bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Effect of COVID-19 on Airline Environmental Efficiency Through an Interval Epsilon-based Measure Model
Authors: Li Ye , Huang Xing-chun , Cui Qiang
Published: September 2021

COVID-19 has dealt an unprecedented blow to the aviation industry since 2020. This paper applies the Interval Epsilon-Based Measure (IEBM) model to evaluate the optimal quarterly environmental efficiency of 14 global airlines of passenger and cargo subsystems during 2018-2020. Then, the Time Series Prediction method is applied to forecast the interval data of inputs and outputs from 2021 to 2022 and calculate the quarterly efficiency. Thus, the future development trends of airlines can be predicted. Furthermore, the results accord with reality can verify the credibility and accuracy of the model. Furthermore, the results show that: 1. COVID-19 has hit the passenger subsystem harder, while the freight subsystem has become more efficient; 2. The efficiency of the freight subsystem has inevitably declined in the post-epidemic era; 3. Therefore, the airlines will have a “√” shaped recovery curve in the next few years.
Multi Expression Programming
Authors: Oltean Mihai , Dumitrescu D.
Published: September 2021

Multi Expression Programming (MEP) is a new evolutionary paradigm intended for solving computationally difficult problems. MEP individuals are linear entities that encode complex computer programs. MEP chromosomes are represented in the same way as C or Pascal compilers translate mathematical expressions into machine code. MEP is used for solving some difficult problems like symbolic regression and game strategy discovering. MEP is compared with Gene Expression Programming (GEP) and Cartesian Genetic Programming (CGP) by using several well-known test problems. For the considered problems MEP outperforms GEP and CGP. For these examples MEP is two magnitude orders better than CGP.
Glioblastoma Radiotherapy Using Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT) or Proton Radiation - GRIPS Trial (Glioblastoma Radiotherapy via IMRT or Proton BeamS): A Study Protocol for a Multicenter, Prospective, Open-label, Randomized, Two-arm, Phase III Study.
Authors: König Laila , Jäkel Cornelia , Döberitz Nikolaus von Knebel , Kieser Meinhard , Eberle Fabian , Münter Marc , Debus Jürgen , Herfarth Klaus
Published: September 2021

Background:Radiation therapy is an integral part of the multimodal primary therapy of glioblastomas. As the overall prognosis in this tumor entity remains unfavorable, current research is focused on additional drug therapies, which are often accompanied by increases in toxicity. By using proton beams instead of photon beams, it is possible to protect large parts of the brain which are not affected by the tumor more effectively. An initial retrospective matched-pair analysis showed that this theoretical physical benefit is also clinically associated with a reduction in toxicity during therapy and in the first few months thereafter. Methods/design:The GRIPS trial is a multicenter, prospective, open-label, randomized, two-arm, phase III study using either intensity modulated photon radiation techniques (standard arm) or proton beam radiotherapy (experimental arm). Additionally, patients are stratified according to "fractionation scheme" (normofractionated/hypofractionated), "subventricular zone involvement" (yes/no) and synchronous chemotherapy (yes/no) and the planned case number is 326 patients.Radiation therapy is performed with a dose of 30 x 2 Gy(RBE) or 33 x 1.8 Gy(RBE), or for patients treated according to the hypofractionation protocol with 15 x 2.67 Gy(RBE). A possible administration of additional chemotherapy (synchronous or adjuvant) or tumor treating fields is applied in dosage and frequency according to the therapy standard outside of this study. The primary endpoint is the cumulative rate of toxicity CTC grade 2 and higher in the first 4 months. Secondary endpoints include overall survival, progression-free survival, quality of life, and neurocognition. Discussion: Aim of the GRIPS study is to prospectively assess whether the theoretical physical advantage of proton beam radiotherapy will translate into a clinical reduction of toxicity during and in the first months after therapy.Trial registration:ClinicalTrials (NCT): NCT04752280
Lower Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index Are Associated With A Higher Incidence Of Osteoporosis In Northern China Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Ji Yuan yuan , Geng Nan , Niu Yingchun , Zhao Hang , Fei Wenjie , Chen Shu chun , Ren Lu ping
Published: September 2021

Introduction Geriatric Nutrition Risk Index（GNRI）assesses the risk of malnutrition and complications associated with nutritional status in older patients and is also an important predictor of many diseases. Osteoporosis is very general in the elderly population and can cause fractures and disability. Malnutrition is associated with osteoporosis. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between GNRI and osteoporosis in T2DM.Methods Study population of 610 patients with T2DM, collect general and laboratory data on the patient and measure BMD; GNRI is calculated based on serum albumin levels, actual weight and ideal weight. Spearman's correlation analysis, logistic regression analysis, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to explore the relationship between GNRI and bone metabolism-related indicators.Results Spearman's correlation analysis yielded a positive correlation between GNRI and BMD, and a negative correlation between GNRI and ALP and PINP. After adjustment of age, duration of illness, TC, TG and uric acid et al confounding factors, a positively correlated with 25(OH)D and PTH (r=0.224, r=0.136, respectively) and negative correlation was found between GNRI and ALP and PINP (r=-0.178, r=-0.120, respectively). Regression analysis yields, GNRI was significantly associated with osteoporosis (in the age < 65 years group, odds ratio was 0.917, P < 0.05 and in the age≥65 years group, was 1.062, P<0.05). The area under the curve of the GNRI recipient operating characteristic curve was 0.584, and the optimal threshold for GNRI to assess the occurrence of osteoporosis was 107.2, the sensitivity was 89.63% and the specificity was 24.63%.Conclusions: Lower Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index among type 2 diabetic patients in northern China are associated with a higher Incidence of osteoporosis.
The Impact of Organisational Characteristics of Staff and Facility on Infectious Disease Outbreaks in Care Homes: a Systematic Review
Authors: Liljas Ann , Morath Lenke , Burström Bo , Schön Pär , Agerholm Janne
Published: September 2021

Background: Infectious disease outbreaks are common in care homes, often with substantial impact on the rates of infection and mortality of the residents, who primarily are older people vulnerable to infections. There is growing evidence that organisational characteristics of staff and facility might play a role in infection outbreaks however such evidence have not previously been systematically reviewed. Therefore, this systematic review aims to examine the impact of facility and staff characteristics on the risk of infectious disease outbreaks in care homes.Methods: Five databases were searched. Studies considered for inclusion were of any design reporting on an outbreak of any infectious disease in one or more care homes providing care for primarily older people with original data on: facility size, facility location (urban/rural), facility design, use of temporary hired staff, staff compartmentalizing, residence of staff, and/or nursing aides hours per resident. Retrieved studies were screened, assessed for quality, and analysed employing a narrative synthesis.Results: Sixteen studies (8 cohort studies, 6 cross-sectional studies, 2 case-control) were included from the search which generated 10,424 unique records. COVID-19 was the most commonly reported cause of outbreak (n=11). The other studies focused on influenza, respiratory and gastrointestinal outbreaks. Most studies reported on the impact of facility size (n=11) followed by facility design (n=4), use of temporary hired staff (n=3), facility location (n=2), staff compartmentalizing (n=2), nurse aides hours (n=2) and residence of staff (n=1). Findings suggest that urban location and larger facility size may be associated with greater risks of an infectious outbreak. Additionally, the risk of a larger outbreak seems lower in larger facilities. Whilst staff compartmentalizing may be associated with lower risk of an outbreak, staff residing in highly infected areas may be associated with greater risk of outbreak. The influence of facility design, use of temporary staff, and nurse aides hours remains unclear.Conclusions: This systematic review suggests that larger facilities have greater risks of infectious outbreaks, yet the risk of a larger outbreak seems lower in larger facilities. Due to lack of robust findings the impact of facility and staff characteristics on infectious outbreaks remain largely unknown.PROSPERO: CRD42020213585
Magnitude of Common Mental Disorder and Factors Associated Among People Living in Addis Ababa Ethiopia 2018: Community Based Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Habtamu Yodit , Admasu Kalikidan , Tullu Mikiyas , Kebede Alem
Published: September 2021

Background: Common mental disorders are a group of distress states manifesting with anxiety, depressive and unexplained somatic symptoms, affecting individuals in different age groups, causes suffering to the individuals, families and community.Objective: This study assessed the magnitude of Common mental disorder and associated factors among people living in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.Methods: Community based cross sectional study design was conducted from November 1 to 30, 2018 among people living in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Multistage sampling technique was used to get a total of 755 samples. Common Mental Disorder was assessed through interview using Self-Reported questionnaire (SRQ-20). The collected data were coded, entered into EPI-Info 7 and analysed by using SPPS version 20. Descriptive, analytical statistical procedure; bivariate and multivariate binary logistic regressions with odds ratios and 95% confidence interval was employed. The statistical significance was accepted at p value < 0.05. Result: In this study a total of 723 study subjects were participated, with response rate of 95.7%.The prevalence of common mental disorders was 24.7% with [95%CI; 21.6 – 27.7]. Females (AOR=2.1; 95% CI; 1.39- 3.23), Divorced/widowed (AOR=2.55; 95% CI; 1.16- 5.59), daily labourers (AOR=2.52; 95% CI; 1.3- 4.88, chronic medical illness (AOR=4.5; 95% CI; 2.46- 8.24). are independent predictors of CMD and educational status (primary, secondary and diploma)was positively associated with CMD. in this study. Regarding education (primary, secondary and diploma) (AOR=0.34; 95% CI; 0.17-0.66)and (AOR=0.35; 95% CI; 0.19-0.67) has positively associated with common mental disorders.Conclusion: The prevalence of common mental disorders was found high. Female sex, marital status like Divorced/Widowed, daily labour workers and chronic medical illness were found to be independent predictors of CMD and educational status (primary, secondary school and diploma holders) was were found to be protective factors
Hour-1 Bundle Adherence Was Associated With Reduction of In-Hospital Mortality Among Patients With Sepsis In Japan
Authors: Umemura Yutaka , Abe Toshikazu , Ogura Hiroshi , Fujishima Seitato , Kushimoto Shigeki , Shiraishi Atsushi , Saitoh Daizoh , Mayumi Toshihiko , Otomo Yasuhiro , Hifumi Toru , Hagiwara Akiyoshi , Takuma Kiyotsugu , Yamakawa Kazuma , Shiino Yasukazu , Nakada Taka-aki , Tarui Takehiko , Okamoto Kohji , Kotani Joji , Sakamoto Yuichiro , Sasaki Junichi , Shiraishi Shin-ichiro , Tsuruta Ryosuke , Masuno Tomohiko , Takeyama Naoshi , Yamashita Norio , Ikeda Hiroto , Ueyama Masashi , Gando Satoshi
Published: September 2021

Background: The updated Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines recommend a 1-hour window for completion of a sepsis care bundle, however, the effectiveness of the hour-1 bundle has not been fully evaluated. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of hour-1 bundle completion on clinical outcomes in sepsis patients.Methods: This is a multicenter, prospective, observational study conducted in 17 intensive care units in tertiary hospitals in Japan. We included all adult patients who were diagnosed as having sepsis by Sepsis-3 and admitted to the ICUs from July 2019 to August 2020. Impacts of hour-1 bundle adherence and delay of adherence on risk-adjusted in-hospital mortality were estimated by multivariable logistic regression analyses.Results: The final study cohort included 178 patients with sepsis. Among them, 89 received bundle-adherent care. Completion rates of each component (measure lactate level; obtain blood cultures; administer broad-spectrum antibiotics; administer crystalloid, apply vasopressors) within 1 hour were 98.9%, 86.2%, 51.1%, 94.9%, and 69.1%, respectively. Completion rate of all components within 1 hour was 50.3%. In-hospital mortality was 18.0% in patients with and 30.3% in patients without bundle-adherent care (p=0.054) Adjusted odds ratio of non-bundle-adherent versus bundle-adherent care for in-hospital mortality was 2.32 (95% CI 1.09–4.95) using propensity score. Non-adherence to obtaining blood cultures and administering broad-spectrum antibiotics within 1 hour were related to in-hospital mortality (2.65 [95% CI 1.25–5.62] and 4.81 [95% CI 1.38–16.72], respectively). Adjusted odds ratio for 1-hour delay in achieving hour-1 bundle components for in-hospital mortality was 1.28 (95% CI 1.04–1.57) by logistic regression analysis.Conclusion: Completion of the hour-1 bundle was associated with lower in-hospital mortality. Obtaining blood cultures and administering antibiotics within 1 hour may have been the components most contributing to decreased in-hospital mortality.
Thermal Study of a Cladding Layer of Inconel 625 in Directed Energy Deposition (DED) Process Using a Phase-Field Model
Authors: Darabi Roya , Ferreira André , Azinpour Erfan , de Sa Jose Cesar , Reis Ana
Published: September 2021

In an effort to simulate the involved thermal physical effects that occur in direct energy deposition (DED) a thermodynamically-consistent of phase-field method is developed. Two state parameters, characterizing phase change and consolidation, are used to allocate the proper material properties to each phase. The numerical transient solution is obtained via a finite element analysis. A set of experiments for single tracks scanning were carried out to provide dimensional data of the deposited cladding lines. By relying on a regression analytical formulation to establish the link between process parameters and geometries of deposited layers from experiments, an activation of passive elements in the finite element discretization is considered. The single-track cladding of Inconel 625 powder on tempered steel 42CrMo4 was printed with different power, scanning speed and feed-rate to assess their effect on the morphology of the melt pool and the solidification cooling rate. The predicted dimensions of melt pools were compared with experiments reported in the literature. In addition, this research correlated the used process parameter in the modelling of localized transient thermal with solidification parameters, namely, the thermal gradient (G) and the solidification rate (R).
PEA-15 Engages in Allosteric Interactions Using a Common Scaffold in a Phosphorylation-Dependent Manner
Authors: Ikedife Joyce , He Jianlin , Wei Yufeng
Published: September 2021

Phosphoprotein enriched in astrocytes, 15 kDa (PEA-15) is a death-effector domain (DED) containing protein involved in regulating mitogen-activated protein kinase and apoptosis pathways. In this molecular-dynamics study, we examined how phosphorylation of the PEA-15 C-terminal tail Ser-104 and Ser-116 allosterically promotes conformational changes of the DED, and alters the binding specificity from extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK) to Fas associated death domain (FADD) protein. We found that the binding interfaces between the unphosphorylated PEA-15 and ERK2 and the doubly phosphorylated PEA-15 and FADD are similarly composed of a scaffold that includes both the DED and the C-terminal tail of PEA-15. While the unphosphorylated serine residues do not directly interact with ERK2, the phosphorylated Ser-116 engages in strong interactions with arginine residues on FADD DED. In this DED complex, FADD repositions its death domain (DD) relative to the DED, which has strong implications on the association of the death-inducing signaling complex (DISC).
Clinical Characteristics, Health Care Resource Utilization and Direct Medical Costs of Rotavirus Hospitalizations in Spain (2013-2018)
Authors: Arístegui J. , Alfayate-Miguelez S. , Carazo-Gallego B. , Garrote E. , Díaz-Munilla L. , Mendizabal M. , Doménech E. , Ferrer-Lorente B. , Unsaín-Mancisidor M. , Ramos-Amador J. T. , Illán-Ramos M. , Croche-Santander B. , Malfaz F. Centeno , Rodríguez-Suárez J. , Cotarelo M. , San-Martín M. , Méndez-Hernández M. , Ruiz-Contreras J.
Published: September 2021

Background: Rotavirus (RV) is the most common cause of severe gastroenteritis (GE) in infants and young children worldwide and is associated with a significant clinical and economic burden. The objective of this study was to analyze the characteristics, healthcare resource utilization and the direct medical costs related to RVGE hospitalizations.Methods: An observational, multicenter, cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2013 to May 2018 at the pediatric departments of 12 hospitals from different Spanish regions. Children under 5 years of age admitted to the hospital with a confirmed diagnosis of RVGE were selected. Data on clinical characteristics, healthcare resource use and costs were collected from patient records and hospital databases.Results: Most children hospitalized for RVGE did not have any previous medical condition or chronic disease. Forty-seven percent had previously visited the ER, 27% had visited a primary care pediatrician, and 15% had received pharmacological treatment prior to hospital admission due to an RVGE episode. The average length of a hospital stay for RVGE was 5.6 days, and the mean medical costs of RVGE hospitalizations per episode ranged from 3,940€ to 4,100€. The highest direct medical cost was due to the hospital stay.Conclusion: This study shows a high burden of health resource utilization and costs related to the management of cases of RVGE requiring hospitalization. RV vaccination with high coverage rates should be considered to minimize the clinical and economic impacts of this disease on the health care system.
Maize Disease Recognition Based On Image Enhancement And OSCRNet
Authors: Zhang Hongji , Guoxiong Zhou , Chen Aibin , Li Jiayong , Li Mingxuan , Zhang Wenzhuo , Hu Yahui , Yu Wentao
Published: September 2021

Background: Under natural light irradiation, there are significant challenges in the identification of maize leaf diseases because of the difficulties in extracting lesion features from constantly changing environments, uneven illumination reflection of the incident light source and many other factors.Results: In the present paper, a novel maize image recognition method was proposed. Firstly, an image enhancement framework of the maize leaf was designed, and a multi-scale image enhancement algorithm with color restoration was established to enhance the characteristics of the maize leaf in a complex environment and to solve the problems of high noise and blur of maize images. Subsequently, an OSCRNet maize leaf recognition network model based on the traditional ResNet backbone architecture was designed. In the OSCRNet maize leaf recognition network model, an octave convolution with characteristics to accelerate network training was adopted, reducing unnecessary redundant spatial information in the maize leaf images. Additionally, a self-calibrated convolution with multi-scale features was employed to realize the interactions of different feature information in the maize leaf images, enhance feature extraction, and solve the problems of similarity of maize disease features and easy learning disorders. Concurrently, batch normalization was employed to prevent network overfitting and enhance the robustness of the model. The experiment was conducted on the maize leaf image data set. The highest identification accuracy of rust, grey leaf disease, northern fusarium wilt, and healthy maize was 94.67%, 92.34%, 89.31% and 96.63%, respectively. Conclusions: The aforementioned methods were beneficial in solving the problems of slow efficiency, low accuracy and image recognition training, and also outperformed other comparison models. The present method demonstrates strong robustness for maize disease images collected in the natural environment, providing a reference for the intelligent diagnosis of other plant leaf diseases.
The Influence of Timing of Coronary Angiography on Acute Kidney Injury in Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study.
Authors: Janssens Gladys Nathalia , Daemen Joost , Lemkes Jorrit S. , Spoormans Eva M. , Janssen Dieuwertje , Uil Corstiaan A. den , Jewbali Lucia S.D. , Heestermans Ton A.C.M. , Umans Victor A.W.M. , Halfwerk Frank R. , Beishuizen Albertus , Nas Joris , Bonnes Judith , de Ven Peter M. van , Rossum Albert C. van , Elbers Paul W.G. , Royen Niels van
Published: September 2021

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent complication in cardiac arrest survivors and associated with adverse outcome. It remains unclear whether the incidence of AKI increases after the post-cardiac arrest administration of contrast for coronary angiography and whether this depends on timing of contrast administration. Aim of this study was to investigate whether early angiography is associated with increased development of AKI compared to deferred angiography in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) survivors.Methods: In this retrospective multicenter cohort study we investigated whether early angiography (within 2 h) after OHCA was non-inferior to delayed/no angiography regarding the development of AKI. We used an absolute difference of 5% as the non-inferiority margin. Primary non-inferiority analysis was done by calculating the risk difference with its 90% confidence interval (CI) using a generalized linear model for a binary outcome and the identity link-function. As a sensitivity analysis we repeated the primary analysis using propensity score matching.Results: A total of 2151 patients were included in the study from 2009 until 2018, of which 1062 patients were treated with early coronary angiography and 1089 patients with delayed or no angiography. The proportion that developed AKI after OHCA was 17.8% in the early angiography group and 21.5% in the deferred angiography group. Risk difference was -3.7% with 90% CI ranging from -6.7% to -0.7%, indicating non-inferiority of early angiography at the prespecified margin of 5%. As sensitivity analysis we repeated the primary analysis using propensity score matching, which accordingly showed non-inferiority of early angiography. A multivariable model was built to identify predictors of acute kidney injury. The factors time to return of spontaneous circulation (odds ratio [OR] 1.10, 95% CI 1.05–1.15, p<0.001) and baseline creatinine (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.03–1.07, p<0.001) were found to be independently associated with the development of AKI.Conclusions: Although AKI occurred in approximately 20% of OHCA patients, we found that early angiography had an equal AKI incidence as a delayed or no angiography strategy. The present results implicate that it is safe to perform early coronary angiography with respect to the risk of developing AKI after OHCA.
The second wave of COVID-19 in South and Southeast Asia and vaccination effects
Authors: Song Haitao , Fan Guihong , Liu Yuan , Wang Xueying , He Daihai
Published: September 2021

Background By February 2021, the overall impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in South and Southeast Asia had been relatively mild. Surprisingly, the second wave in early April 2021 in this region becomes devastating and attracts worldwide attention. Methods We focus on the nine countries with the highest accumulative deaths due to the disease by July 30, 2021. We study the transmission dynamics of the COVID-19 in South and Southeast Asia using the reported death data and fit into a mathematical model with time varying transmission rate. Results We estimated the transmission rate, the infection fatality rate, and the infection attack rate, the effects of vaccination in the nine countries in South and Southeast Asia. Our study suggests that the infection attack rate is still low in most of the countries and vaccination is needed to prevent further waves. Conclusion The implementation of the non-pharmacological interventions (NPIs) could have helped South and Southeast Asia to keep the COVID-19 under control in 2020 as reflected in our estimated low transmission rate. Factors like the emergence of the new Delta variant, social unrest, and migrant workers could have been the trigger of the second wave of COVID-19. Trial registration. NA
Circulating Tumor Cells In Patients Undergoing Androgen Deprivation Therapy With Versus Without Cryosurgery For Metastatic Prostate Cancer: : A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Sheng Mingxiong , Guo Shanming , Liu Chunxiao
Published: September 2021

Background: The study aimed to assess the value of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) as a prognostic and treatment response marker in patients undergoing androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) plus cryosurgery vs. ADT alone for metastatic prostate cancer (mPCA).Methods: This retrospective analysis included 43 patients with mPCA: 23 receiving ADT alone (control) and 20 receiving additional cryosurgery (cryosurgery group).CTCs and progression-free survival(PFS) were compared between the two groups. Cox proportional hazards regression was conducted to identify variables associated with PFS.Results: Median PFS was 35 months (IQR: 33-37) in the cryosurgery group vs. 30 months (IQR: 27-32) in the control (p<0.001). CTCs count was significantly lower in the cryosurgery group at both 3 months (z=2.170, p=0.030) and 12 months (z=2.481; p=0.013). In comparison to the baseline, the number of CTCs at both 3 and 12 months was lower in the cryosurgery group (p=0.004 and p<0.001, respectively), but not in the ADT alone group. In multivariate Cox regression, shorter PFS was associated with baseline PSA ≧100 ng/ml (HR 6.584, 95%CI: 5.309-8.166), biopsy Gleason score≧8 (HR 2.064, 95%CI: 1.608-2.650), clinic T stage＞T2b (HR 5.021, 95%CI: 3.925-6.421), number of bone metastases＞3 (HR 3.421, 95%CI: 2.786-4.202), positive CTCs at 3 months post-treatment (HR 6.833, 95%CI: 5.176-9.022), positive CTCs 1 year post-treatment (HR 6.051, 95%CI: 4.347-8.424). Prostate cryosurgery was associated with longer PFS(HR 0.062, 95%CI: 0.048-.080). Conclusions: CTC was a prognostic and treatment response marker for mPCA. ADT plus cryosurgery could reduce CTCs and prolong PFS vs. ADT alone in mPCA patients with low metastatic volume.
Associations of COVID-19 risk perception, eHealth literacy, and protective behaviors among Chinese college students following vaccination: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Qin Ning , Shi Shuangjiao , Ma Guiyue , Li Xiao , Duan Yinglong , Shen Zhiying , Luo Aijing , Zhong Zhuqing
Published: September 2021

Background： In spite of strict regulation of COVID-19 preventative measures and containment in China, there are still confirmed cases sporadically occuring in many cities. College students are at a high risk of being infected, especially with the approach of vacation; thus, identifying the status and related factors of protective behaviors among them after receiving vaccination will be crucial for epidemic control. This study aimed to gather information on the protective behaviors and to identify the associations of COVID-19 risk perception, eHealth literacy and protective behaviors for Chinese college students following vaccinationMethods: A cross-sectional survey of college students who engaged in protective behaviors post vaccination was conducted using the COVID-19 risk perception scale and eHealth literacy scale in one of the groups. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to confirm the correlation between COVID-19 risk perception, eHealth literacy and protective behaviors for Chinese college students.Results: A total of 5641 Chinese college students were included. Male students comprised 59.01% with an average age of (21.39±2.75) years and most students rating their health as very good (44.85%) or pretty good (46.98%). A smaller percentage (13.76%) believed that they would likely or most likely be infected with COVID-19 after getting vaccinated. In addition, more than 1 in 10 (10.35%) college students had ever suspected to suffer from post-vaccination reactions following the COVID-19 vaccination. The mean score of protective behaviors was (26.06±3.97) at the middle level. Approximately one-third (30.42%) of the students always or often did not wear a mask when going out. Some college students (29.25%) did not keep at least 1 meter away from others in social situations. Older female college students who were in good health and perceived as being at a low risk of getting infected with COVID-19 did not expect to engage in post-vaccination protective measures. Those with a higher level of perceived risk, severe risk perception and eHealth literacy and a lower level of unknown risk perception were more likely to engage in further protective behaviors after getting vaccinated.Conclusions: Overall, the level of protective behaviors among Chinese college students following vaccination could use improvement, especially for male, younger college students in poor health. This study revealed the predictive effects of risk perception and eHealth literacy on protective behaviors, recommending that the negative and positive effects of risk perception should be balanced in epidemic risk management, and eHealth literacy promotion should also be emphasized for public health and social measures.
Milling Force Coefficients-based Tool Wear Monitoring for Variable Parameters Milling
Authors: Pan Tianhang , Zhang Jun , Zhang Xing , Zhao Wanhua , Zhang Huijie , Lu Bingheng
Published: September 2021

Tool wear is an important factor that affects the aeronautical structural parts' quality and machining accuracy in the milling process. It is essential to monitor the tool wear in titanium alloy machining. The traditional tool wear features such as root mean square (RMS), kurtosis, and wavelet packet energy spectrum are related to not only the tool wear status but also to the milling parameters, thus monitoring the tool wear status only under fixed milling parameters. This paper proposes a new method of online monitoring of tool wear using milling force coefficients. The instantaneous cutting force model is used to extract the milling force coefficients which are independent of milling parameters. The principal component analysis (PCA) algorithm is used to fuse the milling force coefficients. Furthermore, support vector machine (SVM) model is used to monitor tool wear states. Experiments with different machining parameters were conducted to verify the effectiveness of this method used for tool wear monitoring. The results show that compared to traditional features, the milling force coefficients are not dependent on the milling parameters, and using milling force coefficients can effectively monitor the transition point of cutters from normal wear to severe wear (tool failure).
Socio-economic and rural-urban differences in healthcare and catastrophic health expenditures among cancer patients in China: analysis of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study
Authors: Zhao Yang , Tang Shenglan , Mao Wenhui , Akinyemiju Tomi F
Published: September 2021

Background
In China, cancer deaths account for one-fifth of all deaths and exert a heavy toll on patients, families, healthcare systems, and society as a whole. This study aims to examine socio-economic and rural-urban differences in treatment, healthcare service utilization and catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) among Chinese cancer patients, and to investigate the relationship between different treatment types and healthcare service use as well as incidence of CHE.
Methods
We analyzed a nationally representative sample from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study including 17,224 participants in 2011 and 19,569 participants in 2015. Multivariable regression models were performed to investigate the association of cancer treatments with healthcare service utilization and CHE.
Results
The age-adjusted prevalence of cancer is 1.37% for 2011 and 1.84% for 2015. Approximately half of the cancer patients utilized treatment for their disease, with a higher proportion of urban residents (54%) than rural residents (46%) receiving cancer treatment in 2015. CHE declined by 22% in urban areas (25% in 2011 and 19% in 2015) but increased by 31% in rural areas (25% in 2011 to 33% in 2015). There was a positive relationship between cancer treatment and outpatient visit (OR = 2.098, 95% CI = 1.453, 3.029), admission to hospital (OR = 1.961, 95% CI = 1.346, 2.857) and CHE (OR = 1.796, 95% CI = 1.231, 2.620). Chemotherapy and surgery were each associated with a 2-fold increased risk of CHE.
Conclusions
Meaningful changes to improve health insurance benefit packages are needed to ensure universal, affordable and patient-centered health coverage for the Chinese cancer patients.
Poly(amidoamine) dendrimer modified superparamagnetic nanoparticles as an efficient adsorbent for Cr(VI) removal: Effect of high-generation dendrimer on adsorption performance
Authors: Cui Can , Xie Yadian , Niu Jiaojiao , Hu Hailiang , Lin Sen
Published: September 2021

Heavy metal ions pollution is one of the most dangerous and critical threats to human health and environment. In this work, three different generations of PAMAM dendrimer decorated on magnetic Fe 3 O 4 composites (Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 –G1, Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 –G3, Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 –G5) were fabricated and characterized by FTIR, XRD, TEM, and TGA. The obtained composites were used for Cr(VI) removal. Batch adsorption studies showed that the adsorption reached equilibrium within 60 min, and the optimal pH was 3.0. The result of adsorption kinetics was simulated by the pseudo–second-order model. The adsorption equilibrium isotherm was well fitted with the Langmuir adsorption model. Furthermore, thermodynamics calculations revealed that the adsorption process was endothermic and spontaneous. Importantly, adsorption capacity of Cr(VI) obey the sequence of Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 –G1＜Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 –G5＜Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 –G3, 3 generation of PAMAM (3G) is the optimal for adsorption capacity of Cr(VI). The maximum theoretical Cr(VI) adsorption capacity ( q m ) of Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 –G3 was 334.45 mg/g, and removal ration remained above 89.5% after five cycles of adsorption–desorption. Thus, Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 –G3 is predicted to be an efficient adsorbent for the adsorption of Cr(VI) from aqueous solution, and the obtained results can help in the generation optimization during fabrication of dendrimer modified adsorbents.
Exposure Levels and Contributing Factors of Various Arsenic Species and Their Health Effects on Korean Adults
Authors: Lee Seul-Gi , Kang Ingu , Seo Mi-Na , Lee Jung-Eum , Eom Sang-Yong , Hwang Myung-Sil , Park Kyung Su , Choi Byung-Sun , Kwon Ho-Jang , Hong Young-Seoub , Kim Heon , Park Jung-Duck
Published: September 2021

Arsenic is a human carcinogen. Data on urinary arsenic species analyses of Koreans is limited. This study evaluated the arsenic exposure level, contributing factors, and health effects in Korean adults. Dietary intake information and urine samples were obtained from 2,044 participants. Arsenic exposure was assessed based on urinary concentrations of arsenic species, such as inorganic arsenic, As(III) and As(V), monomethylarsonic acid (MMA), dimethylarsinic acid (DMA), and arsenobetaine (AsB), using high-performance liquid chromatography with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, followed by determination of biomarkers, malondialdehyde and c-peptide. The geometric mean concentrations were 30.9 ㎍/L for the sum of inorganic arsenic and their metabolites, and 84.7 ㎍/L for the total sum of arsenic measured. Urinary concentrations of arsenic species were influenced by age, inhabitant area (inland or coastal), and seafood intake, which was positively correlated with inorganic arsenic, DMA, and AsB. Rice intake was positively correlated with inorganic arsenic and its metabolites but not with AsB. Additionally, malondialdehyde and c-peptide levels were significantly associated with urinary concentrations of various arsenic species. Seafood and rice are major sources of organic/inorganic arsenic exposure in Korean adults; however, it is necessary to evaluate whether their overconsumption could have a potentially detrimental effect on human health.
Characterization, Classification and Evaluation of Ground Water in the South-West Semi-Arid Region of the Plateau of MOSTAGANEM(Plain of BORDJIAS)
Authors: Guermoud Noreddine , Benderdouche Noureddine , Bouzid Habid
Published: September 2021

Groundwater availability; quality and quantity are important parameters for human development in terms of drinking, agriculture and industry in semi arid regions. The study of the groundwater quality of Bordjias Plain, located in the semi-arid south-western region of the Mostaganem Plateauin Algeria, is an essential parameter for the good health of the population. Chemical parameters analysis (pH, conductivity, Ca2+, Mg2+, TH, Na+, K+, HCO3−, Cl−, SO42−, NO3− PO43−, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, V) was carried out on water samples in different localities of the plain of Bordjias. Characterization of groundwater samples according to the basic exchange index and hydrochemical parameters results show a mixed chemical composition. Samples were evaluated for various uses (consumption and household use, irrigation and industry) according to WHO standards, sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) and saturation index (SI). The results show that Bordjia plain groundwater is of good quality for domestic use and irrigation but not for industrial uses.
A Z generáció utazási szokásai
Authors: Tütünkov-Hrisztov Jordán , Szabó Katalin , Kinczel Antónia , Molnár Anikó , Bujdosó Zoltán , Müller Anetta
Published: September 2021

Bevezetés: A turisztkai iparág egy fontos terület, mely hozzájárul az emberek rekreációjához, és egyben igen sok ország számára gazdasági potenciállal is bír. A COVID-járvány érzékenyen érintete ezt a szektort, melynek gazdasági hatása az utazásszervezőket sem kerülte el. Az utazási irodák létét és forgalmát a jövőben igen erőteljesen befolyásolja az, hogy a Z generációt meg tudja-e szólítani az általa kínált szolgáltatásokkal. Célkitűzés: A hazai Z generáció utazási motvációinak és szokásainak a vizsgálata. Eredmények: A kitöltők 26,3%-a nyilatkozta, hogy szokot utazási irodával utazni. A válaszadók 10%-a egyáltalán nem vesz igénybe utazási irodai szolgáltatást. A válaszadók többsége azonban igénybe vesz valamilyen szolgáltatást, melyek közül a szállásfoglalás (22,5%), a packagek (22,5%) és az utasbiztosítás (22,1%) voltak a legnépszerűbbek. A Z generáció fontosnak véli az utazási irodákat, ahol az utazási tanácsadó szerepe felértékelődik. Leginkább akkor vennék igénybe az utazási irodák szolgáltatásait, ha távolabbi desztnációt választanak és amenynyiben kedvező az ár, vagy ha bonyolultabb a foglalási módszer. Következtetések: A Z generáció egyelőre elutasítja a hagyományos, szervezet utazási formákat. A kutatás eredménye szerint csak legvégső esetben vennék igénybe a hagyományos utazási csomagokat, melyeknél az ár-érték arány igen fontos a vásárlási döntésben.
Innovation imperatives of global financial innovation and development of their matrix models
Authors: Savchuk Nataliia , Bludova Tetiana , Leonov Dmytro , Murashko Olena , Shelud’ko Nataliia
Published: September 2021

The global financial market is undergoing transformational changes under the growing influence of innovative factors. Such changes are due, in particular, to the concentration and scaling up and diversification of the structure of financial services, the renewal of the financial sector on the basis of FinTech operations and blockchain technologies. This requires taking into account the impact of innovation factors on the transformation of the financial market in the dimension of FinTech. The study aims to identify the imperatives of global financial innovation and show ways to develop innovative models in the interpretation of S-curves for next-generation products using new technologies when key technologies on the previous S-curve become obsolete. Also, the matrix of financial innovations is presented and the synergy of its innovation models is proved.The results of the study are to prove that each of the presented models is not independent, it evolves and develops itself, as well as affects other models. This made it possible to identify prognostic pathways for the development of innovative models in their synergy in the form of two-ring motion. Thus, the study emphasizes the need for further research aimed at developing innovative models that will determine strategic decisions in the formation of innovation imperatives.
Responses of groundwater to precipitation variability and ENSO in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta
Authors: Le Phong V. V. , Pham Hai V. , Bui Luyen K. , Tran Anh N. , Pham Chien V. , Nguyen Giang V. , Tran Phuong A.
Published: September 2021

Groundwater is a critical component of water resources and has become the primary water supply for agricultural and domestic uses in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta (VMD). Widespread groundwater level declines have occurred in the VMD over recent decades, reflecting that extraction rates exceed aquifer recharge in the region. However, the impacts of climate variability on groundwater system dynamics in the VMD remain poorly understood. Here, we explore recent changes in groundwater levels in shallow and deep aquifers from observed wells in the VMD and investigate their relations to the annual precipitation variability and El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO). We show that groundwater level responds to changes in annual precipitation at time scales of approximately 1 year. Moreover, shallow (deep) groundwater in the VMD appears to correlate with the ENSO over intra-annual (inter-annual) time scales. Our findings reveal a critical linkage between groundwater level changes and climate variability, suggesting the need to develop an understanding of the impacts of climate variability across time scales on water resources in the VMD.
Simulation of the ice thickness of the Heilongjiang River and application of SD models to a river ice model
Authors: Xing Ruofei , Ju Qin , Simonovic Slobodan P. , Hao Zhenchun , Yuan Feifei , Gu Huanghe
Published: September 2021

The Heilongjiang River is a transboundary river between China and Russia, which often experiences ice dams that can trigger spring floods and significant damages in the region. Owing to insufficient data, no river ice model is applicable for the Heilongjiang River. Therefore, a river ice thickness model based on continuous meteorological data and river ice data at the Mohe Station located in the upper reach of the Heilongjiang River was proposed. Specifically, the proposed model was based on physical river ice processes and the Russian empirical theory. System dynamic models were applied to assess the proposed model. The performance of the river ice model was evaluated using root-mean-square error (RMSE), coefficient of determination (R2), and Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE). Subsequently, sensitivity analyses of the model parameters through Latin hypercube sampling and uncertainty analyses of input variables were conducted. Results show that the formation of ice starts 10 days after the air temperature reaches below 0 °C. The maximum ice thickness occurs 10 days after the atmospheric temperature reaches the minimum. Ice starts to melt after the highest temperature is greater than 0 °C. The R2 of ice thickness in the middle of river (ITMR) and ice thickness at the riverside (ITRS) are 0.67 and 0.69, respectively; the RMSEs of ITMR and ITRS are 6.50 and 6.84, respectively; and the NSEs of ITMR and ITRS are 0.72 and 0.70, respectively. Sensitivity analyses show that ice growth and ice melt are sensitive to the air temperature characterizing the thermal state. Uncertainty analyses show temperature has the greatest effect on river ice.
Naphthalene mineralization by supercritical water oxidation and determination of by-products using non-target analysis
Authors: Ates H. , Argun M. E. , Kurt N.
Published: September 2021

In this study, the fate of naphthalene was investigated with a supercritical water oxidation process (SCWO). Also, the effectiveness of different operating conditions including pressure, temperature, residence time and oxidant dose on the formation of by-products was determined. The experimental sets were determined by the experimental design program and the effect of the selected variables on the removal of the naphthalene was associated statistically. According to obtained results, naphthalene by SCWO process was mineralized up to 98.5%. Removal efficiencies in sub- and supercritical conditions were between 94 and 100%. Derivatives of aldehyde, propanoic acid, benzene acetic acid and benzofuran were detected as by-products at many experimental conditions and also, some intermediates with a molecular weight higher than naphthalene were determined.
Study on pollution characteristics of urban pavement runoff
Authors: Qian Guoping , Zhang Jingyu , Li Xi , Yu Huanan , Gong Xiangbing , Chen Juyong
Published: September 2021

Urban pavement runoff has become an important pollution source endangering the quality of urban water. This paper analyzed the characteristics of particle size distribution of road-deposited sediment (RDS). The variation of pollutants with RDS content is presented. Based on continuous sampling of runoff, the variation between pollutant concentration and rainfall characteristics is revealed. The results show that each particle group shares similar content except for the group smaller than 0.075 mm. However, the smaller particles have a stronger ability to adsorb heavy metals (Zn, Pb, Cu), and a weaker ability to adsorb chemical oxygen demand (COD). The concentrations of different pollutants have different relationships with rainfall and runoff time. The concentration of suspended solids (SS) decreases steadily with runoff time, while the concentration of heavy metals increases first and then decreases. The first 30 minutes of runoff is the best time to treat heavy metals and SS. The five-day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) and total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) concentration are mainly affected by rainfall intensity. The result presented in this paper may provide a useful reference for the treatment of pavement runoff pollution.