bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of Research Priorities For Suicide Prevention In Nepal: A Delphi Study
Authors: Joshi Elisha , Bhatta Santosh , Joshi Sunil Kumar , Mytton Julie
Published: November 2021

Background: Suicide is a significant public health concern in Nepal and there is a need for an evidence-based suicide prevention programme to facilitate stakeholders working towards suicide prevention in Nepal. Collaborative research between stakeholders focussing on shared priorities can help to prevent and control suicide. Hence, we aimed to develop a consensus list of research priorities for suicide prevention in Nepal. Methods: The Delphi expert consensus method was used to elicit the prioritized research questions for suicide prevention in Nepal. Participants comprised suicide prevention experts (psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, researchers and advocates) and people with lived experience. Three rounds of Delphi were conducted; round 1: constituted one to one interview involving open-ended questions used to generate research questions; round 2: ranking of the research questions using a 5-point Likert scale, and round 3: re-ranking of research questions in light of individual and group responses.Results: 42 participants participated in round 1 followed by 38 in round 2 and 39 in round 3. 522 research questions were generated through round 1 which were grouped together and reduced to 33 research questions sent for ranking in round 2. Using a cut off of at least 70% of the panel ranking questions as ‘very important’ or ‘important’, 22 questions were retained. These research questions were sent for re-rating in round 3 generating a final list of prioritized research questions.Conclusions: This is the first expert consensus study to identify the top research priorities for suicide prevention in Nepal and used experts in suicide prevention and those with lived experience. A consensus was reached regarding the research needed to improve suicide data quality, assess the burden and identify factors associated with suicide. A priority-driven approach to suicide prevention research may ensure that the research endeavour provides the most useful information for those whose day-t- day work involves trying to prevent suicide.
Barriers and enablers to pulmonary rehabilitation in low- and middle-income countries: a qualitative study of healthcare professionals
Authors: Bickton Fanuel , Shannon Harriet
Published: November 2021

Low- and middle-income countries bear a disproportionately high burden of global morbidity and mortality caused by chronic respiratory diseases. Pulmonary rehabilitation is recommended as a core intervention in the management of people with chronic respiratory diseases. However, the intervention remains poorly accessed/utilised globally, especially in low- and middle-income countries. This qualitative study explored barriers and enablers to pulmonary rehabilitation in low- and middle-income countries from the perspective of healthcare professionals with pulmonary rehabilitation experience in these settings. Online-based semi-structured in-depth interviews with healthcare professionals were undertaken to data saturation, exploring lived barriers and enablers to pulmonary rehabilitation in their low- or middle-income country. Anonymised Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using thematic analysis. A total of seven healthcare professionals from seven low- and middle-income countries representing Africa, Asia, and South America, were interviewed. They included five physiotherapists (four females), one family physician (male), and one pulmonologist (female). Themes for barriers to pulmonary rehabilitation included limited resources, low awareness, Coronavirus Disease 2019, and patient access-related costs. Themes for enablers included local adaptation, motivated patients, Coronavirus Disease 2019 (which spanned both enablers and barriers), better awareness/recognition, provision of PR training, and resource support. Successful implementation of these enablers will require engagement with multiple stakeholders. The findings of this study are a necessary step towards developing strategies that can overcome the existing pulmonary rehabilitation evidence-practice gap in low- and middle-income countries and alleviating the burden of chronic respiratory diseases in these countries.
Characterization of Green Synthesis VA-Pd/AC NPs and Evaluation of Their Neurotoxicity Using the Zebrafish Larvae
Authors: Kokturk Mine , Yıldırım Serkan , Calimli Mehmet Harbi , Atamanalp Muhammed , Ozhan Gunes , Nas Mehmet salih , Bolat Ismail , alak gonca
Published: November 2021

New strategies for fast, efficient and environmentally friendly approaches in nanoparticle (NP) synthesis have increased the interest in less toxic green synthesis products. In this study, VA-Pd / AC nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized using palladium (Pd), activated carbon (AC) and Viscum album (VA) aqueous extract as stabilizer / reductant. Activated carbon in the synthesis stage was obtained using the Chenopodium album (CA) plant. The structural and morphological properties of VA-Pd / AC NPs were examined using TEM and XRD analyses. Zebrafish embryo and larvae were exposed to the produced VA-Pd / AC NPs at different concentrations (10, 50, 100 and 500 mg/L) for 96 h. Embryos/larvae were examined for survival rate, hatching and malformation during development. Morever, potential neurotoxic effects were assessed histopathologically and immunohistochemically using Caspase 3 and nNOS indicators. Although the hatching rate of VA-Pd / AC NP was 100% at all concentrations, the survival rate decreased in a dose dependent manner. Histopathological analyses revealed that 10 mg/L group looked similar to the control group, whereas necrotic degenerations were observed in the 50, 100 and 500 mg/L groups in a dose- dependent manner. In addition, Caspase 3 and nNOS expressions were evaluated as negative in the control and 10 mg/L groups in immunofluorescence staining. These results provide the evidence that 500 mg/L concentration of green synthesized VA-Pd/AC NPs from Viscum album (VA) and Chenopodium album (CA) plant induces neurotoxic and tetragenonic effect on zebrafish.
A Multi(two)-Nozzle Cable-Driven Parallel Robot For 3D Printing Building Construction: Path Optimization and Vibration Analysis
Authors: Nguyen-Van Sy , Gwak Kwan-Woong
Published: November 2021

This paper proposes a multi-nozzle cable-driven parallel robot for 3D printing building construction. This system has two independently moving nozzles mounted on the existing printing head. The printing time can be reduced dramatically with this system as the travel path of the printing head can be reduced to almost half thanks to those two nozzles that print almost half of the printing contour. To fully take advantage of two nozzle structures effectively, the path of the printing head is optimized to secure the minimum travel length of both the printing head and two nozzles. The smoothness of the optimal path is secured by applying the non-uniform rational B-splines (NURBS). In addition, free vibration of the proposed CDPR printer’s structure is analyzed to improve the printing quality and help the control of the proposed CDPR plain by using a finite element formulation of cables of the proposed robot.
Massive Hemoptysis Treated with Embolization Of an Ectopic Bronchial Artery Arising from the Right Thyrocervical Trunk: A Case Report
Authors: Cho Songhyon , Kubota Kenji , Hirose Yoshikazu , Yoshimura Norihiko , Murai Yui , Hirose Yasuo
Published: November 2021

Background: Ectopic bronchial artery and non-bronchial systemic arteries may be the culprit vessels of hemoptysis. The main cause of clinical failure of bronchial artery embolization is incomplete embolization caused by the misidentification of the culprit arteries by conventional angiography. Multidetector computed tomography angiography is useful for visualizing the culprit arteries. Case presentation: An 82-year-old man was admitted with hemoptysis. Preprocedural multidetector computed tomography angiography revealed an ectopic bronchial artery branching from the right thyrocervical trunk. Superselective embolization of the ectopic bronchial artery was performed using gelatin sponge particles and metallic coils. Hemoptysis was controlled by this procedure without any associated complications. Conclusions: Ectopic bronchial arteries originating from the thyrocervical trunk are rare. Preprocedural multidetector computed tomography angiography is useful for visualizing the culprit arteries of hemoptysis, especially if a patient has an ectopic bronchial artery or an ectopic non-bronchial systemic artery.
Downregulation of miR-24-3p and miR-198 in Newly Diagnosed type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Abhilasha Abhilasha , Mitra Prasenjit , Suri Smriti , Saxena Indu , Shukla Ravindra KG , Shukla Kamla Kant , Sharma Praveen
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Type 2 Diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic disorder related to genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. It is characterized by hyperglycaemia, primarily due to insulin resistance. Recent studies have shown that microRNAs have been involved in the regulation of post-transcriptional gene expression mainly by repressing protein production. Dysregulated miRNA in type 2 diabetes interrupts the insulin signalling cascade and multiple physiological processes leading to disease progression. miRNAs are released from cells in circulation and are now known as a new class of biomarkers due to their stable nature. miR-24-3p and miR-198 are associated with several diseases but their role in type 2 diabetes remains unclear. This study aimed to compare miR-24-3p and miR-198 expression levels in newly diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients and Non-T2DM controls. Method: Thirty-five newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic cases and thirty-five Non-T2DM controls were recruited after obtaining due informed consent. Venous blood was obtained under aseptic conditions. Biochemical parameters were analyzed using the autoanalyzer. Expression levels of miR-24-3p and miR-198 were performed using RT-PCR by TaqMan Advanced miRNA assay. miR-16-5p was used as an internal control. Results: The difference between circulating levels of whole blood of miR-24-3p and miR-198 was statistically significant among the study group. miR-24-3p showed a fold change of 0.312 and miR-198 showed a fold change of 0.203. The miRNAs were not correlated with the glycaemic and other clinical parameters. Conclusions: Findings of our study suggests that expression of miR-24-3p and miR-198 are downregulated in newly diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.
Comparison of maximal aerobic speeds of team-sport athletes and investigation of optimal training loads*
Authors: Çetindemir Abdullah
Published: November 2021

Objective: To investigate maximal aerobic speed (MAS), participants of team sports in terms of certain variables and to determine relationship team sports.Design: Screening research.Setting: Elite soccer, basketball and handball players.Participants: 44 athletes.Main Outcome Measures: 20-meter shuttle run test (20MSRT) was used.Results: There was a positive relationship between age, VO2max and speed scores (p < 0.05). Besides, significant difference between VO2max, distance and speed also VO2max, distance and speed were found to be significantly different according to types of sports (p < 0.05). When distance and speed scores of athletes were examined, it was determined that mean scores of football players were higher compared to basketball and handball. Heart rate and MAS scores of participants were not significantly different according to type of sport played.Conclusions: This study will contribute to strength and strength coaches, trainers and physiotherapists in terms of training programs that they will apply to athletes of various sports.
Expansion of the Universe and cosmological redshift
Authors: Vavrycuk Vaclav
Published: November 2021

The re-examination of light propagation in space described by the Friedmann-Lemaitre-Robertson-Walker (FLRW) metric reveals surprisingly that this metric does not predict the cosmological redshift as so far incorrectly supposed. It is shown that the change in the frequency of light is always connected with time dilation, similarly as for the gravitational redshift. Therefore, the conformal time must be considered as the cosmic time at the high redshift universe and the original FLRW metric must be substituted by its conformal version. The correctness of the proposed conformal metric is convincingly confirmed by Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) observations. The standard FLRW metric produces essential discrepancy with the SNe Ia observations called the ‘supernova dimming’, and consequently dark energy has to be introduced to comply theoretical predictions with data. By contrast, the conformal FLRW metric fits data well with no need to introduce any new free parameter. Hence, the discovery of the supernova dimming actually revealed the failure of the FLRW metric and introducing dark energy was just an unsuccessful attempt to cope with the problem within this false metric. Obviously, adopting the conformal FLRW metric for describing the evolution of the Universe has fundamental cosmological consequences.
Cross Cultural Adaptation and Validation of Nigerian (Igbo) Version of the Older People’s Quality of Life Questionnaire (OPQOL-35): a Validation Study
Authors: Gloria Mgbeojedo Ukamaka , Olusanjo Akosile Christopher , Cassandra Ekigbo Chisom , Chiebuka Okoye Emmanuel , Nelson Ekechukwu Echezona , Justina Okemuo Adaora , Nneka Ikele Chioma
Published: November 2021

Background

Quality of life (QoL) has been revealed to determine an older adult’s assessment of successful and active ageing; and to evaluate various range of health and social care interventions. Most QoL assessment tools were developed for use in developed countries. This may not be suitable for developing nations such as Nigeria. There is need for availability of culture- and environment- specific tools for assessment of QoL. This study was therefore designed to cross-culturally adapt the OPQOL-35 into Igbo language, and determine its reliability and validity.
Methods

The original English OPQOL-35 (E-OPQOL-35) was translated into Igbo language, synthesized, back translated, and subsequently subjected to expert panel review, pre-testing and cognitive debriefing interview, following the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons’ guideline. The final Igbo version (I-OPQOL-35) was tested for internal consistency, concurrent and structural validities in a cross-sectional study of 115 consenting apparently healthy older adults (54.8% females) that were recruited from conveniently selected local government areas in Enugu State, at 0.05 level of significance.
Results

The OPQOL-35 was cross-culturally adapted to Igbo with all its 35 items retained. The Spearman correlation coefficients between the participants’ domain and total scores on the I-OPQOL-35 and E-OPQOL-35 (rho = 0.92-1.00) were excellent. The Mann Whitney-U test revealed no significant difference between corresponding scores in the E-OPQOL-35 and I-OPQOL-35 (p = 0.65-0.94). The internal consistency coefficient of the I-OPQOL-35 was 0.78.
Conclusions

The I-OPQOL-35 is therefore a valid and reliable instrument for the assessment of QoL among Igbo older adults in Nigeria.
Cost-Effectiveness of Stroke Unit Compared With Routine Treatment For Stroke Patients In Iran
Authors: Gholamhoseini Mohammad Tasavon , Goudarzi Reza , Zarein Mahdiye , Amiresmaili Mohammadreza , Mehrpour Masoud
Published: November 2021

Background: Two approaches including stroke unit and routine treatment, are used to address stroke patients. Although stroke unit is a new intervention in Iran and its effectiveness has been proven, but there is little information on its costs. It is necessary to utilize the results of the studies of economic evaluation in order to choose the better treatment option between two alternatives. Due to the lack of studies in this field in Iran, the current study was conducted to assess the cost-effectiveness of stroke unit and routine treatment. Methods: A Markov model incorporating three health states of independent, dependent and death for a time horizon of 10 years with a 3-month cycle length was applied. Direct medical and non-medical costs, including pharmaceutical and hospital expenses, were calculated based on 2018 data from a health system perspective. Quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) were taken as the outcome measure. The analysis of cost-effectiveness and sensitivity for uncertain parameters was carried out using TreeAge 2020. Results: The stroke unit had more costs and QALYs gain in comparison with routine treatment, and it was cost-effective with an ICER of 551 PPP dollars per QALY. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed that stroke unit cost-effectiveness probability is 78 percent, in the threshold of willingness to pay three times GDP per capita. Conclusion: Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of stroke unit is far less than the threshold of willingness to pay, indicating the strategy is cost-effective. Therefore, implementing stroke unit in Iran health system leads to optimal use of resources.
Spousal and Living Related Kidney Transplantation: Our Center Experience
Authors: OZGEN Utku , OZBAN Murat , BIRSEN Onur , YILMAZ Sevda , DURSUN Belda , CERI Mevlut , EKER Mesut , AYDIN H. Cagatay
Published: November 2021

Background
Kidney transplantation is the most preferred type of renal displacement therapy for ESRD patients. More patients developed end stage renal disease (ESRD). The most important source is the donations from unrelated spouses. In this study, we aimed to compare the transplantation data obtained from the spouses of the patients with the transplantation data obtained from other relatives.
Methods
The data including 167 living kidney transplantations performed between January 2006 and December 2019 were retrospectively collected. The patients were divided into two groups; spousal donor group (n: 53) and living-related donor group (n: 114).
Results
There was no significant difference in delayed graft function in both groups. There were no patients with acute rejection proven by biopsy or considered biochemically in the spousal donor group. With regard to 3-year results in the living-related donor group the patient survival rate was 100%, while it was 98.2% in terms of graft survival.
Conclusions
In conclusion, similar patient and graft survival rates between spousal donor kidney transplantation and living-related kidney transplantation has made spousal donor kidney transplantation, with possible problems in terms of tissue compatibility, an acceptable alternative to donor supply.
Study of Pain Level Control Targets After Arthroscopic Surgery
Authors: Xin Wang , Congying Liu , Xiaole Zhang , Hong Wang , Yan Xu , Baohua Li , Jianquan Wang
Published: November 2021

Objective: To explore the goal of pain control in patients after arthroscopic surgery.Design: Investigation. Postoperative pain, pain control satisfaction and the effect of pain on daily activities were investigated and evaluated.Setting: Department of Sports Medicine,Peking University 3rd Hospital,Beijing, P.R.ChinaSubjects: 514 patients selected by convenience sampling from patients hospitalized in a level A hospital in Beijing from 2020.06-2020.11. The patient inclusion criteria were an age of at least 18 years, no history of diagnosis of mental illness, the ability to clearly express his or her pain and an agreement to voluntarily cooperate with the investigators. The exclusion criteria were patients who were unable to complete follow-up.Methods: Postoperative pain, pain control satisfaction and the effect of pain on daily activities were investigated and evaluated by administering a homemade questionnaire to 514 patients selected by convenience sampling from patients hospitalized in a level A hospital in Beijing from 2020.06-2020.11. Pain was assessed using a digital pain numerical rating scale (NRS) (0-10), and a digital score ranging from 0 to 10 was used for satisfaction with pain control and the impact of pain on aspects of daily living.Results: The pain level was most severe in patients 6-24 hours after arthroscopic surgery, during which pain control satisfaction was at its worst. The pain score was significantly related to the effects of pain on aspects of daily life, and the degree of these effects changed significantly for pain scores greater than 2 points.Conclusion: Pain control 6 to 24 hours after surgery is not satisfactory. It is recommended that a pain score of 2 points is used as the goal for pain control after arthroscopic surgery to guide both doctors and patients to effectively control postoperative pain.
Degree of Satisfaction-based Adaptive Interaction in Spatial Prisoner's Dilemma
Authors: Li Jiaqi , Dang Jianwu , Zhang Jianlei , Chen Zengqiang , Dehmer Matthias
Published: November 2021

To study why the altruistic cooperation behavior can emerge and maintain among egoistical individuals, researchers across several disciplines have made great contributions for the solutions of this fascinating problem. Ordinarily, the spatial structure is a most-often used framework to investigate the cooperative dynamics of evolutionary game. However, very few researchers take into account the reaction of evolutionary game dynamics to interactive intensity between individuals. On account of this, we propose a computational model of automatic adjustment the interactive intensity based on individual’s degree of satisfaction to study the iterated prisoner’s dilemma game in a two-dimensional square lattice. In this model, selfish individual considers whether the benefits obtained from the other party satisfies its own requirements to determine the intensity of interaction from it to the other party. More specifically, the interactive intensity from an individual x to its some neighbor y is driven by the relations between x obtained current benefit from y (denoted by Px→y) and x’s satisfaction payoff (denoted by Sp). If Px→y > Sp, x will increase the intensity of interaction from itself to y; On the contrary, if Px→y < Sp, x will weaken the intensity of interaction; Other scenario remain the same. Simulation results show that the proposed mechanism can effectively promote the emergence and maintain of cooperation in population, and the satisfying coefficient α (0 < α < 1) plays an essential role on cooperation. Interestingly, we found that there are some optimal values α can lead to the best promotion of cooperation. But individual’s overclaim (α > 1) is not conducive to the effective promotion of cooperation between selfish individuals even for some very small temptation to defect. Our results may contribute to the understanding of cooperative dynamics by considering the reaction of evolutionary game dynamics to network.
Reduced H3K27me3 suppresses Wnt/β-catenin signaling by S-adenosylmethionine deficiency in neural tube development
Authors: Zhang Li , Wang Xiuwei , Li Dandan , Wang Yufei , Liu Xueqin , Cao Rui , Wang Keke , Liu Zhizhen , Niu Bo , Xu Jun , Xie Jun
Published: November 2021

S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) as a major methyl donor play a key role in methylation modification in vivo, and its disorder was closely related to neural tube defects (NTDs). However, the underlying mechanism between SAM deficiency and NTDs remained unclear. Here, we investigated the association between histone methylation modification and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in NTDs induced by SAM deficiency. The levels of SAM and SAH were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expressions of H3K27me3 and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway specific markers were demonstrated by western blotting, reverse transcription, and quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and immunofluorescence in ethionine induced E11.5 mouse NTDs and NSCs models. The results showed that the incidence rate of NTDs induced by ethionine were 46.2%, post treatment of ethionine combined with SAM, the incidence rate of NTDs was reduced to 26.2%. The level of SAM was significantly decreased (P<0.05) and a reduction in the SAM/SAH ratio was observed. The SAM depletion caused the reduction of both H3K27me3 modifications and UTX activity, and inhibited the marker proteins (β-catenin, TCF-4, Axin-2, p-GSK-3β, CyclinD1, and C-myc) in Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway (P<0.05). The differentiations of neural stem cells (NSCs) into neurons and oligodendrocytes were inhibited under SAM deficiency (P<0.05). These results indicated that the depletion of SAM led to reduced H3K27me3 modifications, prevented the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and NSCs differentiation, which provided an understanding of the novel function of epigenetic regulation in NTDs.
Energy Consumption Modelling in Milling of Variable Curved Geometry
Authors: Pawar Shrikant Shankarrao , Bera Tufan Chandra , Sangwan Kuldip Singh
Published: November 2021

The accurate estimation of energy consumption is beneficial to manufacturing enterprises economically as well as to overcome global energy crisis. The present work concentrates on developing an energy consumption model in milling of variable curved geometries where magnitudes and directions of workpiece curvature vary along tool contact path of a component. The current work deals with estimation and analysis of energy consumption in peripheral milling of variable curved surfaces where cutting forces differ along tool contact path in the presence of workpiece curvature. The proposed hybrid model developed in MATLAB involves process mechanics, cutting forces and energy consumption and have modules for idle, auxiliary and cutting power. The proposed model is validated by the experimental work. The model is generic and versatile in nature and is useful for milling of straight, circular and curved surfaces. In addition to it, the influence of workpiece curvature on power consumption has been investigated to realize the variation of power consumption along the tool contact path. The developed model offers a basic platform to understand and characterize the energy consumption for general peripheral milling considering workpiece geometry. The comparison of predicted and measured results indicate that the model is capable to estimate the power consumption accurately. The proposed model will be used by the practitioners to find the optimum cutting conditions to reduce power consumption during the machining of curved geometries; a pragmatic condition but not much researched condition in machining.
Epidemiological Characteristics of Imported COVID-19 Cases, March to December 2020, Chengdu, China: Implication for Quarantine and Isolation of International Travelers
Authors: Zhang Wenqiang , Yue Yong , Hu Min , Du Changhui , Wang Cheng , Tuo Xiaoli , Jiang Xiaoman , Fan Shuangfeng , Chen Zhenhua , Chen Heng , Liang Xian , Luan Rongsheng
Published: November 2021

International flights have accelerated the global spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Determination of the optimal quarantine period for international travelers is crucial to prevent the local spread caused by imported COVID-19 cases. We performed a retrospective epidemiological study using 491 imported COVID-19 cases in Chengdu, China, to describe the characteristic of the cases and estimate the time from arrival to confirmation for international travelers using nonparametric survival methods. Among the 491 imported COVID-19 cases, 194 (39.5%) were asymptomatic infections. The mean age was 35.6 years (SD=12.1 years) and 83.3% were men. The majority (74.1%) were screened positive for SARS-CoV-2, conducted by Chengdu Customs District, the People’s Republic of China. Asymptomatic cases were younger than presymptomatic or symptomatic cases (P<0.01). The daily number of imported COVID-19 cases displayed jagged changes. 95% of COVID-19 cases were confirmed by PT-PCR within 14 days (95% CI: 13-15) after arriving in Chengdu. A 14-day quarantine measure can ensure non-infection among international travelers with a 95% probability. Policymakers may consider an extension of the quarantine period to minimize the negative consequences of the COVID-19 confinement and prevent the international spread of COVID-19. Nevertheless, the government should consider the balance between COVID-19 and socioeconomic development, which may cause more serious social and health crises.
Simulation and Optimization of Airport Rainwater Drainage System At Different Control Strategies
Authors: Peng Jing , Yu Lei , Zhong Xiang , Dong Tiansong
Published: November 2021

The impervious area of the airport is high, which leads to the deterioration of the water environment and frequent waterlogging disasters. The construction of sponge airport has become an important and arduous task in the new era of civil aviation design industry in China. In order to compare the effects of different control strategies at different scenarios, take the airport along China's southeast coast as an example, three scenarios were designed in this study (Scenario 1: no LID facilities and other measures; Scenario 2: two pump stations were setting; Scenario 3: both LID facilities and pump stations). Three simulation models under LID facilities and other measures were developed using SWMM with return period of 5a. The simulation results at different scenarios were compared, the number and the best opening scheme of pumps for each reservoir are finally obtained. The results of Scenario 3 show that the full-flow duration of nodes in the study area is greatly shortened. The decrease of full-flow duration of J1, J2 and J3 was 1.2, 0.8 and 0.5 hours respectively, with reduction rates of 40%, 53.3% and 28.6% respectively. The rainfall peak flows both the first and the second were reduced in this scenario, and the reduction rates were 10.68% and 12.78% respectively. However, the reduction effect of the third peak is poor with the further increase of rainfall intensity. The reduction rate of the total inflow and peak flow of rainwater buckets and permeable pavement is better than that of vegetative swale. The results of this study can provide the reference for the design of sponge airport and the airport flood control management.
South African Winter Rainfall Zone Shifts: A Comparison of Seasonality Metrics For Cape Town From 1841-1899 and 1933-2020
Authors: Roffe Sarah Jane , Steinkopf Jessica , Fitchett Jennifer
Published: November 2021

Mounting evidence across South Africa’s southwestern winter rainfall zone (WRZ) reflects consistent drying since ~1980 and projected trends suggest this will continue. However, limited evidence exists for the region’s rainfall seasonality changes. To improve our understanding of these WRZ drying trends, especially within the context of Cape Town’s 2015-2017 “Day Zero” drought, it is necessary to explore long-term rainfall seasonality trends. Thus, we use the longest WRZ meteorological record from the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) in Cape Town to investigate rainfall seasonality shifts during 1841-2020. Consistent with recorded poleward migrations of the subtropical high-pressure belt and mid-latitude westerlies, known drivers behind the drought and drying trends, calculated trends demonstrate strengthening of WRZ conditions, primarily from a later start-date trend leading to a shorter wet-season. Long-term drying trends are quantified for the wet- and dry-seasons, however, analysis of trend evolution reveals much variability, reflecting that drying has only persisted since ~1892. Comparative analyses of the first and last 59 years of 1841-2020 reveals a rainfall decline of ~10% across both seasons – highlighting that the extreme “Day Zero” drought was not only driven by wet-season rainfall declines. Results demonstrate that these drying trends were consistently driven by a long-term decline in rain day counts and a more recent decline in average rainfall per rain day. Correspondence between our results and projected rainfall seasonality trends suggests the trends we quantified will likely continue, thus improvements and continuation of existing water conservation and management strategies are imperative for Cape Town.
Identification of New Inhibitors for Klebsiella Pneumoniae Trimethoprim-Resistant Dihydrofolate Reductase: An in Silico Drug Repurposing Study
Authors: Khedrinia Mostafa , Khademi Farzad , Mirhosseini Seyed Ali , Taheri Ramezan Ali
Published: November 2021

Klebsiella pneumoniae is a gram-negative, non-motile, rod-shaped, and pathogenic bacterium that is widely mutated and resistant to antibiotics. It can cause a wide range of hospital infections such as pneumonia, urinary tract infection, and blood-stream infection in humans. Identification and development of potential drugs due to high drug resistance by Klebsiella pneumoniae are inevitable. Dihydrofolate reductase is a vital enzyme for cells because it converts 7,8-dihydrofolate to 5,6,7,8-tetrahydrofolate. Trimethoprim (TMP) is an inhibitor of K. pneumoniae DHFR and other micro-organisms, but resistance to its action develops quickly when it is used. Identifying and designing new drugs is a costly, time-consuming, and challenging process. On the other hand, computational drug repurposing has become an efficient, economical and riskless strategy. In this study, the structure-based virtual docking approach was used to screen the FDA-approved drugs data-set against K. pneumoniae trimethoprim-resistance DHFR to identify potential hit compounds. Then, to validate the hit compounds, molecular dynamics simulations and MM/PBSA analyses were carried out. Our computational drug repurposing results show that the Olodaterol and Pazopanib like reference ligand interact with key residues such as Ile20, Glu27, Phe31, Met50, Leu53 and inhibit K. pneumoniae trimethoprim-resistant dihydrofolate reductase while TMP does not have strong interaction with the active site. According to the results of the current study and since it was based on drug repurposing both compounds of Pazopanib and Olodaterol could be evaluated in phase 2 clinical trials.
Conversion of Failed Hip Resurfacings to Total Hip Arthroplasty- A Favorable Solution with Satisfactory Outcomes
Authors: Atalla Abdel-hamid A , Abdel-hamid  , Kornah Bahaa A , Abdel-AAl Mohamed , Soltan Abdel-Aleem
Published: November 2021

Background: Hip resurfacing had been utilized since the 1950s. The concept favored for young active patients owing to its proposed advantages. Revision rate of hip resurfacing in most national registries nearly 3.5%. Conversion to total hip replacement may be the correct option for old patients and those whose activity levels changed and the need for hip resurfacing no longer required.Purpose: The aim of this study is to assess the mid-term outcomes of converting failed hip resurfacing arthroplsty to total hip arthroplasty. Primary outcomes included improvement of Oxford, WOMAC, Harris and UCLA hip scores. Also; radiological follow-up has been evaluated for component stability or signs of loosening. Secondary outcomes included surgical site infection, residual groin pain, and heterotopic ossification. Most of patients (22 patients (88%) reported relief of pain and good to excellent patient satisfaction. Study design: Prospective case series study.Level of evidence: Therapeutic IV.Patients and Methods:Twenty–five patients (fifteen males) with failed hip resurfacing arthroplasty converted to total hip arthroplasty enrolled in this study. Mean age 56.8 years. Mean time to revision 36.8 months. Indications for revision included: femoral neck fractures (10 cases), femoral neck thinning (3 cases), component loosening (4 cases) component dislocation (2 cases) persistent groin pain and clicking (3 cases) and wear of components (3 cases). Nineteen patients revised both components while remaining six underwent revision of femoral component only. Results:The average duration of follow up was 26.8 months (28-48 months). The study was an intermediate term follow-up. Clinical outcome evaluated through Oxford, WOMAC, Harris and UCLA hip scores. Preoperative scores 21.3, 78.3, 35,7 and 2 respectively improved to 39.8, 11.1, 92.3 and 7 respectively at last follow-up representing statistically significant improvements over pre-operative scores (p < 0.0001 for each score) Radiological follow-up evaluated for component stability or signs of loosening. No cases of neurological, vascular, deep infection or implant failure. There were 3 cases (3%) with complications. one case complicated by surgical site infection with serous drainage for more than seven days and treated with oral antibiotics and daily dressings. One case had residual groin pain, and third case had mild heterotopic ossification. All patients were satisfied particularly by their pain relief. Average post operative Oxford, Harris and WOMAC hip scores were 17.4, 89.8 and 6.1 respec-tively. representing statistically significant improvements over pre operative scores (p < 0.0001 for each score)Conclusions: study shows conversion of hip resurfacing to THA has high satisfaction rates. These results compare favorably with those for revision total hip arthroplasty
Directional Proton Conductance in Bacteriorhodopsin Is Driven by 2 Concentration Gradient, Not Affinity Gradient
Authors: Ren Zhong
Published: November 2021

It is widely spread that microorganisms can harvest energy from sun light to establish electrochemical potential across cell membrane by pumping protons outward. Light driven proton pumping against a transmembrane gradient entails exquisite electronic and conformational reconfiguration at fs to ms time scales. However, transient molecular events along the photocycle of bacteriorhodopsin are difficult to comprehend from noisy electron density maps obtained from multiple experiments when the intermediate populations coexist and evolve as a function of 13 decades of time. Here I report an in-depth meta-analysis of the recent time-resolved datasets collected by several consortiums. This analysis deconvolutes the observed mixtures, thus substantially improves the quality of the electron density maps, and provides a clear visualization of the isolated intermediates from I to M. The primary photoproducts revealed here suggest a proton transfer uphill against 15 pH units is accomplished by the same physics that governs the tablecloth trick. While the Schiff base is displaced at the beginning of the photoisomerization within ~30 fs, the proton stays due to its inertia. This affinity-independent early deprotonation builds up a steep proton concentration gradient that drives the directional proton conductance toward the extracellular medium. This mechanism fundamentally deviates from the widely adopted assumption based on equilibrium processes driven by light-induced changes of proton affinities. The method of a numerical resolution of concurrent events from mixed observations is also generally applicable.
The Influencing Factors of Postoperative Delirium in Elderly Hip Fracture Patients: What Should Treatment Focus On
Authors: Yan Chunwen , Yang Min , Niu Nasha , Li Linmei , Pan Li
Published: November 2021

Background: The postoperative delirium is a common yet serious complication in elderly patients with hip fracture, it’s necessary to evaluate the potential risk factors of delirium in patients with hip fracture, to provide reliable evidence to the clinical management of hip fracture.Methods: Elderly patients who underwent hip fracture surgery in our hospital from June 1, 2019 to May 31, 2021 were selected. The characteristics and treatment data of delirium and no delirium patients were collected and compared. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to analyze the influencing factors affecting postoperative delirium in elderly patients with hip fracture.Results: A total of 245 patients with hip fracture were included, the incidence of postoperative delirium in patients with hip fracture was 13.06%. There were significant differences in the age, BMI, history of delirium, estimated blood loss and duration of surgery (all p<0.05). There were significant differences in the albumin and TSH between delirium and no delirium group(all p<0.05), Logistics analyses indicated that ge≥75y(OR3.112,95%CI1.527~5.742), BMI ≥24 kg/m2(OR2.127,95%CI1.144~3.598), history of delirium(OR1.754,95%CI1.173~2.347), estimated blood loss≥400ml(OR1.698,95%CI1.427~1.946), duration of surgery≥120min(OR2.138,95%CI1.126~3.085), preoperative albumin≤40g/L(OR1.845,95%CI1.102~2.835) and TSH≤2mU/L(OR2.226, 95%CI1.329~4.011) were the independent risk factors of postoperative delirium in patients with hip fracture(all p<0.05).Conclusions: Postoperative delirium is very common in elderly patients with hip fracture, and it was associated with many risk factors, clinical preventions targeted on those risk factors are needed to reduce the postoperative delirium.
Predicting Daily Pore Water Pressure in Embankment Dam Using Machine Learning Models and Hydrostatic Seasonal Time Approach
Authors: Bilali Ali El , Moukhliss Mohammed , Taleb Abdeslam , Nafii Ayoub , Alabjah Bahija , Brouzyine Youssef , Mazigh Nouhaila , Teznine Khalid , Mhamed Madark
Published: November 2021

Prediction-based approaches are valuable in assessing dam safeties, as they allow comparing the actual measurements with the projected values to detect anomalies early. For two decades, machine learning (ML) algorithms have been developed and improved to help in accurately predicting the dam behaviors. However, the generalization ability (GA) of these models is not analyzed enough in dam engineering. In this study, the Multiple Linear Regression (MLR), Artificial Neural Network (ANN), Support Vector Regression (SVR), and Adaptive Boosting (AdaBoost) models with nonlinear autoregressive exogenous inputs (NARX) are evaluated and compared with the conventional Hydrostatic Seasonal Time (HST) model for predicting the daily pore water pressure in an embankment Dam. Moreover, we proposed a classification method of the model into four categories ‘’Perfect’’, ‘’Excellent’’, ‘’Good’’, and ‘’Poor’’ according to the GA. Results showed that, except for the AdaBoost, the other ML models outperformed the traditional statistical approach (HST) in terms of prediction accuracy as well as the GA. Overall; the study results provide new insights in enhancing the monitoring processes and dam safeties by detecting the anomalies early through the measurements and the selection of the best fitted-models.
A search for a stochastic archetype of quantum probability
Authors: Jenkins Tim C
Published: November 2021

Superposed wavefunctions in quantum mechanics lead to a squared amplitude that introduces interference into a probability density, which has long been a puzzle because interference between probability densities exists nowhere else in probability theory. In recent years, Man’ko and coauthors have successfully reconciled quantum and classic probability using a symplectic tomographic model. Nevertheless, there remains an unexplained coincidence in quantum mechanics, namely, that mathematically, the interference term in the squared amplitude of superposed wavefunctions has the form of a variance of a sum of correlated random variables, and we examine whether there could be an archetypical variable behind quantum probability that provides a mathematical foundation that observes both quantum and classic probability directly. The properties that would need to be satisfied for this to be the case are identified, and a generic hidden variable that satisfies them is found that would be present everywhere, transforming into a process-specific variable wherever a quantum process is active. Uncovering this variable confirms the possibility that it is the stochastic archetype of quantum probability.
Dizziness In A Tertiary Neurological Department： A Retrospective Study
Authors: Shen Youjin , Liu Wentao , Qi Xiaokun
Published: November 2021

Background
Dizziness is a common and challenging condition among population. There is little published study which surveys the characteristics of dizziness of inpatients in the department of neurology.
Objective
This study was to investigate the inpatients with dizziness as the chief complaint in a neurology department.
Materials and Methods
We conducted a retrospective study of inpatients with dizziness attending a tertiary neurological department in Beijing. We audited 211 patients with dizziness as the chief complaint from 1841 patients discharged from our tertiary neurological department.
Results
The inpatients with dizziness as the chief complaint accounted for 11.5% of all inpatients. Dizziness was more common in women than in men (p=0.004). There were more patients presenting with vertigo (40.8%) and light-headedness (39.8%) than disequilibrium (17.1%) and pre-syncope (2.4%). Nausea (48.3%), vomiting (34.1%), headache (13.3%), walk unsteadily (13.3%) and ear symptoms (12.8%) were the most common accompanying symptoms. Hypertension, diabetes, cerebrovascular diseases, dyslipidemia, and coronary heart disease were the most common diseases in past medical history. Dix-Hallpike test (24.6%) and Romberg’s sign (11.4%) were positive in dizziness patients. Nystagmus (2.4%), vision changes (1.4%) and hearing disorders (8.5%) were relatively rare symptoms. MRI (60.2%), CT (31.8%), carotid duplex ultrasound (30.8%), echocardiography (28.0%) were common auxiliary examination. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (24.2%) and stroke/transient ischemic attack (19.0%) were common causes of dizziness. 97.2% of inpatients with dizziness can be improving after treatment.
Conclusion
Dizziness was a common and challenging condition. Vertigo and light-headedness were the most common dizziness types. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and stroke/transient ischemic attack were the common dizziness disorders. The prognosis of most patients with dizziness was good.
Simultaneous Measurement of Temperature and Refractive Index Based on An SPR Silicon Core Fiber Sensor with a Fused Silica Grating Design
Authors: Yu Yi Lin , Kishikawa Hiroki , Liaw Shien-Kuei , Goto Nobuo , Liu Wen-Fung
Published: November 2021

This paper proposed a fiber sensor based on a Silicon core fiber incorporated with a fused silica grating design. The proposed structure is a nice sensitive in refractive index and temperature variation through theoretical calculation and finite element method simulation. The sensitivities of the refractive index in different polarization directions are 1838.7 and 1949.8 nm/RIU, respectively, within the index range from 1.28 to 1.38 RIU. The temperature range within 15 to 40 oC has the sensitivity up to 1.6 nm/oC by using ethanol analyte. The proposed fiber sensor can provide a method or a solution for intelligent sensing systems.