bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of a New Orbital Steering Concept With Focus on the Control Loop Performance
Authors: Olesen Emil Nørregård , Andersen Torben Ole
Published: November 2022

This paper investigates a new asymmetric steering concept within orbital steering units called OSPS, which asymmetry enables new steering features for the operator of the vehicle compared to traditional OSP variants. A traditional orbital steering unit functions as a proportional valve system with a certain overlap, where the operator input to the steering wheel will initiate the rotation of the wheels with a small dead-band of 2–3 degrees. The new asymmetric unit functions instead as a proportional valve system with a certain under-lap, where the operator will initiate the rotation of the wheels directly related to the steering wheel rotation instead. The objective with this paper is to evaluate the closed loop performance for the new asymmetric concept, because the right and left control loop is changed compared to a tradional OSP unit.
Passive Heating Increases Bench-Pull Power Output in Highly Trained Swimmers
Authors: McKenzie Max R. , Hogarth Luke W. , McKean Mark R. , Doyle Danielle P. , Burkett Brendan J.
Published: November 2022

Purpose: Determine the effects of skin temperature change on bench-pull power following a passive warm-up intervention with highly trained swimmers using multiple heated clothing garments. Methods: Using a crossover design, 8 high-performance swimmers (mean [SD]; age, 22.4 [4.4] y; body mass, 74.9 [8.1] kg; height, 1.79 [0.09] m; world record ratio, 107.3% [5.1%]) completed a pool-based warm-up followed by a 35-minute transition phase before completing 3 repetitions at 50% of 1-repetition maximum of the bench-pull exercise. During transition, swimmers wore either a warm (control) or a heated (heat) clothing condition. Results: Following heating, mean skin temperature was 0.7 °C higher in heat (P = .011), though no change was seen in tympanic temperature. Bench-pull mean and peak power improved by 4.5% and 4.7% following heating, respectively. A large repeated-measures correlation was observed between skin temperature and mean (r [90% CI] = .94 [.65 to .99], P < .01) and peak (r [90% CI] = .89 [.45 to .98], P < .01) power output. Thermal sensation and comfort at all regions were higher with heating (P ≤ .02). Conclusion: Combined upper- and lower-limb passive heating can increase whole-body skin temperature and improve short-duration upper-limb power output during the bench-pull exercise. Improvements in power output were directly related to the skin temperature increase facilitated by the heated clothing.
Aligning the Classroom and the Job Through Team-Based Learning
Authors: Dane-Staples Emily
Published: November 2022

A foundational component of sport management education is to prepare students for future employment. Research surveying employers indicated that they seek graduates with three broad types of skills: applied knowledge skills, effective relationship abilities, and workplace. Unfortunately, research also indicates that current employers are finding recent college graduates lacking in communication, interpersonal, and thinking skills. To better serve sport management students, faculty need to design opportunities to help students develop these desired skills. Using the pedagogical structure of team-based learning is one way that classrooms can be designed to assist students in the development of many of these skills while also learning how to work as part of a team.
The
ddn
Trp20Stop Mutation and Its Association with Lineage 4.5 and Resistance to Delamanid and Pretomanid in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Mansjö Mikael , Karlsson Lindsjö Oskar , Grönfors Seeth Christina , Groenheit Ramona , Werngren Jim
Published: November 2022

High-confidence resistance mutations for new and repurposed anti-TB drugs, such as delamanid (DLM) and pretomanid (Pa), are rare and more data are needed in order to correctly interpret the results generated by genotypic drug susceptibility testing. In this study performed on clinical
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
complex isolates, we report that in the Swedish strain collection the
ddn
mutation Trp20Stop is found exclusively among DLM and Pa resistant (Pa MIC >16 mg/L) isolates assigned to lineage 4.5.
From Novice To Expert: An Assessment To Measure Strategies Students Implement While Learning To Read Primary Scientific Literature
Authors: Lee Sangah , Zhong Min , Foster Cerrone , Segura-Totten Miriam , McCartney Melissa
Published: November 2022

Primary Scientific Literature (PSL) has been used in undergraduate classrooms as a way to engage students with the research process and to increase science literacy. Most curricula lack any formal training for undergraduates to critically read PSL even though most undergraduate science courses require students to engage with PSL at some level.
ACE2-Independent Bat Sarbecovirus Entry and Replication in Human and Bat Cells
Authors: Guo Hua , Li Ang , Dong Tian-Yi , Su Jia , Yao Yu-Lin , Zhu Yan , Shi Zheng-Li , Letko Michael
Published: November 2022

Our studies demonstrate that some unexplored sarbecoviruses are capable of replicating in human and bat cells in an ACE2-independent way but need a high trypsin environment. We found that trypsin is not compensated by other known proteases involved in some coronavirus entry. This work provides important information that the trypsin-dependent entry may be a widely employed mechanism for coronaviruses and will help for further understanding the biological features of the less-studied viruses.
Clinical Performance of Direct RT-PCR Testing of Raw Saliva for Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Individuals
Authors: Castillo-Bravo Rosa , Lucca Noel , Lai Linyi , Marlborough Killian , Brychkova Galina , Sakhteh Maryam Shideh , Lonergan Charlie , O’Grady Justin , Alikhan Nabil-Fareed , Trotter Alexander J. , Page Andrew J. , Smyth Breda , McKeown Peter C. , Feenstra Jelena D. M. , Ulekleiv Camilla , Sorel Oceane , Gandhi Manoj , Spillane Charles
Published: November 2022

The scale of the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for viral diagnostic systems that are accurate and could be deployed at large population scales. Large-scale diagnostic or surveillance testing of large numbers of people requires collection of infected biological samples that is easy and rapid.
Chromosomally and Plasmid-Located
mcr
in Salmonella from Animals and Food Products in China
Authors: Mei Cai-Yue , Jiang Yue , Ma Qin-Chun , Lu Meng-Jun , Wu Han , Wang Zhen-Yu , Jiao Xinan , Wang Jing
Published: November 2022

Colistin is a last-resort antibiotic for severe infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative pathogens. Colistin resistance genes
mcr
, particularly
mcr-1
, have been found in
Enterobacteriaceae
around the world, mainly in
Escherichia coli
and
Salmonella
.
Salmonella enterica
is a major foodborne pathogen, with MDR
Salmonella
being considered a “Serious Threat Level pathogen” by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Cenozoic kinematic histories of the Tidding and Lohit thrusts in the northern Indo-Burma Ranges: Implications for crustal thickening and exhumation of Gangdese lower arc crust along the Indus-Yarlung suture zone
Authors: Haproff Peter J. , Levy Drew A. , Zuza Andrew V. , Hooker Julian D. , Heizler Matthew T. , Stockli Daniel F. , Braza Mary
Published: November 2022

Crustal thickening has been a key process of collision-induced Cenozoic deformation along the Indus-Yarlung suture zone, yet the timing, geometric relationships, and along-strike continuities of major thrusts, such as the Great Counter thrust and Gangdese thrust, remain inadequately understood. In this study, we present findings of geologic mapping and thermo- and geochronologic, geochemical, microstructural, and geothermobarometric analyses from the easternmost Indus-Yarlung suture zone exposed in the northern Indo-Burma Ranges. Specifically, we investigate the Lohit and Tidding thrust shear zones and their respective hanging wall rocks of the Lohit Plutonic Complex and Tidding and Mayodia mélange complexes. Field observations are consistent with ductile deformation concentrated along the top-to-the-south Tidding thrust shear zone, which is in contrast to the top-to-the-north Great Counter thrust at the same structural position to the west. Upper amphibolite-facies metamorphism of mélange rocks at ∼9−10 kbar (∼34−39 km) occurred prior to ca. 36−30 Ma exhumation during slip along the Tidding thrust shear zone. To the north, the ∼5-km-wide Lohit thrust shear zone has a subvertical geometry and north-side-up kinematics. Cretaceous arc granitoids of the Lohit Plutonic Complex were emplaced at ∼32−40 km depth in crust estimated to be ∼38−52 km thick at that time. These rocks cooled from ca. 25 Ma to 10 Ma due to slip along the Lohit thrust shear zone. We demonstrate that the Lohit thrust shear zone, Gangdese thrust, and Yarlung-Tsangpo Canyon thrust have comparable hanging wall and footwall rocks, structural geometries, kinematics, and timing. Based on these similarities, we interpret that these thrusts formed segments of a laterally continuous thrust system, which served as the preeminent crustal thickening structure along the Neotethys-southern Lhasa terrane margin and exhumed Gangdese lower arc crust in Oligocene−Miocene time.
Supplemental Material: Morphometric constraints on the formation of new terrestrial analogs for planetary pits
Authors: Naor R. , al. et
Published: November 2022

Text: Uncertainty on morphometric parameters. Figure S1: Variation in juba Ai/Ao. Table S1: Geometries used for Table 1 parameters. Text: Calculation of shape. Table S2: Equipotential (horizontal) lowest-rim cross-section parameters. Table S3: Geographic and geological characteristics of the juba depressions.
Safe prevention ofClostridium difficileusing infectious disease guidelines at an urban hospital in North Carolina
Authors: Davies Eileen , Jolles Diana
Published: November 2022

Clostridium difficilecauses nearly 500 000 annual infections in the USA. A total of 15 000–30 000 US deaths annually and greater than US$4.8 billion dollars are related toClostridium difficileinfection (CDI). Length of hospital stay is 2.8 –5.5 additional days and inpatient costs are estimated at US$3000–US$15 400 per episode. One major cause of CDI is misuse and overuse of antibiotics. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 30%–50% of antibiotics prescribed in hospitals are unnecessary or inappropriate. Patients with unexplained or three or greater unformed stools in 24 hours are candidates for testing of CDI.

Prior to implementation, an analysis at the local level was conducted to determine possible causes of CDI influence. Chart auditing at this urban hospital revealed that 1 out of 23 (4%) providers were treating UTIs according to hospital protocol (A. Richmond, personal communication, 6 March 2018). The standardized infection ratio in 2017, which compares the predicted to the actual infection rate, at this hospital was 1.266 for CDI. Having a solid antibiotic stewardship in place is imperative to limit antibiotic related and resistant infections. During an observational study, only one out of nine (11%) staff followed contact precaution policies at this hospital.
Protocol for CLASSIC PBB: comparison of lower airway sampling strategies in children with protracted bacterial bronchitis
Authors: Gilchrist Francis J , Aspey Mathew , Bowler Robert , Brodlie Malcolm , Desai Seema , Harris Caroline , Hinton Emily , Kulkarni Hemant , Ogbolosingha Aviva , Sinha Ian , Solis-Trapala Ivonne , Stock Joanne , Carroll William D
Published: November 2022

Background

Protracted bacterial bronchitis (PBB) is an endobronchial infection and a the most common cause of chronic wet cough in young children. It is treated with antibiotics, which can only be targeted if the causative organism is known. As most affected children do not expectorate sputum, lower airway samples can only be obtained by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples taken during flexible bronchoscopy (FB-BAL). This is invasive and is therefore reserved for children with severe or relapsing cases. Most children with PBB are treated empirically with broad spectrum antibiotics. CLASSIC PBB will compare the pathogen yield from two less invasive strategies with that from FB-BAL to see if they are comparable.

Methods

131 children with PBB from four UK centres referred FB-BAL will be recruited. When attending for FB-BAL, they will have a cough swab and an induced sputum sample obtained. The primary outcome will be the discordance of the pathogen yield from the cough swab and the induced sputum when compared with FB-BAL. Secondary outcomes will be the sensitivity of each sampling strategy, the success rate of the induced sputum in producing a usable sample and the tolerability of each of the three sampling strategies.

Discussion

If either or both of the two less invasive airway sampling strategies are shown to be a useful alternative to FB-BAL, this will lead to more children with PBB having lower airway samples enabling targeted antibiotic prescribing. It would also reduce the need for FB, which is known to be burdensome for children and their families.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN79883982.
Prognostic value ofKRASmutations,TP53mutations and PD-L1 expression among lung adenocarcinomas treated with immunotherapy
Authors: Tønnesen Ea Maria Tønning , Stougaard Magnus , Meldgaard Peter , Lade-Keller Johanne
Published: November 2022

Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between oncogenic alterations and programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression in lung adenocarcinomas, as well as the prognostic value ofKRASand/orTP53mutations in patients treated with immunotherapy.

Methods

This study is a retrospective cohort study of 519 patients with lung adenocarcinomas analysed for mutations and PD-L1 expression. Data were collected from electronic pathology record system, next-generation sequencing system, and clinical databases. Association between mutations and PD-L1 expression was investigated, as well as survival statistics of the 65 patients treated with immunotherapy.

Results

41% of the samples contained aKRASmutation, predominantly together with mutations inTP53(41%) orSTK11(10%). Higher expression of PD-L1 was seen among patients withKRASmutations (p=0.002) andEGFRwild type (p=0.006). For patients treated with immunotherapy, there was no statistically significant difference for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) according toKRASmutation status,TP53mutation status or PD-L1 expression. The HR for concomitant mutations inTP53andKRASwas 0.78 (95% CI 0.62 to 0.99) for OS and 0.43 (0.21 to 0.88) for PFS. Furthermore, concomitantTP53andKRASmutations predicted a better PFS (p=0.015) and OS (p=0.029) compared with no mutations or a single mutation in eitherTP53orKRAS.

Conclusion

Mutations inTP53together withKRASmay serve as a potential biomarker for survival benefits with immunotherapy.
High yield of surveillance in patients diagnosed with constitutional mismatch repair deficiency
Authors: Ghorbanoghli Zeinab , van Kouwen Mariëtte , Versluys Birgitta , Bonnet Delphine , Devalck Christine , Tinat Julie , Januszkiewicz-Lewandowska Danuta , Costas Consuelo Calvino , Cottereau Edouard , Hardwick James C H , Wimmer Katharina , Brugieres Laurence , Colas Chrystelle , Vasen Hans F A
Published: November 2022

Background

Constitutional mismatch repair deficiency (CMMRD) is a rare autosomal recessively inherited syndrome that is caused by biallelic pathogenic variants of the mismatch repair genes. It is characterised by the development of multiple tumours in the first and second decade of life including brain, gastrointestinal and haematological tumours often resulting in early death. In order to improve the prognosis of these patients, the European collaborative group ‘care for CMMRD’ developed a surveillance programme in 2014 and established a registry of patients with CMMRD in Paris. The aim of the study was to evaluate the outcome of this programme.

Methods

Twenty-two patients with a definitive diagnosis of CMMRD and with at least one follow-up study were selected from the registry. Medical data on the outcome of surveillance were collected from these patients.

Results

During a mean follow-up of 4 years, the programme detected eight malignant tumours including three brain tumours, three upper gastrointestinal cancers and two colorectal cancers. Most tumours could successfully be treated. In addition, many adenomas were detected in the duodenum, and colorectum and subsequently removed. Seven patients developed a symptomatic malignancy, including two brain tumours, one small bowel cancer and four haematological malignancies. At the end of the follow-up, 16 out of 22 patients (73%) who participated in the surveillance programme were still alive.

Conclusion

The study suggests a beneficial effect of surveillance of the digestive tract and brains.
Flood-resilient governance in Okanagan valley of British Columbia: current practices and future directives
Authors: Ishaq Sadia , Nahiduzzaman Kh. Md. , Sultana S. Rubaiya , Rana Anber , Mohammadiun Saeed , Yousefi Peyman , Hewage Kasun , Sadiq Rehan
Published: November 2022

The governance of flood resilience comprises an array of policy instruments that can be applied to reduce damages and risks to the communities. Policy instruments available at the local level tend to have the greatest impact on communities’ ability to absorb shock and resume normal operation. This study is the first attempt to analyze policy instruments and regulations guiding the progression of flood resilience measures in the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia. It aims to offer recommendations specific to the local context and identify the best practices to improve flood resilience of the communities. Therefore, the study adopted a multistage methodology including literature review, stakeholder consultations with the organizations (consisting of municipalities, regional districts, and First Nations), and quantitative analysis using present/absent criteria to measure prevalence of given indicators and five flood resilience classes. The results suggest that the flood resilience policies and strategies of 22 organizations in the Okanagan valley are predominantly focused on flood preparation and mitigation, whereas policies related to during and post-flood management are still in infancy and do not offer satisfactory support. Notably, some organizations are proactive in recognizing looming flood risks, thus enacting essential policy measures to strengthen resilience. These results further highlight that these organizations have focused on a variety of measures to improve resilience, such as spatial planning, building construction setbacks, enhancing natural environment, protecting riparian areas, and stormwater management. As well, current flood-resilient practices by the Prairies (Calgary) paved the way for how both regions can learn from each other. The study sheds light on broader takeaways of what the findings of this study mean for other world regions. The study results are of great importance to the organizations across the Okanagan Valley as they lay the groundwork for resource mobilization to achieve flood resilience and sustainability.
Biometrics Data Visualization of Ginsenosides in Anticancer Investigations
Authors: Chang Ying , Lu Zhongqi , Sui Jinyuan , Jin Tiefeng , Zhang Meihua
Published: November 2022

Ginsenoside extracts have been shown to have anticancer effects by a growing number of studies and have thus become a hot topic in cancer research. Our study used VOSviewer and CiteSpace softwares to conduct a bibliometric approach to co-citation and co-occurrence analysis of countries, institutions, authors, references, and keywords in the field of cancer research to investigate the current status and trends of ginsenosides research in cancer. The web of science core collection (WoSCC) contained a total of 1102 papers. China made the most contributions in this area, with the most publications (742, 67.3%), and collaborated closely with Korea and the USA. The Journal of Ginseng Research, with the most total citations (1607) and an IF of 6.06, is the leading journal in the field of ginsenoside and cancer research, publishing high quality articles. Saponin and its extracts inhibit oxidative stress, promote apoptosis, and inhibits chemotherapy resistance by ginsenosides, all of which are hot research areas in this field. In the coming years, it is expected that the combination of ginsenosides and nanoparticles, in-depth mechanisms of cancer inhibition, and targeted therapy will receive widespread attention.
INTERNET USE, FINANCE ACQUISITION AND RETURNING MIGRANT WORKERS’ HOME ENTREPRENEURSHIP — EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS BASED ON CLDS2016
Authors: FAN HONGMIN , ZHANG NAN , MENG CHUNYU
Published: November 2022

Whether Internet use can inspire returning migrant workers’ home entrepreneurship is of great practical significance for promoting rural revitalization. Based on the data of China Labor Dynamic Survey (CLDS) in 2016, this paper empirically studies the impact of Internet use on returning migrant workers’ home entrepreneurship. The results show that, firstly, Internet use can significantly improve the entrepreneurial probability of migrant workers returning home by 8%. The results remain significant after using the instrumental variables method for endogenous problem solving and propensity score matching, changing the sample size for robustness testing. Secondly, Internet use promotes migrant workers returning home to make entrepreneurial choices mainly through expanding informal finance and obtaining formal finance. However, the mechanism of expanding informal finance has only been effective for returning migrant workers with higher level of social trust. Thirdly, Internet use has heterogeneous impact on returning migrant workers’ home entrepreneurship, which is reflected in the fact that Internet use will more significantly promote the entrepreneurial probability of migrant workers returning home with necessity entrepreneurship motivation, close to banks, eastern and central regions and developed areas, and internet use will also significantly promote the probability of opportunity entrepreneurship among migrant workers returning home who are satisfied with their household economic situation. Therefore, it is necessary to further improve the construction of broadband infrastructure in rural areas, especially western and developing areas, set up training platforms for returning migrant workers’ home entrepreneurship, promote employment through entrepreneurship and stimulate regional economic vitality, so as to accelerate rural revitalization.
Detection of COVID-19 Cases from Chest X-Rays using Deep Learning Feature Extractor and Multilevel Voting Classifier
Authors: Suganya G. , Premalatha M. , Geetha S. , Chowdary G. Jignesh , Kadry Seifedine
Published: November 2022

Purpose: During the current pandemic scientists, researchers, and health professionals across the globe are in search of new technological methods for tackling COVID-19. The magnificent performance reported by machine learning and deep learning methods in the previous epidemic has encouraged researchers to develop systems with these methods to diagnose COVID-19.

Methods: In this paper, an ensemble-based multi-level voting model is proposed to diagnose COVID-19 from chest x-rays. The multi-level voting model proposed in this paper is built using four machine learning algorithms namely Random Forest (RF), Logistic Regression (LR), Support Vector Machine (SVM) with a linear kernel, and K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN). These algorithms are trained with features extracted using the ResNet50 deep learning model before merging them to form the voting model. In this work, voting is performed at two levels, at level 1 these four algorithms are grouped into 2 sets consisting of two algorithms each (set 1 — SVM with linear kernel and LR and set 2 — RF and KNN) and intra set hard voting is performed. At level 2 these two sets are merged using hard voting to form the proposed model.

Results: The proposed multilevel voting model outperformed all the machine learning algorithms, pre-trained models, and other proposed works with an accuracy of 100% and specificity of 100%.

Conclusion: The proposed model helps for the faster diagnosis of COVID-19 across the globe.
Almost λ-Statistical Convergence of Complex Uncertain Sequences
Authors: Raj Kuldip , Sharma Sonali , Mursaleen Mohammad
Published: November 2022

In the present article, we introduced almost [Formula: see text]-statistical convergence of complex uncertain sequences in all five aspects of uncertainty viz., almost surely, mean, measure, distribution and uniformly almost surely. Further, with the aid of interesting examples and diagram we investigated some interrelationships among these uncertain complex sequences.
A Fractional Programming Model for Improving Multiplicative Consistency of Intuitionistic Fuzzy Preference Relations
Authors: Oh Hyonil , Cho Jungchol
Published: November 2022

In this paper, we propose a method that improves multiplicative consistency based on a fractional programming model to derive the normalized intuitionistic fuzzy priority weight vector from an intuitionistic fuzzy preference relation. To do so, a new definition is formulated that captures previous definitions for multiplicative consistency of intuitionistic fuzzy preference relations. A transformation formula is proposed to convert the normalized intuitionistic fuzzy priority weight vector into a multiplicative consistent intuitionistic fuzzy preference relation. By using the properties of some function, we construct a deviation matrix and prove that the elements in the intuitionistic fuzzy preference relation corresponding to the largest value in the deviation matrix is the most inconsistent. This method not only preserves a lot of the original preference judgments, but also reduce many operations in comparison with previous methods to improve multiplicative inconsistency. Several numerical examples are given to convince the proposed model and method.
Prediction of the Impacts of Climate Change on the Geographical Distribution of Dysentery in Iran
Authors: BAHRAMI Giti , SAJADI Homeira , RAFIEE Hassan , NOROUZI Mehdi , SHAKIBA Alireza
Published: November 2022

Dysentery is a water- and food-borne infectious disease and its incidence is sensitive to climate change. Although the impact of climate change on dysentery is being studied in specific areas, a study in Iran is lacking. In this study, RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 scenarios were used to predict the prevalence of dysentery in Iran between 2050 and 2070. This study is a secondary analysis using Geographically Weighted Regression, and 273 cities of Iran were analyzed between March 2011 and March 2017. Bioclimate variables were used as independent variables. Ecological data about the prevalence and incidence of dysentery, which were collected between 2011 and 2017, were used as the dependent variables. The result shows the incidence of dysentery is significantly associated with bioclimate change exposure, in 2050 and 2070, based on RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5. Our findings showed that in the absence of adaptation of the population, an increase in the risk of bioclimate-related diseases is expected by around 95.6% in the mid-century compared with the beginning of the century with regional variations. Based on these findings, the geographical distribution of the disease will also change. In 2050, the pattern of disease distribution would be changed, and the north of Iran will be included in the vulnerable regions. In 2070, the southeastern and northern parts of Iran will have the most vulnerability to climate change. Our study contributes important knowledge to this perspective by providing insightful findings and pieces of evidence for climate change adaptation and mitigation.
Color2Vec: Web-Based Modeling of Word-Color Association with Sociocultural Contexts
Authors: Xu Long , Park Su Jin , Lee Sangwon
Published: November 2022

Color design has long benefited from the statistical analysis of public taste and, more recently, from crowdsourcing to discover fresh and popular ideas. However, the current color dictionary is considerably restricted in terms of the scope of expressible design concepts and the control of target demographics. We propose a search-engine-based color palette generator inspired by Natural Language Processing algorithms that filter and cluster semantically related words. The post-evaluation reveals that our results not only faithfully realize the given keywords but are notable indicators of inter-group dynamics; the differential recognition of the other group's identity colors reflects the direction of historic, geographic, or cultural influence.
Institutional Involvement and Collaboration in Disseminating Biogas Technology in Ghana
Authors: Osei-Marfo Martha , Duncan Albert Ebo , Barnie Samuel , Owusu Sampson Nyame , Awuah Esi , de Vries Nanne
Published: November 2022

Globally, biogas technology has been touted by academics, international organizations, United Nations, and pressure groups, among others, as an effective tool for protecting the planet against degradation. As such, stakeholders in the biogas technology sector have made some policy recommendations toward that goal. These include a global campaign in support of energy for sustainable development, climate financing by the international community, all countries adopting appropriate national strategies, innovative financial mechanisms, and encouraging private-sector participation in achieving the goal. Clearly, for countries to promote accessibility and create favorable perceptions on the adoption of biogas technology requires institutional involvement and collaboration. That is, institutions need to participate and contribute in terms of ideas and expertise as well as work together to ensure the dissemination and uptake of biogas technology in Ghana. This study is aimed at assessing the level of institutional involvement and collaboration and barriers to biogas technology dissemination in Ghana. A qualitative method was employed, and data were collected from 101 respondents through interviewing. The results indicated that the involvement of government and financial institutions in disseminating biogas technology was low, while biogas service providers showed moderate involvement. With regard to collaboration, it was revealed that institutions moderately collaborate in awareness creation but had low collaborations for promotion, monitoring, and evaluation. Furthermore, the lack of a national biogas policy, low government commitment towards biogas technology, and low financial support were key barriers to effective institutional involvement and collaboration in disseminating biogas technology in Ghana. It is recommended that the government shows a high commitment by providing the needed resources for dissemination activities and task the Ghana Energy Commission to formulate a national biogas policy to facilitate dissemination and adoption. Finally, a national biogas steering committee composed of all relevant stakeholders, including the Finance Minister or a representative from the Finance Ministry would create a good platform to help champion the dissemination of biogas technology in Ghana.
Perception of Stakeholders for Meat Qualities among Value Chain Actors in Ethiopia
Authors: Gadisa Muleta Birmaduma
Published: November 2022

Perception is the knowledge of an individual/group gained from experience and impressions of the ideal situation. Ethiopian livestock marketing has a different stage and large actors. However, in the flow chain, there is less communication. Because they only perceive for their benefit rather than care for a quality product. This happened because the production mapping was not understood among them. The majority of producers fetch too old animals after being culled from production and those that might be abnormal due to disease and chronic stress. Traders transport mixed animals through nondedicated vehicles and long trekking without feeding and watering. Abattoir men worked with poor facilities. They perceived that the time stay animals in Lairage, breeding, bleeding, and carcass handling is the major problem in meat quality in Ethiopia. The slaughtering has been conducted in brutal ways of stunning using either a hammer or knife at the atlanto-occipital space of the animal on the floor side by side. The majority of butchers in Ethiopia are located on the main road for their products to be easily displayed to clients, and they hang meat on the open shelf without packing, which exposes the product to aerobic spoilage by bacteria and yeasts. Traders/brokers are promoting the product based on the commission they earn rather than the quality and health of the animals. However, as a principle, each actor has a responsibility to manage risk as they benefit socially and economically from firms. Government entities should play an important role in shaping actors’ perceptions and understanding of biosecurity measures. Mainly, the interventions should focus on improving business models and technological adoption. This model is used for improving vertical relationships among operational actors, horizontal relationships with logistics providers, and market promotion measures to attract foreign direct investors and importers, transforming traditional practices of animal husbandry into commercial ones. Because a key activity for each value chain actor is availing of the final product safely at the right place and time. The review was designed to convey information to enhance the linkage between meat value chain actors and optimize management skills in Ethiopia.
Cost-Effectiveness of Rifaximin-α versus Lactulose for the Treatment of Recurrent Episodes of Overt Hepatic Encephalopathy: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Siddiqui Kashif Mohd , Attri Sumeet , Orlando Massimo , Lelli Filippo , Maida Valeria , Damais-Thabut Dominique
Published: November 2022

Background. Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a frequent and debilitating complication of liver disease. Treatments include lactulose and rifaximin-α. The objective of this literature review and meta-analysis was to assess the overall cost-effectiveness of rifaximin-α in HE treatment. Methods. Electronic database searches were conducted in November 2020 to identify cost-effectiveness studies comparing rifaximin-α with other interventions in HE, published in English. Incremental net benefit (INB) was calculated for each study using difference in effectiveness, difference in costs, and the willingness-to-pay threshold, or gross domestic product per capita for each country, and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were constructed. Costs were standardised to 2019 US$. An intervention was considered cost-effective if the INB was positive. Meta-analysis was used to pool calculated INB across studies, using a fixed-effects model if there was no heterogeneity or a random-effects model. Results. Eleven studies were included in the meta-analysis. For rifaximin-α plus lactulose in the second-line setting, the pooled INB was estimated at $20,156 (95% CI: $13,593-$29,887) versus lactulose monotherapy. For rifaximin-α monotherapy in the first-line setting, the pooled INB was $4834 (95% CI: $1601-$14,596) versus lactulose monotherapy. Due to lack of available data, meta-analyses were not possible for rifaximin-α added to lactulose therapy versus lactulose monotherapy in the first-line setting or for rifaximin-α as salvage therapy in the second-line setting. Conclusions. Rifaximin-α as an add-on treatment to lactulose in the second-line setting or as monotherapy in the first-line setting would be a cost-effective treatment for HE compared with lactulose monotherapy.
Treatment for Nontype 1 Retinopathy of Prematurity by Intravitreal Injection of Antivascular Endothelial Growth Factor Drugs
Authors: Zhang Haitao , Yang Xin , Zheng Fangfang , Yin Xiangke , Wan Suhua
Published: November 2022

Background. To explore clinical characteristics and treatment reasons for intravitreal injection of antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) drugs in the treatment of nontype 1 retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Methods. A retrospective study was conducted to screen the nontype 1 ROP from the collected ROP patients who received intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF drugs in Henan Eye Hospital from September 2018 to June 2021. Results. A total of 138 ROP cases (262 eyes) were included in this study, including 39 cases (28.3%), 65 eyes (24.8%) that were the nontype 1 ROP. Compared with the type 1 ROP group, the nontype 1 ROP group had slightly later treatment time (39.8 ± 2.7 weeks vs 38.1 ± 2.6 weeks,

P
<
0.05

) and a higher proportion of fusion protein drugs (87.2% vs 54.5%,

P
<
0.05

). After intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF drugs, 27 eyes (41.5%) were cured and 38 eyes (58.5%) improved in the nontype 1 ROP group, without recurrence and aggravation cases. There were more lesions in zone II (63 eyes, 96.9%), with stage 2 (40 eyes, 61.5%) and stage 3 (23 eyes, 35.4%), and 58 eyes (89.2%) showed preplus in the nontype 1 ROP group. Treatment reasons included preplus in 58 eyes (89.2%), ridge aggravation in 22 eyes (33.8%), simultaneous treatment of the contralateral eye in 9 eyes (13.8%), no regression of lesions in the persistent stage 2 or 3 over PMA 44 weeks of follow-up in 8 eyes (12.3%), and logistical considerations in 4 eyes (6.2%). Conclusions. Considering some peculiar clinical characteristics, treatment by intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF drugs may be considered carefully for some nontype 1 ROP in critical conditions.
Experimental Investigation on Density and Volume Fraction of Void, and Mechanical Characteristics of Areca Nut Leaf Sheath Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites
Authors: Praveena B. A. , Santhosh N. , Buradi Abdulrajak , Srikanth H. V. , Shankar G. , Ramesha K. , Manjunath N. , Karthik S. N. , Rudra Naik M. , Praveen Kumar S.
Published: November 2022

Natural fiber-reinforced polymer composite is a rapidly growing topic of research due to the simplicity of obtaining composites that is biodegradable and environmentally friendly. The resulting composites have mechanical properties comparable to synthetic fiber-reinforced composites. In this regard, the present work is formulated with the objectives related to the development, characterization, and optimization of the wt% of reinforcements and the process parameters. The novelty of this work is related to the identification and standardization of the appropriate wt% of reinforcements and parameters for the processing of the areca nut leaf sheath fiber-based polymer composites for enhanced performance attributes. With this basic purview and scope, the composites are synthesized using the hand layup process, and the composite samples of various fiber compositions (20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%) are fabricated. The mechanical characteristics of biodegradable polymer composites reinforced with areca nut leaf sheath fibers are investigated in the present work, with a focus on the effect of fiber composition (tensile properties, flexural strength, and impact strength). The properties of composites are enhanced by combining the areca nut leaf sheath fiber and epoxy resin, with a fiber content of 50% being the optimal wt%. The Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) investigations also ascertain this by depicting the good interfacial adhesion between the areca nut leaf sheath fiber and the epoxy resin. The tensile strength of the composite specimen reinforced with 50% areca nut fiber increases to 44.6 MPa, while the young’s modulus increases to 1900 MPa, flexural strength increases to 64.8 MPa, the flexural modulus increases to 37.9 GPa, and impact strength increases to 34.1 k J/m2. As a result, the combination of areca nut leaf sheath fiber reinforced epoxy resin shows considerable potential as a renewable and biodegradable polymer composite. Furthermore, areca nut leaf sheath fiber-reinforced epoxy resin composites are likely to replace petroleum-based polymers in the future. The ecosustainability and biodegradability of the composite specimen alongside the improved mechanical characteristics serve as the major highlight of the present work, and can help the polymer composite industry to further augment the synthetic matrix and fiber-based composites with the natural fiber-reinforced composites.
The Socket-Shield Technique: Digital Planning, Guided Surgery, and Immediate Implant Loading—2-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Mato Sušić , Igor Smojver , Luka Stojić , Ivan Katalinić , Dražena Gerbl , Marko Vuletić
Published: November 2022

Anterior aesthetic zone implant placement and tooth restoration can be a quite challenging procedure. Modern technology offers new tools that can help maximize results in both aesthetic and functional ways. The socket-shield technique, as described by Hürzeler et al., boosted with the 3D diagnostics, digital planning, and 3D printing, could provide a valuable alternative to traditional approaches. This case report describes a clinical workflow for an efficient anterior implant-prosthetic restoration.
Modelling the Transmission Dynamics of Meningitis among High and Low-Risk People in Ghana with Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
Authors: Opoku Nicholas Kwasi-Do Ohene , Borkor Reindorf Nartey , Adu Andrews Frimpong , Nyarko Hannah Nyarkoah , Doughan Albert , Appiah Edwin Moses , Yakubu Biigba , Mensah Isabel , Salifu Samson Pandam
Published: November 2022

Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, which covers the brain and spinal cord. Every year, most individuals within sub-Saharan Africa suffer from meningococcal meningitis. Moreover, tens of thousands of these cases result in death, especially during major epidemics. The transmission dynamics of the disease keep changing, according to health practitioners. The goal of this study is to exploit robust mechanisms to manage and prevent the disease at a minimal cost due to its public health implications. A significant concern found to aid in the transmission of meningitis disease is the movement and interaction of individuals from low-risk to high-risk zones during the outbreak season. Thus, this article develops a mathematical model that ascertains the dynamics involved in meningitis transmissions by partitioning individuals into low- and high-risk susceptible groups. After computing the basic reproduction number, the model is shown to exhibit a unique local asymptotically stability at the meningitis-free equilibrium

E

†

, when the effective reproduction number

R

0

<
1

, and the existence of two endemic equilibria for which

R

0

†

<

R

0

<
1

and exhibits the phenomenon of backward bifurcation, which shows the difficulty of relying only on the reproduction number to control the disease. The effective reproductive number estimated in real time using the exponential growth method affirmed that the number of secondary meningitis infections will continue to increase without any intervention or policies. To find the best strategy for minimizing the number of carriers and infected individuals, we reformulated the model into an optimal control model using Pontryagin’s maximum principles with intervention measures such as vaccination, treatment, and personal protection. Although Ghana’s most preferred meningitis intervention method is via treatment, the model’s simulations demonstrated that the best strategy to control meningitis is to combine vaccination with treatment. But the cost-effectiveness analysis results show that vaccination and treatment are among the most expensive measures to implement. For that reason, personal protection which is the most cost-effective measure needs to be encouraged, especially among individuals migrating from low- to high-risk meningitis belts.
A judicialização da saúde e a atuação do Conselho Nacional de Justiça em tempos de covid-19
Authors: Reckziegel Tânia Regina Silva , Sturza Janaína Machado , Gross Nicoli Francieli , Porto Rosane Teresinha Carvalho
Published: November 2022

O presente artigo teve como objetivo identificar a atuação do Conselho Nacional de Justiça no que tange à judicialização da saúde, assim como seu enfrentamento aos colapsos gerados a partir da pandemia de covid-19. Seguindo esse ideário, o problema de pesquisa foi identificar os desafios e as ações estratégicas do Conselho Nacional de Justiça diante da judicialização da saúde em tempos de covid-19. A pesquisa foi desenvolvida por meio de um estudo bibliográfico, seguindo o método hipotético-dedutivo. Como resultado, observou-se que o Conselho Nacional de Justiça vem apresentando diversas ações, culminando no avanço do diálogo interinstitucional para melhorias nos serviços prestados aos cidadãos brasileiros pelo Sistema Único de Saúde. Por fim, concluiu-se que o sistema de saúde vem enfrentando há muitos anos diversas dificuldades, e a chegada dessa pandemia, que se alastrou por todo o território nacional e, consequentemente, disseminou o caos sanitário e humanitário, agravou a situação, tornando mais nítida a ausência de estrutura e de políticas públicas capazes de reduzir os abismos e discrepâncias no setor da saúde.
New Luminescent Zn(II)-Based Sensor for the Detection of Fe3+, Treatment and Nursing of Acute Radiation Skin Injury
Authors: Li Ganlu , He Kai
Published: November 2022

Hydrothermal reactions among Zn(NO3)2·6H2O, 4,4′-bis(imidazol-1-ylmethyl)biphenyl (bimb), and H2L yielded a novel luminescent Zn(II) compound, that is, [Zn(L)(bimb)]n (1, H2L = 1,3-bis(4-carboxy-phenoxy)
propane), which featured a four-fold interpenetrating two dimensional (2D)→2D layered structure. Moreover, this compound showed high thermal stability and can be exploited as the luminescent sensor for the measurement of Fe3+ in aqueous solutions via luminescence quenching.
Its treatment and nursing application value of acute radiation skin injury was explored, the relevant mechanism was analyzed as well. First, ELISA was conducted to test the contents of inflammatory cytokines that were released into tissue. Real time RT-PCR was performed to quantify the activation
level of the NF-κB signaling pathway.
Heat Treatment Effect on Corrosion Resistance of Mg Coating Film on Hot-Dip Aluminized Steel
Authors: Kim Soon-Ho , Lee Seung-Hyo , Lee Myeong-Hoon
Published: November 2022

Magnesium was coated on a hot-dip aluminized steel plate by the physical vapor deposition process. The effects of intermetallic compounds formed by heat treatment and crystal orientation on corrosion resistance were investigated. Furthermore, corrosion resistance was evaluated through
various electrochemical corrosion tests, and corrosion products were investigated as well. In the salt spray test, the heat-treated Mg film showed higher corrosion resistance than non heat-treated Mg film as well as hot-dip aluminized steel plate due to various intermetallic compounds and
increased interplanar spacing of aluminum. Moreover, higher film resistance in heat-treated Mg was confirmed through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Based on the results, the corrosion mechanism of the heat-treated Mg was suggested where MgAl2O4 played a major
role in shielding corrosion factors in the intermediate stage of corrosion. The heat-treated Mg showed a robust potential as an alternative corrosion-resistant film to replace hot-dip and electroplated film.
Plasma Treatment Mechanism in Si–SiO2 Direct Wafer Bonding
Authors: Lee Youngseok , You Yebin , Cho Chulhee , Kim Sijun , Lee Jangjae , Kim Minyoung , Lee Hanglim , You ShinJae
Published: November 2022

We investigated the mechanism of plasma treatment in enhancing Si–SiO2 bonding strengths. In particular, two of the most dominant arguments, hydrophilicity and water diffusivity, were experimentally examined. Although Si–SiO2 bonding is often described
as hydrophilic due to its fundamental mechanism, the results here show that changes in hydrophilicity do not have a linear relation with bonding strength. Instead, plasma treatment on SiO2 surfaces shows a greater effect on the bonding strengths than that on Si surfaces, indicating
that water diffusivity plays a crucial role in wafer bonding. In certain circumstances, Si surface treatment in fact deteriorates the bonding strength, which is attributed to the removal of native oxide from the Si wafer.