bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Propostas de melhorias para o processo de fabricação de selas tradicionais
Authors: Alves Mendes Meirivone , Barbosa da Silva Costa Taiane , Monteiro Nathália Jucá
Published: September 2022

Uma das ferramentas que possibilitam o detalhamento de negócios é o mapeamento de processos, pois com ele é possível identificar as melhorias que podem fazer com que o processo em análise tenha maior eficiência e eficácia. Sendo assim, este trabalho é um estudo da aplicação do Mapeamento de Processos como ferramenta de análise do processo produtivo das selas tradicionais, em uma selaria no município de Marabá-PA. Nele, foi realizado um diagnóstico do processo, com a elaboração do mapeamento, por meio das técnicas do Fluxograma e Diagrama de Spaghetti, as quais proporcionaram a identificação das principais falhas no processo. No software MS Visio, foram desenhados os fluxos, permitindo assim, uma visualização gráfica de todo o processo. Além disso, foi elaborado um plano de ação, com a utilização da ferramenta 5W1H, por meio da qual foi possível propor melhorias para o processo estudado. Com o desenvolvimento deste trabalho identificaram-se problemas como grande movimentação durante processo e uma quantidade considerável de esperas, com isso foi possível propor soluções para eles, ratificando assim, o mapeamento como ferramenta para apoio à tomada de decisão do planejamento operacional da empresa.
Palavras-chave: Mapeamento de Processos; Selaria; Fluxograma; Diagrama de Spaghetti.
Non-Western Theories in International Relations Education and Research: The Case of Turkey/Turkish Academia
Authors: OKUR Mehmet Akif , AYTEKİN Cavit Emre
Published: September 2022

This study examines the usage of non-Western theories in research and education by International Relations (IR) scholars in Turkey. Our primary purpose is to understand the level of engagement with the non-Western IR debate, with its prospects and variations, in Turkish academia, and to evaluate the familiarity of Turkish IR scholars from different schools with non-Western IR theories. Relevant data were obtained from a questionnaire with 47 items designed to let participants, consisting of 116 academicians at IR departments from 57 Turkish Universities, provide their teaching experiences, views, and perceptions concerning non-Western IR Theory. While our findings based on this data confirm the literature on the scarcity of non-Western theories in Turkish IR scholarship, we have also furthered it with many details. Firstly, according to the findings, respondents who study and teach IR Theory at Turkish universities think that the IR theories of Western origin dominating the literature are not universal or objective in terms of their function as interpreters of IR issues. But interestingly, those considerations direct scholars to Western critical IR Theory schools rather than non-Western theories. The other key conclusion of this study confirms our expectations. The thoughts, concepts and theories emanating from the Turkish-Islamic world have much more recognition than other non-Western IR theories among Turkish IR scholars.
Reconstruction of Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Avulsions (Palmar 1C) with Associated Lunotriquetral and Dorsal Capsule Injury
Authors: Lenartowicz Karina A. , Miller Andrew J. , Mauermann Michelle L. , Shin Alexander Y. , Bishop Allen T.
Published: September 2022

Case:

A 34-year-old farmer and railroad worker injured his left wrist when working at a railroad. The resulting dorsal-ulnar wrist blow caused disabling pain. Splits and 2 subsequent surgeries failed, including an arthroscopic triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) debridement and thermal ablation. Subsequently, magnetic resonance imaging documented a rare Palmer type 1C distal TFCC avulsion. Function was restored and return to farming permitted by reconstruction of the ulnotriquetral (UT) ligament using an extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) slip.

Conclusion:

Chronic Palmer type 1C TFCC injuries can be successfully treated with ECU reconstruction of the UT ligament.
Simultaneous Glomus Tumors of the Third and Fourth Toes
Authors: Kimura Tadashi , Kubota Makoto , Hattori Hidekazu , Saito Mitsuru
Published: September 2022

Case:

A glomus tumor of the toes is rare, and as far as we know, there has been no report of simultaneous occurrence in 2 toes. A 45-year-old woman presented with forefoot pain. Based on imaging findings, glomus tumors of the third and fourth toes were suspected. Tumor resection was performed, and pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of glomus tumors.

Conclusion:

In this case, it was difficult to recognize the tumors because they occurred simultaneously in 2 toes. Even for sites where a glomus tumor is rare, it is important to understand the characteristic symptoms through a detailed interview and examination.
Distal Adductor Magnus Avulsion Fracture Treated with Excision After Failure of Nonoperative Management
Authors: Batley Morgan G. , Ashe Katherine , Senese Matthew T. , Grady Matthew F. , Williams Brendan A.
Published: September 2022

Case:

In this case report, we discuss a skeletally immature gymnast who presented with an isolated distal femoral adductor tubercle avulsion fracture that went on to develop a painful nonunion. After the failure of extensive nonoperative intervention, she had resolution of her symptoms with bony excision and soft-tissue repair.

Conclusion:

It is important for clinicians to be aware of this atypical injury pattern and that surgical intervention may be necessary because conservative treatment may not always resolve symptoms.
Lateral Interbody Fusion for Hyperlordosis and Negative Sagittal Vertical Axis Because of Accordion Phenomenon
Authors: Shima Koichiro , Sono Takashi , Murata Sohei , Takemoto Mitsuru , Takatsuka Kazutaka
Published: September 2022

Case:

The accordion phenomenon is defined as the difference in the disc space observed on x-ray or computed tomography images taken in both standing and supine positions, which results in a discrepancy of local spinal alignment. Oblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF) is a less invasive method of potentially correcting both coronal and sagittal spinal alignment. We present the case of a 66-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis treated with OLIF for degenerative disc disease presenting with hyperlordosis and negative sagittal vertical axis (SVA) because of the accordion phenomenon.

Conclusion:

OLIF for severe degenerative disc disease presenting with hyperlordosis and negative SVA because of the accordion phenomenon may be effective.
All-Internal Limb Lengthening with Simultaneous Corrective Osteotomy After Internal Hemipelvectomy
Authors: Femino Joseph D. , Nelson Scott C. , Agulnik Mark , Zuckerman Lee M.
Published: September 2022

Case:

A 27-year-old woman with a Grade II chondrosarcoma in the right acetabulum underwent a Type II internal hemipelvectomy with an ischiofemoral fusion. She developed a 7.0-cm functional limb-length discrepancy with adduction of the hip at rest. Four years after surgery, she underwent a corrective osteotomy and limb lengthening with a magnetic lengthening nail. Eleven years after tumor resection and a successful pregnancy, she had symmetric leg lengths and ambulated without an assistive device.

Conclusions:

A magnetic lengthening nail is a viable option for correcting limb-length discrepancies after hemipelvectomy. If necessary, a simultaneous corrective proximal femoral osteotomy can be performed.
Lipoma Arborescens of the Upper Extremity With Anatomic Variation of the Palmaris Longus
Authors: Kostas-Agnantis Ioannis , Gkiatas Ioannis , Korompilia Maria , Kosmas Dimitrios , Motsis Efstathios , Pakos Emilios , Korompilias Anastasios
Published: September 2022

Case:

We present a case of a patient who suffered from wrist swelling and had symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. The patient underwent ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging, in which signs of joint effusion and a fatty synovial lesion were presented. The treatment included open excision of the tumor. In addition, the palmaris longus muscle had an anatomic variation with proximal and distal tendon portions. The histopathological examination disclosed lipoma arborescens of the synovial membranes of the joints.

Conclusion:

The recognition of this entity and its characteristics are important not only for correct diagnosis but also for the appropriate treatment.
waterquality for ArcGIS Pro Toolbox : user's guide
Authors: Saltus Christina , Reif Molly , Johansen Richard
Published: September 2022

Monitoring water quality of small inland lakes and reservoirs is a critical component of the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) water quality management plans. However, limited resources for traditional field-based monitoring of numerous lakes and reservoirs covering vast geographic areas often leads to reactional responses to harmful algal bloom (HAB) outbreaks. Satellite remote sensing methodologies using HAB indicators is a good low-cost option to traditional methods and has been proven to maximize and complement current field-based approaches while providing a synoptic view of water quality (Beck et al. 2016; Beck et al. 2017; Beck et al. 2019; Johansen et al. 2019; Mishra et al. 2019; Stumpf and Tomlinson 2007; Wang et al. 2020; Xu et al. 2019; Reif 2011). To assist USACE water quality management, we developed an Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) ArcGIS Pro desktop software toolbox (waterquality for ArcGIS Pro) founded on the design and research established in the waterquality R software package (Johansen et al. 2019; Johansen 2020). The toolbox enables the detection, monitoring, and quantification of HAB indicators (chlorophyll-a, phycocyanin, and turbidity) using Sentinel-2 satellite imagery. Four tools are available: (1) automating the download of Sentinel-2 Level-2A imagery, (2) creating stacked image with options for cloud and non-water features masks, (3) applying water quality algorithms to generate relative estimations of one to three water quality parameters (chlorophyll-a, phycocyanin, and turbidity), and (4) creating linear regression graphs and statistics comparing in situ data (from field-based water sampling) to relative estimation data. This document serves as a user’s guide for the waterquality for ArcGIS Pro toolbox and includes instructions on toolbox installation and descriptions of each tool’s inputs, outputs, and troubleshooting guidance.
Verification of Stress Transformation in Anisotropic Material Additively Manufactured by Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
Authors: Sehhat M. Hossein , Mahdianikhotbesara Ali , Yadegari Farzad
Published: September 2022

The widespread use of Additive Manufacturing (AM) has been extensively progressed in the past decade due to the convenience provided by AM in rapid and reliable part production. Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) has witnessed even faster growth of application as its equipment is environmentally-friendly and easily adaptable. This increased use of FDM to manufacture prototypes and finished parts is accompanied by concerns that 3D printed parts do not perform the same as relatively homogeneous parts produced by molding or machining. As the interface between two faces of bonded material may be modeled by stress elements, in theory by modeling 3D printed layers subjected to tension at varying angles as transformed stress elements, the stress required to break the layer bonds can be determined. To evaluate such a relationship, in this study, the stresses calculated from stress transformation were compared with the behavior of 3D printed specimens subjected to tensile loads. The maximum principal stress was found to be constant relative to the layer angle, regardless of whether the specimen experienced failure at the layer interface or within the layer material, although the specimens with layers 75° relative to the load were notable exceptions to this finding. This failure at much lower stresses for the samples used in the 75° tests may be attributed to a possible environmental factor, such as temperature or humidity change, degrading the samples’ structural integrity.
Ethiopian Sheep Breeds’ Wool Fiber Yield and Moisture Regain Determination and Characterization
Authors: Liyew Erkihun Zelalem , Adamu Biruk Fentahun
Published: September 2022

Ethiopia has indigenous breeds of sheep such as Washera, Menz, Farta and Tikur. Small scale enterprises are using the wool fibers from these breeds to produce local products such as rugs, socks, sweaters, quilts, mattresses. This study investigates four Ethiopian sheep breeds wool fiber yield and moisture regain properties. 400 total sheep, 50 males and 50 female sheep were included in the study. The results revealed that the average wool fiber yield according to IWTO CWC standard of male sheep for Washera, Menz, Farta and Tikur were 89.29%, 88.29%, 73.33%, 81.74% and for female sheep were 88.75%, 81.91%, 73.23%, 80.80% respectively. The selected Ethiopian wool fiber yield showed higher as compared to some countries sheep breeds. The study also revealed that the raw wool fiber moisture regains values for male sheep of Washera, Menz, Farta and Tikur were 10.67%, 16.91%, 11.11%, 10.71% and for female sheep were 11.92% 15.91%, 11.83%, 9.22% respectively. This shows that the Ethiopian wool fiber having good fiber yield and moisture regain can be used as a source of manufacturing different wool products.
Transport Equipment Network Analysis: The Value-Added Contribution
Authors: GARCÍA LUIS GERARDO HERNÁNDEZ
Published: September 2022

Emerging in the 21st century, Network Science provides practical measures to interpret a system's interactions between the components and their links. Literature has focused on countries' interconnections on the final goods, but its application on the value-added from a network perspective in trade is still imitated. This paper applies network science properties and a multi-regional input-output analysis by using the UNCTAD-Eora Global Value Chain Database on the Transport Equipment value added on 2017 to unwrap the specific structural characteristics of the industry. Results show that the industry is highly centralized. The center of the network is dominated by developed countries, mainly from Europe, the United States, and Japan. Emerging countries such as China, Mexico, Thailand, and Poland also have an important position. In addition, the structure reveals two sub-hubs located in East Europe and North America. By extending to community detection, the network consists of three different communities led by Germany, the United States, and the United Kingdom, associated with more significant value-added flows. The study concludes that flows are not always consistent with the economy's geographical location as usually final goods analysis suggests, and highlight the need to continue using the complex network to reveal the world trade structure.
JEL Classification C38 C45 F1 F14
Menstrual blood derived endometrial stem cells alleviate neuroinflammation by modulating microglia polarization in cells and rats Parkinson’s disease models
Authors: Li Han , Wei Jinghui , Zhang Zhigang , Li Junyao , Ma Yaokai , Zhang Ping , Lin Juntang
Published: September 2022

Background: The hyperactivation of microglia is closely related to the development of Parkinson's disease (PD). Because of the extensive sources, non-invasive and periodical collection method, human menstrual blood-derived endometrium stem cells (MenSCs) have been explored as a promising tool for treatment of PD. This study aimed to investigate if MenSCs could inhibit neuroinflammation in PD rats by regulating M1/M2 polarization and to excavate the underlying mechanisms.
Methods: MenSCs was co-cultured with 6-OHDA-exposed microglia cell lines. Then the morphology of microglia cells and the level of inflammatory factors were assessed by immunofluorescence and qRT-PCR. After MenSCs was transplanted into the brain of PD rats, animal motor function, the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), and the level of inflammatory factors in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum were detected to evaluate the therapeutic potential of MenSCs. Meanwhile, the expression of M1/M2 phenotype related genes was detected by qRTPCR. One protein array kit containing 1000 kinds of factors was used to detect the protein components in the conditioned medium of MenSCs. Finally, bioinformatic analysis was performed to analyze the function of factors secreted by MenSCs and the signal pathways involved in.
Results: MenSCs could suppress 6-OHDA-induced microglia cell activation and significantly decrease inflammation in vitro. After transplantation into the brain of PD rats, MenSCs improved animal motor function, which was indicated by the increased movement distance, ambulatory episodes, exercise time on the rotarod, and less contralateral rotation. Additionally, MenSCs reduced the loss of dopaminergic neurons and down-regulated the level of pro-inflammatory factors in the CSF and serum. Moreover, MenSCs significantly down-regulated the expression of M1 microglia markers and meanwhile up-regulated the expression of M2 microglia markers. 176 biological processes including inflammatory response, negative regulation of apoptotic process, and microglial cell activation were enriched by GO-BP analysis. 58 signal pathways including PI3K/Akt and MAPK were enriched by KEGG analysis. Conclusions: In conclusion, our results provide preliminary evidence for the anti-inflammation capacity of MenSCs by regulating microglia polarization. We firstly demonstrated the biological process of factors secreted by MenSCs and the signal pathways involved in using protein array and bioinformatic analysis.
Cation Grease/Brake Rotation in Anionic Pillar[5]arenes and Its Application for Fluorescence Switch
Authors: Zheng Hao , Fu Lulu , Wang Ranran , Jiao Jianmin , Song Yingying , Shi Conghao , Chen Yuan , Jiang Juli , Lin Chen , Ma Jing , Wang Leyong
Published: September 2022

The manual manipulation of motions in molecule level has always been a hot topic in the field of chemistry. Molecular rotors have wide applications in building nanomachines and functional materials, due to their controllable rotations. Hence, it is urgent to develop novel rotor systems with controllable fashions. Differential kinetic traits of planar chirality transformation in sodium carboxylate pillar[5]arene (WP5-Na) and ammonium carboxylate pillar[5]arene (WP5-NH4) were observed serendipitously, which inspired us to construct a promising rotary platform in anionic pillar[5]arenes (WP5) skeletons. Herein, we demonstrate for the first time the nonnegligible effect of counter cations on rotational barriers of hydroquinone rings in WP5, which further exhibit its utilities in establishing a novel and tunable rotor system. Finally, cation grease/brake rotations of WP5 and their applications in fluorescence switch and anti-counterfeiting ink were explored. This study should find potential applications in many aspects, including sensing, molecular devices and stimulus-responsive materials.
A phase Ib trial evaluating the safety, efficacy, and immunologic effects of pembrolizumab plus paclitaxel or flat-dose capecitabine in 1st/2nd line metastatic triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Page David , Pucilowska Joanna , Chun Brie , Kim Isaac , Sanchez Katherine , Moxon Nicole , Mellinger Staci , Wu Yaping , Koguchi Yoshinobu , Conrad Valerie , Redmond William , Sun Zhaoyu , Martel Maritza , Campbell Mary , Conlin Alison , Acheson Anupama , Basho Reva , McAndrew Philomena , El-Masry Mary , Park Dorothy , Bennetts Laura , Seitz Robert , Nielsen Tyler , McGregor Kimberly , Rajamanickam Venkatesh , Bernard Brady , Urba Walter , McArthur Heather
Published: September 2022

Background

Chemoimmunotherapy with anti-programmed cell death 1/ligand 1 and cytotoxic chemotherapy is a promising therapeutic modality for women with triple-negative breast cancer, but questions remain regarding optimal chemotherapy backbone and biomarkers for patient selection.

Methods

We report final outcomes from a phase Ib trial evaluating pembrolizumab (200mg IV every 3 weeks) with either weekly paclitaxel (80mg/m2 weekly) or flat-dose capecitabine (2000mg orally twice daily for 7 days of every 14-day cycle) in the 1st /2nd line setting. The primary endpoint was safety (receipt of 2 cycles without grade III/IV toxicities requiring discontinuation or ≥ 21-day delays). The secondary endpoint was efficacy (week 12 objective response rate). Exploratory aims were to characterize immunologic effects of treatment over time, and to evaluate novel biomarkers.

Results

Both regimens met the pre-specified safety endpoint (paclitaxel: 87%; capecitabine: 100%). Objective response rate was 29% for pembrolizumab/paclitaxel and 43% for pembrolizumab/capecitabine. Partial responses were observed in two subjects with chemo-refractory metaplastic carcinoma (both in capecitabine arm). Both regimens were associated with significant peripheral leukocyte contraction over time. Response was associated with clinical PD-L1 score, non-receipt of prior chemotherapy, and the H&E stromal tumor infiltrating lymphocyte score, but also by a novel 27 gene IO score and spatial biomarkers (lymphocyte spatial skewness).

Conclusions

Pembrolizumab with paclitaxel or capecitabine is safe and clinically active. Both regimens were lymphodepleting, highlighting the competing immunostimulatory versus lymphotoxic effects of cytotoxic chemotherapy. Further exploration of the IO score and spatial TIL biomarkers is warranted.
Trial registration: NCT02734290
Scalable integration of hybrid high-κ dielectric materials on two-dimensional semiconductors with a van der Waals interface
Authors: Xu Yongshan , Liu Teng , Liu Kailang , Zhao Yinghe , Li Penghui , Liu Lei , Nie Anmin , Liu Lixin , Yu Jun , Feng Xin , Zhuge Fuwei , Li Huiqiao , Wang Xinran , Zhai Tianyou
Published: September 2022

Silicon semiconductor technology is approaching its downscaling limit in state-of-the-art electronics. Atomically thin two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors allow exceptional gate electrostatics in field-effect transistors (FETs), thus holding potential as the candidate channel materials beyond silicon. However, it remains challenging to integrate ultrathin and uniform high-κ dielectrics on 2D materials to fabricate FETs with large gate capacitances, though this is highly required to reduce the device operating voltage toward the energy-efficient electronics. Here we report a versatile two-step approach to integrating high-quality dielectric film with sub-1-nm equivalent oxide thickness (EOT) on 2D materials. Inorganic molecular crystal Sb2O3 is homogeneously deposited on 2D materials as a van der Waals buffer layer, which forms a high-quality oxide-to-semiconductor interface and offers a highly hydrophilic surface, enabling the integration of diverse high-κ dielectrics via atomic layer deposition. Using such an approach, we can fabricate monolayer molybdenum disulfide-based FETs with the ever-reported thinnest EOT (0.67 nm). The transistors exhibit an on/off ratio of over 106 using an ultralow operating voltage of 0.4 V, i.e., an unprecedentedly high gating efficiency not matched by any previous FETs. Our results may pave the way for the applications of 2D materials in the future low-power ultra-scaling electronic devices.
Can Digital Finance Reduce Carbon Emission Intensity? A Perspective Based on Factor Allocation Distortions: Evidence from Chinese Cities
Authors: Yang Gangqiang , Ding Ziyu , Wu Mao , Gao Mingzhe , Yue Ziyang , Wang Haisen
Published: September 2022

The world is facing the challenges of climate change and energy structure adjustments. The role of digital finance, a new branch of business that combines digital technology and traditional financial products, in reducing global carbon emissions needs to be studied. This paper uses panel data on 280 cities in China from 2011 to 2019 to empirically examine the efficacy of digital finance for governing carbon emission reductions and the mechanism by which it does so. The results show that: 1. digital finance can facilitate carbon emission reductions and help reduce carbon emission intensity within regions.2. Digital finance helps promote the rational allocation of resources and alleviates factor distortions by encouraging firms to rationally use their own factor endowments so as to reduce carbon emission intensity, which holds robustly after considering the endogenous issues such as possibly omitting variables, collinearity and so on. 3.Differences in geographical location, the vitality of regional innovation and entrepreneurship, regional willingness to protect the environment, and environmental protection levels lead to heterogeneity in the effect of digital finance on carbon emission intensity. Therefore, it is necessary to vigorously develop digital finance as a long-term tool for carbon governance.
A pan-cancer study of the role of lysine specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) in human cancers
Authors: Shao Ying-Ying , Yang Qiu-Hong , Zhang Han-Bin , Xie Bao-Cheng , Han Wei-Chao , Xu Yong-Xiang , Ding Shao-Bo , He Rui-Rong
Published: September 2022

Objectives: To conduct a pan-cancer analysis of a relationship between LSD1 and cancer.
Setting: Although increasing evidence from cell- or animal-based research supports the existence of a relationship between LSD1 and cancer, there is no pan-cancer analysis.
Data sources: Databases, including TCGA, and GEO.
Results: On the basis of the TCGA and GEO datasets, we first found that LSD1 may contribute to tumorigenesis across 34 tumor types. LSD1 is expressed in most cancers at a higher level than in normal tissues, and there are distinguishable differences between the LSD1 expression and prognosis of patients. We found that the phosphorylation level of S166 is highly expressed in several tumors, including breast cancer, uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma and lung adenocarcinoma. There was an association between the expression of LSD1 and the infiltration of cancer-associated fibroblasts in BRCA, CESC, ESCA, HNSC, KIRC, LUAD, LUSC, PAAD and PCPG. In addition, RNA transport, mRNA surveillance pathways, and spliceosome -associated functions are also involved in the molecular mechanisms of LSD1.
Conclusions: This pan-cancer study provides a fairly comprehensive description of the oncogenic roles of LSD1 in a wide variety of tumors.
Willingness to Pay for Social Health Insurance and Its Determinants Among Public School Teachers in Akaki Kality Sub-City of Addis Ababa City Administration: Ethiopia. Institution-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Banti Degefa Uma , Yallew Walelegn Work , Toli Wasihun Edossa
Published: September 2022

Background:Ethiopia is one of the countries with high out-of-pocket payments leading to catastrophic health expenditure. The government of Ethiopia introduced social health insurance scheme to reduce the out-of-pocket payments. However, there is limited evidence on willingness to pay for social health insurance among formal sector employees in the country.This study aimed to assess the willingness to pay for social health insurance and its associated factorsamong teachers in public school of Addis Ababa.Methods:An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 10th January to 15th April 2022 on 280 teachers. Systematic sampling technique was used; data were collected using pretested self-administered structured questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 23. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate crude odds ratios. In the multivariate model, a significant level at p-value of < 0.05 and adjusted odds ratio with 95%CI was used to determine the statistical association between the willingness to pay and explanatory variables.Result:Two hundred eight 74.3%were willing pay for social health insurance. Higher educational status [AOR=5.48; 95%CI (1.80, 16.73)], difficulties associated with healthcare cost [AOR=2.39; 95%CI (1.35, 4.24)], awareness about social health insurance [AOR=5.59; 95%CI (2.98, 10.48)], and knowledge of social health insurance’s benefit package [AOR=5.56; 95%CI (3.07, 10.04)] showed significant positive association with willingness to pay for social health insurance. Perception for poor quality of public health facilityand trust on a health insurance agencyshowed significant negative association and teachers lost interest for social health insurance scheme.Conclusions:Three – fourth of the public-school teachers were willing to pay the premium proposed by the government. Higher educational status, difficulties associated with healthcare cost and awareness about social health insurance were the factors that affect positively the willingness to pay for social health insurance among public school teachers. This can pave the way to start the scheme but attention should focus on improving the quality of public health facilities and the trustfulness on health insurance agency.
Stable frequency transfer for clock synchronization for telecom networks
Authors: Wang Xiaocheng , Han Qiaoni , Li Yupeng , Han Liang
Published: September 2022

A stable and reliable clock synchronization system that transfers reference clocks to nodes is essential for telecom networks. Mainly, the clock synchronization of telecom networks is carried out through satellite links. However, for the evolving ubiquitous wireless communications, especially in some harsh environments, such as underground and trenches, the satellite-based clock synchronization scheme bears inevitable obstacles, which may cause strategic risks for the telecom networks, since no control and manipulation can be imposed on the satellite systems. Therefore, to ensure the robust operation of telecom networks with performance guarantees, some auxiliary means are desirable to assist clock synchronization that is solely based on satellite links. In this article, we report a phase-stabilized frequency signal transmission on branching optical fiber for clock synchronization for telecom networks. Particularly, the phase fluctuation due to optical carriers separation link and fiber link is compensated by a feedback network, which employs a high-precision voltage-controlled oscillator in the phase-locked loop to drive the acousto-optic frequency shifter for fast phase correction. Furtherly, the factors that cause performance limitations of the frequency distribution system are analyzed. Eventually, the experiment results obtained show that a stabilized fiber-optic frequency transfer scheme can be used as a reliable method for clock synchronization with high accuracy.
Histopathological Patterns of Ophthalmic Lesions and Associated Factors in Jimma University Medical Center, Jimma, South West Ethiopia: a 5-year Retrospective Cross-sectional Study, 2021
Authors: Ebrahim Habib , Kedir Abdo , Sena Lelisa
Published: September 2022

Background Ophthalmic lesions comprise a wide range of disorders ranging from benign and precancerous to malignant lesions. This study was undertaken to investigate the prevalence and clinicopathological relations of ophthalmic lesions in Jimma University Medical Center as characterization of these lesions has vital importance for better diagnosis and management of patients. Methods A retrospective study of 209 ophthalmic lesions in Jimma university medical center from 2016 to 2020 which were registered on the biopsy log book was included in the study. Data were entered and cleaned Using an excel spreadsheet and analyzed in SPSS version 26. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were done to determine the proportion of the ophthalmic lesions. Results 209 cases of ophthalmic lesions were reviewed, of these 118 (56.5%) were malignant and 58 (27.8%) were benign lesions and CIN accounted for 20 (9.6%). Non-neoplastic lesions had the lowest group of cases observed accounting for 8 (3.8%). Conjunctiva was the most common site of ophthalmic lesions 128 (61.2%). Squamous cell carcinoma was the leading ophthalmic malignancy 58 (49.1%). There was a bimodal distribution of age, in the first decade due to retinoblastoma and the fourth decade due to Squamous cell carcinoma. Male to female ratio was found to be 1.7:1. The second decade and third decades of life had an 87% and 85% decrease in the odds of developing malignancy, with a p-value of 0.006 (AOR: 0.12 (CI: 0.02–0.54) and p-value of 0.007 (AOR: 0.14(CI: 0.03–0.58) respectively. Intra-ocular lesions were 22 times more likely to be diagnosed with a malignant diagnosis than other anatomical sites with a p-value of 0.026 (AOR: 22.05, CI: 2.54–9.84). Conclusion The commonest ophthalmic malignancy was Squamous cell carcinoma. There was a bimodal distribution of age, in the first decade due to retinoblastoma and the fourth decade due to squamous cell carcinoma. The second and third decades of life had decreased odds of being diagnosed with ophthalmic malignancy. The intra-ocular location of tumors was associated with increased odds of ophthalmic malignancy.
Feasibility of In Vivo MR Elastography of Mesenteric Adipose Tissue in Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Jensen Laura , Loch Florian Nino , Kamphues Carsten , Shahryari Mehrgan , Garcia Stephan Rodrigo Marticorena , Siegmund Britta , Weidinger Carl , Kühl Anja Andrea , Hamm Bernd , Braun Jürgen , Sack Ingolf , Asbach Patrick , Reiter Rolf
Published: September 2022

Although there is growing evidence that functional involvement and structural changes of mesenteric adipose tissue (MAT) influence the course of Crohn's disease (CD), its viscoelastic properties remain elusive. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the viscoelastic properties of MAT in CD using MR elastography (MRE). In this prospective proof-of-concept study, 31 subjects (CD: n = 11, healthy controls: n = 20) were investigated using MRE at 1.5Tesla with frequencies of 40-70Hz. Volumes of interest in MAT were drawn adjacent to CD lesions (MATCD) and on the opposite side without adjacent bowel lesions in patients (MATCD_Opp) and controls (MATCTRL). A statistically significant decrease in mean shear wave speed (SWS) of 7% was found for MATCD_Opp vs. MATCTRL (0.76 ± 0.05m/s vs. 0.82 ± 0.04m/s, p = 0.012), whereas there was a nonsignificant trend with an 8% increase for MATCD vs. MATCD_Opp (0.82 ± 0.07m/s vs. 0.76 ± 0.05m/s, p = 0.098) and no difference for MATCD vs. MATCTRL. Preliminary AUC analysis showed diagnostic accuracy in detecting CD to be excellent for SWS of MATCD_Opp (AUC = 0.82) but poor for SWS of MATCD (AUC = 0.52). This study demonstrates the feasibility of MRE of MAT and presents preliminary reference values for CD patients and healthy controls. Our results motivate further studies for the biophysical characterization of MAT in inflammatory bowel disease.
Clinical profiles of first-time drug offenders in Taipei City: Comparison of methamphetamine, MDMA, and marijuana users
Authors: Chen Lian-Yu , Chen Wei-J , Pan Chun-Hung , Kuo Chian-Jue , Huang Ming-Chyi
Published: September 2022

Background:
Little is known regarding the clinical profiles of first-time drug offenders who received addiction treatment under deferred prosecution in Taiwan.
Method:
We recruited participants who received addiction treatment under deferred prosecution for methamphetamine (METH), MDMA, and marijuana (MJ) use from 2017 Jan to 2019 Dec. We used contingency analysis and multivariate logistic regression to compare their sociodemographic characteristics, psychiatric and physical comorbidities, and factors associated with treatment dropouts.
Results:
Of the 1,216 patients, 87.4 % were male and 12.6% female. 77.4% were METH users, with 11.4% MDMA and 11.2% MJ. Compared to the METH group, the MDMA group was more likely to have concurrent use of alcohol, ketamine, and new psychoactive substances, while the MJ group was more likely to have alcohol use only. Both the MDMA and MJ groups were less likely to have substance-induced psychotic disorder (aOR=0.28 [0.09, 0.93], p<0.05; aOR=0.1 [0.01, 0.73], p<0.05) compared to the METH group. Compared to the METH group, MDMA and MJ groups were less likely to have STDs such as HIV and syphilis. Being age <35 (aOR: 1.30 [1.02-1.68]) and having education < college (aOR: 1.67 [1.29-2.17]) were significantly associated with higher odds of treatment dropout.
Conclusions:
Our study demonstrated distinct clinical profiles of different drug types among first-time drug offenders. Such findings could offer valuable implications for a more tailored intervention program designed for illicit drug users in a legal system.
PeriFast/Dynamics: a MATLAB code for explicit fast convolution-based peridynamic analysis of deformation and fracture
Authors: Jafarzadeh Siavash , Mousavi Farzaneh , Bobaru Florin
Published: September 2022

We present PeriFast/Dynamics, a compact and user-friendly MATLAB code for fast peridynamic (PD) simulations for deformation and fracture. PeriFast/Dynamics uses the fast convolution-based method (FCBM) for spatial discretization and an explicit time marching scheme to solve large-scale dynamic fracture problems. Different from existing PD solvers, PeriFast/Dynamics does not require neighbor search and storage, due to the use of the Fast-Fourier Transform and its inverse. Run-times and memory allocation are independent of the number of neighbors inside the PD horizon, leading to faster computations and lower storage requirements. The governing equations and discretization method are briefly reviewed, the code structure explained, and individual modules described in detail. A 3D demonstrative example on dynamic brittle fracture is solved using three different constitutive models (a bond-based, an ordinary state-based, and a correspondence model). Differences between the results are explained. Users are provided with a step-by-step description of the problem setup and execution of the code. PeriFast/Dynamics is a branch of the PeriFast suite of codes, and is available for download at the GitHub link provided in reference [1].
Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists and the potential risk of pancreatic carcinoma: a real-world pharmacovigilance study of post-marketing surveillance data
Authors: Cao Mingnan , Pan Chen , Tian Yue , Wang Li , Zhao Zhigang , Zhu Bin
Published: September 2022

Background There are conflicting data on the potential risks of pancreatic carcinoma associated with glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs).
Aim The study aimed to determine whether GLP-1RAs were associated with increased detection of pancreatic carcinoma based on the FDA Adverse Events Reporting System (FAERS) and clarify its potential mechanisms through keyword co-occurrence analysis.
Method Disproportionality and Bayesian analyses were used for signal detection using reporting odds ratio (ROR), proportional reporting ratio (PRR), information component (IC), and empirical Bayesian geometric mean (EBGM). Mortality, life-threatening events, and hospitalizations were also investigated. Keyword co-occurrence analysis of publications was adopted to uncover potential molecular mechanisms.
Results A total of 3,073 pancreatic carcinoma cases were related to GLP-1RAs. Five GLP-1RAs were detected with signals for pancreatic carcinoma. Liraglutide had the strongest signal detection (ROR 54.45, 95% CI 51.21-57.90; PRR 52.52, 95%CI 49.49-55.73; IC 5.59; EBGM 48.30). The signals of exenatide (ROR 37.32, 95%CI 35.47-39.28; PRR 36.45, 95%CI 34.67-38.32; IC 5.00; EBGM 32.10) and lixisenatide (ROR 37.07, 95%CI 9.09-151.09; PRR 36.09; 95%CI 9.20-141.64; IC 5.17, EBGM 36.09) were stronger than those of semaglutide (ROR 7.43, 95%CI 5.22-10.57; PRR 7.39; 95%CI 5.20-10.50; IC 2.88, EBGM 7.38) and dulaglutide (ROR 6.47, 95%CI 5.56-7.54; PRR 6.45; 95%CI 5.54-7.51; IC 2.67, EBGM 6.38). The highest mortality rate occurred in exenatide (63.58%). cAMP/protein-kinase, Ca2+ channel, endoplasmic-reticulum stress, and oxidative stress are potential pathogenesis of pancreatic carcinoma resulted from GLP-1RAs.
Conclusion GLP-1RAs, except albiglutide, are associatedwith pancreatic carcinoma based on the pharmacovigilance study.
Camera-based high precision position detection for hybrid Additive Manufacturing with Laser Powder Bed Fusion
Authors: Merz Benjamin , Nilsson Ricardo , Garske Constantin , Hilgenberg Kai
Published: September 2022

Additive manufacturing (AM) in general and laser powder bed fusion (PBF-LB/M) in particular are becoming increasingly important. Especially the high achievable accuracies and the great freedom in design makes PBF-LB/M interesting for the manufacturing and repair of gas turbine blades. Part repair involves building AM-geometries onto an existing component. To minimize the offset between component and AM-geometry, a precise knowledge of the position of the component in the PBF-LB/M machine is mandatory. However, components cannot be inserted into the PBF-LB/M machine with repeatable accuracy, so the actual position will differ for each part. For an offset-free build-up, the actual position of the component in the PBF-LB/M machine has to be determined. In this paper, a camera-based position detection system is developed considering PBF-LB/M constraints and system requirements. This includes finding a suitable camera position and analyzing the process coordinate systems. In addition, a workflow is developed to align different coordinate systems and simultaneously correct the perspective distortion in the acquired camera images. Thus, position characteristics can be determined from images by image moments. The precision of the system developed is evaluated in tests with 2D objects. A precision of up to 30 µm in translational direction and an angular precision of 0.021° is achieved. Finally, a 3D demonstrator was built using the hybrid process. The offset between base component and AM-geometry is determined by 3D scanning and is 69 µm.
The epigenetic factor CHD4 contributes to metastasis by regulating the EZH2/β-catenin axis and acts as a therapeutic target in ovarian cancer
Authors: Wang Jieyu , Zhong Fangfang , Li Jun , Yue Huiran , Li Wenzhi , Lu Xin
Published: September 2022

Background: The overall survival rate of patients with advanced ovarian cancer (OC) has remained static for several decades. Advanced ovarian cancer is known for its poor prognosis due to extensive metastasis. Epigenetic alterations contribute to tumor progression and therefore are of interest for potential therapeutic strategies.
Methods: Following our previous study, we identified that CHD4, a chromatin remodeling factor, plays a strong role in ovarian cancer cell metastasis. We investigated the clinical significance of CHD4 through TCGA and GEO database, and explored the function of CHD4 and romidepsin on the biological behavior of ovarian cancer through CCK-8 and transwell assays. Bioluminescent mouse xenograft tumorigenesis studies were applied to determine the therapeutic role of romidepsin. GSEA and western blot were used to screen the regulation mechanism of CHD4.
Results: In ovarian cancer patient specimens, high CHD4 expression is associated with a poor prognosis. Loss of function of CHD4 in ovarian cancer cells causally suppresses migration and invasion. Mechanistically, CHD4 knockdown suppresses the expression of EZH2 and the nuclear accumulation of β-catenin. CHD4 also suppressed the metastasis of ovarian cancer cells and prevented disease progression in a mouse model. To inhibit the functions of CHD4 that are mediated via histone deacetylase, we evaluated the effect of the HDAC1/2 selective inhibitor romidepsin. In accordance with these findings, treatment with romidepsin compromised the growth of metastases in vitro and in vivo.
Conclusions: Collectively, our results uncovered an oncogenic function of CHD4 in ovarian cancer and provide a rationale for clinical trials of romidepsin in ovarian cancer patients.
Diversity of bacterial symbionts associated with the tropical plant bug Monalonion velezangeli (Hemiptera: Miridae) revealed by high-throughput 16S rRNA sequencing.
Authors: Navarro-Escalante Lucio , Benavides Pablo , Acevedo Flor Edith
Published: September 2022

Insects and microbes have developed complex symbiotic relationships that evolutively and ecologically play beneficial roles for both, the symbiont and the host. In most Hemiptera insects, bacterial symbionts offer mainly nutritional, defense and reproductive roles and have promoted the adaptive radiation of several hemipteran phytophagous lineages. The tropical plant bug Monalonion velezangeli (Hemiptera: Miridae) is a polyphagous herbivore considered an important insect pest for several economically-relevant tropical crops; however, information about the composition of its bacterial microbiota was missing. In this study, we describe the diversity and structure of the bacterial microbiota in the nymph and adult life stages of M. velezangeli using Illumina high-throughput sequencing of 16S ribosomal RNA gene amplicons (meta-barcoding). We found that both insect life stages share a similar microbiota in terms of bacterial diversity and community structure. The intracellular symbiont Wolbachia (~92%) dominated the overall microbiome composition in these life stages, followed by the potential gut-associated bacteria genera Romboutsia (1.8%), Ignavibacterium (0.8%) and Clostridium (0.70%) as the top most abundant taxa. The persistent presence of bacterial genera Romboutsia , Ignavibacterium, Clostridium, Paracoccus, Allobaculum, Methylobacterium, Sediminibacterium, Faecalibaculum, Faecalibacterium, Collinsella, Rothia and Sphingomonas suggest these are members of the core microbiota and could play important biological roles for M. velezangeli . This data opens new questions and avenues to better understand the contribution of symbiotic bacteria in the biological performance of this insect pest.
scMoMaT: a unified framework for single cell mosaic integration and multi-modal bio-marker detection
Authors: Zhang Ziqi , Sun Haoran , Mariappan Ragunathan , Chen Xi , Chen Xinyu , Jain Mika Sarkin , Efremova Mirjana , Teichmann Sarah , Rajan Vaibhav , Zhang Xiuwei
Published: September 2022

Single cell data integration methods aim to integrate cells across data batches and modalities, and data integration tasks can be categorized into horizontal, vertical, diagonal, and mosaic integration, where mosaic integration is the most general and challenging case with few methods developed. We propose scMoMaT, a method that is able to integrate single cell multi-omics data under the mosaic integration scenario using matrix tri-factorization. During integration, scMoMaT is also able to uncover the cluster specific bio-markers across modalities. These multi-modal bio-markers are used to interpret and annotate the clusters to cell types. Moreover, scMoMaT can integrate cell batches with unequal cell type compositions. Applying scMoMaT to multiple real and simulated datasets demonstrated these features of scMoMaT and showed that scMoMaT has superior performance compared to existing methods. Specifically, we show that integrated cell embedding combined with learned bio-markers lead to cell type annotations of higher quality or resolution compared to their original annotations.