bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nursing Remuneration Index
Authors: Suprajitno Suprajitno
Published: July 2022

Introduction: Nurses have some variables, which can be used as basic of the remuneration. The aim of the study was to develop nursing remuneration index in the hospital of Ngudi Waluyo Wlingi using statistics approach.Methods: Research design was descriptive, study that is divided into two levels. The fi rst level was surveying and focus group discussion and the second level was assessing the remuneration index formula by simulation. The subject for surveying was the whole nurses who have state employ status at hospital of Ngudi Waluyo Wlingi on 2011 while for the focus group discussion was the executive management and nurses. Subject for surveying were 117 nurses, while for focus group discussion was two executive management and ten nurses. The data analysis was by using AMOS software. Result: Remuneration index formed by three factors were worked place, additional job which was measured by the daily additional job and the length as observer, and kind of nursing interventions which were measured from the amount of nursing intervention in the category of simple, mild, moderate, severe, and special nursing intervention. Resulting formula of remuneration index was (0.252 x Worked place categories) + (0.226 x Additional job index) + (0.218 x Kind of nursing intervention index).Discussion: Fit assessment by using goodness of fit index was 0.827, which mean 82.7% of the remuneration index formula can be explained by factors of workplace, additional job, and kind of nursing intervention, while 17.3% was explained by other factors.
The virtual peripheral nerve academy: education for the identification and treatment of peripheral nerve disorders
Authors: Lee Erica B. , Podsednik Allison , Khoo Kimberly , Cheema Amal , Cabrejo Raysa , Shen Chen , Rosen Joseph , Dellon A. Lee
Published: July 2022

Millions of people around the globe suffer peripheral nerve injuries caused by trauma and medical disorders. However, medical school curricula are profoundly deficient in peripheral nerve education. This lack of knowledge within the healthcare profession may cause inadequate patient care. We developed the Virtual Peripheral Nerve Academy (VPNA) as a reusable virtual learning environment to provide medical students with detailed education on the peripheral nervous system (PNS). Students are introduced to the PNS through virtual 3D rendering of the human body, wherein they visualize individual nerves through dissection and observe normal motor and sensory function associated with each nerve. PNS structures that are absent from traditional texts are included in this visualization, ranging from the innervation of joints to the normal anatomic variation required for differential diagnosis of pain after an injury. Detailed modules on peripheral nerve disorders allow students to observe pathophysiological mechanisms, associated symptomatology, and appropriate treatments. Students are briefed on a patient clinical case, then interact with a patient avatar to learn the appropriate diagnostics, including physical exam maneuvers and electrodiagnostic testing. Interactive modules on peripheral nerve surgeries detail surgical techniques. The VPNA data and analytics dashboards allow medical students and course instructors to assess skill improvement and identify specific learning needs. The built-in learner management system and availability on both computer-based and virtual reality platforms facilitate integration into any existing medical school curricula. Ultimately, this immersive technology enables every medical student to learn about the peripheral nervous system and gain competency in treating real-life nerve pathologies.
Les Pins vus par les peintres
Authors: Pinon Jean
Published: July 2022

De nombreuses peintures sont dédiées aux pins, principalement le Pin pignon (côte méditerranéenne, artistes français et italiens principalement), le Pin sylvestre (Europe du Nord, peintres britanniques, russes et scandinaves), le Pin maritime et à quelques espèces nord-américaines et asiatiques. Les peintures présentent le Pin en peuplement ou solitaire et quelquefois des parties de branches ou des cônes. Les principaux dommages sont dus au vent (déformation, bris, chablis) et rarement au feu. Les peintres ont figuré de nombreux animaux ; notamment des oiseaux. Les hommes sont associés, souvent voyageant ou menant des activités récréatives (repos, lecture, musique ou danse, sports), généralement dans une atmosphère sereine. Quelques travaux forestiers sont documentés (collecte de bois, de résine, de cônes, d’aiguilles ou de champignons). Contrairement au Chêne, les pins ne semblent pas faire l’objet de vénération mais sont associés à des évènements mythologiques ou religieux.
Spatial Frequency Analysis by Adopting Regional Analysis with Radar Rainfall in Taiwan
Authors: Chang Che-Hao , Rahmad Riki , Wu Shiang-Jen , Hsu Chih-Tsung
Published: July 2022

This study proposed a spatially and temporally improving methodology adopting the Regional Frequency Analysis with L-moments approach to estimate rainfall quantiles from 22787 grids of radar rainfall in Taiwan for a 24-hour duration. Due to limited radar coverage in the eastern region, significant discordant grids were found in the coastal area of the eastern region. A K-means cluster analysis using scaled at-site characteristics was used to group the QPESUMS grids in Taiwan into 22 clusters/sub-regions based on their characteristics. Spatially, homogeneous subregions with QPESUMS data produce more detailed homogeneous subregions with clear and continuous boundaries, especially in the mountain range area where the number of rain stations is still very limited. According to the results of z-values and L-moment ratio diagrams, the Wakeby (WAK), Generalized Extreme Value (GEV), and Generalized Pareto (GPA) distributions of rainfall extremes fitted well for the majority of subregions. The Wakeby distribution was the dominant best-fitted distribution, especially in the central and eastern regions. The east of the northern part and southern part of Taiwan had the highest extreme rainfall for each return period. Both areas were frequently struck by typhoons. By using grid-based (at-site) as the basis for assessing regional frequency analysis, the results show that the regional approach in determining extreme rainfall is very suitable for large-scale applications and even better for smaller scales such as watershed areas. The spatial investigation was performed by establishing regions of interest in small subregions across the northern part. It showed that regionalization was correct and consistent.
Анализ динамики эпидемического процесса COVID-19 в мире за неделю с 16.07.2022 г. по 22.07.2022 г.
Authors: Гусева Валерия , Поспелов Михаил , Зимирова Анастасия , Иванова Александра , Чумачкова Елена , Дмитриева Людмила , Карнаухов Игорь , Щербакова Светлана , Кутырев Владимир
Published: July 2022

В обзоре представлен анализ эпидемиологической ситуации в странах мира по COVID-19, за неделю с 16.07.2022 г. по 22.07.2022 г.
Patients Who Undergo Rotator Cuff Repair Can Safely Return to Driving at 2 Weeks Postoperatively
Authors: Badger Ariel E. , Samuel Linsen T. , Tegge Allison N. , Metrey Mariette , Perez Miguel A. , Tuttle John R. , Apel Peter J.
Published: July 2022

Background:

Evidence-based guidelines are lacking for return to driving following rotator cuff repair (RCR). As a result, surgeons are often overly conservative in their recommendations, placing potential undue burden on patients and their families. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to formulate evidence-based return-to-driving guidelines.

Methods:

Thirty-two subjects planning to undergo primary RCR were enrolled. Driving fitness was assessed in a naturalistic setting with an instrumented vehicle on public streets with a safety monitor onboard. Driving kinematic measures and behavioral data were obtained from vehicle data and camera capture. Several driving tasks and maneuvers were evaluated, including parking, left and right turns, straightaways, yielding, highway merges, and U-turns. The total course length was 15 miles (24 km) and the course took 45 to 55 minutes to complete. The subjects’ baseline drive was performed prior to RCR and postoperative drives occurred at 2, 4, 6, and 12 weeks after RCR. All drives consisted of identical routes, tasks, and maneuvers. Driving metrics were analyzed for differences between baseline and postoperative drives, including differences in gravitational force equivalents (g).

Results:

Twenty-seven subjects (mean age, 58.6 years [range, 43 to 68 years]) completed all 5 drives. Of the 13 analyzed kinematic metrics measured from 14 of 17 driving events, all exhibited noninferiority across all postoperative drives (2 to 12 weeks) after RCR compared with baseline. Beginning at postoperative week 2, subjects generally braked less aggressively, steered more smoothly, and drove more stably. Kinematic metrics during the performance of specific maneuver types also showed noninferiority when compared with baseline. Of note, subjects drove more smoothly on highway merges starting at postoperative week 2 (minimum longitudinal acceleration, −0.35 g [95% confidence interval (CI), −0.050 to −0.019 g]; standard deviation of longitudinal acceleration, 0.008 g [95% CI, 0.003 to 0.013 g]), but exhibited more aggressive driving and acceleration on highway merges at postoperative week 12 (maximum absolute yaw, −0.8°/sec [95% CI, −1.2°/sec to −0.4°/sec]).

Conclusions:

Patients showed no clinically important negative impact on driving fitness as early as 2 weeks after RCR. Adaptive behaviors were present both preoperatively and postoperatively.

Level of Evidence:

Prognostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Capacidades Estatais para a Administração Política da Inovação Tecnológica no Brasil
Authors: Paço Cunha Elcemir , Mendes Giovani Peterson Alves
Published: July 2022

Objetivo da pesquisa: Analisar as capacidades estatais no Brasil, em âmbito federal, associadas ao desenvolvimento de política de inovação tecnológica no contexto da Indústria 4.0.

Enquadramento teórico: Modelo dicotômico, modificado, das capacidades estatais, fundamentado no institucionalismo e no marxismo.

Metodologia: Realizou-se um survey junto aos profissionais dos ministérios componentes do Conselho Superior da Câmara Brasileira da Indústria 4.0, obtendo-se 117 questionários respondidos aos quais aplicou-se estatística descritiva.

Resultados: Os resultados sugerem heterogeneidade das capacidades, sinalizando a convivência entre, de um lado, alta escolaridade, alta compatibilidade de formação e trajetória com as funções executadas, adequada coerência interna e coordenação entre os órgãos e, de outro, limitações agudas em termos de condições humanas, financeiras e materiais e resultados discutíveis quanto à interação com atores externos com efeitos potenciais sobre a autonomia do aparato administrativo.

Originalidade: Capacidades estatais para políticas de inovação tecnológica no contexto da Indústria 4.0.

Contribuições teóricas e práticas: Explicita os pontos deficitários para o desenvolvimento de política de inovação em nível federal, possibilitando modificações futuras.
Quantitative Determination of Rod Pump Leakage Using Dynamometer Techniques
Authors: Nolen K. B. , Gibbs S. G.
Published: July 2022

New methods for quantifying pump leakage are described. These methods extend the effectiveness of dynamometer analysis and can lessen the dependence on well tests in determining the degree of pump leakage. Actual examples are included to illustrate the techniques. A detailed description of traveling and standing valve leakage checks is also included.

Introduction

The polished rod dynamometer has many important uses in determining surface equipment loads, calculation of downhole pump dynamometer cards and visual diagnosis of downhole pump conditions. It is also useful in determining the mechanical condition of the downhole pump from simple and inexpensive measurements taken at the surface.

All downhole rod pumps employ barrels (cylinders), plungers (pistons) and traveling and standing valves (normally balls and seats). As the names suggest, the traveling valve "travels" up and down with the rods and the standing valve "stands still" with respect to the tubing. Figure 1-a illustrates the primary parts of the two types of API pumps, the rod pump and the tubing pump. With the tubing pump, the barrel is an integral part of the tubing string allowing the use of a larger plunger when compared with rod pumps. With the rod pump, the entire mechanism (including the barrel) is run inside the tubing on the rods. There are three basic rod pump configurations which are (1) top anchor, (2) bottom anchor with traveling barrel and (3) bottom anchor with stationary barrel. Regardless of the type or configuration, basic pump operation is the same.

This paper presents the theory of traveling and standing valve checks with a dynamometer and documents three quantitative methods for deriving pump slippage rates in barrels per day.
Intensification of CO2 absorption and desorption by metallic and non-metallic nanoparticles in bubble columns
Authors: Zarei Fariba , Keshavarz Peyman
Published: July 2022

In this study, four different metallic and non-metallic nanoparticles including CuO, Fe3O4, ZnO and SiO2 were employed to improve CO2 absorption and desorption in MDEA-based nanofluid. CO2 absorption experiment with various nanofluids was done in a bubble column reactor at ambient temperature. Also, CO2 stripping experiments for all nanofluids were done at 60 and 70 oC. The influence of nanoparticles type, nanoparticle concentration, and the stability of nanoparticles were studied on both CO2 absorption and stripping. The obtained results revealed that Fe3O4 nanoparticles at 0.01 wt.% concentration had the best influence on CO2 absorption and it improved the CO2 loading up to 36%. Also, CO2 stripping experiments for all nanofluids were done at 60 and 70 oC. The desorption experiments illustrated that metallic nanoparticles can be more efficient in improving CO2 desorption. In CO2 desorption, the CuO nanoparticles at 0.05 wt.% had higher efficiency, and enhanced CO2 concentration at outlet gas phase up to 44.2 vol.% at 70 oC.
Granting Market Countries the Right to Tax Profit without Physical Nexus
Authors: Richter Wolfram F
Published: July 2022

Almost 140 countries have accepted the OECD invitation to reform the taxation of multinational enterprises (MNEs). One of two reform pillars aims at granting market countries the right to tax supernormal (“residual”) profit without requiring physical nexus. This paper examines the method of implementation proposed by the OECD and compares it with various discarded options. It concludes that intercountry tax equity and allocative efficiency speak against the OECD proposal to use a sales-based formula for allocating an MNE’s group profit. Simply splitting each market country’s residual profit contribution by an MNE-independent key is to be preferred. An even more fundamental argument in favor of residual profit splitting (RPS) is practicability of negotiation. RPS is implementable within the well-established tradition of separate entity assessment. By contrast, the OECD proposal calls for steps toward unitary taxation to be implemented through a multinational convention, which could still prove to be a daunting hurdle in the international search for consensus.JEL Classification: H25, M48, F23
Genetic diversity analysis of different populations of Lutjanus kasmira based on SNP markers
Authors: Zhao Fangcao , Guo Liang , Zhang Nan , Yang Jingwen , Zhu Kecheng , Liu Baosuo , Guo Huayang , Liu Bo , Zhang Dianchang , Jiang Shigui
Published: July 2022

Lutjanus kasmira belongs to family Lutjanidae. Over the past 20 years, the L. kasmira population in the South China Sea has been shrinking due to climate change, pressure from human activities and inadequate food supplies. Moreover, the allometric factors of this species show interannual variation and seasonal fluctuations. The ratio of females to males is increasing annually, the proportion of sexually mature individuals and body length at sexual maturity have decreased continuously, and the mean feeding intensity and fattening degree have decreased gradually. In this study, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data obtained from restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RAD-seq) were used to assess the genetic diversity of L. kasmira in Zhubi Dao (ZB) and Meiji Dao (MJ). The genome-wide nucleotide diversity (π) of the ZB population and MJ population was 0.02478 and 0.02154, respectively. The inbreeding coefficient (Fis) of the ZB population and MJ population was − 0.18729 and 0.03256, respectively. The genetic differentiation (Fst) between the ZB and MJ subpopulations was 0.00255102. The expected heterozygosity (He) of individuals from ZB and MJ was 0.33585 and 0.22098, respectively. The observed heterozygosity (Ho) of individuals from the ZB population and MJ population was 0.46834 and 0.23103, respectively. Although the ZB and MJ populations did not show significant genetic differences, genetic differentiation between them was confirmed using population structure, phylogenetic, and principal component analyses. These results indicated that the genetic diversity of the ZB and MJ populations was relatively low at the genome level, and their genetic differences were small.
Effect of rigid-flexible coupling and bending-torsional vibrations on the dynamics of an articulated two degree of freedom manipulator
Authors: Mishra Natraj , Singh S.P.
Published: July 2022

In the present, dynamic analysis of a Two-Link Flexible manipulator is carried out using Lagrangian dynamics and finite element method. The flexible links are susceptible to both bending and torsional vibrations. Euler-Bernoulli beam theory is used to define the bending deformation of flexible links. The ‘space-frame’ and ‘plane-frame’ finite elements are used during discretization. The mathematical model of the flexible manipulator is derived accurately after considering the effects of various non-linear phenomena like centrifugal force, Coriolis force, and gravity on three different categories of flexible manipulators. The coupling between the Rigid and Elastic motions of the flexible links are considered while obtaining the simulation results. It is found that this coupling increases the time taken for completion of simulation. Hence, an alternate model is provided that gives fast results and with same accuracy as the actual coupled model. The present work is novel in the respect that it highlights the importance of studying the torsional effects of vibrations besides the bending vibrations on the positional accuracy of flexible manipulators.
Assessing the efficacy and safety of mycophenolate mofetil versus azathioprine in patients with autoimmune hepatitis (CAMARO trial): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Snijders* Romée , Stoelinga* Anna EC , Gevers Tom JG , Pape Simon , Biewenga Maaike , Verdonk Robert C , de Jonge Hendrik JM , Vrolijk Jan Maarten , Bakker Sjoerd F , Vanwolleghem Thomas , de Boer Ynto S , Pronk Martine AMC Baven , Beuers Ulrich HW , Meer Adriaan J van der , Gerven Nicole MF van , Sijtsma Marijn GM , Verwer Bart J , Gisbertz Ingrid AM , Bartelink Maartje , Brand Floris F van den , Korkmaz Kerem Sebib , Berg Aad P van den , Guichelaar Maureen MJ , Soufidi Khalida , Levens Amar D , Hoek* Bart van , Drenth* Joost PH
Published: July 2022

Background: Currently, standard therapy for autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) consists of a combination of prednisolone and azathioprine. However, 15% of patients are intolerant for azathioprine that necessitate cessation of azathioprine or changes in therapy. In addition, not all patients achieve complete biochemical response (CR). Uncontrolled data indicate that mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) can induce CR in a majority of patients. Better understanding of first-line treatment and robust evidence from randomised clinical trials are needed. The aim of this study wasto explore the potential benefits of MMF as compared to azathioprine, both combined with prednisolone, as induction therapy in a randomised controlled trial in patients with treatment-naive AIH. Methods: CAMARO is a randomised (1:1), open-label, parallel-group, multicentre superiority trial. All patients with AIH are screened for eligibility. Seventy adult patients with AIH from thirteen centres in the Netherlands and Belgium will be randomised to receive MMF or azathioprine. Both treatment arms will start with prednisolone as induction therapy. The primary outcome is biochemical remission, defined as serum levels of alanine aminotransferase and immunoglobulin G below the upper limit of normal. Secondary outcomes include safety and tolerability of MMF and azathioprine, time to remission, changes in Model For End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD)-score, adverse events, and aspects of quality of life. The study period will last for 24 weeks. Discussion: The CAMARO trial investigates whether treatment with MMF and prednisolone increases the proportion of patients in remission compared with azathioprine and prednisolone as the current standard treatment strategy. In addition, we reflect on the challenges of conducting a randomized trial in rare diseases. Trial registration: EudraCT 2016-001038-91. Prospectively registered on 18 April 2016.
Retrospective analysis of the 18F-FDG PET/CT cutoff value for metabolic parameters was performed as a prediction model to evaluate risk factors for endometrial cancer.
Authors: Ye Yang , Zhao Zhi Shu , Wu Fang Su
Published: July 2022

Purpose
The study retrospectively analyzed the accuracy and predictive ability of preoperative integrated whole-body 18F-FDG PET/CT for the assessment of high-risk factors in patients with endometrial carcinoma (EC).
Materials and methods
A total of 205 patients with histologically curettage-confirmed endometrial cancer who underwent preoperative PET/CT at Shanghai General Hospital from January 2017 to December 2019 were retrospectively evaluated. 42 postmenopausal pathological confirmed endometrial atypical hyperplasia (EAH) were as control. Our study evaluated the ability and optimal cutoff values of three metabolic and volumetric parameters—standardized uptake value (SUV), metabolic tumor volume (MTV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG)—to predict deep myometrial invasion (DMI), endocervical stroma invasion (ESI) and lymph node metastases (LNM) in endometrial cancer. The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of PET/CT were used to assess the diagnostic performance for the prediction of the above risk factors.
Results
Our study demonstrated a significant relationship between SUVmax, SUVmean, MTV, and TLG on PET/CT and histologically confirmed DMI, ESI, and LNM in endometrial carcinoma (EC) (P < 0.01), with sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV, and NPV of 100%/100%/100%, 96.53%/98.89%/87.14%, 97.56%/99.02%/91.22%, 92.42%/92.85%/78.31%, and 100%/100%/100%, respectively. The present study showed a risk model based on optimal cutoff values for MTV and TLG of 19.6 ml/126.3 g, 20.54 ml/84.80 g and 24 ml/49.83 g to preoperatively predict DMI, ESI, and LNM, respectively, in endometrial carcinoma (P < 0.01). Patients with MTV > = 19.6 ml of MI and PET- positive LN with MTV cutoff > = 24 ml tended to predict poor OS and PFS.
Conclusions
These cutoffs of MTV and TLG in PET/CT assessment could be an independent prognostic factors to predict aggressive forms of EC.
A Green Amino Acid-based Solvent Blended with Diethanolamine Solution for CO2 Capture Using Micro-contactor
Authors: Karimi Forough , Valeh-e-Sheyda Peyvand
Published: July 2022

The core for carbon dioxide capture is the development of green solvents for absorption processes. The current research aims at the CO2 capture process from a gas stream in a micro-contactor using an amino acid-based green technology containing diethanolamine (DEA) and L-arginine (ARG) solutions. The gas-liquid mass transfer performance has been experimentally assessed in terms of CO2 absorption efficiency (%) and volumetric gas-phase mass transfer coefficient (KGaV). The measurements have been carried out under liquid flow rate (QL: 3.0–9.0 ml/min), gas flow rate (QG: 120.0-300.0 ml/min) at a constant temperature of 45°C, and atmospheric pressure. The aqueous composition of the blended solution was DEA ARG (35 0 wt%), DEA ARG (31 4 wt%), DEA ARG (27 8 wt%), and DEA ARG (23 12 wt%). It was found that an increase in the solvent flow rate from 3.0 to 9.0 ml/min enhanced the absorption efficiency, KGaV, and NGaV by 2.5%, 12.8%, and 2.6%, respectively. However, an increase in the gas flow rate from 120.0 to 300.0 ml/min reduced the efficiency by 6% but improved the KGaV and NGaV by 88% and 225%, respectively. Additionally, the KGaV values followed a declining trend as the contribution of the DEA in the blended solution increased. Based on RSM modeling, the correlations for predicting the KGaV and CO2 absorption efficiency into blended DEA-Arg were successfully established versus independent process variables. According to the optimization results, the maximum absorption efficiency and KGaV were attained at 92.93% and 69.40 kmol/m3.h.kPa for QL of 9.0 ml/min, QG of 263.4 ml/min, CDEA−ARG of (23 12 wt%). Comparing the gas-liquid mass transfer characteristics of the blended DEA-ARG with conventional secondary amine, DEA, in the T-shaped micro-contactor illustrated that presence of L-arginine amino acid with high concentrations of 12 wt%, as a promoter for CO2 capture, can boost the performance of CO2 absorption process.
On the estimation of hip joint loads through musculoskeletal modeling
Authors: Tomasi Matilde , Artoni Alessio , Mattei Lorenza , Puccio Francesca Di
Published: July 2022

Noninvasive estimation of joint loads is still an open challenge in biomechanics. Although musculoskeletal modeling represents a solid resource, multiple improvements are still necessary to obtain accurate predictions of joint loads and to translate such potential into practical utility. The present study, focused on the hip joint, is aimed at reviewing the state-of-the-art literature on the estimation of hip joint reaction forces through musculoskeletal modeling. Our literature inspection, based on well-defined selection criteria, returned eighteen works, which were compared in terms of methods and results. Deviations between predicted and in vivo measured hip joint loads were assessed through quantitative error indices. Despite the numerous modeling and computational improvements made over the last two decades, predicted hip joint loads still deviate from their experimental counterparts, which are typically overestimated. Several critical aspects have emerged that affect muscle force estimation, hence joint loads. Among them, the physical fidelity of the musculoskeletal model, with its parameters and geometry, plays a crucial role. Also, predicted joint loads are markedly affected by the selected muscle recruitment strategy, which reflects the underlying motor control policy. Practical guidelines for researchers interested in noninvasive estimation of hip joint loads are also provided.
Measures to foster a safety culture for physicians
Authors: Ito Masahiro , Koike Daisuke , Hamaguchi Noriko , Tomomatu Keiko , Tonogai Yuusuke , Aikou Kagetoshi , Suzuki Tatsuya , Horiguchi Akihiko , Shiroki Ryouichi
Published: July 2022

Introduction: Our hospital began a hospital-wide effort to increase incident reporting around 2012. Since then, the number of reports has increased from 1,210 in 2012 to 16,603 in 2021. However, the number of reports from physicians has not been increasing. Although several measures have been taken to address this situation, the effectiveness of such measures is still unclear. In this study, we compared the numbers of reports from physicians in detail to determine potential effective measures.Methods: We examined the numbers of physicians’ incident reports (at Fujita Health University Hospital) from April 2014 to March 2021. We focused on the reporting rate by physicians out of all incident reports, the number of reports by department, and the number of reports per person by department. We also evaluated the effect of measures and events on improving the increase in incident reports. These include a medical accident investigation system started in 2015, a simplified reporting system established in 2016 for easy reporting, complication reporting standards stipulated in 2017, awareness-raising activities at the training and liaison meetings since 2019, reporting by residents mandated in 2020, and detailed case conferences and feedback for each of the other events. The results were also comparatively examined against the results of safety culture surveys conducted by each department during the same period.Results: Physicians’ incident reporting began to increase in 2015, increasing further with the stipulation of reporting standards in 2017. When it became mandatory for residents to report at least 10 cases per year in 2020, reporting by junior residents increased markedly. Each department, including accident investigation in the clinical department, had a tendency to increase by case. Departments with a high number of reports performed better in the safety culture survey. While the number of patient complaints at hospitals has been increasing nationwide, it has been decreasing at our hospital; this is thought to be one of the effects of these measures.Conclusion: Incident reporting is indispensable in fostering a safety culture among physicians. The survey results indicated that in order to increase the number of incident reports as much as possible, it is important to clearly define the items to be reported. Furthermore, the Safety Office should establish a system for each case and develop a remedial action plan.
A nomogram prediction model for the 14-year risk of type 2 diabetes in healthy East China residents: a retrospective cohort study from 15,166 participants
Authors: Xu Tiancheng , Yu Decai , Zhou Weihong , Yu Lei
Published: July 2022

Aims This paper aims to develop a simple and personalized prediction model for type 2 diabetes based on physical examination data to identify high-risk populations in East China.Methods A 14-year retrospective cohort study of 15,166 nondiabetic patients undergoing annual physical examinations was conducted. Multivariate logistic regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) models were constructed for univariate analysis, factor selection, and predictive model building. Calibration curves and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to assess the calibration and prediction accuracy of the nomogram, and decision curve analysis (DCA) was used to assess the clinical validity of the nomogram.Results The 14-year incidence of type 2 diabetes in our study was 4.1%. We developed a nomogram that predict the risk of type 2 diabetes. The calibration curve shows that the nomogram has good calibration ability, and in internal validation, the area under our ROC curve (AUC) showed statistical accuracy (AUC = 0.865). Finally, DCA supports the clinical predictive value of this nomogram. Conclusion The nomogram of this study can serve as a simple, economical, and widely scalable tool to predict the individualized risk of type 2 diabetes in East China. Successful identification and intervention of high-risk individuals at an early stage can help to provide more effective treatment strategies from the perspectives of predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine.
HDAC6-Dependent Deacetylation of TAK1 Enhances sIL-6R Release to Promote Macrophage M2 Polarization in Colon Cancer
Authors: Li Hui , Xu Guangying , Niu LiLing , Wang Youhui , Yang Guang , Zhu Xingwu , Yao Yuan , Zhao Gang , Wang Shaowei
Published: July 2022

Histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6), a member of the HDAC family, has been identified as a potential therapeutic target for tumor therapy, but the function and underlying mechanisms of HDAC6 in colon cancer are incompletely characterized. Our study showed that the infiltration ratio of M2 macrophages was increased in colon cancer tissues with high HDAC6 expression. Similarly, the knockdown of HDAC6 in colon cancer cells inhibited co-cultured macrophage M2 polarization in vitro. Analysis of the antibody chip revealed that HDAC6 promoted sIL-6R release to enhance macrophage M2 polarization. Mass spectrometry and immunoprecipitation demonstrated that, mechanistically, HDAC6 interacted with transforming growth factor β–activated kinase 1 (TAK1), deacetylated TAK1 at T178 and promoted TAK1 phosphorylation. TAK1-p38 MAPK signalling could further increase the phosphorylation and activity of ADAM17, which is responsible for shedding of IL-6R. Notably, the expression of phosphorylated TAK1 was positively correlated with HDAC6 expression and macrophage M2 polarization in human colon cancer tissues. Our study revealed a new HDAC6-TAK1-ADAM17 regulatory axis that mediates sIL-6R release and macrophage polarization in colon cancer.
The effects of urban density on the provision of multiple health-related ecosystem services
Authors: KROFT L. Emily , ZITER Carly D
Published: July 2022

Cities globally are expanding at an unprecedented rate, requiring an understanding of how to grow cities in a way that minimizes environmental impact while providing ecological benefits to people. Compact cities are often advocated for due to reduced impacts on biodiversity. However, increased development within an existing urban footprint may lead to loss of ecosystem services (ES) if accompanied by a loss of green space. We use spatial data and remote sensing approaches to explore relationships between urban form and indicators of health-related ES (temperature regulation, air pollution regulation, green space accessibility) at 250 study sites across a range of percent building cover in Montreal, Canada. We ask: 1) How does building cover and associated landscape structure affect multiple biophysical indicators linked to health-based ES? 2) Is population density related to ES provision at the scale of investigation once building cover is accounted for? Relationships between building cover and ES provision varied across the studied indicators. Loss of greenspace accompanying increased building cover did not affect air quality, for example, which depended strongly on pollutant sources. However, increased building cover – and accompanying vegetation loss – was a strong driver of higher daytime temperatures. For ES provided by greenspace access, there was a trade-off between the ability to provide public vs. private greenspace; suggesting public greenspace should be prioritized to maximize ES provision. Overall, our findings support that urban densification must be pursued with consideration for the overall landscape structure, and prioritize maintenance of vegetation in particular.
Deformation behavior and its Effect on the Mechanical Properties of Nanoparticles in Pure Nanoparticle-modulated System
Authors: Wu Yue , Li Kuan
Published: July 2022

Nanoparticles (NPs) are widely used in many practical applications. However, their deformation behaviors and the subsequent effects on their mechanical properties in pure nanoparticle-modulated systems still remain unclear. These research challenges were systematically investigated using coarse-grained molecular dynamics (CGMD) simulations. Firstly, it was observed that both the stiffness and tensile strength of the NPs system were greatly influenced by the cohesion energy of the NPs under uniaxial tensile/compressive loads. It was also revealed that the larger the cohesion energy between neighboring particles, the stronger the stiffness and strength. Secondly, the distribution and evolution of the local virial stress component, σxx of the NPs system with varying εp of the NPs under tension and compression were also explored. Finally, the effect of particle size on the mechanical properties and deformation mode of the NPs system were discussed. These results have certain reference value for the optimal design of pure nanoparticle-modulated system materials.
Engineering of Tetanus Toxoid Loaded Polymeric Microneedle Patches
Authors: Arshad Muhammad Sohail , Gulfam Shafaq , Zafar Saman , Ahmad Nadia , Jalil Najmusama Abdul , Qutachi Omar , Chang Ming-Wei , Singh Neenu , Ahmad Zeeshan
Published: July 2022

This study is aimed to fabricate tetanus toxoid laden microneedle patches using a polymeric blend comprising of polyvinyl pyrollidone and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose as base materials and sorbitol as a plasticizer. The tetanus toxoid was mixed with polymeric blend and patches were prepared using vacuum micromoulding technique. Microneedle patches were evaluated for physical attributes such as uniformity of thickness, folding endurance, swelling profile etc. Morphological features were assessed by optical and scanning electron microscopy. In-vitro performance of fabricated patches was studied by using bicinchoninic acid assay (BCA). Insertion ability of microstructures was studied in-vitro on model skin parafilm and in-vivo in albino rat. In-vivo immunogenic activity of the formulation was assessed by recording immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels, interferon gamma (IFN-γ) levels and T-cell (CD4+ and CD8+) count following the application of dosage forms. Prepared patches, displaying sharp-tipped and smooth-surfaced microstructures, remained intact after 350 folding. Optimized microneedle patch formulation showed ~74 % swelling and ~85.6 % vaccine release within an hour. The microneedles successfully pierced parafilm. Histological examination of microneedle treated rat skin confirmed disruption of epidermis without damaging the underneath vasculature. A significant increase in IgG levels (~21 %), IFN-γ levels (~30 %), CD4+ (~41.5 %) and CD8+ (~48.5 %) cell count was observed in tetanus vaccine loaded microneedle patches treated albino rats with respect to control (untreated) group at 42nd day of immunization. In conclusion, tetanus toxoid loaded microneedle patches can be considered as an efficient choice for transdermal delivery of vaccine without inducing pain commonly experienced with hypodermic needles.
A 30 years follow-up study in the cadmium former polluted area in Japan: the relationship between cadmium exposure and β2-microglobulin in the urine of Japanese
Authors: Sun Xian Liang , Phuc Hoang Duc , Okamoto Rie , Kido Teruhiko , Oanh Nguyen Thi Phuong , Manh Ho Dung , Anh Le Thai , Ichimori Akie , Nogawa Kazuhiro , Suwazono Yasushi , Nakagawa Hideaki
Published: July 2022

Cadmium (Cd) is an environmental pollutant. Long-term exposure to Cd may lead adverse health effects in humans. Our epidemiological studies showed that urinary Cd (U-Cd) concentrations increased from 2008 to 2014, although they were reduced from 1986 until 2008. This aim of this study was to elucidate the long-term effects of the changing trend of cadmium exposure levels (U-Cd) on residents' renal function within 30 years after Cd-exposure ceased. In 2016, urine samples were collected from each participant by visiting 20 elderly Japanese (9 female and 11 male) living in the Kakehashi river basin; a previously Cd-polluted area in Ishikawa, Japan. The geometric means of the β2-microglobulin (β2-MG) and urinary Cd (U-Cd) continued increase to 2014 until 2016. Furthermore, Cd concentration and β2-MG in urine were still higher than those in the non-polluted areas in Japan. Significant correlations were found among age, U-Cd and β2-MG, and these were clearer in females than in males. In summary, we propose that three decades after Cd-exposure ceased, age has been more strongly associated with β2-MG than Cd body burden. Moreover, renal tubular dysfunction is irreversible and worsens after exposure to Cd, with females being more sensitive to exposure.
A cross-sectional study on knowledge and behavior regarding medication usage among guardians of left-behind children: Evidence from China
Authors: Ge Qiaoyue , Zhou Yao , Sun Zeyuan , Jiang Xia , Zhang Lu , Yang Chunsong , Guo Yixin , Luo Ting , Fu Yuzhi , Xu Qunfen , Chen Yuan , Zhou Wei , Wu Qian , Lian Xianghong , Liu Zhenmi , Lin Yunzhu
Published: July 2022

Purpose: The primary objective of this study was to evaluate knowledge and behavior of medication use among guardians of left-behind children (LBC) and compare it with the guardians of non-left-behind children (NLBC).Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in Chengdu, the center city of southwestern China from May 2020 to August 2020. A logistic regression model was conducted to assess medication-related knowledge and behavior of guardians between the LBC group and the NLBC group, adjusted for confounders. Stratified analysis was further performed.Results: The overall mean scores for knowledge and for behavior were 20.22 (standard deviation = 4.472) and 15.77 (standard deviation = 3.604), respectively. No significant difference was found in medication-related knowledge and behavior scores between LBC and NLBC guardians (P > 0.05) after adjusting for important confounders. A significant difference was only observed after adjusting for past medical history and history of present illness.Conclusions: There was no significant difference in medication usage awareness and behavior between guardians of LBC and NLBC in this study, frequent contact with the doctor was an effective method of health education that could possibly improve their health literacy.
Analysis of molecular pathologic and clinical features of 36 patients with pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma
Authors: Yu yingying , Duan xiumei , Wang shuai , He hua , Lan shijie , Guo zhen , Wu di
Published: July 2022

Background: Pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma (PSC) is heterogeneous and has poor prognosis. Therefore, it is of great significance to understand the molecular pathological characteristics and find the specific gene mutation to improve the therapeutic effect. Next generation sequencing technology (NGS) was used to understand the characteristics of gene mutations, so as to provide reference for the diagnosis and molecular targeted therapy.Materials and Methods: 36 patients who were admitted to The First Hospital of Jilin University and Jilin Cancer Hospital and were pathologically confirmed as PSC after surgical resection from June 2011 to June 2017 were collected. Thirteen of them were successfully followed up and detailed clinical data were obtained. The NGS was used to sequence the exon of the whole oncogene. Univariate prognostic analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier method. Cox proportional risk regression model was used for multivariate analysis of prognosis.Results: A total of 19 gene mutations with high frequency were found in this study. Kaplan-Meier univariate survival analysis showed that KRAS, BRCA1 and ALK mutations were significantly correlated with overall survival (OS). Multivariate analysis showed that KRAS mutation was an independent factor affecting the OS.Conclusion: The KRAS mutation was an independent factor affecting the OS, and the OS of patients with KRAS mutation was significantly shorter than KRAS wild type. By using NGS, PSC can be found to have characteristic gene mutation characteristics, which may guide clinical targeted therapy in the future.
Rice Leaf Disease Detection and Diagnosis Using Convolution Neural Network
Authors: R Panchami , S Vinod Chandra S
Published: July 2022

Agriculture is the art and science of soil cultivation, crop production, and livestock management. The majority of the world's food is produced by agriculture, where paddy fields are most often cultivated crops and its diseases are the main problem of its loss. Rice is an example of a global crop, and India is ranked second in rice production. A technique that detects the leaf disease will greatly help farmers and agriculturists. The agriculture industry must overcome this loss due to the affected leaf diseases that bring down the production. As per studies, it is found that various types of diseases affect the leaf, such as infectious and non-infectious. This paper proposes a method to detect and diagnose rice leaf diseases with appropriate remedies. This research has considered five diseases - Leaf Blast, Hispa, Tungro, Leaf Blight and Brown Spot. Input images are segmented manually by removing their background if too many noises are seen. The model predicts the type of disease that affects the rice plant from an uploaded image or an image freshly clicked using a smartphone. Further, some preventive measures to overcome those diseases are suggested. Our model gave a sensitivity of 94.68% and a specificity of 66.66% resulting in an overall accuracy of 93%.
IoT-based Optimal Energy Management in Smart Homes using Harmony Search Optimization Technique
Authors: Saadawi Enas Magdi , Abohamama Abdelaziz Said , Alrahmawy Mohammed Fathi
Published: July 2022

The Internet of things (IoT) has a variety of application domains including smart homes. A smart home is an automated intelligent home where IoT technologies are used to remotely control home appliances, manage home energy, enhance home security, and increase the comfort of home residents. On the other hand, renewable energy resources are highly speared to cover huge electricity demand. To save more energy and maximize energy efficiency, smart homes are engaged with energy management systems. Energy management and optimization solutions can help in decreasing the overall cost of energy while optimizing all operational performance.This paper presents an IoT-based optimal energy management approach depending on the Harmony Search optimization technique to save energy usage in smart homes. PV and wind renewable energy systems are used to feed the home with electricity. These on-site energy sources help smart homes to decrease their dependence on power from the electricity grid. Energy storage systems are used to maintain energy system reliability due to the inherent randomness and intermittence of solar radiation and wind speed. The proposed algorithm depends on-demand response to the price variations in the electric energy over time and applies the Time-of-Use pricing principle for controlling household appliances. IoT technology is applied to exchange data between household appliances and the control center, in addition, to communicating both energy management systems and security systems with the control center. In this paper, the IoT system is based on ZigBee wireless technology which is described as the lowest power consumed wireless technology. The algorithm is applied to a proposed building consisting of five floors, each floor contains two apartments with a total area of 200 meters for one apartment. The obtained results prove the efficacy of the proposed Harmony Search-based optimization method in saving energy and reducing electricity bills in smart homes while satisfying the required constraints. Additionally, the performance of the proposed algorithm is validated against four AI algorithms including Genetic Algorithm, Artificial Immune System, Ant Lion Optimization, and Bat Algorithm. In addition to its simplicity in programming and formulation, the conducted comparison demonstrates a similarity in the results with an advantage in the proposed algorithm in improving both the electricity cost-saving and elapsed runtime
Sparse Convolutional Array for DOA Estimation
Authors: Wang Zikai , Liu Yun , Song Ruiliang , Liu Ning , Liang Qilian
Published: July 2022

Array signal processing plays an important role in many areas. Besides the Uniform Linear Array, their are many sparse array that have been proposed, for example, Minimum-redundancy array, Co-prime array, nested array, etc. However, most of the array structures have certain disadvantages.

A new type of non-linear sparse sensor array called sparse convolutional array is illustrated which can reduce the number of physical sensors while remain a decent performance in DOA estimation. The sparse convolutional array contains three groups of physical sensors and is able to form a hole-free difference co-array. By adding sensors on two sides instead of the center, the proposed array shows improved performance compares to some other approaches while reminds few physical sensors.

The array geometrical structure is illustrated and the numerical result is provided. We also extended this array structure to two-dimension case and the performance is illustrated.