bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on service quality evaluation of medical caring and nursing combined institutions for the aged based on interval MTS-grey cloud clustering
Authors: Xu Lan , Yang Long
Published: October 2022

The lack of a scientific and complete service quality evaluation system for Medical Caring and Nursing Combined Institutions for the Aged is a critical factor that makes it difficult to improve the quality of their services. Based on the SERVQUAL model, the service quality evaluation index system of Medical Caring and Nursing Combined Institutions for the Aged is constructed from tangibles, security, reliability, responsiveness, and empathy. Considering the ambiguity, randomness, grey characteristics, and the interaction between indicators in the service evaluation process of Medical Caring and Nursing Combined Institutions for the Aged, the interval Mahalanobis-Taguchi system (MTS) is introduced into the grey cloud clustering model, and a service quality evaluation model of the interval MTS— grey cloud clustering is proposed. The Medical Caring and Nursing Combined Institutions for the Aged in four typical cities of Jiangsu Province are taken as examples in this study. Feasibility of the proposed method is verified, and targeted measures are thus proposed to provide stronger support and reference for improving the service quality of these institutions.
Bounds on radio mean number of graphs
Authors: Saraswathi Meera , Meera K.N.
Published: October 2022

A radio mean labeling l of G maps distinct vertices of G to distinct elements of ℤ + satisfying the radio mean condition that diam ( G ) + 1 - d G ( w , w ′ ) ≤ ⌈ l ( w ) + l ( w ′ ) 2 ⌉ , ∀ w , w ′ ∈ V ( G ) where dG (w, w′) is the smallest length of a w, w′- path in G and diam (G) = max {dG (w, w′) : w, w′ ∈ V (G)} is the diameter of G. The radio mean number of graph G is defined as rmn (G) = min {span (l) : l isaradiomeanlabelingof G} where span(l) is given by max {l (w) : w ∈ V (G)}. It has been proved in literature that |V (G) | ≤ rmn (G) ≤ |V (G) | + diam (G) -2. Cryptographic algorithms can exploit the unique radio mean number associated with a graph to generate keys. An exhaustive listing of all feasible radio mean labelings and their span is essential to obtain the radio mean number of a given graph. Since the radio mean condition depends on the distance between vertices and the graph’s diameter, as the order and diameter increase, finding a radio mean labeling itself is quite difficult and, so is obtaining the radio mean number of a given graph. Here we discuss the extreme values of the radio mean number of a given graph of order n. In this article we obtained bounds on the radio mean number of a graph G of order n and diameter d in terms of the radio mean number of its induced subgraph H where diam (H) = d and dH (w, w′) = dG (w, w′) for any w, w′ ∈ V (H). The diametral path Pd+1 is one such induced subgraph of G and hence we have deduced the limits of rmn (G) in terms of rmn (Pd+1). It is known that if d = 1,  2 or 3, then rmn (G) = n. Here, we have given alternative proof for the same. The authors of this article have studied radio mean labeling of paths in another article. Using those results, we have improved the bounds on the radio mean number of a graph of order n and diameter d ≥ 4. It is also shown that among all connected graphs on n vertices, the path Pn of order n possesses the maximum radio mean number. This is the first article that has completely solved the question of maximum and minimum attainable radio mean numbers of graphs of order n.
Method for 2-tuple linguistic neutrosophic number MAGDM and applications to physical education teaching quality evaluation in colleges and universities
Authors: Song Tao
Published: October 2022

The quality of physical education (PE) teaching in colleges and universities is the basis for the development of PE disciplines in colleges and universities, so currently thinking about how to effectively improve the quality of PE teaching in colleges and universities has become the first and foremost problem for many college and university PE departments to solve. In order to solve this problem, it is necessary to build a reasonable and scientific evaluation and monitoring system of PE teaching quality, because only by establishing an effective evaluation and monitoring system of teaching quality can we evaluate and supervise all the PE operation properly and scientifically, and then give feedback in the process of evaluation and supervision, such evaluation and monitoring system can greatly promote the continuous improvement of PE teaching quality in colleges and universities. This is also one of the most effective means to improve the quality of PE and achieve the goal of PE in colleges and universities. The PE teaching quality evaluation in Colleges and Universities is frequently viewed as the multiple attribute group decision making (MAGDM) issue. In this paper, the 2-tuple linguistic neutrosophic number grey relational analysis (2TLNN-GRA) method is built based on the traditional grey relational analysis (GRA) and 2-tuple linguistic neutrosophic sets (2TLNNSs). Then, a numerical example for PE teaching quality evaluation in Colleges and Universities has been given and some comparisons is used to illustrate advantages of 2TLNN-GRA method.
A hybrid complementary metaheuristic for VRPTW with product classification and pickup-delivery constraints
Authors: Jin Hui , Li Jun-qing
Published: October 2022

With the emphasis of the exhaust gas emission of the transportation vehicles, the mode of picking up and delivering products simultaneously has become a challenging issue in the vehicle routing problem (VRP). To remedy this issue, we investigate a special VRP with realistic constraints including product classification, pickup-delivery, and time window (PC-VRPSPDTW). Then, a hybrid algorithm combining tabu search and artificial immune algorithm (TS-AIA) is proposed. In the proposed algorithm, the earliest time and residual capacity (ETRC) heuristic is designed to generate the initial population. Then, two metaheuristics including variable neighborhood search and large neighborhood search are cooperated to balance the exploration and exploitation abilities. Besides, a new crossover operator is designed to increase the population diversity. Finally, a series of comparative experiments on the extension version of the Solomon’s benchmarks are performed to verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Detection of meningioma tumor images using Modified Empirical Mode Decomposition (MEMD) and convolutional neural networks
Authors: Krishnakumar S. , Manivannan K.
Published: October 2022

The meningioma brain tumor detection is more important than the other tumor detection such as Glioma and Glioblastoma, due to its high severity level. The tumor pixel density of meningioma tumor is high and it leads to sudden death if it is not detected timely. The meningioma images are detected using Modified Empirical Mode Decomposition- Convolutional Neural Networks (MEMD-CNN) classification approach. This method has the following stages data augmentation, spatial-frequency transformation, feature computations, classifications and segmentation. The brain image samples are increased using data augmentation process for improving the meningioma detection rate. The data augmented images are spatially transformed into frequency format using MEMD transformation method. Then, the external empirical mode features are computed from this transformed image and they are fed into CNN architecture to classify the source brain image into either meningioma or non-meningioma. The pixels belonging tumor category are segmented using morphological opening-closing functions. The meningioma detection system obtains 99.4% of Meningioma Classification Rate (MCR) and 99.3% of Non-Meningioma Classification Rate (NMCR) on the meningioma and non-meningioma images. This MEMD-CNN technique for meningioma identification attains 98.93% of SET, 99.13% of SPT, 99.18% of MSA, 99.14% of PR and 99.13% of FS. From the statistical comparative analysis of the proposed MEMD-CNN system with other conventional detection systems, the proposed method provides optimum tumor segmentation results.
Optimal sizing method with sensitivity analysis for hybrid energy storage system in electric vehicle using hybrid technique
Authors: Venkataramanan K. , Kannan P. , Sivakumar M.
Published: October 2022

This manuscript proposes a hybrid method for optimum sizing and energy management (EM) of hybrid energy storage systems (HESSs) in Electric vehicle (EV). The proposed hybrid method is combined performance of Honey Badger Algorithm (HBA) and recalling-enhanced recurrent neural network (RERNN), commonly called HBA-RERNN method. The major objective of proposed system is reducing the vehicle life time cost. The HESSs are incorporated with battery and super capacitor (SC). The proposed method is utilized to solve combined energy management and optimization size. Based on the variables, such as size of battery pack and super capacitor pack, HESS size is reflected. Depend on various sensitivity factors, optimum hybrid energy storage systems size and financial costs are analyzed. At last, the performance of proposed system is implemented on MATLAB site and compared with several existing systems. From this simulation outcome, it concludes that the proposed system diminishes the overall cost and battery degradation cost as 66625 USD than the existing systems. The efficiency of the proposed system achieves 94.8763%.
Early diagnosis of diabetes mellitus using data mining and machine learning techniques
Authors: Deepa K. , Ranjeeth Kumar C.
Published: October 2022

The remarkable developments in biotechnology as well as the health sciences have resulted in the production of an enormous amount of data, including high-throughput screening genomics information and clinical information obtained through extensive electronic health records (EHRs). The application of data mining and machine learning techniques in the biosciences is today more vital than ever to achieving this objective as attempts are made to intelligently translate all readily available data into knowledge. Diabetes mellitus (DM), a group of metabolic disorders, is well known to have a serious detrimental effect on population lives all over the world. Large-scale research into all aspects of diabetic has resulted in the production of enormous amounts of data (detection, etiopathophysiology, therapy, etc.). The goal of the current study is to conduct a thorough examination of the use of machine learning, data mining methods and tools in the field of diabetes research, with the first classification making an appearance to be the most popular. These applications relate to a Statistical model and Diagnosis, b) Diabetic Complications, c) Multiple genes Background and Environment, and e) Free Healthcare and Management. Numerous machine learning algorithms were applied. 85% of the methods used were supervised learning approaches, whereas 15% were uncontrolled ones, including association rules. Developed on improved support vector machines, the most successful and widely used algorithm (SVM). Medical datasets were predominantly used in terms of data kind.
A hip disarticulation prostheses test system to simulate gait for prostheses evaluation
Authors: He Chen , Xiao Yixuan , Li Xinwei , Deng Zhipeng , Qian Yu , Zhao Jing , Yu Hongliu
Published: October 2022

BACKGROUND: The limited number of hip prostheses users makes it less feasible to conduct amputee tests for prosthesis development in the clinic, which restricts the development efficiency of the intelligent prostheses. OBJECTIVE: This study proposes a hip disarticulation prostheses test system (HDPTS) to supplement the amputee tests for hip disarticulation prosthesis (HDP) evaluation, which would potentially facilitate the prosthesis evaluation safety and development efficiency. METHODS: The hip trajectory of an individual with normal gait was acquired and reproduced by calculating the corresponding movement joint angle of a manipulator. Then, an HDP was fit on an amputee and on the HDPTS respectively to obtain the hip and knee joint angles of the HDP during walking. Comparing the root mean square error (RMSE) of the expected and planned trajectory, the joint angles between the amputee test and HDPTS test, to verify the feasibility and accuracy of the HDPTS for prosthesis evaluation. RESULTS: The RMSE between the expected and planned trajectory value was less than 1.20 mm (< 0.19%). The RMSE of the joint angles between the amputee test and HDPTS test were 2.18∘ (1.8%) and 3.13∘ (5.92%) for hip and knee joint respectively. CONCLUSION: The HDPTS was found accurate in hip trajectory reproduction and feasible in gait simulation for the prosthesis evaluation, which could potentially supplement the amputee test for prosthesis design thus improving prosthesis test safety and development efficiency.
The efficacy of probiotics on the prevention of pouchitis for patients after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis: A meta-analysis
Authors: Xiao Wanyi , Zhao Xinyu , Li Chunqiang , Huang Qianpeng , He Anqi , Liu Gang
Published: October 2022

BACKGROUND: To date, a few studies indicated that probiotics are beneficial to pouchitis, but no meta-analyses summarized the outcomes of probiotics in pouchitis in detail. OBJECTIVE: This meta-analysis discusses probiotics in the prevention of pouchitis for patients after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) and the relationship between probiotics preventive effect and the duration of therapy and history. METHODS: PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases were searched from inception until February 2022. Risk ratio (RR), mean difference (MD) and their 95% confidence interval (CI) were analyzed by Review Manager 5.3. The subgroup analysis was also performed to explore the agent for influencing outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 8 studies were included in this meta-analysis. The incidence of pouchitis in probiotics was significantly lower than that in the control (RR = 0.19, 95%CI [0.12, 0.32], P⁢ï⁢¼⁢ 0.00001), and the PDAI (pouchitis disease activity index) in probiotics was also significantly lower (MD =-5.65, 95%CI [-9.48, -1.83]). After the subgroup analysis, we found that probiotics work better in the short-term (RR = 0.12, 95%CI [0.04, 0.40], P= 0.0004), but may not achieve the desired effect in the long-term (RR = 1.20, 95%CI [0.40, 3.60], P= 0.75). CONCLUSIONS: Probiotics are beneficial in the prevention of pouchitis after IPAA, especially in the short-term.
Important collaborative conditions for successful economic outcomes of work disability management: A mixed methods multiple case study
Authors: Leino Timo , Turunen Jarno K.A. , Pehkonen Irmeli , Juvonen-Posti Pirjo
Published: October 2022

BACKGROUND: Work disability management (WDM) interventions have usually focused on a single factor and its impact on outcomes such as employee health or work disability costs. Research on company-level WDM activities and their economic impact is scarce. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explain the change in company-level work disability costs and their relation to WDM practices, and to identify the mechanisms of impact through which the successful economic outcome emerged. METHODS: The study design was a convergent mixed methods design with a multiple case study. The data from 14 business units concerned business context, personnel, investments in and processes of WDM, and the costs of work disability in 2010-2013. The data were constructed into case descriptions which were analysed using qualitative comparative analysis. The economic analysis was carried out from the employers’ perspective. RESULTS: Five business units gained net benefits of approximately 1.5-2.5% of the payroll sum from their investments in WDM. These benefits were characterised by a combination of four strategic processes: i) dismantling barriers to co-operation, ii) improving the visibility of the strategic goals of work ability management in everyday practice, iii) WDM actions targeting the company’s main work disability risks, and iv) the facilitation of multi-actor co-operation through co-ordination and flow of information. CONCLUSION: Strategic processes to support the effectiveness of WDM were found. When aiming for economic success in work disability management, in addition to measuring and managing disability costs, it is also essential to maintain collaborative operations in everyday practice.
Noise exposure and hearing loss among tractor drivers in India
Authors: Dewangan Krishna Narayan , Patel Thaneswer , Lalremruata
Published: October 2022

BACKGROUND: Tractors emit high intensity noise and prolonged exposure to high intensity noise causes hearing loss to the drivers. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to measure noise intensity at the tractor drivers’ ear level and hearing loss among tractor drivers. METHODS: Noise intensity was measured on 6 models of tractors which were operated with 5 different tillage implements. In order to assess hearing loss, audiometric test was performed at 7 frequencies, i.e. 250, 500, 1000, 2000, 4000, 6000, and 8000 Hz, among 30 tractor drivers and 30 control group subjects. All the selected tractor drivers and control group subjects were also interviewed to obtain personal information and noise exposure details. RESULTS: The tractor drivers were exposed to noise intensity in the range of 91.7–97.5 dB(A). Audiogram analysis shows that the hearing threshold levels were significantly (p < 0.05) higher among the tractor drivers as compared with the control group subjects. The effect was significantly (p < 0.05) more on the left ear as compared with the right ear among the tractor drivers. Increase in age has significant (p < 0.05) effect on the hearing threshold levels on the left ear. Prevalence of high frequency hearing loss was 50% among tractor drivers as compared with 10% among control group subjects. Hearing loss was significantly (p < 0.05) more in the low frequency as compared with the high frequency among the tractor drivers. CONCLUSION: Indian tractor operators are exposed to high noise levels which may result in hearing loss. It is recommended that hearing conservation programs should be initiated to prevent noise hazards and hearing loss among the tractor drivers.
Obstacles and facilitating factors to work integration of Greek social enterprise employees who have recovered from addiction
Authors: Fragiadakis Kostas
Published: October 2022

BACKGROUND: The work integration of people who have recovered from addiction is an essential factor in the maintaining treatment outcomes. However, its multidimensionality has not yet received the attention it deserves. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the critical elements shaping the work integration attempts of people who have recovered from addiction and work in Greek social enterprises. METHODS: The data was obtained from 25 interviews which were conducted during the field research period; they were processed using the method of thematic analysis. RESULTS: Work integration is obstructed by a combination of individual constraints, together with obstacles related to how persons interact with their social environment, as well as with broader political, institutional, and socioeconomic parameters. The participants depended predominantly on the treatment program and their social network for work integration. CONCLUSION: The article enriches the existing literature focusing on the workers’ perspective on the issue under study. The complexity of the obstacles and limited support sources highlight both the need for client-centered interventions and design of a state-level work integration strategy. In this context, work environments with the potential of a holistic approach to work integration obstacles, such as work integration social enterprises, remain untapped opportunities.
The effectiveness of rehabilitation of patients with injuries as part of the Social Insurance Institution’s disability prevention
Authors: Stembalska Małgorzata , Mazurek Justyna , Biernat Karolina , Sokołowski Michał , Sutkowska Edyta
Published: October 2022

BACKGROUND: Injuries are the cause of professional and social deactivation. The rehabilitation program provided under Social Security prevention pension enables earlier rehabilitation measures. OBJECTIVE: The study’s aim was to determine the efficiency of the rehabilitation as a part of Social Security prevention pension in the group of patients after limb injuries depending on the time when rehabilitation was undertaken. METHODS: The study was a retrospective data analysis, based on medical histories of 93 patients after injuries, rehabilitated as part of Social Security prevention pension from January 2016 until July 2017. The effects of rehabilitation were assessed in 2 groups: early (up to 6 months from the injury) and late rehabilitation (over 6 months). Medical effects are based on measurements of the motion range in extremities’ joints, functional test results and final evaluation of the rehabilitation. RESULTS: For both groups, the motion range of most joints improved. Improvement among the group of early rehabilitated patients concerned everyday activities (p = 0.035), the results of medical rehabilitation (p = 0.046) and also the results of the functional tests. CONCLUSION: Comprehensive rehabilitation of patients after the injuries in Social Security prevention pension leads to better medical effects. The results are better for earlier rehabilitated patients.
Developing a tool for disability accommodation complexity: A sequential mixed study
Authors: Alam Mohammad Shahin , Shin DuckJung
Published: October 2022

BACKGROUND: For disability accommodation (DA) decision-making/planning processes to unfold successfully, an understanding of the factors influencing DA complexity and a reliable tool for measuring such complexity are needed. The current literature does not provide sufficient knowledge on either topic. OBJECTIVE: We attempted to explore the factors influencing DA complexity and develop a DA complexity scale in three phases through the sequential mixed approach. METHOD: The study used an exploratory sequential mixed method in three phases. In phase 1, a qualitative survey of 335 supervisors with recent DA management experience was conducted, and the data were analyzed using a thematic approach to identify and evaluate DA complexity factors. In phase 2, qualitative results were transformed into items to construct a DA complexity scale. Later, the scale was tested using data from a separate quantitative cross-sectional survey of 303 supervisors with recent DA management experience. In phase 3, another quantitative cross-sectional study of 307 supervisors with recent DA management experience to evaluate the validity of the scale and its dimensions. RESULTS: In Phase 1, we identified 12 factors influencing DA complexity. In Phase 2, the DA complexity scale loaded 29 items in nine dimensions, which represented the factors influencing DA complexity. In Phase 3, DA complexity positively influenced supervisors’ job demand and stress, and negatively influenced their work motivation, organizational commitment, and supervisors’ perceptions about their relationships with employees with disabilities. CONCLUSION: This study enriches the DA literature by offering an in-depth understanding of DA complexity and a scale to measure it.
Quality of life of low-income adults
Authors: Puciato Daniel , Rozpara Michał , Bugdol Marek , Borys Tadeusz , Słaby Teresa
Published: October 2022

BACKGROUND: Quality of life is currently one of the basic conceptual categories in many research disciplines. The authors of the present study are convinced that measurement of quality of life in reference to people living on the poverty line deserves special attention. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to identify relationships between the quality of life and sociodemographic variables in low-income Wrocław residents. METHODS: The research was conducted in Wrocław (Poland) and involved 1215 respondents aged 18–64 years, whose monthly gross income per capita in the household did not exceed 1043 PLN. The respondents’ quality of life was assessed with the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire with additional questions on the respondents’ social and demographic status. RESULTS: The Wrocław residents most often assessed their quality of life as average or below average. They rated their health-related quality of life in the social domain as the highest, and in the physical domain as the lowest. Age, household size, stable source of income, savings, and indebtedness were significantly correlated with the quality of life of Wrocław residents under study. Among the respondents, statistically significant relationships between perceived health condition assessment and age, professional status, stable source of income, and debt were also identified. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study indicate that public health programs and other activities related to quality of life management should be directed to individuals and social groups particularly threatened by low quality of life, i.e., people living on the income poverty line.
Opinions of taxi drivers regarding occupational risks and prevention strategies: A cross- sectional study in Turkey
Authors: Barut Tusun Ruken , Emiroğlu Oya Nuran
Published: October 2022

BACKGROUND: Taxi drivers are prone to musculoskeletal problems and can suffer from cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and psychosocial problems. For occupational health and safety it is crucial to know the risk factors and initiatives to be taken for protection. OBJECTIVES: This study was carried out to evaluate the opinions of taxi drivers regarding occupational risks and prevention strategies. METHODS: This was a descriptive and cross-sectional study including 524 taxi drivers. A questionnaire was developed to determine the opinions of taxi drivers regarding occupational risks and intervention strategies. For the analysis of data, Mann-Whitney U (Z-table value), descriptive statistics (number, percentage) and Chi-square (χ2) test between dependent and independent variables were used. RESULTS: Among the taxi drivers, the occupation was reported to be risky for musculoskeletal system disorders by 67%, for cardiovascular diseases by 68.3%, for respiratory diseases by 46.9% and for psychosocial problems by 63.3%. When the opinions of taxi drivers regarding prevention from these risks were examined, 30.2% of them stated prevention from musculoskeletal system disorders, 34.0% from cardiovascular diseases, 31.3% from respiratory diseases and 40.1% from psychosocial problems. It was a prominent finding to see a decrease in the number of drivers who stated to show prevention behavior towards these risks compared to their states of recognizing them. CONCLUSIONS: Drivers were insufficient both in recognizing health risks of their jobs and implementing intervention strategies. Education concerning health risks of their jobs and prevention from these risks is required.
Factors related to work ability among nursing professionals from urgent and emergency care units: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Bordignon Maiara , Marziale Maria Helena Palucci , Sutherland Melissa A. , Monteiro Inês
Published: October 2022

BACKGROUND: Nursing professionals are on the front line of health systems in Brazil as well as worldwide. Studies on the work ability of nursing professionals are especially relevant as care demands increase and health care workforce shortages are expected. As the population of Brazil ages, the need for nursing care will increase. OBJECTIVE: To identify levels and predictors of work ability among Brazilian nursing professionals. METHODS: A cross-sectional study with 267 nursing professionals (72 nurses and 195 nursing technicians and nursing auxiliary) from public emergency and urgent care units was conducted. Measures included the following: Work Ability Index; Questionnaire of Socio-demographics, Lifestyle and Work and Health Aspects; and Violence at Work questionnaire. Generalized linear regression and Poisson models were used for data analysis. RESULTS: The mean work ability was 40.4 (range: 22 to 49). Almost 79.6% (n = 211) of participants reported good or excellent work ability, and 20.4% (n = 54) reported moderate or poor work ability. Better perceptions of health and job satisfaction, absence of health issues (past 15 days), lower stress levels, and having a partner were associated with better work ability. Victims of workplace violence were less likely to have good or excellent work ability than non-victims (prevalence ratio = 0.80; 95% CI 0.72 to 0.90). Professionals with cumulative experiences of workplace violence were less likely to report better work ability. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of good or excellent work ability was 79.6%. Our findings indicate that the following factors are predictors of work ability: self-reported perception of health, health issues in the last 15 days, workplace violence, job satisfaction, stress, and marital status.
Exploring factors explaining the scarcity of climate protests in East Asia
Authors: Komatsu Hikaru , Hsieh Yi-Huan
Published: October 2022

Despite the surge of climate protests (e.g., Fridays For Future) in Western countries, climate protests in East Asia had been scarce. To explore potential reasons for the scarcity of climate protests in East Asia, this study aimed to identify factors that were correlated with the significance of protests by a cross-country analysis. We found correlations of the significance of protests with the density of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), working hours, trust in strangers, and priority of the environment over economy. Although previous studies had already identified the density of NGOs and priority of the environment over economy as important factors, this study identified two novel factors that were related to personal and interpersonal resources (i.e., working hours and trust in strangers). Based on these results, this study discussed underlying mechanisms of the scarcity of climate protests in East Asia and proposed alternative social movements that might be effective in East Asia.
Determination of the amount of infiltration supply according to the data of low-water runoff in a tailing storage area
Authors: Lyamin I. A.
Published: October 2022

Background. The relevance of the study lies in predicting the hydrogeological regime in the process of construction and operation of tailing storage areas. A complex study of the aeration zone and formation conditions of infiltration supply will make it possible to minimize the anthropogenic load on the hydrosphere and to develop measures for a reduction in the negative load on territories imposed to anthropogenic impact.

Aim. To determine the amount of infiltration supply in a designed tailing storage area.

Materials and methods. The studied territory is the southern part of the Talitsky section of the Verkhnekamsk salt deposit (Russian Federation). The studied objects included infiltration processes, weakly-permeable deposits, and drainage network. The applied methods involved mathematical modelling, mapping, and hydrometric works.

Results. The conducted works reflect the regularities characteristic of the drain of small rivers in the region under study. Melted snow waters play a leading role in feeding surface watercourses. The most intensive inflow of rainwater, corresponding to the periods of summer and autumn rain floods, on the rivers of the study area occurred in July 2017 and in October–November 2017. Some differences in the annual volume of the run-off distribution of this water flow are likely to be determined by a change in the characteristics of the water-collecting area occurring as a result of cutting down forests and preparing the territory for construction of a mining and processing plant.
Hydrogeology of the artesian basins of the southern part of the Kara sea and Yamal-Gydansk megasaddle
Authors: Vlasenko S. S.
Published: October 2022

Background. In hydrogeological terms, the territory of the Barents-Kara shelf has not been studied in sufficient detail. The data on its hydrogeological zoning are based mainly on the results of research undertaken in the 1970s, when attempts were made to isolate artesian shelf basins according to a set of hydrogeological indicators of oil and gas content. Currently, the position of the basin boundaries can be adjusted using current data from oil and gas and geological zoning and the hydrogeological testing of wells.

Aim. To conduct the hydrogeological zoning of the territory of the southern part of the Kara Sea and the north of the West Siberian geosyneclise, including oil and gas structures — the South Kara syneclise and the Yamal-Gydan megasaddle, as well as to carry out a chemical analysis of groundwater of the Jurassic-Cretaceous aquifer complexes composing the sediments of the sedimentary cover of the West Siberian sedimentary basin.

Materials and methods. A cartographic method was used to analyze earlier maps and schemes of hydrogeological and oil and gas geological zoning of the Russian sector of the continental slope of the Arctic Ocean, and then to determine the boundaries of the identified artesian basins. For a chemical analysis of groundwater, the results of hydrogeological testing of wells drilled at the Zapolyarnoye oil and gas condensate field were used.

Results. The boundaries of two artesian basins — the South Kara submarine and the Yamal-Gydan semi-marine, corresponding to the same-name oil and gas prospective structures and having the same geological structure, were determined. Both basins are characterised by the presence of the main aquifer complexes of the Mesozoic hydrogeological floor of Western Siberia. When studying the composition of groundwater of the Zapolyarnoye deposit, it was found that the types of water change regularly with depth and an increase in the content of the hydrocarbonate ion due to the possible migration of fluids enriched with carbonic acid dioxide from the rocks of the foundation.

Conclusion. The determined basins are characterised by a wide distribution of oil and gas-bearing structures and the exploration maturity of the sedimentary cover. Both artesian basins are characterized by the distribution of groundwater of a unified composition and genesis.
Acmella oleracea (L.) R. K. Jansen (Asteraceae) – Jambu
Authors: Gilbert B. , Favoreto R.
Published: October 2022

Este estudo se baseia na literatura convencional e científica, com o objetivo de compilar as informações relacionadas à espécie Acmella oleracea (L.) R. K. Jansen (jambu), que são relevantes ao seu potencial medicinal, assim como matéria-prima para produtos farmacêuticos e cosméticos.
Saúde e Segurança do Trabalhador e Gerenciamento de Resíduos no Desenvolvimento de Novos Fármacos
Authors: Xavier D. C. D. , Soares S. S. V. , Lacerda P. S. B. , Bastos M. M. , Azevedo M. L. G. , Sousa M. C.
Published: October 2022

Este estudo promove um levantamento dos principais equipamentos de proteção ao trabalhador, necessários à atividade de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento de fármacos, entendida basicamente como compreendendo atividades de química e biologia (ensaios farmacológicos pré-clínicos). Os itens foram compilados a partir das recomendações vigentes nas legislações que tratam da saúde e segurança do trabalhador. O estudo ressalta também a importância do gerenciamento de resíduos produzidos por laboratórios de pesquisa.
Conventional Frequency Ultrasonic Biomarkers of Cancer Treatment Response In Vivo
Authors: Sadeghi-Naini Ali , Falou Omar , Tadayyon Hadi , Al-Mahrouki Azza , Tran William T. , Papanicolau Naum , Kolios Michael , Czarnota Gregory  J.
Published: October 2022

BACKGROUND: Conventional frequency quantitative ultrasound in conjunction with textural analysis techniques was investigated to monitor noninvasively the effects of cancer therapies in an in vivo preclinical model. METHODS: Conventional low-frequency (∼7 MHz) and high-frequency (∼20 MHz) ultrasound was used with spectral analysis, coupled with textural analysis on spectral parametric maps, obtained from xenograft tumor-bearing animals (n = 20) treated with chemotherapy to extract noninvasive biomarkers of treatment response. RESULTS: Results indicated statistically significant differences in quantitative ultrasound-based biomarkers in both low- and high-frequency ranges between untreated and treated tumors 12 to 24 hours after treatment. Results of regression analysis indicated a high level of correlation between quantitative ultrasound-based biomarkers and tumor cell death estimates from histologic analysis. Applying textural characterization to the spectral parametric maps resulted in an even stronger correlation (r2 = 0.97). CONCLUSION: The results obtained in this research demonstrate that quantitative ultrasound at a clinically relevant frequency can monitor tissue changes in vivo in response to cancer treatment administration. Using higher order textural information extracted from quantitative ultrasound spectral parametric maps provides more information at a high sensitivity related to tumor cell death. 
Opto-acoustic imaging of relative blood oxygen saturation and total hemoglobin for breast cancer diagnosis
Authors: Zalev Jason , Richards Lisa M. , Clingman Bryan A. , Harris Jeff , Cantu Edgar , Menezes Gisela L. G. , Avila Carlos , Bertrand Allison , Saenz Xavier , Miller Steve , Oraevsky Alexander A. , Kolios Michael
Published: October 2022

Opto-acoustic imaging involves using light to produce sound waves for visualizing blood in biological tissue. By using multiple optical wavelengths, diagnostic images of blood oxygen saturation and total hemoglobin are generated using endogenous optical contrast, without injection of any external contrast agent and without using any ionizing radiation. The technology has been used in recent clinical studies for diagnosis of breast cancer to help distinguish benign from malignant lesions, potentially reducing the need for biopsy through improved diagnostic imaging accuracy. To enable this application, techniques for mapping oxygen saturation differences within tissue are necessary. Using biologically relevant opto-acoustic phantoms, we analyze the ability of an opto-acoustic imaging system to display colorized parametric maps that are generated using a statistical mapping approach. To mimic breast tissue, a material with closely matching properties for optical absorption, optical scattering, acoustic attenuation, and speed of sound is used. The phantoms include two vessels filled with whole blood at oxygen saturation levels determined using a sensor-based approach. A flow system with gas-mixer and membrane oxygenator adjusts the oxygen saturation of each vessel independently. Datasets are collected with an investigational Imagio® breast imaging system. We examine the ability to distinguish vessels as the oxygen saturation level and imaging depth are varied. At depth of 15 mm and hematocrit of 42%, a sufficient level of contrast to distinguish between two 1.6-mm diameter vessels was measured for an oxygen saturation difference of ∼4.6  %  . In addition, an oxygenated vessel was visible at a depth of 48 mm using an optical wavelength of 1064 nm, and a deoxygenated vessel was visible to a depth of 42 mm with 757 nm. The results provide insight toward using color mapped opto-acoustic images for diagnosing breast cancer. 
Photoacoustic ultrasound spectroscopy for assessing red blood cell aggregation and oxygenation
Authors: Hysi Eno , K. Saha Ratan , Kolios Michael
Published: October 2022

Red blood cell (RBC) aggregation and oxygenation are important markers for a variety of blood disorders. No current technique is capable of simultaneously measuring aggregation/oxygenation levels noninvasively. We propose using photoacoustic ultrasound spectroscopy (PAUS) for assessing both phenomena. This technique relies on frequency-domain analysis of the PA signals by extracting parameters such as the ultrasound spectral slope and the midband fit. To investigate the effect of hematocrit, aggregation, and oxygenation levels on PAUS parameters, a Monte Carlo-based theoretical model and an experimental protocol using porcine RBCs were developed. The samples were illuminated at 750 and 1064 nm and changes in the PAUS parameters were compared to the oxygen-dependent optical absorption coefficients to assess the oxygenation level. Good agreement between the theoretical and experimental spectral parameters was obtained for the spectral slope of the nonaggregated spectra ( ~ 0.3 dB / MHz). The experimental midband fit increased by ~ 5 dB for the largest aggregate size. Based on the analysis of the PA signals, the oxygen saturation level of the most aggregated sample was > 20% greater than the nonaggregated sample. The results provide a framework for using PA signals' spectroscopic parameters for monitoring the aggregation and oxygenation levels of RBCs. 
Early prediction of therapy responses and outcomes in breast cancer patients using quantitative ultrasound spectral texture
Authors: Sadeghi-Naini Ali , Sannachi Lakshmanan , Pritchard Kathleen , Trudeau Maureen , Gandhi Sonal , Wright Frances C. , Zubovits Judit , J. Yaffe Martin , Kolios Michael , Czarnota Gregory  J.
Published: October 2022

Early alterations in textural characteristics of quantitative ultrasound spectral parametric maps, in conjunction with changes in their mean values, are demonstrated here, for the first time, to be capable of predicting ultimate clinical/pathologic responses of breast cancer patients to chemotherapy. Mechanisms of cell death, induced by chemotherapy within tumor, introduce morphological alterations in cancerous cells, resulting in measurable changes in tissue echogenicity. We have demonstrated that the development of such changes is reflected in early alterations in textural characteristics of quantitative ultrasound spectral parametric maps, followed by consequent changes in their mean values. The spectral/textural biomarkers derived on this basis have been demonstrated as non-invasive surrogates of breast cancer chemotherapy response. Particularly, spectral biomarkers sensitive to the size and concentration of acoustic scatterers could predict treatment response of patients with up to 80% of sensitivity and specificity (p=0.050), after one week within 3-4 months of chemotherapy. However, textural biomarkers characterizing heterogeneities in distribution of acoustic scatterers, could differentiate between treatment responding and non-responding patients with up to 100% sensitivity and 93% specificity (p=0.002). Such early prediction permits offering effective alternatives to standard treatment, or switching to a salvage therapy, for refractory patients.
Tele-rehabilitation interventions for individuals living with dementia during the COVID-19 pandemic: Mixed-method systematic review
Authors: Jagoda Thilanka , Rathnayake Sarath
Published: October 2022

Background: Considering COVID-19, individuals living with dementia are more vulnerable, and tele-rehabilitation can be incorporated into dementia care. Objective: To analyse the evidence of the availability and effectiveness of tele-rehabilitation interventions for individuals living with dementia in the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A mixed-method systematic review was conducted. Cochrane, ProQuest, PubMed and Google Scholar databases were searched using keywords that include dementia, tele-rehabilitation, and COVID-19. Article quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal tool. Results: Thirteen articles were included. Finding suggest, most tele-interventions were being implemented in European and high-income countries. These interventions included: videoconferences, telephone-based interventions, television-based assistive technology, and human-robot. Conclusion: Despite the lack of rigorous studies, tele-rehabilitation is effective in improving cognition, behavioural and psychological symptoms, quality of life, and social connectedness. Rigorous methodologies, i.e., randomised control trials, are recommended.
Arabic-speaking older immigrants’ perceived acceptability of interventions for preventing elder abuse
Authors: Guruge Sepali , Sidani Souraya , Leung Ernest , Boutmira Souhail
Published: October 2022

Objective: Although research has identified interventions to address risk factors for elder abuse, it is unclear which interventions are relevant to specific immigrant communities. This study examined how Arabic-speaking immigrants in the Greater Toronto Area perceived the acceptability of interventions for elder abuse and explored gender differences in these perceptions. Methods: Older women and men (N = 37) who self-identify as Arabic-speaking immigrants residing in the Greater Toronto Area rated the acceptability of 14 interventions. The literature describes these interventions as addressing the risk factors for elder abuse as reported at the levels of older adults, the family, their relationship, and the social environment. Four items, adapted from a validated measure, were used to assess the interventions’ acceptability. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (objective 1) and independent sample t-test (objective 2). Results: Arabic-speaking older immigrants perceived five interventions to prevent elder abuse in their community as highly acceptable: case management, community outreach, advocacy, community-outreach programs, and peer-support programs. Gender differences were found for four interventions: two interventions (case management and community outreach) targeted older adults, one intervention (education) targeted the family, and one (advocacy) focused on the social environment. Conclusion: Findings can inform service providers, managers, and policymakers about which interventions must be prioritized to address elder abuse in the Arabic-speaking immigrant community.
THE IMPACT OF THE PCE MC CORRECTION VALUE USING MODIFIED AVERAGE TIME HEADWAY METHOD TO ROAD PERFORMANCE (CASE STUDY: VETERAN STREET, MALANG CITY)
Authors: Wardhani Primasari Cahya , Alfiansyah Ahmad Dzulfiqar
Published: October 2022

Passenger Car Equivalent (PCE) is a conversion factor of various types of vehicles compared to passenger cars or other light vehicles concerning their impact on traffic behavior. The PCE value used in calculating the performance of urban roads refers to  Manual Kapasitas Jalan Indonesia (MKJI 1997) as an Indonesian Highway Capacity Manual. There have been many changes in traffic behavior nowadays compared to in 1997. The calculation of the PCE MC value using the average time headway method does not match the actual conditions. Therefore, modifications are needed by calculating the vehicle dimension factors to obtain the PCE value. The result of the PCE MC calculation using the modified average time headway method shows 0.17. This value is smaller than the value of the PCE MC set by the MKJI 1997, which shows 0.25. Based on the analysis of traffic conditions for ten years, the DS value using the PCE MC according to the MKJI  1997 obtains DS>1. Meanwhile, the DS value calculated based on the corrected PCE MC has DS<1. The difference in the value of PCE MC has implications for road performance. As a result, it affects traffic maintenance management in the form of maintenance costs and decision-making.
ANALYSIS OF ENVIRONMENTAL NOISE LEVELS IN SONDIR,BORING SOIL WORK AT KADIRI UNIVERSITY
Authors: Susanto Sony
Published: October 2022

The campus is critical to learning because it provides a comfortable environment. If there is a disturbance in the environment, such as noise, the teaching and learning process will be disrupted. The purpose of this study was to assess if the noise level outside the campus area next to the recreation area adheres to the calculation standards outlined in Minister of State for the Environment Decree No. 48 of 1996, with a +3 dB tolerance (A). Because the research location is close to a road and adjacent to residences, the results at point 1 meet the quality criterion, however the results at point 2 are one decibel lower. When recreational guidelines are followed, the environment's standard regulations are met.