bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Response of Soil Active Organic Carbon and Enzyme Activity to Freeze-Thaw Cycle in Wetlands
Authors: Guan Jinqiu , Song Chunxiang , Wu Yude , Qi Xingtian , Qu Rongjun , Li Fu , Ni Hongwei
Published: November 2021

Freeze-thaw cycles (FTCs) are an important element of mid and high latitude ecosystems, and significantly influence soil physicochemical properties and microbial activities in the soil active layers. With the global warming, the effects of FTCs on the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentration and soil enzyme activity of different types of soil were still uncertain. In this study, soil of undisturbed Deyeuxia angustifolia wetland (UDAW), disturbed Deyeuxia angustifolia wetland (DDAW) and rice paddy field (RP) from three soil layers of (0–10, 10–20 and 20–30 cm) in Sanjiang Plain, Northeast China, were collected, and then subjected to various FTCs with a large (10 to -10℃) and a small (5 to -5℃) amplitudes, respectively. The results indicated that FTCs increased the soil DOC concentration but reduced the concentration of MBC and activities of cellulase, invertase and catalase. Increase in the freeze-thaw frequency, resulted in the DOC concentration increasing initially and then decreasing, and the MBC concentration and soil enzyme activities were opposite. The DOC concentration increment resulting from the freeze-thaw effects was different across different layers and soil type: as the soil depth increased, the average DOC increments decreased, and the average DOC increments varied across different soil types: UDAW > DDAW > RP. The average MBC concentration and soil enzyme activity decreased from 0-10 cm > 10-20 cm > 20-30 cm soil depth; MBC concentration and soil enzyme activities varied across the different soil types: UDAW > DDAW > RP. The freeze-thaw amplitude and soil moisture content interaction had an effect on soil active organic carbon fractions and enzymatic activity. Small amplitude FTCs and higher water content had the greatest effect on DOC concentration, while larger amplitude and higher water content had the greatest effect on MBC concentration and enzymatic activity. In wetland soil, the significant correlations between active organic carbon fractions and enzyme activities indicate that the increased DOC by FTCs plays an important role in soil microbes and enzyme activities. However, active organic carbon fractions and enzyme activities had little correlation in RP, indicating that FTCs has more influence on wetland than farmland.
Clone And Function Verification of The OPR Gene Related to Linoleic Acid Synthesis
Authors: Tan Min , Niu Juan , Peng Duo zi , Cheng Qian , Luan Ming Bao , Zhang Zhen Qian
Published: November 2021

Background: Fatty acid composition and content affect rapeseed oil quality. Fatty acid synthesis-related genes in rapeseed have been studied globally by researchers. Nevertheless, rapeseed oil is mainly composed of seven different fatty acids, and each fatty acid was regulated by different genes, furthermore different fatty acid contents affect each other, which needs continuous and in-depth research to obtain more clear results.Results: In this paper, broad-scale miRNA expression profiles were constructed and 21 differentially expressed miRNAs were detected. GO enrichment analysis showed that most up-regulated proteins were involved in transcription factor activity and catalytic activity. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis indicated that 20 pathways involving 36 target genes were enriched, of which the bna00592 pathway may be involved in fatty acid metabolism. The results were verified using a Quantitative Real-time PCR (RT-PCR) analysis, and it was found that the target gene of bna-miR156b>c>g was the OPR (12-oxo-phytodienoic acid reductase). Four copies of OPR gene were found, and the over-expression vectors (pCAMBIA1300-35s-OPR and pCAMBIA1300-RNAi-OPR) were constructed to verify their functions. In T1 and T2 plants, OPR-OE (OPR Over-Expression strain) significantly increased linoleic acid content (T1 12.56%, T2 7.185%) and OPRi (OPRi RNA-interference strain) decreased linoleic acid content (T1 5.98%, T2 0.86%).Conclusions: This is the first study to provide four copies of the OPR gene that regulates LA metabolism, can be used for the molecular mechanism of LA and optimizing fatty acid profiles in oilseed for breeding programs.
Validation and Application of Prognostic Signature Based on Necroptosis-related Genes in Patients With Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: tao yiming , Ruan Hang , Zhao Hui , Dang Wenpei , Xu Xinxin , Zou Lijuan , Li Yousheng
Published: November 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Morphological Changes of The Tricuspid Valve Complex in Functional Tricuspid Regurgitation On Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomography
Authors: Uchiyama Hiroki , Tachibana Kazutoshi , Osuda Koichi , Kawaharada Nobuyoshi
Published: November 2021

Background: Whether it is possible to perform morphological evaluation of functional tricuspid regurgitation (FTR) on contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) was examined by evaluating the relationships between the parameters measured by contrast-enhanced CT and TR severity on transthoracic echocardiography.Methods: Fifty patients underwent contrast-enhanced CT. Tricuspid annulus area (TAA), tricuspid annulus circumference (TAC), right ventricular volume (RVV), and the distances between the tips and bases of the papillary muscles were measured on contrast-enhanced CT in diastole and systole. Fifty cases were divided into 34 in the TR ≤ mild group (none TR: 3 cases, trivial TR: 24 cases, mild TR: 7 cases), and 16 in the TR ≥ moderate group (moderate TR: 8 cases, severe TR: 8 cases) using the TR grade measured by transthoracic echocardiography, and then differences between the groups were examined.Results: Significant differences were found in TAA, TAC, and RVV (p<0.01) and the distances between the tips of the anterior and posterior papillary muscles (p<0.05) in both diastole and systole. Since the septal papillary muscle could not be identified in 18 cases (36.0%), only the distance between the anterior and posterior papillary muscles was measurable in all cases. On subgroup analysis, risk factors for FTR ≥ moderate were evaluated by multiple logistic regression analysis. The risk factors identified in the multivariable risk factor analysis were diastolic RVV (odds ratio 1.083 [95% confidence interval 1.029-1.139]) and systolic RVV (odds ratio 0.951 [95% confidence interval 0.906-0.997 ]).Conclusions: TAA, TAC, RVV, and the distance between the tips of the anterior and posterior papillary muscles measured on contrast-enhanced CT were shown to be significantly increased in the TR ≥ moderate group. Detailed morphological assessment of FTR is possible by contrast-enhanced CT.
Multivariable Prediction Models for Health Care Spending Using Machine Learning: a Protocol of a Systematic Review
Authors: Huang Andrew W. , Haslberger Martin , Coulibaly Neto , Galárraga Omar , Oganisian Arman , Belbasis Lazaros , Panagiotou Orestis A.
Published: November 2021

Background

With rising cost pressures on health care systems, machine-learning (ML) based algorithms are increasingly used to predict health care costs. Despite their potential advantages, the successful implementation of these methods could be undermined by biases introduced in the design, conduct, or analysis of studies seeking to develop and/or validate ML models. The utility of such models may also be negatively affected by poor reporting of these studies. In this systematic review, we aim to evaluate the reporting quality, methodological characteristics, and risk of bias of ML-based prediction models for individual-level health care spending.
Methods

We will systematically search PubMed and Embase to identify studies developing, updating, or validating ML-based models to predict an individual’s health care spending for any medical condition, over any time period, and in any setting. We will exclude prediction models of aggregate-level health care spending, models used to infer causality, models using radiomics or speech parameters, models of non-clinically validated predictors (e.g. genomics), and cost-effectiveness analyses without predicting individual-level health care spending. We will extract data based on the CHARMS checklist, previously published research, and relevant recommendations. We will assess the adherence of ML-based studies to the Transparent Reporting of a multivariable prediction model for Individual Prognosis Or Diagnosis (TRIPOD) and examine the inclusion of transparency and reproducibility indicators (e.g. statements on data sharing). To assess the risk of bias, we will apply the Prediction model Risk Of Bias Assessment Tool (PROBAST). Findings will be stratified by study design, ML methods used, population characteristics, and medical field.
Discussion

Our systematic review will appraise the quality, reporting, and risk of bias of ML-based models for individualized health care cost prediction. This review will provide an overview of the available models and give insights into the strengths and limitations of using ML methods for the prediction of health spending.
Trial registration:
Not applicable.
The Association between Caffeine Intake and Testosterone: NHANES 2013-2014
Authors: Glover Frank , Caudle W. Michael , Giudice Francesco Del , Belladelli Federico , Mulloy Evan , Lawal Eniola , Eisenberg Michael L.
Published: November 2021

Background

Investigations into the link between caffeine consumption and testosterone levels in men have recently gained more attention, although studies are limited and the results are inconclusive.
Methods

Using data from a cross-sectional study of 372 adult men in the 2013-2014 NHANES survey cycle, we set out to characterize the association between serum testosterone levels, caffeine, and 14 caffeine metabolites.
Results

Multivariable, weighted linear regression revealed a significant inverse association between caffeine and testosterone. Multivariable linear regression revealed significant, inverse associations between 6 xanthine metabolic products of caffeine and testosterone. Inverse associations were observed between 5-methyluric acid products and testosterone, as well as between 5-acetlyamino-6-amino-3-methyluracil and testosterone. A significant, positive association was observed for 7-methyl xanthine, 3,7-dimethyluric acid, and 7-methyluric acid. Logistic regression models to characterize the association between 2 biologically active metabolites of caffeine (theobromine and theophylline) and odds of low testosterone (<300 ng/dL) were non-significant.
Conclusions

These findings suggest a potential role for caffeine’s contribution to low testosterone and biochemical androgen deficiency. Future studies are warranted to corroborate these findings, determine dose-response effects of caffeine on testosterone, and evaluate biological mechanisms underlying this association.
Characterization in Non-human Primates of (R)-[18F]OF-Me-NB1 and (S)-[18F]OF-Me-NB1 for Imaging the GluN2B Subunits of the NMDA Receptor
Authors: Zheng Ming-Qiang , Ahmed Hazem , Smart Kelly , Xu Yuping , Holden Daniel , Kapinos Michael , Felchner Zachary , Haider Ahmed , Tamagnan Gilles , Carson Richard E. , Huang Yiyun , Ametamey Simon M.
Published: November 2021

PurposeGluN2B containing N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) play an essential role in neurotransmission and are a potential treatment target for multiple neurological and neurodegenerative diseases, including stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. In a previous report (R)-[18F]OF-Me-NB1 was reported to be more specific and selective for targeting the GluN2B subunits of the NMDAR. Here we report a comprehensive evaluation of (R)-[18F]OF-Me-NB1 and (S)-[18F]OF-Me-NB1 in non-human primates.MethodsThe radiosynthesis of (R)-[18F]OF-Me-NB1 and (S)-[18F]OF-Me-NB1 was accomplished as reported previously with minor modifications. PET scans in two rhesus monkeys were conducted on the Focus 220 scanner. Blocking studies were performed after treatment of the animals with the GluN2B antagonist Co101,244 or the sigma-1 receptor antagonist FTC-146. One-tissue (1T) compartment model and multilinear analysis-1 (MA1) method with arterial input function were used to obtain regional volume of distribution (VT, mL/cm3). Occupancy values by the two blockers were obtained by the Lassen plot. Regional non-displaceable binding potential (BPND) was calculated from the corresponding baseline VT and the VND derived from the occupancy plot of the Co101,244 blocking scans. Results(R)- and (S)-[18F]OF-Me-NB1 were produced in >99% radiochemical and enantiomeric purity, with molar activity of 224.22 ± 161.69 MBq/nmol at the end of synthesis (n=10). Metabolism was moderate, with ~30% parent compound remaining for (R)-[18F]OF-Me-NB1 and 20% for (S)-[18F]OF-Me-NB1 at 30 min post injection. Plasma free fraction was 1-2%. In brain regions both (R)- and (S)-[18F]OF-Me-NB1 displayed fast uptake with slower clearance for the (R)- than (S)-enantiomer. For (R)-[18F]OF-Me-NB1, both the 1T model and MA1 method gave reliable estimates of regional VT values, with MA1 VT (mL/cm3) ranging from 8.9 in the cerebellum to 12.8 in the cingulate cortex. Blocking with 0.25 mg/kg of Co101,244 greatly reduced the uptake of (R)-[18F]OF-Me-NB1 across all brain regions, resulting in an occupancy of 77% and VND of 6.36, while 0.027 mg/kg of FTC-146 reduced specific binding by 30%. Regional BPND, as a measure of specific binding signals, ranged from 0.40 in the cerebellum to 1.01 in the cingulate cortex.ConclusionsIn rhesus monkeys, (R)-[18F]OF-Me-NB1 exhibited fast kinetics and heterogeneous uptake across brain regions, while the (S)-enantiomer displayed a narrower dynamic range of uptake across regions. Blocking study with a GluN2B antagonist indicated binding specificity. Value of BPND were >0.5 in most brain regions, suggesting good in vivo specific binding signals. Taken together, results from the current study demonstrated the potential of (R)-[18F]OF-Me-NB1 as a useful radiotracer for imaging the GluN2B receptor.
Trans-oral Trans-Sheath Forceps Biopsy For Patients With Severe Esophageal Obstruction Under Fluoroscopy
Authors: Jiao Dechao , Xu Kaihao , Liu Yiming , Li Zongming , Wang Yanli , Ren Jianzhuang , Han Xinwei
Published: November 2021

Background: To investigate the safety and effectiveness of trans-oral trans-sheath forceps biopsy (TTFB) for patients with severe esophageal obstruction under fluoroscopy.Methods: From November 2016 to November 2019, 35 patients with level Ⅲ or Ⅳ dysphagia and a Karnofsky score of less than 60 were enrolled to undergo TTFB and esophageal nutrition tube insertion or stenting simultaneously. Data on diagnostic performance, early complications, and radiation dose were collected, and Karnofsky scores before and after the procedures were compared.Results: The technical success of TTFB was 100%. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were 92.3% (24/26), 77.8% (7/9), and 88.6% (31/35), respectively. Complications occurred in two cases (5.7%). The mean procedure duration and irradiation dose were 23.2 min and 7.2 mSv, respectively. The Karnofsky scores significantly increased after 2-4 weeks (t = -8.9, P < 0.01).Conclusions: TTFB is a safe and effective method for patients with severe esophageal obstruction under fluoroscopy, especially in those who cannot undergo or refuse endoscopy.
Reduced Brain Connectivity in Clinical and Dimensional Autism Phenotypes Beyond Familial Confounding – A Twin Study
Authors: Neufeld Janina , Maier Simon , Revers Mirian , Reisert Marco , Kuja-Halkola Ralf , Ludger Tebartz van Elst , Bölte Sven
Published: November 2021

BackgroundPrevious studies on brain connectivity in clinical and dimensional autism have largely focused on selective connections and yielded inconsistent results. This study aimed to overcome these limitations. Global fiber tracking allowed a more unbiased assessment of white matter connectivity and utilizing a within-twin pair design introduced implicit control for genetic and environmental factors shared by twins and allowed conclusions regarding their impact. MethodsThe study examined the within-twin pair associations between structural brain connectivity of anatomically defined brain regions and both clinical autism spectrum diagnoses and dimensional autistic traits in 85 twin pairs (n=170; 56% monozygotic; 25 individuals with autism spectrum diagnosis). Structural connectivity was estimated using diffusion tensor imaging and linear regression models were fit, adjusted for IQ, other neurodevelopmental and psychiatric conditions and multiple testing. ResultsOverall, both clinical and dimensional autism phenotypes were associated with localized reductions in structural connectivity, despite comprehensively controlling for possible confounders, including all factors shared by twins. Twins fulfilling autism spectrum diagnostic criteria showed decreased brainstem-cuneus connectivity compared to their co-twins without the diagnosis. Further, twins with higher autistic traits showed decreased connectivity of the left hippocampus with the left fusiform and parahippocampal areas. These associations pointed into the same direction in mono- and dizygotic sub-cohorts, but were only significant in dizygotic twins.LimitationsThe recruitment approach of selecting primarily twin pairs discordant for autistic traits prevented a quantitative estimation of genetic and environmental contributions to brain correlates of clinical and dimensional autism. Further, assessing twins and excluding individuals with an IQ below 75 limited the generalizability of the findings. The statistical power allowed detecting medium-size or larger effects of dimensional autism. Finally, due the relatively small number of twin pairs discordant for a clinical autism, the results for clinical autism need to be interpreted with caution.ConclusionsReduced brainstem-cuneus connectivity might point towards alterations in low-level visual processing in clinical autism while reduced connectivity in networks crucial for visual and especially face processing seem to be more associated with dimensional aspects of autism. The results further suggest that the observed associations were potentially influenced by both genes and environment.
Synthesis of Dendritic Magnetic Graphene Oxide By Radical Polymerization As Adsorbent For Rapid Removal of Malachite Green From Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Razavikia Seyyed Ali , Faramarzi Mehdi , Parsa Seyed Aboutaleb Mousavi , Karimi Hajir
Published: November 2021

Disposal of Malachite green containing sewage from related industries has resulted in global concern. Thus, removing Malachite green from aqueous solutions is highly significant and necessary. during this study, magnetic graphene oxide coated with dendrimer (G (1) -MGO-chitosan) was prepared successfully and applied for removing cationic malachite green in various conditions. The properties of the synthesized adsorbent (G (1) -MGO-chitosan) were evaluated using XRD, FTIR, BET, FESEM, TEM and TGA. Furthermore, the effect of different parameters on malachite green removal was studied. The results indicated that at pH = 8, temperature of 40 °C, initial concentration 600 µg mL-1 and contact time 10 min were obtained as optimal values for removing malachite green with nanoadsorbent (G (1) -MGO-chitosan) with maximum adsorption capacity of malachite green was obtained at 38.71 µg mg-1. The high correlation coefficient (R2 = 0.9947) for the Freundlich model confirmed that the Freundlich model is appropriate for fitting laboratory data. Based on the model, Temkin heat adsorption for malachite green j mol-1 is B = 8.1447, indicating that the process of dye adsorption with Nano adsorbent is of physical type. Based on the results of fitting the kinetic models of Malachite green adsorption by Nano adsorbent, Hu and McKay’s model with higher correlation coefficient (R2 = 0.9994) is more consistent with experimental data than other models. Since no large decrease is observed in Malachite green removal in seven consecutive recovery cycles, thus Nano adsorbent has a high stability and can be used several times.
Potential causes of Acaricide Resistance in Rhipicephalus and Amblyomma Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) in Namwala District, Zambia
Authors: Sichibalo Karen , Changula Katendi , Mumba Chisoni , Mwila Natasha , Chibesa Kennedy , Mubemba Benjamin , Nalubamba King S , Muleya Walter , Simulundu Edgar , Chitanga Simbarashe
Published: November 2021

Acaricide resistance in ticks poses a great threat to livestock production in many parts of the world where ticks are a problem. The objectives of this study were to screen for acaricide resistance in Rhipicephalus and Amblyomma ticks using phenotypic and molecular assays, and to assess current tick control practices used by cattle farmers in the traditional sector of Namwala District. The larval packet test was used to screen for acaricide resistance in ticks covering concentrations up to twice the discriminatory dose for amitraz, diazinon and cypermethrin. Genetic mutations associated with resistance to amitraz (A22C-T8P and T65C-L22S), and organophosphates/ pyrethroids (G1120A) were screened using polymerase chain reaction and sequencing. Information on tick control practices at the household level was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Intermediate resistance (21-50%) to amitraz and cypermethrin was detected in both Rhipicephalus and Amblyomma ticks, with both tick genera showing susceptibility to diazinon (<10%). None of the ticks in this study had the reported acaricide resistance-conferring molecular markers that were screened for. The findings suggest that the resistance detected in the studied tick population may be due to other mechanisms that are yet to be identified. Tick control practices observed amongst the farmers, such as incorrect use of acaricide concentrations and rotations could be fuelling the development of acaricide resistance. It is critical to comprehensively unravel the factors that could be contributing to acaricide treatment failure as this would allow for application of appropriate remedial actions for effective tick control in Zambia.
Relationship Between Diabetes Mellitus and the Prognosis of Ischemic Heart Failure
Authors: Li Huiying , Li Chunlin , Bai Yongyi , Li Man , Chen Jianqiao , Cai Yulun , Hao Benchuan , Zhu Zifan , Wang Wei , Liu Hongbin
Published: November 2021

Background: Ischemic heart failure (IHF) is an important type of heart failure (HF). The aim of this study is to analyze the clinical features of IHF, investigate the prognostic value of clinical risk factors, especially DM-related factors, on the IHF patients, so as to provide reference for the high-quality health management of IHF patients.Methods: A total of 430 IHF patients were divided into comorbid (IHF+ DM) group or IHF group according to whether they had DM in this cross sectional and prospective study. The patients were collected for their clinical information, and were followed up for 3.3 years to record the composite clinical endpoints including all-cause death, stroke, myocardial infarction and decompensated heart failure. The prognostic value of DM-related and other traditional risk factors with IHF were evaluated. Results: Among 430 patients with IHF, 176 had DM. Compared with the IHF group, the IHF + DM group had higher prevalence of hypertension and overweight, higher levels of FPG and HbA1c, higher proportion of patients in NYHA III – IV grade, larger left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVEDD) in male group, higher Gensini score and shorter distance of 6-minute walk test (6-MWT). After a median follow-up of 3.3 years, a total of 156 patients (36.3%) had experienced clinical endpoint events. Kaplan Meier analysis showed that the IHF patients with DM history, and higher HbA1c or FPG level would significantly reduce the cumulative survival rates of composite clinical endpoints, as well as the cumulative survival rates of all-cause death and cardiovascular death (all P < 0.05). Cox regression analysis indicated that DM history and higher PFG or HbA1c levels were independently associated with the all-cause death, cardiovascular death, and composite endpoints (all P < 0.05). The incorporation of diabetes related factors (diabetes history, FPG and HbA1c) significantly increased the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of the risk model established by the traditional risk factors (0.803 vs. 0.775, P= 0.039). In addition to DM history, male sex, uric acid ≥ 400 μmol / L, creatinine ≥ 100 μmol / L, Gensini score > 80 and ACEF score were all independent risk factors for the occurrence of composite clinical endpoints in IHF patients.Conclusion: There existed a high incidence rate of DM in the IHF population. The diabetes related factors (diabetes history, FPG, HbA1c) significantly increased the predictive value of the risk model made by the basic risk factors in predicting the IHF outcomes. DM history, male, uric acid ≥ 400 μmol / L, creatinine ≥ 100 μmol / L, Gensini score > 80 and ACEF score were independent risk factors for the occurrence of composite clinical endpoints in IHF patients.
Development and Psychometrics of a Theory-Based Physical Activity Assessment Questionnaire for the Pregnant Women (PA2Q-PW)
Authors: Kianfard Leila , Niknami Shamsaddin , Shokravi Farkhonde Amin , Rakhshanderou Sakineh
Published: November 2021

Backgrounds & Aims: There is evidence that physical activity plays an essential role in preventing pregnancy-related diseases. This study aimed to develop and design a theory-based physical activity assessment questionnaire for pregnant women (PA2Q-PW). Methods: The PEN-3 cultural model provided the theoretical foundations for the four subscales of our designed instrument; knowledge, attitude, nurture, and enabling. The primary questionnaire was designed with 41 items, and the questionnaire was modified according to the experts' reviews. At last, a group of 400 pregnant women participated in a study to calculate the psychometrics of the tool. Results: The highest score was seen in the knowledge subscale of PA2Q-PW, and the value of Cronbach's alpha for the subscales was from 0.89 to 0.97, and the value of ICC was from 0.76 to 0.89. The correlation (CVI & CVR indices) between the experts was satisfactory in all items of PA2Q-PW. The minimum loading factor for varimax rotation in the knowledge subscale was 0.41; the attitude was 0.56, nurtures were 0.38, and enabling was 0.27. Conclusion: PA2Q-PW is the first standard tool based on the PEN-3 cultural model that researchers can utilize to gather data and conduct the desired education interventions to change physical activity behavior in pregnant women during pregnancy.
ECO-ECONOMIC DECOUPLING UNDER GREEN DEAL POLICY
Authors: Pimonenko T. , Lyulyov O. , Us Ya. , Vasylyna T.
Published: November 2021

This paper summarizes the arguments and counterarguments within the scientific discussion on promoting green transformation in Ukraine under developing green deal policy. The authors noted that established by European Commission, the "European Green Deal" opens a window of opportunities and provides new threats for the Ukrainian economy. The relevance of this scientific problem is that increasing energy efficiency and increasing the share of renewable energy would enhance economic activity and social welfare in Ukraine. Thus, elaborating on green deal policy would provide economic development without additional environmental pressure. Herewith, eco-economic decoupling ensures the growth of Ukrainian business attractiveness on the EU market. The main purpose of the research is to investigate the Ukrainian potential for economic growth while decreasing CO2 emissions. This study involved the bibliometric analysis of high-quality scientific documents published after announcing the communique "European Green Deal" by the European Commission. Thus, the period of publications covered 2019-2021. The study sample consisted of 284 documents published in the scientific journals indexed by the scientometric database Scopus. The search of documents was conducted by the keyword "green deal" in the titles, abstracts, and keywords fields. Therefore, the systematization of the scientific sources indicates that the scientists investigating the green deal policy focused on different aspects regarding environmental policy, energy efficiency, renewable energy sources, and economic decarbonization, decreasing emission under developing low-carbon technologies, etc. The research empirically confirms and theoretically proves that green transformation could enhance the economic growth and expansion into new markets under EU restrictions concerning the eco-friendliness in business activity and production. Besides, the effective green deal policy would increase employability, contribute to the implementation of energy-efficient technologies, boost research and development activity, and increase business performance through the rational use of energy, resources, emission reduction, etc. The results of this research could be considered as the foundation for further research concerning investigating the components of the green deal policy.
The Return of the Suppressed and (Palaeo)Balkanology: Vojin Matić, Vladimir Dvorniković i Dragoslav Srejović
Authors: Teodorski Marko
Published: November 2021

Numerous researchers into the history and prehistory of the Balkans – Niko Županić, Vladimir Dvorniković, Veselin Čajkanović, Miloje Vasić, Milan Budimir, Miloš Đurić, Vojin Matić, Milutin Garašanin, Dragoslav Srejović – have considered this region as the area in which cultural, linguistic, or material forms never really die out, although they constantly change. In the writings of these authors, an invisible (sometimes historical) thread is established between the past and the present of the Balkans, along which the previously forgotten forms can always come back, and the long suppressed cultural forms can resurface. A distinctive trope is thus constructed, according to which the past of the Balkans is seen as a dark repository of cultural, religious, or psychological contents, emerging again at the times of social crisis – the trope of the return of the supressed. The author here argues that this trope is in its essence psychoanalytical: it belongs to a thought system, a hermeneutics originating in the 1930s, parallel to the (palaeo)balcanological research, among the abovementioned authors. Some authors speak in explicitly psychoanalytical terms, and the text focuses on the three of them: Vojin Matić, Vladimir Dvorniković and Dragoslav Srejović. Vojin Matić was active over a long period from the 1930s to 1990s, and his work establishes a chronological structure of the psychoanalytical influences in the Serbian humanities. His palaeopsychology gave an explicitly psychoanalytical turn to the (palaeo)balkanological thought, in the search for the continuity of the psychological mechanisms towards which a subject can always regress. Karakterologija Jugoslovena by Vladimir Dvorniković marked the (palaeo)balkanological research before the WWII. Conceiving it as an explicitly psychoanalytical study, Dvorniković developed a classical “psychoanalytical vertical” – bottom/down/dark/subconscious, opposed to surface/up/light/conscious, along which the supressed “autochthonous” cultural layers surface. The interest of Dragoslav Srejović for human “behind” the archaeological material naturally led him towards psychoanalysis (or was induced by it). The explicitly psychoanalytical phase of his work is notable (late 1950s and early 1960s), to become a constant tendency of his later theoretical approach. Srejović added to the vertical constructed by Dvorniković the opposition of archaeological/historical time. It is argued here that with all the authors mentioned the psychoanalytical trope of the return of the suppressed is indubitable: the past of the Balkans is described as its dark subconscious, not recognizing time, and therefore able to emerge again into the conscious, the light, the surface.
The Symbolism of Green Colour in Neolithic of Serbia
Authors: Balaban Radmila
Published: November 2021

The focus of this text is twofold. The first task is to reconsider the mode of interpretation of various small (4 to 10 cm) objects (axes, chisels, finger-rings, pendants), made of green minerals – jadeite and/or nephrite. These objects are registered on 15 sites in the territory of present-day Serbia, dated into the Neolithic period (6200/6000–4600/4500 cal BC). The second task is to lay out a short history of the green colour. As stated by Michel Pastoureau (Pasturo 2015), the production of a green pigment was almost impossible in the past, especially in praehistory. The first recorded attempts are linked to Ancient Egypt, and the oldest successful production of the green pigment is dated to Ancient Rome. Therefore, the text examines the symbolic role of these small green objects during the Neolithic. The beds of green minerals jadeite and nephrite are not recorded in the territory of Serbia. Jadeite may be found south of Skopje (Mt. Solunska glava), in the Cyclades in Greece, as well as in the Piedmont Alps. Nephrite is registered in the mountain Ogražden (SW Bulgaria), in Poland, Sweden, and Italy. The absence of mineral layers in the region surely suggests the existence of long-distance exchange. This raises the issue of the role and symbolic function of these objects – what was their appeal for the past communities and what was the role of their colour in their manufacture? In archaeology, the studies in symbolics of various colours are rare. Authors have mainly focused upon the origin of the colour and the dating of the objects, but the role of the colour itself as the criterion in choosing various raw materials has largely been neglected. Notable is the exception of the thematic collection “Colouring the Past: The Significance of Colour in Archaeological Research” (2002), where attempts have been made to explain the symbolic importance of various colours in the past. However, the colour green is not mentioned. This paper does not aim to offer final solutions, but to investigate the usage and importance of the colour green on the grounds of the usage of the objects themselves.
CT Scan of Nesmin from Akhmim: New Data on the Belgrade Mummy
Authors: Anđelković Branislav , Elias Jonathan P.
Published: November 2021

An anthropoid wooden coffin with human mummy was purchased in Luxor in February 1888 by the Serbian mécène and world traveler Pavle Riđički (1805‒1893). Due to historical, political and cultural circumstances the first studies of the mummy did not start until May 1993. The ancient ‘patient’ ‒ Nesmin, stolist-priest of Akhmim, son of Djedhor (son of Wennefer, son of Djedhor) born to Chay-Hathor-Imw/Tjay-Hathor-imw ‒ who became known as the Belgrade mummy ‒ underwent a CT scan at the University of Belgrade, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Diagnostic Radiology Center. The present paper provides the first complete analysis of the CT scan. At the time of death (350‒325 B.C.) Belgrade Nesmin was between 35 and 40 years old. A proper bioanthropological study is presented. The mummification features are discussed. The distribution of funerary amulets on the mummy has been established. The mummy’s cultural biography is specified. A museum superstition phenomenon is noted.
Archaeological Evidence of Atypical Burials in the Middle Ages
Authors: Milosavljević Monika
Published: November 2021

The research into the Medieval necropolises in the territory of present-day Serbia has established a relatively standardized mode of interment of the bodies of men, women, and children. The deceased were laid supine oriented west to east, with their head to the west. This paper addresses the deviations from this practice recorded in the necropolises dated into the period from the 10th to the 15th centuries. The evidence is critically discussed on the individuals oriented contrary to the established standard, the ones buried in the foetal position, the deceased thrown into the burial pit or laid prone, facing downward. The aim of the paper is to raise the question who were these people, deprived of the prescriptive Christian funeral and the adequate treatment of their bodies in death. The research is based on the precept that there is a correlation between the persons laid in extraordinary positions in their graves, and the outcasts, stigmatized and marginalized individuals. The paper is based upon the theoretical basis that postulates the burial and the treatment of a dead body as the community’s encounter with a social loss and the additional unwanted outcome of death – the cadaver. Additionally, the modes of marginalization and the generation of the marginalized in a society through the deprivation of a decent burial are discussed from various perspectives, starting with the ideas of Robert E. Park, Erving Goffman and Elisa Perego. Regardless of the fact that the phenomenon of the atypically buried individuals has not been duly investigated in the Serbian Medieval archaeology, the analysis of the evidence shows that contexts corresponding to this type are registered at no less than 19 sites. In order to offer a more precise answer to the question which of these individuals have indeed been marginalized and why, it is essential to conduct physical-anthropological analyses, present in only two instances treated here. Considering the quality of the data at the disposal, the paper reaches the conclusion that the individuals laid contrary to the norm (with the exception of children), thrown into the burial pit, or laid prone facing downward, are indeed the marginalized ones. Particularly are indicative the situations where more than one parameter of stigmatization is present in one funerary context. The suggestion is put forward that the flexed individuals laid in foetal position are the ones who could not have been laid prone due to some illness, such as muscular atrophy of paralysis. The extraordinary treatment of some new-borns and children, buried under the stećci, raises the issue of the social position of children in this cultural context. In spite of the limitations of reinterpretation of old evidence, the potential is demonstrated of the research integrating various lines of evidence: archaeological, physical-anthropological, ethnographic, historiographic, and legal-historic.
Investigation of satellite precipitation product driven rainfall-runoff model using deep learning approaches in two different catchments of India
Authors: Yeditha Pavan Kumar , Rathinasamy Maheswaran , Neelamsetty Sai Sumanth , Bhattacharya Biswa , Agarwal Ankit
Published: November 2021

Rainfall–runoff models are valuable tools for flood forecasting, management of water resources, and drought warning. With the advancement in space technology, a plethora of satellite precipitation products (SPPs) are available publicly. However, the application of the satellite data for the data-driven rainfall–runoff model is emerging and requires careful investigation. In this work, two satellite rainfall data sets, namely Global Precipitation Measurement-Integrated Multi-Satellite Retrieval Product V6 (GPM-IMERG) and Climate Hazards Group Infrared Precipitation with Station (CHIRPS), are evaluated for the development of rainfall–runoff models and the prediction of 1-day ahead streamflow. The accuracy of the data from the SPPs is compared to the India Meteorological Department (IMD)-gridded precipitation data set. Detection metrics showed that for light rainfall (1–10 mm), the probability of detection (POD) value ranges between 0.67 and 0.75 and with an increasing rainfall range, i.e., medium and heavy rainfall (10–50 mm and >50 mm), the POD values ranged from 0.24 to 0.45. These results indicate that the satellite precipitation performs satisfactorily with reference to the IMD-gridded data set. Using the daily precipitation data of nearly two decades (2000–2018) over two river basins in India's eastern part, artificial neural network, extreme learning machine (ELM), and long short-time memory (LSTM) models are developed for rainfall–runoff modelling. One-day ahead runoff prediction using the developed rainfall–runoff modelling confirmed that both the SPPs are sufficient to drive the rainfall–runoff models with a reasonable accuracy estimated using the Nash–Sutcliffe Efficiency coefficient, correlation coefficient, and the root-mean-squared error. In particular, the 1-day streamflow forecasts for the Vamsadhara river basin (VRB) using LSTM with GPM-IMERG inputs resulted in Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency Coefficient (NSC) values of 0.68 and 0.67, while ELM models for Mahanadhi river basin (MRB) with the same input resulted in NSC values of 0.86 and 0.87, respectively, during training and validation stages. At the same time, the LSTM model with CHIRPS inputs for the VRB resulted in NSC values of 0.68 and 0.65, and the ELM model with CHIRPS inputs for the MRB resulted in NSC values of 0.89 and 0.88, respectively, in training and validation stages. These results indicated that both the SPPs could reliably be used with LSTM and ELM models for rainfall–runoff modelling and streamflow prediction. This paper highlights that deep learning models, such as ELM and LSTM, with the GPM-IMERG products can lead to a new horizon to provide flood forecasting in flood-prone catchments.
Deep learning model for daily rainfall prediction: case study of Jimma, Ethiopia
Authors: Endalie Demeke , Haile Getamesay , Taye Wondmagegn
Published: November 2021

Rainfall prediction is a critical task because many people rely on it, particularly in the agricultural sector. Rainfall forecasting is difficult due to the ever-changing nature of weather conditions. In this study, we carry out a rainfall predictive model for Jimma, a region located in southwestern Oromia, Ethiopia. We propose a Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM)-based prediction model capable of forecasting Jimma's daily rainfall. Experiments were conducted to evaluate the proposed models using various metrics such as Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE), Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE), Nash–Sutcliffe model efficiency (NSE), and R2, and the results were 0.01, 0.4786, 0.81 and 0.9972, respectively. We also compared the proposed model with existing machine-learning regressions like Multilayer Perceptron (MLP), k-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Decision Tree (DT). The RMSE of MLP was the lowest of the four existing learning models i.e., 0.03. The proposed LSTM model outperforms the existing models, with an RMSE of 0.01. The experimental results show that the proposed model has a lower RMSE and a higher R2.
How to Optimize the Effectiveness and Safety of Parkinson’s Disease
Therapy? – A Systematic Review of Drugs Interactions with Food and Dietary
Supplements
Authors: Agnieszka Wiesner , Paweł Paśko , Małgorzata Kujawska
Published: November 2021

Background:

Despite increasing worldwide incidence of Parkinson’s disease, the therapy
is still suboptimal due to the diversified clinical manifestations, lack of sufficient treatment, the poor
adherence in advanced patients, and varied response. Proper intake of medications regarding food
and managing drug-food interactions may optimize Parkinson’s disease treatment.

Objectives:

We investigated potential effects that food, beverages, and dietary supplements may
have on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs used by parkinsonian patients; identified
the most probable interactions; and shaped recommendations for the optimal intake of drugs
regarding food.

Methods:

We performed a systematic review in adherence to PRISMA guidelines, and included a
total of 81 studies in the qualitative synthesis.

Results and Conclusions:

We found evidence for levodopa positive interaction with coffee, fiber and
vitamin C, as well as for the potential beneficial impact of low-fat and protein redistribution diet.
Contrastingly, high-protein diet and ferrous sulfate supplements can negatively affect levodopa
pharmacokinetics and effectiveness. For other drugs, the data of food impact are scarce. Based on
the available limited evidence, all dopamine agonists (bromocriptine, cabergoline, ropinirole), tolcapone,
rasagiline, selegiline in tablets, safinamide, amantadine and pimavanserin can be taken with
or without a meal. Opicapone and orally disintegrating selegiline tablets should be administered on
an empty stomach. Of monoamine oxidase B inhibitors, safinamide is the least susceptible for interaction
with the tyramine-rich food, whereas selegiline and rasagiline may lose selectivity to monoamine
oxidase B when administered in supratherapeutic doses. The level of presented evidence is
low due to the poor studies design, their insufficient actuality, and missing data.
Dimensions of Work Environment that Impact Job Satisfaction in Clinical Practices of Medical Students During the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic
Authors: Prada Ricardo , Zarate-Torres Rodrigo , Prada Maria
Published: November 2021

Introduction:

This article deals with the relationship between the work environment and job satisfaction in clinical practices of medical students during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Data are presented that attest to the underlying factor structure, reliability, predictive validity, and factors replicability between groups of the summary measure.

Methods:

An initial sample of 132 medical students from 3 different universities in Bogotá who carry out Clinical Practice activities in tertiary hospitals provided data for the exploratory factor analysis of this measure and to apply confirmatory factor analysis techniques. The validated instrument WCA is used for the work environment construct and MSQ for the job satisfaction construct. The potential applications of this measure are described, and the implications of these findings for measuring work environment and satisfaction are discussed.

Results:

The results of the CFA suggest a good global fit to the data of the proposed measurement model, favorable values of significance (p = 0,014); RMR; AGFI; TLI; CFI; GFI, and RMSEA.

Conclusion:

Solid psychometric properties are demonstrated, which prove that there are dimensions of organizational climate that have statistically significant relationships with variables of job satisfaction.