bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Part 2: New Graduate Nurse Transition Into the Intensive Care Unit: Summative Insights From a Longitudinal Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Lalonde Michelle , Smith Cheryl Anne , Wong Sandra , Bentz Jamie Anne , Vanderspank-Wright Brandi
Published: September 2021

Background and Purpose

To address the nursing shortage, it is increasingly common for hospitals to hire new graduate nurses into intensive care units (ICU). New graduates in intensive care likely experience needs beyond those of their peers outside of critical care contexts. Yet, relatively little is known about the experiences of this unique population. The purpose of this study was to explore the transition experience of a cohort of new graduate nurses in the ICU over a 2-year period.

Methods

A longitudinal mixed-methods convergent design using a purposive and convenience sample of new graduate nurses working in an ICU. Surveys were administered and in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted at four points in time over a 2-year period.

Results

Participants identified a number of skills that remained difficult, as well as less comfort in performing a number of nursing interventions, over the four time points. In addition, they highlighted a decline in their perception of receiving encouragement and feedback from their manager. Participants identified that a lack of confidence was a barrier to transition and that improved orientation and work environment could further support them in their journey. Certain aspects of their work environment, such as peer support, were identified as most satisfying, whereas the environment and system were least satisfying.

Implications for Practice

The results provide a greater understanding of the transition experienced by new graduate nurses in the ICU. In addition, the results may provide the ICU leadership team with potential areas to further support the transition of new graduates within this critical care environment.
Nutrition Consumption Frequencies Scale of Change: Validity and Reliability Study
Authors: BAŞARAN Burhan , PEKMEZCİ PURUT Hilal
Published: September 2021

The purpose of this study is to develop a scale that could evaluate the change in nutrition consumption frequencies of individuals’ scientifically in disease, natural disaster and private situations and to gain it to literature by conducting validity and reliability studies of this scale. In this context, an application has been made relating with COVID-19 pandemic period which we are still living through and 3107 individuals having different demographic features (gender, marital status, age, educational status, etc.) have participated in the research. First of all literature has been reviewed and a likert type of sketch scale has been prepared. Afterwards by getting the opinion of 11 experts, context validity works have been conducted. Exploratory Factor Analysis and Confirmatory Factor Analysis were applied for structural validity. Finally, the reliability of the scale was examined by test-retest and internal consistency coefficient. The scale, which consisted of a 47-item nutrition list at the beginning, has been updated as 10 sub-dimensions and 34 items after analysis. The general Cronbach's Alpha (α) reliability coefficient of the scale was calculated as α=0.722 (very reliable). It was concluded that the scale being prepared in the light of all these analyzes was a valid and reliable measurement tool for determining the change in the frequency of nutrition consumption of individuals. The scale can be jointly used in situations of chronic diseases such as cancer, Parkinson, diabetes, obesity, infectious diseases such as COVID-19, AIDS, swine flu, bird flu, natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and private situations such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, and disability.
Mutantur: A tourism Project for the social integration and the building of the dignity
Authors:   Departamento de Ambiente y Turismo, Universidad Nacional de Avellaneda, Scotto D’Abusco Daniela ,   Argentina, Sosa Mariana ,   Departamento de Ambiente y Turismo, Universidad Nacional de Avellaneda; Argentina, Vanevic Pablo ,   Departamento de Ambiente y Turismo, Universidad Nacional de Avellaneda; Argentina
Published: September 2021

El proyecto Mutantur es una experiencia que parte de comprender al turismo como una actividad so-cio-cultural que puede oficiar de vehículo para recu-perar el acceso a la ciudad de-por-para personas en situación de calle, garantizando el derecho constitu-cional del disfrute del patrimonio y el conocimien-to de la historia para re-significarla en el presente. Surgido en la Asamblea Popular Plaza Dorrego-San Telmo, se ha convertido en un dispositivo que cola-bora en la reducción del daño de una población alta-mente vulnerabilizada y estigmatizada. Las carreras de Turismo de UNDAV se suman en 2018 con el pro-pósito de fortalecer el vínculo universidad y territo-rio, promoviendo la construcción de conocimiento desde una perspectiva dialógica horizontal con los actores sociales y las demandas de la realidad. El proyecto asume y reconoce la misión social de la uni-versidad pública, el lugar central del aprendizaje crí-tico y la práctica social necesaria para transformar la realidad.
Electric public passenger transport as a base of a route network in medium-sized and big cities of the Russian Federation
Authors:   Moscow Automobile and Road Construction State Technical University (MADI), Yakimov M. R. , Putin A. A. ,   Perm City Administration, Nesterova A. S. ,   «Road information agency RADAR» LLC
Published: September 2021

The relevance of optimization of the Berezniki public transport route network is caused by an annual growth of city routes length, particularly, by the enlargement of bus routes and the uneven distribution of passenger traffic. The paper determines methods of optimization of public city passenger transport for the current transport demand. On the example of development of the Berezniki route network the authors have analysed the topology of routing and the city cartogram. On the basis of the study results they have proposed measures on the optimization of the route network for the public city transport. The novelty of the study is in the use of algorithms and methods of optimization of transport systems developed by the authors at conducting design and research works in the cities of the Russian Federation — Perm, Ekaterinburg, Samara, Kurgan, Yoshkar-Ola and Simferopol.
Influence of stress state of brake disk on parameters of microgeometry of its surface that is out of contact area
Authors:   Donetsk Railway Transport Institute (DRTI), Krivosheya Yu. V. , Krivosheya D. S. ,   Donetsk Railway Transport Institute (DRTI)
Published: September 2021

The paper shows results of the study dedicated to influence of contact area stress state on a trend of changes for roughness and waviness parameters of brake disc surface located on the periphery of contact with a brake pad in the coverage area of preferred compression and tensile stresses. It also displays that the main trend of surface deformation under the influence of growing mechanical compression stresses consists in increase of altitude and decrease of step parameters of roughness and waviness. The authors have established that in the coverage area of tensile stresses the roughness and the waviness of the brake disk surface returns to initial values determined in condition of absence of external power influence. On the basis of the results, the authors have explained the process of waviness appearance on the brake disc surface. Results of the study are recommended for the application at solving tasks on friction and wear.
Analysis of existing methods for calculating loading of parts at assessment of fatigue strength
Authors:   Ural state university of railway transport (USURT), Antropova Tatyana Anatolyevna
Published: September 2021

The paper shows the results of analysis of methods used for determination of loads on parts of fatigue strength tests. As an example, the author has calculated loading of open-box car vertical body posts by means of two currently used methods. At comparison of gained results the author has established that calculated values of forces and amplitudes of body posts loading differ almost 3 times. Consequently, key differences of the methods have been revealed. As a result, it is proposed to improve a method of calculation and to develop the only reliable method of determination of forces and amplitudes of loading of parts that are tested on fatigue strength.
Features of thermomechanics of pulsating gas flows in inlet systems with grooves applicable to automotive engines
Authors:   Ural Federal University named after the first President of Russia B. N. Yeltsin (UrFU), Plotnikov L. V. , Grigoryev N. I. ,   Ural Federal University named after the first President of Russia B. N. Yeltsin (UrFU), Osipov L. E. ,   Ural Federal University named after the first President of Russia B. N. Yeltsin (UrFU), Plotnikov O. A. ,   Ural Federal University named after the first President of Russia B. N. Yeltsin (UrFU)
Published: September 2021

Reciprocating internal combustion engines (RICE) are widely used as heat engines for converting the chemical energy of a fuel into mechanical work on the crankshaft. Aerodynamic and thermophysical processes in gas exchange systems significantly affect the efficiency of the RICE. This paper examines the possibility of influencing the gas dynamics and heat transfer of pulsating gas flows in the inlet system by placing a channel with grooves. It is known that the presence of grooves in the channel leads to the formation of significant secondary vortices, which radically change the physical picture of the gas flow. The studies were carried out on a laboratory bench, which was a singlecylinder model of a turbocharged RICE. A system of measurements of basic physical quantities is described, taking into account their high dynamics. Techniques for processing experimental data are presented. Primary data on instantaneous values of gas-dynamic and heatexchange characteristics of pulsating flows are presented. It was found that the presence of a channel with grooves in the inlet system leads to a decrease in the degree of turbulence to 40 % and an intensification of heat transfer in the range of 5–50 % compared to the basic inlet system. A positive effect is shown in the form of an increase in engine power by 3 % when using the modernized system.
A New Stacking Based Ensemble Predictive Model to Predict the Mortality after Heart Surgery on a Highly Imbalanced Dataset
Authors: Ghavidel Arman , Ghousi Rouzbeh , Atashi Alireza
Published: September 2021

Nowadays, according to spectacular improvement in health care and biomedical level, a tremendous amount of data is recorded by hospitals. In addition, the most effective approach to reduce disease mortality is to diagnose it as soon as possible. As a result, data mining by applying machine learning in the field of diseases provides good opportunities to examine the hidden patterns of this collection. An exact forecast of the mortality after heart surgery will cause Successful medical treatment and fewer costs. This research wants to recommend a new stacking predictive model after utilizing the random forest feature importance method to foresee the mortality after heart surgery on a highly unbalanced dataset by using the most practical features. To solve the unbalanced data problem, a combination of the SVM-SMOTE over-sampling algorithm and the Edited-Nearest-Neighbor under-sampling algorithm is used. This research compares the introduced model with some other machine learning classifiers to ensure efficiency through shuffle hold-out and 10-fold cross-validation strategies. In order to validate the performance of the implemented machine learning methods in this research, both shuffle hold-out, and 10-fold cross-validation results indicated that our model had the highest efficiency compared to the other models. Furthermore, the Friedman statistical test is applied to survey the differences between models. The result demonstrates that the introduced stacking model reached the most accurate predicting performance after Logistic Regression.
Mass Timber Envelopes in Passivhaus Buildings: Designing for Moisture Safety in Hot and Humid Australian Climates
Authors: Strang Marcus , Leardini Paola , Brambilla Arianna , Gasparri Eugenia
Published: September 2021

The uptake of buildings employing cross-laminated timber (CLT) assemblies and designed to Passivhaus standard has accelerated internationally over the past two decades due to several factors including design responses to the climate crisis by decarbonising the building stock. Structural CLT technology and the voluntary Passivhaus certification both show measurable benefits in reducing energy consumption, while contributing to durability and indoor comfort. However, there is a general lack of evidence to support a fast uptake of these technologies in Australia. This paper responds to the compelling need of providing quantitative data and adoption strategies, it explores their combined application as a potential pathway for climate-appropriate design of energy-efficient and durable mass timber envelope solutions for subtropical and tropical Australian climates. Hygrothermal risk assessments of interstitial condensation and mould growth of CLT wall assemblies inform best-practice design of mass timber buildings in hot and humid climates. This research found that the durability of mass timber buildings located in hot and humid climates may benefit from implementing the Passivhaus standard to manage interior conditions. The findings also suggested that climate-specific design of the wall assembly is critical for mass timber buildings, in conjunction with excellent stormwater management practices during construction and corrosion protection for metallic fasteners.
Resolving Last-Mile Connectivity Issues in Botswana Using WiMAX IEEE802
Authors: Mokeresete Malebogo , Esiefarienrhe Bukohwo Michael
Published: September 2021

Amongst advantages of using Worldwide Interoperability Microwave Access (WiMAX) technology at the last-mile level as access technology include an extensive range of 50 km Line of Sight (LOS), 5 to 15 km Non-Line of Sight and few infrastructure installations compared to other wireless broadband access technologies. Despite positive investments in ICT fibre infrastructure by developing countries, including Botswana, servicing end-users is subjected to high prices and marginalised. The alternative, the Wi-Fi hotspot initiative by the Botswana government, falls far as a solution for last-mile connectivity and access. This study used OPNET simulation modeller 14,5 to investigate whether Botswana’s national broadband project could adopt WiMAX IEEE 802.16e as an access technology. Several developing countries in Africa and the world use WiMAX technology at access level and gain impressive results. The rampant lack of infrastructure development and the need to provide high-speed technology has necessitated such investigation. Therefore, using the simulation method, this paper evaluates the WiMAX IEEE 802.16e/m over three subscriber locations in Botswana. The results obtained indicate that the deployment of the WiMAX IEEE 802.16e standard can solve most of the deployment issues and access at the last-mile level. Although the findings suggest that WiMAX IEEE 802.16e is more suitable for high-density areas, it could also solve rural areas’ infrastructure development challenges and provide required high-speed connectivity access. However, unlike the Wi-Fi initiative, which requires more infrastructure deployment and less on institutional and regulatory frameworks, the deployment of WiMAX IEEE802.16e requires institutional and regulatory standards.
Sustainability Reporting in the Upstream Oil and Gas Industry Between Awards and Violations: A Systematic Literature Review, Evidence From Indonesia
Authors: Kwarto Febrian , Nurafiah Nunuy , Suharman Harry , Dahlan Muhammad
Published: September 2021

sustainability reporting, critical paradigm, upstream oil, and gasThe operating activities of the upstream oil and gas industry directly impact the environment. This industry faces significant social challenges and directly impacts the environment. Many Reputable international sustainability institutions organize sustainability awards. However, community conditions do not have a positive impact on sustainability practices. There are vari-ous serious violations related to sustainability, environmental pollution, multiple cases of cor-ruption, human rights, and other violations. In contrast, the companies receiving this award also received inspection findings of violations committed by The Audit Board of the Republic of In-donesia. This study uses critical discourse analysis that begins with phenomena related to viola-tions of sustainability reporting from scientific journals and other references using a systematic literature review approach over the last ten years. It produces a critical paradigm that is not val-ue-free, which is the basis for framing thought utilizing the theory of hegemony. The results of this study indicate that the upstream oil and gas industries are obliged to implement Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) practices and Sustainability Reports (SR), has biased factors that are contrary to the sustainability concept and are not under the sustainability award based on evi-dence obtained from the stages of manuscript analysis with systematic literature review
Enzyme Replacement Therapy with Pabinafusp Alfa for Neuronopathic Mucopolysaccharidosis II: an Integrated Analysis of Preclinical and Clinical Data
Authors: Giugliani Roberto , Martins Ana Maria , Okuyama Torayuki , Eto Yoshikatsu , Sakai Norio , Nakamura Kimitoshi , Morimoto Hideto , Minami Kohtaro , Yamamoto Tatsuyoshi , Yamaoka Mariko , Ikeda Toshiaki , So Sairei , Tanizawa Kazunori , Sonoda Hiroyuki , Schmidt Mathias , Sato Yuji
Published: September 2021

Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) improves the somatic manifestations in mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS))．However, because intravenously administered enzymes cannot cross the blood brain barrier (BBB), ERT is ineffective against the progressive neurodegeneration and resultant severe central nervous system (CNS) symptoms observed in patients with neuronopathic MPS. Attempts to surmount this problem have been made with intrathecal and intracerebroventricular ERT intend to achieve CNS effects, but the burdens on patients are inimical to long-term multiple administrations. However, after pabinafusp alfa, a human iduronate-2-sulfatase fused with a BBB-crossing anti-transferrin receptor antibody, showed both central and peripheral efficacy in mice model, subsequent clinical trials in a total of 62 patients with MPS-II (Hunter syndrome) in Japan and Brazil substantiated this dual efficacy and provided an acceptable safety profile. To date, pabinafusp alfa is the only approved intravenous ERT effective against both the somatic and CNS symptoms of patients with MPS-II. This article summarizes the hitherto obtained preclinical and clinical evidence associated with this drug, and discusses the preclinical, translational and clinical challenges of evaluating, ameliorating and preventing the neurodegeneration in patients with MPS-II.
Exploring the Effect of College Students’ Civic Engagement on Transferable Capabilities during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Chang Dian-Fu , Chang Tsun Ning , Chen Chia Chi
Published: September 2021

Civic engagement refers to the ways in which citizens participate in the life of a community to help shape its future or improve conditions for others. While it might have been shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic recovery, this study explored how college students perceive civic engagement on selected campuses that were partially locked down. We sampled 1036 student volunteers from six universities in Taiwan by using a self-designed module of civic engagement and transferable capabilities. The Student’s t-test, ANOVA, regression, factor analysis, and structural equation modeling (SEM) were used to interpret the differences and relationships among these variables. This study provides a more detailed example of the current status of civic engagement and its relative to transferable capabilities in a higher education setting. The related programs and institutes should take responsibility for enhancing students’ civic engagement and transferable capabilities during the pandemic. How to ameliorate the situation? The findings suggest that it should consider a student’s academic major, learning experiences in the department, and time spent on related activities during the pandemic recovery. The findings might prove useful to various campuses for enhancing ongoing practices.
Photo degradation kinetics of insensitive munitions constituents nitroguanidine, nitrotriazolone, and dinitroanisole in natural waters
Authors: Moores Lee , Jones Stacy , George Garrett , Henderson David , Schutt Timothy
Published: September 2021

Herein the matrix effects on the kinetics of aqueous photolysis for the individual munitions constituents of IMX-101: nitroguanidine (NQ), dinitroanisole (DNAN), and nitrotriazolone (NTO) are reported along with the environmentally relevant kinetics and quantum yields. Photolysis potentially represents a major degradation pathway for these munitions in the environment and further understanding the complex matrices effects on photolytic kinetics was needed. Aqueous systems are of particular interest due to the high solubility of NQ (3,800 ppm) and NTO (16,642 ppm) compared to the traditional munitions trinitrotoluene (TNT, 100.5 ppm) and 1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX, 59.9 ppm). Environmental half-lives (and quantum yields) were found to be 0.44 days, 0.83 days, and 4.4 days for NQ, DNAN, and NTO, respectively, under natural sunlight. In laboratory experiments using nominally 300 nm bulbs in a merry-go-round style reactor in DI water the relative rate of photolysis for the three munitions constituents followed the same order NQ > DNAN > NTO, where DNAN and NTO reacted 57 and 115 times more slowly, respectively, than NQ. In the various environmentally relevant matrices tested in the laboratory experiments NQ was not significantly affected, DNAN showed a faster degradation with increasing ionic strength, and NTO showed a modest salinity and pH dependence on its rate of photolysis.
Sabine Pass to Galveston Bay, TX Pre-construction, Engineering and Design (PED) : coastal storm surge and wave hazard assessment : report 3 – Orange County
Authors: Stehno Abigail , Melby Jeffrey , Misra Shubhra , Nadal-Caraballo Norberto , Gonzalez Victor
Published: September 2021

The US Army Corps of Engineers, Galveston District, is executing the Sabine Pass to Galveston Bay Coastal Storm Risk Management (CSRM) project for Brazoria, Jefferson, and Orange Counties regions. The project is currently in the Pre-construction, Engineering, and Design phase. This report documents coastal storm water level (SWL) and wave hazards for the Orange County CSRM structures. Coastal SWL and wave loading and overtopping are quantified using high-fidelity hydrodynamic modeling and stochastic simulations. The CSTORM coupled water level and wave modeling system simulated 195 synthetic tropical storms on three relative sea level change scenarios for with- and without-project meshes. Annual exceedance probability (AEP) mean values were reported for the range of 0.2 to 0.001 for peak SWL and wave height (Hm0) along with associated confidence limits. Wave period and mean wave direction associated with Hm0 were also computed. A response-based stochastic simulation approach is applied to compute AEP values for overtopping for levees and overtopping, nappe geometry, and combined hydrostatic and hydrodynamic fluid pressures for floodwalls. CSRM crest design elevations are defined based on overtopping rates corresponding to incipient damage. Survivability and resilience are evaluated. A system-wide hazard level assessment was conducted to establish final recommended system-wide elevations.
High-Resolution Compositional Reservoir Simulation with Dynamic Coarsening and Local Timestepping for Unstructured Grids
Authors: Klemetsdal Ø. S. , Møyner O. , Moncorgé A. , Nilsen H. M. , Lie K-.A.
Published: September 2021

Numerical smearing is oftentimes a challenge in reservoir simulation, particularly for complex tertiary recovery strategies. We present a new high-resolution method that uses dynamic coarsening of a fine underlying grid in combination with local timestepping to provide resolution in time and space. The method can be applied to stratigraphic and general unstructured grids, is efficient, introduces minimal computational overhead, and is applicable to flow models seen in practical reservoir engineering. Technically, the method is based on three concepts:

Sequential splitting of the flow equations into a pressure equation and a system of transport equations Dynamic coarsening in which we temporarily coarsen the grid locally by aggregating cells into coarse blocks according to cell-wise indicators on the basis of residuals (gradients and other measures of spatial and temporal changes can also be used) Asynchronous local timestepping that traverses cells/coarse blocks in the direction of flow

We assess the applicability of the method through a set of representative cases, ranging from conceptual to realistic, with complex fluid physics and reservoir geology, and demonstrate that the method can be used to reduce computational time and still retain high resolution in spatial/temporal zones and quantities of interest.

NOTE: This paper is published as part of the 2021 SPE Reservoir Simulation Conference Special Issue.
High Value Utilization of Fern Extracts For Fabrication of Copper Nanoparticles: A Potent And Affordable Candidate For Water Treatment, Water Disinfection, Antioxidant Activity And Theranostic Agent.
Authors: Sinha Tanur , Adhikari Partha Pradip , Bhandari Vinay M
Published: September 2021

This study reports a simple, green, and large–scale biosynthetic fabrication of spherical copper nanoparticles (Cu NPs), approximate 28 nm, using the aqueous extracts of Diaplazium esulentum (Retz.) Sw. fern. Characterization was carried out for morphology, size, elemental analysis, crystallinity and for identification of functionalities responsible for reduction and stabilization. Extraordinary remediation efficiency was obtained for the developed Cu NPs for the elimination of two industrially important pollutants; Methyl Violet 6B and Methylene Blue (greater than 92 % within 150 mins). A mechanism was postulated for the process using the data on the identification of NPs and also spent NPs apart from degraded products.Furthermore, the Cu NPs revealed excellent antibacterial activity against gram positive bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumonia and Bacillus subtilis, as well as gram negative bacteria: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and potential action against fungal strains; Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans.Additionally, the assay depicted that Cu NPs has fairly decent radical scavenging activity with IC50 value 2.11 mM. Moreover, the Cu NPs were found to exhibit profound anticancerous activity against two human cancer line cells.The present research work has implications for exploitation of DE fern extract for the development of Cu NPs and their numerous applications ranging from pollutants removal to antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant and anticancerous agents.
Ventricular Fibrillation After Release of an Aortic Cross-Clamp in Valvular Surgery: Independent Risk Factors, Outcomes, and Incidence from Access Routes
Authors: LI Weichao , li heng , Gong Jianping , Liu Weihua , Fu BaoJun , Jiang Jingjing , Wang Jianqiang , Tu Jiayu , Zhu Guiheng , Lin Kai , Pan Xuee , Huang YiZhou , Lin ZongHang , Wu XiaoWen
Published: September 2021

Background Predictors and clinical outcomes of VF-ACC and the relative VF-ACC incidence with various access routes have not been well documented. This study aimed to identify predictors, clinical outcomes, and relative incidences of ventricular fibrillation after the release of an aortic cross-clamp (VF-ACC) with various access routes in valvular surgery.Patients and methods In this single-center and retrospective cohort study, we screened 228 consecutive patients undergoing valve surgery, and a total of 119 patients were included in the study. The primary outcomes were the relative incidence and predictors of VF-ACC with access routes, and secondary endpoints included effects of VF-ACC on 30-day mortality, perioperative ventricular arrhythmias (VAs), and heart failure with ejection fraction < 50% (HFEF < 50%).Results VF-ACC incidence varied on the basis of access routes. VF-ACC occurred in 58.3% of patients with aortic valve replacement via transverse aortotomy (TAo-AVR), in 48.6% of patients with aortic and mitral replacements via transseptal and transverse aortotomy access (TSAo-MAVR), and in 20% of patients with mitral valve replacement via transseptal access (TS-MVR). Seven independent risk factors were identified: HTK solution (AOR: 4.90, p = 0.002), smoking status (AOR: 6.30, p = 0.001), cerebrovascular disease (CBD) [(AOR: 7.08, p = 0.022)], regional wall motion abnormality (RWMA) [(AOR: 8.33, p < 0.001)], perioperative VAs (AOR: 4.85, p = 0.001), HFEF < 50% (AOR: 5.66, p = 0.002), and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) [(AOR: 0.962, CI: 0.941–0.984)].Conclusions VF-ACC was the most common in TAo-AVR and the least common in TS-MVR. HTK solution, smoking status, CBD, perioperative VAs, HFEF < 50%, and RWMA were associated with an increased risk of VF-ACC, and low LVMI acted as a protective factor. Patients with VF-ACC commonly experienced perioperative VAs or HFEFs < 50%.Clinical trial registration: ChiCTR2100050961.
Isolation and Characterization of Copper Tolerant Bacterial Species Habituating in Copper Mines and Study of Their Potentiality as a Plant Growth Stimulator
Authors: Majhi Krishnendu , Let Moitri , Halder Urmi , Bandopadhyay Rajib
Published: September 2021

Copper (Cu) is a vital micronutrient for all living organisms below its toxicity limit. Various industrial activities, mining deposits, excessive use of harmful chemicals, waste discharges, and drugs are the main reason for the emerging copper concentration. Emphases of the current study were to isolate and characterize highly copper-tolerating bacterial (CTB) species from a copper-contaminated site. In enrichment culture techniques, 24 copper tolerant microbial isolates were evaluated and the maximum tolerable concentration (MTC) was determined using various concentrations of copper sulfate pentahydrate (CuSO4.5H2O) solution. Three bacterial strains named GKSM2, GKSM6, and GKSM11 were tolerant to 350 mg/l of CuSO4.5H2O. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing and phylogeny data revealed that these CTB belong to species Bacillus zanthoxyli, Bacillus stercoris, and Pseudomonas alcaliphila species. CTB showed their optimized growth at moderate salt concentration (0.1-0.5M NaCl), temperature range (20-45˚C) and wide pH range (pH 5.0-11). All the strains can produce various Plant growth stimulating (PGS) traits viz., phytohormones (IAA, GA), proline, nitrogen fixation, ammonification, and antioxidant enzymes in presence and absence of Cu2+ stress. The result displays that adsorption of Cu2+ ions evidenced by TEM, SEM, and SEM-EDX analysis.
The Role of Engineers in Harmonising Human Values for AI Systems Design
Authors: Umbrello Steven
Published: September 2021

Most engineers work within social structures governing and governed by a set of values that primarily emphasise economic concerns. The majority of innovations derive from these loci. Given the effects of these innovations on various communities, it is imperative that the values they embody are aligned with those societies. Like other transformative technologies, artificial intelligence systems can be designed by a single organisation but be diffused globally, demonstrating impacts over time. This paper argues that in order to design for this broad stakeholder group, engineers must adopt a systems thinking approach that allows them to understand the sociotechnicity of artificial intelligence systems across sociocultural domains. It claims that value sensitive design, and envisioning cards in particular, provides a solid first step towards helping designers harmonise human values, understood across spatiotemporal boundaries, with economic values, rather than the former coming at the opportunity cost of the latter.
The Occurrence and Association of Impaired Cerebral Autoregulation With Outcomes in Aortic Arch Surgery: A Single-Center, Retrospective Study
Authors: Peng Ling , Wei Wei , Zeng Jun , Yang Jiapei , Wang Rurong
Published: September 2021

Backgroundː Impairment of cerebral autoregulation (CA) has been observed in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), but little is known about its occurrence and associations with outcomes. The objective of this study was to analyze the occurrence of impaired CA, based on cerebral oximetry index (COx), in patients undergoing total aortic arch replacement with CPB and moderate hypothermic circulatory arrest (MHCA). We also evaluated the association between impaired CA and patient outcomes.Methodsː Sixty-four patients who underwent total aortic arch replacement with stented elephant trunk implantation under CPB and MHCA at our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were defined as having new-onset impaired CA if post-CPB COx > 0.3, calculated based on a moving linear correlation coefficient between regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rScO2) and mean blood pressure (MAP). Postoperative complication and in-hospital mortality were compared between patients with normal and impaired CA.Resultsː Of the 64 patients, 19(29.7%) developed new-onset impaired CA after CPB with MHCA. Compared with normal CA patients, those with impaired CA showed a significantly longer duration of rScO2 <55%, and significantly higher rates of in-hospital mortality and postoperative complications (acute kidney injury, delirium, mechanical ventilation > 24h, and respiratory infection). Conclusionsː In our cohort, 29.7% of patients who underwent total aortic arch replacement developed new-onset impaired CA after CPB with MHCA. Impaired CA might be associated with significantly increased rates of postoperative complications and in-hospital mortality. Clinical trial registration: ChiCTR1800014545 with registered date 20/01/2018.
Prevalence of Multidrug Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in East Africa: a Systematic Review and Meta- Analysis
Authors: Alem Kindu
Published: September 2021

Background: The rate of multidrug resistant tuberculosis is increasing at an alarming rate throughout the world. It is becoming an emerging public health problem in East Africa. Prevalence of MDR-TB among TB positive individuals in the region has not been synthesized. Determining the pooled prevalence of MDR-TB among newly diagnosed and previously treated TB cases in East Africa is the main objective of this review.Methods: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the researcher searched six electronic databases: Google scholar, PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Science direct and Web of Science. Funnel plot symmetry visualization confirmed by Egger’s regression asymmetry test and Begg rank correlation methods was used to assess publication bias. The pooled prevalence estimate was calculated using Der Simonian and Laird’s random Effects model. A total of 16 articles published in East Africa from 2007 and 2019 were included in this study. STATA software (version 14, Texas, USA) was used for analysis. Results: Out of 1025 articles identified citations, a total of 16 articles published in East Africa from 2007 and 2019 were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of MDR-TB among newly diagnosed TB cases and previously treated TB patients to be 4% (95%CI=2-5%) and 21% (95%CI: 14-28%), respectively. Living conditions, lifestyles (smoking, alcohol use, and drug abuse), previous medical history, diabetes history and HIV infection risk factors contribute to higher prevalence of MDR-TB in East Africa.Conclusion: An early diagnosis of tuberculosis and rapid detection of drug resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a serious concern to identify patients who are not responding to the standard treatment and to avoid spreading of resistant strains. It is also very essential to strengthen tuberculosis control and improved monitoring of chemotherapy.
An Integrated Hybrid Methodology for Estimation of Absorptivity and Interface Temperature in Laser Transmission Welding
Authors: Goyal Dhruva Kumar , Yadav Ramsingh , Kant Ravi
Published: September 2021

This study reports a new hybrid integrated technique to predict the absorptivity of absorber and the interface temperature of the joint in laser transmission welding. The new approach is more robust as the numerical model is confirmed through experimental observations initially with weld width and further with surface temperature. Experiments are performed on a polycarbonate sheets with electrolytic iron powder (EIP) as an absorber. The surface temperature and weld width are measured from the experiments. A transient 3-D finite element-based numerical model is developed for heat transfer analysis. The variation of heat flux with stand-off distance is also considered to enhance the accuracy of the computed results. The absorptivity is tuned in the numerical model so that the numerical weld width is in close conjunction with the experimental weld width. The numerical model is validated by comparing the upper surface temperatures at the center, measured in the experiments using infrared thermography. The results indicate that the surface temperatures in the numerical model are in good agreement with experimental observations, and the average error is less than 6%. The interface temperatures are estimated after the validation of the numerical model.
Assessing the Long-Term Planform Dynamics of Ganges-Jamuna Confluence With the Aid of Remote Sensing and GIS
Authors: Khan Nafis Sadik , Roy Sujit Kumar , Mazumder Md. Touhidur Rahman , Talukdar Swapan , Mallick Javed
Published: September 2021

The Ganges-Jamuna-Padma confluence is one of the world's most active confluences. The confluence of two of the world's greatest rivers, the Ganges and the Brahmaputra, makes this a globally significant site. Severe erosion along the banks has been caused by morphological changes in this region. Riverbank erosion is one of Bangladesh's most serious problems, as it necessitates costly intervention. Riverbank erosion in Bangladesh affects millions of people each year as a result of erosion in this confluence zone. As a result, it's critical to comprehend the confluence's morphological changing pattern. This study aims to quantify actual bank shifting around the confluence of the Ganges, Jamuna, and Padma in terms of shifting rate and area during a twenty-five-year period (1990-2015). To conduct this study the collected satellite image were geo-referenced and digitize bank lines from using ArcGIS program. The bank line is the linear structure that divides the river channel's outer border from the flood plains. The distance between the extreme margins of the left and right banks, including mid-channel sandbars, was measured to determine channel width variation. To assess the maturity of change, this time frame is subdivided into five phases, each lasting five years. In addition, the long-term shift from 1972 to 2015 is qualitatively noticeable. This morphological alteration was studied using LANDSAT satellite images. The research gives current and trustworthy information on the Ganga-Jamuna confluence's planform dynamics. This research will be useful in the planning and execution of drainage development plans and erosion control strategies in this critical confluence zone.
Effect of Hypomagnesemia On The Prognosis of Patients With Sepsis in ICU: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Lv Chenwei , Hu Jing , Hu Xingxing , Liu Jiangyun
Published: September 2021

Objective

Existing studies have shown that the incidence of hypomagnesemia may be as high as 60%. However, the correlation between hypomagnesia and sepsis mortality remains elusive. The current study evaluated the effect of hypomagnesemia on the prognosis of patients with sepsis in ICU.
Methods

It was a retrospective cohort study based on an online database named MIMIC III. A total of 1448 sepsis patients with serum magnesium were admitted to the database, among which 645 patients were screened out.
Results

At 28 days, 99 patients (30.84%) in the hypomagnesemia group and 123 patients (38.0%) (P = 0.06) in the non-hypomagnesemia group died. There was no correlation between hypomagnesemia and 28-day mortality in patients with sepsis (HR = 1.07; P = 0.87, 95% CI). However, the duration of mechanical ventilation (P < 0.01), the duration of vasoactive drug use (P < 0.01), the length of ICU stay (P < 0.01), and the length of hospital stay (P < 0.01) of patients in the hypomagnesemia group were higher than those in the non-hypomagnesemia group. In the subgroup analysis, the time of no vasopressor (P < 0.01) and the time of no mechanical ventilation (P < 0.01) in the magnesium supplementation group were significantly longer than those in the non-magnesium supplementation group. More importantly, the 14-day mortality (30.8% vs 48.9%, P < 0.01) and 28-day mortality (33.8% vs 48.9%, P = 0.03) in patients with magnesium supplementation were lower than patients without magnesium supplementation.
Conclusions

For sepsis patients in ICU, although hypomagnesemia had no significant correlation with 28-day mortality, it still prolonged the duration of mechanical ventilation and vasoactive drug use, and increased the length of ICU stay and hospital stay. Even for patients with normal serum magnesium levels, optimizing serum magnesium levels may improve the prognosis of patients with sepsis.
Multiple-Forecasting Approach: A Prediction of CO2 Emission from the Paddy Crop in India
Authors: Singh Pawan Kumar , Pandey Alok Kumar , Ahuja Sahil , Kiran Ravi
Published: September 2021

This paper compares four prediction methods namely Random Forest Regressor (RFR), SARIMAX, Holt-Winters (H-W), and the Support Vector Regression (SVR) to forecast the total CO2 emission from the paddy crop in India. The major objective of this study is to compare these four models to suggest an effective model to predict the total CO2 emission. Data from 1961 to 2018 has been categorised into two parts: training and test data. The study forecasts total CO2 emission from paddy crop in India from 2019 to 2025. A comparison of mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) and the mean square error (MSE), highlights the differences in accuracy among the four models. The mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) and the mean square error (MSE) for the four methods are: RFR (MAPE: 5.67; MSE: 549900.02), SARIMAX (MAPE:1.67; MSE:70422.35), H-W (MAPE:0.75; MSE:16648.58), and SVR (MAPE: 0.91; MSE: 17832.4). The values of MAPE and MSE with the Holt-Winters (H-W) and the Support Vector Regression (SVR) is relatively low as compared to SARIMAX and RFR. On the basis of these results, it can be inferred that H-W and SVR were found suitable models to forecast the total CO2 emission from paddy crop. Holt-Winters the model predicted 14364.97 for the year 2025 and SVR predicted 13696.67 for the year 2025. These predictions can be used by the decision-maker to build a suitable policy for future studies. For further research, this approach can be contrasted with other approaches, such as the Neural Network or other forecasting methods, using more important datasets to train the model to achieve better forecast accuracy.
Dietary Addition with Fermented Sorghum Distiller's Dried Grains with Soluble Improved Carcass Traits and Meat Quality in Growing-Finishing Pigs
Authors: Li Huawei , Duan Yehui , Yin Fugui , Zhu Qian , Hu Chengjun , Wu Lingying , Xie Peifeng , Li Fengna , Cheng Runxi , Kong Xiangfeng
Published: September 2021

The fermented sorghum distiller's dried grains with soluble (FS-DDGS) contain numerous nutrients, yet its nutritional effects on growing-finishing pigs remain unclear. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary FS-DDGS addition on growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality in growing-finishing pigs. A total of 48 healthy male crossbred (Large White × Landrace × Duroc) barrows with initial body weight (BW) of 39.95 ± 2.15 kg were allocated to one of four dietary treatments (12 pigs per treatment). The dietary treatments were as follows: basal diet without (FS-DDGS0 group) or with 50 g/kg (FS-DDGS50 group), 100 g/kg (FS-DDGS100 group), or 150 g/kg (FS-DDGS150) FS-DDGS, respectively. Results showed that dietary FS-DDGS addition increased (linear, P < 0.05) the pH24h value, and contents of ash, crude protein, and Pro in Longissimus dorsi muscle, and Ala, Arg, Asp, Glu, Ile, Leu, Lys, Ser, and Tyr in Biceps femoris (BF) muscle. Meanwhile, dietary FS-DDGS addition decreased (linear, P < 0.05) the drip loss, b* value, and L* value. In addition, an effect (quadratic, P < 0.05) on total bone percentage and Gly and Pro contents in BF muscle were observed. Collectively, these findings suggested that dietary FS-DDGS addition could improve carcass traits and meat quality; nevertheless, more research is warranted to determine the underlying mechanism associated with the alterations.
Crane Cloud: A Resilient Multi-Cloud Service Layer for Resource Constrained Settings
Authors: Bainomugisha Engineer , Mwotil Alex
Published: September 2021

Whereas the main cloud providers have set up cloud services on stable infrastructure, developers and users situated in low-resource settings access cloud services and platforms using low-end computing devices that often connect to the Internet via slow mobile connections. These settings require custom software abstraction layers that consider such bandwidth constraints and intermittent connections as a rule rather than the exception. In this paper, we identify key challenges for developing for and accessing cloud services in resource constrained settings, namely, (1) Frequent Internet partitions and bandwidth constraints, (2) Data jurisdiction restrictions, (3) Vendor lock-in, and (4) Poor quality of service. To address these challenges, we propose a set of design considerations and properties for a resilient multi-cloud service layer, that includes: (1) Containerisation and orchestration of applications, (2) Service scheduling and replication, (3) Portability and multi-cloud migration, (4) Resilience to network partitions and bandwidth constraints, (5) Automated service discovery and load balancing, (6) Localised image registry, and (7) Support for platform monitoring and management. We present a prototype validation case study, Crane Cloud, an open source multi-cloud service abstraction layer built on-top of Kubernetes that is designed with inherent support for resilience to network partitions, microservice orchestration (deployment, scaling and management of containerized applications)a localized image registry, support for migration of services between private and public clouds to avoid vendor lock-in issues and platform monitoring. We evaluate the performance and user experience of Crane Cloud by implementing and deploying a computational and bandwidth intensive machine learning system shows lower response time compared when hosted on other public clouds.