bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maximal linked systems on families of measurable rectangles
Authors: Chentsov Aleksandr G.
Published: August 2021

Linked and maximal linked systems (MLS) on π -systems of measurable (in the wide sense) rectangles are considered (π-system is a family of sets closed with respect to finite intersections). Structures in the form of measurable rectangles are used in measure theory and probability theory and usually lead to semi-algebra of subsets of cartesian product. In the present article, sets-factors are supposed to be equipped with π-systems with “zero” and “unit”. This, in particular, can correspond to a standard measurable structure in the form of semialgebra, algebra, or σ-algebra of sets. In the general case, the family of measurable rectangles itself forms a π -system of set-product (the measurability is identified with belonging to a π - system) which allows to consider MLS on a given π -system (of measurable rectangles). The following principal property is established: for all considered variants of π -system of measurable rectangles, MLS on a product are exhausted by products of MLS on sets-factors. In addition, in the case of infinity product, along with traditional, the “box” variant allowing a natural analogy with the base of box topology is considered. For the case of product of two widely understood measurable spaces, one homeomorphism property concerning equipments by the Stone type topologies is established.
Numerical assessment of the spread dynamics of the new coronavirus infection SARS-CoV-2 using multicompartmental models with distributed parameters
Authors: Burlakov Evgenii O. , Kayumov Feruzbek B. , Serova Irina D.
Published: August 2021

We propose multicompartmental models of infectious diseases dynamics for numerical study of the spread parameters of the new coronavirus infection SARS-CoV-2, which take into account the delay effects associated with the presence of the latent period of the infection, as well as the possibility of an asymptomatic course of the disease. The dynamics of the spread of COVID-19 in the Russian Federation was investigated, using these models with distributed parameters that formalize the interactions of the models’ compartments. The paper provides numerical estimates of the spread dynamics of the new coronavirus infection in various age groups of the population. We also investigate possible consequences of the mask regime and quarantine measures. We obtain an explicit estimate allowing to assess the necessary scope of these measures for the epidemy extinction.
The influence of land use on the spatial distribution and intensity of heat islands in Slovenia
Authors: Simčič Anica , Pečan Petra , Nastran Mojca , Kobal Milan
Published: August 2021

Heat islands (HI) are a common anthropogenic phenomenon and are defined as artificial surfaces (urban areas) that have a higher average temperature than their surroundings (rural areas). The aim of this work was to determine the influence of land use on the spatial distribution and intensity (HIi ) of HI in Slovenia. The MODIS Land Surface Temperature (LST) and Corine Land Cover (CLC) databases were used to perform the analysis. Within the identified HI, two HI levels were determined based on temperature difference. The results revealed a statistically significant negative correlation between HIi and both forest co%ver and forest fragmentation (forest edge density and ratio of mean forest patch size to HI size). Artificial surface was positively correlated with HIi . The results contribute to the understanding of the spatial distribution of HI and HIi and provide informati%on for spatial planning and policy-making to reduce the negative impact of HI.
Vpliv podnebnih sprememb na dinamiko glivnega razkroja lesa v Sloveniji
Authors: Humar Miha , Lesar Boštjan , Kržišnik Davor
Published: August 2021

The intensity of fungal decay depends mainly on wood species, temperature and precipitation events. To estimate the planned service life of wood and to determine the maintenance intervals of wooden buildings, it is necessary to assess how wood behaves in a given environment. There are a variety of models that have been developed to assess the loading of wood. The approach most commonly used in practice is that developed by Theodore Scheffer. Scheffer proposed a climate index (Scheffer climate index) based on the number of rainy days and monthly average temperatures. Based on these data, Scheffer climate index for chosen locations in Slovenia was calculated. The results of the analysis of climatic conditions show that the Schef%fer climate index is higher than it was decades ago at most of the analysed sites in Slovenia. The intensity of decomposition increased at all analysed locations, with the exception of Portorož. The largest increase in the Scheffer climate index was ob%served in Rateče.
Treinamento físico de paciente com a síndrome de Hallervorden-Spatz: um relato de caso
Authors: Almeida Lícia Maria Belchior , Belchior Luciana Dias
Published: August 2021

Introdução: A Síndrome de Hallervorden-Spatz é uma rara doença neurodegenerativa, autossômica recessiva, com alterações características do piramidalismo e extrapiramidalismo, além de distúrbios emocionais, sendo o diagnóstico caracterizado pela presença do sinal do olho do tigre, encontrado na ressonância magnética. Objetivo: Descrever o efeito da intervenção com treinamento físico na Síndrome de Hallervorden-Spatz por meio de um estudo de caso. O protocolo de exercícios físicos teve como objetivo reeducação da marcha, fortalecimento muscular de (membros superiores) MMSS e (membros inferiores) MMII, melhora no equilíbrio e expansão pulmonar. Metodologia: Tratou-se de um estudo de caso desenvolvido no Núcleo de Atenção Médica Integrada, de outubro a novembro de 2017, durante 60 minutos, total de 10 atendimentos. Resultados e discussão: Paciente J.R.G.S., 28 anos, sexo masculino, diagnosticado com síndrome de Hallervorden-Spatz (SHS) há 8 anos, e, há 3 anos, deu início ao treinamento físico, com alongamento, crioestimulação, estimulação elétrica funcional, plataforma vibratória, disco de propriocepção e barras paralelas, mostrando boa resposta ao tratamento, resultando na melhora da qualidade de vida. Conclusão: A intervenção proporcionou um resultado satisfatório ao paciente, o qual apresentou melhora no equilíbrio, na marcha, na coordenação e no ganho na amplitude de movimento.
Logic-Based Modeling and Virtual Drug Screening for the Prediction of Novel Therapeutic Targets and Combination Regimens Against E2F1-driven Melanoma Progression
Authors: Singh Nivedita , Khan Faiz M , Bala Lakshmi , Vera Julio , Wolkenhauer Olaf , Pützer Brigitte , Logotheti Stella , Gupta Shailendra K
Published: August 2021

Skin melanoma presents increasing prevalence and poor outcomes. Progression to aggressive stages is characterized by overexpression of the transcription factor E2F1 and activation of downstream pro-metastatic gene regulatory networks (GRNs). Appropriate therapeutic manipulation of the E2F1-governed GRNs holds potential to prevent metastasis, however these networks entail complex feedback and feedforward regulatory motifs among various regulatory layers, which challenge the characterization of drug targetablemake it difficult to identify druggable components. To this end, computational approaches such as mathematical modeling and virtual screening are important tools to unveil the dynamics of these signaling networks and comprehensively identify critical components that could be further explored as therapeutic targets. Herein, we integrated a well-established E2F1-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) map with transcriptomics data from E2F1-expressing melanoma cells to reconstruct a core regulatory network underlying aggressive melanoma. Using logic-based in silico perturbation experiments of a core regulatory network, we identifiedy that simultaneous perturbation of AKT1 and MDM2 drastically reduces EMT in metastatic melanoma. Using the structures of the two protein signatures along with virtual screening of lead-like compound library available in ZINC12 database, we identified a number of lead compounds that efficiently inhibit AKT1 and MDM2 without eliciting toxicities. We propose that these compounds could be taken into account in the design of novel therapeutic strategies for the management of aggressive melanoma. were identified using virtual screening of lead-like compound library available in ZINC12 database. Subsequent high-throughput virtual screening of drug library using the structures of the two protein signatures predicted a number of lead compounds that efficiently inhibit AKT1 and MDM2 without eliciting toxicities. These can be experimentally evaluated and further considered as new anti-melanoma metastatic agents, in monotherapies or combination regimens.
What are the assessment instruments chosen by elementary school Teachers and what are the reasons to choose them?
Authors: Schmitz Heike , Almeida Themyres Gabriele Santos , Souza Beatriz Noia Souza
Published: August 2021

Para compreender a escolha dos instrumentos de avaliação da aprendizagem pelos professores no Ensino Fundamental I, realizou-se uma pesquisa de campo em duas escolas da rede municipal de Aracaju/SE. Após uma análise do projeto político pedagógico de cada escola, verificou-se a percepção e a opinião dos professores por meio de questionários e entrevistas abertas com grupos focais, assim como entrevistas semiestruturadas com a gestão e a coordenação pedagógica. Constatamos que os instrumentos de avaliação da produção escrita do aluno predominam na prática pedagógica. Acordos internos na escola, o número de alunos por turma, a escassez de tempo do professor e seu conhecimento limitado sobre instrumentos da avaliação, foram argumentos alegados pelos participantes.
PROFIL PENGGUNA, TUJUAN PERJALANAN, DAN FAKTOR PENDORONG PENGGUNAAN OJEK ONLINE DI YOGYAKARTA
Authors: Kamal Muhammad Iqbal Habibi
Published: August 2021

Abstract

The phenomenon of the increasing number of online motorcycle-based ride-hailing (MBRH) users from year to year raises the hypothesis that this paratransit transportation service is the most common use by the Indonesian people in general. A few studies revealed that the characteristics of the ride-hailing user are younger, highly educated, and relatively higher income. Yogyakarta City Area (YCA) is a city of education that has a similar citizen characteristic, as mentioned before. This study aims to investigate the relation between socio-demography factors with the frequency of using motorcycle-based ride-hailing in YCA as alternative transportation modes used by the local citizen. This study uses a descriptive analysis method to explore the characteristic of ride-hailing user, trip destination and latent variable that affected of using motorcycle based ride-hailing. The result of this study showed that trip to airport/station is the most potential destination to use MBRH. In the other side, driver-friendly behavior is the most preferred factor for MBRH users in Yogyakarta

Keywords: Motorcycle-Based Ride-Hailing, Socio Demography, Descriptive analysis
INVESTIGASI KAWASAN RAWAN BENCANA LONGSOR DENGAN MENGGUNAKAN SISTEM INFORMASI GEOGRAFIS STUDI KASUS KABUPATEN MADIUN
Authors: Risal Ardiansyah Putra  , Amelia Rosana Putri  , Faried Abdillah Santoso
Published: August 2021

Secara geografis, meskipun letak Indonesia memiliki potensi sumber daya alam yang luar biasa, tapi juga rawan terhadap potensi bencana alam, terutama bencana tanah longsor. Hal ini disebabkan banyakanya pegunungan dan gunung di Indonesia, termasuk Kabupaten Madiun yang memiliki Gunung Wilis. Kabupaten Madiun merupakan daerah yang terkena dampak dari bencana tanah longsor. Sehingga, paper ini bertujuan untuk menginvestigasi Kawasan Rawan Bencana (KRB) tanah longsor di Kabupaten Madiun dengan menggunakan Sistem Informasi Geografis (SIG). Penelitian ini menggunakan data sekunder yang bersumber dari SRTM USGS, data BMKG, Google Earth, dan data BPS Kabupaten Madiun yang diolah menggunakan software ArcGis 10.7 dengan metode Analysis Union Overlay berdasarkan pembobotan pada peta parameter bencana tanah longsor. Data yang diolah menghasilkan peta kepadatan penduduk, geologi, curah hujan, kemiringan lereng, dan peta KRB Tanah Longsor Kabupaten Madiun. Peta KRB Tanah Longsor menunjukkan bahwa Kabupaten Madiun memiliki kerawanan yang relatif rendah (aman) terhadap tanah longsor. Daerah di Kabupaten Madiun yang berpotensi mengalami tanah longsor adalah sebelah barat Kabupaten Madiun yaitu kecamatan Pilangkenceng, Balerejo, Jiwan, dan sebagain Kecamatan Kebonsari dan Dolopo dengan luas sebesar 192.07 km2 untuk kerawanan tinggi dan 1.39 km2 untuk kerawanan sangat tinggi. Hal ini karena kecamatan-kecamatan tersebut memiliki curah hujan yang ekstrem dengan intensitas diatas 150 mm dan kepadatan penduduk yang relatif padat hingga sangat padat. Peta KRB Tanah Longsor Kabupaten Madiun dapat menjadi sumber referensi bagi warga setempat dan khalayak umum untuk mengetahui titik rawan bencana tanah longsor di Kabupaten Madiun sehingga dapat mempersiapkan mitigasi bencana tanah longsor untuk meminimalisir dampak dan kerugian yang terjadi.
Pengaruh Media Penilaian Formatif Online Quizizz Terhadap Hasil Belajar Siswa Materi Sistem Periodik Unsur
Authors: Bahriah Evi Sapinatul , Dewi Lathifa Utami , Irwandi Dedi
Published: August 2021

Penelitian dilaksanakan berdasarkan pentingnya penilaian berbasis online di abad ke-21dalam upaya meningkatkan kualitas pendidikan Indonesia. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh implementasi Quizizz sebagai media penilaian online berpengaruh terhadap hasil belajar siswa pada materi sistem periodik unsur. Subjek penelitian ini adalah siswa kelas X IPA 2 dan X IPA 5 di SMAN 1 Tangerang Selatan sebanyak 84 orang. Metode penelitian yang dilakukan adalah quasi experiment dengan nonequivalent control group design. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian, menunjukkan bahwa implementasi Quizizz sebagai media penilaian online memberikan hasil belajar yang lebih tinggi dibandingkan dengan yang menggunakan metode paper test.

Kata kunci: Penilaian online, Quizizz, hasil belajar, sistem periodik unsur, quasi experiment
Covid-19 Pandemi Sürecinde Sağlık Bakanlığı’nın Instagram Kullanımının Risk İletişimi Bağlamında Değerlendirilmesi
Authors: VONA KURT Esra , DURAN Yasemin
Published: August 2021

Yüksek risk içeren bulaşıcı salgın hastalıklar sırasında, var olan riski tanımlamak ve salgını kontrol altına alabilmek için etkili iletişim stratejileri yoluyla halka ulaşmak ve bilgilendirmek gerekmektedir. Bu tür durumlarda risk sürecini yöneten sağlık kurumlarının salgın hastalık riskini tüm boyutlarıyla halka aktarması ve alınan önlemlerle salgının kontrol altına alınabileceği umudunu etkileşimli bir iletişimle kitlelere aktarabilmesi önemlidir. Sağlık alanında sosyal medya kullanımı, hem bireylere hem de halk sağlığını biçimlendiren sağlık kurumlarına geniş hedef kitlelerle etkileşimli iletişim kurma olanağı çerçevesinde fırsatlar sunmaktadır. Bu nedenle salgın hastalık riski durumlarında sosyal medya ortamlarının risk iletişim sürecindeki etkisini ve işlevini ortaya koymak önemli hale gelmektedir. Bu çalışma Covid-19 pandemisi sırasında ülkemizde pandemi sürecini yöneten ve yönlendiren tek kurum olan Sağlık Bakanlığı’nın sosyal medyadaki etkinliklerine odaklanmaktadır. Araştırmada, Sağlık Bakanlığı’nın Instagram hesabı üzerinden paylaştığı gönderiler, risk iletişimi modelleri çerçevesinde incelenmektedir. Çalışma, bakanlığın salgın sırasında Instagram’da benimsediği iletişim biçimlerini, risk içeriğini ve oluşturulmaya çalışılan risk algısını anlamaya çalışmakta ve Sağlık Bakanlığı’nın Instagram üzerinden gerçekleştirdiği iletişimin içeriği ve bağlamı, paylaşılan gönderiler üzerinden değerlendirilmektedir. İçerik analizi tekniğiyle bir inceleme gerçekleştirmeyi hedefleyen çalışmada, betimsel istatistik testleri kullanılarak elde edilen bulgular, risk iletişim modelleri çerçevesinde analiz edilmektedir.
The AFWA dust emission scheme for the GOCART aerosol model in WRF-Chem v3.8.1
Authors: LeGrand Sandra , Polashenski Christopher , Letcher Theodore , Creighton Glenn , Peckham Steven , Cetola Jeffrey
Published: August 2021

Airborne particles of mineral dust play a key role in Earth’s climate system and affect human activities around the globe. The numerical weather modeling community has undertaken considerable efforts to accurately forecast these dust emissions. Here, for the first time in the literature, we thoroughly describe and document the Air Force Weather Agency (AFWA) dust emission scheme for the Georgia Institute of Technology–Goddard Global Ozone Chemistry Aerosol Radiation and Transport (GOCART) aerosol model within the Weather Research and Forecasting model with chemistry (WRF-Chem) and compare it to the other dust emission schemes available in WRF-Chem. The AFWA dust emission scheme addresses some shortcomings experienced by the earlier GOCART-WRF scheme. Improved model physics are designed to better handle emission of fine dust particles by representing saltation bombardment. WRF-Chem model performance with the AFWA scheme is evaluated against observations of dust emission in southwest Asia and compared to emissions predicted by the other schemes built into the WRF-Chem GOCART model. Results highlight the relative strengths of the available schemes, indicate the reasons for disagreement, and demonstrate the need for improved soil source data.
ASSESSMENT OF IRON ORE CONCENTRATION CHARACTERISTICS ON THE BASIS OF ULTRASONIC MEASUREMENTS
Authors:   Kryvyi Rih National University, MORKUN Vladimir , TRON Vitalii ,   Kryvyi Rih National University, SERDIUK Oleksandra ,   Kryvyi Rih National University, HAPONENKO Alona ,   Academy of Mining Sciences of Ukraine
Published: August 2021

A great number of various factors to a different extent impact iron ore treatment, properties of mineral composition of ore and parameters of technological equipment being some of them. To solve the problem of improving performance of a concentration plant in terms of the concentrate, it is required to elaborate effective scheduled procedures, upgrade technological equipment, develop methods of control over concentration processes considering technological properties of ore fed. There is suggested a method of improving efficiency of magnetic concentration of iron ore under the action of high-intensity ultrasound. There are established dependencies between physical-mechanical and chemical-mineralogical characteristics of iron ore slurry solids and their behavior in technological flows under controlled ultrasonic vibrations, this enabling simulation modelling of the process and specification of optimal controlling actions. The research object is assessment of characteristics and control of iron ore magnetic concentration on the technological line of the ore concentration plant. The research subject is the cyber-physical system based on using impacts of highintensity ultrasound on slurry solids to assess characteristics of iron ore magnetic concentration. Obtained dependencies and mathematical models of the non-linear spatial process of high-intensity ultrasound propagation in the iron ore slurry enable implementing the method of assessing characteristics of iron ore magnetic concentration and due to this increase efficiency of the mentioned operations. There are suggested methods of calculating intensity of high-intensity ultrasound in a certain point of the measurement area in order to perform forecast displacement of ground ore particles and changes of the fraction composition of slurry solids under the controlled action of high-intensity ultrasonic vibrations. The developed method and the software-engineering complex for its implementation enable restoring a function of distributing ground ore particles by sizes, forecasting results of technological operations and forming controlling actions.
Instow: A Full-Field, Multipatterned Alkaline-Surfactant-Polymer Flood—Analyses and Comparison of Phases 1 and 2
Authors: Pitts M. J. , Dean E. , Wyatt K. , Skeans E. , Deo D. , Galipeault A. , Mohagen D. , Humphry C.
Published: August 2021

An alkaline-surfactant-polymer (ASP) project in the Instow field, Upper Shaunavon Formation in Saskatchewan, Canada, was planned in three phases. The first two multiwell pattern phases are nearing completion. Beginning in 2007, an ASP solution was injected into Phase 1. Phase 1 polymer drive injection began in 2011 after injection of 37% pore volume (PV) ASP solution. Coincident with the polymer drive injection into Phase 1, Phase 2 ASP solution injection began. Phase 2 polymer drive began in 2016 after injection of 55% PV ASP solution. Polymer solution injection for the polymer drives of both phases continues in both phases with Phase 1 and Phase 2 injected volumes being 55 and 42% PV as of August 2019, respectively. Phase 1 and Phase 2 oil cut response to ASP injection showed an increase of approximately four times from 3.2% to a peak of 13.0% for Phase 1 and Phase 2 oil cut increased from 1.8% to a peak of 14.8%, approximately eightfold. Oil rates increased from approximately 3200 m3/m (20 127 bbl/m) at the end of water injection to a peak of 8300 m3/m (52 220 bbl/m) in Phase 1 and from 1230 m3/m (7 736 bbl/m) to 6332 m3/m (39 827 bbl/m) in Phase 2. Phase 1 pattern analysis indicates that the PV of ASP solution injected varied from 13% to 54% PV of ASP. Oil recoveries after the start of ASP solution injection in the different patterns ranged from 2.3% original oil in place (OOIP) up to 21.3% OOIP with lower oil recoveries generally correlating with lower volumes of ASP solution injected. Wells in common to the two phases of the project show increased oil cut and oil rate responses to chemical injection from both Phases 1 and 2. Total oil recovery as of August 2019 is 60% OOIP for Phase 1 and 62% OOIP for Phase 2. Phase 1 economic analysis indicated chemical and operation cost was approximately CAD 26/bbl, resulting in the decision to move forward with Phase 2.
Effects of Imbibition and Compaction during Well Shut-In on Ultimate Shale Oil Recovery: A Numerical Study
Authors: Wijaya Nur , Sheng James
Published: August 2021

Shale wells are often shut in after hydraulic fracturing is completed. Shut-in often lasts for an extended period in the perceived hope of improving the ultimate oil recovery. However, current literature does not show a strong consensus on whether shut-in will improve ultimate oil recovery. Because of the delayed production, evaluating the benefits of shut-in in improving the ultimate oil recovery is crucial. Otherwise, shut-in would merely delay the production and harm the economic performance.

In this paper, we use a numerical flow-geomechanical modeling approach to investigate the effect of imbibition on shut-in potentials to improve the ultimate oil recovery. We propose that imbibition is one of the strongly confounding variables that causes mixed conclusions in the related literature. The investigation methodology involves probabilistic forecasting of three reservoir realization models validated based on the same field production data. Each of the models represents different primary recovery-driving mechanisms, such as imbibition-dominant and compaction-dominant recovery.

A parametric study is conducted to explore and identify the specific reservoir conditions in which shut-in tends to improve shale oil recovery. Ten reservoir parameters that affect the imbibition strength are studied under different shut-in durations. Comparison among the three models quantitatively demonstrates that shut-in tends to improve both the ultimate oil recovery and net present value (NPV) only if the shale reservoir demonstrates imbibition-dominant recovery. A correlation among ultimate oil recovery, flowback efficiency, and NPV also shows that there is no strong relationship between flowback efficiency and ultimate oil recovery. This study is one of the first to emphasize the importance of quantifying the imbibition strength and its contribution in helping recover the shale oil for optimum flowback and shale well shut-in design after hydraulic fracturing.
Climate vulnerability scenario of the agricultural sector in the Bicol River Basin, Philippines
Authors: Laureta Ricky , Regalado Ric Ryan , Cruz Ermar De La
Published: August 2021

This paper investigated the vulnerability of the agriculture sector and rural agriculture livelihoods in the Bicol River Basin (BRB) of the Philippines to projected changes in climate. The geographical characteristics of the BRB feature eight major sub-basins or watersheds consisting of Libmanan-Pulantuna, Ragay Hills, Thiris, Naga-Yabo, Pawili River, Waras-Lalo, Naporog, and Quinali. The study applied the combination of the participatory tools and the Climate Risk Vulnerability Assessment (CRVA) framework to gather information on local climate vulnerabilities and contexts. Briefly, the CRVA employed geospatial modeling and utilized several indicators which are presumed to affect vulnerability including exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity which were aggregated to provide an index of vulnerability. This enabled us to identify areas of exposure and vulnerability and pointed areas of greatest need for strengthened adaptive capacity and risk management. Our findings revealed that vulnerability in the BRB was perceived to be relatively prevalent and that typhoons, flooding, and drought were identified to contribute significant impacts to rural livelihood. Furthermore, our findings in the CRVA suggested significant regional differences in vulnerability in the BRB. The majority of the towns in the central and northwestern portions of the BRB will largely experience increased vulnerability, particularly, in the Thiris sub-basin including some parts of Ragay Hills, Waras-Lalo, and the northwestern Libmanan-Pulantuna sub-basins. On the contrary, the entire Quinali region on the south is revealed to have the lowest vulnerability index. The clear policy implication of these accounts will be on how to mobilize developmental thrusts in both areas of disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation at the sub-national level to reinforce local-based climate priority setting in adaptation interventions and policies.
Analyzing of Process Capability Indices based on Neutrosophic Sets
Authors: Yalçın Selin , Kaya Ihsan
Published: August 2021

Process capability analysis (PCA) is an important statistical analysis approach for measuring and analyzing the ability of the process to meet specifications. This analysis has been applied by producing process capability indices (PCIs). \({C}_{p}\) and \({C}_{pk}\) are the most commonly used PCIs for this aim. Although they are completely effective statistics to analyze process’ capability, the complexity of the production processes based on uncertainty arising from human thinking, incomplete or vague information makes it difficult to analyze the process capability with precise values. When there is uncertain, complex, incomplete and inaccurate information, the capability of the process is successfully analyzed by using the fuzzy sets. Neutrosophic sets (NSs), one of the new fuzzy set extensions, have a significant role in modeling uncertainty, since they contain the membership functions of truth, indeterminacy, and falsity definitions rather than an only membership function. This feature provides a strong advantage for modeling uncertainty. In this paper, PCA has been performed based on NSs to overcome uncertainties of the process. For this purpose, specification limits (SLs) have been reconsidered by using NSs and two of the well-known process capability indices (PCIs) named \({C}_{p}\) and \({C}_{pk}\) have been reformulated. Finally, the neutrosophic process capability indices (NPCIs) named \({C}_{p}\) \(\left({\tilde{\stackrel{⃛}{C}}}_{p}\right)\) and \({C}_{pk}\) \(\left({\tilde{\stackrel{⃛}{C}}}_{pk}\right)\) have been derived for three cases that are created by defining SLs. Additionally, the obtained NPCIs have also been applied and confirmed on real case problems from automotive industry. The obtained results show that the NPCIs support the quality engineers to easily define SLs and obtain more flexible and realistic evaluations for PCA.
Analysis of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement ProgramÒ (ACS NSQIPÒ) database to identify factors associated with postoperative mortality after elective non-cardiac surgery
Authors: Malviya Amit K. , Bruceta Melanio , Singh Preet M. , Bonavia Anthony , Karamchandani Kunal , Gupta Anju
Published: August 2021

Background: Various surgical risk assessment tools, including the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement ProgramÒ (ACS NSQIPÒ) risk calculator have been devised to predict post-operative mortality. However, the role of individual factors on mortality is unclear. We sought to identify patient characteristics from the database that were associated with postoperative mortality in patients undergoing elective, non-cardiac surgery. Methods: Data from the ACS NSQIPÒ database at a tertiary care academic medical center was analyzed from January 2011 to September 2016. Relevant patient related variables were extracted from the database and univariable logistic regression was used to assess the association of each potential risk factor with 30-day mortality. A multivariable logistic regression model was then used to assess the adjusted effect of each potential risk factor on the outcome. Results: 5,254 database patient records were identified and among the analyzed variables, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status III and IV (odds ratio and 95%CI : 16.75 [2.29, 122.69] ), poor preoperative functional health status (Odds ratio and 95%CI : 38.52 [2.46, 604.12] ), and low serum albumin (Odds ratio and 95%CI : 3.76 [1.35, 10.44]) were significant predictors of 30-day postoperative mortality.Conclusions: In a comprehensive analysis of the ACS NSQIPÒdatabase, spreading across multiple surgical specialties, we found an association between ASA physical status, preoperative albumin levels, and functional health status with 30-day mortality after elective non-cardiac surgery.
Qatar Diabetes Mobile Application Trial (QDMAT): An Open-Label Randomised Controlled Trial To Examine The Impact of Using A Mobile Application To Improve Diabetes Care In Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus – A Study Protocol
Authors: Suleiman Noor , Alkasem Meis , Amer Zaina Al , Salameh Obada , Al-Thani Noora , Hamad Mohammad Khair , Baagar Khaled , Abdalhakam Ibrahem , Othman Manal , Dughmosh Ragae , -Mohanadi Dabia Al , Sanousi Ali Al , Bashir Mohammed , Chagoury Odette , Taheri Shahrad , Abou-Samra Abdul-Badi
Published: August 2021

BackgroundMobile health (mHealth) is increasingly advocated for diabetes management. It is unclear if mobile applications are effective in improving glycaemic control, clinical outcomes, quality of life and overall patient satisfaction in patients with diabetes. A new mobile application was specifically built for people with diabetes with the help of the local expertise. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the mobile App.MethodsThe planned study is an ongoing open-label randomised controlled trial in which insulin-treated adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) will be randomised 1:1 to the use of this diabetes application versus current standard care. The primary outcome will be the difference in mean HbA1c from baseline at 6 months. Other outcome measures include anthropometric measures, hypoglycaemic events, medication adjustments, number of clinical interactions and missed appointments, and patient perceptions of their disease and diabetes self-management. The study will randomise 180 subjects ( for assessment of the primary outcome. DiscussionWe hypothesise that the diabetes-specific mobile application will improve glycaemic control, increase patient empowerment for self-management of diabetes and improve interaction between patients and healthcare providers. If QDMAT demonstrates this, it will inform clinical services for the future self-management of T2DM.Trial Registration,ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03998267) Registered on 26 June 2019
Degradation of Acid Red B by Manganese doped iron oxychloride and Permonosulfate: Performance and Inhomogeneous Activation Mechanism
Authors: Chen Rong , Zhao Dan , Dong Yanmao , Cai Chengrun , Yuan Yan , Li Zhili
Published: August 2021

manganese doped iron oxychloride (Mn-FeOCl) was synthesized by partial pyrolysis method. The Mn-FeOCl was used as heterogeneous catalyst to activate permonosulfate (PMS) for the degradation of azo dye acid red B(ARB) for the first time. The Mn-FeOCl was characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD). The effects of Mn-FeOCl dosage, PMS concentration, initial pH value, Cl ion concentration and humic acid (HA) dosage on the degradation of ARB by Mn-FeOCl/PMS were investigated. Results showed that the ARB was degraded effectively by Mn-FeOCl/PMS. The mineralization rate of ARB reached 42.5%. As the Mn-FeOCl dosage was 0.1g/L, PMS concentration was 1mmol/L, and ARB concentration was 0.05mmol/L, the degradation rate of ARB reached 99.4% in 30 minutes. With the increase of PMS dosage, Mn-FeOCl dosage, Cl− ion concentration and initial pH value, the decolorization effect of ARB increased. The reaction mechanism was analyzed by free radical quenching experiment and XPS. The main active species were determined as ·OH and SO4·− which generated by PMS activation. The SO4·−−was the main active species.
Comparison of Effects of Guidewire-Assisted and Direct Arterial Puncture Techniques on Success Rate of Radial Artery Cannulation by Inexperienced Trainees
Authors: Apinyachon Worapot , Boonyakad Natthaporn , Sangasilpa Inthuon , Lavanrattanakul Phisut
Published: August 2021

Background: The radial artery is superficially palpable and easily accessible, making it the preferred site for arterial cannulation. Various placement techniques are available for radial artery catheter insertion. However, catheter insertion is sometimes difficult and requires multiple attempts, especially by inexperienced trainees, leading to technical failure and insertion-related complications. Guidewire-assisted cannulation is a simple and effective technique, but this maneuver requires practice. The main objective of this study was to compare the effects of a direct arterial puncture and a guidewire-assisted cannulation technique on the success rate of radial artery cannulation by inexperienced trainees.Methods: This study was a prospective, single-center, single-arm clinical trial with a historical control. Sixty patients with an American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status of I to III underwent elective surgery requiring radial artery cannulation. In the guidewire-assisted cannulation group (GW group), thirty radial artery cannulations were performed by inexperienced surgical residents using a guidewire-assisted cannulation technique. In the direct arterial puncture group (DP group), 30 patients underwent radial artery cannulation with a direct arterial puncture technique by inexperienced anesthesiology residents. The primary outcome was the success rate. Results: There were no differences in the baseline blood pressure or comorbidities between the two groups. Overall, the success rate of radial artery cannulation in the GW and DP groups were 90% and 50%, respectively (P = 0.001). The success rate of first-attempt cannulation in the GW and DP group were 66.7% and 26.7%, respectively (P = 0.002). The total procedural performance time was significantly shorter in the GW than DP group.Conclusion: The guidewire-assisted cannulation technique achieved a higher success rate than the direct arterial puncture technique when performed by inexperienced trainees.Trial registrationThe trial was registered on Thai Clinical Trials Registry (TCTR20200601004). Date of registration was January 19, 2020. (Retrospectively registered) http://www.thaiclinicaltrials.org/page_user/#
Dichotic Listening Performance and Interhemispheric Integration After Administration of Hydrocortisone
Authors: Berretz Gesa , Packheiser Julian , Höffken Oliver , Wolf Oliver T. , Ocklenburg Sebastian
Published: August 2021

Chronic stress has been shown to have long-term effects on functional hemispheric asymmetries in both humans and non-human species. The short-term effects of acute stress exposure on functional hemispheric asymmetries are less well investigated. It has been suggested that acute stress can affect functional hemispheric asymmetries by modulating inhibitory function of the corpus callosum, the white matter pathway that connects the two hemispheres. On the molecular level, this modulation may be caused by a stress-related increase in cortisol, a major stress hormone. Therefore, it was the aim of the present study to investigate the acute effects of cortisol on functional hemispheric asymmetries. Overall, 60 participants were tested after administration of 20mg hydrocortisone or a placebo tablet in a cross-over design. Both times, a verbal and an emotional dichotic listening task to assess language and emotional lateralization, as well as a Banich–Belger task to assess interhemispheric integration were applied. Lateralization quotients were determined for both reaction times and correctly identified syllables in both dichotic listening tasks. In the Banich–Belger task, across-field advantages were determined to quantify interhemispheric integration. While we could replicate previously reported findings for these tasks in the placebo session, we could not detect any differences in asymmetry between hydrocortisone and placebo treatment. This partially corroborates the results of a previous study we performed using social stress to induce cortisol increases. This suggests that an increase in cortisol does not influence dichotic listening performance on a behavioral level. As other studies reported an effect of stress hormones on functional hemispheric asymmetries on a neuro-functional level, future research using neuronal imaging methods would be helpful in the characterization of the relation of hemispheric asymmetries and stress hormones.
Design and Validation of an integrated Objective Structured Clinical Examination (i-OSCE) for non-surgical aesthetics program
Authors: Kumar Narendra , Rahman Eqram
Published: August 2021

Introduction: The Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) is a popular and practical method for evaluating trainee physicians’ competencies. To help assess non-surgical aesthetics students’ critical thinking and relevant abilities, we developed a novel assessment tool based on the OSCE, the i-OSCE (Integrated objective structured Clinical examination).Methods: Initially, an expert panel consisting of 5 Aesthetic Practitioners with over fifteen years of experience and a senior clinical academic were selected to develop a blueprint for i-OSCE. Through this blueprint, essential qualities and skills were identified for the assessment. To ensure the process standardisation, training workshops for examiners and simulated patients were organised. The final i-OSCE consisted of 12 stations (four clinical, four critical thinking, and four rest stations lasting 180 minutes.Results: The Interclass correlation coefficient between the station checklist items was 0.946 (average measure upper bound 0.916, lower bound 0.968; p < 0.00), considered to be significant. The Inter-Item Correlation Matrix among the clinical station checklist and critical thinking checklist items also showed statistical significance. The Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC) used to ascertain the correlation between checklist rating and global rating, yielding a high correlation (0.80 to 0.934).Conclusion: The i-OSCE has been proven to be a useful and reliable assessment tool to evaluate clinical competence and critical thinking in non-surgical aesthetics education.
Diurnal Variability of Lower and Middle Atmospheric Water Vapour Over The Asian Summer Monsoon Region: First Results From COSMIC-1 and TIMED-SABER Measurements
Authors: Das Siddarth Shankar , Uma K N , Suneeth K V
Published: August 2021

First observations on the vertical structure of diurnal variability of tropospheric water vapour in the lower and middle atmosphere using 13 years of COSMIC and 18 years of SABER observations are presented in this paper. The most significant and new observation is that the middle stratospheric water vapour (SWV) enhancement is observed between 9-18 LT, whereas it is between 6-15 LT near tropopause in all the seasons. The diurnal amplitude of water vapour near tropopause is between 0.3-0.4 ppmv. Bimodal peaks are found in the diurnal amplitude of SWV, maximizing between 25-30 km (~0.4 ppmv) and 45-50 km (~0.6 ppmv). The analysis reveals that the diurnal variability in the lower SWV is controlled by the tropical tropopause temperature, whereas the middle and upper SWV is controlled by methane oxidation. The results are presented and discussed in the light of present understanding.
Modeling of Stage-Discharge Using Back Propagation ANN, ANFIS, and WANN-based Computing Technique
Authors: Shukla Ravi , Kumar Pravendra , Vishwakarma Dinesh Kumar , Ali Rawshan , Kumar Rohitashw , Kuriqi Alban
Published: August 2021

The development of the stage-discharge relationship is a fundamental issue in hydrological modeling. Due to the complexity of the stage-discharge relationship, discharge prediction plays an essential role in planning and water resource management. The present study was conducted for modeling of discharge at the Gaula barrage site in Uttarakhand state of India. The study evaluated, Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS), Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and Wavelet-Based Artificial Neural System (WANN) based models to estimate the discharge. The daily data of 12 years (2007-2018) were used to train and test the models. The Gamma test was used to identify the best model for discharge prediction. The input data having a stage with one-day lag and discharge with one and two-days lag and current-day discharge as output was used for discharge modeling. In the case of ANN models, the back-propagation algorithm and hyperbolic tangent sigmoid activation function was used. WANN used Haar, a trous based wavelet function. In ANFIS models, triangular, psig, generalized bell, and Gaussian membership functions were used to train and test the models. The models were evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively using correlation coefficient, root means square error, Willmott index, and coefficient of efficiency. It was found that ANFIS model performed better than ANN and WANN-based models for discharge prediction at the Gaula barrage.
Manual Acupuncture As Prophylaxis For Migraine Without Aura: Study Protocol For A Multi-Center, Randomized, Single Blinded Trial
Authors: Chen Jiao , Zhou Siyuan , Sun Mingsheng , Wang Yanan , Chen Xiaoqin , Guo Taipin , Liu Lu , Luo Jing , Ni Xixiu , Yang Xuguang , Li Dehua , Gao Shan , He Zhenxi , Cai Dingjun , Zhao Ling
Published: August 2021

Background: Migraine is a highly prevalent neurological disorder. It is the third most prevalent disorder and the seventh highest cause of disability worldwide. Acupuncture may be a viable prophylactic treatment option for frequent or uncontrolled migraine. Clinical studies comparing acupuncture and placebo acupuncture have not reached a consistent conclusion in confirming whether acupuncture is effective in migraine prophylaxis. The effect of acupuncture mainly depends on acupoints and needles operation. We found that the design of the placebo acupuncture in previous studies included shallow needling at sham acupoints, non-penetrating needling at sham acupoints, and needling at inactive acupuncture points to achieve the inert effect of control group, but the non-penetrating needling at true acupoints was ignored. This randomized controlled trial aims to use true acupoints for non-penetrating acupuncture as control to evaluate the efficacy of manual acupuncture for the prophylaxis of migraine without aura (MWoA).Methods/design: This is a single-blinded, randomized, controlled, prospective, multi-center trial with two parallel treatment groups. A total of 198 eligible patients with MWoA will be randomly divided into two groups (1:1 allocation ratio). The intervention group will receive manual acupuncture and the control group will receive placebo acupuncture (non-penetrating). Patients will receive three acupuncture treatment sessions per week for 4 consecutive weeks. All patients will then receive a 12-week follow-up.Discussion: In this study, we are evaluating the efficacy and safety of manual acupuncture in the prophylaxis of MWoA. The placebo control is using non-penetrating needling verum acupoints. It is essential to determine an appropriate control method to ensure the methodological quality of a randomized controlled trial.Trial registration: The trial has been registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Approval No. ChiCTR2000032308) in April 2020.
Characterization of the Genetic Basis and Biological Significance of Heteroblasty in Soybean
Authors: Chen Qiang , Chen Shanyu , Ai Lijuan , Yan Long , Zhao Hongtao , Liu Bingqiang , Yang Yongqing , Wei Yu , Feng Yan , Shi Xiaolei , Yang Chunyan , Zhang MengChen
Published: August 2021

Leaf morphology, as a critical measure of plant architecture, has been associated with soybean yield and quality. As yet, conclusive investigations into the genetic basis and biological significance of heteroblasty in soybean remain sparse. To identify and biologically characterize the quantitative trait loci (QTLs) influencing heteroblasty in soybean, 11 traits associated with leaf morphology, seed quality, and grain yield were observed for two recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations grown in two environments. Values of broad-sense heritability (H2) for leaf traits in two RIL populations varied from 0.62 to 0.99. These high heritabilities, taken together with the Kurtosis and Skewness values indicate that the phenotypic variation in leaf morphology observed for both RIL populations are mainly controlled by quantitative traits. The three observed leaf morphology traits exhibited significant correlations (P < 0.05) with more than half of the grain yield and seed quality traits, with correlation coefficients varying from − 0.40 to 0.43, which suggests that leaf morphology can significantly influence soybean yield and quality. A total of 11 QTLs were detected for leaf morphology, with logarithm of odds (LOD) values ranging from 3.40 to 89.6, which accounted for 1.38 ~ 74.53% of genetic variation. Eight of these loci for leaf morphology co-located with those for seed quality and grain yield, which coincided large and extensive leaf morphologies that contributed to seed quality and grain yield formation. Overall, these results provide important information for breeding high yielding crop varieties with improved quality traits produced through optimization of leaf morphology.