bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visual Performance and Cortical Atrophy in Vision-Related Brain Regions Differ Between Older Adults with (or at Risk for) Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Rehan Sana , Giroud Nathalie , Al-Yawer Faisal , Wittich Walter , Phillips Natalie
Published: August 2021

Background: Visual impairment is associated with deficits in cognitive function and risk for cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Objective: The purpose of this study was to characterize the degree of visual impairment and explore the association thereof with cortical atrophy in brain regions associated with visual processing in individuals with (or at risk for) AD. Methods: Using the Comprehensive Assessment of Neurodegeneration and Dementia (COMPASS-ND) dataset, we analyzed vision and brain imaging data from three diagnostic groups: individuals with subjective cognitive decline (SCD; N = 35), mild cognitive impairment (MCI; N = 74), and mild AD (N = 30). We used ANCOVAs to determine whether performance on reading acuity and contrast sensitivity tests differed across diagnostic groups. Hierarchical regression analyses were applied to determine whether visual performance predicted gray matter volume for vision-related regions of interest above and beyond group membership. Results: The AD group performed significantly worse on reading acuity (F(2,138) = 4.12, p < 0.01, ω2 = 0.04) compared to the SCD group and on contrast sensitivity (F(2,138) = 7.6, p < 0.01, ω2 = 0.09) compared to the SCD and MCI groups, which did not differ from each other. Visual performance was associated with volume in some vision-related structures beyond clinical diagnosis. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate poor visual performance in AD and that both group membership and visual performance are predictors of cortical pathology, consistent with the idea that atrophy in visual areas and pathways contributes to the functional vision deficits observed in AD.
Experimental research of ploughing extrusion forming multi-tooth tool wear and damage mechanism and workpiece defects
Authors: Li Ming , Fan Rui , He Yuhang , Xu Fengxia , Cai Youjie , Wang Hongyan , Chen Shuxin
Published: August 2021

According to the characteristics of ploughing extrusion forming and the theory of metal cutting, the wear and damage mechanism, common wear and damage forms and causes of multi-tooth tools in ploughing extrusion forming are analyzed. Then, the correctness of the analysis of tool wear and damage mechanism and common wear and damage forms is verified by field cutting experiments. At the same time, the phenomena and causes of workpiece stagnation and cracks in the process of ploughing and extrusion forming were obtained through experiments. Finally, the reasonable processing parameters of ploughing and extrusion forming multi-tooth cutting tool were obtained.
The determination of rescue route based on fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (AHP)
Authors: Huang Yaolong , Zhang Xiucheng , Liao Ping , Zheng Juan , Lu Bing
Published: August 2021

Geological disasters as earthquake, often accompanied with the landslide collapse. Although the earthquake is unpredictable, while the relief can be the most optimal. The earthquake area, often due to earthquake, lead to instability of rock and soil mass, the rescue route is blocked. Time equals life, how to choose a best way to rescue, is extremely important. The manuscript is a kind of measure to determine the rescue route based on fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (AHP), mainly aimed at the geological disaster area, involving the instability of rock and soil mass under seismic action lead to traffic jams, establishing the best rescue route. Considering the stability of rock and soil under earthquake inducement, this manuscript establishes the model of optimal route selection; determines the influence of earthquake on slope stability through analytic hierarchy process, and establishes the corresponding model; combines matlab programming, establishes the influencing factors of earthquake on slope stability, and combines probability model to realize the choice of optimal rescue route.
Injection control strategy of diesel engine based on speed segment PID and operating parameter adaptation
Authors: Chen Guojin , Wang Jiawen , Chen Chang , Yuan Yiming , Xu Long
Published: August 2021

Aiming at the problems of low precision, poor anti-interference and poor follow-up in the control parameters for the diesel engine fuel injection system, this paper studies the control method of the high-pressure common rail electronic control fuel injection system of the diesel engine, constructs the high-pressure common rail fuel injection control system based on the ECU, and establishes the speed segment PID control model of fuel injection quantity, common rail pressure, fuel injection timing and fuel injection rate by using MATLAB/Simulink. The fuel injection quantity and timing are simulated. In order to realize all-round and flexible control of the diesel engine under different working conditions, and to achieve the desired optimal performance in all aspects, the optimization control method of the injection law for the diesel engine is studied. The diesel engine fuel injection control strategy based on speed segment PID and operating parameter adaptation is proposed to realize precise control of the common rail pressure, injection quantity, injection timing and injection rate under different working conditions. The simulation calculation and bench test show that the maximum fluctuation of rail pressure at idle speed is only 5 MPa, and the time to reach stability is only 1.25 s, which greatly improves the control accuracy, anti-interference and follow-up ability of the injection parameters.
Simulation analysis and optimization of garment manufacturing process based on Em-Plant software
Authors: Sun Jing , Li Shigang , Xu Chenchen , Liu Jingyun
Published: August 2021

In recent years, the way of competition has changed in terms of garment manufacturing. Quality and scale competition gradually turn into speed competition. Garment manufacturers need to shorten the production cycle to win development opportunities. This paper takes a garment manufacturing factory as the research object, and innovatively uses the MOST method and Em-Plant simulation to improve the efficiency of its production line. According to each activity, operation time and worker assignment of the garment manufacturing process, the corresponding simulation model based on Em-Plant software is created to reveal the current problems existing in the manufacturing process. By analyzing these results, the bottlenecks in the process are found out. Applying theoretical knowledge such as production line balancing, lean production, motion study and time analysis, the improvement two plans are put forward, and the corresponding simulation results are given subsequently. Finally, a relatively better improvement plan is determined, which can better achieve the goal of balancing production line, improving efficiency, and reducing cost.
Multi objective optimization model and algorithm of logistics service transaction matching on blockchain platform
Authors: Wang Xiaokun , Zhao Chenxi , Wang Yuan , Xiao Hong
Published: August 2021

The logistics service transaction matching of the blockchain platform is an important part of the transaction. Firstly, the evaluation index system of the logistics service transaction satisfaction degree in the blockchain platform is constructed. According to the evaluation index of the logistics service users and providers, the actual situation of the logistics service transaction and the principle of maximizing the satisfaction degree of the logistics service users and providers, we set the expectation range of both sides and do data standardization, design the calculation method of satisfaction information amount for different expectation data types, build a multi-objective optimization model for logistics service transaction matching on blockchain platform, and seek the matching solution that makes all service users and providers the most satisfaction. Considering the large amount of data in blockchain, the concurrent design of NSGA-II algorithm based on Hadoop is carried out. Through the calculation of the example, in the matching of multi-objective optimization model of logistics service transaction matching on the blockchain platform, when the users and providers of logistics service are more satisfied about the indicators with each other, and then it gets more satisfactory matching results.
Impact of COVID-19 on latent emissiveness of residents in China: Based on the X-12-ARIMA additive seasonal adjustment model
Authors: Hou Lian-Lian
Published: August 2021

With Census X-12 model and ARIMA model, this paper quantitatively analyzes the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic on the latent emissiveness of Chinese residents which happened at the end of 2019. The results show that: First, during this epidemic period, the overall latent emissiveness index of Chinese residents decreased by 53.51%, and showed certain spatial difference, and it is not the area with the largest number of confirmed cases, and the area with the most serious epidemic situation, the greater the loss of latent emissiveness. Second, the residents’ willingness to travel has a strong fit with the development stage of the epidemic, but there is also a certain lag. In other words, the more severe the epidemic, the lower the willingness of residents to travel; When the epidemic is under control, people’s willingness to travel will rise again, but the rise time will be delayed. Third, compared with the period of SARS in 2003, the impact of COVID-19 on China residents’ latent emissiveness is greater and more profound, three times as much as that of the SARS period. In view of the serious impact of the epidemic on Chinese residents’ willingness to travel, finally, several development suggestions are put forward on how to re-enhance people’s travel information and revitalize the tourism industry in the process of normalizing the epidemic prevention and control.
Application of an artificial intelligence algorithm model of memory retrieval and roaming in sorting Chinese medicinal materials
Authors: Tan Chengbing , Chen Qun
Published: August 2021

In order to capture autobiographical memory, inspired by the development of human intelligence, a computational AM model for autobiographical memory is proposed in this paper, which is a three-layer network structure, in which the bottom layer encodes the event-specific knowledge comprising 5W1H, and provides retrieval clues to the middle layer, encodes the related events, and the top layer encodes the event set. According to the bottom-up memory search process, the corresponding events and event sets can be identified in the middle layer and the top layer respectively; At the same time, AM model can simulate human memory roaming through the process of rule-based memory retrieval. The computational AM model proposed in this paper not only has robust and flexible memory retrieval, but also has better response performance to noisy memory retrieval cues than the commonly used memory retrieval model based on keyword query method, and can also imitate the roaming phenomenon in memory.
Investigating Functionalization Impacts on Structural Features of Barbituric Acid Derivatives: DFT Approach
Authors: Hajali Narjes , Taghva Manesh Afshin , Seif Ahmad
Published: August 2021

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed to investigate electronic and structural properties of barbituric acid (BA) and sixtheen of its derivatives to show impacts of structural functionalization on the features of parent BA. The models were optimized and the minimum energy structures were confirmed by frequency calculations. Molecular and atomic descriptors were evaluated for the optimized models, in which the results of formation binding strength and molecular orbital features indicated significance of such functionalization processes on the observed properties. The highest occupied and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals (HOMO and LUMO) and their related parameters all indicated magnitudes of changes from one molecule to another one. Furthermore, atomic scale quadrupole coupling constants (Cq) were evaluated for the nitrogen and oxygen atoms of BA compounds showing significance of structural functionalization impacts on the atomic properties of parent BA. As a consequence, such structural analyses of BA compounds could show their characteristic features for further developments especially for their efficient pharmaceutical applications.
Platinum complexation with glutamate amino acid: Computational study
Authors: Jahani Seyedehdelaram , Ghiasi Mina
Published: August 2021

In this research work, complex formation of platinum (Pt) metal particle with the glutamate (Glu) amino acid was investigated by performing density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Such application could be very much important regarding the importance of developing metal based biosensors for biological media. To achieve the purpose of this work, two spin numbers of 0 and 1 were considered for Pt for locating separately towards neutral and anionic forms of Glu for Pt / Glu complexes formations. The obtained results of optimization and QTAIM analyses indicated various configurations for different spin numbers of Pt metal particle towards each of neutral and anionic forms of Glu. Existence of covalent bond was observed for most cases in addition to existence of weak van der Waals interactions for the complexes.
Evaluation of the antibiofilm and antimicrobial activities of Glycyrrhiza glabra and Viola odorata in poly herbal formulations
Authors: Rafey Hafiz Abdul , Shah Abdul Haleem , Khalid Khan Muhammad , Kamran Muhammad , Tayyab Muhammad
Published: August 2021

Traditional polyherbal formulations are essential part of health system in various populations in the subcontinent region including Pakistan, however scientific evaluation of such claims are not significant. In this investigation, the antibiofilm and antimicrobial activities of Glycyrrhiza glabra and Viola odorata, two important ingredients of a traditional herbal formulation were determined in synergism. Various fractions of plants extract were prepared in the order of polarity. All fractions were tested against Gram negative ( Streptococcus pneumoniae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and Gram positive ( Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhi) bacteria and antimicrobial activity was assessed using agar diffusion method. The MIC (Minimum Inhibitory concentration), was assessed. Finally antibiofilm activities were determined using 96 micro wells plate by calculating percent inhibition. In case of Viola oldorata, the inhibition zone ranged between (6 mm to 18 mm±1.24) against the test strains. The highest inhibition was recorded against gram positive bacteria Strep: Pneumoniae (20 mm±0.99) followed by S. aureus (18 mm±1.02) using methanolic extract. A moderate level of inhibition was seen in case of Glycyrrhiza glabra against the microbial strains. It was noticed that Glycyrrhiza Glabra was more active against gram negative bacteria. The methanolic fraction presented highest activity against e coli (18 mm±0.96) followed by K. pneumoniae and P. aureginosa (12 mm±1.22).The MIC ranged between 4–8 mg/mL. During antibiofilm assay, a moderate level of inhibition occurs using the Viola odorata (40%inhibition) and Glycyrrhiza glabra (45%inhibition), that increased by using combination of both plants in 50:50 ratio. It was concluded that the effective properties of indigenous poly herbal formulation are due to synergism causing greater antibiofilm characteristics against the biofilm producer strains as well as other pathogenic microorganisms.
Psychometric investigation of the affiliate stigma scale in Mexican Parkinson’s disease caregivers: Development of a short form
Authors: Pugh Mickeal , Perrin Paul B. , Watson Jack D. , Kuzu Duygu , Tyler Carmen , Villaseñor Teresita , Lageman Sarah K. , Moreno Oswaldo A.
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND: Parkinson’s disease (PD) caregivers, particularly in Latin America, may experience high levels of affiliate stigma due to their association with a person having a disability. The most common measure used of this construct in the literature, the Affiliate Stigma Scale, was validated using non-standard and questionable methods. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the factor structure and psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Affiliate Stigma Scale with PD caregivers in Mexico using more widely accepted psychometric approaches including confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses (CFAs, EFAs). METHODS: A sample of 148 PD caregivers from Mexico completed this measure, as well as indices of caregiver burden and anxiety. RESULTS: Initial CFAs revealed that the data did not fit either the originally proposed one-factor or three-factor structures. An EFA was then conducted which was unable to discern any factor structure. Upon instituting a stepwise removal alpha-if-item-deleted process, a 5-item Affiliate Stigma Scale Spanish Short Form was retained with an adequate Cronbach’s alpha, good convergent validity, and a Short Form CFA generally indicating adequate fit. CONCLUSIONS: The new Spanish Affiliate Stigma Scale Short Form holds promise for more appropriately measuring affiliate stigma likely in general but particularly in Spanish and among PD caregivers. The Short Form can assist not only in assessing levels of caregiver affiliate stigma, but in creating novel interventions to help support caregivers and decrease stigma.
A pilot study verifying the effectiveness of high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in combination with intensive speech-language-hearing therapy in patients with chronic aphasia
Authors: Ohara Kensuke , Kuriyama Chiaki , Hada Takuya , Suzuki Shin , Nakayama Yasuhide , Abo Masahiro
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND: A lot of research on the effectiveness of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in patients with aphasia in the chronic stage deals with low-frequency stimulation, and reports on high-frequency stimulation (HF-rTMS) are scarce. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate retrospectively the effectiveness of high-frequency rTMS in combination with intensive speech-language-hearing therapy (ST) following the identification of the stimulation site using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) before, after the procedure and at 3 months in patients with aphasia in the chronic stage. METHODS: 20 patients with aphasia in the chronic stage who met the eligibility criteria for rTMS therapy and who underwent HF-rTMS for the first time were included in the present study. All patients received fMRI before hospitalization, and the stimulation site was decided accordingly. RESULTS: There was a significant improvement in all patients, rTMS to the left hemisphere, fluent and non-fluent groups by the evaluation of pre- and post- treatment by hospitalization. All groups had a significant improvement in total Standard Language Test of Aphasia score at 3 months when compared with the time of hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: The current study indicates that HF-rTMS in combination with intensive ST is an effective therapeutic approach for patients with aphasia in the chronic stage.
Duration of post-traumatic amnesia is uniquely associated with memory functioning in chronic moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury
Authors: Venkatesan Umesh M. , Rabinowitz Amanda R. , Wolfert Stephanie P. , Hillary Frank G.
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND: Disrupted memory circuitry may contribute to post-traumatic amnesia (PTA) after traumatic brain injury (TBI). It is unclear whether duration of PTA (doPTA) uniquely impacts memory functioning in the chronic post-injury stage. OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between doPTA and memory functioning, independent of other cognitive abilities, in chronic moderate-to-severe TBI. METHODS: Participants were 82 individuals (median chronicity = 10.5 years) with available doPTA estimates and neuropsychological data. Composite memory, processing speed (PS), and executive functioning (EF) performance scores, as well as data on subjective memory (SM) beliefs, were extracted. DoPTA-memory associations were evaluated via linear modeling of doPTA with memory performance and clinical memory status (impaired/unimpaired), controlling for PS, EF, and demographic covariates. Interrelationships between doPTA, objective memory functioning, and SM were assessed. RESULTS: DoPTA was significantly related to memory performance, even after covariate adjustment. Impairment in memory, but not PS or EF, was associated with a history of longer doPTA. SM was associated with memory performance, but unrelated to doPTA. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest a specific association between doPTA—an acute injury phenomenon—and chronic memory deficits after TBI. Prospective studies are needed to understand how underlying mechanisms of PTA shape distinct outcome trajectories, particularly functional abilities related to memory processing.
Neuropsychological rehabilitation, neuroimaging and neuroplasticity: A clinical commentary
Authors: Prigatano George P. , Braga Lucia W. , Johnson Spring Flores , Souza Lígia M.N.
Published: August 2021

Initial brain imaging studies on recovery of motor functioning after stroke suggested their potential prognostic value in neurorehabilitation. However, the value of brain imaging in documenting brain changes associated with cognitive and behavioral treatment effects seem less likely. Also, neuroimaging studies at that time seem to have little, if any, value for treatment planning. Advances in neuroimaging technology are beginning to challenge these initial impressions. In this clinical commentary, we propose that advances in the field of neuroimaging have relevance for the future development of neuropsychological rehabilitation. Neuropsychological rehabilitation is entering a new era that involves collaboration with neuroimaging and associated studies on neuroplasticity. We recognize that this may seem “aspirational” rather than practical in most rehabilitation settings. However, we provide examples of how this can be achieved as illustrated by collaborative efforts of clinicians and scientists in the SARAH Network of Rehabilitation Hospitals in Brazil. We also review selective papers on neuroplasticity, spontaneous recovery and diaschisis that have relevance for research which will expand and further develop the field of neuropsychological rehabilitation.
Reproductive health and pregnancy experiences of women with spina bifida: A qualitative study
Authors: van Buuren Asia L. , O’rinn Susan E. , Lipworth Hayley , Church Paige , Berndl Anne
Published: August 2021

PURPOSE: Despite an increasing number of individuals with spina bifida reaching reproductive age, there has been a paucity of research into their reproductive health care needs. The objective of this study was to better understand the reproductive health experiences of self-identified women with spina bifida using qualitative methodology. METHODS: A phenomenological study design was used to address this objective. Women with spina bifida identified their interest in participating in a semi-structured interview after completing an online reproductive health survey. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Qualitative analysis followed a phenomenological approach using Dedoose software. RESULTS: Twelve self-identified women with spina bifida participated. They described experiences in four domains: sexual education, pregnancy, labor and delivery, and postpartum. In addition, an intersecting domain of social justice and advocacy emerged. Numerous themes are described, including a lack of tailored sexual health information, impact of pregnancy on function, attitudes towards delivery method, and parenting challenges. CONCLUSION: This study explored the continuum of reproductive health experiences of women with spina bifida. They face unique reproductive health challenges that provide an opportunity for health care providers to offer more holistic care.
Investigating spectroscopic measurement of sublingual veins and tissue to estimate central venous oxygen saturation
Authors: Sircan-Kucuksayan Aslinur , Eray Oktay , Buyukaksu Murat , Gumus Birce , Dursun Oguz , Canpolat Murat
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND: Venous oxygen saturation reflects venous oxygenation status and can be used to assess treatment and prognosis in critically ill patients. A novel method that can measure central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO2) non-invasively may be beneficial and has the potential to change the management routine of critically ill patients. OBJECTIVE: The study aims to evaluate the potential of sublingual venous oxygen saturation (SsvO2) to be used in the estimation of ScvO2. METHODS: We have developed two different approaches to calculate SsvO2. In the first one, near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) measurements were performed directly on the sublingual veins. In the second approach, NIRS spectra were acquired from the sublingual tissue apart from the sublingual veins, and arterial oxygen saturation was measured using a pulse oximeter on the fingertip. RESULTS: Twenty-six healthy subjects were included in the study. In the first and second approaches, average SsvO2 values were 75.0% ± 1.8 and 75.8% ± 2.1, respectively. The results of the two different approaches were close to each other and similar to ScvO2 of healthy persons (> 70%). CONCLUSION: Oxygen saturation of sublingual veins has the potential to be used in intensive care units, non-invasively and in real-time, to estimate ScvO2.
Personalized protocol and scoring scale for functional electrical stimulation of the hand: A pilot feasibility study
Authors: Camacho-Zavala Jessica K. , Perez-Medina Ana L. , Mercado-Gutierrez Jorge A. , Gutierrez Mario I. , Gutierrez-Martinez Josefina , Aguirre-Güemez A. Valeria , Quinzaños-Fresnedo Jimena , Perez-Orive Javier
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND: Complex personalized Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) protocols for calibrating parameters and electrode positioning have been proposed, most being time-consuming or technically cumbersome for clinical settings. Therefore, there is a need for new personalized FES protocols that generate comfortable, functional hand movements, while being feasible for clinical translation. OBJECTIVE: To develop a personalized FES protocol, comprising electrode placement and parameter selection, to generate hand opening (HO), power grasp (PW) and precision grip (PG) movements, and compare in a pilot feasibility study its performance to a non-personalized protocol based on standard FES guidelines. METHODS: Two FES protocols, one personalized (P1) and one non-personalized (P2), were used to produce hand movements in twenty-three healthy participants. FES-induced movements were assessed with a new scoring scale which comprises items for selectivity, functionality, and comfort. RESULTS: Higher FES-HSS scores were obtained with P1 for all movements: HO (p= 0.00013), PW (p= 0.00007), PG (p= 0.00460). Electrode placement time was significantly shorter for P2 (p= 0.00003). Comfort scores were similar for both protocols. CONCLUSIONS: The personalized protocol for electrode placement and parameter selection enabled functional FES-induced hand movements and presented advantages over a non-personalized protocol. This protocol warrants further investigation to confirm its suitability for developing upper-limb rehabilitation interventions with clinical translational potential.
Short-term radiological results after spheroid-based autologous chondrocyte implantation in the knee are independent of defect localisation
Authors: Grevenstein David , Schafigh Darius , Oikonomidis Stavros , Eysel Peer , Brochhausen Christoph , Spies Christian Karl , Oppermann Johannes
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND: Lesions of articular cartilage represent a crucial risk factor for the early development of osteoarthritis. Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) is a well-established procedure in therapy of those lesions in the knee. The aim of the presented study is to detect differences in short-term radiological outcome depending on defect localization (femoral condyle vs. retropatellar) after spheroid-based ACI. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to demonstrate that radiological outcome after spheroid-based ACI in the knee is independent of defect localization. METHODS: MRI-scans after retropatellar ACI and ACI of the medial/lateral femoral condyle, with a preoperative Outerbridge grade of III or IV were evaluated regarding MOCART 2.0. RESULTS: The mean defect-size was 5.0 ± 1.8 cm2, with a minimum size of 2 cm2 and a maximum size of 9 cm2. Scans were performed 7.7 months (± 3.1 months) postoperatively. The mean MOCART 2.0 score was 78.5 ± 15.6. No statistically significant influence neither of the localization (p= 0.159), the gender (p= 0.124) nor defect size (< 5 cm2 vs. ⩾ 5 cm2; p= 0.201) could be observed. CONCLUSIONS: The presented data demonstrate good to excellent radiological short-term results after spheroid-based ACI. Data indicates, that at least radiological results are independent of gender, defect-size and defect-localization.
Use of wearable physiological sensors to predict cognitive workload in a visuospatial learning task
Authors: Fine Michael S. , Lombardo Jennifer M. , Colombe Jeff B. , Gawron Valerie J. , Brokaw Elizabeth B.
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND: Increased cognitive workload, sometimes known as mental strain or mental effort, has been associated with reduced performance. OBJECTIVE: The use of physiological monitoring was investigated to predict cognitive workload and performance. METHODS: Twenty-one participants completed a 10-minute seated rest, a visuospatial learning task modeled after crane operation, and the Stroop test, an assessment that measures cognitive interference. Heart rate, heart rate variability, electrodermal activity, skin temperature, and electromyographic activity were collected. RESULTS: It was found that participants’ ability to learn the simulated crane operation task was inversely correlated with self-reported frustration. Significant changes were also found in physiological metrics in the simulation with respect to rest, including an increase in heart rate, electrodermal activity, and trapezius muscle activity; heart rate and muscle activity were also correlated with simulation performance. The relationship between physiological measures and self-reported workload was modeled and it was found that muscle activity and high frequency power, a measure of heart rate variability, were significantly associated with the workload reported. CONCLUSIONS: The findings support the use of physiological monitoring to inform real time decision making (e.g., identifying individuals at risk of injury) or training decisions (e.g., by identifying individuals that may benefit from additional training even when no errors are observed).
Three Corporate Finance Practices in Pakistan: A Review of Previous Studies and Way Forward
Authors: Farooq Umar , Subhani Bilal Haider
Published: August 2021

This study reviews the empirical studies arranged on Pakistani capital market and specifies the pattern of three corporate finance practices.  The subject of corporate finance discusses the various activities performed at firm level such as capital budgeting, capital structure, and dividend payout policy. The capital budgeting technique consists of six methods i.e., net present value, discounted cash flow, payback period, and internal rate of return etc. but Pakistani firms often interested in net present value and internal rate of return for capital investment evaluation. Similarly, the capital structure decision carries the debate on two options of financing i.e., debt financing and equity financing but literature shows that the Pakistani firms generally follow the pecking order theory and prefer more debt financing. Similarly, as for concern dividend payout policy, literature discusses the different theories and determinants but still unable to generalize the dividend payout trend specifically in Pakistani context. Corporate managers and policymakers can use the conclusion for strategic purposes.
The association of smoking status with SARS-CoV-2 infection, hospitalisation and mortality from COVID-19: A living rapid evidence review with Bayesian meta-analyses (version 12)
Authors: Simons David , Shahab Lion , Brown Jamie , Perski Olga
Published: August 2021

AIMS: To estimate the association of smoking status with rates of i) infection, ii) hospitalisation, iii) disease severity in hospitalised patients, and iv) mortality from SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 disease.

DESIGN: Living rapid review of observational and experimental studies with random-effects hierarchical Bayesian meta-analyses. Published articles and pre-prints were identified via MEDLINE and medRxiv

.

SETTING: Community or hospital. No restrictions on location.

PARTICIPANTS: Adults who received a SARS-CoV-2 test or a COVID-19 diagnosis.

MEASUREMENTS: Outcomes were SARS-CoV-2 infection, hospitalisation, disease severity and mortality stratified by smoking status. Study quality was assessed (i.e. ‘good,’ ‘fair’ and ‘poor’).

FINDINGS: v12 (searches up to 2021-07-18) included 547 studies with 87 ‘good’ and ‘fair’ quality studies included in unadjusted meta-analyses. 171 studies (31.3%) reported current, former and never smoking status with the remainder using broader categories. Recorded smoking prevalence among people with COVID-19 was generally lower than national prevalence. Current compared with never smokers were at reduced risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection (RR = 0.67, 95% Credible Interval (CrI) = 0.60-0.75, τ = 0.27). Data for former smokers were inconclusive (RR = 0.99, 95% CrI = 0.94-1.05, τ = 0.12) but favoured there being no important association (<1% probability of RR ≥1.1). Former compared with never smokers were at increased risk of hospitalisation (RR = 1.27, CrI = 1.15-1.40, τ = 0.20), greater disease severity (RR = 1.69, CrI = 1.30-2.22, τ = 0.43) and mortality (RR = 1.59, CrI = 1.34-1.89, τ = 0.37). Current compared with never smokers were at increased risk of greater disease severity (RR 1.3, 95% CrI = 1.01-1.71, τ = 0.32). Data for current smokers on hospitalisation and mortality were inconclusive (RR = 1.10, 95% CrI = 0.97-1.24, τ = 0.23; RR = 1.13, 95% CrI = 0.90-1.40, τ = 0.41, respectively) but favoured there being no important associations (50% and 60% probability of RR ≥1.1, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS: Compared with never smokers, current smokers appear to be at reduced risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and increased risk of greater in-hospital disease severity, while former smokers appear to be at increased risk of hospitalisation, greater in-hospital disease severity and mortality from COVID-19. However, it is uncertain whether these associations are causal. This version (v12) will be the last regular update; however, yearly updates may continue as new evidence becomes available.

v7 of this living review article has been published in _Addiction_ [https://doi.org/10.1111/add.15276]
Underground spaces natural energy applied in the building thermal conditions performance in summer conditions
Authors: Conceição Eusébio , Gomes João , Lúcio Maria Manuela , Awbi Hazim
Published: August 2021

This paper presents a numerical simulation, done by a Building Dynamic Software, of an application of underground thermal energy storage in a university building with complex topology. In this study, the level of thermal comfort of the occupants of a building located in a Mediterranean type environment is evaluated for typical summer conditions. The Building Dynamic Software calculates the air temperature of the spaces, the surface temperature of opaque bodies, transparent bodies and internal bodies, the mass of contaminants and water inside the spaces and in the surfaces, the thermal comfort of the occupants, the indoor air quality and the flow thermal energy from underground to the occupied spaces. The university building is divided into 319 spaces, distributed by four floors, and is composed by 329 transparent surfaces (windows) and 3585 opaque surfaces (internal and external walls, doors, and others). Below the ground floor is numerically considered an underground floor, with the same area of the building and with a typical floor height, used to thermal energy storage. The building internal ventilation system, during the day, transport the cooled airflow from the underground to thermally uncomfortable spaces. The cooled airflow is transported to spaces turned to East in the morning and to spaces turned to West in the afternoon. However, throughout the day the cooled air is transported to all the south-facing spaces. Two situations were simulated numerically: with and without underground thermal energy storage. The occupancy and the internal ventilation were also considered. The results show that the internal airflow and the outside temperatures recorded during the 24 hours of the day allow to guarantee the necessary underground thermal energy storage to cool the more uncomfortable spaces. The indoor air quality is acceptable and the thermal comfort level of occupants, considering their adaptation, is near the acceptable level suggested by the standards.
Destinasi Mice: Kota Depok Sebagai Destinasi Alternatif Mice di Jawa Barat
Authors: Pasfatima Mbulu Yustisia , Erfinda Yosi , Nurmala Rossi Fetty
Published: August 2021

This study aims to map the existing conditions of MICE (Meeting, Incentive, Convention, Exhibition) destinations in Depok City, analyse the attributes of MICE destinations in Depok City as an alternative to MICE destinations in West Java, and formulate a strategy for developing MICE destinations in Depok City in West Java. The research method used is descriptive qualitative with field data surveys or direct observation to the city of Depok. As well as interviews with EOs, hotels, malls, and the Department of Youth, Sports, Culture and Tourism. The results obtained from the MICE destination components have been fulfilled, all of which only need improvement from the aspects of MICE accessibility, MICE attractions and HR. Meanwhile, the attributes of MICE destinations in Depok City as an alternative MICE destination in West Java have been fulfilled. Everything needs to improve accessibility, extra opportunities, information, meetings, accommodation facilities and meeting facilities. Based on calculations using the SWOT approach, the City of Depok as an alternative destination for MICE in West Java is in the quadrant I position. This shows a very favourable situation for Depok City to carry out aggressive growth/growth. Then the results of the IFE and EFE get the value of strength and opportunity (SO) 5.51, strength and threat (ST) 3.16, weakness and opportunity (WO) 2.9, and weakness and threat (WT) 0, 55. The strategy that has the highest value is SO 5.51.
Praktek Pengembangan Bagi Hasil Peternakan Sapi Masyarakat Kecamatan Barebbo Kabupaten Bone Sulawesi Selatan
Authors: Marzuki Sitti Nikmah
Published: August 2021

Abstrak. Praktek Pengembangan Bagi Hasil Peternakan Sapi Masyarakat Kecamatan Barebbo Kabupaten Bone Sulawesi Selatan. Praktik bagi hasil peternakan masyarakat masih sering terjadi permasalahan yang muncul karena sistem bagi hasil yang tidak jelas, seperti halnya jika terjadi peristiwa force majeur  pada saat perjanjian bagi hasil. Misalnya terjadi kematian terhadap anak sapi dari hasil peternakan sapi atau induknya sapi yang mengalami kematian. Penelitian ini mengungkap dan menganalisis praktek bagi hasil dan pendapatan masyarakat peternak sapi.  Penelitian ini menggunakan teknik pengumpulan data melalui observasi dan wawancara dengan analisis deskriptif kualitatif. Praktek pengembangan bagi hasil peternakan sapi di Kecamatan barebbo Sistem peternakan sapi di Kecamatan Barebbo pada umumnya menggunakan tiga sistem yaitu  teknik pemeliharaan ekstensif, teknik pemeliharaan intensif dan teknik pemeliharaan semiintensif dengan pendapatan peternak rata 2.000.000 – Rp. 5.000.000 setiap satu ekor sapi tergantung dari kondisi sapi dan teknik bagi hasil yang disepakati. Jika peternak melakukan kerjasama ternak sapi 2 sapi maka peternak akan memiliki keuntungan yang lebih besar. Sistem bagi hasil didasarkan pada  yang dilakukan  Sistem bagi hasil yang diterapkan berdasarkan pendapatan, bagi hasil berdasarkan laba kotor dan bagi hasil berdasarkan laba bersih. Sistem bagi hasil yang paling dominan digunakan oleh masyarakat peternak sapi di Kecamatan Barebbo adalah bagi hasil berdasarkan laba kotor.  Sistem ini dipandang lebih adil dan memberikan mashlahah kepada kedua belah pihak. Sistem ini dapat meningkatkan ekonomi masyarakat peternak di Kecamatan Barebbo Kabupaten Bone.
Strategi Pengembangan Wakaf Produktif untuk Kesejahteraan Umat
Authors: Utami Anisa Fitria
Published: August 2021

Abstract. The Strategy Of Productive Waqf Management For General Welfare (Case Study On Nadzir Of Malang Islamic University Foundation). The purpose of this research is to find out the strategy of productive waqf management for general welfare that conducted by The Nadzir of Universitas Islam Malang Foundation. Malang City still has a quite high poverty rate that is 4,6%. Waqf is an instrumen in islamic economy that can solve poverty beside zakat. The development of waqf in Malang City is increased every year plus there are many waqf asset that spreaded in all sub-district in Malang City. The Nadzir of Universitas Islam Malang Foundation that domiciled in Malang City was given funds by Kementrian Agama with waqf fund agreement. The purpose of that waqf fund is as the example on productive waqf management. The Nadzir of Universitas Islam Malang Foundation has succeed in developing eleven VIP Rooms in UNISMA Hospital. 70% from the outcomes of that management, are used to development and management of the VIP Rooms and used to develop a minimarket that spreaded in several regions. 20% from the outcomes of productive waqf management was channeled to the 40 mauquf alaih periodically. Abstrak. Strategi Pengelolaan Wakaf Produktif untuk Kesejahteraan Umat (Studi Kasus di Nadzir Yayasan Universitas Islam Malang). Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui strategi pengelolaan wakaf produktif untuk kesejahteraan umat yang dilakukan oleh Nadzir Yayasan Universitas Islam Malang. Kota Malang masih memiliki tingkat kemiskinan yang cukup tinggi yaitu sebesar 4,6 %. Wakaf merupakan salah satu instrumen dalam ekonomi islam yang mampu mengatasi kemiskinan selain zakat. Perkembangan wakaf di Kota Malang semakin meningkat tiap tahunnya ditambah banyak aset wakaf yang tersebar di seluruh kecamatan di Kota Malang. Nadzir Yayasan Universitas Islam Malang yang berkedudukan di Kota Malang diberi dana oleh Kementrian Agama dengan akad dana wakaf. Tujuan dari dana wakaf tersebut adalah sebagai percontohan dalam pengelolaan wakaf secara produktif. Nadzir Yayasan Universitas Islam Malang telah berhasil membangun Ruang VIP di Rumah Sakit UNISMA sebanyak 11 kamar, 70% dari hasil pengelolaan tersebut digunakan untuk pengembangan dan pengelolaan Ruang VIP serta digunakan untuk membangun minimarket yang tersebar di beberapa daerah. 20% hasil pengelolaan wakaf produktif disalurkan kepada sekitar 40 mauquf alaih secara periodik.
FACTORS INFLUENCING WILLINGNESS TO CONTRIBUTE IN CASH WAQF: CASE OF SOUTH TANGERANG, INDONESIA
Authors: Ahmad Hudzaifah
Published: August 2021

Abstract: Factors Influencing Willingness to Contribute in Cash Waqf: Case of South Tangerang, Indonesia. Waqf has long been the backbone of community service in Indonesia, especially in the fields of religion and education. Considering the importance of waqf in the socio-economic field in Indonesia, the government expanded the scope of waqf which was originally only in the form of fixed assets and then added with movable assets such as money. As a country with the largest Muslim population in the world, Indonesia has a huge cash waqf potential. But this potential has not been able to be optimized by the government or the private sector. The problem of the lack of awareness of Muslims in Indonesia about cash waqf is the main obstacle. There are several factors that influence one's willingness to do cash waqf, namely knowledge, income, social culture, and promotion. To determine the influence of these factors, the data obtained from respondents from the survey instrument adopted were subjected to descriptive analysis statistical analysis. The findings indicate that all factors significantly affect a person's willingness to do cash waqf. Recommendations contingent on research findings were offered.  Abstrak. Faktor-Faktor yang Mempengaruhi Kesediaan untuk Berkontribusi dalam Wakaf Tunai: Kasus Tangerang Selatan, Indonesia. Wakaf telah lama menjadi tulang punggung pengabdian masyarakat di Indonesia, khususnya di bidang agama dan pendidikan. Mengingat pentingnya wakaf dalam bidang sosial ekonomi di Indonesia, pemerintah kemudian memperluas cakupan wakaf yang semula hanya berupa aset tetap menjadi ditambah dengan aset bergerak seperti uang. Sebagai negara dengan populasi Muslim terbesar di dunia, Indonesia memiliki potensi wakaf tunai yang besar. Tetapi potensi ini belum dapat dioptimalkan oleh pemerintah atau sektor swasta. Masalah kurangnya kesadaran umat Islam di Indonesia tentang wakaf tunai adalah kendala utama. Ada beberapa faktor yang mempengaruhi kemauan seseorang untuk melakukan wakaf tunai, yaitu pengetahuan, pendapatan, sosial budaya, dan promosi. Untuk menentukan pengaruh faktor-faktor ini, data yang diperoleh dari responden dari instrumen survei yang diadopsi menjadi sasaran analisis deskriptif analisis statistik. Temuan menunjukkan bahwa semua faktor secara signifikan mempengaruhi kesediaan seseorang untuk melakukan wakaf tunai. Rekomendasi yang bergantung pada temuan penelitian ditawarkan.
PERKEMBANGAN PARIWISATA HALAL DAN PENGARUHNYA TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN EKONOMI INDONESIA
Authors: Rahmi Asri Noer
Published: August 2021

This study aims to know the development of halal tourism in Indonesia and how it affects the economic growth in Indonesia. Halal travel destinations are tourist attractions that provide Muslim friendly facilities from serving food, supporting environments such as halal hotel facilities, places of prayer, and non-halal products for sale in halal tourism areas. In the Qur'an, Allah S.W.T writes, go to historical places and take lessons from your journey. This study uses qualitative methods with data obtained from the results of the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), GMTI, and the World Halal Travel and Tourism Index. The results obtained in this study found that halal tourism shows positive results and positive responses from domestic and foreign tourists, this can be seen from the data obtained by increasing GDP and top 10 halal tourism in OIC countries and many foreign tourists coming and enjoy halal tourist attractions that already exist in Indonesia. This can encourage the central government to immediately make halal tourism legislation in Indonesia, so that the halal tourism sector in Indonesia can be promoted and famous in the world Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk melihat perkembangan pariwisata halal di Indonesia dan bagaimana pengaruhnya terhadap pertumbuhan ekonomi di Indonesia. Destinasi wisata halal adalah tempat wisata yang menyediakan fasilitas Musmil friendly dari penyajian makanan, lingkunan yang mendukung seperti fasilitas hotel halal, tempat ibadah, dan juga tidak ada produk-produk non halal yang dijual didaerah wisata halal. Didalam Al-Qurán Allah S.W.T menuliskan berpergianlah kalian ke tempat-tempat bersejarah dan ambilah pelajaran dari perjalanan yang kalian lakukan. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kualitatif dengan data yang diperoleh dari hasil Badan Pusat Statistik (BPS), GMTI, dan World Halal Travel and Tourism Index. Hasil yang diperoleh pada penelitian ini adalah bahwa pariwisata halal menunjukkan hasil yang positif dan respon yang baik dari wistawan domestik maupun mancanegara, hal ini dapat dilihat dari data yang diperoleh dengan peningkatan GDP dan top 10 pariwisata hala di negara OIC dan banyak wisatawan mancanegara yang datang dan menikmati tempat wisata halal yang sudah ada di Indonesia. Hal ini dapat mendorong Pemerintah pusat untuk segera membuat perundang-undangan pariwisata halal di Indonesia, agar sector pariwisata halal di Indonesia dapat dipromosikan dan dapat dikenal di Dunia.