach ist der Wirkstoff Vareniclin sehr wirksam und gut
verträglich. Dennoch berichten die HausärztInnen einen
zurückhaltenden Einsatz, da sie infolge der Warnhinweise für den
Wirkstoff Bupropion auch Nebenwirkungen bei Vareniclin befürchten. Als
zentrale Barrieren für Tabakentwöhnung sehen sie praxisseitigen
Zeitmangel, fehlende Patientenmotivation und Kosten für
medikamentöse Ansätze.

Schlussfolgerung Die befragten HausärztInnen möchten
gerade ihren motivierten PatientInnen zum Rauchstopp verhelfen. Jedoch fehlt
eine strukturierte Behandlung der Tabakabhängigkeit. Dadurch ist die
Anzahl an Raucherinterventionen gering und wirksame Therapien werden zu selten
eingesetzt. Der Aufwand einer strukturierten Behandlung müsste jedoch
finanziell entlohnt werden. Zudem könnten die HausärztInnen
durch den Ausbau von externen Angeboten zur Tabakentwöhnung zeitlich
entlastet werden.
Evaluation of Cystic and Solid Renal Lesions with Contrast-Enhanced
Ultrasound: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Najafi Arash , Wildt Michael , Hainc Nicolin , Hohmann Joachim
Published: July 2021

Purpose Renal lesions are frequent random findings on CT, MRI, and
conventional ultrasound. Since they are usually found accidentally, the
respective examinations have not been performed optimally to provide a
conclusive diagnosis, making additional multiphase contrast-enhanced
examinations necessary. The aim of the study is to correlate CEUS findings with
the final diagnosis and to determine whether it is a suitable method for the
conclusive characterization of undetermined renal lesions.

Materials and Methods All CEUS examinations of focal renal lesions
performed at our institute between 2007 and 2014 were retrospectively examined.
437 patients with a total of 491 lesions and 543 examinations were included. 54
patients had bilateral lesions. One patient had three lesions in one kidney.
Histology was available in 49 cases and follow-ups in 124 cases. The
sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value as well as
positive and negative likelihood ratios were calculated.

Results There were 54 malignant and 437 benign lesions. The sensitivity
and specificity were 0.981/0.954 overall, 1.000/0.956 for cystic
lesions, 0.977/0.906 for solid lesions, and 0.971/0.071 for the
histologically confirmed lesions. Bosniak classification was consistent in 289
of 301 lesions (96%). Only 12 lesions (3.9%) were falsely
assessed as malignant.

Conclusion CEUS is an appropriate method for the clarification of
undetermined renal lesions. The characterization of cystic lesions according to
Bosniak is adequately possible, especially for potentially malignant lesions
(types III and IV).
Wo bin ich hier?
Authors: Fink Lisa , Kurmann Jörg
Published: July 2021

Über die Hälfte der Patienten ist älter als 60 Jahre, darunter viele mit Demenz, einem Delir oder Ähnlichem. In der Notaufnahme ist es für diese Patienten sehr schwer, sich zu orientieren. Hier ein Konzept, das den Aufenthalt erleichtern soll.
Screening of Variants in the Transcript Profile of Eutopic Endometrium from Infertile Women with Endometriosis during the Implantation Window
Authors: Da Broi Michele Gomes , Plaça Jessica Rodrigues , Silva Wilson Araújo da , Ferriani Rui Alberto , Navarro Paula Andrea
Published: July 2021

Objective Abnormalities in the eutopic endometrium of women with endometriosis may be related to disease-associated infertility. Although previous RNA-sequencing analysis did not show differential expression in endometrial transcripts of endometriosis patients, other molecular alterations could impact protein synthesis and endometrial receptivity. Our aim was to screen for functional mutations in the transcripts of eutopic endometria of infertile women with endometriosis and controls during the implantation window.

Methods Data from RNA-Sequencing of endometrial biopsies collected during the implantation window from 17 patients (6 infertile women with endometriosis, 6 infertile controls, 5 fertile controls) were analyzed for variant discovery and identification of functional mutations. A targeted study of the alterations found was performed to understand the data into disease's context.

Results None of the variants identified was common to other samples within the same group, and no mutation was repeated among patients with endometriosis, infertile and fertile controls. In the endometriosis group, nine predicted deleterious mutations were identified, but only one was previously associated to a clinical condition with no endometrial impact. When crossing the mutated genes with the descriptors endometriosis and/or endometrium, the gene CMKLR1 was associated either with inflammatory response in endometriosis or with endometrial processes for pregnancy establishment.

Conclusion Despite no pattern of mutation having been found, we ponder the small sample size and the analysis on RNA-sequencing data. Considering the purpose of the study of screening and the importance of the CMKLR1 gene on endometrial modulation, it could be a candidate gene for powered further studies evaluating mutations in eutopic endometria from endometriosis patients.
Evaluation of the Blood Level of Adiponectin in Pregnant Adolescents
Authors: Pádua Elaine Cristina Rocha , Daher Silvia , Sampaio Isa de Pádua Cintra , Araujo Júnior Edward , Guazzelli Cristina Falbo
Published: July 2021

Objective To evaluate serum levels of adiponectin in pregnant adolescents between 30 and 36 weeks of gestation.

Method: A prospective cross-sectional study enrolled 67 normal pregnant women between 30 and 36 weeks of gestation and eutrophic (body mass index [BMI]: 18.5–25 kg/m2), of which 36 were adolescents (< 20 years old) and 31 adults (≥ 20 years old). Serum adiponectin levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The t-student or Mann-Whitney tests were used for intergroup comparison.

Results Pregnant adolescents showed significantly higher serum adiponectin concentrations compared with pregnant adults (p = 0.04). No differences were observed in adiponectin levels in younger pregnant adolescents (< 16 years old) compared with older pregnant adolescents (≥ 16 years old). Adiponectin values were divided into 3 subgroups: < 3,000 ng/mL, between 3,000 and 5,000 ng/mL, and > 5,000 ng/mL. Birthweight was significantly higher in women > 5,000 ng/mL when compared with < 3,000 ng/mL in the adolescent group. No association between pregestational adiponectin levels and BMI, gestational weight gain, and gestational age was observed; however, there was a positive relation with birthweight (p = 0.0239).

Conclusion Serum adiponectin values in pregnant adolescents between 30 and 36 weeks of gestation were higher compared with pregnant adults; however, no differences between younger and older pregnant adolescents were observed.
Associations of Antimicrobial-Resistant Gram-Negative Bloodstream Infections with Outcomes among Hospitalized Pediatric Patients in the United States
Authors: Spaulding Alicen Burns , Watson David , Dreyfus Jill , Heaton Phillip , Koutsari Christina , Kharbanda Anupam B.
Published: July 2021

Objective The aim of this study was to assess the impact of pediatric antimicrobial-resistant gram-negative bloodstream infections (GNBSIs).

Methods A retrospective cohort study (2009–2016) was conducted using the Premier Healthcare Database among pediatric admissions with GNBSIs at hospitals reporting microbiology data. Infections for neonates and nonneonates were classified as multidrug resistance (MDR), resistant to one or two antibiotic drug classes (1–2DR), or susceptible.

Results Among 1,276 GNBSIs, 266 (20.8%) infections were 1–2DR and 23 (1.8%) MDR. Compared with susceptible GNBSIs, MDR nonneonates had higher mortality and higher costs, whereas 1–2DR neonates had longer stays and higher costs.

Conclusions Antimicrobial-resistant GNBSIs were associated with worse outcomes among pediatric hospitalized patients.
EUS-Guided versus Percutaneous Image-Guided Liver Biopsy: A Battle for Supremacy!
Authors: Mishra Shubhra , Bush Nikhil , Rana Surinder S.
Published: July 2021

Liver biopsy has been the gold standard investigation for diagnosing and staging liver diseases. Image-guided percutaneous liver biopsy is a time-tested technique for obtaining the liver tissue in diffuse liver diseases. However, it is contraindicated in patients with ascites, altered mental status, skin infections, coagulopathy, and thrombocytopenia. It is associated with adverse events including postprocedure pain, bleeding, and pneumothorax. Transvenous liver biopsy can be performed in most cases with these contraindications, but it is an expensive technique and has its own inherent risks. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided liver biopsy (EUS-LB) is a relatively new technique that has shown promising results and seems to have a potential of replacing percutaneous liver biopsy. In this news and views, we discuss the results of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing EUS-guided and percutaneous techniques of liver biopsy. This RCT reported that percutaneous technique is superior in terms of diagnostic adequacy and total expenditure without any significant adverse effects compared with EUS-LB. EUS-LB is a promising technique that needs to be further explored in terms of appropriate situations in which it can be preferred over percutaneous or transvenous routes.
Prenatal Diagnosis of Aberrant Right Subclavian Artery: Association with Genetic Abnormalities
Authors: Lourenço Cátia Sofia Ferreira Pinto , Carriço Ana Luísa , Valente Francisco Manuel da Silva
Published: July 2021

Objective The objective of the present study was to determine the frequency of malformations and chromosomal abnormalities in a population of fetuses with an aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA).

Methods This is a 6-year retrospective study of fetuses with a prenatal diagnosis of ARSA conducted during the period between September 2013 and June 2019 at a fetal medicine unit. Data were collected from ultrasound, fetal echocardiograms, genetic studies, and neonatal records.

Results An ARSA was diagnosed in 22 fetuses. An ARSA was an isolated finding in 18 out of 22 cases (82%). Associated abnormal sonographic findings were found in 4 cases. All cases underwent invasive testing. In 1 of the cases, a chromosomal abnormality was detected (mos 45,X [13]/46,X,e(X) (p22.1q22.1)). No cases of congenital heart disease were found in any of these fetuses. There were two cases in which the postnatal evaluation revealed a malformation: one case of hypospadias and 1 case of cleft palate.

Conclusion The presence of an isolated ARSA is benign and is not associated with chromosomal abnormalities. The finding of ARSA, however, warrants a detailed fetal ultrasound in order to exclude major fetal abnormalities and other soft markers.
Prevalence and Determinants of Adequate Compliance with Antenatal Care in Peru
Authors: Tello-Torres Cesar , Hernández-Vásquez Akram , Dongo Karla F. , Vargas-Fernández Rodrigo , Bendezu-Quispe Guido
Published: July 2021

Objective To determine the adequacy of compliance with antenatal care (ANC) by pregnant women in Peru and to identify the associated factors.

Methods An analytical cross-sectional study of data from the 2019 Peruvian Demographic and Family Health Survey (Encuesta Demográfica y de Salud Familiar, ENDES, in Spanish) was conducted. The dependent variable was adequate compliance with ANC (provided by skilled health care professionals; first ANC visit during the first trimester of pregnancy; six or more ANC visits during pregnancy; ANC visits with appropriate content) by women aged 15 to 49 years in their last delivery within the five years prior to the survey. Crude and adjusted prevalence ratios and their 95% confidence intervals were calculated using a log-binomial regression model.

Results A total of 18,386 women were analyzed, 35.0% of whom adequately complied with ANC. The lowest proportion of compliance was found with the content of ANC (42.6%). Sociodemographic factors and those related to pregnancy, such as being in the age groups of 20 to 34 years and 35 to 49 years, having secondary or higher education, belonging to a wealth quintile of the population other than the poorest, being from the Amazon region, not being of native ethnicity, having a second or third pregnancy, and having a desired pregnancy, increased the probability of presenting adequate compliance with ANC.

Conclusion Only 3 out of 10 women in Peru showed adequate compliance with ANC. Compliance with the content of ANC must be improved, and strategies must be developed to increase the proportion of adequate compliance with ANC.
Intracranial Textiloma: Imaging Features and Literature Review
Authors: Agarwal Vivek , Vyas Sameer , Ahuja Chirag Kamal , Bhatia Vikas , Tripathi Manjul , Salunke Pravin , Tewari Manoj Kumar
Published: July 2021

Background and Importance Intracranial textilomas are retained surgical sponges presenting as pseudomass lesions in postoperative patients usually with surrounding inflammatory reaction. Though rare, these are commonly misdiagnosed as postoperative hemorrhagic collections, abscesses, radionecrosis, or residual/recurrent mass lesions. We describe the imaging findings of intracranial textilomas diagnosed in four patients on follow-up postoperative imaging along with their characteristic imaging findings to help radiologists/neurosurgeons make accurate diagnosis.

Clinical Presentation One patient had chronic headache without any focal neurological deficits. Rest of the patients were asymptomatic at the time of presentation

Conclusion In postoperative scans, possibility of textilomas should be considered apart from residual/recurrent lesions, postoperative abscesses, or radionecrosis. Correct and timely diagnosis is important for further treatment planning and patient care.
Spinal Eumycetoma: A Rare Cause of Lumbar Canal Stenosis and Significance of “Dot in Circle”
Authors: Sarawagi Radha , Sharma Jitendra , Malik Rajesh , Kumar Aman
Published: July 2021

Mycetoma is a chronic granulomatous disease that is more common in tropical regions with predominant involvement of foot. Spinal mycetoma presenting as lumbar canal stenosis is extremely rare. We hereby present a case of fungal eumycetoma of vertebral column in a 42-year-old male who presented with chronic progressive low back pain and features of lumbar canal stenosis without any skin swelling or discharging sinuses. The “dot-in-circle” sign, a highly specific magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasonography (USG) sign of mycetoma has been described in the literature as a pathognomonic feature of mycetoma involving the musculoskeletal system. We describe the importance of characteristic imaging features with dot in circle sign in the diagnosis of eumycetoma of lumbar spine.
Hyperprogression after Immunotherapy: Nivolumab. Analysis of Imaging Findings Associated with Hyperprogression and Tumor Growth Kinetics
Authors: Singla Rishu , Gupta Ayushi , Batra Ullas , Chaturvedi Arvind , Rao Avinash , Jajodia Ankush
Published: July 2021

Introduction The increased use of new checkpoint inhibitors in cancer therapy has led to the discovery of new unconventional responses, like pseudoprogression and hyperprogression disease (HPD). The study documents imaging findings of HPD and analyzes the growth kinetics in advanced metastatic cancers patients treated with immunotherapy.

Methods We retrospectively reviewed patients treated with anti-PD-1 (anti-progressive disease-1) antibody therapy (nivolumab) between January 2017 and December 2017 at our institute. The patients who exhibited early and rapid progression rates after initiation of immunotherapy were further analyzed for tumor growth kinetics (TGKs) and imaging findings. All prebaseline, baseline, and post nivolumab imaging were retrospectively reviewed to assess the TGKs, time to treatment failure (TTF), and rate of progression according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) 1.1.

Results Four patients with HPD had peculiar imaging appearance of unilateral circumferential nodular pleural thickening along with conglomerate pleural masses and effusions. Both primary and secondary sites progressed along with the appearance of new lesions in all these patients. The mean progression-free survival (PFS) was 32 days using Kaplan Meier analysis.

Conclusion The unique and recurring imaging pattern of disease progression in patients with HPD as reported in our case series in addition to TGK ratio, and TTF may prove to be of additional help in early identification of this unique and ghastly outcome.
Imaging Evaluation of Male Breast Masses with Histopathologic Correlation: A Case Series
Authors: Vaidya Tanvi P. , Ramani Subhash K.
Published: July 2021

The male breast can be afflicted with a wide spectrum of benign and malignant masses, similar to the female breast. A systematic radiological evaluation using mammography, ultrasonography, and when appropriate, magnetic resonance imaging, could aid this differentiation and provide clues to the diagnosis. In this article, we present six cases of male breast masses with an emphasis on the role of imaging in characterization and diagnosis.
Vegetation classification in south-western Australia’s Mediterranean jarrah forest: new data, old units, and a conservation conundrum
Authors: Luxton Sarah , Wardell-Johnson Grant , Sparrow Ashley , Robinson Todd , Trotter Lewis , Grigg Andrew
Published: July 2021

Conservation reserve selection is guided by vegetation classification and mapping. New survey data and improvements in the availability of archived data through online data-sharing platforms enable updated classifications and the critique of existing conservation criteria. In the Northern Jarrah Forest Region of south-western Australia, percentage-based targets using ‘forest ecosystem units’ (15% of each unit) and the systematic conservation planning principles of ‘comprehensiveness, adequacy and representativeness’ underpin the State’s reserve network. To assess the degree of community-level heterogeneity within the forest ecosystem units, new survey data for the forest (30 000 plots) were classified using a non-hierarchical clustering algorithm. Results were assigned to the National Vegetation Information System, and community groups defined at the Association level (Level V). Significant community level heterogeneity was found, including 15 communities in the dominant ‘jarrah woodland’ unit, and 13 in the ‘shrub, herb and sedgelands’ unit. Overall, this research highlights limitations in the current reserve system, including the influence of scale on percentage-based targets and ‘representativeness’. A multi-scale approach to reserve selection, based on a quantitative, floristic, hierarchical classification system, would improve the level of scientific rigour underlying decision-making.
Eye movements in Arabic reading
Authors: AlJassmi Maryam A. , Hermena Ehab W. , Paterson Kevin B.
Published: July 2021

Measures of eye movements provide a
moment-by-moment account of the visual and cognitive processes that
underlie normal reading. These measures have been used to develop
detailed sophisticated computational models of eye movement control
during reading, primarily based on research conducted with European
languages such as English and German, which use the Roman
orthography. However, relatively little is known about the
mechanisms underlying eye movement control during reading for
Semitic languages, such as Arabic, which have very different visual
and linguistic characteristics. In this chapter, we provide an
overview of eye movement research on reading, including research
conducted to date on eye movements in Arabic reading. We consider
whether current computational models can account for these findings
and outline key theoretical questions that remain to be examined
empirically.
E-Records Integrity – Data Warehouse And Data Mart Layer
Authors: Lopez Orlando
Published: July 2021

Once a vast quantity of data is being generated and stored, it is becoming important to preserve the integrity of the information that’s collected. Understanding the basics of data integrity (DI) and how it works is the initial step in retaining the reliability of the data and keeping it safe. This article provides the DI issues in a Data...
Good Practices For Managing A Safe Chemical Laboratory Part 4: Records, Documents And Regulations
Authors: Wedlich Richard , Moyer Kurt
Published: July 2021

Documenting lab activity promotes safety, provides data useful in safety analysis and planning and creates a paper trail that can be used as evidence of compliance with local, state and federal regulations. Whether in academia or industry, the chemical laboratory must operate in compliance with a large number of regulations. Laboratory records play a large part in incident and accident investigation. Records and documents should be created with very specific goals in mind. They should be designed to meet these goals, preferably by those who ultimately will use them and be “standardized,” as much as possible. They should be subject to change control and retained for a prescribed period of time under conditions that will maintain their integrity. Having approved, written standard operating procedures (SOPs) in place for routine laboratory unit operations provides lab management with another way to leverage safety at the bench level.
Electron correlation effects in superconducting nanowires in and out of equilibrium
Authors: Tuovinen Riku
Published: July 2021

One-dimensional nanowires with strong spin–orbit coupling and proximity-induced superconductivity are predicted to exhibit topological superconductivity with condensed-matter analogues to Majorana fermions. Here, the nonequilibrium Green’s function approach with the generalized Kadanoff–Baym ansatz is employed to study the electron-correlation effects and their role in the topological superconducting phase in and out of equilibrium. Electron-correlation effects are found to affect the transient signatures regarding the zero-energy Majorana states, when the superconducting nanowire is subjected to external perturbations such as magnetic-field quenching, laser-pulse excitation, and coupling to biased normal-metal leads.
A Design of Single Event Effect Test System
Authors: Yan Na , Zhang Kun , Xv Peiyuan , Zhao Xiaodong
Published: July 2021

The single event effect brings great risks to spacecraft operating in special environments such as space. In response to this phenomenon, single-particle tests for evaluating its radiation performance are becoming more and more frequent. This article introduces a single event effect test system. The design method of the single event effect test system is introduced from the system architecture, test principle, and software and hardware design. The system is used for single event effect irradiation test research. And finally analyzed the experimental results.
A Method Against Interrupted Sampling Repeater Jamming Based on Genetic Algorithm and Compressed Sensing Reconstruction
Authors: Zhou Changlin , Wang Chunyang , Zhao Yingjian , Liu Mingjie , Li Guifeng , Li Hengwei
Published: July 2021

By analyzing the discontinuous character in time domain, a jamming suppression method is propose to counter Interrupted sampling reperter jamming(ISRJ, which is an effective coherent jamming to wide-band linear frequency modulation signal. The discontinuous character of ISRJ and the instantaneous frequency change rule after stretch is firstly analyzed. Secondly, by controlling the adjustment parameters, the generalized S transform is utilized to obtain the time-frequency grayscale image of received signal. Then, the grayscale image can be segmented by using genetic algorithm to construct a time-domain filter, and the time-domain filter can be used to extract the echo band without jamming signal. Finally, the extracted signal is used as compressed data to construct a compressed sensing minimization model, and the compressed sampling matching pursuit algorithm is used to reconstruct the target echo signal. Simulation shows that this method has good jamming suppression performance.
Vision-based robot identification and tracking
Authors: He Dong , Lu Jun , Zhou Qinghe , Yin Hongjie
Published: July 2021

In recent years, computer vision technology in the field of science and technology has been stubbornly high, making a lot of scientific and technical personnel involved in the research gate technology. Depth learning, artificial intelligence in recent years, often around our ears, vision technology is occupying a place in the field of artificial intelligence. This paper mainly studies the recognition and localization of robots based on vision. The mobile robot is detected by the background difference method, and the background model is established by the Gaussian background modeling. Recognizing the color and number tags on the robot for matching the robot’s features. Real-time positioning of the robot under the premise of the same background.