bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatiotemporal rainfall variability and trend analysis of Shimsha River Basin, India
Authors: Ashwathappa Bharath , Maddamsetty Ramesh , Madddikeari Manjunath , Vishwesharaiah Reshma T
Published: August 2022

The current study aims to determine the variability and trend in rainfall data. From 1989 to 2018, daily rainfall data was gathered for the Shimsha basin, a sub-basin of the Cauvery basin in Karnataka, India, and aggregated into annual, seasonal, and monthly rainfall totals as well as the number of rainy days. In this study, the time series are subjected to statistical methods to examine rainfall variability and trend. The mean, standard deviation, skewness, kurtosis, coefficient of variation (CV), and Standardized Anomaly Index (SAI) are all used in the preliminary and variability analysis. To understand the rainfall distribution characteristics, Kurtosis and skewness were used. To identify homogenous and serially independent series, homogeneity and serial correlation tests were used. Mann–Kendall (MK) and Spearman's rank correlation (SRC) tests were performed to identify the trend in the homogenous and serially independent series. Sen's slope (SS) technique is applied to quantify the amount of the trend, and the Sequential Mann-Kendall (SQMK) test was used to assess the trend change point. The statistical tests indicated in this work were performed using open-source R packages such as "trend," "modifiedmk" and "trendchange". The study area's average rainfall was 801.86 mm, and CV ranges from 43.3–22.27%. The basin receives the highest rainfall in southwest monsoon season (SWM) followed by post-monsoon, summer, and winter seasons, respectively. Out of 162 series, 11-time series were found to be non-homogeneous and were omitted. Then out of 151 homogeneous series, 21 series showed a significant increasing trend while 99 and 31 series showed a little rising and declining trend, respectively. The study's results will help in water resource management, agricultural planning and socioeconomic development in the area.
Efficacy and Safety of Remimazolam Mesylate in General Anesthesia Induction and Maintenance in Elderly Patients: A Single-Center, Randomized, Positive-Drug, Paralleled, Controlled Study
Authors: Yang Fei , Guo Lideng , Lai Xiawei , Zhang Zhijing , Wang Di , Peng Shanpan , Xie Haihui
Published: August 2022

Objective
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of remimazolam mesylate for general anesthesia in elderly patients.
Methods
Patents aged 60 to 80 years who were scheduled to undergo surgery were randomized into three groups: Group A (remimazolam mesylate 6 mg/kg/h), Group B (remimazolam mesylate 12 mg/kg/h), or Group C (propofol 2.0-2.5 mg/kg). Primary efficacy indicators (success rate of anesthesia sedation), secondary efficacy indicators (BIS value, anesthesia induction time, anesthesia awakening time), safety efficacy indicators (incidence of anesthetic hypotension; incidence of anesthetic hypoxemia) and incidence of adverse events (intravenous pain, nausea and vomiting, etc.) were routinely monitored.
Results
The success rate of anesthesia sedation was 95% in the 6 mg/kg/h remimazolam mesylate group and 100% in the 12 mg/kg/h remimazolam mesylate and propofol groups. Noninferiority of remimazolam mesylate [95% confidence interval (0.04; 0.047)]. There were statistically significant differences in anesthesia awakening time, use of norepinephrine, and adverse events (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the time of anesthesia induction or incidence of bradycardia and hypotension among the three groups. However, compared with the propofol group, the awakening time in the remimazolam tosylate groups was significantly shorter (P < 0.05), the effect on heart rate was lower, and there was no pain from intravenous injection. The intraoperative BIS values of the three groups were all maintained at 40–63, and no intraoperative awareness was found. At the same time, the use of norepinephrine in the remimazolam tosylate groups was significantly reduced (P < 0.05).
Conclusions
Remimazolam mesylate is well tolerated and noninferior to propofol with regard to efficacy as a sedative hypnotic for general anesthesia. Remimazolam mesylate can accelerate recovery from anesthesia, have less impact on heart rate, and decrease the use of vasoactive drugs and intravenous pain.
Clinical trial registration:
This study was approved by the Clinical Trials Ethics Committee of Dongguan People's Hospital (KYKT2020-054), and registered at http://www.chictr.org.cn (11/06/2021, ChiCTR2100047274). The study protocol followed the CONSORT guidelines. The study protocol was performed in the relevant guidelines.
The closed cavity resonator formed by graphene/PMMA for low frequency ultrasound detection
Authors: Xu Jing , Wood Graham , Mastropaolo Enrico , Lomax Petter , Newton Michael , Cheung Rebecca
Published: August 2022

A graphene/poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) closed cavity resonator for low-frequency ultrasound (less than 200 kHz) detection has been fabricated. The 6-layer graphene with 450 nm PMMA laminated layer has been dry transferred onto the closed cavity with the air gap of 105 μm. The resonator has been actuated in atmosphere and room temperature by mechanical, electro-static and electro-thermal methods. The resonant frequency has been measured to be around 160 kHz. The (1,1) mode has been observed to dominate the resonance, which suggests the graphene/PMMA membrane has been perfectly clamped and seals the closed cavity. The degree of linearity of the membrane’s displacement versus the actuation signal has been determined. The resonant frequency has been observed to be tuned to about 4% by applying AC voltage through the membrane. The strain has been estimated to be around 0.08%. This research puts forward a sensor design for low-frequency ultrasonic detection.
From the Global North to the Global South: the role of international medicine in the preparation of students for experiential learning in countries with limited resources.
Authors: Serraino Riccardo , Owachi Darius , Byekwaso Susan Nassaka , Namara Catherine Misango , Naigambi Kennedy , Castelli Francesco , Torti Carlo
Published: August 2022

Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda, has established partnerships with several other institutions around the world. Some of these are the University of Brescia and “Magna Græcia” University, which have agreed on a collaboration whose main objective is student exchange. We collected the experiences of some of the students who participated in the medical electives born from this partnership, integrating, and comparing them with other data and similar experiences in literature, analyzing the importance of adequate preparation in global health and ethical collaboration. Medical electives represent a unique opportunity for medical students, not only for those who will work in resource-limited settings due to an increasingly globalized world. The emergence of ethical international collaborations is of paramount importance to stimulate these projects and to ensure that they take place safely and with adequate preparation even and especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Comparison of Simple Aspiration and Local Anesthesia-Assisted Multiple Puncture of Joint Capsule in the Treatment of Dorsal Wrist Ganglion Cysts
Authors: Çağlar Sever , Adanır Oktay , Uslu Muhammed , Biçer Ozancan , Dinçel Yaşar Mahsut
Published: August 2022

Objective
Aim of the present study was to modify the multiple puncture method, by applying multiple puncture onto the joint capsule where the ganglion cyst originates under local anesthesia (not onto the wall of the ganglion cyst) and to compare the outcomes with simple cyst aspiration.
Material and Method
: Study was conducted on 86 adult patients with a diagnosis of dorsal wrist ganglion cyst between 2015 and 2018. Local anesthesia-assisted capsular multiple puncture method was performed on 46 patients; ganglion cyst aspiration was implemented on 40 patients. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the wrist was performed on both groups before the treatment. It was decided by the inspection technique whether there was a recurrence or not. Pain was evaluated with the Visual Analog Scale in patients who did not relapse and were treated with local anesthesia-assisted multiple puncture of the capsule.
Results
Relapse rate was significantly lower in the local anesthesia-assisted multiple puncture of joint capsule group (p < 0.05) when compared to simple cyst aspiration. The success rate in the local anesthesia-assisted multiple puncture of joint capsule group during a follow-up period of 19.85 months was 67.4%; the success rate in the simple cyst aspiration group during a follow-up period of 17.20 months was 12.5%.
Conclusion
Multiple puncture of the capsule under local anesthesia which the ganglion cyst is originated has promising outcomes when compared with simple cyst aspiration. The success obtained in this study may be related to regeneration by creating bleeding in the capsule rich in cellular formations via multiple capsular puncture.
Evaluation of water resource carrying capacity in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River basin using the variable fuzzy-based method
Authors: Yang Jiale , Yang Peng , Zhang Shengqing , Wang Wenyu , Cai Wei , Hu Sheng
Published: August 2022

The middle reaches of the Yangtze River basin (MYRB) are rich in water resources, with a large number of rivers and lakes. However, in recent years, water resources from this basin are no longer sufficient to support the region’s rapid economic development. This study established a model to evaluate the water resource carrying capacity incorporating water resources, population, and socio-economic data. The characteristic values of water resource carrying capacity were calculated using the variable fuzzy evaluation method in MYRB from 2005 to 2020. Although both population and GDP in the MYRB showed an increasing trend between 2005 and 2020, the water supply capacity increased and then decreased. The weights of each index for evaluating the water resource carrying capacity of perennial botanical gardens were as follows: degree of water resource development (0.311) > total water resources (0.24) > population density (0.156) > GDP per capita (0.097) > water resources per capita (0.077) > water supply per capita (0.064) > water resources per unit area (0.055). Furthermore, the water resource carrying capacity in the MYRB showed an increasing trend from 2005 to 2020. In 2020, the carrying capacity of water resources in Changsha, Jingmen, Xiangtan, Hengyang, Wuhan, Xiaogan, Nanyang, and Xiangyang was attributed an evaluation grade of level 3, which indicates that the development and utilization of water resources in these areas were at their saturation point.
Cooperative human-robot polishing for the task of patina polishing on high-quality leather shoes
Authors: Perez-Vidal Carlos , Méndez Jorge Borrell , Gonzalez Alejandra , Solanes J. Ernesto , Gracia Luis
Published: August 2022

A patina is essentially the weathered look a piece of leather takes on as it ages. The patina finishing aspect can be also generated or grown artificially by scrubbing the leather surface with specific products. This research proposes a novel solution for bringing over automation to grow patina on leather footwear manufacturing using a new co-creative method based on cooperative robotics. These kinds of manual finishing operations on small objects are delicate and regularly need slight modifications carried out by skilled artisans, which adds complexity to the process automation and implies various key aspects to consider. This novel solution includes the design and implementation of a collaborative tool specially designed to grow patina finishing on shoe surface. The system accelerates the process in pursuit of time-saving without disregarding the work finishing quality. For this purpose, the use of a collaborative robot with a built-in constant contact force control is used in this research, together with an existing software function for manual path recording. The use of both tools in complementarity with the knowledge of the craftsman leads the robot end-effector adaptation to the inherent curved-surfaces over the shoe. Besides, some path corrections and tool orientation improvements are suggested based on data from a CAD model for the task to be accurately accomplished. This work presents a novel approach for automatic and semi-automatic shoe patina growing in the footwear industry. The solution has been successfully integrated in a real production line and it is currently in use.
Repeat breeding: prevalence and potential causes in dairy cows at different milk pocket areas of Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Md Nazrul , Habib Md Rezwanul , Khandaker Md Mehedi Hasan , Rashid Md Harun-ur- , Sarker Md Abid Hasan , Bari Md Sadakatul , Islam Md Zakirul , Alam Md Khorshed , Sarkar Md Moznu , Jahan Rawnak , Mahzabin Rumana , Islam Mohammad Ashiqul
Published: August 2022

The objective of this study was to figure out the prevalence and probable causes of repeat breeding (RB) in dairy cows. Hence, a cross-sectional study was conducted on randomly selected 265 dairy farms in Sirajganj, Bogura, Rangpur, Satkhira, and Munshiganj districts of Bangladesh from December 2018 to February 2019. Data were collected through a direct interview method using a survey questionnaire. The reproductive organs of repeat breeder cows were examined for anatomical defects, pathological, infectious, functional reasons, and genital tract abnormalities. Additionally, the influence of nutrition, season, and age on the frequency of RB was recorded. Of the 3824 cows examined, the prevalence of RB was 28%. In this study, 98% of RB cases were exhibited in crossbred cows (Holstein-Friesian, 73%) than the indigenous (2%) cows. The prevalence of RB was significantly highest (P <0.01) in Satkhira (44.35%) and the lowest in the Munshiganj district (15.87%). Data indicated that a major proportion of cows significantly (P <0.05) faced RB problems due to functional causes (30.11%), followed by pathological (24.68%), genital tract abnormalities (18.79%), infectious (14.53%), and anatomical deformities (11.89%). Furthermore, the cows were remarkably (P <0.001) affected in RB during the summer season and nutritional deficient diseases like milk fever (70%). Age (3-7 years) had a significant (P <0.001) effect on the RB occurrence (90%) in crossbred cows. However, particular focus should be given to systematic breeding, balanced nutrition, artificial inseminator efficiency, and hygienic inseminating tools to reduce RB incidence in high-yielding crossbred cows.
Influence of wind directions on the airflow and pollutant concentrations in the 3D street canyon with different canyon configurations
Authors: Jon Kwang Song , Huang Yuan-dong , Sin Chung Hyok , Cui Peng-yi , Luo Yang
Published: August 2022

In the present study, effects of the wind directions on the airflow and pollutant concentrations in the different canyon configurations (step-up, flat and step-down canyon) are investigated by numerical simulation and the wind-tunnel experiment, respectively. Specifically, five wind directions of α = 90°, 60°, 45°, 30°and 0° (α is the angle between the approaching flow and street canyon) are considered in the step-up, flat and step-down canyons. The results reveal that the wind direction has a vital influence on the flow structures in the different canyon configurations. When α is relatively small (0°, 30°), ventilation capacity is similar in all of the canyon configurations (step-up, flat and step-down canyon). However, under the large α (45°, 60° and 90°) wind direction, the significant difference of ventilation capacity can be obtained among the step-up, flat and step-down canyons. When α = 45°, the ACH of step-up canyon is much higher than that of flat and step-down canyons. When α = 60° and 90°, ventilation capacity is the highest in the step-up canyon and the lowest in the step-down canyon. As for the pollutant concentrations on the building walls under the perpendicular wind direction, the leeward side of the step-up and flat canyons is polluted from the floor to the top and will affect the indoor air quality through the windows. For the step-down canyon, high pollutant occurred at the windward side, which is contrary to that in the flat and step-up canyon. Notably, the pollutant accumulated on the leeward side and then gradually change to concerned on the windward side of step-down canyon with the increases of α. The findings in the present study are conductive to understanding the effects of canyon configurations together with wind directions on the airflow structures and pollutant dispersion inside the canyon, and the results will provide technical support for urban building planning to control air pollution during the urban renewal.
Angelica Sinensis Polysaccharides Prevents Hematopoietic Regression in D-Galactose-Induced Aging Model via Attenuation of Oxidative Stress in Hematopoietic Microenvironment
Authors: Jing Pengwei , Song Xiaoying , Xiong Lirong , Wang Biyao , Wang Yaping , Wang Lu
Published: August 2022

Background
Extrinsic molecular mechanisms that regulate hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell (HSPC) aging are still poorly understood, and a potential protective medication needs to be explored.
Materials and Methods
The senescent parameters of hematopoietic cells and bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) including cell cycle analysis, senescence-associated SA-β-gal staining and signals, hematopoietic factors and cellular junction were analyzed in femur and tibia of rats. Furthermore, Sca-1+ HSPCs and BMSCs co-culture system was established to evaluate the direct effects of BMSC feeder layer to HSPCs. Oxidative DNA damage indicators in Sca-1+ HSCs and senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) of BMSCs, gap junction intercellular communication between BMSCs, osteogenesis/adipogenisis differentiation balance of BMSCs were detected.
Results
In the D-gal pre-administrated rats, ASP treatment rescued senescence of hematopoietic cells and BMSCs, reserved CFU-GEMM; also, ASP treatment attenuated stromal oxidative load, ameliorated SCF, CXCL12, and GM-CSF production, increased Connexin-43 (Cx43) expression. BMSCs and Sca-1+ HSPCs co-cultivation demonstrated that ASP treatment prevented oxidative DNA damage response in co-cultured Sca-1+ HSPCs induced by D-gal pre-administration of feeder layer and the underlying mechanism may be related to ASP ameliorating feeder layer dysfunction due to D-gal induced senescence via inhibiting secretion of IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α, and RANTES, enhancing Cx43-mediated intercellular communication, improving Runx2 expression whereas decreasing PPARγ expression in BMSCs.
Conclusions
The antioxidant property of ASP may provide a stroma-mediated potential therapeutic strategy for HSPC aging.
Impact of Arterial Location, Pressure Wave Indicators, and Measurement Devices on Arterial Form Factor and Mean and Central Arterial Pressure
Authors: Izzo Joseph , Mukhopadhyay Debduti , Nagpal Sagar , Osmond Peter
Published: August 2022

Mean arterial pressure (MAP) is often estimated from cuff systolic (S) and diastolic (D) blood pressure (BP) using a fixed arterial form factor (FF, usually 0.33). If MAP is measured accurately, a true FF can be calculated: FF = [MAP–DBP] / [SBP–DBP]. Because waveform shapes vary, true measured FF should also vary and MAP accuracy may be affected. We studied factors affecting FF using radial tonography (SphygmoCor, n = 376) or brachial oscillometry (Mobil-O-Graph, n = 157) and to compare devices, 101 pairs were matched precisely for SBP and DBP. SphygmoCor brachioradial FF correlated strongly with central FF (r2 = 0.75), central augmentation index (cAI, r2 = 0.39), and inversely with pulse pressure amplification (PPA) ratio (r2 = 0.44) [all p < 0.000]; brachioradial FF was lower than central (c) FF (0.34 vs 0.44, 95% CI’s [0.23,0.46] and [0.34,0.54], p < 0.000); and on forward stepwise regression, brachioradial FF correlated with PPA ratio, age, heart rate, and cAI (multiple-r2 0.63, p < 0.000). With Mobil-O-Graph: brachial FF was fixed, lower than the corresponding cFF [mean(SD)] 0.46(0.00098) vs 0.57(0.048), p < 0.000], and uncorrelated with other characteristics; MAP and cSBP were higher than SphygmoCor by 6.3 and 2.2 mmHg (p < 0.005) but also had significant systematic negative biases. We conclude that with radial tonometry (SphygmoCor), FF varies with pulse wave morphology within and between individuals and by measurement site, age, and heart rate. With oscillometry (Mobil-O-Graph), brachial FF was unrelated to other clinical variables, fixed and high; MAP and cSBP were higher than tonometry, with systematic negative biases.
Design of Standalone Wireless Impedance Matching (SWIM) System for RF Coils in MRI
Authors: Kandala Sri Kirthi , Sohn Sung-Min
Published: August 2022

The radio frequency (RF) power transfer efficiency of transmit coils and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) at the receive signal chain are directly dependent on the impedance matching condition presented by a loaded coil, tuned to the Larmor frequency. Sub-optimal impedance condition of receive coils significantly reduce coil sensitivity and image quality. In this study we propose a Standalone Wireless Impedance Matching (SWIM) system for RF coils to automatically compensate for the impedance mismatch caused by the loading effect at the target frequency. SWIM uses a built-in RF generator to produce a calibration signal, measure reflected power as feedback for loading change, and determine an optimal impedance. The matching network consists of a capacitor array with micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) RF switches to electronically cycle through different input impedance conditions. Along with automatic calibration, SWIM can also perform software detuning of RF receive coils. An Android mobile application was developed to monitor reflected power in real-time and control the SWIM system wirelessly via Bluetooth. The SWIM system can automatically calibrate the coil to a 33 dB return loss in 3 seconds and the SNR was improved by 24% (26.85 dB to 34.15 dB) when compared to a loaded coil without retuning.
Words Gold – Golden (золотой – Златой – Золотистый) in Russian Poetical Colour and Metaphoric Palette
Authors: Ge Yanlei , Panchenko Olena
Published: August 2022

This paper investigates the semantic properties of the Russian adjectives gold and golden and their functioning in the Russian poetry. We claim that their metaphorical meaning has been changed regarding different time laps and different authors (Pushkin, Akhmatova, Akhmadullina, Okudzhava, Vysotsky). The aim of this paper is to offer an analysis of these words usage in the Russian poetry of the 19th and 20th centuries. We stated that the peculiarities of usage of the words under consideration changed within time, the main semantic shifts are connected with the author’s individual style and the general turn to pragmatic society at the end of the 20th century. Thus the analysis of indirect senses of the adjectives reveal differences in Russian linguistic world views of different times.
Relationship between manual dexterity and left-right asymmetry of anatomical and functional properties of corticofugal tracts revealed by T2-weighted brain images
Authors: Oka Noriyuki , Sakoh Masaharu , Hirayama Misato , Niiyama Mayu , Gjedde Albert
Published: August 2022

The corticofugal tracts (CFT) are key agents of upper limb motor function. Although the tracts form high-intensity regions relative to surrounding tissue in T2-weighted magnetic resonance images (T2WI), the precise relations of signal intensities of the left and right CFT regions to hand function are unknown. Here, we tested the hypothesis that the different signal intensities between the left and right CFT signify clinically important differences of hand motor function. Eleven right-handed and eleven left-handed healthy volunteers participated in the study. Based on horizontal T2WI estimates, we confirmed the relationship between the signal intensity ratios of the peak values of each CFT in the posterior limbs of the internal capsules (right CFT vs. left CFT). The ratios included the asymmetry indices of the hand motor functions, including grip and pinch strength, as well as the target test (TT) that expressed the speed and accuracy of hitting a target ([right-hand score – left-hand score]/[right-hand score + left-hand score]), using simple linear regression. The signal intensity ratios of each CFT structure maintained significant linear relations with the asymmetry index of the speed (R2 = 0.493, P = 0.0003) and accuracy (R2 = 0.348, P = 0.0004) of the TT. We found no significant association between left and right CFT structures for grip or pinch strengths. The findings are consistent with the hypothesis that the different signal intensities of the left and right CFT images captured by T2WI serve as biological markers that reflect the dominance of manual dexterity.
Anti-PD1 therapy achieved better outcomes in non-liver cancer patients with HBV infection
Authors: Jin Wenfei , Zhou Jie , Chen Guanming , Wang Jiuling , Zhou Bo , Sun Xuemin , Wang Jinsong , Tang Shu , Xing Xiangju , Hu Xiaofei , Zhao Yang , Peng Yu , Shi Wenjiong , Zhao Tingting , Wu Yuzhang , Hong Ni , Ruan Zhihua , Zhang Yi
Published: August 2022

Anti-PD1 therapy has shown promising outcomes in different types of cancer. It is valuable to analyze whether the efficacy of anti-PD1 therapy has been impacted in cancer patients infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) since the comorbidity of HBV and cancer cannot be neglected. We designed a multicenter retrospective study to evaluate the efficacy of anti-PD1 therapy on non-liver cancer patients infected with HBV. In addition, we performed single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients to compare the responses of HBV + ESCC patients and HBV- ESCC patients to anti-PD1 therapy. We found anti-PD1 therapy achieved better outcomes in HBV + non-liver cancer patients than their HBV- counterparts. Further analysis showed cytotoxicity of T cells and antigen presentation capacity of B cells significantly increased after anti-PD1 therapy in the 2 HBV + ESCC patients. We also identified CX3CR1high TEFF, a subset of CD8+ TEFF, associated with better clinical outcome of HBV + patients. Lastly, we found CD8+ TEFF from HBV + patients have higher fraction of Exhaustionhi T and lower cytotoxicity score than their HBV- counterpart. In summary, Anti-PD1 therapy on HBV + non-liver patients is safe and achieves better outcomes than that on HBV- non-liver patients, potentially because HBV + patients had stronger immunosuppression which made them more efficiently respond to anti-PD1 therapy.
Wrist Speed Feedback Improves Elbow Compensation and Reaching Accuracy for Myoelectric Transradial Prosthesis Users in Hybrid Virtual Reaching Task
Authors: Earley Eric J. , Johnson Reva E. , Sensinger Jonathon W. , Hargrove Levi J.
Published: August 2022

Background
Myoelectric prostheses are a popular choice for restoring motor capability following the loss of a limb, but they do not provide direct feedback to the user about the movements of the device - in other words, kinesthesia. The outcomes of studies providing artificial sensory feedback are often influenced by the availability of incidental feedback. When subjects are blindfolded and disconnected from the prosthesis, artificial sensory feedback consistently improves control; however, when subjects wear a prosthesis and can see the task, benefits often deteriorate or become inconsistent. We theorize that providing artificial sensory feedback about prosthesis speed, which cannot be precisely estimated via vision, will improve the learning and control of a myoelectric prosthesis.
Methods
In this study, we test a joint-speed feedback system with six transradial amputee subjects to evaluate how it affects myoelectric control and adaptation behavior during a virtual reaching task.
Results
Our results showed that joint-speed feedback lowered reaching errors and compensatory movements during steady-state reaches. However, the same feedback provided no improvement when control was perturbed.
Conclusions
These outcomes suggest that the benefit of joint speed feedback may be dependent on the complexity of the myoelectric control and the context of the task.
Association between Intergenerational Care based on Living arrangements and Cognitive Function in Middle-Aged and Older Adults—The mediation roles of Social activities and Depressive symptoms
Authors: Hou Xuebei , Xiong Yuan , Qiao Guiyuan , Zhou Jing
Published: August 2022

Background: In the context of an ageing population and age-related conditions increasing, more and more middle-aged and older persons are involved in grandchildren care. This study aims to investigate the association between intergenerational care based on living arrangements and cognitive function, and explore the mediating effects of social activities and depressive symptoms on grandchildren care and cognition.Methods: This study selected 5490 Chinese people (≥45 years old) from 2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). Participants answered questions related to socio-demographics, Mini-mental State Examination, grandchildren care, the intensity of grandchildren care, Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale and social activity. Results: This study found that caring for grandchildren and co-habited with spouse had a significant positive effect on cognitive function among the middle-aged and elderly people (B=0.829, p<0.001). Furthermore, providing intensive or no-intensive children care positively influenced cognitive function. In contrast, providing intergenerational care but not co-habited with spouse negatively affected cognition (B=-0.545, p<0.05). Moreover, caring for grandchildren had direct and indirect effects on cognition, as mediated by social activities and depressive symptoms. Conclusion: This study highlights that providing grandchildren care and co-habited with spouse is associated with better cognition. The social activities and depressive symptoms act as moderated roles between caring for grandchildren and cognition. The findings emphasize the living arrangement, social engagement and psychological health could be considered when encouraging grandparenting care as a complement to formal care.
Absolute Dating of Construction Materials and Petrological Characterisation of Mortars from the Santalla de Bóveda Monument (Lugo, Spain)
Authors: Blanco-Rotea Rebeca , Sanjurjo-Sánchez Jorge , Freire-Lista David M. , García Rosa Benavides
Published: August 2022

The construction materials of the Santalla de Bóveda Monument, one of the most studied buildings in Galicia (Spain), are analysed to date the mortars and bricks of walls and vaults by combining three dating techniques: optically stimulated luminescence, radiocarbon and thermoluminescence. Petrological characterisation of the mortars themselves is carried out. Until now, the paintings on the vault have been interpreted as Roman, early Christian or pre-Romanesque, depending on the interpretative framework used by the researcher who studied them. There is also no consensus on their functionality. A total of 21 samples were collected and 39 datings were made. The results are conclusive: the original building dates from the second half of the 4th century AD, the paintings date from the beginning of the 7th century or the upper floor from the 10th-12th centuries. These results make it necessary to review the history of Galician architecture between Late Antiquity and the Early Medieval Ages.
Screening of active ingredients in Kaixin Powder for Alzheimer’s disease based on molecular docking
Authors: Cheng Guo-liang , Lei Wei , Liang Hong-bao , Sun Cheng-hong , Yao Jing-chun , Feng Qun
Published: August 2022

Objective
Using molecular docking technique, some active ingredients in Kaixin Powder would be sorted based on the three-dimensional structures of key targets of Alzheimer’s disease.
Methods
The ingredients of Kaixin Powder were obtained by searching relevant literatures. The targets of Alzheimer’s disease were searched from databases like GeneCards, DisGeNET, NCBI, UniProt and KEGG. The core targets of Alzheimer’s disease were obtained by intersection of the above databases. Molecular docking was performed using AutoDock Vina software to explore the affinity and binding modes between candidate ingredients with the core targets.
Results
The results showed that 112 structures were detected from Kaixin Powder and the ingredients mainly belonged to ginsenosides, polygala saponins, xanthones, oligosaccharide esters and Poria triterpenoids. Eleven targets close to Alzheimer’s disease were summarized from the databases. The combining capacity of active ingredients with APP and MAPT was worse and that with PTGS2, BACE1, ACHE and NMDA was better.
Conclusion
With the characteristics of multi-component and multi-target, there is a component-target-pathway crosstalk in the anti-AD effect and nervous system protection of Kaixin Powder. Molecular docking technique to mine active ingredients is used to facilitate the discovery of novel anti-AD and lead compounds from Chinese herbal medicines.
Impact of Income Inequality on human development in Emerging Economies- a Panel Data Analysis
Authors: Logar Bhavya , Nizami Nausheen
Published: August 2022

Emerging Economies have been experiencing stupendous economic growth since the early 2000s. In spite of the growth, these economies are still plagued with persistent income inequality. Consequently, this gave rise to an imperative debate around the distribution of income and its impact on development. The present research focuses on examining the impact of income inequality (measured by Gini Coefficient) on the development (measured by HDI) in emerging economies using the Standardised World Income Inequality Database (SWIID), 2020. HDI-a composite index comprising of education, health and income indices is coherent with the aim to observe a deeper and wider implications of income inequality on development. The study utilizes panel data for nine emerging economies namely; Argentina, Chile, Russia, Brazil, China, Mexico, India, Indonesia and South Africa from 2008–2017. The paper employs four empirical models of OLS, LSDV, Fixed effect and Random effect for analysis. Drawing from existing literature, it was observed that inequality had a negative impact on transmission channels such as education and health. The research showed a negative correlation of -0.54 between human development and income inequality. Additionally, the empirical models also pointed towards an inverse relationship between human development and income inequality.
Prehospital characteristics of COVID-19 patients transported by emergency medical service and the predictors of a prehospital sudden deterioration in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Demisse Lemlem Beza , Baru Ararso , Alemayehu Michael , Sultan Menbeu
Published: August 2022

Background: Severally ill COVID- 19 patients may require urgent transport to a specialized facility for advanced care. Prehospital transport is inherently risky; the patient's health may deteriorate, and potentially fatal situations may arise. Hence, early detection of clinically worsening patients in a prehospital setting may enable in selecting the best receiving facility, arranging for swift transportation, and providing the most accurate and timely therapies. The incidence and predictors of abrupt prehospital clinical deterioration among critically ill patients in Ethiopia are relatively limited.Study objectives. It will be useful to show the claims that the researchers are making and to verify that they have achieved their promises in the article's discussion section.Methods. There is no theoretical foundation for this study because no similar study has been conducted in the past. A prospective cohort study of 591 COVID-19 patients transported by a public EMS in Addis Ababa was conducted to determine the incidence of sudden clinical deterioration during prehospital transportation and its predictors. For data entry, Epi data V4.2 and SPSS V 25 was used for analysis. To control the effect of confounders, the candidate variables for multivariable analysis were chosen using a p 0.25 inclusion threshold from bivariate analysis. A statistically significant association was declared at adjusted relative risk (ARR) ≠ 1 with a 95 % confidence interval (CI) and a p-value < 0.05 after adjusting for potential confounders.Results. The incidence of prehospital sudden clinical deterioration in this study was 10.8%. The independent predictors of prehospital sudden clinical deterioration were total prehospital time [ARR 1.03(95%; CI: 1.00-1.06)]; queuing delays [ARR 1.03(95%; CI:1.00-1.06)]; initial prehospital respiratory rate [ARR 1.07(95% CI:1.01-1.13)], and diabetic Mellitus [ARR 1.06(95%; CI: 1.01-1.11)]. Conclusion. In the current study, one in every ten COVID-19 patients experienced a clinical deterioration while an EMS provider was present. The factors that determined rapid deterioration were total prehospital time, queueing delays, the initial respiratory rate, and diabetes mellitus. Queueing delays should be managed in order to find a way to decrease overall prehospital time. According to this finding, more research on prehospital intervention and indicators of prehospital clinical deterioration in Ethiopia is warranted.
Effects of a 9-week arch support intervention on foot morphology in young soccer players： A crossover study
Authors: Hikawa Kohei , Tsutsui Toshiharu , Ueyama Takehiro , Yang jin , Hara Yukina , Torii Suguru
Published: August 2022

Background
A flat foot is a common cause of chronic sports injuries and therefore many opportunities for arch support interventions exist. However, no longitudinal studies have been conducted on the effects of arch support intervention on flat-footed young athletes that also take into account the developmental effects. This study aimed to determine the management and prevention methods for flat foot by performing a 9-week arch support intervention on the foot morphology and cross-sectional area of the foot muscles in flat-footed young athletes.
Methods
Thirty-one elementary school boys with a decreased medial longitudinal arch in the foot posture index were selected as participants from a local soccer club and randomly divided into two groups. In one group, in the intervention period, an existing arch supporter was used to provide arch support, while in the other group, no special intervention was provided in the observation period. To account for developmental effects, the intervention study was conducted as an 18-week crossover study in which the intervention and observational phases were switched at 9 weeks after the intervention. Foot morphology was assessed using a three-dimensional foot measuring machine, and the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the internal and external muscles of the foot was assessed using an ultrasound imaging device. We examined the effect of the intervention by comparing the amount of change in the measurement results between the intervention and observation periods using corresponding t-tests and other methods.
Results
After adapting the exclusion criteria, 14 patients (28 feet) were included in the final analysis. The CSA of the abductor hallucis muscle (ABH) increased 9.7% during the intervention period and 3.0% during the observation period (p = 0.01). The CSA of the flexor digitorum longus muscle(FDL)increased 7.7% during the intervention period and 4.2% during the observation period (p=0.02).
Conclusion
A 9-week arch supporter intervention may promote the development of the ABH and FDL CSA in young flat-footed soccer players.
Development and Application of a Motivating Factors Evaluation Scale for Family Doctors in China
Authors: Zhai Ziyan , Wang Yu , Lu Bo , Cui Chengsen , Meng Kai
Published: August 2022

Background
To establish a reasonable incentive mechanism for family doctors (FDs) and increase their work enthusiasm, it is necessary to evaluate the incentive status of FDs. At present, there is no scale evaluating motivating factors for FDs. This study aims to develop and validate an instrument to evaluate the status of FD incentives.
Methods
After a literature review and panel discussion, the initial evaluation tool of family doctor motivating factor was formed. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 4988 FDs from 135 community health centers (CHCs) in 8 districts of Beijing. SPSS 26.0 and M-plus 8.0 were used to carry out item analysis, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and reliability evaluation of the data, and the developed scale was used for empirical research to evaluate the incentive level of FDs in Beijing.
Results
The scale included 18 items in 4 dimensions: incentive payment, individual development, work values, and the organizational environment. The variance explained by the four common factors was 83.78%. The results of the EFA and the CFA proved that the questionnaire had good validity. The Cronbach’s alpha for the total scale was 0.979. There were differences in FD incentive levels by region, age, educational level, professional title, working years, and employment method.
Conclusions
The family doctor motivating factor evaluation scale has good reliability and validity and can effectively evaluate motivating factors among FDs. The scale evaluation results show that the motivation of FDs with different demographic characteristics in Beijing is different in terms of incentive levels.
Factors Associated With the Difference in Hiv/aids Prevalence Between Male and Female Adolescents and Young Adults in Uganda
Authors: Kadubira Eriot , Atuhaire Leonard K. , Asiimwe John Bosco
Published: August 2022

Background: The study was undertaken to identify factors associated with the difference in HIV/AIDS prevalence between Male and Female adolescents and young adults in Uganda. Identifying these factors, will help in designing appropriate HIV prevention strategies. Methods: The study used secondary data extracted from the Uganda AIDS Indicator Survey of 2011. Analysis of the data utilized a weighted total of 3068 females and 1887 males aged 15-24 years who were tested for HIV and have ever had sexual activities. A nonlinear logistic decomposition model was used to partition the contribution of each factor to the difference in HIV prevalence between female and male adolescents and young adults. Results: About 37% of the difference in HIV prevalence between male and female young adolescents and adults was due to a difference in composition (endowments) of covariates. Reducing the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections among females to same levels as for the male, the difference in HIV prevalence would be lowered by 9%. If the proportion of females whose age at sexual debut between 20-24 years is reduced to same levels as that of the males, the difference in HIV prevalence would be reduced by about 9%. Lowering the proportion of females who are widowed or separated to same levels as for the males, the difference in HIV prevalence would lower by about 8%.Conclusions: Difference in HIV/AIDS prevalence between female and male adolescents and young adults is associated with higher prevalence of sexually transmitted infections among females. Therefore, HIV prevention programmes should urgently be formulated aimed at the prevention of sexually transmitted infections among female adolescent and young adults. Programmes targeted at delaying sexual activities should be formulated aimed at curbing age at sexual debut among female adolescents and young adults.
Identification of Impacts in the Town of San Pablo de Amalí, Ecuador, by Hidrotambo S.A.’s San José del Tambo Hydroelectric Power Plant by Means of a Multitemporal Analysis of Landscape Units for the Detection of Land Use Change Over 20 Years
Authors: Marín Jorge A Espinosa , C. Danilo Pérez , R. Rodrigo Fuentes , Riviera Diego , Conrad Rachel
Published: August 2022

This study identifies the effects of land use change in the area of direct influence of the Dulcepamba River for hydroelectric production in relation to vegetation, river course, and damage to the population, among others, through multi-temporal analysis of satellite images 20- years old.
Do Fathers Have Son Preference in the United States? Evidence from Paternal Subjective Well-Being
Authors: Song Younghwan , Gao Jia
Published: August 2022

Using data drawn from 2010, 2012, and 2013 American Time Use Survey Well-Being Modules, this paper examines the existence of son preference among fathers in the U.S. by estimating the effect of child gender on the fathers’ subjective well-being. A wide range of subjective well-being measures, including happiness, pain, sadness, stress, tiredness, and meaningfulness, is analyzed, and fixed-effects models are adopted to control for unobserved individual heterogeneity. The results from the full sample show that fathers feel less sad and tired when interacting with both sons and daughters versus with daughters only. In families with only one child, fathers report no difference in subjective well-being when spending time with a son versus with a daughter. By further stratifying this sample of fathers by child’s age of three, we continue to find no difference in paternal subjective well-being between being with a son and with a daughter when the child is younger than three. However, when the child is three or older, we find that fathers feel less stressed and more meaningful being with a son versus with a daughter. The results from Asian fathers, in contrast, show a tremendous reduction in stress in activities with sons only than with daughters only. These results indicate son preference does not exist in the general population. If there is any, it only exists among Asian fathers.
Statistical evidence for the contribution of citizen-led projects to the energy transition in Europe
Authors: Schwanitz Valeria Jana , Wierling August , Paudler Heather Arghandeh , von Beck Constantin , Dufner Simon , Koren Ingrid Knutsdotter , Kraudzun Tobias , Marcroft Timothy , Müller Lukas , Zeiss Jan Pedro
Published: August 2022

Statistical accounting of the impacts of citizen-led energy initiatives is absent. This paper quantifies the aggregate contributions of collective action in pursuit of the sustainable energy transition in Europe. We estimate the number of initiatives (10,540), projects (22,830), people involved (2,010,600), installed renewable capacities (7.2-9.9 GW), and investments made (6.2-11.3 billion EUR) for 30 European countries. Our aggregate estimates do not suggest that collective action will replace commercial enterprises and governmental action in the short or medium term without fundamental alterations to policy and market structures, however we find strong evidence for the historical, emerging, and actual importance of citizen-led collective action to the European energy transition.
Experiments on osmotically driven flow in idealized elastic membranes
Authors: Nakad Mazen , Domec Jean-Christophe , Sevanto Sanna , Katul Gabriel
Published: August 2022

The phloem provides a pathway for products of photosynthesis to be transported to different parts of the plant for consumption or storage. The Munch pressure flow hypothesis (PFH) is considered the leading framework to mathematically represent this transport. It assumes that osmosis provides the necessary pressure differences to drive the fluid flow and sucrose within the phloem. Mathematical models utilizing the PFH approximate the phloem by a relatively rigid semi-permeable tube. However, the phloem consists of living cells that contract and expand in response to pressure fluctuations. The effect of membrane elasticity on osmotically driven sucrose front speed has rarely been considered and frames the scope here. Laboratory experiments were conducted to elucidate the elastic-to-plastic pressure-deformation relation in membranes and their effect on sucrose front speeds. It is demonstrated that membrane elasticity acts to retard the sucrose front speed. The retardation emerges because some of the osmotic pressure performs mechanical work to expand the membrane instead of pressurizing water. These results offer a novel perspective about the much discussed presence of sieve plates throughout the phloem acting as structural dampers.