bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterising Kenyan hospitals’ suitability for medical officer internship training: a secondary data analysis of a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhao Yingxi , Osano Boniface , Were Fred , Kiarie Helen , Nicodemo Catia , Gathara David , English Mike
Published: May 2022

Objective

To characterise the capacity of Kenya internship hospitals to understand whether they are suitable to provide internship training for medical doctors.

Design

A secondary data analysis of a cross-sectional health facility assessment (Kenya Harmonized Health Facility Assessment (KHFA) 2018).

Setting and population

We analysed 61 out of all 74 Kenyan hospitals that provide internship training for medical doctors.

Outcome measures

Comparing against the minimum requirement outlined in the national guidelines for medical officer interns, we filtered and identified 166 indicators from the KHFA survey questionnaire and grouped them into 12 domains. An overall capacity index was calculated as the mean of 12 domain-specific scores for each facility.

Results

The average overall capacity index is 69% (95% CI 66% to 72%) for all internship training centres. Hospitals have moderate capacity (over 60%) for most of the general domains, although there is huge variation between hospitals and only 29 out of 61 hospitals have five or more specialists assigned, employed, seconded or part-time—as required by the national guideline. Quality and safety score was low across all hospitals with an average score of 40%. As for major specialties, all hospitals have good capacity for surgery and obstetrics-gynaecology, while mental health was poorest in comparison. Level 5 and 6 facilities (provincial and national hospitals) have higher capacity scores in all domains when compared with level 4 hospitals (equivalent to district hospitals).

Conclusion

Major gaps exist in staffing, equipment and service availability of Kenya internship hospitals. Level 4 hospitals (equivalent to district hospitals) are more likely to have a lower capacity index, leading to low quality of care, and should be reviewed and improved to provide appropriate and well-resourced training for interns and to use appropriate resources to avoid improvising.
Has a change in established care pathways during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic led to an excess death rate in the fragility fracture population? A longitudinal cohort study of 1846 patients
Authors: Ikram Adeel , Norrish Alan , Ollivere Luke , Nightingale Jessica , Valdes Ana , Ollivere Benjamin J
Published: May 2022

Objective

During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, changes to established care pathways and discharge thresholds for patients with fragility fractures were made. This was to increase hospital bed capacity and minimise the inpatient risk of contracting COVID-19. This study aims to identify the excess death rate in this population during the first wave of the pandemic.

Design

A longitudinal cohort study of patients with fragility fractures identified by specific International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10 codes. The first wave of the pandemic was defined as the 3-month period between 1 March and 1 June 2020. The control group presented between 1 March and 1 June 2019.

Setting

Two acute National Health Service hospitals within the East Midlands region of England.

Participants

1846 patients with fragility fractures over the aforementioned two specified matched time points.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Four-month mortality of all patients with fragility fractures with a subanalysis of patients with fragility hip fractures.

Results

832 patients with fragility fracture were admitted during the pandemic period (104 diagnosed with COVID-19). 1014 patients presented with fragility fractures in the control group. Mortality in patients with fragility fracture without COVID-19 was significantly higher among pandemic period admissions (14.7%) than the pre-pandemic cohort (10.2%) (HR=1.86; 95% CI 1.41 to 2.45; p<0.001) adjusted for age and sex. Length of stay was shorter during the pandemic period (effect size=−4.2 days; 95% CI −5.8 to –3.1, p<0.001). Subanalysis of patients with fragility hip fracture revealed a mortality of 8.4% in the pre-pandemic cohort, and 15.48% during pandemic admissions with no COVID-19 diagnosis (HR=2.08; 95% CI 1.11 to 3.90; p=0.021).

Conclusions

There is a significant increase in excess death, not explained by confirmed COVID-19 infections. Altered care pathways and aggressive discharge criteria during the pandemic are likely responsible for the increase in excess deaths.
The COVID-19 vaccine patent: a right without rationale
Authors: Althabhawi Nabeel Mahdi , Kashef Al-Ghetaa Ali Adil
Published: May 2022

Since the approval of COVID-19 vaccines, international efforts have intensified on vaccination schemes perceived as the only light at the end of the tunnel. Governments are working tirelessly to scale up the number of vaccinated people, just as vaccine manufacturers are stretching their facilities to meet the increasing demand for doses. The international community is trying to help the poorest countries in the world by improving vaccine supplies and removing obstacles. In this regard, India and South Africa have applied to World Trade Organisation to waive vaccine-related intellectual property rights. The proposal has sparked off academic debates as to its merit. This article addresses the waiver controversy. Following a critical review of both dimensions of the controversy, the article concentrates on the extent to which the waiver application contradicts the theoretical justification of the patent system. It concludes that the concerns raised over the conflict between the waiver proposal and the patent right philosophy are indefensible.
Human T-cell leukaemia virus type 1 and Adult T-cell leukaemia/lymphoma in Queensland, Australia: a retrospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Martin Fabiola , Gilks Charles F , Gibb Robert , Jenkins Alana , Protani Melinda , Francis Fleur , Redmond Andrew M , Neilsen Graham , Mudge David , Wolley Martin , Binotto Enzo , Norton Robert , Nimmo Graeme R , Heney Claire
Published: May 2022

Objectives

Human T-cell leukaemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1), an STI, is reported to be highly prevalent in Indigenous communities in Central Australia. HTLV-1 is an incurable, chronic infection which can cause Adult T-cell leukaemia/lymphoma (ATL). ATL is associated with high morbidity and mortality, with limited treatment options. We studied the prevalence of HTLV-1 and ATL in the state of Queensland, Australia.

Methods

Serum samples stored at healthcare services in Brisbane, Townsville and Cairns and at haemodialysis units in Brisbane (2018–2019) were screened for HTLV-1/2 antibodies using the Abbott ARCHITECT chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA) for antibodies against gp46-I, gp46-II and GD21 (Abbott CMIA, ARCHITECT). Reactive samples were confirmed through Western blot. Pooled Australian National Cancer Registry surveillance data reporting on cases coded for ATL (2004–2015) were analysed.

Results

Two out of 2000 hospital and health services samples were confirmed HTLV-1-positive (0.1%, 95% CI 0.02% to 0.4%), both in older women, one Indigenous and one non-Indigenous. All 540 haemodialysis samples tested negative for HTLV. All samples were HTLV-2-negative. Ten out of 42 (24.8%) reported cases of ATL in Australia were from Queensland (crude incidence rate 0.025/100 000; 95% CI 0.011 to 0.045); most cases were seen in adult men of non-Indigenous origin. Nineteen deaths due to ATL were recorded in Australia.

Conclusion

We confirm that HTLV-1 and ATL were detected in Queensland in Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. These results highlight the need for HTLV-1 prevalence studies in populations at risk of STIs to allow the implementation of focused public health sexual and mother-to-child transmission prevention strategies.
Association of high-risk sexual behaviours with sexually transmitted infections among men who have sex with men living with HIV
Authors: Raccagni Angelo Roberto , Poli Andrea , Galli Laura , Spagnuolo Vincenzo , Bruzzesi Elena , Muccini Camilla , Gianotti Nicola , Canetti Diana , Mainardi Ilaria , Castagna Antonella , Nozza Silvia
Published: May 2022

Objectives

To explore different sexual behaviours as risk factors for STI among men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study on MSM living with HIV followed at the Infectious Diseases Unit of San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, with at least one diagnosis of gonorrhoea, syphilis, chlamydia or anal human papilloma virus (HPV), between July 2016 and February 2021. We conducted a survey on high-risk sexual behaviours with regard to (1) mean number of partners per month, (2) estimated percentage of condom use and (3) most frequent type of sexual intercourse during 2016–2021. Data on these variables were grouped as follows: (1a) ≤5 vs >5, (1b) >10 vs ≤10, (2a) 0% vs >0%, (2b) ≤50% vs >50%, (2c) 100% vs <100%, (3a) ≥50% vs <50% receptive, (3b) 100% vs <100% insertive, and (3c) 100% vs <100% receptive. A high-risk group was defined as >5 partners, <100% use of condom and ≥50% receptive intercourse. Univariate logistic regressions were applied to assess the association between sexual behaviours and the risk of each STI.

Results

Out of 1051 MSM with at least one STI diagnosis, 580 (55%) answered the survey. The risk of chlamydia was lower among individuals with ≤5 partners (≤5 partners vs >5 partners: OR=0.43, 95% CI 0.28 to 0.66, p=0.001) and among those using condoms more frequently (≤50% use of condom vs >50% use of condom: OR=1.55, 95% CI 1.06 to 2.27, p=0.025; 100% vs <100%: OR=0.35, 95% CI 0.20 to 0.59, p=0.001). Individuals using condoms more frequently also had lower risk of gonorrhoea (100% use of condom vs <100% use of condom: OR=0.37, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.79, p=0.011). The risks of chlamydia (OR=3.07, 95% CI 1.92 to 4.90, p<0.001) and gonorrhoea (OR=2.05, 95% CI 1.12 to 3.75, p=0.020) were higher among individuals belonging to the high-risk group.

Conclusions

Chlamydia and gonorrhoea are more likely associated with high-risk sexual behaviours than syphilis and anal HPV among MSM living with HIV.
Ice flavours and non-menthol synthetic cooling agents in e-cigarette products: a review
Authors: Leventhal Adam M , Tackett Alayna P , Whitted Lauren , Jordt Sven Eric , Jabba Sairam V
Published: May 2022

E-cigarettes with cooling flavours have diversified in ways that complicate tobacco control with the emergence of: (1) Ice-hybrid flavours (eg, ‘Raspberry Ice’) that combine cooling and fruity/sweet properties; and (2) Products containing non-menthol synthetic cooling agents (eg, Wilkinson Sword (WS), WS-3, WS-23 (termed ‘koolada’)). This paper reviews the background, chemistry, toxicology, marketing, user perceptions, use prevalence and policy implications of e-cigarette products with ice-hybrid flavours or non-menthol coolants. Scientific literature search supplemented with industry-generated and user-generated information found: (a) The tobacco industry has developed products containing synthetic coolants since 1974, (b) WS-3 and WS-23 are detected in mass-manufactured e-cigarettes (eg, PuffBar); (c) While safe for limited oral ingestion, inhalational toxicology and health effects from daily synthetic coolant exposure are unknown and merit scientific inquiry and attention from regulatory agencies; (d) Ice-hybrid flavours are marketed with themes incorporating fruitiness and/or coolness (eg, snow-covered raspberries); (e) WS-23/WS-3 concentrates also are sold as do-it-yourself additives, (f) Pharmacology research and user-generated and industry-generated information provide a premise to hypothesise that e-cigarette products with ice flavours or non-menthol cooling agents generate pleasant cooling sensations that mask nicotine’s harshness while lacking certain aversive features of menthol-only products, (g) Adolescent and young adult use of e-cigarettes with ice-hybrid or other cooling flavours may be common and cross-sectionally associated with more frequent vaping and nicotine dependence in convenience samples. Evidence gaps in the epidemiology, toxicology, health effects and smoking cessation-promoting potential of using these products exist. E-cigarettes with ice flavours or synthetic coolants merit scientific and regulatory attention.
Impact of fines on the accumulated strain of unsaturated road base aggregate under cyclic loadings
Authors: Cao Zhigang , Zhang Qi , Cai Yuanqiang , Cui Yujun , Gu Chuan , Wang Jun
Published: May 2022

The property of a road base depends on its fine content (FC) and water content/suction. In this study, a cyclic loading test was carried out on road base aggregate with different FCs under controlled suction. The different effects of fines on the accumulated strain of road base aggregate at different FCs and suctions were identified. Under the saturated condition, the accumulated strain increased with FC due to the reduction of soil interparticle friction caused by the inclusion of fines. Under unsaturated conditions, the effect of fines on the accumulated strain depended on the inner structure of the soil. For the “coarse-grain-controlled soil” (FC in the range of 0%–4%), the accumulated strain increased with the increase of FC due to the reduction of interparticle friction, while for the “transition soil” (FC in the range of 4%–8%), the accumulated strain decreased with the increase of FC as the major impact of the fines shifted to the enhancement of suction, and the inclusion of fines is beneficial for this case; for the “fine-grain-controlled soil” (FC in the range of 8%–16%), the accumulated strain increased rapidly with FC as the effect of interparticle friction reduction dominated again.
Atlantic salmon farms are a likely source of Tenacibaculum maritimum infection in migratory Fraser River sockeye salmon
Authors: Bateman Andrew W. , Teffer Amy K. , Bass Arthur , Ming Tobi , Kaukinen Karia , Hunt Brian P.V. , Krkošek Martin , Miller Kristina M.
Published: May 2022

Juvenile sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) in British Columbia migrate past numerous Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) farms from which they may acquire infectious agents. We analyse patterns of molecular detection in juvenile sockeye for the bacterium Tenacibaculum maritimum, known to cause disease in fish globally and to cause mouthrot disease in farmed Atlantic salmon in British Columbia. Our data show a clear peak in T. maritimum detections in the Discovery Islands region of British Columbia, where sockeye migrate close to salmon farms. Using well-established differential equation models to describe sockeye migration and bacterial infection, fit to detection data, we assessed support for multiple hypotheses describing farm- and background-origin infection. Our best models (with 99.8% empirical support) describe constant background infection pressure, except around Discovery Islands salmon farms, where farm-origin infection pressure peaked at 12.7 (approximate 95% CI: 4.5 to 31) times background levels. Given the severity of associated disease in related species and the imperilled nature of Fraser River sockeye, our results suggest the need for a more precautionary approach to managing farm–wild interactions in sockeye salmon.
Sequential Hierarchical Learning with Distribution Transformation for Image Super-Resolution
Authors: Liu Yuqing , Zhang Xinfeng , Wang Shanshe , Ma Siwei , Gao Wen
Published: May 2022

Multi-scale design has been considered in recent image super-resolution (SR) works to explore the hierarchical feature information. Existing multi-scale networks aim at building elaborate blocks or progressive architecture for restoration. In general, larger scale features concentrate more on structural and high-level information, while smaller scale features contain plentiful details and textured information. In this point of view, information from larger scale features can be derived from smaller ones. Based on the observation, in this article, we build a sequential hierarchical learning super-resolution network (SHSR) for effective image SR. Specially, we consider the inter-scale correlations of features, and devise a sequential multi-scale block (SMB) to progressively explore the hierarchical information. SMB is designed in a recursive way based on the linearity of convolution with restricted parameters. Besides the sequential hierarchical learning, we also investigate the correlations among the feature maps and devise a distribution transformation block (DTB). Different from attention-based methods, DTB regards the transformation in a normalization manner, and jointly considers the spatial and channel-wise correlations with scaling and bias factors. Experiment results show SHSR achieves superior quantitative performance and visual quality to state-of-the-art methods with near 34% parameters and 50% MACs off when scaling factor is × 4. To boost the performance without further training, the extension model SHSR
+
with self-ensemble achieves competitive performance than larger networks with near 92% parameters and 42% MACs off with scaling factor ×4.
Arteriolar dysgenesis in ischemic-regenerating skeletal muscle revealed by automated micromorphometry, computational modeling, and perfusion analysis
Authors: Xu Yiwen , Ward Aaron D. , Goldman Daniel , Yin Hao , Arpino John-Michael , Nong Zengxuan , Lee Jason J. , O’Neil Caroline , Pickering J. Geoffrey
Published: May 2022

We report a digital pipeline for interrogating the landscape of arterioles in mouse skeletal muscle, using machine learning and automated micromorphometry. This revealed that in muscle regenerating after ischemic injury, the arteriolar density is increased but lumen caliber and smooth muscle content are reduced. Computational modeling and experimental validation reveal this arteriolar network to be functionally compromised, with diminished microvascular flow reserve.
Hyperspectral wide-field-of-view imaging to study dynamic microcirculatory changes during hypoxia
Authors: Lucas Alfredo , Munoz Carlos , Cabrales Pedro
Published: May 2022

This study presents a novel bench setup and algorithm to measure intravascular hemoglobin oxygen saturation in microcirculation. Wide-field hyperspectral imaging allows for rapid quantification of intravascular changes in hemoglobin saturation. The method described in this manuscript can expand the understanding of oxygen delivery to tissues in vivo.
Optimization of New Energy Public Transportation Network Based on Ant Colony Algorithm and Low-Carbon Concept
Authors: Geng Jiaying , Geng Jichao
Published: May 2022

In order to solve the optimization of new energy bus line network, a new energy bus line network based on ant colony algorithm and low-carbon concept is proposed. Firstly, the model of public transport network is established combined with OD matrix, and the improved ant colony algorithm is used to iteratively optimize the initial suboptimal route set, optimize the objective function, and finally obtain the optimal public transport route set. Secondly, the improved ant colony algorithm based on simulated annealing solves the design of public transport network, and the optimization scheme greatly reduces the number of passenger transfers and the total travel time of passengers. Finally, simulated annealing algorithm, basic ant colony algorithm, and simulated annealing improved ant colony algorithm are used to optimize the objective function. It is proved that the improved ant colony algorithm of simulated annealing can find the optimal solution of the three algorithms when solving the problem of public transport network design, which is better than the solution of basic ant colony and simulated annealing algorithm. The solution efficiency is 10.6 times that of simulated annealing algorithm and 3.5 times that of basic ant colony algorithm.
Experimental Investigation on Thermal Behaviors of Nanosilicon Carbide/Kenaf/Polymer Composite
Authors: Ganesh R. , Anand P. , Mammo Wubishet Degife
Published: May 2022

Over the last few years, natural fiber‐based hybrid polymers have been widely used to increase the biodegradability and cost‐effectiveness of the products in many industrial applications, such as automobile construction industries. Adding filler materials provides enhanced wear properties and thermal behaviors of composites. Kenaf fiber has better strength and stiffness, and it has been used as reinforcement in polymer composites. Silicon carbide as filler material in composites modifies the mechanical properties and thermal behaviors. The present research analyzes the thermal characteristics of silicon carbide/kenaf fiber‐reinforced epoxy composites with various weight percentages. Six different composite specimens were fabricated at varying weight percentages of silicon carbide. The specimens were subjected to various thermal tests, such as heat deflection temperature (HDT), coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), thermal conductivity (TC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The findings could serve to expand the range of application for SiC/kenaf fiber‐reinforced composite, which may have better thermal stability, better performance, and lower thermal expansion than the other regularly used natural fiber‐reinforced composites.
A Node-Level Model for Service Grid
Authors: Wang Yan , Cai Jifei
Published: May 2022

This papers studies a high-performance node-level service grid model, which aims to solve the problem that the current pod-level service grid model affects the service operation and consumes many computing resources. The main method of the node-level service grid model is to improve pod-accompanied service grid sidecar with the node-accompanied service grid sidecar sharing of multiple pods, combined with the cut-through of user mode protocol stack and scaling of node-level service grid sidecar. By the performance comparison of pod-level service grid model and node-level service grid, we can conclude that node-level service grid model can isolate pod services without affecting service operation, significantly reduce memory consumption without multiplying with the number of pods, and largely reduce end-to-end network delay about 30% but the overall CPU consumption as the same as that of the pod service grid model. It indicates that the node service grid model can obtain better business benefits than the pod service grid model in container cloud, cloud service providers can provide grid services for more tenants with less memory resources and network latency, and adding grid services has no impact on the operation of user applications.
Impacts of Payment Modes for Chronic Diseases by Diagnosis-Related Groups (Drgs) on Preventive Incentives of Medical Association
Authors: Pan Shifu , Wang Haiyan , Lin Xuxun
Published: May 2022

To analyze prevention and treatment efforts under payment by DRGs, the optimal decision models of each participant are established. Prevention efforts of the community hospital and treatment efforts of the tertiary hospital under different payment modes have to be compared with the centralized decision-making of medical association. The results show some underpayment in both community and tertiary hospitals when the fees are charged according to the types of patients and the utility of the community hospital account in proportion to the total utility of the patients is a suitable value at the stage of treatment. Through DRGs, optimal prevention and treatment efforts under the centralized decision-making of medical association, and the maximization of social total utility are achieved.
Detection of the Driver’s Mental Workload Level in Smart and Autonomous Systems Using Physiological Signals
Authors: Wang Dan , Lin Yier , Hong Liang , Zhang Ce , Bai Yajie , Bi Zhen Zhen
Published: May 2022

With the continuous advancement of automation technology, autonomous driving assistance systems are gradually sharing the tasks during driving, but the driver still assumes the main driving tasks. In addition to driving activities, the advent of numerous new functions will have an indirect impact on the driver’s mental effort. However, determining the driver’s mental effort remains a difficult issue. In this paper, a method is proposed to assess the mental workload of drivers, combining real driver’s physiological data with the speed of his/her vehicle. The correlation coefficient and significance level are obtained by analyzing the correlation between physiological data and road types. The relevant data is then preprocessed to determine the characteristic index, with the mental workload as the input index. The driver’s mental workload is classified and the mental workload prediction model is constructed on the basis of the combination of the Fuzzy Pattern Recognition Algorithm and Genetic Algorithm. At the same time, the suggested approach is compared to the J48 Classification Algorithm and the Simulated Annealing Optimization Algorithm. The results demonstrate that the proposed method in this paper’s effectiveness for identifying the driver’s mental workload level is evidently better than other algorithms, which provides new theoretical support for assessing the L3+ driver’s mental workload level under the background of the safety of the intended functionality when they take over the control of the drive.
An Analysis of Generalized Exponential Uniform Distribution
Authors: Ahsan-ul-Haq Muhammad , Memon Ahmed Zogo , Chand Sohail
Published: May 2022

A two-parameter distribution under “Generalized Exponential Uniform Distribution (GEUD)” is proposed in this paper by using the idea of Alzaatreh et al. (2013). We investigate its various properties including its characterization, hazard rate, mean residual life, and Shannon entropy. The constraints on its parameters generate three disjoint subfamilies with regard to their distribution characteristics that exhibit more adaptability when compared with other existing models in the literature for fitting real-life datasets with observations limited in the range (0,1). For the estimation of its parameters, we consider and compare the maximum likelihood, distance minimizing Anderson–Darling, and Cramer–von Mises approaches through simulation studies. To display the importance of this model, we provide its important applications. The GEUD model relative to other models is more suitable in describing certain real datasets.
Progress and Trends in Image Processing Applications in Civil Engineering: Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Salunkhe Ashwini A. , Gobinath R. , Vinay S. , Joseph Leo
Published: May 2022

Technological advancements in electronic storage have been trending for cloud computing. The revolution of this computer technology with machine learning and artificial intelligence has created prodigious platforms to the various disciplines of science and technology. Civil engineering is the oldest discipline, and due to the never‐ending demand of this domain, it is rapidly adapting to newer computer techniques like image processing, deep learning, big data analysis, neural networks, building information modeling (BIM), unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system, digital image correlation (DIC), and many more. In the current paper, we portrayed the primary research and achievements of AI and image processing applications in the civil domain. The paper is divided in two parts. The first part provides analysis of existing methods along with examples relevant to the civil domain where it is incorporated. The second part elaborates scientometric study constituting 605 documents (Science Direct database) published in the last two decades. The bibliometrics are further used for producing analytical frameworks based on publications, citations, top journals, top institutions, and funding sources. This study serves as a guide for readers to identify research gaps and use the review for potential future study.
Industrial Image Enhancement Method Based on Cloud Edge Fusion
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Pei Caiyan , Sun Dejie , Liu Wenyuan , Cao Lijun
Published: May 2022

Aiming at the problems of high mean square error, low peak signal-to-noise ratio, and long enhancement time of traditional industrial image enhancement methods, an industrial image enhancement method based on cloud edge fusion was proposed. Firstly, the industrial image is preprocessed and denoised by median filtering algorithm to detect the edge of denoised image. Then, the image is enhanced by top hat transform. Finally, the cloud edge fusion method is used to complete the task of industrial image enhancement to improve the efficiency of industrial image enhancement. The experimental results show that the mean square error of this method is kept at a low level, the peak signal-to-noise ratio is always above 53 dB, and the average industrial image enhancement time is 0.96 s. This method has good performance and can obtain a good industrial image enhancement effect, which has certain application value.
The Importance of Radiological Patterns and Small Airway Disease in Long-Term Follow-Up of Postacute COVID-19: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Mogami Roberto , Araújo Filho Ronaldo Carvalho , Cobo Chantong Carolina Gianella , Santos de Almeida Fernando Carlos , Baptista Koifman Ana Célia , Jauregui Gustavo Federico , Mafort Thiago Thomaz , da Silva Bessa da Costa Hanna , Peres dos Santos Glenda Aparecida , Zangerolame de Carvalho Bruna , da Silva Passos Gabriel , de Souza Barbosa Erick , Abalada Ghetti Angelo Thomaz , Monnerat Laura Braga , Soares da Cal Mariana , Souza Santos Batista Desiree Louise , Affonso Helen Aksenow , Bousquet Gabriel Oliveira , Marenco Avila Jose Ignacio , Bento Dutra Anna Luiza , Leidersnaider Caio Leal , Malta da Costa Messeder Alexandre , Monteiro Alexandra , Lopes Agnaldo José
Published: May 2022

Postacute COVID-19 has become a relevant public health problem, and radiological and pulmonary function tests are tools that help physicians in decision-making. The objectives of this study are to characterize the findings and patterns on a chest radiograph (CXR) and computed tomography (CT) that are most important in the postacute phase and to evaluate how these changes correlate with clinical data, spirometry, and impulse oscillometry (IOS). This was a retrospective study of 29 patients who underwent CXR, CT, spirometry, and IOS. The inclusion criteria were age >18 years and persistent respiratory symptoms after four weeks. The exclusion criteria were radiological exams with low technical quality and non-COVID-19 acute lung diseases. The inferential analysis was carried out with the chi-square (χ2) or Fisher’s exact test to evaluate the interrelationships between the clinical and COVID-19 variables according to spirometry, IOS, CT, and CXR. In our sample, 19 patients were women (65.5%). The predominance of abnormal spirometry was associated with CT’s moderate/severe degree of involvement (

p

 = 0.017; 69.2%, CI 95%: 44.1%–94.3%). There was no significant association between IOS and tomographic and radiographic parameters. A significant association was found between the classifications of the moderate/severe and normal/mild patterns on CT and CXRs (

p

 = 0.003; 93.3%, CI 95%: 77.8%–100%). Patients with moderate/severe impairment on CXR were associated with a higher frequency of hospitalization (

p

 = 0.033; 77.8%, CI 95%: 58.6%–97.0%) and had significantly more moderate/severe classifications in the acute phase than the subgroup with normal/mild impairment on CXR (

p

 = 0.017; 88.9%, CI 95%: 74.4%–100%). In conclusion, the results of this study show that CXR is a relevant examination and may be used to detect nonspecific alterations during the follow-up of post-COVID-19 patients. Small airway disease is an important finding in postacute COVID-19 syndrome, and we postulate a connection between this pattern and the persistently low-level inflammatory state of the lung.
Motion Track Enhancement Method of Sports Video Image Based on OTSU Algorithm
Authors: Zhao Ling
Published: May 2022

Current sports video image tracking methods cannot get the average gray information of pixels, which leads to the low segmentation accuracy of target trajectory. Therefore, this paper proposes a method of enhancing the motion track of sports video object based on OTSU algorithm. The OTSU algorithm is introduced to segment the unsupervised image automatically based on threshold calculation. Combined with 3D histogram, the OTSU algorithm is optimized to overcome the influence of noise and nonuniform illumination and to improve the segmentation performance. Using the optimized OTSU algorithm, the preprocessing of sports video image is realized by gray level transform, median filter, and binarization. Based on this, the object motion model of sports video image is constructed, and the edge information of sports video image is extracted. Using binocular stereo vision technology, according to the image target motion model and the current space coordinates, calculate the motion track, and obtain the parameters of sports video image. Experimental results show that the proposed method can segment the target accurately in a shorter time, and the enhancement effect of target trajectory is obvious, and the error is small.
An Effective Wireless Sensor Network Routing Protocol Based on Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Ghawy Mohammed Zaid , Amran Gehad Abdullah , AlSalman Hussain , Ghaleb Eissa , Khan Javed , AL-Bakhrani Ali A. , Alziadi Ahmed M. , Ali Abdulaziz , Ullah Syed Sajid
Published: May 2022

Improving wireless communication and artificial intelligence technologies by using Internet of Things (Itoh) paradigm has been contributed in developing a wide range of different applications. However, the exponential growth of smart phones and Internet of Things (IoT) devices in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) is becoming an emerging challenge that adds some limitations on Quality of Service (QoS) requirements. End-to-end latency, energy consumption, and packet loss during transmission are the main QoS requirements that could be affected by increasing the number of IoT applications connected through WSNs. To address these limitations, an effective routing protocol needs to be designed for boosting the performance of WSNs and QoS metrics. In this paper, an optimization approach using Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm is proposed to develop a multipath protocol, called a Particle Swarm Optimization Routing Protocol (MPSORP). The MPSORP is used for WSN-based IoT applications with a large volume of traffic loads and unfairness in network flow. For evaluating the developed protocol, an experiment is conducted using NS-2 simulator with different configurations and parameters. Furthermore, the performance of MPSORP is compared with AODV and DSDV routing protocols. The experimental results of this comparison demonstrated that the proposed approach achieves several advantages such as saving energy, low end-to-end delay, high packet delivery ratio, high throughput, and low normalization load.
Research on the Development of Eco-Health Tourism Products Based on IPA Model in Internet Plus
Authors: Tang Shuyi
Published: May 2022

Although China has a profound history of health culture, the development of health tourism started late. At present, there are few kinds of eco-health tourism products, and the quality is not high. Under the background of “Internet Plus,” based on IPA model, this study focuses on the development of eco-health tourism products and studies the tourists’ satisfaction with health tourism products from the perspective of tourists. According to the changing characteristics of tourism consumption market demand, the core of eco-tourism product upgrading is to develop ecology and show characteristics as the direction of eco-tourism product design. Coordinate the development of tourism resources with the restoration and construction of ecological environment and eco-tourism activities. Taking the optimization of the eco-tourism product system as the overall goal, the eco-tourism product system is optimized and designed in an all-round way by using theme diversification and spatial level diversification. And combine the essence of Chinese traditional health culture with modern science and technology culture and develop health tourism from the perspective of combination of tradition and modernity. It is conducive to promote the better development of ecological health tourism in China.
Data Analysis Deep Learning Research on Spatiotemporal Preposition Construction Network
Authors: Guo Wanling , Jiang Zhiyong
Published: May 2022

Chinese space-time prepositions (CSTPs) are a class of function words used to introduce space-time relations into motion or state, which have experienced the process of evolution from ancient Chinese. In recent years, the research on modern CTSPs shows the trend of grammaticalization research, cognitive semantic research, and research based on constructionalization and lexicalization. At present, there are few studies on the systematic semantic description of CTSPs in cognitive linguistics, and their semantic extension is closely related to the cognitive mechanism. This study is aimed at describing and explaining the functions of CSTPs in constructional networks, aiming to provide clearer semantic information for nonnative language learners. This is a comprehensive study combining qualitative and quantitative analysis. Qualitative analysis includes exploration of cognitive mechanisms, description of semantic networks, misinterpretation, and establishment of lexicographically definition model. Quantitative analysis includes data analysis of the Chinese corpus. The importance of qualitative analysis is far greater than that of quantitative analysis. It does not mean that quantitative analysis is not important. Quantitative analysis is important, and qualitative analysis is relatively more important.
Desafios do diagnóstico da hipofosfatasia em adultos
Authors: Fernandes Camila , Paro Fabrício Alves , Zani Isabela , Veloso  Jessica , Carneiro Zumira Aparecida , Lourenço Charles Marques
Published: May 2022

Introdução: Hipofosfatasia é um distúrbio metabólico que afeta a mineralização óssea e dentária, causada por mutações no gene ALPL, levando à deficiência enzimática da fosfatase alcalina tecido não-específica. A forma adulta caracteriza-se por fraturas atípicas do fêmur, osteomalácia, osteoporose, grave osteoartropatia, condrocalcinose e artralgia. Objetivo: Demonstrar desafios diagnósticos relacionados à hipofosfatasia através do relato de dois casos. Paciente 1: feminino, 59 anos, encaminhada para avaliação clínica devido às fraturas patológicas de difícil consolidação e osteoporose generalizada de causa genética. Relata perda dentária precoce da arcada superior, fraturas na coluna, em ombro esquerdo e no fêmur. Atualmente, queixa-se de dor crônica intensa, com uso de múltiplos medicamentos. Achados clínicos, laboratoriais e radiológicos foram compatíveis com o diagnóstico de hipofosfatasia. Paciente 2: masculino, 31 anos, filho da paciente 1, encaminhado para avaliação clínica por fratura patológica precoce em fêmur esquerdo e osteoporose não esclarecida. Atualmente relata dor e claudicação importante em membro inferior esquerdo, associado à lombalgia crônica. Confirmação do diagnóstico de hipofosfatasia por exames laboratoriais e radiológicos e sequenciamento do gene ALPL, aliados ao diagnóstico da sua genitora. Discussão: Hipofosfatasia é uma doença rara de herança autossômica dominante e recessiva. Pacientes acometidos apresentam fraturas constantes, densidade mineral óssea baixa, cicatrização óssea deficitária. É comum a hipofosfatasia ser diagnosticada erroneamente como osteopenia e/ou osteoporose primária, acarretando prejuízos ao paciente. Ressalta-se a importância da história clínica completa e dos antecedentes familiares a fim de se obter um diagnóstico precoce, garantindo, por sua vez, o adequado acompanhamento e manejo terapêutico.
Abordagem cirúrgica de megaceco secundário a tumor de cólon descendente
Authors: Souza Joana Marques Maia , Girotto André Luiz , Elias Caio Cesar di , Pereira Filho Carlos Magno , Rodrigues Filipe Geannichini
Published: May 2022

Obstrução intestinal é a manifestação clínica mais frequente de tumores de cólon sendo esses, em sua maioria, localizados no cólon descendente e reto-sigmoide. A cirurgia de emergência para obstrução intestinal é associada a altos riscos de mortalidade e de morbidade e a abordagem ideal permanece controversa. Procedimentos em vários estágios e o uso de stents como ponte para cirurgia são opções promissoras. É apresentado um caso de paciente de 61 anos, com abdome agudo obstrutivo secundário à neoplasia colorretal, com ênfase em seu diagnóstico e tratamento.
A filtração do líquido ascítico melhora o diagnóstico microbiológico da peritonite bacteriana espontânea? Um estudo experimental laboratorial
Authors: Chaves Lucas , Barbosa Junior Francisco , Souza Fernanda Fernandes de , Santana Rodrigo de Carvalho , Martinez Roberto , Bellissimo-Rodrigues Fernando
Published: May 2022

Contexto: A Peritonite Bacteriana Espontânea (PBE) é uma complicação grave e frequente entre pacientes cirróticos com ascite, diagnosticada por meio da análise citológica do líquido ascítico. A cultura microbiológica do líquido ascítico, por sua vez, é positiva em menos de 40% dos casos de PBE, o que resulta frequentemente na instituição de terapia antimicrobiana inapropriada. A terapia empírica pode ser subótima, aumentando o risco de agravamento do paciente, ou superestimada, impulsionando desnecessariamente a resistência bacteriana. Objetivo: Estudo experimental laboratorial, propôs  padronizar e verificar a viabilidade técnica da filtração a vácuo do líquido ascítico, como forma de otimizar o diagnóstico etiológico na PBE, comparativamente ao sistema automatizado de culturas de sangue. Método: O método avaliado e padronizado neste estudo foi a da filtragem a vácuo do líquido ascítico. Esse tem como princípio a concentração da bactéria em uma membrana filtrante. Resultados: Nesse estudo, foram incluídos 36 pacientes cirróticos atendidos em um hospital público universitário, entre 13.11.2017 e 30.06.2019. Entre eles, 47,2% (17/36) apresentaram citologia compatível com PBE. Nesses, a sensibilidade da cultura pelo método semi-automatizado foi de 35,3% (6/17) e da cultura pelo método da filtragem a vácuo foi de 11,8% (2/17). Conclusão: Em conclusão, a filtragem a vácuo não melhora o diagnóstico microbiológico da PBE em relação ao método automatizado.
Is arginine supplementation effective in preventing preeclampsia in pregnant women?
Authors: Citrangulo Gabriel Leite , Fonseca Ana Luísa Scafura da , Diniz Pedro Viana , Rodrigues João Pedro Torres Neiva , Drumond Denise Gasparetti
Published: May 2022

Objectives: The objective of this study was to review data from randomized controlled trials to assess whether or not the supplementation of L-Arginine (L-Arg) is effective in reducing the incidence of preeclampsia (PE) in pregnancies at risk of developing the disorder.
Methods: We aimed to systematic review randomized controlled trials, including those which compared L-Arg supplementation with placebo in pregnant women at high risk of PE development, analyzing PE incidence as the main outcome. Data were collected from MEDLINE/ Pubmed, EMBASE/ Elsevier, LILACS/ BVS and Cochrane. 
Results: A total of 46 papers were identified in the primary search. After analysis of eligibility, inclusion and exclusion criteria, two articles (which respected in detail all the stages of evaluation) were included in the present review. A risk of bias assessment was performed. Data analysis revealed that the incidence of PE was significantly lower in both studies, and no major adverse effects were reported. The limitations of this study were the lack of standardization between the trials analyzed and the relative low number of studies included. 
Conclusions: The supplementation with L-Arg appears to reduce the incidence of PE in pregnant women with high risk for its development.
Cinco tarefas direcionadas nas habilidades manuais de uma criança com paralisia braquial obstétrica
Authors: Silva Paula  Reis da , Gerzson Laís Rodrigues , Almeida Carla Skilhan de
Published: May 2022

A lesão do plexo braquial (PB) durante o parto é denominada paralisia braquial obstétrica (PBO). É uma anormalidade que ocorre na extremidade superior do corpo, em consequência de um estiramento excessivo das raízes neurais do PB. Toda habilidade motora que a criança com PBO adquirir será dificultada pela deficiência na movimentação de um membro superior (MS), repercutindo em suas experimentações motoras. Para modificar seu comportamento motor, a terapia por tarefas direcionadas pode contribuir na função do MS afetado, pois a mesma caracteriza-se com um protocolo de exercícios funcionais, que ainda há escassez em pesquisas voltados a esta morbidade. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar o efeito de uma intervenção motora através de cinco tarefas direcionadas sobre as habilidades manuais do membro superior de uma criança com PBO, bem como sua função motora grossa. A criança do estudo tinha 17 meses, com PBO à esquerda, com fraqueza de abdução de ombro, rotação externa, flexão de cotovelo e queda do punho. Realizou 24 sessões de fisioterapia com tarefas direcionadas por 45 minutos, três vezes por semana. Para classificar o grau de severidade do MSE, foi utilizado o Manual Ability Classification System (MACS). A Medida da Função Motora Grossa (GMFM-66) mediu quantitativamente aspectos motores e estáticos e o Sistema de Classificação da Função Motora Grossa (GMFCS) foi utilizado para determinar qual nível melhor representou as habilidades e limitações na função motora grossa da criança. As tarefas direcionadas foram baseadas no modelo do protocolo de terapia por contensão induzida (TCI), sendo: achar a surpresa; colher laranja; encaixar elástico de cabelo; pescaria de tampinhas; empilhar blocos. Nas avaliações pós-intervenção, o MACS demonstrou melhora no nível das tarefas de achar a surpresa, colher laranja e pescaria de tampinhas, mas manteve-se igual no nível das atividades de encaixar os elásticos e empilhar os blocos. O GMFM-66 obteve aumento do escore final e o GMFCS manteve-se no nível I. O GMFM-66 apresentou melhora de 4,99% ao final da intervenção. As atividades de achar a surpresa; colher laranjas e pescaria de tampinhas obtiveram melhora na classificação no nível do MACS quando comparadas à avaliação inicial. Os achados evidenciam melhor recrutamento muscular, com refinamento nos movimentos de flexão de cotovelo; supinação do antebraço e rotação externa (RE) de ombro.
Review of the genera Breviterebra Kusigemati, Charops Holmgren and Scenocharops Uchida (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Campopleginae) from China, with description of three new species
Authors: HAN YUAN-YUAN , VAN ACHTERBERG KEES , CHEN XUE-XIN
Published: May 2022

Species of the genera Breviterebra Kusigemati, 1982, Charops Holmgren, 1859 and Scenocharops Uchida, 1932 (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Campopleginae) from China are revised. Of the 13 species recognized, three are described as new species: Breviterebra apicocrinis sp. nov., Charops mauroknemus sp. nov. and Scenocharops yunnanensis sp. nov. The genus Breviterebra Kusigemati and the species Scenocharps montanus Gupta & Maheshwary, 1971 are recorded in China for the first time. The distribution area of C. brachypterus (Cameron), C. striatus (Uchida), S. flavipetiolus (Sonan) and S. parasae He in China are updated. DNA barcode fragment of the mitochondrial COI gene of B. apicocrinis sp. nov. is presented. Keys to Breviterebra, Charops and Scenocharops are provided.