bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social and territorial inequalities in breast and cervical cancers screening uptake: a cross-sectional study in France
Authors: Ouanhnon Lisa , Rougé Bugat Marie-Eve , Lamy Sebastien , Druel Vladimir , Delpierre Cyrille , Grosclaude Pascale
Published: February 2022

Objective

The objective of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the impact of socio-territorial characteristics on mammography and pap smear uptake according to the place of residence in the recommended age groups, and second outside the recommended age groups.

Setting and participants

We used an existing dataset of 1 027 039 women which combines data from the Health Insurance information systems, with census data from Midi-Pyrénées, France.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Our outcome was, for each woman, the uptake of the pap smear and the uptake of the mammography during the year.

Results

A social gradient of screening uptake was found in the recommended age groups. This gradient was stronger in large urban areas:

(1) For mammography: decile 10 (the most deprived) vs 1 (the least deprived), adjusted OR 0.777, 95% CI (0.748 to 0.808) in large urban area; adjusted OR= 0.808 for decile 1 to 0.726 for decile 10 in other areas vs decile 1 in urban areas;

(2) For pap smear: decile 10 vs 1 adjusted OR 0.66, 95%CI (0.642 to 0.679) in large urban areas; adjusted OR= 0.747 for decile 1 to 0.562 for decile 10 in other areas vs decile 1 in urban areas).

Screening rates were globally higher in large urban areas.

For mammography, the social and territorial disparities were higher outside the recommended age group.

Conclusions

Offering a universal approach to every woman, as it is often the case in nationally organised screening programmes, is likely to be insufficient to ensure real equity in access. Developing global dataset combining health data and diverse socioeconomic data, at individual and contextual levels, could enable a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in this social gradient, and therefore, the development of targeted territorial actions to improve equity of access to healthcare.
Families’ healthcare experiences for children with inherited metabolic diseases: protocol for a mixed methods cohort study
Authors: Chow Andrea J , Iverson Ryan , Lamoureux Monica , Tingley Kylie , Jordan Isabel , Pallone Nicole , Smith Maureen , Al-Baldawi Zobaida , Chakraborty Pranesh , Brehaut Jamie , Chan Alicia , Cohen Eyal , Dyack Sarah , Gillis Lisa Jane , Goobie Sharan , Graham Ian D , Greenberg Cheryl R , Grimshaw Jeremy M , Hayeems Robin Z , Jain-Ghai Shailly , Jolly Ann , Khangura Sara , MacKenzie Jennifer J , Major Nathalie , Mitchell John J , Nicholls Stuart G , Pender Amy , Potter Murray , Prasad Chitra , Prosser Lisa A , Schulze Andreas , Siriwardena Komudi , Sparkes Rebecca , Speechley Kathy , Stockler Sylvia , Taljaard Monica , Teitelbaum Mari , Trakadis Yannis , van Karnebeek Clara , Walia Jagdeep S , Wilson Brenda J , Wilson Kumanan , Potter Beth K
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Children with inherited metabolic diseases (IMDs) often have complex and intensive healthcare needs and their families face challenges in receiving high-quality, family centred health services. Improvement in care requires complex interventions involving multiple components and stakeholders, customised to specific care contexts. This study aims to comprehensively understand the healthcare experiences of children with IMDs and their families across Canada.

Methods and analysis

A two-stage explanatory sequential mixed methods design will be used. Stage 1: quantitative data on healthcare networks and encounter experiences will be collected from 100 parent/guardians through a care map, 2 baseline questionnaires and 17 weekly diaries over 5–7 months. Care networks will be analysed using social network analysis. Relationships between demographic or clinical variables and ratings of healthcare experiences across a range of family centred care dimensions will be analysed using generalised linear regression. Other quantitative data related to family experiences and healthcare experiences will be summarised descriptively. Ongoing analysis of quantitative data and purposive, maximum variation sampling will inform sample selection for stage 2: a subset of stage 1 participants will participate in one-on-one videoconference interviews to elaborate on the quantitative data regarding care networks and healthcare experiences. Interview data will be analysed thematically. Qualitative and quantitative data will be merged during analysis to arrive at an enhanced understanding of care experiences. Quantitative and qualitative data will be combined and presented narratively using a weaving approach (jointly on a theme-by-theme basis) and visually in a side-by-side joint display.

Ethics and dissemination

The study protocol and procedures were approved by the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario’s Research Ethics Board, the University of Ottawa Research Ethics Board and the research ethics boards of each participating study centre. Findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at scientific conferences.
Individual and contextual factors associated with maternal healthcare utilisation in Mali: a cross-sectional study using Demographic and Health Survey data
Authors: Bain Luchuo Engelbert , Aboagye Richard Gyan , Malunga Gift , Amu Hubert , Dowou Robert Kokou , Saah Farrukh Ishaque , Kongnyuy Eugene Justine
Published: February 2022

Objective

We examined the national prevalence as well as the individual and contextual factors associated with maternal healthcare utilisation in Mali.

Setting

The study was conducted in Mali.

Participants

We analysed data on 6335 women aged 15–49 years from Mali’s 2018 Demographic and Health Survey.

Outcome variable

Maternal healthcare utilisation comprising antenatal care (ANC) attendant, skilled birth attendant (SBA), and postnatal care (PNC) attendant, was our outcome variable.

Results

Prevalence of maternal healthcare utilisation was 45.6% for ANC4+, 74.7% for SBA and 25.5% for PNC. At the individual level, ANC4 + and SBA utilisation increased with increasing maternal age, level of formal education and wealth status. Higher odds of ANC4 + was found among women who are cohabiting (adjusted OR (aOR)=2.25, 95% CI 1.16 to 4.37) and delivered by caesarean section (aOR=2.53, 95% CI 1.72 to 3.73), while women who considered getting money for treatment (aOR=0.72, 95% CI 0.60 to 0.88) and distance to health facility (aOR=0.73, 95% CI 0.59 to 0.90) as a big problem had lower odds. Odds to use PNC was higher for those who were working (aOR=1.22, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.48) and those covered by health insurance (aOR=1.87, 95% CI 1.36 to 2.57). Lower odds of SBA use were associated with having two (aOR=0.48, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.71), three (aOR=0.37, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.58), and four or more (aOR=0.38, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.59) children, and residing in a rural area (aOR=0.35, 95% CI 0.17 to 1.69). Listening to the radio and watching TV were associated with increased maternal healthcare utilisation.

Conclusion

The government should increase availability, affordability and accessibility to healthcare facilities by investing in health infrastructure and workforce to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3.4 of reducing maternal morality to less than 70 deaths per 100 000 live births by 2030. It is important to ascertain empirically why PNC levels are astonishingly lower relative to ANC and SBA.
Identifying ways to improve diabetes management during cancer treatments (INDICATE): protocol for a qualitative interview study with patients and clinicians
Authors: Ashley Laura , Kassim Saifuddin , Kellar Ian , Kidd Lisa , Mair Frances , Matthews Mike , Price Mollie , Swinson Daniel , Taylor Johanna , Velikova Galina , Wadsley Jonathan
Published: February 2022

Introduction

A large and growing number of patients with cancer have comorbid diabetes. Cancer and its treatment can adversely impact glycaemic management and control, and there is accumulating evidence that suboptimal glycaemic control during cancer treatment is a contributory driver of worse cancer-related outcomes in patients with comorbid diabetes. Little research has sought to understand, from the perspective of patients and clinicians, how and why different aspects of cancer care and diabetes care can complicate or facilitate each other, which is key to informing interventions to improve diabetes management during cancer treatments. This study aims to identify and elucidate barriers and enablers to effective diabetes management and control during cancer treatments, and potential intervention targets and strategies to address and harness these, respectively.

Methods and analysis

Qualitative interviews will be conducted with people with diabetes and comorbid cancer (n=30–40) and a range of clinicians (n=30–40) involved in caring for this patient group (eg, oncologists, diabetologists, specialist nurses, general practitioners). Semistructured interviews will examine participants’ experiences of and perspectives on diabetes management and control during cancer treatments. Data will be analysed using framework analysis. Data collection and analysis will be informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework, and related Theory and Techniques Tool and Behaviour Change Wheel, to facilitate examination of a comprehensive range of barriers and enablers and support identification of pertinent and feasible intervention approaches. Study dates: January 2021–January 2023.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has approval from National Health Service (NHS) West Midlands—Edgbaston Research Ethics Committee. Findings will be presented to lay, clinical, academic and NHS and charity service–provider audiences via dissemination of written summaries and presentations, and published in peer-reviewed journals. Findings will be used to inform development and implementation of clinical, health services and patient-management intervention strategies to optimise diabetes management and control during cancer treatments.
Prevalence of diabetes mellitus and associated risk factors in Nepal: findings from a nationwide population-based survey
Authors: Shrestha Namuna , Karki Khem , Poudyal Anil , Aryal Krishna Kumar , Mahato Namra Kumar , Gautam Nitisha , KC Dirghayu , Gyanwali Pradip , Dhimal Meghnath , Jha Anjani Kumar
Published: February 2022

Objectives

The burden of diabetes mellitus (DM) has increased globally, particularly in low-income and middle-income countries, including Nepal. Population-based nationally representative data on the prevalence of DM is limited. This paper presents the prevalence of DM and its associated risk factors in Nepal.

Research designs and methods

This population-based study sampled 13 200 participants aged 20 years and above in 400 clusters of 72 districts of Nepal. The study used a standardised questionnaire adapted from the WHO STEPwise approach to non-communicable disease risk factor surveillance instrument and digitalised in Android-compatible mobile phones. Fasting and 2 hours postprandial blood samples were taken to test various biochemical parameters. Descriptive followed by multivariate analyses were done to assess the association between explanatory variables and the outcome variable.

Primary outcome measures

Prevalence of DM.

Results

The prevalence of DM was found to be 8.5% (95% CI 7.8% to 9.3%). The odds of DM occurrence were higher in the upper age groups (40–59 years at adjusted OR (AOR) 3.1 (95% CI2.3 to 4.2) and 60+ years at AOR 4.7 (95% CI 3.3 to 6.6)), compared with the group aged 20–39 years. Men were found to have higher odds of DM (AOR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1 to 1.6) compared with women. Urban residents had almost twice higher odds of DM (AOR 1.7, 95% CI 1.4 to 2.2) compared with rural residents. Participants with raised blood pressure (BP) (AOR 2.2, 95% CI 1.8 to 2.7), those who were overweight and obese (AOR 2.0, 95% CI 1.6 to 2.4) and those who had high triglycride level (≥150 mg/dL) (AOR 2.1, 95% CI 1.8 to 2.6) also had twice higher odds of DM compared with those with normal BP, an average body mass index and normal triglyceride level, respectively.

Conclusions

Targeted interventions to higher risk groups as well as prevention and control of other associated biological risk factors might help to reduce the prevalence of DM in Nepal.
The East of England dental trauma service
Authors: Brown Danielle , Hussain Issar , Cochrane Veni , Barker Nick
Published: February 2022

Background

Current evidence suggests traumatic dental injuries can be difficult to manage in primary care due to uncommon occurrence and challenging patient presentations. Such factors may contribute to general dental practitioners lacking experience and confidence in the assessment, treatment and management of traumatic dental injuries. Furthermore, there are anecdotal accounts of patients presenting to accident and emergency (A&E) services with a traumatic dental injury, which could be placing avoidable strain on secondary care services. For these reasons, a novel primary care-led dental trauma service has been established in the East of England.

Methods

This brief report shares our experiences of establishing this dental trauma service, titled ‘Think T’s’. It aims to provide effective trauma care across an entire region by a dedicated team of experienced clinicians from primary care settings to reduce inappropriate attendance to secondary care services and upskill colleagues in dental traumatology.

Findings and conclusions

Since its inception, the dental trauma service has been public-facing and has managed referrals from a range of sources which include general medical practitioners, A&E clinicians and ambulance services. The service has been well received and has been seeking to integrate with the Directory of Services as well as NHS 111.
Lepton universality and lepton flavor conservation tests with dineutrino modes
Authors: Bause Rigo , Gisbert Hector , Golz Marcel , Hiller Gudrun
Published: February 2022

$$SU(2)_L$$

S
U

(
2
)

L

-invariance links charged dilepton and dineutrino couplings. Phenomenological implications are worked out for flavor changing neutral currents involving strange, charm, beauty and top quark transitions in a model-independent way. We put forward novel tests of lepton universality and lepton flavor conservation in $$|\varDelta c|= |\varDelta u|=1$$

|
Δ
c
|
=
|
Δ
u
|
=
1

and $$|\varDelta b|= |\varDelta q|=1$$

|
Δ
b
|
=
|
Δ
q
|
=
1

, $$q=d,s$$

q
=
d
,
s

, transitions suitable for the experiments Belle II and BES III. Single top production plus dileptons uniquely probes semileptonic four-fermion $$|\varDelta t|= |\varDelta q'|=1$$

|
Δ
t
|
=
|
Δ

q
′

|
=
1

, $$q'=u,c$$

q
′

=
u
,
c

, couplings and further study at the LHC is encouraged. Tests with single top production associated with dileptons and missing energy are suitable for study at future $$e^+ e^-$$

e
+

e
-

or muon colliders.
A data-based parametrization of parton distribution functions
Authors: Carrazza Stefano , Cruz-Martinez Juan , Stegeman Roy
Published: February 2022

Since the first determination of a structure function many decades ago, all methodologies used to determine structure functions or parton distribution functions (PDFs) have employed a common prefactor as part of the parametrization. The NNPDF collaboration pioneered the use of neural networks to overcome the inherent bias of constraining the space of solution with a fixed functional form while still keeping the same common prefactor as a preprocessing. Over the years various, increasingly sophisticated, techniques have been introduced to counter the effect of the prefactor on the PDF determination. In this paper we present a methodology to perform a data-based scaling of the Bjorken x input parameter which facilitates the removal the prefactor, thereby significantly simplifying the methodology, without a loss of efficiency and finding good agreement with previous results.
A Knowledge-Based System for Intelligent Control Model of Rice and Wheat Combine Harvester
Authors: Li Bo , Liu Yanli , Zhang Heng , Jiang Qing
Published: February 2022

The intelligent regulation and control strategies for rice and wheat combine harvesters’ operation are lacking and the rule of parameter matching is fuzzy in China, around these issues. The dynamic correlation control law among the parameters of rice and wheat, cleaning operation parameters of combine harvesters, the cleaning loss rate and impurity rate, and so on are studied. The intelligent control model for the rice and wheat combine harvester is established based on case-based reasoning (CBR). According to different rice and wheat varieties, water content and other rice and wheat properties, the control scheme of cleaning fan speed, air distributor plate angle and upper sieve opening with low cleaning impurity rate and cleaning loss rate is provided. Through the development of web-based cleaning intelligent control expert system and experimental evaluation, the feasibility and effectiveness of the CBR method in the intelligent control filed of rice and wheat combine harvesters are verified.
Hardware Fuzzy Scheduler for Real-Time Independent Tasks
Authors: Slimani Khaled , Hadaoui Rebiha , Lalam Mustapha
Published: February 2022

Several scheduling algorithms that have been proposed for Real-Time Operating System (RTOS) are supposed to be optimal. However, optimal scheduling is only theoretical due to the possibility of system overload where it cannot meet the deadlines of tasks. Besides, these algorithms are implemented in the RTOS, which generates additional overheads that can lead to the “nonscheduling” of certain independent tasks. In this paper, we propose an original solution for nonschedulable independent tasks in embedded systems. This solution, named Hybrid Fuzzy Earliest Deadline First Scheduling algorithm (HFEDFS), is based on the Earliest Deadline First algorithm (EDF) and Fuzzy Logic. It is characterized by a rejection policy and a rescheduling mechanism. The experimental results show that our proposed algorithm improves the system’s performance. To reduce extra overheads of RTOS, this algorithm is implemented on a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) circuit (Xilinx Virtex-5 LX50T-1156 board from DIGILENT).
Locality-Sensitive Hashing-Based Link Prediction Process on Smart Campus Education or Online Social Platform
Authors: Liu Hanwen , Meng Shunmei , Hou Jun , Wang Shuo , Li Qianmu , Huang Chanying
Published: February 2022

With the development of the Internet, smart campus education and online social platforms have become the mainstream of establishing social relationships. Although many users communicate by social networks, the social networks are caught in the problem of relationship sparsity, which severely impedes users’ communication space. More fatally, in the course of building social relationships, the disclosure of sensitive information will cause users’ privacy vulnerable to be compromised by attackers. Therefore, this paper proposes a potential social relationships prediction approach based on locality-sensitive hashing (LSH) to address the above issues. Specifically, the LSH clusters similar users into the same bucket, and the fuzzy computing method is developed to predict the types of social relationships among these similar users. To further alleviate the relationship sparsity problem, the existing social network structure is utilized to predict users’ social relationships and relationship types. Furthermore, the rationality of prediction results is verified by using the social balance theory (SBT). Finally, massive experiments are executed on Epinions, and the experimental results further confirmed the efficiency and accuracy of our methodology in terms of link prediction while guaranteeing privacy-preservation.
Symmetric union presentations for 2-bridge ribbon knots
Authors: Lamm Christoph
Published: February 2022

We prove that all 2-bridge ribbon knots are symmetric unions.
Numerical Simulation for Vortex-Induced Vibration (VIV) of a High-Rise Building Based on Two-Way Coupled Fluid-Structure Interaction Method
Authors: Yan Bowen , Ren Hongyu , Li Dalong , Yuan Yangjin , Li Ke , Yang Qingshan , Deng Xiaowei
Published: February 2022

The vortex shedding phenomenon caused by flow separation at windward corners of a high-rise building would lead to significant vortex-induced vibrations (VIVs). This paper proposes a novel and efficient two-way coupled fluid-structure interaction (FSI) method named as equivalent lumped mass system (ELMS) method to study the wind-induced responses of the Common Advisory Aeronautical Council (CAARC) building. The numerical results of ELMS are validated based on available data of aeroelastic tests. To verify the computational efficiency of ELMS method, this study also employs the other two two-way coupled FSI methods (free-form deformation (FFD) method and mapping interpolation algorithms in system coupling (MIASC) method) to simulate the response of the same high-rise building. Furthermore, the VIV mechanisms of the high-rise building are explicitly discussed based on the numerical results of the ELMS method combined with large eddy simulation (LES). The outcomes show that the ELMS method could well capture the significant amplification of cross-wind response and “lock-in” phenomenon at the range of the critical wind speed. Moreover, the computational efficiency of the ELMS method is much improved compared with the other two FSI methods. The spatial correlation and spectral coherence of the local loads at different heights of the building are increased significantly at the “lock-in” stage. The findings in this study would facility the comprehensive understanding of the VIV phenomena of the high-rise building and provide an efficient two-way coupled FSI method for engineers and researchers involved in the wind-resistant design of slender tall buildings.
On the division fields of an elliptic curve and an effective bound to the hypotheses of the local-global divisibility
Authors: Dvornicich Roberto , Paladino Laura
Published: February 2022

We investigate some aspects of the [Formula: see text]-division field [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is an elliptic curve defined over a field [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is a positive integer. When [Formula: see text], with [Formula: see text] a prime and [Formula: see text] a positive integer, we prove [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is a generating system of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is a primitive [Formula: see text]th root of unity. If [Formula: see text] has a [Formula: see text]-rational point of order [Formula: see text], then [Formula: see text] for some [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. For every number field [Formula: see text], we produce an upper bound to the logarithmic height of the discriminant of the extension [Formula: see text] for all [Formula: see text]. As a consequence, we consider a version of the local-global divisibility problem in elliptic curves over number fields, where the local conditions are known only for finitely many places.
A Cu(II)-BTC Metal-Organic Framework Modified Carbon Paste Electrode and Its Application as Electrochemical Sensor for Methanol Determination
Authors: Cruz-Navarro J. Antonio , Mendoza-Huizar L. Humberto , Salazar-Pereda Verónica , Romo-Gómez Claudia , Cobos-Murcia J. Ángel , Álvarez-Romero Giaan A.
Published: February 2022

This work presents a novel electrochemical sensor for methanol, based on a Cu(II) Metal-Organic Framework. The copper (II) benzenetricarboxylic metal-organic framework (Cu-BTC) was synthesized in mild condition at room temperature, and the obtained crystals were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The obtained Cu-BTC was incorporated at different ratios (7, 15, 30 wt%) in carbon paste electrodes to determine its electrocatalytic activity in the absence and the presence of methanol. The electrodes were characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). An anodic peak response toward methanol was observed at 1.25 V using 0.1 M NaOH as supporting electrolyte, with a maximum current density of 10 mA. Also, the oxidation signal of methanol in the presence of ethanol was studied by DPV. The quantitative analysis of methanol in the presence of ethanol using the modified electrode presented a LOD, LOQ and sensitivity values of 0.0511 mM, 0.1549 mM, and 19.8 mA mM−1 cm−2, respectively. The results demonstrated the high potential of Cu-BTC as part of electrochemical sensors for the determination of methanol in actual samples.
A Facile Strategy to Boost the Active Sites of Fe–N–C Electrocatalyst for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Shen Shuiyun , Li Lin , Fu Cehuang , Wei Guanghua , Cheng Xiaojing , Yin Jiewei , Yan Xiaohui , Wu Gang , Zhang Junliang
Published: February 2022

A highly active Fe/N doped porous carbon electrocatalyst is constructed benefiting from the elaborate employment of benzimidazole (BIm) as nitrogen precursor. Compared with 2-methylimidazole (2-MIm), BIm can strongly capture Fe ions and strengthen the Fe–N bond, thus more Fe–N4 active sites form in the electrocatalyst with an enhanced catalytic activity towards oxygen reduction. The optimal sample exhibits a half-wave potential of 0.80 V vs RHE in acidic media.
Coupled Geomechanics and Flow Modeling of Fractured Reservoirs considering Matrix Permeability Anisotropy
Authors: Wu Dawei , Di Yuan , Wu Yu-Shu
Published: February 2022

The effect of geomechanics is crucial in the modeling of fractured reservoirs since fractures can be more stress-sensitive than the rock matrix. In fractured reservoirs, the microscale fractures are often homogenized into the matrix continuum leading to matrix permeability anisotropy. The embedded discrete fracture model (EDFM) is becoming increasingly popular for numerical simulation of fractured reservoirs and has been successfully employed in the simulation of coupled geomechanics and flow systems. However, the anisotropic permeability of matrix cannot be considered in traditional EDFM. An approach of coupled geomechanics and flow modeling is proposed for fractured reservoirs considering anisotropic matrix permeability. In order to calculate the fluid exchange between fractures and rock matrix in an anisotropic formation, an integrally embedded discrete fracture model (IEDFM) is used. The geomechanics model of the proposed approach uses an equivalent continuum approach, which introduces an equivalent material to represent the overall deformation of the fractured rock under normal and shear stresses. The constitutive relations of the equivalent continuum are derived rigorously from stress-strain analysis, where the stress-dependent moduli of natural fractures are included. The coupled geomechanics and flow system is solved using the fixed-stress split iterative coupling strategy with the dynamic hydraulic parameters of matrix and fractures updated separately. Several examples are performed to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed approach for modeling the coupled geomechanics and flow system in fractured reservoirs considering anisotropic permeability. The effect of anisotropy is investigated, which indicates that the dynamic behavior of a fracture is highly orientation-related due to initial stress anisotropy and matrix permeability anisotropy. Simulations also show that the anisotropic matrix permeability affects the compaction in the reservoir domain, which reflects on the performance of production.
The Energy Potential of Harvested Wood Fuel by Refugees in Northern Uganda
Authors: Barasa Bernard , Turyabanawe Loy , Akello Gertrude , Gudoyi Paul Makoba , Nabatta Claire , Mulabbi Andrew
Published: February 2022

For the last three decades, Uganda has lost considerable natural vegetation cover in the refugee settlements and buffer zones due to the high demand for wood fuel and timber. It is worthy to note that the supplies of wood fuel are more likely to dwindle in the near future. This study explored the determinants of harvested wood-fuel choices and their energy potential. It also examined the implemented energy conservation measures and constraints faced by the refugees both in Palorinya and Imvepi refugee settlements in Northern Uganda. The data were collected by conducting household interviews and collection of wood species samples for energy potential laboratory analysis. Findings indicate that the major sources of wood fuel were firewood, charcoal, briquettes, and biomass fuels. The major refugee choices that determined wood-fuel collection included the family size of the house hold, culture, method of cooking, type of food cooked, high poverty levels, and availability of family labour (

P
≤
0.05

). The sampled wood tree species had the highest energy potential were Celtis durandii (5,837 kcal/kg), Parkinsonia aculeata (5,771 kcal/kg), Delonix regia (5,153 kcal/kg), and Bligihia unijugata (5,034 kcal/kg). Access to wood fuel by the households was mainly constrained by limited household income levels, long distances trekked, and inadequate awareness about wood fuel sources and availability. To conserve wood fuel, the refugees deploy several measures including the use of mobile solar gadgets for cooking and lighting, taking up agroforestry, use of briquettes, adoption of energy-saving cooking stoves, and establishment of new woodlots. Therefore, to reverse this trend, the Ugandan government and development partners should prioritise energy investments by supporting cheaper energy alternatives such as mobile solar gadgets and energy-saving cooking technologies, and establishment of woodlots.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Its Relationship with Dental Anxiety among Pregnant Women in Dammam, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Nazir Muhammad Ashraf , AlSharief Mishali , Al-Ansari Asim , El Akel Ahmed , AlBishi Fai , Khan Shahd , Alotaibi Gadah , AlRatroot Soha
Published: February 2022

Objective. To assess the relationship between generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), dental anxiety (DA), and other factors among pregnant women. Methods. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scale and the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) were used to evaluate GAD and DA, respectively. Hard copies of self-administered questionnaires were distributed among 780 pregnant women attending hospitals/health centers in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. Results. About 31.7% of the participants demonstrated minimal anxiety, 37.9% mild anxiety, 19.7% moderate anxiety, and 10.6% severe anxiety. The mean GAD score of the sample was 7.53 ± 5.16 which differed significantly among women in the first (7.74 ± 5.47), second (6.82 ± 4.64), and third trimesters (8.13 ± 5.37)P=0.029. Pregnant women who performed routine dental visits demonstrated lower GAD (6.98 ± 5.23) than those who visited dentists for consultation, pain, or treatment (7.58 ± 5.07). The mean GAD score was significantly higher among participants with dental pain or discomfort during the last 12 months (8.12 ± 5.05) than among those without pain or discomfort (7.02 ± 5.2) (P0.003). Similarly, the participants with DA showed a significantly higher mean GAD score (7.69 ± 5.17) than those without DA (5.93 ± 4.71) (P0.006). Multivariate linear regression showed that GAD significantly correlated with DA (B = 0.225,P<0.001). Conclusion. In the present study, GAD was common among pregnant women which significantly correlated with DA. Pregnant women with DA and dental pain demonstrated high GAD. Preventive and therapeutic measures should be taken to reduce GAD and DA during pregnancy.
Awareness and Attitude of Surgeons regarding Dental Erosion on Patients Who Underwent Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Aldowah Omir
Published: February 2022

Background. The obesity epidemic is considered one of the main challenges for modern medicine. It has been proven that bariatric surgery is more effective than nonsurgical interventions to manage weight-related comorbidities. The general surgeon needs to understand how tooth erosion advances in gastroesophageal reflux in people who have had bariatric surgery. Dental erosion caused due to gastric reflux begins with the enamel, which is the tough, protective coating that covers our teeth. While it is tough, it is prone to an extremely acidic environment with a low pH, where it begins to soften and demineralize, gradually wearing away and exposing the more sensitive areas of the tooth. Because of the growing popularity of this subspecialty, general surgeons should develop a basic clinical and surgical understanding of these standard procedures and complications, regardless of their interest in obesity surgery. Aim. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the awareness and attitude of surgeons regarding dental erosion on patients who underwent bariatric surgery. Materials and Methods. This cross-sectional study was conducted on general surgeons from different regions of Saudi Arabia who perform bariatric surgeries. Data collection was done by sending the questionnaire to the general surgeons by different means of social media (WhatsApp, e-mail, Facebook, etc.), and it was also distributed through the Saudi Arabia Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Results. A total of 25 general surgeons responded to the survey. Half of the respondents know what dental erosion is, 52%. Most of them, 72%, are not aware of the relationship between dental erosion and acid reflux or vomiting. They reported that 52% of patients complain of gastroesophageal reflux disorder. Conclusion. The general surgeons had inadequate awareness and attitude regarding dental erosion on bariatric surgery patients. Our findings suggest that a lack of adequate awareness and a negative attitude among general surgeons are grounds for concern and that more should be done to avoid oral health complications.
Morphological Control: Properties and Applications of Metal Nanostructures
Authors: Chupradit Supat , Kavitha M. , Suksatan Wanich , Ansari Mohammad Javed , Al Mashhadani Zuhair I. , Kadhim Mustafa M. , Mustafa Yasser Fakri , Shafik Shafik S. , Kianfar Ehsan
Published: February 2022

Metal nanomaterials with special physicochemical and plasmatic properties have a wide range of applications in various fields including catalysts, plasmon devices, spectroscopy, fuel cell, and various sensors including chemical, colorimetric, and fluorescence sensors. These applications are made possible by controlling the morphology and properties of nanostructures and increasing their selectivity. Various methods have been developed for the synthesis of metal nanostructures, including the use of prefabricated patterns or hard templates such as anodic aluminum oxide and soft molds such as cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB).
Ultrasonic Characteristics of Diastasis Recti Abdominis in Early Postpartum
Authors: Tan Lina , Ran Suzhen , Dong Hongmei , Wei Jun , Ran Haitao
Published: February 2022

Objective. Explore the ultrasound characteristics of early postpartum Diastasis Recti Abdominis (DRA) and provide effective data support for its clinical diagnosis and treatment. Method. A total of 458 parturients who were diagnosed with DRA in the Chongqing Maternal and Child Health Hospital from December 2017 to September 2020 underwent postpartum ultrasound examinations. All of which were located at four points: 6 cm above the umbilicus (point 1), 3 cm above the umbilicus (point 2), umbilicus (point 3), and 3 cm below the umbilicus (point 4) to detect the interrectus distance (IRD) in the resting and sit-up state of the parturients postpartum and to study the differences in maternal age, weight, and ultrasound diagnosis of IRD at different stages after delivery. Results. The IRD values of the four measurement points in the resting state of the parturient were significantly greater than the IRD values in the sit-up state. And in the resting state, the IRD value (

4.31
±
1.07
 
cm

) of the point 3 region was the largest, and there were significant differences at different stages of the postpartum women. At the same time, the IRD values of points 3 and 4 have significant differences in parturient of different ages. In addition, the IRD values of the four measurement points of overweight women were higher than those of nonoverweight women. Conclusion. The umbilicus is the best ultrasound evaluation point for early postpartum DRA. The IRD value at this point in the resting state can be used as reference data for evaluating early postpartum DRA, which provides a useful reference for rapid postpartum recovery of parturients.
Career Recommendation for College Students Based on Deep Learning and Machine Learning
Authors: Wan Qing , Ye Lin
Published: February 2022

With the popularization of higher education, China’s higher education has moved from the stage of elite education to the stage of universal education, and the number of graduates is also increasing. At present, college students are facing tremendous pressure on employment. One is the huge number of jobs, the other is the difference in professional needs, and the third is the spread of job information, which makes it difficult for college students to find a job that suits them. In order to solve this dilemma, this paper analyzes the related technologies and in-depth basic theories of data mining. After introducing several traditional recommendation algorithms, the traditional convolutional network method is improved from three aspects: activation function, pooling strategy, and loss function. Finally, using the hybrid convolutional neural network, a career recommendation model for college students based on deep learning and machine learning is proposed, and simulation experiments are carried out on it. The main research work is as follows: (1) a hybrid convolutional neural network is proposed, which uses convolution operation to learn high-level features to achieve personalized employment recommendation; (2) the training optimization strategy of the hybrid convolutional neural network is studied, aiming at the activation function, pooling processing, and loss function, and the feasibility of the optimization method is verified through simulation experiments; (3) finally, according to the evaluation index of the recommendation algorithm (recall rate and F1-Score), the recall rate of the algorithm in this paper is nearly 15% higher than that of the DNN model. The experiment is compared with the traditional commonly used recommendation algorithm, and the comparative analysis of the experimental results proves the effectiveness of the algorithm for the employment recommendation of college students.
Sports Video Panorama Synthesis Technology Based on Edge Computing and Video Shot Boundary Detection
Authors: Chen Xu
Published: February 2022

The development requirements for sports panorama synthesis technology, which rely on modern network technology, abandon traditional basketball training forms, and make effective use of the application and development of video panorama technology in the actual training process, are not only an important response to the current characteristics of students’ physical education learning and physical and mental growth but also an important response to the current characteristics of students’ physical education learning and physical and mental growth. In sports video analysis technology, a sports video panorama is a technical tool that converts an action video into a static action panorama to achieve the effect of action freezing and make overall analysis and mastery of the action easier. Shot segmentation is the foundation of hierarchical video structure, and it necessitates the accurate detection of all types of complex edited shot boundaries, as well as the effective distinction of motion changes in shots, in order to avoid shot boundary recognition being hampered. The synthesis technology for sports video panorama is investigated in this paper using edge computing and video shot boundary detection. After obtaining the boundary feature that describes the video shot, a comparison of this feature with a predetermined threshold value can be used to determine whether there is shot shear.
Evolving Long Short-Term Memory Network-Based Text Classification
Authors: Singh Arjun , Dargar Shashi Kant , Gupta Amit , Kumar Ashish , Srivastava Atul Kumar , Srivastava Mitali , Kumar Tiwari Pradeep , Ullah Mohammad Aman
Published: February 2022

Recently, long short-term memory (LSTM) networks are extensively utilized for text classification. Compared to feed-forward neural networks, it has feedback connections, and thus, it has the ability to learn long-term dependencies. However, the LSTM networks suffer from the parameter tuning problem. Generally, initial and control parameters of LSTM are selected on a trial and error basis. Therefore, in this paper, an evolving LSTM (ELSTM) network is proposed. A multiobjective genetic algorithm (MOGA) is used to optimize the architecture and weights of LSTM. The proposed model is tested on a well-known factory reports dataset. Extensive analyses are performed to evaluate the performance of the proposed ELSTM network. From the comparative analysis, it is found that the LSTM network outperforms the competitive models.
Interval‐Valued q‐Rung Orthopair Fuzzy QUALIFLEX Decision Analysis Method with Dombi Operators
Authors: Wan Benting , Zhang Xiaolu , Xiong Meifang , Wang Zhenwu
Published: February 2022

As a new and useful decision tool, interval‐valued q‐rung orthopair fuzzy set (IVq‐ROFS), has strong ability to address uncertain or imprecision information in practical decision‐making processes. This paper develops a new interval‐valued q‐rung orthopair fuzzy QUALIFLEX decision analysis method with Dombi operators for handling the group decision‐making problems with IVq‐ROFSs data. We also conduct a case study on the health management of hypertensive patients for demonstrating the feasibility and superiority of the developed method. The main contributions of this paper are as follows: (1) we first propose interval‐valued q‐rung orthopair fuzzy Dombi operational laws and investigate their desirable properties; (2) using the developed Dombi operational laws, we develop an interval‐valued q‐rung orthopair fuzzy Dombi weighted average (IVq‐ROFDWA) operator, and we prove that the IVq‐ROFDWA operator satisfies the properties of idempotency, commutativity, boundedness, and monotonicity; (3) we introduce the concept of interval‐valued q‐rung orthopair fuzzy ideal group opinions with the help of IVq‐ROFDWA operator and propose a new weight‐determining method for identifying the weights of experts; (4) we develop a new interval‐valued q‐rung orthopair fuzzy distance measure. With the help of the developed distance measure, we calculate interval‐valued q‐rung orthopair fuzzy concordance/discordance index under each permutation, and then a new interval‐valued q‐rung orthopair fuzzy QUALIFLEX decision analysis method is developed for addressing the complex multiattribute group decision‐making problems with IVq‐ROFSs.
An Improved Protocol for Verifiable Polynomial Cloud Outsourcing Computation
Authors: Ye Jun , Yang Zewen , An Fanglin , Zhang Yin , Zhao Kejie , Wang Hongqi
Published: February 2022

The cloud computing industry is booming, which involves a large amount of data transmission and calculation, and polynomial calculation is the most basic calculation. Since polynomial calculations have extremely high requirements on the computing power of computing equipment, in most cases, the computing equipment in the user’s hands cannot meet the computing requirements. The user needs to calculate but has no way to do it by himself. In this case, the computing task must be handed over to the cloud server. Aiming at the untrustworthy problem of the cloud server environment, an improved verifiable polynomial cloud outsourcing computing protocol scheme based on the previous outsourcing computing protocol is proposed to ensure the security of the computing process, the privacy of the computing content, and the verifiability of the computing results. This solution hides all the calculation parameters behind the deformed encrypted parameters, so the cloud server cannot obtain the user’s true parameters during the calculation process, and the calculation results can be verified by the user on the client with minimal computing power.
Identification and Validation of 7-lncRNA Signature of Epigenetic Disorders by Comprehensive Epigenetic Analysis
Authors: Cao Peng , Li Fan , Xiao Yajie , Hu Shan , Kong Kangle , Han Peng , Yue Jiaqi , Deng Yu , Zhao Zhikun , Wu Dongfang , Zhang Lu , Zhao Bo
Published: February 2022

The survival rate of patients with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is low. This study analyzed the correlation between the expression of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) and epigenetic alterations along with the investigation of the prognostic value of these outcomes for LUAD. Differentially expressed lncRNAs were identified based on multiomic data and positively related genes using DESeq2 in R, differentially histone-modifying genes specific to LUAD based on histone modification data, gene enhancers from information collected from the FANTOM5 (Function Annotation Of The Mammalian Genome-5) (fantom.gsc.riken.jp/5) human enhancer database, gene promoters using the ChIPseeker and the human lincRNAs Transcripts database in R, and differentially methylated regions (DMRs) using Bumphunter in R. Overall survival was estimated by Kaplan-Meier, comparisons were performed among groups using log-rank tests to derive differences between sample subclasses, and epigenetic lncRNAs (epi-lncRNAs) potentially relevant to LUAD prognosis were identified. A total of seven dysregulated epi-lncRNAs in LUAD were identified by comparing histone modifications and alterations in histone methylation regions on lncRNA promoter and enhancer elements, including H3K4me2, H3K27me3, H3K4me1, H3K9me3, H4K20me1, H3K9ac, H3K79me2, H3K27ac, H3K4me3, and H3K36me3. Furthermore, 69 LUAD-specific dysregulated epi-lncRNAs were identified. Moreover, lncRNAs-based prognostic analysis of LUAD samples was performed and explored that seven of these lncRNAs, including A2M-AS1, AL161431.1, DDX11-AS1, FAM83A-AS1, MHENCR, MNX1-AS1, and NKILA (7-EpiLncRNA), showed the potential to serve as markers for LUAD prognosis. Additionally, patients having a high 7-EpiLncRNA score showed a generally more unfavorable prognosis compared with those which scored lower. Seven lncRNAs were identified as markers of prognosis in patients with LUAD. The outcomes of this research will help us understand epigenetically aberrant regulation of lncRNA expression in LUAD in a better way and have implications for research advances in the regulatory role of lncRNAs in LUAD.
Design of Student Bedding Management System Based on Intelligent Monitoring Bed
Authors: Fu Shaohua , Xiong Youwei , Yi Linfeng
Published: February 2022

In order to solve the problems related to the management of students’ bedtime in vocational colleges and improve the efficiency of students’ bedtime management, an intelligent bed for students’ bedtime management is designed, which is composed of bed and sensor unit, signal processing unit, and ZigBee transmission unit. The algorithm of the collected pressure sensor data is improved, and an improved amplitude limiting lag average filtering algorithm is proposed. The management system uses the methods of composite collection of information, intelligent processing, big data analysis, etc. to upload the data to the cloud server, through the mobile phone app and other terminals to timely grasp the sleeping situation of students at night. The experiment shows that the system improves the efficiency of students’ bedtime management by 10%.