bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An optimized design method of three-point support for precision horizontal machining center with T-shape bed
Authors: Lin Zixin , Tian Wenjie , Zhang Dawei , Gao Weiguo , Wang Lina
Published: September 2021

The support point layout of the machine tool has an important influence on the working performance of the machine tool, when the material, manufacturing process and internal structure of machine bed are determined. In order to ensure that the precision machine tool has good leveling performance, stability and anti-interference, this paper presents an optimized design method of three-point support for T-shape bed of precision horizontal machining center. This article first establishes the statics model of the T-shape bed and analyzes grillage beam model used to characterize the main static deformation trend of the bed based on the singular function method. After verifying the rationality of the model through simulation, the optimized three-point support position can be obtained. Then this paper measured the deformation of the upper surface of a simple bed due to gravity. The deviation between the experimental results and the simulation results is less than 20%, which verifies the reliability of the simulation and theoretical results. Based on the ISIGHT multi-disciplinary optimization platform, this paper completes the multi-objective optimization of the support point layout of the bed, and the optimization results prove the accuracy of the theoretical model. This paper takes the bed of M800H precision horizontal machining center as an example to illustrate the application process of the proposed method. Finally, this paper compares the optimization effect of the static characteristics of the bed and the whole machine. The maximum deformation of the bed has reduced by 27.1%. In the whole machine status, the deformation of the spindle end has reduced by 50.8%, and the maximum deformation of the workpiece end have reduced by 50.0%.
Vanadium-incorporated CoP2 with lattice expansion for highly efficient acidic overall water splitting
Authors: Wang Yu , Jiao Yanqing , Yang Ganceng , Yan Haijing , Tian Chungui , Wu Aiping , Liu Yue , Fu Honggang
Published: September 2021

Proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer (PEMWE) in acidic media is a hopeful scenario for hydrogen production by using renewable energy sources, but the grand challenge lies in substituting active and stable noble-metal catalysts. Herein, a robust electrocatalyst of V-CoP2 porous nanowires arranged on carbon cloth is successfully fabricated via incorporating vanadium into CoP2 lattice. Structural characterizations and theoretical analysis indicate that lattice expansion of CoP2 caused by V incorporation results in the upshift of d-band center, which is conducive to hydrogen adsorption for boosting HER activity. Besides, V promotes surface reconstruction to generate a thicker Co3O4 layer that enhances acid-corrosion resistance and optimizes the adsorption of water and oxygen-containing species, thus improving OER activity and stability. Accordingly, it presents a superior acidic overall water splitting activity (1.47 V@10 mA cm-2) over Pt-C/CC||RuO2/CC, and remarkable stability. This work proposes a new route to design efficient electrocatalysts via lattice engineering for PEMWE.
Implementing the battery-operated hand-held fan as an evidence-based, non-pharmacological intervention for chronic breathlessness in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): a qualitative study of the views of specialist respiratory clinicians
Authors: Luckett Tim , Roberts Mary , Smith Tracy , Garcia Maja , Dunn Sarah , Swan Flavia , Ferguson Caleb , Kochovska Slavica , Phillips Jane L , Pearson Mark , Currow David C , Johnson Miriam J
Published: September 2021

BackgroundThe battery-operated hand-held fan (‘fan’) is an inexpensive and portable non-pharmacological intervention for chronic breathlessness that has few if any harms and has been shown to reduce breathlessness intensity, improve physical activity and functioning, and reduce anxiety in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other conditions. This study aimed to explore barriers and facilitators to the fan’s implementation in specialist respiratory care as a non-pharmacological intervention for chronic breathlessness in patients with COPD.Methods A qualitative approach was taken, using focus groups. Participants were clinicians from any discipline working in specialist respiratory care at two hospitals. Questions asked about current fan-related practice and perceptions regarding benefits, harms and mechanisms, and factors influencing its implementation. Analysis used a mixed inductive/deductive approach.ResultsForty-nine participants from nursing (n=30), medical (n=13) and allied health (n=6) disciplines participated across 9 focus groups. The most influential facilitator was a belief that the fan’s benefits outweighed disadvantages. Clinicians’ beliefs about the fan’s mechanisms determined which patient sub-groups they targeted, for example anxious or palliative/end-stage patients. Barriers to implementation included a lack of clarity about whose role it was to implement the fan, what advice to provide patients, and limited access to fans in hospitals. Few clinicians implemented the fan for acute-on-chronic breathlessness or in combination with other interventions.ConclusionImplementation of the fan in specialist respiratory care may require service- and clinician-level interventions to ensure it is routinely recommended as a first-line intervention for chronic breathlessness in patients with COPD of any stage.
Preparation and nutrient release kinetics of enriched biochar-based NPK fertilizers and agronomic effectiveness in direct seeded rice
Authors: Roy Arkaprava , Chaturvedi Sumit , Pyne Suhita , Singh Shiv Vendra , Kasivelu Govindaraju
Published: September 2021

In present study, two enriched biochar-based fertilizers were prepared having fertilizer grade of 6-6-4 N-P2O5-K2O by intercalation of NPK fertilizers mixture solution as EB-1 and additional humic acid and seaweed extract as EB-2. In laboratory, batch experiment were done to compare nutrients (NH4+, NO3−, P and K+) release patterns of developed fertilizers along with conventional fertilizers. Enriched biochar fertilizers (EB) demonstrated much slower release pattern of NH4+, P and K+, however NO3− release was similar over conventional fertilizers. The cumulative release of N in EB fertilizers was similar to conventional fertilizer, however significantly less of P and K were released during the period of 72 hrs. The field response study of enriched fertilizers EB-2 revealed 29.5, 11.5 and 22.9% higher apparent use efficiency than conventional fertilizer. The slow nutrients release behaviour of EB fertilizers implies reduced losses and enhanced NUE as reflected by higher apparent recovery of N, P and K.
Is Weather Chaotic? Coexisting Attractors, Multistability, and Predictability
Authors: Shen Bo-Wen , Pielke Roger A. , Zeng Xubin , Faghih-Naini Sara , Cui Jialin , Atlas Robert
Published: September 2021

Since Lorenz’s 1963 study and 1972 presentation, the statement “weather is chaotic’’ has been well accepted. Such a view turns our attention from regularity associated with Laplace’s view of determinism to irregularity associated with chaos. In contrast to single type chaotic solutions, recent studies using a generalized Lorenz model (Shen 2019a, b; Shen et al. 2019) have focused on the coexistence of chaotic and regular solutions that appear within the same model, using the same modeling configurations but different initial conditions. The results suggest that the entirety of weather possesses a dual nature of chaos and order with distinct predictability. Furthermore, Shen et al. (2021a, b) illustrated the following two mechanisms that may enable or modulate attractor coexistence: (1) the aggregated negative feedback of small-scale convective processes that enable the appearance of stable, steady-state solutions and their coexistence with chaotic or nonlinear limit cycle solutions; and (2) the modulation of large-scale time varying forcing (heating).
Recently, the physical relevance of findings within Lorenz models for real world problems has been reiterated by providing mathematical universality between the Lorenz simple weather and Pedlosky simple ocean models, as well as amongst the non-dissipative Lorenz model, and the Duffing, the Nonlinear Schrodinger, and the Korteweg–de Vries equations (Shen 2020, 2021). We additionally compared the Lorenz 1963 and 1969 models. The former is a limited-scale, nonlinear, chaotic model; while the latter is a closure-based, physically multiscale, mathematically linear model with ill-conditioning. To support and illustrate the revised view, this short article elaborates on additional details of monostability and multistability by applying skiing and kayaking as an analogy, and provides a list of non-chaotic weather systems. We additionally address the influence of the revised view on real-world model predictions and analyses using hurricane track predictions as an illustration, and provide a brief summary on the recent deployment of methods for multiscale analyses and classifications of chaotic and non-chaotic solutions.
Thermoelastic parameters of Mg-sursassite and its relevance as a water carrier in subducting slabs
Authors: Milani Sula , Fumagalli Patrizia , Ziberna Luca , Maurice Juliette , Lotti Paolo , Comboni Davide , Pagliaro Francesco , Hanfland Michael , Bais Giorgio , Joseph Boby , Merlini Marco
Published: September 2021

We report the synthesis, at 7 GPa and 923 K, and the thermoelastic characterization, up to 16 GPa and 850 K, of a single crystal of Mg-sursassite, Mg5Al5Si6O21(OH)7. In situ high-pressure and high-temperature single-crystal diffraction allowed the study of structural variation at non-ambient conditions and the determination of bulk elastic properties. The refined parameters of a second-order Birch-Murnaghan equation of state (BM-II EoS) are V0 = 446.02(1) Å3 and KT0 = 135.6(7) GPa. The thermal expansion coefficients of a Berman-type EoS are α0 = 3.14 (5) × 10−5 K−1, α1 = 2.50(16) × 10−8 K−2, and V0 = 445.94(3). For comparison, the P-V EoS is determined for a natural sursassite sample, ideally Mn4Al6Si6O22(OH)6. The refined parameters of BM-II EoS [V0 = 470.2(3) Å3, KT0 = 128(4) GPa] indicate that composition has a minimal effect on elastic properties. The similarity of density and bulk properties of Mg-sursassite if compared to olivine and other anhydrous mantle minerals suggests that this phase could be overseen by geophysical methods.
Antropología Ambiental: De las bandas con economía de caza a la agricultura, en un valle fósil costero: Cupisnique, Perú
Authors: Deza Jaime , Castañeda Víctor , Rodríguez Luciana , Yenque Raúl
Published: September 2021

El presente forma parte del proyecto general: Restos culturales y naturales de cambios ambientales en los desiertos de la costa peruana, como indicadores para una normatividad de gestión territorial (resolución rectoral 21946 – 19 – UAP con fecha 22 de marzo de 2019) que se viene desarrollando en los ríos secos de la costa peruana, para responder a un problema de identificación territorial, luego de observar los frecuentes catástrofes producidas por avenidas de agua en períodos de lluvias intensas.¿La costa peruana siempre ha presentado sus características, como un desierto cortado por 53 ríos valles como se observa en la actualidad? De ahí nuestro objetivo general de identificar restos culturales y naturales asociados a las ocupaciones de poblaciones, como indicadores de una cronología de los cambios climáticos ocurridos desde hace doce mil años.Se concluye que el valle fósil de Cupisnique presenta evidencias de la ocupación humana de hace diez mil años, con el camino de bandas que, en las márgenes de los 45 kilómetros de recorrido del río, aprovecharon los bosque y paleofauna hoy extinguida, a excepción del venado (Odocoileus virginianus), sajino (Pecari tajacu), osos de anteojos (Tremarctos ornatus) y pumas (Puma concolor) que en temporadas de lluvias bajan por la vera actual hasta cerca del litoral, como también lo hacen algunos asnos (Equus asinus) salvajes.No se registra ocupaciones durante los siguientes seis mil años, hasta hace cuatro mil años (cronología tentativa) a decir por un edificio precerámico. No se registran restos de la cultura Cupisnique (Formativo Andino 3000 años a.p.), que toma su nombre justamente de este valle fósil con el supuesto que aquí fue un escenario importante para el desarrollo de estas etnias. Luego, hay evidencias de hace mil años con la presencia muy escasa de restos de cerámica del horizonte medio (siglo X), y una creciente ocupación actual de agricultores migrantes que, aprovechando la humedad del manto freático siembran con sistemas de riego por goteo moderno con grandes inversiones.
MSME lending and bank efficiency: Evidence from Indonesia
Authors: Adhityo Dinutistomo Irfan , Wibisono Lubis Arief
Published: September 2021

Banks prefer to lend to bigger clients for a variety of reasons, including transaction costs and risk considerations. Due to this phenomenon, the Central Bank of Indonesia issued a regulation that requires banks to channel a minimum proportion of their credit portfolio to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Nevertheless, the impact of channeling funds to MSMEs remains a subject of controversy, in part depending on the dimensions and metrics used. This study examines how MSME lending affects the efficiency of banks in Indonesia, a country where MSMEs constitute more than 99% of business entities. Using a total of 175 panel data observations of banks in Indonesia from 2014–2018, banks’ cost efficiency is first estimated using a stochastic frontier approach (SFA). Panel data regression is used to examine the impact of MSME lending on efficiency. The result of this study shows a significant and positive impact of the proportion of MSME lending on bank efficiency, which indicates that requiring banks to channel funds to MSMEs does not only potentially support economic development, but also is beneficial from the business perspective in the Indonesian context. AcknowledgmentThe research was also made possible with the support of PUTI Grant by Universitas Indonesia No. NKB-2036/UN2.RST/HKP.05.00/2020.
The impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on the Indian stock market – A sectoral analysis
Authors: Kumar Rahul , Bhatia Prince , Gupta Deeksha
Published: September 2021

This paper aims to examine the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on Indian firms listed on the NSE and analyze its impact on various sectors. In addition, a sub-sample analysis based on market capitalization was performed to understand the effect of size during extreme events. The sample consisted of 1,335 firms listed on the NSE India. A standard event study outlined by Brown and Warner (1985) was employed to analyze the price impact on the COVID-19 outbreak. The event windows from -10 days to +10 days were selected. The estimation window is 250 days. The Nifty 50 has been chosen as a proxy for market return. The sample firms witnessed a negative impact of the COVID-19 outbreak with a negative CAAR in different event windows. In addition, various sectors are classified according their responsiveness towards the COVID-19 outbreak into three groups: highly negatively affected, moderately negatively affected, and slightly negatively affected. The paper also points out that the pandemic substantially affects the above-median market capitalized firms than the below-median market capitalized firms, which contradicts the size effect phenomenon. The results assist shareholders in managing their portfolios and mitigate the systematic risk of their investments during extreme events such as a pandemic, wars, and others. This study is the first comprehensive analysis of the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on different sectors in India. It is also the first study to investigate the size effect anomalies during extreme events.
Treating protracted corneal ulcers with UVA corneal collagen crosslinking: clinical cases
Authors: Yani E. V. , Iomdina E. N. , Pozdniakova V. V. , Golikova V. A. , Seliverstova K. E.
Published: September 2021

It has recently been proposed to use ultraviolet (UVA) corneal collagen crosslinking as an alternative method of treating bacterial ulcerative lesions of the cornea. Ambivalent results regarding the efficacy and safety of this method of treatment limit its implementation in clinical practice so far.

The purpose of this work is to analyze three clinical cases involving the use of a new device for local UVA crosslinking in the complex treatment of bacterial corneal protracted-course ulcers with the suspected development of mixed fungal infection.

Material and methods. For a dynamic follow-up of patients, we used biomicroscopy with a fluorescein test, photo registration and optical coherence tomography of the anterior part of the eye. Inflammatory changes were assessed using a point scale.

Results. 3–5 procedures of local UVA exposure (with instillations of 0.1% riboflavin solution) lasting 3–5 minutes each and given with an interval of 2–4 days ensured stable and fast epithelialization of the cornea and a significant increase in visual acuity in the inflammatory process outcome.

Conclusion. The first results of treating bacterial corneal ulcers using a new portable device for local UVA crosslinking have shown its high therapeutic efficiency and good prospects for further use in clinical practice.
Structural and biomechanical properties and trace elements composition of the corneoscleral eye shell in normal tension glaucoma
Authors: Arutyunyan L. L. , Iomdina E. N. , Morozova Yu. S. , Anisimov S. I. , Anisimova S. Yu.
Published: September 2021

The results of comparative studies of the structural and biomechanical features of the corneoscleral eye shell in various clinical forms of glaucoma are presented. The article discusses how the systemic and local imbalance of trace elements that regulate collagen biosynthesis, the formation of cross-links in the connective tissue structures of the sclera, and the hydrodynamics of the intraocular fluid, affect the intraocular pressure level, and thereby the character of the development of glaucomatous lesions in normal tension glaucoma. Modern literature is shown to indicate the prospects for further research in this direction.
A diagnostic assessment of angioarchitectonics of choroidal melanoma
Authors: Panova I. E. , Samkovich E. V. , Nechiporenko P. A. , Grigoryeva N. N.
Published: September 2021

Purpose: to study angioarchitectonics of choroidal melanoma with varied biometric characteristics by comparing the results of indocyanine green angiography (IAG) and OCT angiography (OCTA).

Material and methods. Angiography with indocyanine green and OCT angiography was performed in 45 choroidal melanoma patients (45 eyes, 20 men, 25 women, mean age 57.36 ± 15.11 years) to see the features of angioarchitectonics for various tumor elevations: up to 3 mm (small choroidal melanomas) and within the 3.1– 5.0 mm range (medium choroidal melanomas) and assess the informative value of the techniques.

Results. We established a high diagnostic value of angiography with indocyanine green and OCT angiography in the diagnosis of vasculature of choroidal melanoma (89% and 71 %, respectively), an acceptable significance in small choroidal melanomas, and a higher informative value of angiography with indocyanine green in medium choroidal melanomas. The vasculature of small choroidal melanomas is characterized by type 1 angioarchitectonics predominance (59 %), while that of medium-sized melanomas corresponds to type 2 angioarchitectonics (81 %). The pattern match in angiography with indocyanine green and OCT angiography took place in 93.8 % of patients. The average depth of vessel identification during OCT angiography was determined to stay within the range of 186 μm for choroidal melanomas of up to 1.9 mm high, 220 μm for melanomas between 2 and 3 mm high, and 255 μm for melanomas higher than 3 mm.

Conclusions. The use of contrast and non-contrast angiography in assessing the vasculature of choroidal melanoma is highly informative and useful for the assessment of the type of angioarchitectonics. The use of OCT angiography is more informative for tumors with an elevation of up to 3 mm. In order to increase the accuracy and effectiveness of OCTA, the identification of newly formed vessels should be carried out with regard to the parameters established.
Surgical treatment of primary and recurrent pterygium
Authors: Filatova I. A. , Kondratyeva J. P. , Borodin Yu. I.
Published: September 2021

Purpose: to study the results of surgical treatment and the course of healing of primary and recurrent pterygium.

Material and methods. 97 patients (117 eyes) with varying degrees of pterygium, of which 58 were men and 39 women, were clinically observed for 1 to 3 years. The patients, aged 51.5 ± 4.2 on average, were divided into 3 groups depending on the degree of pterygium, the frequency of relapses and the type of surgical treatment.

Results. It was shown that primary pterygium of the I degree should best be operated according to McReynolds method, pterygium of the II degree or higher should optimally be removed with conjunctival plastics by a free flap grafting, while for recurrent pterygium of the III degree or higher, combined treatment is recommended: removal of the pterygium using brachytherapy.

Conclusion. For an adequate functional result of surgery, an individual approach is required for each case depending on pterygium proliferation stage.
Development and Validation of a Rapid and Reliable HPLC-FLD Method for the Quantification of Ciprofloxacin and Enrofloxacin Residues in Zea mays
Authors: Brito Júlio , Bernardoni Vinícius , da Silva Thais , Ramos Laurenice , Gomes Marcelo , de Assis Débora
Published: September 2021

The accumulation of antibiotics by plants is a currently concern associated to yield reduction and transference of antibiotic residues along the food web. Maize is a staple food in many parts of the world; it is also considered an important ingredient in animal nutrition. Considering the lack of validated analytical methods for the analysis of ciprofloxacin (CIPRO) and enrofloxacin (ENRO) in the shoot of Zea mays maize, we developed a reliable reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography method with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FLD). This method was validated for linearity, matrix effects, precision, accuracy, limits of quantification (LOQ) and detection (LOD), and robustness. The analytical curves were linear with coefficient of determination (R2 ) of 0.9907 for CIPRO and 0.9962 for ENRO. The LOD values were 16.65 and 6.57 μg kg−1 for CIPRO and ENRO, respectively, whereas LOQ values were 50.44 μg kg−1 (CIPRO)and 19.92 μg kg−1 (ENRO). HPLC-FLD also displayed good precision and accuracy. Therefore, the proposed method can be considered a reliable and useful tool for the analysis of ciprofloxacin and enrofloxacin in the shoot of maize.
Investigations of the response mechanism of a karst Interconnected River System Network in Guizhou Province, China
Authors: Zhang Dan , Guo Zuo-qing , Yang Hui-xia , Liu Cai-hong
Published: September 2021

An Interconnected River System Network (IRSN) project could change the drainage pattern and influence the river's ecological health. However, the relevant research is still in a preliminary stage and needs to have a supplement. Considering environmental and ecological characteristics of the karst area, this paper analyzed the relationship between IRSN projects and environmental indicators, and proposed a multi-layer indicator system that has three first-class indicators (water environment, river–lake organism, connectivity) and 15 second-class indicators for assessment of the ecosystem. The weight of each level of indicators' can be determined using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), and the change rate of indicators critical value is normalized, then five threshold levels are established within the range of 0–1. Refer to the established response mechanism and threshold level of the karst basin, The Wangerhe River project taken as an example can well reflect the IRSN status through this method. These results can provide scientific support for constructing an evaluation index in other karst areas.
Life-cycle assessment of decentralized solutions for wastewater treatment in small communities
Authors: Lourenço N. , Nunes L. M.
Published: September 2021

This study benchmarks vermifiltration (VF) as secondary wastewater treatment in three nature-based decentralized treatment plants using life-cycle assessment. The comparison is justified by the comparatively easier and cheaper operation of VF when compared to more traditional technologies, including small rate infiltration (SRI), constructed wetlands (CW), and activated sludge (AS). Standard life cycle assessment was used and applied to three case studies located in southern Europe. Material intensity during construction was highest for VF, but impacts during operation were lower, compensating those of the other phases. Impacts during the construction phase far outweigh those of operation and dismantling for facilities using constructed wetlands and activated sludge, when the number of served inhabitants is small, and due to lack of economies of scale. VF used as secondary treatment was shown to contribute to reducing the environmental impacts, mainly in constructed wetlands and activated sludge. The replacement of CW by VF seems to bring important environmental benefits in most impact categories, in particular in the construction phase. The replacement by VF in facilities with SRI seems to result in the improvement of some of the impact categories, in particular in the operation phase. As for dismantling, no conclusive results were obtained.
ОCT-DIAGNOSTICS OF THE OCULAR NERVE EDEMA IN SPACE FLIGHT: ANALYSIS OF THE PERIPAPILLARY RETINAL THICKNESS
Authors:   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Makarov I.A. , Bogomolov V.V. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Voronkov Yu.I. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Alferova I.V. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Krivolapov V.V. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Khorosheva E.G. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Anikeev D.А. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow
Published: September 2021

In-flight analysis of 20 eyes (10 cosmonauts) was possible owing to the kindly granted fundus photos, multicolor images, HRA- and ОCТ-images made on optical coherent tomographs Spectralis I and II onboard the International space station (ISS). Ophtalmoscopic examinations diagnosed papilledemas graded stages II and III on the L. Frisen scale (4 eyes, 20.0 %). Mean retinal thickness and volume were determined using the Thickness Map protocols. Quantified were Bruch membrane, maximal retinal thickness in the temporal and nasal optic nerve disk (OND), and lateral papilledema sizes. The Bruch membrane was used to detect the OND center and to correct circle alignment in the sectors selected for the retinal thickness data analysis. Since papilledemas did not exceed 2.5 mm (2503 µm), mean thickness was measured in the OND center and edges along the circle of 2 mm in diameter. Conventional normal values of the mean temporal thickness within this circle and a circle of 1 mm in diameter in the OND central area vary within a wide range. Dynamic ONL observation in space missions will be credible provided a correct OND alignment with the ocular axis.
LONG-TERM OPERATION OF DOSIMETRY FACILITY «PILLE» ONBOARD THE ISS
Authors:   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Mitrikas V.G. , Khorosheva E.G. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow
Published: September 2021

Malfunctioning of the reader is likely to be the reason for low radiation doses measured by the Pille dosimeters over the more than 20 years of ISS. Rectified measurements of the average daily absorbed dose rate agreed satisfactorily with readings of the other onboard tools of radiation monitoring.
Sprawozdanie ze spotkania z cyklu Economic Lunchtime Seminars pt. Global impact of the coronavirus epidemic
Authors: Krzemińska Marta
Published: September 2021

17 grudnia 2020 r. o godz. 15:00 rozpoczęło się kolejne spotkanie z cyklu Economic Lunchtime Seminars zatytułowane Global impact of the coronavirus epidemic. Moderatorem spotkania był dr inż. Piotr Komorowski z Katedry Finansów Wydziału Społeczno-Ekonomicznego UKSW, zaś prelegentem gościnnym – amerykański prawnik i ekonomista, profesor Karl William Viehe z George Washington University i New York University. Ze względu na reżim sanitarny związany z panującą pandemią koronawirusa spotkanie odbyło się w trybie zdalnym, za pośrednictwem platformy Zoom.
Primary Lymphedema: A Newborn Case
Authors: Gümüşer Rüveyda , Sönmezgöz Ergün , Takçı Şahin
Published: September 2021

Lymphedema is a condition characterized by generalization or regional accumulation of protein-rich interstitial fluid as a result of impaired lymphatic circulation due to congenital or acquired reasons. Lymphedema infection may occur as a result of secondary neoplasm, surgery, trauma, and radiation while most childhood cases are primary lymphedema. In cases of primary lymphedema, there is an erroneous development or function of the lymphatic system and most of them are thought to have a genetic predisposition. We aim to present a case of primary congenital lymphedema with a history of kinship between parents and no dysmorphic findings, born with lymphedema on both feet.
Study on the effect of providing learning opportunities on the formation of intention to continue work for non-regular professionals
Authors: Maeda Takao
Published: September 2021

In Japan, almost 40 per cent of employees are so-called 'non-regular employees'. That is to say, employees with a limited duration of employment. This is in opposition to their 'regular employee' counterparts who are full-time workers without a limited duration of employment. Non-regular
employees include both part-time and full-time workers with a short- or intermediate-term of employment. The percentage of non-regular employees is on the rise in Japan and this is bringing with it decreased morale and productivity due to factors such as lack of job security. In addition,
motivation is negatively affected by non-regular employees receiving fewer opportunities, such as training, for example, than regular employees. Naturally, a lack of training and education opportunities would have an adverse effect on motivation and morale. Professor Takao Maeda is based in
the Faculty of Business, Marketing and Distribution, Nakamura Gakuen University in Japan, and is working alongside collaborators Professors Tomofumi Tohara and Shigeaki Mishima, who are both based in the Faculty of Business Administration, Osaka University of Economics in Japan. The team is
focused on research that looks at how closing disparities between regular and non-regular employment could increase the motivation of non-regular employees.
Teaching Japanese Elementary School Students Programming and Computational Thinking in a CLIL Environment
Authors: Kazahaya Yuka
Published: September 2021

In Japan there is an effort to add programming and English language to the curriculum at an earlier age so children develop an easy familiarity with both. Most programming languages use scripts based on English which presents an additional problem in teaching programming in countries
where English is not the first language. Associate Professor Yuka Kazahaya, based at Okayama Prefectural University, is developing and promoting different methods of teaching both programming and English language in Japan.
Against the Odds: Developing a Core Competence Framework of Social Work Practice for the Field of Disaster Management in China
Authors: Sim Timothy , Cui Ke , Tan Zuxue , Yan Elsie , He Minying
Published: September 2021

Disaster plans are complex and the role of social workers can become lost amidst plans and processes. Although social workers' skill sets are desperately needed during disasters and recovery, in many disaster management strategies their roles are not acknowledged. In order to maximise
their value, specific training for social workers in disaster management needs to be reinvigorated. Associate Professor Timothy Sim, Singapore University of Social Sciences, believes that current social work research in disaster management is underdeveloped, and other professionals are unclear
about social workers' roles in it. His project to examine the core competence of social work in various stages of disaster management was funded by the General Research Fund of the Hong Kong SAR Government. He and colleagues from China and around the world devised a new competence framework
that is unique from previous attempts. The framework comprises five dimensions: knowledge, values, skills, roles and tasks, in four specific disaster management phases: mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery. The thinking behind this novel structure is that it will help social work
professionals clarify related concepts and comprehend competencies, roles and tasks for each phase of the disaster management cycle. The approach is also more comprehensive and precise than has been seen previously and will improve collaboration between social workers, governments and non-government
organisations. Furthermore, the team used rigorous research methods when designing the framework, including an integrative review, in-depth interviews and a Delphi study. In addition, the team is confident the framework will have a long-term impact and could be applied to other countries and
contexts.
Piperine: A Savor Inducer and a Cancer Reducer
Authors:   Laboratory for Immunology and Hematology Research, Rabin Medical Center, Hasharon Hospital, Petah-Tiqva, the Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel, Djaldetti Meir
Published: September 2021

Spices have been used for many decades, and although new and improved culinary spices have been developed, black pepper (Piper nigrum) continues to retain its distinguished title as the “King of spices” due to its particular pungent taste. An alkaloid called piperine is the main component in black pepper that, besides generating the well-known taste, imparts well-documented immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and even anti-cancer properties; these properties have led to rigorous research on black pepper. Studies conducted on cancer cell lines and in animal models with tumors revealed that piperine might influence tumor development and metastasis via various pathways, some of which are quite common for most types of malignant processes, while others are associated with a specific type of cancer. In this review, we summarized the effect of piperine on various types of cancer and the mechanism by which it acts as a carcinopreventive agent.
Production of Fermentable Sugars from Cassava Stem using Hybrid Pretreatment Technology
Authors:   Chemical Engineering Section, Engineering Department, University of Technology and Applied Sciences (Salalah College of Technology), Salalah, Oman, Sivamani Selvaraju , Baskar Rajoo ,   Department of Food Technology, School of Chemical and Food Sciences, Kongu Engineering College, Perundurai, Erode, India, Lakshmi Balasubramanian ,   Department of Biotechnology, Kumaraguru College of Technology, Coimbatore, India
Published: September 2021

One of the crucial steps in the enzymatic hydrolysis of biomass is pretreatment. We investigated the applicability of a hybrid pretreatment method, This involved acid treatment followed by alkali before the production of fermentable sugars from cassava stem. The substrate was initially treated with acid (1% oxalic acid at 100 °C for 2 h), followed by treatment with a 10% NaOH–urea mixture (by mixing 5 g each of NaOH and urea in 100 mL of water) at 100 °C for 1 h. A cellulose recovery of 98.55% was obtained with the acid-alkali pretreatment method.
Predicting COVID-19–Related Health Care Resource Utilization Across a Statewide Patient Population: Model Development Study
Authors: Kasturi Suranga N , Park Jeremy , Wild David , Khan Babar , Haggstrom David A , Grannis Shaun
Published: September 2021

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the inability of health systems to leverage existing system infrastructure in order to rapidly develop and apply broad analytical tools that could inform state- and national-level policymaking, as well as patient care delivery in hospital settings. The COVID-19 pandemic has also led to highlighted systemic disparities in health outcomes and access to care based on race or ethnicity, gender, income-level, and urban-rural divide. Although the United States seems to be recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic owing to widespread vaccination efforts and increased public awareness, there is an urgent need to address the aforementioned challenges.

Objective

This study aims to inform the feasibility of leveraging broad, statewide datasets for population health–driven decision-making by developing robust analytical models that predict COVID-19–related health care resource utilization across patients served by Indiana’s statewide Health Information Exchange.

Methods

We leveraged comprehensive datasets obtained from the Indiana Network for Patient Care to train decision forest-based models that can predict patient-level need of health care resource utilization. To assess these models for potential biases, we tested model performance against subpopulations stratified by age, race or ethnicity, gender, and residence (urban vs rural).

Results

For model development, we identified a cohort of 96,026 patients from across 957 zip codes in Indiana, United States. We trained the decision models that predicted health care resource utilization by using approximately 100 of the most impactful features from a total of 1172 features created. Each model and stratified subpopulation under test reported precision scores >70%, accuracy and area under the receiver operating curve scores >80%, and sensitivity scores approximately >90%. We noted statistically significant variations in model performance across stratified subpopulations identified by age, race or ethnicity, gender, and residence (urban vs rural).

Conclusions

This study presents the possibility of developing decision models capable of predicting patient-level health care resource utilization across a broad, statewide region with considerable predictive performance. However, our models present statistically significant variations in performance across stratified subpopulations of interest. Further efforts are necessary to identify root causes of these biases and to rectify them.
User Experience and Acceptance of Patients and Healthy Adults testing a personalized self-management app against depression: A non-randomized Mixed-Methods Feasibility Study (Preprint)
Authors: Mayer Gwendolyn , Hummel Svenja , Oetjen Neele , Gronewold Nadine , Bubolz Stefan , Slawik Mathias , Blankenhagel Kim , Zarnekow Rüdiger , Hilbel Thomas , Schultz Jobst-Hendrik
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND

The development of e-mental health applications for patients with depression has shown technological advances to a certain extent. Many feasibility studies reveal the acceptance of patients and evidence for positive treatment outcomes. However, few studies ask for the user experience regarding the personalized help of specific treatment components in self-management apps.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study is to ask for the user experience and acceptance of patients with depression and healthy adults, who tested the app SELFPASS. The results serve as a source for evidence-based recommendations for developers and clinicians regarding the graphical and conceptual design of a self-management app for patients with depression with and without anxiety symptoms.

METHODS

The sample consisted of N=110 participants, of which 41 (37.3%) were adult patients and 69 (62.7%) healthy adults. They tested the app SELFPASS over a period of 5 days and filled out a self-developed evaluation questionnaire. Quantitative measures asked with 5-point Likert scaled items (range: -2 to +2) for the perceived quality of the program and its components, its practicality (both referred to as user experience), and its acceptance. Student t tests and Pearson correlations were calculated for comparisons of groups and associations between the measures. Open text fields were analyzed by applying a qualitative structuring content analysis regarding suggestions for usability, therapeutic content and personalization.

RESULTS

The perceived quality of the total program (PQTP) was rated with M=0.96 (SD=0.82), the practicality (P) was M=0.84 (SD=0.08), and the acceptance (A) was M=0.25 (SD=1.04). Patients rated PQTP and A higher than healthy adults, while there was no difference in P. Acceptance was associated with increased depression scores (r=.33, P=.01), higher scores of PQTP (r=0.48, P<.001) and of P (r=0.45, P<.001). Feedback of both groups regarding the usability, the therapeutic content and personalization revealed a strong wish for guidance and insights into mood progress, opportunities for choice of interventions and features of customization for an individualized treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with depression accepted the app SELFPASS more than healthy adults and gave higher ratings in quality. User experience of all users reveals a strong need for features of guidance, choice and personalization, that clinicians and developers of future apps should pay special attention to.

CLINICALTRIAL

Trial Registration: DRKS (DRKS00015614).
Think-Aloud Testing of a Novel Safer Drinking App for College Students During COVID-19: Usability Study (Preprint)
Authors: Smith Jessica Gomez , Alamiri Nour Sami , Biegger Grace , Frederick Christina , Halbert Jennifer P , Ingersoll Karen S
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND

Hazardous alcohol consumption, and binge drinking in particular, continues to be common among college students, posing the greatest risk for their health and safety. Despite widespread exposure to evidence-based preventive interventions among US undergraduates, only modest and temporary effects on risky drinking occur. Formative studies have demonstrated that students want a more engaging intervention tool for risky drinking that can be used just in time.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to test the appeal, relevance, and perceived utility of a draft mobile app for safer student drinking at a public university in Virginia.

METHODS

Undergraduate student participants tested the draft mobile app via a web-based prototype that tailors to individual feedback with hot spots that responded to their taps to mimic app functionality. They narrated their impressions, navigation, and comments in a standardized think-aloud procedure. After each round of think-aloud interviews, researchers debriefed the investigators and developers to discuss findings and brainstorm app modifications.

RESULTS

Minor changes to the functionality and aesthetics would improve usability of the app (eg, option for light mode in app settings). Student testers recommended tailoring the app to the needs of college students and to aspects of the local university’s drinking culture.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings from this study will be synthesized with information gained from other formative work to determine the final app features. We will test the app in a pilot randomized trial to assess app use and the impact of the app on college student drinking behavior over several months.
Factors Affecting Patient and Physician Engagement in Remote Health Care for Heart Failure: Systematic Review (Preprint)
Authors: Al-Naher Ahmed , Downing Jennifer , Scott Kathryn A , Pirmohamed Munir
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND

Adult chronic heart failure mainly affects an elderly population with multiple comorbidities that often require frequent medical visits to prevent poor health outcomes. However, the heart failure disease process reduces their independence by reducing mobility, exercise tolerance, and cognitive decline. Remote care technologies can bridge the gap in care for these patients by allowing them to be followed up within the comfort of their home and encourage their self-care. However, patients, carers, and health care professionals need to engage with the technology for it to be useful.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review explores qualitative primary studies of remote care technologies used in heart failure, to determine the factors that affect user engagement with the technology. This is explored from the perspective of patients, carers, and health care professionals.

METHODS

Relevant studies published between January 1, 1990, and September 19, 2020, were identified from EMBASE, Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Scopus. These studies were then synthesized using thematic analysis. Relevant user experiences with remote care were extracted using line-by-line coding. These codes were summarized into secondary codes and core concepts, which were further merged into overarching themes that encapsulate user experience with remote care.

RESULTS

The review included 47 studies, which led to the generation of 5 overarching themes that affect engagement: (1) “Convenience” relates to time saved by the intervention; (2) “Clinical Care” relates to perceived quality of care and health outcomes; (3) “Communication” involves feedback and interaction between patients, staff, and carers; (4) “Education” concerns the tailored information provided; and (5) “Ease of Use” relates to accessibility and technical barriers to engagement. Each theme was applied to each user base of patient, carer, and health care professional in a different manner.

CONCLUSIONS

The 5 themes identified highlight aspects of remote care that facilitate engagement, and should be considered in both future design and trials evaluating these technologies.