bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protocol for DRAUP: a deimplementation programme to decrease routine chest radiographs after central venous catheter insertion
Authors: Ablordeppey Enyo A , Powell Byron , McKay Virginia , Keating Shannon , James Aimee , Carpenter Christopher , Kollef Marin , Griffey Richard
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Avoiding low value medical practices is an important focus in current healthcare utilisation. Despite advantages of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) over chest X-ray including improved workflow and timeliness of results, POCUS-guided central venous catheter (CVC) position confirmation has slow rate of adoption. This demonstrates a gap that is ripe for the development of an intervention.

Methods

The intervention is a deimplementation programme called DRAUP (deimplementation of routine chestradiographs afteradoption ofultrasound-guided insertion and confirmation of central venous catheterprotocol) that will be created to address one unnecessary imaging modality in the acute care environment. We propose a three-phase approach to changing low-value practices. In phase 1, we will be guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research framework to explore barriers and facilitators of POCUS for CVC confirmation in a single centre, large tertiary, academic hospital via focus groups. The qualitative methods will inform the development and adaptation of strategies that address identified determinants of change. In phase 2, the multifaceted strategies will be conceptualised using Morgan’s framework for understanding and reducing medical overuse. In phase 3, we will locally implement these strategies and assess them using Proctor’s outcomes (adoption, deadoption, fidelityandpenetration) in an observational study to demonstrate proof of concept, gaining valuable insights on the programme. Secondary outcomes will include POCUS-guided CVC confirmation efficacy measured by time and effectiveness measured by sensitivity and specificity of POCUS confirmation after CVC insertion.

With limited data available to inform interventions that use concurrent implementation and deimplementation strategies to substitute chest X-ray for POCUS using the DRAUP programme, we propose that this primary implementation and secondary effectiveness pilot study will provide novel data that will expand the knowledge of implementation approaches to replacing low value or unnecessary care in acute care environments.

Ethics and dissemination

Approval of the study by the Human Research Protection Office has been obtained. This work will be disseminated by publication of peer-reviewed manuscripts, presentation in abstract form at scientific meetings and data sharing with other investigators through academically established means.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier,NCT04324762, registered on 27 March 2020.
Cerebral Perfusion and Psychometric Testing after exposure to high altitude in the mountains
Authors: Windle C. M. , Slaven G. M. , Macleod M. A.
Published: October 2021

Exposure to hypobaric hypoxia is known to cause reductions in mental performance and decision-making and it has been reported that these effects are not fully reversed following descent from altitude. Eight climbers had cerebral perfusion scans performed and undertook a battery of psychometric tests prior to, and upon return from, an expedition to climb the eleventh highest mountain in the world, Gasherbrum 1. No decrements were found in either their performance on the psychometric tests nor to their cerebral perfusion following the expedition. Two subjects had significant cerebral perfusion abnormalities prior to the expedition, which had improved immediately following their return from the expedition. Repeat scans four months later showed the lesion of one of the subjects had returned and there were indications that the lesion in the other subject was beginning to return. These findings are in contrast to previous studies which have suggested that altitude exposure leads to permanent reductions in brain function, this could be because in those studies factors other than hypobaric hypoxia per se lead to the reductions in brain function.
A Critical Review of Reflective Practice in its role towards Personal and Professional Development
Authors: Rooke T. R.
Published: October 2021

Reflection has become a prominent feature in today’s nursing. Love it or hate it, the UK Central Council for Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors stipulates that evidence of reflective practice is a requirement for both pre and post registration nurses. While reflection can assist in facing the increasing challenges of nursing, it can also present as a challenge in itself unless nurses have familiarised themselves with the process and feel at ease with it. The issues of reflective practice are explored to determine if it can enhance personal and professional development.
Risk factors for HIV infection among men who have sex with men in the ANRS IPERGAY PrEP trial
Authors: Gras Julien , Pillet Marine , Antoni Guillemette , Cua Eric , Charreau Isabelle , Raffi F , Chidiac Christian , Chas Julie , Tremblay Cécile , Spire Bruno , Delaugerre Constance , Meyer Laurence , Molina Jean-Michel
Published: October 2021

Objectives

We aimed to assess among men who have sex with men (MSM) risk factors for HIV infection, to identify those who require urgent pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) prescription.

Methods

All participants enrolled in the placebo arm of the ANRS IPERGAY trial, or infected between screening and day 0, were included. Baseline characteristics were described and HIV incidence rate ratios (RRs) were estimated with their 95% CIs.

Results

203 MSM were included with a median follow-up of 9 months. During the study period, 16 participants acquired HIV infection while not receiving tenofovir disoproxil and emtricitabin (TDF/FTC) over 212.4 person-years (PYs) of follow-up (incidence rate 7.5/100 PYs, 95% CI: 4.3 to 12.2). Being enrolled in Paris was associated with a significant increased risk of HIV infection (RR: 4.1; 95% CI: 1.1 to 28.3). A high number of sexual partners in prior 2 months (≥10 vs <5) and of condomless receptive anal sex episodes in prior 12 months (>5 vs <5) were strong predictors for HIV acquisition (RR: 10.6 (2 to 260.2) and 3.3 (1.2 to 10.2), respectively). Those who reported more often or only receptive sexual practices were also at increased risk (RR: 9.8 (2.0 to 246.6)). The use of recreational drugs in prior 12 months, especially gamma hydroxybutarate/gamma butyrolactone (RR: 5.9; 95% CI: 2 to 21.7), was associated with a significantly increased risk of HIV acquisition even after adjustment for sexual practices.

Conclusions

MSM who have frequent condomless receptive anal sex and multiple partners, or use recreational drugs should be targeted in priority for PrEP prescription especially if they live in an area with a high prevalence of HIV infection.
Assessing wild genetic background and parental effects on size of growth hormone transgenic coho salmon
Authors: McClelland Erin K. , Watson Breanna , Sundström L. Fredrik , Leggatt Rosalind A. , Sakhrani Dionne , Devlin Robert H.
Published: October 2021

Experiments examining potential impacts of growth hormone (GH) transgenesis in fish typically use a single source strain and do not address potential differential impacts in strains of different genetic backgrounds. Here, we examine the effects of differing genetic backgrounds when reared in culture on the growth of transgenic and nontransgenic coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) produced by mating sires from different rivers with transgenic dams from a single origin. We found a significant difference in size between offspring of sires originating from various river systems in British Columbia. This difference was independent of differences between transgenotypes (i.e., transgenic vs. nontransgenic offspring). However, the effects of strain or sire were relatively small compared to the effects of the transgene, which were consistent regardless of sire origin. Thus, results derived from studies of GH transgenic fish from a single source population can provide useful information for assessments of GH transgenic salmon from other systems. This has important implications for examining potential risks from introgression of a transgene into different populations.
Cross-Media Intelligent Perception and Retrieval Analysis Application Technology Based on Deep Learning Education
Authors: Liu Hean , Ko Young Chun
Published: October 2021

This paper proposes a research on cross-media intelligent perception and retrieval analysis technology based on deep learning education in view of the complex learning knowledge environment of artificial intelligence of traditional cross-media retrieval technology, which is unable to obtain retrieval information timely and accurately. Based on the cross-media theory, this paper analyzes the pre-processing of cross-media data, transforms from a single media form such as text, voice, image, and video to a cross-media integration covering network space and physical space, and designs a cross-media intelligent perception platform system. With multi-core method of typical correlation analysis algorithm, this paper develops a new joint learning framework based on the joint feature selection and subspace learning cross-modal retrieval. What’s more, the algorithm is tested experimentally. The results show that the retrieval analysis technology is significantly better than the traditional media retrieval technology, which can effectively identify text semantics and visual image classification, and can better maintains the relevance of data content and the consistency of semantic information, which has important reference value for cross-media applications.
FocusGAN: Preserving Background in Text-Guided Image Editing
Authors: Zhao Liuqing , Li Linyan , Hu Fuyuan , Xia Zhenping , Yao Rui
Published: October 2021

Text-guided image editing (TIE) seeks to manipulate images by the guidance of language. However, the existing TIE methods always overlook the target-irrelevant pixels and the editing may make the background discolored, distorted, or partially disappear. To overcome this problem, we propose a novel TIE method named FocusGAN, which edits the text-relevant pixels precisely as well as keeps the background invariant. Specifically, we build a network of two stages. In each stage, we first construct a channel-wise subject focusing attention to make the generator focus on the sub-region that best matches each word. Then, the word-level discriminator provides fine-grained feedback by correlating words with image areas, so that the generator can manipulate specific visual attributes without affecting the background. Last, we propose a background-keeping cyclic loss to further improve the invariance of the background and to encourage the edit of the subject that matches the given text. Experiments on CUB and Oxford datasets demonstrate that our approach can effectively keep the background invariant in manipulating images using natural language descriptions.
Energy-Aware and Deadline-Constrained Task Allocation in Game-Based Mobile Cloud
Authors: Yang Zhuoxi , Ding Yan , Zhao Jia
Published: October 2021

A mobile community can be composed of multiple mobile devices through D2D (Device-to-Device) network. In many cases, these mobile devices cannot conveniently connect to the Internet, for various reasons. To overcome this obstacle, one solution is to let the mobile devices cooperate with each other through a D2D-enabled network, forming a mobile community that, as a whole, may be able to autonomously execute the tasks requested by its members. To maximize the overall benefits of mobile communities, this paper proposes a novel task allocation approach, EDTG (Energy-aware and Deadline-constrained Task allocation using Game theory). In mobile communities, energy consumption is responsible for the largest part of the cost. Energy management can lead to performance degradation and even be perceived as a bottleneck, while load balancing between devices can improve service performance and resource utilization to the largest extent. EDTG has considered both the inevitable performance constraints at each device and a method based on the connectivity of graph theory, in order to narrow down the search scope of optimal target mobile devices where requested tasks can be executed. The “Bargaining Game” method is designed and exploited to obtain the final task allocation solution. Final experimental results demonstrate that compared to existing approaches, EDTG ensures high-performance task execution and reaches the goal of maximizing the overall benefits to some extent, by achieving better energy savings and exploiting load balancing between devices.
A New Realization of Third-Order Inverse Bandpass Filter and Its Application as an Oscillator
Authors: Komanapalli Gurumurthy , Gupta Priyanka
Published: October 2021

A new operational transresistance amplifier (OTRA)-based third-order inverse bandpass filter (IBPF) is presented in this paper. To illustrate an application of the presented IBPF, the proposed configuration is used to implement a third-order quadrature oscillator (TOQO). Furthermore, the nonideal behavior of the proposed topologies has been examined using a single-pole model of the OTRA. It is perceived that for high-frequency applications, the effect of nonidealities may be eliminated through self-compensation. Passive sensitivities are computed and are found to be less than half, rendering proposed topologies insensitive to component variations. Phase noise study and frequency stability analysis have been carried out and found that the proposed TOQO enjoys good frequency stability. The proposed circuits’ workability is verified through an Analog Design Environment (ADE) Spectre tool provided by Cadence Virtuoso using 0.18 [Formula: see text]m CMOS gpdk process parameters. Monte Carlo statistical analysis is also carried out to assess the prefabrication performances. Total harmonic distortion (THD) for the proposed IBPF is found to be less than 5%. Pre- and post-layout simulations are also included to affirm the theory. Excellent agreement among simulation results and theory is observed.
EFFECT OF AMBIENT RELATIVE HUMIDITY AND SOAKING TIME ON THE FORMATION OF OCTADECYLTRICHLOROSILANE COATINGS ON BOROSILICATE GLASS SUBSTRATES FOR ALKALI-METAL VAPOR CELLS
Authors: CHI HAOTIAN , ZHANG JUNYING , YUAN HENG , CAI ZHONGYU , ZOU SHENG , QUAN WEI
Published: October 2021

The most sensitive spin-exchange relaxation-free (SERF) magnetometer generally requires a working temperature greater than 100∘C. To date, octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS) coating is one of the best candidates for this temperature range. However, the performance and consistency of the OTS coatings within the alkali-metal vapor cells are still poor. In this paper, the formation of OTS coatings on borosilicate glass (BG) substrates was investigated. The effects of ambient relative humidity (RH) on the formation of OTS coatings were examined by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and contact angle measurement. The results showed that 75[Formula: see text] RH can improve the order of the OTS coatings and reduce the root mean square (RMS) roughness of the OTS coatings. Under three different ambient RHs, the soaking time of OTS molecules should be greater than 60[Formula: see text]min to form complete OTS coating.
HIGH-TEMPERATURE OXIDATION AND EROSION RESISTANCE OF NI-BASED THERMALLY-SPRAYED COATINGS USED IN POWER GENERATION MACHINERY: A REVIEW
Authors: PRASHAR GAURAV , VASUDEV HITESH , THAKUR LALIT
Published: October 2021

The life of the components operating under various high-temperature environments decreases due to the activation of different failure mechanisms. High-temperature oxidation and erosion are the two prominent mechanisms that lead to the degradation of materials, resulting in the premature failure of the components. This paper has emphasized the failure and performance analysis of nickel-based coatings formulated by using different thermal spraying techniques. Nickel-based coatings like Ni–Cr, Ni3Al, Alloy-718, NiCrAlY, NiCrBSi and Ni-based composite coatings showed excellent resistance against the high-temperature conditions. This study helps to select specific thermal spray techniques and coating composition against high-temperature erosion and oxidation conditions.
EFFECT OF MICRO-STRUCTURAL GEOMETRY ON LUBRICANT INFILTRATION AND PROPERTY OF SLIPPERY LIQUID-INFUSED POROUS SURFACES
Authors: SUWAN MANTANA , SANGWONG NUCHJARIN , ATTHI NITHI , PATTAMANG PATTARALUCK , SRIPUMKHAI WITSAROOT , SUPOTHINA SITTHISUNTORN
Published: October 2021

Liquid-infused porous surfaces inspired by Nepenthes pitcher plant were fabricated on polyurethane. Five different micro-structures, including pillar (PIL), Sharklet[Formula: see text] (SHK), continuous discrete ridge (DIR), hole (HOL) and networking (NET), were fabricated by soft lithography. Effects of micro-structural geometry on lubricant infiltration capability were investigated by infiltration the micro-structures with two lubricants of different viscosity, Krytox-103 ([Formula: see text]: 0.131 [Formula: see text]) and Krytox-105 ([Formula: see text]). The lubricant infiltration and retention capability were determined using a confocal laser scanning micro-scopy, and properties of the infused surfaces were evaluated by measuring the speed of water droplet motion at various tilting angles. The results revealed that, for the 80[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m-high micro-structures, infiltration with a less viscous Krytox-103 resulted in more complete infiltration and retention, particularly for the PIL micro-structure. The infused surface exhibited a slippery behavior signified by low sliding angle and good anti-adhesion against chlorophyll fluid and milk yogurt. The lubricant retention capability was significantly reduced for the 7[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m-high micro-structures due to lower aspect ratio and low capillary force. In this case, the PIL infused with a more viscous Krytox-105 provided a slippery surface.
SIMULATION AND IMPROVEMENT OF THE PERFORMANCE OF CdTe SOLAR CELL WITH ULTRATHIN ABSORBER LAYER
Authors: AMOUPOUR EBRAHIM , SARVELAT SAJAD GHOLAMREZAEI , HASANZADEH JAVAD , ZIABARI ALI ABDOLAHZADEH
Published: October 2021

In the few past years, the usage of CdTe thin-film solar cells has increased considerably due to their high efficiency, performance stability and cost effectiveness. In this work, a conventional structure of FTO–[Formula: see text]-SnO2–CdS–CdTe was simulated initially to verify the simulation process. An ultrathin absorber layer was considered to make the device more economical. A [Formula: see text]-type copper oxide thin film was employed at the back contact as a hole transport–electron blocking layer (HT–EBL). Besides, the use of a bilayer ZnS–CdS compound and a monolayer CdS:Zn compound as the electron transport layer was also studied. The proposed modeled cell parameters then were optimized to increase the efficiency.
Rational periodic points of xd + c and Fermat–Catalan equations
Authors: Panraksa Chatchawan
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we study rational periodic points of polynomial [Formula: see text] over the field of rational numbers, where [Formula: see text] is an integer greater than two. For period two, we describe periodic points for degrees [Formula: see text]. We also demonstrate the nonexistence of rational periodic points of exact period two for [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] has a prime factor greater than three. Moreover, assuming the [Formula: see text]-conjecture, we prove that [Formula: see text] has no rational periodic point of exact period greater than one for sufficiently large integer [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text].
Expanders and right-angled Artin groups
Authors: Flores Ramón , Kahrobaei Delaram , Koberda Thomas
Published: October 2021

The purpose of this paper is to give a characterization of families of expander graphs via right-angled Artin groups. We prove that a sequence of simplicial graphs [Formula: see text] forms a family of expander graphs if and only if a certain natural mini-max invariant arising from the cup product in the cohomology rings of the groups [Formula: see text] agrees with the Cheeger constant of the sequence of graphs, thus allowing us to characterize expander graphs via cohomology. This result is proved in the more general framework of vector space expanders, a novel structure consisting of sequences of vector spaces equipped with vector-space-valued bilinear pairings which satisfy a certain mini-max condition. These objects can be considered to be analogues of expander graphs in the realm of linear algebra, with a dictionary being given by the cup product in cohomology, and in this context represent a different approach to expanders that those developed by Lubotzky–Zelmanov and Bourgain–Yehudayoff.
Laser speckle contrast imaging for monitoring of acute pancreatitis at ischemia–reperfusion injury of the pancreas in rats
Authors: Timoshina P. A. Dyachenko , Bashkatov A. N. , Alexandrov D. A. , Kochubey V. I. , Tuchin V. V.
Published: October 2021

The influence of ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) action on pancreatic blood flow (PBF) and the development of acute pancreatitis (AP) in laboratory rats is evaluated in vivo by using the laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI). Additionally, the optical properties in norm and under condition of AP in rats were assessed using a modified integrating sphere spectrometer and inverse Monte Carlo (IMC) software. The results of the experimental study of microcirculation of the pancreas in 82 rats in the ischemic model are presented. The data obtained confirm the fact that local ischemia and changes in the blood flow velocity of the main vessels cause and provoke acute pancreatitis.
Insulin secretion and action and the response of endogenous glucose production to a lack of glucagon suppression in nondiabetic subjects
Authors: Adams Jon D. , Egan Aoife M. , Laurenti Marcello C. , Schembri Wismayer Daniel , Bailey Kent R. , Cobelli Claudio , Dalla Man Chiara , Vella Adrian
Published: October 2021

In prediabetes, anthropometric characteristics as well as insulin action do not alter the hepatic response to glucagon. The postprandial suppression or lack of suppression of glucagon secretion is an important factor governing postprandial glucose tolerance independent of insulin secretion.
Chronic AT1 blockade improves hyperglycemia by decreasing adipocyte inflammation and decreasing hepatic PCK1 and G6PC1 expression in obese rats
Authors: Rodriguez Ruben , Lee Andrew Y. , Godoy-Lugo Jose A. , Martinez Bridget , Ohsaki Hiroyuki , Nakano Daisuke , Parkes David G. , Nishiyama Akira , Vázquez-Medina José Pablo , Ortiz Rudy M.
Published: October 2021

Inappropriate activation of the renin-angiotensin system increases adipocyte inflammation contributing to the impairment in adipocyte function and increases hepatic PCK1 and G6PC1 mRNA expression in response to a glucose challenge. Ultimately, these effects may contribute to the development of glucose intolerance.
Additional Benefits Conferred by Endoscopic Sclerotherapy to Liver Cirrhosis Patients Receiving Endoscopic Variceal Ligation
Authors: He Xuni , Chen Hanqing , Zhang Mingming , Hong Jiemin , Shi Peina
Published: October 2021

Objective. Gastroesophageal varices are a direct consequence of portal hypertension in cirrhosis. The management of gastroesophageal varices has evolved over the last decade resulting in reduced mortality and morbidity rates. The study was aimed to analyze the short-term and long-term efficacy of different endoscopic methods in the treatment of gastric varices in cirrhotic patients. Methods. From January 2016 to December 2019, 135 patients with liver cirrhosis and gastric varices undergoing different endoscopic treatment protocols were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into three groups according to endoscopic variceal ligation, endoscopic sclerotherapy, and a combination of both, respectively. Main outcomes including the overall response rate, hemostasis, short- and long-term rebleeding (3 months before and after treatment), complication, blood pressure, heart rate, portal venous pressure (PVP), portal vein diameter (PVD), portal vein velocity (PVV), portal vein blood flow (PVF) detected by ultrasound, recurrence rate, and mortality were analyzed after treatments. Results. The overall response rate in the combined group was higher than that in the ligation group and the sclerotherapy group (

P
<
0.05

). The incidence rate of complications in the combined group and the ligation group was lower than that in the sclerotherapy group (

P
<
0.05

). After treatment, the PVP, PVD, and PVF were reduced in the combined group compared with the ligation group and the sclerotherapy group, while the PVV was not (

P
<
0.05

). Lower rates of long-term rebleeding, recurrence, and mortality were noted in the combined group compared to the ligation group and the sclerotherapy group (

P
<
0.05

). Conclusion. Endoscopic variceal ligation combined with endoscopic sclerotherapy is more effective than both alone in treating liver cirrhosis and gastric varices. The combined therapy contributed to reduced short-term and long-term rebleeding rate, decreased long-term recurrence rate, and mortality.
Effects of Monthly Intramuscular High-Dose Vitamin D2 on Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D and Immune Parameters in Very Elderly Chinese Patients with Vitamin D Deficiency
Authors: Bian Pingda , Jin Xue , Shou Zhangxuan
Published: October 2021

Purpose. Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent among the very elderly and is associated with a wide variety of clinical conditions other than musculoskeletal diseases. This study aims to ascertain the efficacy and safety of high-dose intramuscular vitamin D2 in very elderly Chinese patients with vitamin D deficiency. Methods. Very elderly (aged 80 years or over) Chinese patients with vitamin D deficiency were recruited to receive monthly intramuscular injections of 600,000 IU vitamin D2 until their serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) reached ≥30 ng/mL. The serum levels of 25(OH)D2, 25(OH)D3, iPTH, BTMs, immune parameters, and other biochemical parameters were measured at baseline and one month after each dose. Results. Of the 30 very elderly Chinese patients who had been recruited into the study, 27 (90.0%) had their vitamin D deficiency corrected, and 26 (86.7%) reached vitamin D sufficiency. The mean time (±SD) was 3.1 (±1.3) months for vitamin D deficiency to be corrected, and 6.1 (±0.8) months for vitamin D sufficiency to be reached. The mean (±SD) serum level of 25(OH)D2 increased from 0.69 (±1.51) ng/mL to 29.07 (±5.68) ng/mL, while the mean (±SD) serum level of 25(OH)D3 decreased from 9.82 (±2.75) ng/mL to 5.30 (±3.09) ng/mL (both

P
<
0.001

). The total T cells in serum remained unchanged (

P
>
0.05

), and the CD4 and B cells (CD19+) were increased significantly (both

P
<
0.05

). In addition, no significant change was observed in the serum levels of iPTH and BTMs. Conclusion. Monthly intramuscular injection of 600,000 IU vitamin D2 is an effective and safe dosing regimen to reach vitamin D sufficiency and enhances immune function in the very elderly Chinese patients with vitamin D deficiency.
The Influence of Core Technology Capability of High-Tech Industry on Sustainable Competitive Advantage
Authors: Liu Xi , Yang Shuai
Published: October 2021

In order to explore how the core technological capabilities of the high-tech industry affect the sustainable competitive advantage of an enterprise, by consulting a large number of literature studies on sustainable competition, the characteristics of high-tech enterprises were summarized through analysis and sorting and a sustainable competition model was proposed based on market, management, marketing, strategy, and organizational innovation. Through factor analysis, correlation analysis, and structural equations of 266 survey data of related companies, the effectiveness of the model based on the impact of core capabilities of high-tech companies on sustainable competitive advantage was confirmed. The results show that the core competencies of high-tech enterprises’ market recognition, strategic planning, management and operation, full-person marketing, and dynamic marketing directly affect the company’s sustainable competitive advantage. The most important influence on a company’s sustainable competitive advantage is market awareness, and the organizational innovation of the company can also influence the sustainable competitive advantage indirectly, while dynamic marketing can increase the other four capabilities to improve the sustainable competitive advantage of the enterprise. The theoretical model is established to identify the core technological capabilities of high-tech enterprises that can help enterprises effectively identify the core technological capabilities that can form a sustainable competitive advantage and then provide ideas for enterprises to build theoretical research on core technological capabilities.
Recording the Centric Relation in an Edentulous Patient Using the Existing Complete Denture Mounted with Gothic Arch Tracer
Authors: Wei Xu , Meng X. F. , Guo Lang , Luo Xiaoping , Han Wei
Published: October 2021

An 80-year-old man sought treatment at our hospital. He was dissatisfied with his old complete denture due to its poor stability and retention. The old complete denture had been used for about 20 years. The prolonged use of an unsuitable complete denture led the patient to be accustomed to unilateral mastication (UM). Due to the patient long-term habitual mandibular deviation, using the physiological technique to get the centric relation (CR) achieved an incorrect horizontal maxillomandibular record. This clinical report presents a technique using the existing complete denture mounted with a Gothic arch tracer to determine the CR. This technique is an inexpensive, simple, and reliable method that allows fabricating the final impression and obtaining the maxillomandibular relationship record (MMRR) in one step.
Self-Rated Health and Frailty in Older Adults from the Population-Based Three-City Bordeaux Cohort
Authors: Pilleron Sophie , Le Goff Mélanie , Ajana Soufiane , Helmer Catherine , Pérès Karine , Dartigues Jean-François , Tabue-Teguo Maturin , Féart Catherine
Published: October 2021

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate whether self-rated health (SRH) predict frailty and its components among community dwellers aged 75 years and older. Methods: We ran a cross-sectional and prospective analysis from 643 and 379 participants of the Bordeaux Center (France) of the Three-City Study, respectively. We assessed SRH using a single question with 5 response options. We defined frailty as having at least 3 out of the following 5 criteria: weight loss, exhaustion, slowness, weakness, and low energy expenditure. We used multivariate logistic regression and Cox proportional hazard models. Results: At baseline, poor SRH was significantly associated with frailty (odds ratio = 5.2; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.9–9.5) and its components except for weakness. In the prospective analysis on nonfrail participants, poor SRH was associated with the 4-year risk of slowness (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.7; 95% CI: 1.1–2.6) but not with that of frailty (HR = 1.6; 95% CI: 0.9–2.9) or the other components. Conclusions: In a French cohort of community dwellers aged 75 years or older, poorer SRH was associated with concomitant frailty and 70% higher risk of slowness over 4 years.
The Dynamics of Pathology Dataset Creation Using Urine Cytology as an Example
Authors: McAlpine Ewen David , Michelow Pamela M. , Celik Turgay
Published: October 2021

Introduction: Dataset creation is one of the first tasks required for training AI algorithms but is underestimated in pathology. High-quality data are essential for training algorithms and data should be labelled accurately and include sufficient morphological diversity. The dynamics and challenges of labelling a urine cytology dataset using The Paris System (TPS) criteria are presented. Methods: 2,454 images were labelled by pathologist consensus via video conferencing over a 14-day period. During the labelling sessions, the dynamics of the labelling process were recorded. Quality assurance images were randomly selected from images labelled in previous sessions within this study and randomly distributed throughout new labelling sessions. To assess the effect of time on the labelling process, the labelled set of images was split into 2 groups according to the median relative label time and the time taken to label images and intersession agreement were assessed. Results: Labelling sessions ranged from 24 m 11 s to 41 m 06 s in length, with a median of 33 m 47 s. The majority of the 2,454 images were labelled as benign urothelial cells, with atypical and malignant urothelial cells more sparsely represented. The time taken to label individual images ranged from 1 s to 42 s with a median of 2.9 s. Labelling times differed significantly among categories, with the median label time for the atypical urothelial category being 7.2 s, followed by the malignant urothelial category at 3.8 s and the benign urothelial category at 2.9 s. The overall intersession agreement for quality assurance images was substantial. The level of agreement differed among classes of urothelial cells – benign and malignant urothelial cell classes showed almost perfect agreement and the atypical urothelial cell class showed moderate agreement. Image labelling times seemed to speed up, and there was no evidence of worsening of intersession agreement with session time. Discussion/Conclusion: Important aspects of pathology dataset creation are presented, illustrating the significant resources required for labelling a large dataset. We present evidence that the time taken to categorise urine cytology images varies by diagnosis/class. The known challenges relating to the reproducibility of the AUC (atypical) category in TPS when compared to the NHGUC (benign) or HGUC (malignant) categories is also confirmed.
The 1918 Influenza Pandemic: Back to the Future?
Authors: Unwin Robert J.
Published: October 2021

Background: It is just over a century since the 1918 flu pandemic, sometimes referred to as the “mother” of pandemics. This brief retrospective of the 1918 pandemic is taken from the viewpoint of the current SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 pandemic and is based on a short lecture given during the 2021 Virtual Congress of the ERA-EDTA. Summary: This review summarizes and highlights some of the earlier pandemic’s salient features, some parallels with today, and some potential learnings, bearing in mind that the flu pandemic occurred over 100 years ago at a time of major turmoil during the climax to WWl, and with limited medical expertise and knowledge, research facilities, or well-structured and resourced healthcare services. While there is little or no information on renal complications at the time, or an effective treatment, some observations in relation to COVID-19 and vaccination are included. Key Messages: Lessons are difficult to draw from 1918 other than the importance and value of non-pharmaceutical measures to limit viral transmission. While the economic impact of the 1918 pandemic was significant, as it is now with COVID-19, subsequent economic analysis has shown that protecting public health and preserving economic activity are not mutually exclusive. Both H1N1 and SARS-CoV-2 viruses are neurotropic and may cause chronically debilitating neurological diseases, including conditions such as encephalitis lethargica (still debated) and myalgic encephalomyelitis (chronic fatigue syndrome), respectively. Although coronavirus and influenza viral infections have some similarities, they are certainly not the same, as we are realising, and future infectious pandemics may still surprise us, but being “forewarned is forearmed.”
Utility of Gal d 1-Specific IgE Levels in Predicting Reactivity to Boiled Egg in Chinese Children
Authors: Ming Dan , Zheng Rongxiu
Published: October 2021

Background: Many researchers have reported predicting the outcome of oral food challenges (OFCs) on the basis of specific IgE (sIgE) levels. However, the clinical usefulness of the determination of IgE antibodies to egg allergen components in Chinese children with suspected boiled egg allergy is not well studied. Objective: Our objective was to assess the diagnostic performance of sIgE to egg white and Gal d 1, 2, 3, and 5 based on the open challenge outcome for boiled egg. Methods: A total of 48 child patients with a suspect of boiled egg allergy were included. Serum egg white and Gal d 1, 2, 3, and 5 sIgE were measured by ImmunoCAP. Diagnostic value was assessed by area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC). Results: Using the OFC results as the reference parameter, Gal d 1 sIgE had the highest AUC (0.84) compared with egg white (0.77) and other investigated components (ranging from 0.51 to 0.71). The clinical sensitivity and specificity for the sIgE to Gal d 1 at optimal cutoff (6.15 kUA/L) were 73.7% and 96.7%, respectively. Sensitization to Gal d 1 with a cutoff value of >7.48 kUA/L indicated a 90% probability of positive challenge. Conclusion: Quantitative measurements of Gal d 1 sIgE antibodies using ImmunoCAP are useful in the management of boiled egg allergy in Chinese children.
Soluble Endoglin and Uterine Artery Flow Doppler Ultrasonography as Markers of Progression to Preeclampsia in Women with Gestational Hypertension
Authors: Molina Pérez Carlos José , Nolasco Leaños Ana Graciela , Carrillo Juárez Reyes Ismael , Berumen Lechuga María Guadalupe , Isordia Salas Irma , Leaños Miranda Alfredo
Published: October 2021

Introduction: Gestational hypertension (GH) pregnancies are at a high risk of developing adverse outcomes, including progression to preeclampsia. Prediction of GH-related adverse outcomes is challenging because there are no available clinical tests that may predict their occurrence. Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the clinical usefulness of the soluble endoglin (sEng) and parameters of uterine artery flow (UtAF) measured by Doppler ultrasonography as markers of progression to preeclampsia in women with GH. Setting: Mexico City, Mexico. Material and Methods: We included 77 singleton pregnant women with GH in a nested case-control study. Cases were women who progressed to preeclampsia (n = 36), and controls were those who did not (n = 41). Serum sEng and UtAF measurements were performed at enrollment. The main outcomes measured were progression to preeclampsia and occurrence of preterm delivery (PD) <37 and <34 weeks of gestation, small for gestational age infant (SGA), and fetal growth restriction (FGR). Results: Women with sEng values in the highest tertile had higher risk of progression to preeclampsia, preterm delivery <34 weeks of gestation, and fetal growth restriction, odds ratios (ORs) ≥3.7. Patients with abnormal UtAF Dopp­ler-pulsatility index had higher risk of progression to preeclampsia, preterm delivery <34 weeks of gestation, small for gestational age infant, and fetal growth restriction (ORs ≥3.3). The presence of notch was associated with higher risk of progression to preeclampsia, preterm delivery <37 and <34 weeks of gestation, SGA infant, and fetal growth restriction (ORs ≥2.9). However, logistic regression analysis revealed that only serum sEng was a significant and independent risk factor for progression of GH to preeclampsia, preterm delivery <34 weeks of gestation, and fetal growth restriction (ORs ≥3.1). Conclusions: In GH pregnancies, UtAF Doppler ultrasonography is associated with increased risk of adverse outcomes and progression to preeclampsia. However, serum sEng concentration appears to be a better predictor to assess the risk of adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes and progression to preeclampsia.
Proinflammatory Cytokine Profile Differences between Primary Open-Angle and Pseudoexfoliative Glaucoma
Authors: Vidal-Villegas Beatriz , Burgos-Blasco Bárbara , Santiago Alvarez Jose Luis , Espino-Paisán Laura , Fernández-Vigo Jose , Andrés-Guerrero Vanessa , García-Feijoo Julián , Martínez-de-la-Casa Jose María
Published: October 2021

Introduction: Few studies have investigated glaucoma biomarkers in aqueous humor and tear and have found elevations of proinflammatory cytokines in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and pseudoexfoliative glaucoma (PXG). In this study, we investigate differences in inflammatory cytokines between POAG and PXG patients to find specific disease biomarkers. Methods: For this purpose, tear and aqueous humor samples of 14 eyes with POAG and 15 eyes with PXG undergoing cataract surgery were immunoassayed for 27 proinflammatory cytokines. The concentrations of cytokines in tear and aqueous humor and their association with clinical variables were analyzed, correlated, and compared between the groups. Results: We found that the levels of three cytokines differed significantly in the aqueous humor of POAG and PXG patients: IL-12 and IL-13 were higher in the POAG group, while monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (monocyte chemotactic and activating factor) was higher in the PXG group. The number of topical hypotensive medications was correlated with diminished levels of two cytokines (IL-7 and basic fibroblast growth factor) in aqueous humor in the POAG group and with diminished levels of IL-12 in tear in the PXG group. Conclusion: We conclude that both POAG and PXG show elevated concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines in tear and aqueous humor that could be used as biomarkers for these types of glaucoma and that the concentrations in aqueous humor of three cytokines, IL-12, IL-13, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (monocyte chemotactic and activating factor), could be used to differentiate POAG and PXG.
The COVID-19 Pandemic: A Health Crisis Managed or a Panic Response with Disastrous Future Consequences?
Authors: Luqmani Yunus A. , El Hashim Ahmed
Published: October 2021

In 1 year, COVID-19 spread rapidly worldwide affecting all societies and most age-groups. It has taken not only a toll of human lives (approaching 220 million people infected with 4.55 million reported deaths at time of writing) but also decimated every economy as countries struggle to control infection rates by introducing draconian lockdown and social distancing measures, bringing great suffering well beyond medical effects of the disease. A parallel pandemic has resulted in a deluge of information emanating from both scientific as well as international news media including social media platforms. Fact and fiction, reality, and perception have become entangled; the only realistic solution, both medically as well as politically, is concerted global vaccination (which is currently underway) to reduce further infection by introducing universal immunity. However, public controversy rages due to widespread apprehension regarding necessity, immediate risks, and long-term safety of what is perceived as “fast-tracked” medication. While some concerns may be justified, much is due to misconception and misunderstanding. This review highlights some of the issues concerning the handling of the COVID-19 crisis by governments worldwide, the medical and scientific communities, and the media and how this may have laid the foundations for a far greater medical, social, and economic burden in the coming years. We present comparative data to challenge current conceptions of this disease in the more general context of human health to provide a perspective that seems to have been lost in the general panic. We need more rational approaches to the handling of a disease which is unlikely to disappear from our spectrum of afflictions even after the magnifying glass has been removed.
Smart aerosonde UAV longitudinal flight control system based on genetic algorithm
Authors: Elbatal Ahmed , Youssef Ahmed Medhat , Elkhatib Mohamed M.
Published: October 2021

Synthesis of a flight control system for such an aircraft that achieves stable and acceptable performance across a specified flying envelope in the presence of uncertainties represents an attractive and challenging design problem. This study uses the genetic self-tuning PID algorithm to develop an intelligent flight control system for the aerosonde UAV model. To improve the system's transient responses, the gains of the PID controller are improved using a genetic algorithm (GA). Simulink/MATLAB software is used to model and simulate the proposed system. The proposed PID controller integrated with the GA is compared with the classical one. Three simulation scenarios are carried out. In the first scenario, and at normal conditions, the proposed controller performance is better than the classical one. While in the second scenario, identical results are achieved from both controllers. Finally, in the third scenario, the PID controller with GA shows the robustness and durability of the system compared with the classical PID in presence of external wind disturbance. The simulation results prove the system parameters optimization.
Hajj pilgrimage video analytics using CNN
Authors: Bhuiyan Md Roman , Abdullah Junaidi , Hashim Noramiza , Farid Fahmid Al , Samsudin Mohd Ali , Abdullah Norra , Uddin Jia
Published: October 2021

This paper advances video analytics with a focus on crowd analysis for Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages. In recent years, there has been an increased interest in the advancement of video analytics and visible surveillance to improve the safety and security of pilgrims during their stay in Makkah. It is mainly because Hajj is an entirely special event that involve hundreds of thousands of people being clustered in a small area. This paper proposed a convolutional neural network (CNN) system for performing multitude analysis, in particular for crowd counting. In addition, it also proposes a new algorithm for applications in Hajj and Umrah. We create a new dataset based on the Hajj pilgrimage scenario in order to address this challenge. The proposed algorithm outperforms the state-of-the-art approach with a significant reduction of the mean absolute error (MAE) result: 240.0 (177.5 improvement) and the mean square error (MSE) result: 260.5 (280.1 improvement) when used with the latest dataset (HAJJ-Crowd dataset). We present density map and prediction of traditional approach in our novel HAJJ-crowd dataset for the purpose of evaluation with our proposed method.
Jawi using multi-maker augmented reality
Authors: Tanalol Siti Hasnah , N. Mohd Nizam Dinna , Abdullah Sani Zaidatol Haslinda , Baharum Aslina , Tahir Asni , Zolkifly Iznora Aini
Published: October 2021

This paper discussed the development of multi-maker augmented reality for learning Jawi in order to complement the formal study in school. We conducted an experiment with N=10 participants from Pusat Minda Lestari, UMS age 5 and 6 years old, to study the effectiveness of learning Jawi using the developed mobile augmented reality application. We prepared a test environment comprising an electroencephalography (EEG) system and mobile augmented reality (AR) application for analysis and testing. Results found that the learn ability of the students was improved after they used the mobile application to learn basic Jawi. The methodology used was ADDIE model, which included the analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluate phases. This project is an innovation in learning Jawi and hopefully can increase the children’s interest in learning Jawi.
A novel imbalanced data classification approach using both under and over sampling
Authors: Javadi Moghaddam Seyyed Mohammad , Noroozi Asadollah
Published: October 2021

The performance of the data classification has encountered a problem when the data distribution is imbalanced. This fact results in the classifiers tend to the majority class which has the most of the instances. One of the popular approaches is to balance the dataset using over and under sampling methods. This paper presents a novel pre-processing technique that performs both over and under sampling algorithms for an imbalanced dataset. The proposed method uses the SMOTE algorithm to increase the minority class. Moreover, a cluster-based approach is performed to decrease the majority class which takes into consideration the new size of the minority class. The experimental results on 10 imbalanced datasets show the suggested algorithm has better performance in comparison to previous approaches.