bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ion selectivity and rotor coupling of the Vibrio flagellar sodium-driven stator unit
Authors: Taylor Nicholas , Hu Haidai , Popp Philipp , Santiveri Mònica , Roa-Eguiara Aritz , Yan Yumeng , Liu Zheyi , Wadhwa Navish , Wang Yong , Erhardt Marc
Published: January 2023

Bacteria swim using a flagellar motor that is powered by stator units. Vibrio spp. are highly motile bacteria responsible for various human diseases, the polar flagella of which are exclusively driven by sodium-dependent stator units (PomAB). However, how ion selectivity is attained, how ion transport triggers the directional rotation of the stator unit, and how the stator unit is incorporated into the motor remain largely unclear. Here we have determined by cryo-electron microscopy the structure of Vibrio PomAB. The electrostatic potential map uncovers sodium binding sites, which together with functional experiments and molecular dynamics simulations, reveal a mechanism for ion translocation and selectivity. Bulky hydrophobic residues from PomA, prime PomA for clockwise rotation. We propose a dynamic helical motif in PomA regulates the distance between PomA subunit cytoplasmic domains, stator unit activation, and torque transmission. Together, our studies provide mechanistic insights for understanding stator unit ion selectivity and motor incorporation.
A PAM4 transceiver design scheme with threshold adaptive and tap adaptive
Authors: Liu Xuena , Li Zhensong , Wen Hao , Miao Min
Published: January 2023

To meet the demand of low bit error rate (BER) and high bandwidth for high-speed links, a reliable 112Gb/s four-level pulse amplitude modulation (PAM4) transceiver design scheme with adaptive threshold voltage and adaptive decision feedback equalizer (DFE) is proposed in this paper. In this scheme, three continuous time linear equalizers (CTLE) at the front end of receiver are used to compensate the high-frequency, mid-frequency and low-frequency signals respectively, and the variable gain amplifier (VGA) and saturation amplifier (SatAmp) are used to scale the signal amplitude. In addition to the three data samplers, four auxiliary samplers are also used for threshold adaptation. The sign-sign least mean squares algorithm uses the offset between the data sampler and the auxiliary sampler at the receiver side to drive the auxiliary reference voltage to converge to the signal constellation level, thus ensuring that the eye diagram of the PAM4 received signal has equal spacing and a constant signal-noise ratio (SNR) for the three eyes in the vertical direction. In addition, the adaptive DFE for PAM4 signaling allows the transceiver to better adapt to the channel and thus achieve better equalizer performance. The simulation results show that the PAM4 transceiver design can compensate up to 25dB of channel loss with an average eye height of 59.6 mv and an average eye width of 0.27 UI at a bit error rate of 10− 12 under the condition of 3 tap Feedforward equalizer (FFE) transmitter.
Cooperative Beam Selection Method using Location-based Fingerprint DB according to User Classification in UAV Support Systems
Authors: Sim Yuna , Sin Seungseok , Cho Jihun , Moon Sangmi , You Young-Hwan , Kim Cheol Hong , Hwang Intae
Published: January 2023

Owing to their high-altitude and mobility characteristics, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are attracting attention as a key element of new radio (NR) systems because they can exceed the limits of terrestrial networks. However, UAVs at high altitudes can be greatly affected by inter-cell interference at a high line-of-sight (LOS) probability. Accordingly, we propose an algorithm that selects the optimal beam to reduce interference and maximize transmission efficiency. The pro-posed algorithm consists of two steps. It is divided into the process of constructing a user-location-based fingerprint database according to the user types presented herein and the process of cooperative beam selection. Simulations are conducted based on cellular cooperative downlink systems for performance analysis of the proposed method, and signal-to-interference-plus-noise cumulative distribution function (SINR CDF) and spectral efficiency cumulative distribution function (SE CDF) are used as performance analysis indicators. The simulation results confirm that the proposed algorithm can reduce the effect of interference and increase the performance of the desired signal. Moreover, the proposed algorithm can efficiently reduce overheads and system cost by reducing the amount of resources required for in-formation exchange.
Diagnostic Value of Breast MRI and Nomogram After Negative Axillary Ultrasound For Predicting Axillary Lymph Node Metastasis in Patients with Clinically T1-2 N0 Breast Cancer
Authors: Song Sung Eun , Cho Kyu Ran , Cho Yongwon , Jung Seung Pil , Park Kyong-Hwa , Woo Ok Hee , Seo Bo Kyoung
Published: January 2023

Purpose: To assess the false negative result (FNR) of axillary ultrasound (AUS), the rate of high nodal burden (HNB) in clinically T1-2 N0 breast cancer patients, and the diagnostic performance of breast MRI and nomogram.
Methods: We identified 948 consecutive patients with clinically T1-2 N0 cancers who had negative AUS, subsequent MRI, and breast conserving therapy between 2013 and 2020 from two tertiary medical centers of Korea University, Seoul, Korea. Patients from two centers were assigned to development and validation sets, respectively. Using logistic regression analyses, clinical- imaging factors associated with LN metastasis were analyzed in the development set from which nomogram was created. The performance of MRI and nomogram was assessed. HNB was defined as ≥3 positive LNs.
Results: Among 948 patients, 402 (mean age ± standard deviation, 57.61 ± 11.58) were within development cohort and 546 (54.43 ± 10.02) within validation cohort. The FNR of AUS was 20.1% (81 of 402) and 19.2% (105 of 546) and the rates of HNB were 1.2% (5/402) and 2.2% (12/546), respectively. Clinical and imaging features associated with LN metastasis were progesterone receptor positivity, outer tumor location on mammography, BI-RADS category 5 assessment of cancer on ultrasound, and positive axilla on MRI. The negative predictive value (NPV) of MRI and clinical-imaging nomogram was 86.5% and 82.0%.
Conclusions: The FNR of AUS was approximately 20% but the rate of HNB was low. MRI had merit in reaffirming negative AUS. Clinical-imaging nomogram might be helpful to find possible candidates for the omission of SLNB.
Identification of Mungbean Genotypes with Multiple Disease Resistance
Authors: KOLL DHARANI SREE , Bhat Sumangala , Mogali Suma C , Balol Gurupad
Published: January 2023

Mungbean is a high-protein legume and is widely cultivated in a variety of cropping systems. Foliar diseases like powdery mildew, anthracnose and mungbean yellow mosaic virus (MYMV) not only limit the productivity but also affect the physical quality of seeds rendering them unusable. In this study 130 advanced breeding lines were subjected to field screening to identify genotypes with multiple disease resistance.Field screening was conducted using infector row method to identify the resistant genotypes. Screening for powdery mildew and anthracnose was done during kharif 2021 and for MYMV during summer 2022. During each season, two trials were laid, each under protected and unprotected conditions. The genotypes were screened under unprotected conditions and the yield differences between these two trials were used to determine the per cent yield reduction due to the disease.Of the 130 advanced breeding lines screened for foliar diseases, Vigna trilobata was found to show multiple disease resistance. The advanced breeding lines such as DGG-227, V-02-709, DGG-96, DGG-21 showed resistant reaction for anthracnose. GPM-19 was the only genotype which was found to be resistant to powdery mildew. During summer 2022, 18 genotypes showed resistant reaction towards MYMV.
Analysis of non-covalent interactions in the acetone-chloroform system by MP2/CBS quantum chemical calculations
Authors: Rosas-García Victor M. , Alanís-Cuevas Cristofer Adrián
Published: January 2023

We studied the non-covalent interactions present in the acetone-chloroform system at the MP2/Complete Basis Set level of theory. To this end, we did a configurational search for the diverse geometries of (acetone)2 homodimers, (chloroform)2 homodimers and acetone-chloroform heterodimers. All the structures we obtained were subjected to full geometry optimization and their vibrational frequencies calculated. The resulting wavefunctions were subjected to Reduced Density Gradient and Non-Covalent Interaction analyses which yielded a variety of critical points. We found that the reported hydrogen bond for the acetone-chloroform dimer likely has a van der Waals component involving interaction between a chlorine in chloroform and a hydrogen in acetone. In addition, we extrapolated energies to the Complete Basis Set limit. The MP2/Complete Basis Set-calculated interaction energies follow the trend (acetone)2 > acetone-chloroform > (chloroform)2. It was also found that MP2/cc-pVDZ severely underestimates the interaction energies as well as predicts the wrong trend, when compared to MP2/Complete Basis Set.
Characteristics of dynamic waves in incompressible fluid regarding nonlinear Boiti-Leon-Manna-Pempinelli model
Authors: Islam Md. Tarikul , Sarkar Tara Rani , Abdullah Farah Aini , Gómez-Aguilar J. F.
Published: January 2023

Distinct models involving nonlinearity are mostly appreciated for illustrating intricate phenomena arise in the nature. The new (3 + 1)-dimensional generalized nonlinear Boiti-Leon-Manna-Pempinelli (BLMP) model describes the dynamical behaviors of nonlinear waves arise in incompressible fluid. This present effort deals with the well-known governing BLMP equation by adopting two efficient schemes, namely improved tanh and improved auxiliary equation. As a result, a variety of appropriate wave solutions are made available in different type functions. The gathered solutions are figured out to characterize their internal properties for depicting the relevant phenomena. Diverse wave profiles are noticed in 3D, 2D and contour sense after assigning parameter’s values involved in the achieved solutions. The finding results are comparably different and general due to the existing wave solutions. The employed approaches perform in a great way to construct analytic wave solutions of considered evolution equation and deserve further use in relevant research area.
Mathematics Subject Classifications: 35C08, 35R11
Lung Cancer Detection Using Wavelet Scattering Transform and Artificial Intelligence Technique
Authors: Omer Osama A. , Saijo Yoshifumi
Published: January 2023

The diagnosis of lung cancer is practically done by looking at a sample of lung cells in the lab. However, signs of lung cancer can be found by screening using X-Ray, CT, or Histopathological images. Each of these imaging modalities has its advantages and disadvantages. Chest X-ray is the first-line investigation for suspected lung cancer in primary care. However, the highest-quality studies suggest that the sensitivity of chest X-rays for symptomatic lung cancer is only 77–80%. On the other hand, a chest CT scan uses x-rays to make detailed cross-sectional images of the chest. Instead of taking 1 or 2 pictures, like a regular x-ray, a CT scanner takes many pictures and a computer then combines them to show a slice of the part of the chest under investigation. A CT scan is more likely to show lung tumors than traditional chest x-rays. In addition, the size, shape, and position of any lung tumors can be shown by a chest CT scan. More lung cancers were detected in the CT screening group compared with the control group with a 95% confidence interval. Moreover, Histopathological image analysis is widely used for cancer grading. Compared to mammography, CT and others, histopathology slides provide more comprehensive information for the diagnosis, and the diseases are analyzed by detecting tissue and cells in lesions. However, an invasive biopsy is necessary, which is often tried to be avoided. Therefore, chest CT is an optimal candidate for our study in sense of accuracy and availability. In this proposal, we deal with multi-class cancer detection from CT Lung images that is by detecting the cancer type rather than two classes (cancerous and normal images). The proposed method is based on a better representation of the image features by using Wavelet scattering Transform (WST). The classification is performed using three machine learning (ML) algorithms including support vector machine (SVM), kernel nearest neighbor (KNN), and random forest (RF). The WST coefficients are stable under signal deformations and globally invariant to signal translation and rotation. Based on the simulation results, the proposed method achieved an accuracy of 93.24%, 95.28%, and 99.90% for the case of WST + SVM, WST + KNN, and WST + RF networks, respectively.
Ultrasound-assisted modification of enzyme and antioxidant activities, functional and rheological properties of oat and barley bran
Authors: Grgić Tomislava , Pavišić Zrinka , Strmečki Nadica Maltar , Voučko Bojana , Mustač Nikolina Čukelj , Ćurić Duška , Le-Bail Alain , Novotni Dubravka
Published: January 2023

Oat and barley bran are high in dietary fiber (β-glucans), minerals, and antioxidants, have high activity of enzymes, but possess also antinutrients. This study aimed to investigate the influence of high-intensity ultrasound on enzyme and antioxidant activities, phytic acid content, as well as functional and rheological properties of oat and barley bran. Ultrasonic treatment was performed at 24 kHz on a 15% bran water suspension, at three specific energies (87, 217.5, and 348 kJ/kg), with or without pulsation (5 sec every 10 sec). Bran was assessed for β-glucanase and phytase activity, phytic acid and total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, hydration, and rheological properties. β-glucanase from oat bran was inactivated up to 82% and from barley bran up to 55%, in dependence of ultrasound specific energy and pulsation. In both bran types, phytase activity increased by 40–44% after treatments with 87 kJ/kg but decreased by 89–94% at 348 kJ/kg. Phytic acid was reduced on average in oat bran by 17% and in barley bran by 39%. Depending on the energy and pulsation, the ultrasonication of both bran types reduced total phenolic content (27–55%), antioxidant activity (by 28–48%), complex viscosity (62–71%) and maximum stress tolerated by the sample (46–68%). In contrast, water swelling (42–48%) and water retention capacity (44–59%) increased for both bran types. Hence, high-intensity ultrasound is a useful technique in reducing antinutrients, while altering the enzyme activity and functional properties of the bran. These results could help wider application of bran in food production.
An End-to-End Convolutional Neural Network for Automated Failure Localisation and Characterisation of 3D Interconnects
Authors: Paulachan P. , Siegert J. , Wiesler I. , Brunner Roland
Published: January 2023

The advancement in the field of 3D integration circuit technology leads to new challenges for quality assessment of interconnects such as through silicon vias (TSVs) in terms of automated and time-efficient analysis. In this paper, we develop a fully automated high-efficient End-to-End Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) model, utilizing two sequentially linked CNN architectures, suitable to classify and locate thousands of TSVs as well as provide statistical information. In particular, we generate interference patterns of the TSVs conducting a unique concept of Scanning Acoustic Microscopy (SAM) imaging. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) is used to validate and also disclose the characteristic pattern in the SAM C-scan images. By comparing the model with semi-automated machine learning approaches its outstanding performance is illustrated, indicating a localisation and classification accuracy of 100% and over 98%, respectively. The approach is not limited to SAM-image data and presents an important step towards zero failure management.
A Case of Ocular Toxoplasmosis Presenting With Neuroretinitis
Authors: Tarım Bilge , Kılıç Meltem , Hamurcu Mualla
Published: January 2023

A 33-year-old female patient who followed up in an external center with the diagnosis of optic neuritis 2 years ago, had complaints of decreased vision and headache for 1 week. In our examination, visual acuity was counting fingers from 2 meters in the right eye and 1.0 in the left eye with a Snellen chart. Bilateral anterior segment was normal in slit-lamp examination. Color vision was 0/12 in the right eye and 12/12 in the left eye. In dilated fundus examination, optic nerve head edema was present in the right eye, while the optic nerve, macula and retina of the left eye were normal. In the visual field, an inferior arcuate visual field defect was observed in the right eye. Anti Toxoplasma IgM resulted in 1,240 IU/mL (positive) and IgG 90.5 IU/mL (positive). Optical coherence tomography showed pigment epithelial detachment adjacent to the optic disc. Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole 800/160 mg 2x1, azithromycin 1000 mg loading followed by 500 mg 1x1 (1 week) was started. On the 3rd day of the treatment, prednisolone 1mg/kg/day weekly reduction regimen was started. There was a macular star appearance with hard exudates in the macula with a rapid recovery with treatment. At the 6th month follow-up, visual acuity was 0.5 in the right eye and 1.0 in the left eye, while anterior segment slit-lamp examination was normal. In dilated fundus examination, the temporal part of the optic disc was pale and macular hard exudates were present in the right eye; and the left was normal.
Temporary pelvi-femoral external fixation versus skeletal traction for displaced pertrochanteric fractures in the young: a retrospective case control study
Authors: Yang Qing , Gao Rufeng
Published: January 2023

Background: Initial treatment of displaced pertrochanteric fractures in the young is extremely different with the elderly for high rate of co-morbidities. Comparing to skeletal traction (ST), temporary pelvic-femoral external fixation (PPEF) via the anterior inferior iliac spine could produce improved outcome.
Methods: 46 young polytraumatic patients with displaced pertrochanteric factures (average age 38.0±8.5 years) were included and retrospectively analyzed between January 2015 and December 2018. ST involved in 23 patients, and PPEF involved in 23 patients as the initial treatment options when other body injuries were treated surgically. Definite treatment was performed when patients’ general conditions permitted. General characteristics, surgical data and functional outcome were recorded and compared grouply statistically.
Results: The PPEF group was identified to have more reduced visual analog scales(3.7±0.3 vs. 2.0±0.9), greater fracture reduction degrees(13.5±6.9 vs. 6.5±3.0), less definitive surgical time(45.1±6.6 min vs. 52.7±8.5 min), less varus angulation>5°（2 vs. 3），less limb shortening (0.5±0.2 vs. 0.7±0.3), and high percentage of excellent Harris Hip scores (73.9% vs. 30.4%) than the ST group. Although the latter had less initial surgical time, no blood loss, and unsignificant time interval to definite surgery, hospital days, bedsores, healing time, deaths.
Conclusion: PPEF via the anterior inferior iliac spine is proved to be an optimal temporary treatment protocol for displaced pertrochanteric fractures in the young polytraumatic patients.
Association Between Blood Selenium with Parkinson’s Disease in the US (NHANES 2011-2020)
Authors: Zeng Zhaohao , Cen Yanmei , Luo Xiaoguang
Published: January 2023

Background
It has been reported in previous studies that blood selenium is associated with Parkinson’s disease (PD), however, this association is still controversial. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to assess the association between blood selenium and PD in U.S. adults.
Methods
A cross-sectional study of 54,674 adults aged over 40 years old was conducted using the 2010–2022 NHANES data. To analyze the association between blood selenium and PD, logistic regression, and multivariate logistic regression were used. The restricted cubic spline (RCS) model was additionally utilized to check the dose-response relationships between blood selenium and PD.
Results
A total of 15,660 participants were included in this study, and we found that blood selenium was negatively associated with the occurrence of PD [OR: 0.38(0.17, 0.85)] (P < 0.05). We observed consistent results between blood selenium and PD in three statistical models.
Conclusion
PD patients have lower blood selenium than non-PD patients. Higher levels of blood selenium may be a protective factor for PD. Further prospective studies are warranted to investigate the effect of blood selenium in patients with PD.
Cybernetic Model Dependency Productivity and Economics Growth from Taxes
Authors: Abrukin Yury
Published: January 2023

The concept of dependency productivity of the workforce from production, distribution and consumption taxes was developed and complemented by the motivation of business owners to obtain productivity as the main resource of functioning business - profit by access to the same source of motivation – taxes. This work attempts to formulate this concept in terms of the theory of control by developing a cybernetic model of the process and setting the ground to build the mathematical model. It is based on creation block diagram closed – loop feedback control system on production and state level for two main output parameters – productivity and economic growth. This allows us to find the link between these two output parameters (from the production and state levels) which are the taxes.
JEL: 040, 047
Impacts of baseline biomarkers on cognitive trajectories in subjective cognitive decline: The CoSCo prospective cohort study
Authors: Hong Yun Jeong , Ho SeongHee , Jeong Jee Hyang , Park Kee Hyung , Kim SangYun , Wang Min Jeong , Choi Seong Hye , Yang Dong Won
Published: January 2023

Background
Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) is a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD); however, the rates of cognitive decline are variable according to underlying pathologies and biomarker status. We conducted an observational study and aimed to investigate baseline characteristics and biomarkers related with cognitive declines in SCD. Our study also assessed whether SCD participants showed different cognitive and biomarker trajectories according to baseline amyloid deposition.
Methods
This study is a part of a longitudinal cohort study conducted in multi-centers in South Korea between 2018 and 2021. Individuals (≥60 years old) with persistent cognitive complaint despite of normal cognitive functions were eligible for the study. All participants underwent neuropsychological tests, florbetaben PET scans, plasma amyloid markers, and brain MRI scans. Annual follow-up evaluations included neuropsychological tests and assessments for clinical progressions. Regional brain volumetry and amyloid burden represented by PET-based standardized uptake value ratio (SUVR) were measured. We compared cognitive and brain atrophic changes over 24 months between amyloid positive-SCD (Aβ+SCD) and amyloid negative-SCD (Aβ-SCD) groups. Baseline factors associated with cognitive outcomes were investigated.
Results
A total of 120 participants with SCD were enrolled and 107 completed follow-up evaluations. Aβ+SCD participants (n=20, 18.5%) were older and more frequently APOE4 carriers compared with Aβ-SCD participants (n=87). Baseline cognitive scores were not different between the two groups, except the Seoul Verbal Learning Test (SVLT) scores showing lower scores in the Aβ+SCD group. After 24 months, plasma amyloid markers were higher, and regional volumes (entorhinal, hippocampal, and pallidum) were smaller in the Aβ+SCD participants compared with Aβ-SCD participants adjusted by age, sex, and baseline volumes. SVLT delayed recall and controlled oral word association test (COWAT) scores indicated more declines in Aβ+SCD participants. Baseline left entorhinal volumes were related to verbal memory decline, while baseline frontal volumes and global SUVR values were related to frontal functional decline.
Conclusion
Aβ+SCD participants showed more cognitive decline and medial temporal atrophic changes during 24 months. Baseline neurodegeneration and amyloid burden were related with future cognitive trajectories in SCD.
Trial registration: This study was registered at CRIS (KCT0003397).
Prognostic Value and Model Construction of Preoperative Inflammatory Markers in Patients with Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Wang Jichen , Ye Jiali , Zhao Xupeng , Li Xiubin , Ma Xin
Published: January 2023

Purpose: Inflammation is considered to be one of the driving factors of cancer, and chronic inflammation plays a crucial role in tumor growth and metastasis. In this study, the aim was to study the predictive value of preoperative inflammatory biomarkers including preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), and aspartate aminotransferase-to-lymphocyte ratio (ALR) which was a novel inflammatory biomarker, for overall survival (OS) in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC).
Method: This study included a total of 198 patients with mRCC from a single center from 2006 to 2022. The optimal cut-off levels of the three biomarkers were calculated by using the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). The patients were divided into two groups (high and low values) according to the cut-off level, and the difference between them was analyzed and compared by the Kaplan-Meier curve. Cox univariate and multivariate analyzes were used to assess independent prognostic inflammatory biomarkers. Finally, independent prognostic inflammatory biomarkers were incorporated into the prognostic model to establish a nomogram to predict the postoperative survival of patients with mRCC.
Result: The optimal cut-off level of NLR evaluated by the ROC curve was 3.836, LMR was 3.106, and ALR was 68.056. Patients with NLR and ALR higher than the cut-off level and LMR lower than the cut-off level were significantly related to OS. Multivariate analysis showed that lower LMR and higher ALR were independent risk factors for OS. In addition, a nomogram can accurately predict the OS in patients with mRCC.
Conclusion：ALR and LMR are independent risk factors for the prognosis of patients with mRCC. By monitoring ALR and LMR after operation, the prognosis of patients with mRCC can be better evaluated.
Comparing the Efficiency of Hospitals in Northern Iran Before and After the Covid-19 Pandemic Using the Pabon Lasso Model
Authors: Abedi Ghasem , Tavana Mozhgan , Malekzadeh Roya , Abedini Ehsan
Published: January 2023

Background
The Pabon Lasso Model is often used to assess the efficiency of hospitals as the most important component of the health system. The present study sought to evaluate and compare the efficiency of hospitals in northern Iran before and after the COVID-19 pandemic using the Pabon Lasso Model.
Methods
This descriptive study was conducted in 40 public, private, and social security hospitals in northern Iran from 2019 to 2020. The data were collected using the forms approved by the Ministry of Health and Education. Besides, the three indices of bed occupancy rate, bed turnover frequency, and the average length of stay were calculated and plotted using the Pabon Lasso graphs. The collected data were analyzed using the paired samples t-test.
Results
The average bed occupancy rates in 2019 and 2020 were equal to 67.72% and 52.28%, lower than the national standard rate. Moreover, the average lengths of stay were 2.58 and 2.83 days and the bed turnover rates were 96.7 and 77.94, higher than the national standard rate. Of the total 36 hospitals in 2019, 33.3% of hospitals were in the first quarter (low efficiency), and 16.6% in the third quarter (high efficiency). Furthermore, the data for 2020 indicated that 38.8% of hospitals were in the first quarter (low efficiency), showing an increase compared to 2019 and 19.4% of hospitals were in the third quarter, indicating a decrease compared to 2019.
Conclusion
The data confirmed that the average length of stay and bed turnover in the studied hospitals were favorable. In addition, unlike private hospitals, the number of efficient units in public hospitals decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, hospital managers need to pay more attention to improving performance indicators and increasing productivity in these hospitals.
Association of Diabetes Mellitus and Glycemic Control with Left Ventricular Function and Deformation in Patients after Acute Myocardial Infarction: A 3T Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Study
Authors: Gao Yue , Shi Rui , Li Yuan , Guo Ying-kun , Xu Hua-Yan , Shi Ke , Yang Zhi-gang
Published: January 2023

Background
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is considered a major risk factor for myocardial infarction (MI), and MI patients with DM have a poor prognosis. Accordingly, we aimed to investigate the additive effects of DM on LV deformation in patients after acute MI.
Materials and methods
One hundred thirteen MI patients without DM [MI (DM−)], 95 with DM [MI (DM+)] and 71 control subjects who underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance scanning were included. LV function, infarct size and LV global peak strains in the radial, circumferential and longitudinal directions were measured. MI (DM+) patients were divided into two subgroups based on the HbA1c level (< 7.0% and ≥ 7.0%). The determinants of reduced LV global myocardial strain for all MI patients and MI (DM+) patients were assessed using multivariable linear regression analyses.
Results
Compared with control subjects, both MI (DM −) and MI (DM+) patients presented higher LV end-diastolic and end-systolic volume index and lower LV ejection fraction. LV global peak strains progressively declined from the control group to the MI(DM−) group to the MI(DM+) group (all p < 0.05). Subgroup analysis showed that LV global radial PS and longitudinal PS were worse in MI(MD+) patients with poor glycemic control than in those with good glycemic control (all p < 0.05). DM was an independent determinant of impaired LV global peak strain in radial, circumferential and longitudinal directions in patients after acute MI (β=-0.166, 0.164 and 0.262, both p < 0.05). The HbA1c level was independently associated with a decreased LV global radial PS (β = − 0.228, p = 0.026) and longitudinal PS (β = 0.221, p = 0.010) in MI (DM+) patients.
Conclusions
DM has an additive deleterious effect on LV function and deformation in patients after acute MI, and HbA1c was independently associated with impaired LV myocardial strain.
Effective DC source for Power engineering and electric mobility
Authors: chandrasekaran deepalakshmi
Published: January 2023

In linear integrated circuits, Opamp plays the vital role in the implementation of DC voltage amplification ,operational amplifier is mostly used in noninverting configuration. In this case, the feedback resistor is replaced by a capacitor to do the same function. Since capacitor acts as an open circuit for DC signal, it also provides isolation between input and output. The amplified voltage level is limited by the breakdown voltage of the transistors used to build Opamp and further the insulation breakdown limit of the capacitor. By making use of new technologies as silicon carbide technology is now in progress, the breakdown voltage of transistors can be made higher combined with high voltage engineering for capacitive insulation, this can be the beginning of the possibility for huge DC power generation beyond Analog Electronics.
On the Accuracy of Microcomb-based Photonic RF Transversal Signal Processors
Authors: Moss David
Published: January 2023

Photonic RF transversal signal processors, which are equivalent to reconfigurable electrical digital signal processors but implemented with photonic technologies, have been widely used for modern high-speed information processing. With the capability of generating large numbers of wavelength channels with compact micro-resonators, optical microcombs bring new opportunities for realizing photonic RF transversal signal processors that have greatly reduced size, power consumption, and complexity. Recently, a variety of signal processing functions have been demonstrated using microcomb-based photonic RF transversal signal processors. Here, we provide detailed analysis for quantifying the processing accuracy of microcomb-based photonic RF transversal signal processors. First, we investigate the theoretical limitations of the processing accuracy determined by tap number, signal bandwidth, and pulse waveform. Next, we discuss the practical error sources from different components of the signal processors. Finally, we analyze the contributions of the theoretical limitations and the experimental factors to the overall processing inaccuracy both theoretically and experimentally. These results provide a useful guide for designing microcomb-based photonic RF transversal signal processors to optimize their accuracy.
Assessment of Cost and Diabetes Management Due to Polypharmacy in Iran Based on Haemoglobin A1c Levels, A Cross Sectional National Study
Authors: Daneshmand Mojdeh , Farzadfar Farshad , Jamshidi Hamidreza , Mortazavi Seyede Salehe , Shati Mohsen , Farjoo Mohammad Hadi
Published: January 2023

Background
Patients with diabetes often receive multiple drug regimens termed ‘polypharmacy’. Since polypharmacy imposes excessive cost, we evaluated the prescriptions of patients with diabetes regarding polypharmacy, and its association with HbA1c levels and cost.
Method
102 million prescriptions of Iranian health insurance data in 2015 and 2016 were overlapped with STEPS Iran 2016 survey database. Then, 2075 Metabolic syndrome patients were selected. Among the patients who consumed anti diabetes medications; individual and sociodemographic factors, and polypharmacy were assessed and association between these factors and HbA1c levels were quantified using logistic regression. Each patient’s prescription costs in 2015 and 2016 and its association with individual and sociodemographic factors as well as polypharmacy was assessed using linear regression.
Results
Out of 2075 metabolic syndrome patients, 205 patients had diabetes according to their fasting blood glucose in 2015 and 2016. HbA1c was significantly more controlled (≤7%) in urban areas. No significant association existed between polypharmacy and HbA1c levels. Medication cost was significantly higher in male patients, patients above 80 years, and patients with >12 years of education (p< 0.05). Area of living and wealth index had no significant association with cost.
Conclusion
Although diabetic patients with polypharmacy significantly pay more money for their prescriptions, no significant difference was observed between their HbA1c levels.
On some new identities of hyperbolick-Fibonacci and k-Lucas Quaternions
Authors: Godase A. D.
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we establish some particular identities consistingof k-Fibonacci quaternions and k-Lucas quaternions. The identities ofk-Fibonacci and k-Lucas quaternions are derived by making use of someproperties of k-Fibonacci and k-Lucas numbers.
Mathematics Subject Classification (2010). Primary 11B39; Secondary 11B37, 11B52.
Evaluation of the source, distribution and risk of metal contaminated stream sediment.
Authors: Areguamen Omole Isaac , Ekwumengbo Patricia , Omoniyi Israel , Okunola Oluwole Joshua , Abdulkadir Abdulkadir Tayo , Nnachi Chima , Adanyi Deborah Ngurumun , Elebo Abuchi , Adeniji Shola Elijah
Published: January 2023

Background: The objective of the study is to determine the nature and the anthropogenic sources of the detected metal pollutant in the sediment of the Ikpoba River. Also, to study the distribution trend and the ecological and health risks of the analyzed metals. The metals were extracted from the sediment through aqua regia digestion and analyzed with an atomic absorption spectrometer. A total of six metals was quantified.
Results: The distribution of the average concentration of metals showed that Cd < Cu < Co < Pb < Ni < Fe. The ecological risk assessment showed the values of geo-accumulation (igeo) and contamination indices of the metals to be zero except for Fe. This is an indication of zero pollution of the aquatic system by all detected metals except Fe. However, the enrichment factor (EF) of the metals has values greater than 1.5 in some sampling areas and less than that in others. Furthermore, the values of the ecological risk index (ERI), pollution load index (PLI), and potential ecological risk (PER) of the detected metals were all less than one. The sediment quality guidelines (SQGs) were all low for the tested metals. The human health risk assessment revealed the hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) of the analyzed metals to be less than 1, while the carcinogenic risk was also noted to be less than 10-6.
Conclusions: Children's ADD values were higher than adults' through dermal and ingestion exposure routes, indicating that children are more vulnerable to metals risk than adults. Furthermore, the values of the EF and multivariate statistics showed the sources of the metals to be a mixture of anthropogenic and natural, with anthropogenic activities leading. However, despite the low ecological and human health risk posed by the various metals, Cd was discovered to be a potential carcinogen and ecological risk to children, and the biota of the studied stream, if released, persisted unabated
A Reliability Case Study of the Impact of Tribology on Wind Turbine Gearboxes
Authors: Calderon-Salmeron Gabriel , Schwack Fabian , Joshi Prakhar , Glavatskih Sergei
Published: January 2023

This work shows the impact of reliability influencing factors related to tribology on the monetary saving potential. The gearbox reliability was evaluated using an extended Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) with added connections focusing on the tribological influences on the failure rate. A modified Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) without accurate reliability connections related to tribology was evaluated for comparison. A 10% improvement in all tribology-related factors in the extended FTA yields 14.96% higher annual failure cost savings, which relates to reduced costs of 22937 €/turbine/year for a 2.5 MW reference turbine. The extended FMEA estimates the saving potential to be 4.99%. The study demonstrates the importance of integrating tribology expertise and cooperation between park owners, manufacturers, suppliers, and academia. Our results demonstrate that even marginal tribological improvements significantly increase wind turbine reliability and monetary savings confirming that tribology, despite being overlooked, is a powerful reliability enhancement tool.
Enhancing the Irish National Audit of Dementia: An adaptation study
Authors: Sykes Michael , O'Mahony Lauren , Wiggin Daisy , Timmons Suzanne
Published: January 2023

Background: People with dementia in acute hospitals do not routinely receive best care. The Irish National Audit of Dementia was undertaken to improve care and is based upon the English National Audit of Dementia. Audit and feedback is an effective intervention, but there is variation in the extent to which it improves care. Increasing the quality improvement capabilities of feedback recipients may lead to greater improvements in care. We sought to adapt an existing quality improvement collaborative, to support the improvement capabilities of National Audit feedback recipients, to the Irish context. The study aimed to co-design adaptations to reflect contextual differences between the English and the Irish healthcare system and to explore fidelity, affective response, and reported appropriateness, burden and effectiveness of the adapted Quality Improvement Collaborative in Ireland.

Methods: We used co-design methods involving dementia clinicians from three hospitals (n=7) and interviews with healthcare workers from seven hospitals (n=8) to adapt and explore implementation of the intervention.

Results: The intervention required adaptation to reflect differences in: engagement, working patterns, terminology, the actors involved and organisational structure. There was evidence that the adapted intervention generated a positive affective response, was perceived as effective and appropriate and led to fidelity of receipt and enactment.

Conclusion: We describe implications for the adaptation of interventions to increase participants’ quality improvement capabilities and highlight the importance of socio-adaptive work. We distinguish between adaptation and forms of tailoring. We propose further work to explore antecedents of senior positional leader engagement, to describe the delivery of intra-group behaviour change techniques and to adapt the intervention to other clinical domains.
Is Ppp the New Firepower For Islamic Finance That Will Accelerate Progress Towards (SDGS)?
Authors: Nsouli Zaher F.
Published: January 2023

Having access to essential infrastructure services is pivotal in creating economic opportunities and bringing social services to the poor. Their deficiency leads to a number of negative consequences and lost opportunities (the World Bank indicates that currently 1 billion people live without electricity, 663 million people lack access to safe drinking water, 840 million people are located more than 2 kilometers from all-weather roads, and 4 billion people cannot access the Internet). The systematization of the results of World Bank research proved that lower-and middle-income countries need to spend on average 4.5 percent of GDP to deliver infrastructure services and achieve the infrastructure-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The urgency of solving this problem lies in the fact that in many countries, the high levels of investment required for infrastructure cannot be financed by the public purse alone. Therefore, the governments of these countries should pay attention to private investments as a tool for additional fundraising. The article presents the results of the analysis, which proved that the Private-Public Partnership has increasingly become a common structure for the delivery of public infrastructure. It offers the opportunity for governments and nongovernmental bodies to achieve more efficient projects by sharing risks and giving the private sector a chance to bring innovation to the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of public infrastructure. The study theoretically proves that public-private partnership offers monetary and non-monetary advantages for the public sector, in particular: allowing the allocation of public funds for other local priorities, distributing project risks to both public and private sectors, improved efficiency and project implementation processes in delivering services to the public, emphasizes Value for Money (VfM) – focusing on reduced costs, better risk allocation, faster implementation, improved services and possible generation of additional revenue. In the paper, based on a comparative analysis of conventional bonds and Sukuk (Islamic bonds), it was concluded that conventional bonds represent the issuer’s pure debt, while the latter offers multiple benefits: lower costs of funds due to higher rating via credit enhancement, access to the capital markets, diversification of funding sources, off-balance sheet financing (via securitization), improvement of financial ratios, and potential risk reduction.
Modeling the Impact of Shadow Financial Transactions on the Country’s Financial Potential
Authors: Tiutiunyk Inna , Kozhushko Iryna
Published: January 2023

The article summarizes the arguments and counterarguments within the scientific debate on the issue of raising the level of the country’s financial potential. The main goal of the conducted research is to model the impact of shadow operations on the level of the country’s financial potential. Analysis of the dynamics of publication activity on issues of the shadow economy and financial potential in publications indexed by the Scopus and Web of Science databases, bibliometric analysis of the connection between the concept of the shadow economy and other economic categories made it possible to identify theories that are most closely related to this concept: theory innovative management, theory of liberalization, theory of political economy, institutional theory. The urgency of solving this scientific problem lies in the fact that in the conditions of a protracted economic crisis and active military operations on the territory of Ukraine, significant volumes of shadow operations negatively affect the attractiveness of the country from the side of international partners, the level of its financial stability, the ability to withstand economic and political risks. Methods of dynamic analysis, Erlang’s formula, methods of regression analysis became the methodical toolkit of the conducted research, the period of the study was 2008-2021. The article presents the results of an empirical analysis of the financial potential of Ukraine, which showed a gradual increase in its level until 2021. At the same time, the forecast values of the level of financial potential in 2022 indicate its significant reduction and the need to implement a set of measures aimed at maintaining the macroeconomic stability of the country and its financial independence. The study empirically confirms and theoretically proves that the main drivers of the shadowing of the economy include: a low level of material or criminal responsibility for these actions, an excessive level of tax burden, the inability of the government to monitor the compliance of economic entities with existing norms and laws in the country. The results of the conducted research can be useful for public administration bodies in the context of improving the policy of countering shadowing of the economy as a component of increasing the country’s financial potential.
Studying the possibility of controlling the dynamic state of an impact ripper
Authors:   Transbaikal State University, Iurii Geller , Olga Belkina ,   Transbaikal Institute of Railway Transport
Published: January 2023

Introduction. Vibratory and impact loads transferred to the operator workplace limit the efficiency enhancement of rock or firm ground preparatory destruction by impact ripping equipment. One way to reduce the dynamic load transfer to the base machine and the operator is to include additional links into the implement kinematic chain, which redistribute dynamic loads to the zone of rock mass destruction. Methods of research are based on an integrated and systematic approach to the object of study as a multi-mass system, the state of which depends on the physical and mechanical properties of the medium, technological and structural factors affecting the energy efficiency of the mining and earthworks process. The research focuses on analyses of the effect the additional links parameters have on dynamic loads redistribution to the zone of rock or firm ground destruction. The research focus is conditioned by the need to develop structural solutions for the work equipment that controls the dynamic state of technological systems. When the constructive modernization solutions are completely exhausted, the need to improve the existing equipment and develop the fleet for special mining and earthworks necessitate such studies. Results. Removing the impact tool beyond the limits of the attachment point on the base machine is considered as one of the possible ways to protect the base machine and the operator from vibration loads. For this reason, the work equipment design provides for a rod with a counterweight pivotally connected to a toolbar. Force balance equations, including inertia forces as well, were derived considering the dynamic load impact. A relationship has been established between the impact tool layout on the rod, the impact energy and the reactive force in the rod rotation support. Conclusions. Graphical dependencies analysis established the range of variable parameters, which ensure the energy-efficient operation of the ripping equipment with a minimum transfer of dynamic loads to the operator’s workplace.