bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increasing postpartum IUCD coverage through a QI initiative: a step towards reducing the unmet need of postpartum contraception
Authors: Agrawal Swati , Puri Manju , Singh Anuradha , Sehrawat Sushma , Sood Shilpa , Choudhary Kavita , Handa Anu , Induja R , Bardhan Apurwa , Luthra Pooja , Pawar Preeti , Singh Nidhi , Tyagi Swati , Antony Jismaria , Arora Priyanka , Ghai Sukriti , Shubham Tanya , Suraiya Vaishali , Sapna Surabhi , Ajithkumar Mani
Published: August 2021

Background

Unintended pregnancies have a negative impact on the health and economy of a nation, which can be prevented by effective family planning (FP) services. Postpartum intrauterine device (PPIUCD) is a safe and effective FP method which allows women to obtain long-acting contraception before discharge from the point of delivery. We observed poor coverage of deliveries with PPIUCD at our facility. This was the trigger to initiate a quality improvement (QI) initiative to increase the PPIUCD coverage from current rate of 4.5%–10% in 3-month period.

Method

A fishbone analysis of the problem was done and the following causes were identified: lack of focused counselling for FP, lack of sensitisation and training of resident doctors and inconsistent supply of intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCDs). A QI team was constituted with representatives from faculty members, residents, interns, nursing officers and FP counsellors. The point of care quality improvement methodology was used.

Interventions

Daily counselling of antenatal women was started by the counsellors and interns in antenatal wards. A WhatsApp group of residents was made initially to sensitise them; and later for parking of problems and trouble shooting. The residents were provided hands-on training at skills lab. Uninterrupted supply of IUCDs was ensured by provision of buffer stock of IUCDs with respective store keepers.

Result

The PPIUCD insertion rates improved from 4.5% to 19.2% at 3 months and have been sustained to a current 30%–35% after 1 ½ years of initiation of the project tiding through the turbulence during the COVID-19 pandemic using QI techniques.

Conclusion

Sensitisation and training of residents as well as creation of awareness among antenatal women through targeted counselling helped improve PPIUCD coverage at the facility. QI initiatives have the potential to facilitate effective implementation of the FP programmes by strategic utilisation of the resources.
Rationalising antibiotic use after low-risk vaginal deliveries in a hospital setting in India
Authors: Sharma Shakti , Kumari Nikita , Sengupta Rinku , Malhotra Yashika , Bhartia Saru
Published: August 2021

Background

In 2017, a postoperative multidrug resistant case of urinary tract infection made obstetricians at Sitaram Bhartia Institute of Science and Research introspect the antibiotic usage in labouring mothers. Random case file reviews indicated overuse and variability of practice among care providers. This prompted us to explore ways to rationalise antibiotic use.

Methods

A multidisciplinary team of obstetricians, paediatricians and quality officers was formed to run this improvement initiative at a private hospital facility in India. Review of literature advocated formulating a departmental antibiotic policy. Creating this policy and implementing it using improvement methodology helped us rationalise antibiotic usage.

Interventions

We aimed to reduce the use of antibiotics from 42% to less than 10% in uncomplicated vaginal deliveries. We tested a series of sequential interventions using the improvement methodology of Plan–Do–Study–Act (PDSA) cycles, an approach recommended by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement. Learning from the PDSA cycle of the previous intervention helped decide the subsequent change ideas. The interventions included creation of a departmental antibiotic policy, staff engagement, and modification in documentation, concept of dual responsibility and team huddles as feedback opportunities. Information was analysed to understand the progress and improvement with change ideas.

Results

Background analysis revealed that antibiotic usage ranged from 24% to 69% and average rate of antibiotic prophylaxis was high (42.28%) in low-risk uncomplicated vaginal deliveries. The sequential changes resulted in reduction in antibiotic usage to 10% in the target population by 4 months. Sustained improvement was noted in the following months.

Conclusion

We succeeded in implementing a departmental antibiotic policy aligning it with existing international guidelines and our local challenges. Antibiotic stewardship was one of the first major steps in our journey to avoid multidrug-resistant infections. Sustaining outcomes will involve continuous feedback to ensure engagement of all stakeholders in a hospital setting.
“We have either obsolete knowledge, obsolete equipment or obsolete skills”: policy-makers and clinical managers’ views on maternal health delivery in rural Nigeria
Authors: Udenigwe Ogochukwu , Okonofua Friday E , Ntoimo Lorretta F C , Imongan Wilson , Igboin Brian , Yaya Sanni
Published: August 2021

Objective

The objective of this paper is to explore policy-makers and clinical managers’ views on maternal health service delivery in rural Nigeria.

Design

This is a qualitative study using key informant interviews. Participants’ responses were audio recorded and reflective field notes supplemented the transcripts. Data were further analysed with a deductive approach whereby themes were organised based on existing literature and theories on service delivery.

Setting

The study was set in Esan South East (ESE) and Etsako East (ETE), two mainly rural local government areas of Edo state, Nigeria.

Participants

The study participants consisted of 13 key informants who are policy-makers and clinical managers in ESE and ETE in Edo state. Key informants were chosen using a purposeful criterion sampling technique whereby participants were identified because they meet or exceed a specific criterion related to the subject matter.

Results

Respondents generally depicted maternal care services in primary healthcare centres as inaccessible due to undue barriers of cost and geographic location but deemed it acceptable to women. Respondents’ notion of quality of service delivery encompassed factors such as patient-provider relationships, hygienic conditions of primary healthcare centres, availability of skilled healthcare staff and infrastructural constraints.

Conclusion

This study revealed that while some key aspects of service delivery are inadequate in rural primary healthcare centres, there are promising policy reforms underway to address some of the issues. It is important that health officials advocate for strong policies and implementation strategies.
Antibiotic use differentially affects the risk of anti-drug antibody formation during anti-TNFα therapy in inflammatory bowel disease patients: a report from the epi-IIRN
Authors: Gorelik Yuri , Freilich Shay , Gerassy-Vainberg Shiran , Pressman Sigal , Friss Chagit , Blatt Alexandera , Focht Gili , Weisband Yiska Loewenberg , Greenfeld Shira , Kariv Revital , Lederman Nathan , Dotan Iris , Geva-Zatorsky Naama , Shen-Orr Shai Shlomo , Kashi Yechezkel , Chowers Yehuda
Published: August 2021

Objective

Anti-drug antibodies (ADA) to anti-tumour necrosis factor (anti-TNF) therapy drive treatment loss of response. An association between intestinal microbial composition and response to anti-TNF therapy was noted. We therefore aimed to assess the implications of antibiotic treatments on ADA formation in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Design

We analysed data from the epi-IIRN (epidemiology group of the Israeli IBD research nucleus), a nationwide registry of all patients with IBD in Israel. We included all patients treated with anti-TNF who had available ADA levels. Survival analysis with drug use as time varying covariates were used to assess the association between antibiotic use and ADA development. Next, specific pathogen and germ-free C57BL mice were treated with respective antibiotics and challenged with infliximab. ADA were assessed after 14 days.

Results

Among 1946 eligible patients, with a median follow-up of 651 days from initiation of therapy, 363 had positive ADA. Cox proportional hazard model demonstrated an increased risk of ADA development in patients who used cephalosporins (HR=1.97, 95% CI 1.58 to 2.44), or penicillins with β-lactamase inhibitors (penicillin-BLI, HR=1.4, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.74), whereas a reduced risk was noted in patients treated with macrolides (HR=0.38, 95% CI 0.16 to 0.86) or fluoroquinolones (HR=0.20, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.35). In mice exposed to infliximab, significantly increased ADA production was observed in cephalosporin as compared with macrolide pretreated mice. Germ-free mice produced no ADA.

Conclusion

ADA production is associated with the microbial composition. The risk of ADA development during anti-TNF therapy can possibly be reduced by avoidance of cephalosporins and penicillin-BLIs, or by treatment with fluoroquinolones or macrolides.
Anticoagulation trends in adults aged 65 years and over with atrial fibrillation: a cohort study
Authors: Lund Jenny , Saunders Catherine L , Edwards Duncan , Mant Jonathan
Published: August 2021

Objective

To describe patterns of anticoagulation prescription and persistence for those aged ≥65 years with atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods

Descriptive cohort study using electronic general practice records of patients in England, who attended an influenza vaccination aged ≥65 years and were diagnosed with AF between 2008 and 2018. Patients were stratified by 10-year age group and year of diagnosis. Proportion anticoagulated, type of anticoagulation (direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) or warfarin) initiated at diagnosis and persistence with anticoagulation over time are reported.

Results

42 290 patients (49% female), aged 65–74 (n=11 722), 75–84 (n=19 055) and 85+ (n=11 513) years at AF diagnosis are included. Prescription of anticoagulation at diagnosis increased over the time period from 55% to 86% in people aged 65–74 years, from 54% to 86% in people aged 75–84 years and from 27% to 75% in people aged 85 years and over. By 2018, 92% of patients with newly diagnosed AF were started on a DOAC. Survivor function for 5-year persistence in patients prescribed DOAC was 0.80 (95% CI 0.77 to 0.82) and for warfarin 0.71 (95% CI 0.70 to 0.72). Survivor function for any anticoagulation at 5 years was 0.79 (95% CI 0.78 to 0.81), 0.73 (95% CI 0.72 to 0.75) and 0.58 (95% CI 0.59 to 0.64) for people aged 65–74, 75–84 and 85+ years, respectively.

Conclusions

Rates of anticoagulation in AF in those aged ≥65 years have increased from 2008 to 2018, over which time period there has been a shift from initiating anticoagulation with warfarin to DOAC. Persistence with anticoagulation is higher in people on DOACs than on warfarin and in people aged <85 years.
Patterns of anxiety and distress over 12 months following participation in HPV primary screening
Authors: Marlow Laura A V , McBride Emily , Ridout Deborah , Forster Alice S , Kitchener Henry , Waller Jo
Published: August 2021

Objectives

Many countries are now using primary human papillomavirus (HPV) testing for cervical screening, testing for high-risk HPV and using cytology as triage. An HPV-positive result can have an adverse psychological impact, at least in the short term. In this paper, we explore the psychological impact of primary HPV screening over 12 months.

Methods

Women were surveyed soon after receiving their results (n=1133) and 6 (n=762) and 12 months (n=537) later. Primary outcomes were anxiety (Short-Form State Anxiety Inventory-6) and distress (General Health Questionnaire-12). Secondary outcomes included concern, worry about cervical cancer and reassurance. Mixed-effects regression models were used to explore differences at each time point and change over time across four groups according to their baseline result: control (HPV negative/HPV cleared/normal cytology and not tested for HPV); HPV positive with normal cytology; HPV positive with abnormal cytology; and HPV persistent (ie, second consecutive HPV-positive result).

Results

Women who were HPV positive with abnormal cytology had the highest anxiety scores at baseline (mean=42.2, SD: 15.0), but this had declined by 12 months (mean=37.0, SD: 11.7) and was closer to being within the ‘normal’ range (scores between 34 and 36 are considered ‘normal’). This group also had the highest distress at baseline (mean=3.3, SD: 3.8, scores of 3+ indicate case-level distress), but the lowest distress at 12 months (mean=1.9, SD: 3.1). At 6 and 12 months, there were no between-group differences in anxiety or distress for any HPV-positive result group when compared with the control group. The control group were less concerned and more reassured about their result at 6 and 12 months than the HPV-positive with normal cytology group.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest the initial adverse impact of an HPV-positive screening result on anxiety and distress diminishes over time. Specific concerns about the result may be longer lasting and efforts should be made to address them.
Dynamical analysis and statefinder of Barrow holographic dark energy
Authors: Huang Qihong , Huang He , Xu Bing , Tu Feiquan , Chen Jun
Published: August 2021

Based on the holographic principle and the Barrow entropy, Barrow holographic dark energy had been proposed. In order to analyze the stability and the evolution of Barrow holographic dark energy, we, in this paper, apply the dynamical analysis and statefinder methods to Barrow holographic dark energy with different IR cutoff and interacting terms. In the case of using Hubble horizon as IR cutoff with the interacting term $$Q=\frac{\lambda }{H}\rho _{m}\rho _{D}$$

Q
=

λ
H

ρ
m

ρ
D

, we find this model is stable and can be used to describe the whole evolution of the universe when the energy transfers from the pressureless matter to the Barrow holographic dark energy. When the dynamical analysis method is applied to this stable model, an attractor corresponding to an accelerated expansion epoch exists and this attractor can behave as the cosmological constant. Furthermore, the coincidence problem can be solved in this case. Then, after using the statefinder analysis method to this model, we find this model can be discriminated from the standard $$\Lambda $$
Λ
CDM model. Finally, we have discussed the turning point of Hubble diagram in Barrow holographic dark energy and find the turning point does not exist in this model.
Research on the Traffic Flow Control of Urban Occasional Congestion Based on Catastrophe Theory
Authors: Xu Yang , Zhang Duo Jia , Zhang Xin , Lai Kin Keung , Su Bing
Published: August 2021

Aimed at the problem of occasional congestion control, the cusp catastrophe theory is used to establish the catastrophe model of the urban road system under occasional congestion, finding breakpoints and analyzing stability after urban road system catastrophes by constructing the energetic function; based on the catastrophe characteristics of the urban road system, the feasibility method of congestion control is discussed. The results show that the control method of traffic flow based on catastrophe characteristics of the urban road system can effectively improve the efficiency of the road system in theory. Finally, the applicability of the control method based on catastrophe characteristics is analyzed by examples under different occasional congestion situations.
[Retracted] Sports Action Recognition Based on GB‐BP Neural Network and Big Data Analysis
Authors: Wang Lidong , Qiu Kai , Li Wang
Published: August 2021

In recent years, the application of the gradient boosting‐back propagation (GB‐BP) neural network algorithm in many industries has brought huge benefits, so how to combine the GB‐BP neural network algorithm with sports has become a research hotspot. Based on this, this paper studies the application of the GB‐BP neural network algorithm in wrestling, designs the sports athletes action recognition and classification model based on the GB‐BP neural network algorithm, first analyzes the research status of wrestling action recognition, and then optimizes and improves the shortcomings of action recognition and big data analysis technology. The GB‐BP neural network algorithm can realize the accurate recognition and classification of wrestlers’ training actions and carry out big data mining analysis with known action recognition, so as to achieve accurate classification. The experimental results show that the model can play a good role in wrestling and effectively improve the efficiency of wrestlers in training.
Numerical and Analytical Investigation for Darcy-Forchheimer Flow of a Williamson Fluid over a Riga Plate with Double Stratification and Cattaneo-Christov Dual Flux
Authors: Eswaramoorthi S. , Alessa Nazek , Sangeethavaanee M. , Namgyel Ngawang
Published: August 2021

The Darcy-Forchheimer flow of a Williamson fluid over a Riga plate was analyzed in this paper. Energy and mass equations are modeled with Cattaneo-Christov theory and double stratifications. The governing PDE models are altered into ODE models. These models are numerically solved by MATLAB bvp4c and analytically solved by the homotopy analysis method. The impact of governing flow parameters on fluid velocity, fluid temperature, fluid concentration, skin-friction coefficient, local Nusselt number, and local Sherwood number is scrutinized via graphs and tables. We acknowledged that the speed of the fluid becomes diminishes for more presence of porosity parameter. Also, we noted that the thermal and solutal boundary layer thicknesses are waning due to their corresponding stratification parameters. In addition, the maximum decreasing percentage of skin friction is obtained when the suction/injection parameter varies from 0.0 to 0.4 for Williamson and viscous fluids. The maximum increasing percentage of local Nusselt number occurs when the suction/injection parameter varies from 0.4 to 0.8 for Williamson and viscous fluids.
Research on Enterprise Competitive Information Management Based on Co‐Occurrence Analysis
Authors: Wu Peng , Feng Ran
Published: August 2021

Link data source lack has seriously hampered the research development of competitive information for enterprises based on co‐link analysis in recent years, and exploring application and innovation of the new method of URL co‐occurrence analysis in enterprises competitive information research is very important to make up for current inadequacy. And exploration on problems such as whether Jaccard handling needs to be conducted on collected data and how the effect is to conduct information research in different methods for data in different handling ways is meaningful to theoretical perfection of competitive information research of enterprises. Non‐Jaccard data and Jaccard data are compared with examples of Chinese representative banks based on new methods of URL co‐occurrence analysis, and competitive information research of enterprises is conducted in the multidimensional scaling method and social network analysis method; and comprehensive exploration and analysis are conducted from multiperspectives such as gradient grading analysis, recognition of main competitors, and competitive landscape analysis of fine grit. Innovative research competitive information for enterprises based on URL co‐occurrence analysis in this thesis effectively makes up for current inadequacy due to link data source lack, and it expands new spaces for competitive information research of enterprises; it is also in research in this thesis that analysis result based on non‐Jaccard data is far better than analysis result based on Jaccard data when multidimensional scaling analysis is conducted; analysis result based on non‐Jaccard data and analysis result based on Jaccard data uncover competitive information of related enterprises when social network analysis is conducted, and above conclusions in this thesis are all verified and analyzed through example data.
Investigation on Triaxial Dynamic Model Based on the Energy Theory of Bedding Coal Rock under Triaxial Impact Compression
Authors: Xue Yang , Liu Xiaohui , Zhao Rui , Zheng Yu , Gui Xin
Published: August 2021

To investigate the dynamic failure characteristics of bedding rocks in depth, a series of dynamic impact compression tests on parallel and vertical bedding coal rocks were conducted by the split Hopkinson pressure bar test system at 10–103 s−1 strain rates and 0, 4, 8, and 12 MPa confining pressures. According to the experiments, the mechanical properties and energy characteristics of bedding coal rock under different confining pressures and strain rates were obtained, and a triaxial dynamic constitutive model of bedding coal rock was established based on the energy theory of rock failure. The results show that the compressive strength, peak strain, incident energy, dissipated energy, and dynamic strength increase factor gradually increase with increase in strain rate, but the increase in peak strain weakens as confining pressure rises. The influence of bedding structure on strength and energy is not obvious in the uniaxial state, while it gradually enhances as confining pressure increases. The obvious difference in DIF and the energy dissipation ratio of bedding coal rocks gets obvious in SHPB tests. Considering the influence of confining pressure, strain rate, and bedding on the dynamic failure characteristics, the dynamic constitutive model of bedding coal rock was established by introducing the comprehensive influence factor K and the DIF. Comparing with test results, the model parameters are almost confirmed, and the correctness of the model is further verified by analysing the law of K value. Meanwhile, the stress‐softening characteristics of coal rock in postpeak are well simulated by the dynamic constitutive model. The results can provide reference value for dynamic issues such as high‐efficiency rock breaking, prevention of rock burst, and surrounding rock support in deep rock masses.
Qualification Enhancement in Intellectual Property for the Teaching Staff of Institutions of Higher Education
Authors: Luniachek Vadym , Kulakovskyi Oleksandr , Brovdii Alla , Varenko Tetyana
Published: August 2021

The paper substantiates the need and importance of cultivation of a competence in intellectual property rights (IPR) protection in the teaching staff in higher education during their qualification enhancement (QE) as a condition for their further development and provision of quality higher education in Ukraine. The survey was conducted under the state-funded R&D topic to evaluate the attitude to intellectual property among the teaching staff of institutions of higher education (IHE). It looks into the factors and mechanisms of IPR protection and inclusion in the QE programmes for the IHE teaching staff. Knowledge in IPR protection encourages creation of a favourable environment for intellectual activity development, where an important role in its dissemination belongs to the teaching staff. The findings reveal that acquisition of such knowledge and skills is currently not commonly included in the corresponding QE programmes, while the number of those interested in them is significant. Another red flag in this regard is overbureaucratization of the process and the working overload of the teaching staff. Therefore, changes are in order in the QE programmes to include the relevant portion of knowledge and training in IPR, their exercise, protection, and commercialization.
Optimization Algorithm Design for the Taxi-Sharing Problem and Application
Authors: Wang Yongjie , Li Maolin
Published: August 2021

With the development of mobility techniques, the transportation systems become smarter, pursuing higher goals, such as convenience for passengers and low cost. In this work, we investigate the taxi-sharing system, which is a promising system recently. The passengers can share the same taxis to different destinations to save cost. Considering the property of taxis’ routes, the corresponding model is established and our aim is to design the trip for each taxi to reduce the total number of taxi trips in the whole system if one taxi can be shared by several passengers. Compared with the previous work, we do not have any constraint about the taxi stations. The taxi trips have more flexibility in reality. We analyze this problem and prove it is NP-Complete. There are two proposed algorithms to solve this problem, one is a heuristic algorithm and the other is an approximate algorithm. In the experiment, two real-world taxi data sets are tested, and our algorithm shows the superiority of our taxi-sharing system. Using the taxi-sharing system, the number of trips can be reduced by about

30
%

.
An Improved Cuckoo Search Algorithm for Multithreshold Image Segmentation
Authors: Jiao Wentan , Chen Wenqing , Zhang Jing
Published: August 2021

Image segmentation is an important part of image processing. For the disadvantages of image segmentation under multiple thresholds such as long time and poor quality, an improved cuckoo search (ICS) is proposed for multithreshold image segmentation strategy. Firstly, the image segmentation model based on the maximum entropy threshold is described, and secondly, the cuckoo algorithm is improved by using chaotic initialization population to improve the diversity of solutions, optimizing the step size factor to improve the possibility of obtaining the optimal solution, and using probability to reduce the complexity of the algorithm; finally, the maximum entropy threshold function in image segmentation is used as the individual fitness function of the cuckoo search algorithm for solving. The simulation experiments show that the algorithm has a good segmentation effect under four different thresholding conditions.
Dentists’ Perception and Clinical Use of Preformed Metal Crowns to Restore Primary Molar Defects in Chengdu City, China: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Jiang Qingsong , Zeng Xinyi , Wang Yan , Zou Jing , Zhang Qiong
Published: August 2021

Background. Preformed metal crowns (PMCs), as an effective technique recommended for the enduring restoration of primary molar defects, have not been widely implemented in China as well as that in Western countries. This study is aimed at assessing the knowledge on the clinical use of the PMC technique and its effective factors among dentists in Chengdu, China. Thus, the present study is aimed at providing the best available evidence on clinical decision‐making to manage dental caries in children and the overall benefits. Methods. The self‐designed questionnaire in this study consisted of two main sections, including the sociodemographic characteristics of the respondents and their perception and use of PMCs. The anonymous questionnaire was distributed among 1000 dentists practicing in Chengdu via SO JUMP. Results. The response rate was 45%. Most respondents (69.6%) did not use PMCs. Academic qualification, working specialty, and professional experience were associated with dentists’ use of PMCs. The lack of knowledge about the PMC technique was the main obstacle to the dental practitioners’ use of PMCs (41.7%). The lack of understanding of the rationale behind PMCs was the main reason for parents’ acceptance of PMC restorations (43.6%). Attending continuing education programs was the main approach to learning the PMC restorative technique (59.1%). Conclusions. The clinical use of PMCs was not very popular in Chengdu city. To promote this restorative technique, knowledge and practical training should be incorporated into routine courses of undergraduate dental education.
Application of Stem Cell Therapy for ACL Graft Regeneration
Authors: Wang Canlong , Hu Yejun , Zhang Shichen , Ruan Dengfeng , Huang Zizhan , He Peiwen , Cai Honglu , Heng Boon Chin , Chen Xiao , Shen Weiliang
Published: August 2021

Graft regeneration after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery is a complex three-stage process, which usually takes a long duration and often results in fibrous scar tissue formation that exerts a detrimental impact on the patients’ prognosis. Hence, as a regeneration technique, stem cell transplantation has attracted increasing attention. Several different stem cell types have been utilized in animal experiments, and almost all of these have shown good capacity in improving tendon-bone regeneration. Various differentiation inducers have been widely applied together with stem cells to enhance specific lineage differentiation, such as recombinant gene transfection, growth factors, and biomaterials. Among the various different types of stem cells, bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) have been investigated the most, while ligament stem progenitor cells (LDSCs) have demonstrated the best potential in generating tendon/ligament lineage cells. In the clinic, 4 relevant completed trials have been reported, but only one trial with BMSCs showed improved outcomes, while 5 relevant trials are still in progress. This review describes the process of ACL graft regeneration after implantation and summarizes the current application of stem cells from bench to bedside, as well as discusses future perspectives in this field.
Cost Benefit Analysis of Incorporating Security and Evaluation of Its Effects on Various Phases of Agile Software Development
Authors: Kumar Sushil , Kaur Avinash , Jolly Ashish , Baz Mohammed , Cheikhrouhou Omar
Published: August 2021

This article addresses the costs and benefits of integrating security into the development of applications and gives formulas for calculating security costs and benefits. The lack of safe application might lead to safety issues. Increasingly, there are accidents recorded that expose security flaws in many major software systems. It results in significant losses for consumer companies. While software businesses are working to produce secure software, the utility of secure software is quite limited. In contrast to the traditional manufacturers of commodities, for example, automakers, software developers have no legal responsibility if their products include flaws. The market reacts adversely to software manufacturers with serious vulnerabilities in their products. This is because of the loss of credibility, cost of patches, and so on. The study shows that the market is ready to penalize the supplier for insecurity and therefore offers the chance to deliver safer technologies. To improve cost/efficiency, the vulnerabilities are connected by accessible fixes. Significant savings are gained when security shortcomings are corrected during designing requirements instead of fixing security failures after deploying software. For suppliers, updates are more expensive to produce and publish. In addition, development costs can be reduced by plugging security issues in the early stages of development.
Relationship between the Dynamic Parameters of a Structure’s Vibration Process and the Loading Model Moving on a Bridge
Authors: Nguyen Thanh. Q
Published: August 2021

A sufficiently strict conduction of supervision during bridge operation is a crucial matter for many countries, including the underdeveloped country of Viet Nam. In recent times, the budgets in developed countries used for funding the implementation of quality‐assessment procedures are quite high compared to the lower budgets in underdeveloped countries. The plan proposed in this work addresses the current lack of information available in the process of structure‐quality evaluation. The vibration signals will be acquired from the random circulation status to determine the structure’s behavior so as to utilize the signal information during the bridge span’s operation. The study’s main goal is to find various parameters that can be used to evaluate the actual bridge performance. These parameters must meet certain criteria, such as high sensitivity, low measurement cost, and efficiency in the measurement process, but must not affect the itinerary of vehicles moving on the bridge. The actual structural vibration signals used in this work currently serve as a best trend model for evaluating the operation of the bridge span structure. This study will focus on determining the relationship among deflection, acceleration, and vehicle load so as to evaluate the structure’s working process. This study has also fabricated an experimental model to evaluate and test the sensitivity of the parameters utilized in this study in order to verify the results obtained. The results obtained in this research will be applied for the quality‐control process in several bridge models with span structures built with the composite steel concrete cross section of the beam. Many developing countries, including Viet Nam, will receive benefit in the future from the useful advantages presented in this study.
A Blockchain-Based Microgrid Data Disaster Backup Scheme in Edge Computing
Authors: Zhang Lihua , Cao Yu , Zhang Ganzhe , Huang Yang , Zheng Chen
Published: August 2021

In view of the problems of low security, poor reliability, inability to backup automatically, and overreliance on the third party in traditional microgrid data disaster backup schemes based on cloud backup, the edge computing is used to preprocess power big data, and a microgrid data disaster backup scheme based on blockchain in edge computing environment is proposed in this paper. First, the honey encryption (HE) technology and advanced encryption standard (AES) are combined to propose a new encryption algorithm HE-AES, which is used to encrypt the preprocessed data. Second, the Kademlia algorithm is embedded in the edge server to realize the distributed storage and automatic recovery of microgrid data. Finally, the traditional proof of authority (PoA) consensus mechanism is improved partially, and the improved PoA is used to make each node reach consensus and pack blocks on the chain. The scheme can not only realize the data disaster backup automatically but also has high efficiency of data processing, which can provide a new idea for improving the current data disaster backup schemes.
Deterrence of Punitive Measures on Collusive Bidding in the Construction Sector
Authors: Zhu Wenhui , Zheng Yuhang , Ye Kunhui , Zhang Qian , Zhang Minjie
Published: August 2021

Collusive bidding has been a deep‐seated issue in the construction market for a long time. The strategies implemented by bid riggers are deliberate, interactive, and complex, suggesting that antitrust authorities have difficulty preventing collusive behaviors. Based on game payoff matrixes, this study proposes a system dynamics (SD) model to present the deterrence of punitive measures, namely the certainty of punishment (CoP) and the severity of punishment (SoP), on regular bidders’ to‐collude decision‐making. Data were collected from the Chinese construction industry to test the proposed SD model. While the model was supported, the results indicate that the CoP has a greater impact than the SoP on deterring regular bidders from making to‐collude decisions. Furthermore, these two punitive measures cannot be replaced by each other, given the same deterrence effects. Thus, the study demonstrates the usefulness of deterrence theory to inhibit collusive bidding in the construction sector. It also sheds some light on the formulation of competition policy from the perspective of deterrence.
Survey and Risk Assessment of Contaminants in Soil from a Nitrogenous Fertilizer Plant Located in North China
Authors: Tian Xizhao , Fan Cunliang , Gong Zhiqiang , Yuan Ziting , Ma Zhiyuan , Xing Xiaosen , He Wei , Jin Pengfei
Published: August 2021

China is the world’s largest consumer of fertilizer, with fertilizer plants widely distributed throughout the country. With the removal and closing of fertilizer factories in recent years, pollutant surveys and risk assessments (human health risks) for these sites have become increasingly necessary. However, there has been little research on contaminated fertilizer factory sites. This study aimed to characterize the distribution of pollutants, assess the health risk of the site, and calculate the remediation area and volume in a typical fertilizer plant site in North China. A total of 443 samples were collected in 2019; they indicated that the study site had high concentrations of copper (Cu), ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N), total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH), and fluoride at maximum ratios (the ratio of the highest value of all test data for a particular pollutant to the standard value of the pollutant) of 3.30, 2.55, 19.69, and 1.10, respectively. The health risk assessment results suggested that some hazard quotients exceeded the threshold safe level (>1 established by environmental regulations). The risk control values of soil were 2000 mg/g (Cu), 826 mg/g (TPH), and 1549 mg/g (NH3-N), and the total remediation soil volume was 72860.71 m3. The results provided basic information on soil pollution control and environmental management in a contaminated fertilizer plant site.
Computational Behavior of Second Law Poiseuille Flow of Micropolar Fluids in a Channel: Analytical Treatment
Authors: Mathur Priya , Mishra S. R. , Bohra Mahesh , Suthar D. L. , Purohit S. D.
Published: August 2021

The present analysis explores an analytical treatment for the computation of Poiseuille flow of a micropolar fluid in a channel placed in between two horizontal parallel plates. Both the plates are placed at constant wall temperatures. Therefore, the flow region is portioned into two different zones named zone I and zone II. Eringen’s micropolar fluid flow phenomena are taking place assuming no-slip conditions at the interface. Suitable nondimensional variables are imposed for the transformation of governing equations. Analytical treatment is carried out employing the in-house symbolic command using the MAPLE software. The behavior of several contributing parameters such as material parameters, the couple stresses for both the zones on the velocity, and microrotation profiles are investigated and presented via graphs. The volume flow rate is also calculated and presented via the tabular form. The major outcomes of the results are presented as the higher the Reynolds number, the rate increases significantly. The profile is tiled near the central region with a pick starting from the lower plate region to the central region in zone I and retards from the central region to the upper plate in the zone II, and the profiles of angular momentum seem to be symmetric in nature about the central region that is shown in both the zones.
Virtual Reality Technology Combined with Comprehensive Pulmonary Rehabilitation on Patients with Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Xie Xiangmei , Fan Jie , Chen Huihong , Zhu Ling , Wan Ting , Zhou Jixin , Fan Donghua , Hu Xiaoying
Published: August 2021

With the popularization of medical knowledge and the development of medical technology, people pay more and more attention to COPD. This paper mainly studies the effect of virtual reality technology combined with comprehensive lung rehabilitation on patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. 60 patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were selected to collect their general information, such as name, gender, and age. They were divided into the experimental group and control group, 30 patients in each group. The experimental group was treated with virtual reality technology combined with lung rehabilitation, while the control group was treated with conventional rehabilitation. Patients in both groups needed medication and participated in a 30-minute disease description activity once a week. In addition, patients in the control group should walk for 20 minutes every day to monitor muscle fatigue. Breathing exercises are also carried out regularly. Patients are instructed to use their lips and abdomen for 5 minutes each time. The respiratory rate was 7 beats per minute. In addition to the routine training of the control group, the experimental group will also train the simulated bicycle for 20 minutes, which will be automatically saved on the computer after the training. After the experiment, the muscle function and motor ability of the two groups were evaluated, and the results were statistically analyzed. The total self-efficacy scores of patients before and after telemedicine technical support increased significantly (2.15 ± 0.21 before telemedicine technical support, 2.39 ± 0.20 after telemedicine technical support), and the difference was statistically significant (

P
<
0.05

). The results show that the application of virtual reality technology can improve the rehabilitation belief of patients and strengthen the training effect.
FDA Approval Summary: Capmatinib and Tepotinib for the Treatment of Metastatic NSCLC Harboring MET Exon 14 Skipping Mutations or Alterations
Authors: Mathieu Luckson N. , Larkins Erin , Akinboro Oladimeji , Roy Pourab , Amatya Anup K. , Fiero Mallorie H. , Mishra-Kalyani Pallavi S. , Helms Whitney S. , Myers Claire E. , Skinner Amy M. , Aungst Stephanie , Jin Runyan , Zhao Hong , Xia Huiming , Zirkelbach Jeanne Fourie , Bi Youwei , Li Yangbing , Liu Jiang , Grimstein Manuela , Zhang Xinyuan , Woods Stacie , Reece Kelie , Abukhdeir Abdelrahmman M. , Ghosh Soma , Philip Reena , Tang Shenghui , Goldberg Kirsten B. , Pazdur Richard , Beaver Julia A. , Singh Harpreet
Published: August 2021

The FDA approved capmatinib and tepotinib on May 6, 2020, and February 3, 2021, respectively. Capmatinib is indicated for patients with metastatic non–small cell lung cancer (mNSCLC) whose tumors have a mutation leading to mesenchymal–epithelial transition (MET) exon 14 skipping as detected by an FDA-approved test. Tepotinib is indicated for mNSCLC harboring MET exon 14 skipping alterations. The approvals were based on trials GEOMETRY mono-1 (capmatinib) and VISION (tepotinib). In GEOMETRY mono-1, overall response rate (ORR) per Blinded Independent Review Committee (BIRC) was 68% [95% confidence interval (CI), 48–84] with median duration of response (DoR) 12.6 months (95% CI, 5.5–25.3) in 28 treatment-naïve patients and 41% (95% CI: 29, 53) with median DoR 9.7 months (95% CI, 5.5–13) in 69 previously treated patients with NSCLC with mutations leading to MET exon 14 skipping. In VISION, ORR per BIRC was 43% (95% CI: 32, 56) with median DoR 10.8 months (95% CI, 6.9–not estimable) in 69 treatment-naïve patients and 43% (95% CI, 33–55) with median DoR 11.1 months (95% CI, 9.5–18.5) in 83 previously-treated patients with NSCLC harboring MET exon 14 alterations. These are the first two therapies to be FDA approved specifically for patients with metastatic NSCLC with MET exon 14 skipping.
Estudo de revisão da utilização das Escalas Nordoff Robbins: “Relação Criança-Terapeuta na Experiência Musical Coativa” e “Musicabilidade: Formas de Atividade, Estágios e Qualidades de Engajamento”
Authors: André Aline Moreira Brandão , Gomes Cristiano Mauro Assis , Loureiro Cybelle Maria Veiga
Published: August 2021

As Escalas Nordoff Robbins de “Relação Criança-Terapeuta na Experiência Musical Coativa” e de “Musicabilidade: Formas de Atividade, Estágios e Qualidades de Engajamento” são utilizadas como avaliação musicoterapêutica desde a década de 1960 nos EUA. No Brasil, pesquisas estão sendo realizadas para tradução, verificação da validade e utilização destas escalas. Neste estudo de revisão integrativa, verificou-se a utilização das mesmas através de revisão em bases de dados do Portal Periódicos da Capes, Google Acadêmico, Lilacs, Nordoff Robbins, ProQuest, Medline e Cochrane. Encontramos 22 estudos relacionados com a “Escala de Relação Criança-Terapeuta na Experiência Musical Coativa” e 10 estudos relacionados com a “Escala de Musicabilidade: Formas de Atividade, Estágios e Qualidades de Engajamento”. Observou-se que o número de publicação com as mesmas aumentou no decorrer dos anos, inclusive no contexto brasileiro e a utilização mais frequente compreendeu a avaliação de pessoas com Transtorno do Espectro Autista (TEA) e Transtornos do Neurodesenvolvimento.
Os reflexos da pandemia COVID-19 na profissão Músico em Manaus-Amazonas: decreto estadual, trabalho, saúde e emocional
Authors: Afonso Lucyanne de Melo
Published: August 2021

A pesquisa apresenta os reflexos da pandemia COVID-19 na vida do músico em Manaus relacionada a sua saúde, trabalho e emocional durante o período de fechamento dos bares e restaurantes pelo Decreto Estadual nº42330 de 28 de maio de 2020 conforme as orientações da Organização Mundial de Saúde. Utilizou uma abordagem metodológica qualitativa, os dados foram obtidos através de um formulário on line, sem identificação de nome e e-mail para preservar a identidade do entrevistado. O questionário abordava perguntas sobre o cotidiano do músico antes da pandemia e durante a pandemia e o decreto instituído. A pesquisa nos possibilitou conhecer esse novo cotidiano e cenário da vida do músico: preocupações e ansiedades, dificuldades financeiras, desvalorização dos profissionais, sem ajuda e assistência de governos, além de problemas emocionais que geraram conflitos internos. Registrar esta memória desses sujeitos sociais é valorar e dar voz aos atores que fizeram parte de um cenário musical local em um momento de pandemia mundial.
Tradição e inovação: uma análise musical da obra Mutationen VI de Claudio Santoro
Authors: Zomer Ana Leticia Crozetta , Moreira Adriana Lopes da Cunha
Published: August 2021

Relacionada contextualmente com o percurso da música brasileira do século XX, a obra Mutationen VI, para violino e fita magnética, composta por Claudio Santoro em 1972, caracteriza-se pelo uso do que o próprio compositor chama de “aleatório controlado”. A análise da obra relaciona os aspectos pertinentes à notação musical não-tradicional – através dos trabalhos de Gould (2011), Strange e Strange (2001), Dourado (1998) e Stone (1980) – às “estratégias de invariância” (Costa, 2009; 2018). A articulação de processos aparentemente díspares, como o dodecafonismo, técnicas tradicionais e estendidas ao instrumento e a gravação da parte eletroacústica pelo próprio intérprete são exploradas e expostas neste trabalho.
Soundscapes narrativos en el cine: tres bandas sonoras de Tōru Takemitsu (1962-1966)
Authors: Duarte Loza Andrés
Published: August 2021

El presente trabajo propone un modelo de análisis musical-sonoro de bandas sonoras de cine del compositor japonés Tōru Takemitsu en tres colaboraciones junto al director Hiroshi Teshigahara y el novelista, dramaturgo y guionista Kōbō Abe: La trampa (1962), La mujer de la arena (1964) y El rostro ajeno (1966). Takemitsu se presenta en estas realizaciones como un precursor de la composición de soundscape narrativo (paisajes sonoros narrativos) aplicado al campo del cine. Su pensamiento musical y estético para la composición de música de cine posee una gran afinidad con el concepto de soundscape (paisaje sonoro) y la filosofía musical del compositor canadiense Raymond Murray Schafer. En gran medida, debido a su interés común por John Cage. El enfoque metodológico, combina categorías de análisis del entorno acústico provenientes de los estudios sobre soundscape, categorías del campo de los estudios en música y sonido de cine, nociones estéticas de la música y las artes tradicionales japonesas y también categorías conceptuales creadas por el propio Takemitsu. Se analizó especialmente, la función narrativa de la banda sonora en relación con los distintos planos narrativos propuestos por el guión cinematográfico.