bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamics and combinational optimal control of the SEIQHR epidemic model
Authors: Xing Mali , Zhan Hancheng , Ye Yanyan , Lu Renquan
Published: April 2024

This paper proposes a SEIQHR compartmental model for infectious diseases, which further subdivides the population carrying the pathogen based on the severity of symptoms in individuals. Then we analyze the existence and stability of the equilibrium by calculating the basic reproduction number. Sensitivity analysis indicates that the outbreak of asymptomatic individuals is a key factor in the spread of an epidemic, making it crucial to screen and isolate this population. Further, taking into account quarantine and hospitalization as control measures, we propose an optimal strategy, which aims to minimize the costs associated with disease burden and the implementation of controls. Utilizing the Pontryagin’s Maximum Principle, the optimal control curves of the corresponding controls are obtained. Ultimately, numerical simulation demonstrate that quarantine can mitigate the epidemic peak and diminish the duration of disease prevalence. Hospitalization is beneficial for alleviating the pressure on medical resources within hospitals, which is more economically viable than quarantine. The combinational control strategy can aptly manage the epidemic while substantially reducing the control cost, which verifies the effectiveness of this comprehensive approach to epidemic control.
Properties of phosphorus-boron co-doped c-Si quantum dots/SiNx:H thin film prepared by PECVD in-situ deposition
Authors: Gu Zhifeng , Shan Feng , Jia Liu
Published: April 2024

Co-doping of phosphorus and boron elements into crystalline silicon quantum dot (c-Si QD) is an effective approach for enhancing the photoluminescence (PL) performance. In this paper, we report on the preparation of hydrogenated silicon nitride (SiNx:H) thin films embedded with phosphorus-boron co-doped c-Si QDs via plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) route. Mixed dilution including hydrogen (H2) and argon (Ar) is applied in the in-situ deposition process for optimizing the deposition process. The P-B co-doped c-Si QD/SiNx:H thin films exhibit a wide range of PL spectra. The emission is greatly improved especially for the short-wavelength light when compared to the SiOx:H thin film containing P-B co-doped c-Si QDs. The effects of H2/Ar flow ratio on the structural and optical characteristics of thin films are systematically investigated through a series of characterizations. Experimental results show that various properties, such as crystallinity, QD size, optical band gap and doping concentrations, are effectively controlled by tuning H2/Ar flow ratio. Based on the red-shift of QCE-related PL peak, the successful P-B co-doping into Si QDs are verified. Finally, a comprehensive discussion has been made to analyze the influence of H2-Ar mixed dilution on the film growth and impurity doping in detail in this paper.
The Relationship Between Tricuspid Annular Plane Systolic Excursion on Transesophageal Echocardiography and the Incidence of Postoperative Acute Kidney Injury in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Surgery: A multicenter prospective cohort study
Authors: Liu Binghua , Zhang Guoqing , Lv Meng , Wang Haiyan , Xu Hongyu , Sun Yongtao , Song Xiumei , Dong Ling , Feng Hai , Wang Yuelan
Published: April 2024

Background: To date, there have been no studies on the relationship between the TEE-monitoring indicator tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and the incidence of postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) in Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting(CABG) patients. The main objective of this study was to explore the relationship between the TAPSE and the incidence of AKI in CABG patients.
Methods: A multicenter prospective cohort study was conducted between September 2021 and July 2022. Among 266 patients aged at least 18 years who underwent elective coronary artery bypass grafting, 140 were included.
Results: We measured tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) via M-mode TEE using the ME RV inflow-outflow view (60°). All echocardiographic measurements were performed at three consecutive time points, T0 (before the start of CABG), T2 (approximately 5~10 minutes after neutralization of protamine) and T3 (before leaving the operating room), and then averaged. Serum creatinine was measured 1 day before and within 7 days after CABG. There was no statistically significant association between TAPSE, the TEE indicator, and the incidence of postoperative AKI in patients undergoing CABG.
Conclusions: The TAPSE, a TEE monitoring indicator, was not significantly correlated with postoperative AKI incidence, and could not predict the early occurrence of postoperative AKI in CABG patients. Further studies are needed to investigate the clinical efficacy of TEE for isolated CABG.
The microorganism effect on the erythrocyte morphofunctional parameters and the hemoglobin oxygen- binding capacity
Authors: Shchuplova Elena A. , Cherkasov Sergei V. , Revin Victor V. , Pinyaev Sergei I. , Syusin Ilya V.
Published: April 2024

When bacteria interact with red blood cells, the plasma membrane receives signals from the microorganism adhesins, and the functional work of the erythrocyte as a whole depends on the biomembrane phospholipid condition. However, the microorganism effect on the structural and functional properties of the red blood cell membrane, as well as on the hemoglobin oxygen-binding ability has not been studied enough. Given the foregoing, we sought to study these issues in our work. The study used the “bacteria–red blood cells” model, using archival microbial strains (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Mycolicibacterium rutilum and M. iranicum) from the Institute of Cellular and Intracellular Symbiosis, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences and donor erythrocytes. The structural and functional properties of the RBC membrane phospholipids and the spectral characteristics of the hemoglobin molecule were studied using the Raman scattering spectroscopy. To study changes in the red blood cell morphology under the microorganism effect, the laser interference microscopy was used. The work results showed that various types of microorganisms affected the conformational structure of the RBC membrane phospholipid bond, which contributed to changes in the morphological characteristics of cells, resulting in functional changes in both the red blood cell as a whole and the main RBC oxygen transport protein - hemoglobin.
Embodied visual route following by an insect-inspired robot
Authors: Lu Yihe , Cen Jiahao , Maroun Rana Alkhoury , Webb Barbara
Published: April 2024

In the visual 'teach-and-repeat' task, a mobile robot is expected to perform path following based on visual memory acquired along a route that it has traversed. Following a visually familiar route is also a critical navigation skill for foraging insects, which they accomplish robustly despite tiny brains.Inspired by the well-understood associative learning ability of the mushroom body circuit in the insect brain, we develop an embodied model that can accomplish visual teach-and-repeat efficiently. Critical to the performance is steering the robot body reflexively based on the relative familiarity of left and right visual fields without stopping and scanning regularly for optimal directions.The model is robust against noise in visual processing and motor control, and can produce comparable performance to pure pursuit or visual localisation methods that heavily rely on the estimation of positional information. The model is tested on a real robot and also shown to be able to correct for significant intrinsic steering bias.
WITHDRAWN: Landslides triggered by the 18 December 2023 Ms 6.2 Jishishan earthquake, Gansu Province, China: A field reconnaissance
Authors: Tian Yingying , Ma Siyuan , Chen Donghui , An Jiwen , Fan Xiwei , Qi Yuanmeng , Wang Ping , Hu Gang , YUAN RM
Published: April 2024

On December 18, 2023, an Ms 6.2 earthquake struck Jishishan Bao'an, Dongxiang, and Salar Nationality Autonomous County, Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province. The earthquake had an epicenter depth of 10 km and a maximum intensity of VIII. The study provides an intuitive and detailed co-seismic landsliding scene in the meizoseismal area based on our comprehensive field surveys immediately after the earthquake. This moderate-to-strong earthquake triggered more severe co-seismic landslides than expected, including the Zhongchuan Town mudflow, which resulted in the loss of > 20 lives. Most of the co-seismic landslides are small-to-middle scale shallow ones and concentrated in the loess area in Zhongchuan, Guanting towns of Qinghai Province and Dahejia, Shiyuan, Liugou towns in Gansu Province. Loess collapses are the most common co-seismic landslide type and are usually distributed on steep cut-slopes of roads and loess terraces where human activities are intense. The second-most common loess slides tend to occur on valley slopes covered by thick loose loess. Landslides in the bedrock area are less frequent and the majority are compound geo-disasters involving rockfalls and debris avalanches that originated in the upper part of the slopes and tend to cluster at the northern end of Jishishan Mountain. Generally, the distribution and occurrence mechanism of the co-seismic landslides are closely related to the lithology, terrain, hydrogeology, and seismic response of the areas where they originated. Lots of discontinuities (i.e., cracks or holes) and suspended loose debris on the slopes pose potential threats of re-sliding and should be given more attention.
Predictive modeling of Futile Recanalization: Endovascular treatment postoperative intravenous tirofiban use was associated with a lower rate of futile recanalization
Authors: Huang Jie , Li Xiaoxiong , Liang chunrong , Li jinping , Ma Lingqiu , Ma Jinjin , Hou Mingliang , Li Ling
Published: April 2024

Background
Approximately 54% of patients with endovascular treatment will have futile recanalization, and the cause of this is not yet clear. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to build a risk prediction model to Identify the characteristics of such patients
Methods
Acute ischemic stroke participants from the Daping Hospital, endovascular treatment Project database were included. The predictors of futile recanalization were identified by single- and multi-factor analyses; then, the least absolute contraction and selection operator regression model (lasso) was used to optimize the characteristic variables. Finally, the prediction model was obtained by multi-factor logistic regression fitting, and a nomogram of futile recanalization risk after endovascular treatment of acute cerebral infarction was drawn. Receiver operating characteristic curve and C-index, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis were used to evaluate the discrimination, calibration degree, and clinical utility of the prediction model, respectively. Finally, a bootstrap algorithm was used to internally verify the C-index of the prediction model.
Results
Finally, predictive models showed an area under the curve of was 0.975 (90% CI: 0.953–0.997). Age (OR: 1.09, 95% CI: 1.00–1.19), the TOAST classification (OR: 0.10, 95% CI: 0.01–0.76), infection (OR: 390.18, 95% CI: 6.18–24656.32), the NIHSS score at discharge (OR: 1.40, 95% CI: 1.18–1.67), and tirofiban use (OR: 0.13, 95% CI: 0.02–0.94) were included in the model.
Conclusions
The clinical utility curve of DCA showed good clinical utility. our results support the argument that Endovascular treatment after intravenous tirofiban use was associated with a lower rate of futile recanalization.
Transition from Vulnerability to Resilience to Dust: A Mixed-Methods Research
Authors: Khakifirouz Zahra , Niknami Mehrdad , Keshavarz Marzieh , Sabouri Mohammad Sadegh
Published: April 2024

Dust storms (DSs) are among the major environmental problems. Deprived of coherent and scientifically acceptable policies, most governments have failed to manage effectively this recurring phenomenon. Currently, many organizations aim to enhance the resilience of communities and manage hazards such as dust through educational measures. The present study investigated the farmers’ resilience and the factors reducing their vulnerability to DS events. To this end, a mixed-methods research approach was employed. This approach includes applying the Grounded Theory and Survey methods in the qualitative and quantitative phases. Qualitative findings were analyzed using Atlas. ti 9 software and the factors affecting farmers’ resilience to dust were extracted at the end of the qualitative phase. Meanwhile, the model of the factors affecting the increased level of resilience and the effect of resilience in reducing the vulnerability of farmers to dust were extracted in the quantitative phase. The model was designed and validated using structural equation modeling (SEM) through the partial least squares (PLS) method in the SmartPLS3 software. The findings of the qualitative phase demonstrated that the factors affecting farmers’ resilience to dust include economic, education extension, and support factors. In the quantitative phase, modeling results revealed that assets and access to basic services (ABS) were among the important dimensions of resilience. Furthermore, educational and extension factors had a significant positive effect on increasing resilience and reducing vulnerability.
How effective is the early warning and risk management systems of psychiatric patients based on the Swiss cheese model？
Authors: Wang Yuxiu , Zhang Ruike , Wang Huan
Published: April 2024

Background Patient safety is a key issue of healthcare. It is especially difficult for psychiatric patients to prevent accidents such as suicide, self-injury, violent behavior, flee behavior, food choking, and tumbling because of cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and volitional disorders. There is limited research on early warning and risk management of psychiatric patients based on the Swiss cheese model. This study aims to develop early warning and risk management systems for psychiatric patients based on the Swiss cheese model and to evaluate the effectiveness of clinical practice.
Methods This quasi-experimental study was conducted between January 2021 and December 2022. 6198 participants recruited from January to December 2021 who received conventional therapy and nursing were included in the control group. 6114 participants recruited from January to December 2022, were included in the experimental group. The experimental group received early warning and risk management in addition to conventional therapy and nursing.
Results There were no significant differences in the demographic characteristics between the two groups (all P>0.05). The incidence rate of adverse events and grade III and above adverse events decreased significantly following the intervention (P< 0.05). The score of the nurses' safety attitude survey was higher than that of the control group (P < 0.05).
Conclusion The implementation of early warning and risk management systems in psychiatric nursing based on the Swiss cheese model can reduce the occurrence of nursingadverse events, improve nurses’ safety attitudes, and enhance the quality and safety of nursing.
Combination of cadonilimab (anti-PD-1 and CTLA-4 bispecific antibody) with chemotherapy in anti-PD-1 resistant recurrent or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma: an open-label, single-arm, phase II clinical trial
Authors: Xiang Yanqun , Jiang Yao-Fei , Bei Wei-Xin , Wang Lin , Lu Nian , Xu Cheng , Liang Hu , Ke Liang-Ru , Ye Yanfang , Fang Ting , He Shuiqing , Dong Shu-Hui , Liu Qin , Zhang Chuan-Run , Wang Xu-Guang , Xia Wei-Xiong , Zhao Chong , Xie Changqing , Liu Guoying
Published: April 2024

Treatment options are limited for patients with recurrent or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (RM-NPC) after failure to anti-PD-1 therapy. Cadonilimab (AK104) is a humanized bispecific antibody that targets to PD-1 and CTLA-4. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of cadonilimab plus TPC chemotherapy (NAB-paclitaxel, cisplatin or lobaplatin, and capecitabine) in patients with RM-NPC who failed to at least one line of systemic chemotherapy and anti-PD-1 therapy. In this phase II clinical trial (ChiCRT2200067057), 25 patients were enrolled and received cadonilimab plus TPC chemotherapy every three weeks for up to six cycles followed by maintenance treatment of cadonilimab plus capecitabine. Here we report on the primary outcome of objective response rate (ORR) and secondary endpoints of progression-free survival, overall survival, duration of response, and safety. This trial met its prespecified primary endpoint of ORR (68%, 95% CI, 48-88), with 3 complete response (12%), 14 partial response (56%), 6 stable disease (24%). Grade ≥3 treatment-related adverse events were occurred in 12 (48%) patients, with the most common being anemia (6[24%]) and neutropenia (6[24%]). This phase II trial shows that cadonilimab in combination with TPC chemotherapy demonstrated satisfactory antitumoral efficacy and manageable toxicities in patients with systemic chemotherapy and anti-PD-1 therapy resistance RM-NPC.
Natural Resource Revenues and Double Taxation Treaties in Developing Countries: Evidence from Neural Networks
Authors: KINDA Harouna , Tagem Abrams
Published: April 2024

This paper investigates the effects of double taxation treaties on resource revenue mobilization in 83 resource-rich countries from 2000 to 2019 by applying standard panel fixed effects and methods-of-moments approaches. We calculate countries’ centrality indices by year based on their importance in the tax treaty network and show that centrality indices have a negative relationship with resource revenue mobilization—findings that are robust to alternative centrality indices and government revenue aggregates. We also use the betweenness centrality index to identify countries characterized as intermediate jurisdictions (countries - classified as investment or tax hubs based on their betweenness centrality index, which is above the median), arguing that multinational companies can structure their investments to benefit from the low tax burden in these countries. Applying the entropy balancing method, we find evidence of a negative effect on resource revenue mobilization due to signing tax treaties with country-classified investment or tax hubs.
Keywords: centrality indices, double taxation treaties, entropy balancing, resource revenue mobilization, withholding taxes.
JEL Codes: F21, F23, H26, Q32
Evaluating Leadership Dynamics: A Comprehensive Cross-Sectional Study of Madinah's Primary Healthcare Centers
Authors: Abuljood Muhannad , Almatrafi Mohammed , Alsolami Ali , Aloufi Yousef , Abualkhair Ahmed
Published: April 2024

Objectives: This study focuses on the effectiveness of healthcare leadership in primary health care centers in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, examining the interplay between leadership styles, emotional intelligence, and their impact on leadership effectiveness. Emphasizing the critical role of primary healthcare as outlined by the World Health Organization, the research addresses the gap in understanding leadership dynamics within the Saudi healthcare context.
Methods: A cross-sectional design was used, involving 89 managers and deputies from 48 primary health care centers in Madinah city, Saudi Arabia in 2023. primary health care centers in Madinah. The methodology included a comprehensive questionnaire assessing leadership effectiveness, emotional intelligence, and socio-demographic variables. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 26, incorporating chi-square tests, t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and binary logistic regression for statistical evaluation.
Results: The findings revealed a high level of leadership effectiveness (79.8%) among the study participants. Emotional intelligence emerged as a significant factor in effective leadership, evidenced by a strong positive correlation (r=0.75; p=0.001) between emotional intelligence and leadership effectiveness. The study also observed a predominant preference for democratic leadership styles among participants, with no significant variance in leadership effectiveness across different styles. A notable area for improvement identified was self-awareness among healthcare leaders.
Conclusion: The research concludes that effective healthcare leadership, significantly influenced by emotional intelligence, is essential for reaching a high-quality primary healthcare. It advocates for the integration of emotional intelligence training, especially focusing on self-awareness, in leadership development programs for healthcare professionals.
Calibrating the compass of care Nurses' experience of everyday coping in the complex home care setting
Authors: Brimi Ann-Kristin , Sjølie Berit Mosseng
Published: April 2024

Background Public home care services are a significant part of the healthcare system in Norway. The increase in patient numbers has put pressure on the service to meet legal requirements while maintaining economic sustainability and service quality. Concepts such as everyday coping, rooted in the principles of occupational and physical therapy, have been introduced as a shifting mindset to transform caregiving into self-reliance. Despite a distinct shifting mindset, there is little knowledge about how concepts of everyday coping influence nurses’ role in home care. The aim of this study was to gain knowledge about how nurses’ experience of everyday coping in home health care influences nurses’ role in caring for patients. Methods An interpretive approach was chosen following Graneheim and Lundman’s qualitative content analysis. The data were collected through individual semistructured interviews. Eight nurses with different seniority levels and varied work experience were recruited as respondents for this study. The respondents represented two different home care service institutions in rural northern Norway. Results “Calibrating the compass of care” emerged as an overarching metaphor to describe nurses’ experiences of how the concept of everyday coping in home health care influences nurses’ role in caring for patients based on three themes: 1) labyrinth landscape with resource-constrained settings; 2) navigating ethical crossroads; and 3) navigating nursing instincts through formal mandates. Conclusions Despite the intentions to maintain quality of service in home care services through an approach to everyday coping and self-reliance for patients, nurses experience implications for their caregiving. Nurses find the resource-constrained situation demanding when patients introduce their unique needs. Furthermore, they face dilemmas and challenges that intersect with patients’ expectations and their professional responsibilities. For instance, they balance the desire to promote patient independence with the need to provide essential care, especially for elderly and frail individuals. Finally, the nurses express the challenges they experience in following formal procedures while respecting the patient’s autonomy. The results of this study show that changes in Norwegian home care may have been implemented without a clear understanding of the consequences for the core values of nursing care.
Local convergence for a Chebyshev-type method free from second derivative in Banach spaces
Authors: Ruan Dongdong , Wang Xiaofeng
Published: April 2024

In this paper, local convergence for a Chebyshev-type method free from second derivative is studied in Banach spaces. Previous studies prove convergence under conditions based on the third or higher derivative. However, we study the convergence under Lipschitz continuity conditions based on the first derivative. In contrast to the conditions used in previous studies, the conditions of our convergence are weaker. In this way, uniqueness of the solution and the radii of convergence balls also are analyzed. Also, Taylor expansion, which is often used in convergence analysis, is avoided. Thus the applicability of the method is extended. Two numerical examples are used to prove the criteria of convergence.
Mathematics Subject Classification (2010). 99Z99; 00A00.
Research on small target detection in aerial images based on Yolov7 and Transformer
Authors: zhang xiaoli , zuo guocai , gao le , wang yusi
Published: April 2024

With the further development of the network, it has become more rare to obtain effective feature information of small targets in aerial images, and the resulting detection accuracy has become more challenging. To solve this problem, this paper combines the target detection algorithm YOLOv7, and introduces the neighborhood attention transformer (NAT) module based on it. A small target detection method based on Yolov7 and Transformer for aerial images is proposed. Compared with the traditional CNN module, the local feature Transformer at any two locations can interact and correlate, obtain more context information and capture more global information. By introducing location offset information, NAT also retains the advantages of visual Transformer, and further improves the effect of local feature extraction. In addition, considering the limited computing resources of edge computing devices, this paper adopts Light-weight Convolutional Encoder Network (LCEN) and introduces an embedded hierarchical attention network in the feature extraction stage. To balance the detection accuracy and inference speed of the model. The experimental data fully prove that the proposed method is effective in solving the problem of small target detection in aerial images. In addition, when compared with other mainstream aerial small target detection models on the two datasets, the proposed method shows higher average accuracy. It is especially worth mentioning that compared with the latest aerial scene target detection model TPH-YOLOv5, the average accuracy of the proposed method is improved by 7.34%.
Surgery lengthens survival for collecting duct carcinoma: Analysis of Hospital-Based Cancer Registry data in Japan
Authors: Kandori Shuya , Suzuki Shuhei , Kojo Kosuke , Isoda Bunpei , Tanaka Takazo , Nitta Satoshi , Shiga Masanobu , Nagumo Yoshiyuki , Ikeda Atsushi , Kawahara Takashi , Hoshi Akio , Negoro Hiromitsu , Mathis Bryan J. , Okuyama Ayako , Higashi Takahiro , Nishiyama Hiroyuki
Published: April 2024

Background To identify the prognosis of Japanese patients with collecting duct carcinoma (CDC).
Methods We used a hospital-based cancer registry data in Japan to extract CDC cases that were diagnosed in 2013, histologically confirmed, and determined the first course of treatment. We further investigated treatment modalities and estimated overall survival (OS) by the Kaplan-Meier method.
Results A total of 61 CDC patients were identified. The 5-year OS rates for all CDC patients in Japan at 2013 were 23.6% (95% CI: 15.0-37.4), with a median OS of 14 months (95% CI: 12-24). The 5-year OS rate for CDC patients at stages I, III, and IV were 53.0% (95% CI: 29.9-94.0), 35.7% (95% CI: 19.8-64.4), and 3.4% (95% CI: 0.5-23.7), respectively. Noteworthy, the 1-year OS for stage IV patients was 27.6% (95% CI: 0.5-23.7) and the median OS was only 5 months (95% CI: 4-12). We further examined the OS for advanced disease according to treatment modalities. The median OS for chemotherapy alone was significantly shorter than surgery alone (4 months [95% CI: 4-4] vs. 15 months [95% CI: 13-68]; p<0.001).
Conclusions Japanese CDC patients face poor prognoses similar to Western countries, especially in advanced cases that receive only chemotherapy. Surgery appears necessary for advanced disease.
RETRACTED: A Novel Comparative Analysis of Fuzzy C-Mean and Region Growing in Spine Image Segmentation
Authors: Waykule J. M. , Udupi V. R.
Published: April 2024

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
"30% fewer workers for electric vehicle assembly": harbinger or myth?
Authors: Weng Andrew , Ahmed Omar , Ehrlich Gabriel , Stefanopoulou Anna
Published: April 2024

It has been widely hypothesized that the transition to battery electric vehicles will require 30% fewer assembly workers compared to internal combustion engine vehicles. This work uses publicly available datasets on vehicle production and employment to show that vehicle assembly plants in the U.S. that have previously assembled internal combustion vehicles but have since fully transitioned to assembling battery electric vehicles have required more, not fewer, workers to assemble the same number of vehicles. Our study suggests that widespread loss of employment at electric vehicle assembly sites is a smaller risk than many fear. Moreover, our study serves as a call for more regionally-focused analyses of the transition's effects on labor using data-driven and macro-level surveying approaches.
Patient-Centered Lean Healthcare Management from a Humanistic Perspective
Authors: Chen Min , Guan Qing , Zhuang Jianmin
Published: April 2024

Background
Healthcare organizations are under pressure to improve services because of an aging population and increasing healthcare demands. Lean healthcare management, focused on enhancing service quality and efficiency with limited resources, tends to overlook patients' emotional needs and experiences. This study advocates integrating medical humanities with lean healthcare to develop a patient-centered service model.
Methods
The study employs literature review to discuss the critical role of medical humanities in lean healthcare frameworks, both theoretical and practical. Additionally, it conducts a qualitative study through semi-structured interviews to explore strategies for developing a humanistic lean healthcare model. The study conducted semi-structured interviews with 8 management staff and doctors at a tertiary hospital that actively adopts this approach.
Results
Eight (5 female and 3 male) management staff and doctors were interviewed between January and March 2024 at their chosen location. Firstly, the study identifies key benefits of integrating medical humanities into lean healthcare, including: (1) Enhancing service personalization and comprehensiveness. (2) Building trust in doctor-patient relationships. (3) Boosting healthcare team satisfaction. Secondly, it highlights strategies for a humanistic approach: (1) Comprehensive patient assessments and personalized treatments. (2) Enhanced doctor-patient communication for emotional resonance. (3) Medical environment optimization for humanized services. (4) Development of humanistic qualities in healthcare professionals. (5) Effective use of information technology. Additionally, the study also addresses potential issues with lean healthcare's focus on profitability and proposes preventive measures: (1) Implement a scientific evaluation and incentive mechanism. (2) Enhancing transparency and oversight in healthcare. (3) Cultivating a Patient-centric medical culture.
Conclusions
A patient-centered lean healthcare model, informed by medical humanities, can guide medical institutions in enhancing service quality and efficiency, supporting comprehensive medical reforms in China. It can also serve as a reference for other countries.
The COVID-19 pandemic immediately increased the suicide rate in Kobe, Japan, especially among populations without psychiatry and primary care physician visits: Interrupted time-series analysis using a population-based database
Authors: Miyamori Daisuke , Nagasaki Yasushi , Yoshida Shuhei , Kashima Saori , Omori Wataru , Itagaki Kei , Ito Masanori
Published: April 2024

Background
Japan has one of the lowest numbers of deaths due to coronavirus disease (COVID-19). However, the annual number of suicides increased for the first time in 2020, after a downward trend since 2007.
Objective
This study aimed to identify high-risk populations and assess the impact of medical visits on suicide trends in Japan following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Method
This quasi-experimental study used a population-based database from Hyogo Prefecture between 2012 and 2022. Interrupted time-series analyses were used to identify immediate and slope changes in the monthly number of suicides during the exposure period (2020-2022) compared with the control (2012-2019). The analysis was stratified according to the status of psychiatric department and primary care physician visits.
Results: A totalof 2181 cases were included. Two-thirds of the cases were male, with a median age of 54. Primary care physicians and psychiatric history were present in 69% and 40% of the patients, respectively. The level change was 4.46 (95%CI; 1.83, 7.09), 3.04 (95%CI; 1.45, 4.64), and 3.07 (95%CI; 0.60, 5.53), in the overall, no primary care physician visit, and no psychiatric visits groups, respectively, which were significant. The level change was not significant in the groups with primary care and psychiatric department visits, at 1.07 (95%CI; -0.84, 2.98) and 0.64 (95%CI; -1.05, 2.33), respectively. The slope changes were not significant in any group.
Conclusion: This study suggests that visits to a medical institution may have helped prevent the rapid increase in suicides during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Effect of Aluminum Fluoride on Phase Transformation and Morphology Evolution of Alumina
Authors: Zhang Ziyu , Zhang Liang , Zhu Lingling , Fu Mingtang
Published: April 2024

In order to verify the formation of gaseous phase fluoride and its influence on the morphological evolution and the growth mechanism of α-Al2O3, the α-phase transformation temperature and morphology of α-Al2O3 powders from the calcination of commercial γ-Al2O3 and Al(OH)3 precursor with the addition of AlF3 additive have been studied through the incorporation of mixed placement experiments, layered placement experiments and separated placement experiments. The formation of gaseous phase fluoride has been experimentally confirmed by means of layered placement experiments and separated placement experiments, especially by the enhancement of the α-phase transformation occurred outside the small crucible in separated placement experiments. AlF3 additive significantly enhances shape anisotropy of α-Al2O3 precursor and lowers the total α-transformation temperature (900°C for Al(OH)3 precursor and 1100°C for γ-Al2O3 precursor ), even though the commercial precursor and AlF3 additive has been completely isolated by small crucible with cover. In addition, different kinds of α-Al2O3 powders are obtained from these various set of experiments, such as hexagonal platelets, irregularly thick flake-like, and spherical-like α-Al2O3 powders with distinct particle size distribution. In particular, the α-Al2O3 grains obtained from Al(OH)3 precursor at the bottom part of the layered placement experiments and the outside part of the separated placement experiment have obvious growth defects, and some tiny holes emerge on the surface of those irregular α-Al2O3 platelets.
Comparison of the Efficiency of Phage Coat Proteins Displaying Exogenous Proteins
Authors: Zhang Hanzhong , Jiang Chunyang , Zhu Di , Wang Zheng , Liu Jianghai , Li Lei
Published: April 2024

Background:
Filamentous phage display has emerged as a common method for protein engineering, including the manipulation of antibody fragments. Various capsid proteins, such as gene III protein P3 (P3), truncated P3 (TP3), VIII protein P8, and IX protein P9, have been employed to display foreign proteins. Despite their widespread use, comprehensive comparative analyses of their display performances remain scarce.
Methods:
Six foreign proteins, ranging from 8 to 520 residues in length, were fused to phagemid-borne proteins P3, TP3, P8, and P9. Phage titers of the phage supernatants were quantified to estimate phage yields. Phage ELISA experiments were conducted to detect the Flag signals of the displayed proteins and assess their display ability. Additionally, phage ELISA experiments were performed to evaluate the binding ability of the fusion proteins. Both helper phages M13KO7 and DeltaPhage were investigated for the P9 system to compare their effects on the display efficiency of foreign proteins.
Results:
Among the four phage display systems, the P3 system demonstrated efficient display of foreign proteins of varying lengths without altering their binding properties. The TP3 system efficiently displayed small foreign proteins but showed a slight reduction in their binding properties. The P8 system exhibited characteristics similar to the TP3 system, albeit with a significantly lower phage titer. The P9 system, when associated with M13KO7, displayed small proteins effectively, while DeltaPhage enhanced the display efficiency of foreign proteins fused with this system.
Conclusions:
These findings not only highlight the superiority of the P3 system among the tested display systems but also contribute to our understanding of selecting appropriate display systems for showcasing different proteins.
Analysis of Hydrological Dynamics and Climate Change Impact in the Chuncheon Watershed with the SWAT Model
Authors: Sadiqi Sayed Shah Jan , Hong Eun-Mi , Nam Won-Ho , Kim Taegon
Published: April 2024

Chuncheon, being a crucial source of water for three major dams amidst its excellent environmental significance, is facing growing challenges to its water quality and quantity due to the effects of climate change. With the majority of rainfall accumulated during the rainy season, assessing and forecasting these changes becomes important. In this study, we used the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) Model in conjunction with CMIP6 climate change models, considering two scenarios. Through extensive statistical analyses, including the T-TES, cumulative anomaly, and Mann-Kendall (M-K) tests to identify vulnerable basins and estimate climate and flow changes.Our findings, based on climate change modeling under the SSP126 and SSP585 scenarios, show Daily maximum temperatures are expected to rise by 2.85 to 6.16°C and minimum temperatures by 4.6 to 6.97°C over the coming decade, and annual precipitation is projected to increase by 138.12-214.48 mm throughout these decades, as well as notable changes in flow patterns, notably during the wet season. SWAT model results show excellent calibration and validation, with an acceptable range of R2 values greater than 60, and identifying prone basins for sediment, organic nitrogen, nitrate, and dissolved oxygen for enabling more effective management strategies. While the SWAT-CUP sensitivity analysis shows the soil evaporation compensation factor (ESCO) is the most influential parameter, affecting soil water evaporation. Hence, this study gives important insights into the expected effects of climate change on Chuncheon's water resources and water resource managers seeking to implement preventive measures in response to changing climatic conditions.
Comparison of the structural integrity and quality of corneal endothelium stored in Organ Culture Storage Medium versus Eusol-C
Authors: Wang Qin , Liu Yonghuan , Gao Yang , Zhang Ming , Yang Lihong , Hu Jian , Ren Yi , Zhou Qizhi , Zhu Meidong
Published: April 2024

In this experimental study, we compared the structural integrity and cell quality of corneal endothelium stored in organ culture medium (OCS) and Eusol-C. The experiment included rabbit and human cornea experiments in vitro. Thirty rabbit corneas and thirty-two human corneas were collected and divided into two groups. All right corneas were allocated in experiment group and left corneas were placed in control group. The corneas in experimental group were stored in OCS at 34℃, and the corneas in control group were stored in Eusol-C at 4℃ for 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 days, respectively. Endothelial cell morphology, cell count, and trypan blue staining for viability were assessed before storage (Day 0) and at days 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35. The structural integrity of human corneal endothelial cell was analyzed using immunohistochemistry. The samples of storage solution for microbial culture were collected on the third day and at the end of storage. The results show that no bacterial and fungal infections were found in both groups. After 14 days of storage, the morphology of endothelial cell was better in the experimental group than in the control group. The endothelial cell stored in OCS were better than those stored in Eusol-C at the end of storage times, except human cornea 14 days storage group. The ZO-1 protein staining showed the typical polygonal morphology of endothelial cell stored in the OCS. Corneal endothelial cells stored in the OCS had better quality up to 28 days. It can be applied to Chinese eye banks as a method of corneal preservation.
Research on High-Value Patent Identification Model from Perspective of Patent Transfer
Authors: Wu Zengyuan , Li Ying , Han Xiangli , He Bin
Published: April 2024

Accurately identifying high-value patents can be difficult with the dramatic increase in the number of patent applications. This leads to a low rate of commercialization of patent achievements. Whether a patent is transferred or not is an important reflection of the value of the patent. In order to solve above problems, we proposed a high-value patent identification model that combines hybrid sampling technology and ensemble learning algorithm. First, we add technical capacity of patentees based on traditional high-value patent identification indicators to reconstruct the indicator system. Then we reduce the identification indicator system for high-value patents to eliminate redundant indicators. Second, we use Adaptive Synthetic Sampling - Local Outlier Factor (ADASYN-LOF) to expand minority samples to balance the data. Finally, we use Genetic Algorithm (GA) to optimise the parameters of AdaBoost. For clarity, this model is called the ADASYN-LOF-GA-AdaBoost model. To test the effectiveness of above model, we use patent data in field of scientific instruments. The results demonstrate that the proposed model achieves ACC of 94.47%, AUC of 94.87%, recall of 97.54%, and F1-score of 95.23%. The results show that ADASYN-LOF-GA-AdaBoost model performs better than other models. Therefore, this model can effectively identify high-value patents with transfer potential.
Unusual Coexistence of Takayasu's Arteritis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in a Woman: A Case Report
Authors: Jindal Himanshu , Suresh Vinay , Kamaraj Balakrishnan , Jha Mayank Sujeetkumar , Verma Nikhil , Narra Balarishi , Aujla Savvy , Vadodaria Vishwa , Sahithi Gopu
Published: April 2024

Takayasu’s arteritis (TA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are distinct autoimmune disorders with similar age and gender predisposition. However, their coexistence is exceedingly rare, and presents unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Here, we report the case of a 44-year-old female with nodular episcleritis, breathlessness, and palpitations who was ultimately diagnosed with both TA and SLE. The presence of a range of antibodies in various cases underscores the heterogeneity of the disease presentation and the need for comprehensive testing. While many patients with this dual diagnosis experience symptom improvement and complete recovery, some face severe outcomes. In our case, aortic root replacement surgery was planned because of severe aortic regurgitation; however, the patient's condition deteriorated, resulting in death. This case underscores the need for clinicians to recognise and thoroughly evaluate patients with overlapping symptoms of TA and SLE. Although challenging, the coexistence of these autoimmune diseases provides valuable insights into the complexities of autoimmune conditions. Further research and collaboration are essential to advance our understanding and to improve patient outcomes in these complex clinical scenarios.
Theoretical justification for the choice of technical solutions for microclimate support systems of indoor ice rinks
Authors: Chuykin S. V. , Kutsygina O. A.
Published: April 2024

The specific character of ensuring the microclimate of indoor ice rinks and ice arenas consists in creating temperature and humidity conditions which prevent fog formation at the ice surface, deterioration of its mechanical properties, and condensation on building structures and auxiliary facilities. The article aims to theoretically justify the choice of an air exchange scheme in the ice arena zone, as well as to propose a design of the central air conditioner that implements the suggested air exchange method. As a result, the energy requirement for air handling can be reduced. The article proposes methods for air exchange organization contributing to the achievement of the required characteristics and parameters. Employing these methods also results in many options of air mass handling schemes and the layout of central air conditioners. The principles of organizing air exchange in the ice arena zone were formulated. They include supplying incoming air with concentrated airstreams directed at an angle or vertically downward from the upper zone of indoor ice rinks and ice arenas and removing exhaust air from the upper or maintenance areas. The Id-diagram shows layout options of equipment sections for central air conditioners and the sequence of humid air handling processes according to the following schemes: top-up, top-down, and mixed. These schemes characterize differences in energy consumption, as well as cost indicators for equipment and operation, which determines the multifactorial and multicriteria nature of selecting a design option under uncertainty. Based on the analysis of the research results with respect to the discounted cost criterion, the choice of the mixed scheme for organizing air exchange is theoretically substantiated. Moreover, the study determines the area of economic feasibility of the selected option.
Study of the urban environment quality index for Irkutsk residential districts
Authors: Grebneva O. A. , Lavygina O. L.
Published: April 2024

Currently, creating a comfortable and high-quality urban environment is one component of the strategic development of the construction industry, as well as housing and communal services. The paper presents possible criteria used to assess the urban environment quality of residential neighborhoods in cities. Engineering improvement, in particular water supply and sewerage, is one of the key indicators of urban environment quality. An additional factor influencing the comfort level of a settlement is the quantity of public amenities and welfare facilities it provides. Their availability significantly improves the everyday life quality of the city population affecting the development level of the territory in question and the extent to which physical and social human wants are satisfied. The study assesses the level of provision of public amenities and welfare facilities on the example of one Irkutsk residential district (microdistrict). Moreover, it also analyzes the importance of water supply and sewerage in the municipal improvement system. Based on the analysis of the obtained data, the article proposes measures to improve the comfort level of the residential district under study. The results of the research can be used by housing and utility sector organizations at various levels to improve the urban environment quality of residential districts in cities. Drawing on the example of one residential district in Irkutsk, this article analyzes the territorial accessibility of enterprises and organizations necessary for comfortable living of the population. Additionally, the study identifies missing facilities and designs a project for their location.