bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comparative Study of Time Frequency Representation Techniques for Freeze of Gait Detection and Prediction
Authors: Ashfaque Mostafa Tahjid , Soltaninejad Sara , McIsaac Tara L. , Cheng Irene
Published: August 2021

Freezing of Gait (FOG) is an impairment that affects the majority of patients in the advanced stages of Parkinson’s Disease (PD). FOG can lead to sudden falls and injuries, negatively impacting the quality of life for the patients and their families. Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation (RAS) can be used to help patients recover from FOG and resume normal gait. RAS might be ineffective due to the latency between the start of a FOG event, it’s detection and initialization of RAS. We propose a system capable of both FOG prediction and detection using signals from tri-axial accelerometer sensors that will be useful in initializing RAS with minimal latency. We compared the performance of several time frequency analysis techniques, including moving windows extracted from the signals, handcrafted features, Recurrence Plots (RP), Short Time Fourier Transform (STFT), Discreet Wavelet Transform (DWT) and Pseudo Wigner Ville Distribution (PWVD) with Deep Learning (DL) based Long Short Term Memory (LSTM) and Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN). We also propose three Ensemble Network Architectures that combine all the time frequency representations and DL architectures. Experimental results show that our ensemble architectures significantly improve the performance compared with existing techniques. We also present the results of applying our method trained on publicly available dataset to data collected from patients using wearable sensors in collaboration with A.T. Still University.
HeartMath, Fitbit and COVID-19 - Tracking Movement in Stillness and Stillness in Movement
Authors: Edwards Stephen David
Published: August 2021

1. Background: The global COVID-19 lockdowns are unique psychological factors, requiring adjustment and coping. This illustrative, South African case study investigated the influence the COVID-19 lockdown context would have on meditation and physical activity. As these were lifestyle patterns the null hypothesis was of no change. 2. Method: The methodology consisted of quantitative and qualitative phases. The quantitative phase was an empirical, case study review of data from the author’s HeartMath and Fitbit electronic devices, as from 9 November 2019 to 31 July 2021. This consisted of coherence and achievement data from the HeartMath Inner Balance application (app), as well as distance and activity data from the Fitbit app. The qualitative phase consisted of the selection and illustration of meditation sessions documented over lockdown. 3. Results: The highly significant increases in physical activity and meditation coherence and achievement collectively indicated significant health promotion over the COVID-19 Lockdown period. Subtle energetic, experiential descriptions of meditation apprehensions resonated and supported these quantitative findings. 4. Conclusions: COVID-19 lockdown has meant transformation, humility, and reordering of priorities. The meditation descriptions amplified information from the HeartMath and Fitbit electronic devices, together co-creating conscious, embodied, relationship science for discussion, instruction, and further research.
O conceito de aglomerado subnormal do IBGE e a precariedade dos serviços básicos de infraestrutura urbana
Authors: Souza Catalá Larissa , Luiz do Carmo Roberto
Published: August 2021

Este artigo aborda as limitações da categoria aglomerado subnormal, do IBGE, para analisar as desigualdades socioeconômicas, habitacionais, demográficas e, sobretudo, de acesso aos serviços básicos de infraestrutura urbana nas cidades brasileiras. Também são considerados os potenciais impactos que as mudanças previstas para o próximo Censo Demográfico terão sobre as análises e as políticas públicas de melhoria das condições de vida urbana. Como metodologia, utilizou-se a análise discriminante para identificar setores censitários classificados como comuns, pelo IBGE, que possuíam características similares às dos setores subnormais, em 2010, nas regiões metropolitanas selecionadas. Em seguida, relacionaram-se os tipos de setores à inadequação dos serviços básicos de infraestrutura urbana e foram analisados os quesitos previstos para serem retirados do próximo Censo, à luz das variáveis que mais discriminaram os setores subnormais dos comuns, segundo as análises realizadas. Os resultados evidenciam que os setores subnormais e os similares identificados não foram suficientes para representar as áreas urbanas com maior demanda de serviços públicos essenciais adequados, em 2010. A localização dos setores reflete muito mais sobre a precariedade dos serviços do que sua condição de “subnormalidade”. Destaca-se a relevância da informação sobre o fornecimento de energia elétrica e sobre a condição de ocupação dos domicílios para as análises das desigualdades habitacionais e de infraestrutura urbana, cujas variáveis estão indicadas para serem retiradas do questionário do universo no próximo recenseamento. Finalmente, salienta-se a contínua valorização da propriedade no conceito de “subnormalidade” do IBGE em detrimento da disponibilidade de serviços públicos essenciais adequados nas áreas urbanas.
Pengembangan LKPD Kimia Berbasis Science, Environment, Technology, and Society (SETS) Materi Laju Reaksi
Authors: Pranowo Muhammad Iqbal , Linda Roza , Haryati Sri
Published: August 2021

Penelitian ini dirancang menggunakan desain Penelitian dan Pengembangan (Research and Development) dengan model pengembangan ADDIE. Model pengembangan ADDIE memiliki lima tahapan yaitu Analysis (Analisis), Design (Perancangan), Development (Pengembangan), Implementation (Implementasi), dan Evaluation (Evaluasi). Penelitian ini hanya sampai tahap pengembangan, Tahap Implementation (Implementasi) tidak dilakukan karena tujuan penelitian dibatasi sampai dengan didapatkan produk LKPD yang layak/valid berdasarkan aspek kelayakan isi, karakteristik SETS, kebahasaan, penyajian, dan kegrafisan melalui penilaian oleh validator. Data berupa penilaian dan saran oleh tim validator, responden guru dan peserta didik. Dari hasil penelitian, diperoleh nilai validasi dengan skor 91,19%. Skor respon pengguna oleh guru dan peserta didik masing-masing adalah 90,38% dan 90,1% dengan kriteria sangat baik.

Kata kunci:    Lembar Kegiatan Peserta Didik, Science, Environment, Technology and Society (SETS), ADDIE, Laju Reaksi
Wavelet Kernel Least Squares Twin Support Vector Regression for Wind Speed Prediction
Authors: Hazarika Barenya Bikash , Gupta Deepak , Natarajan Narayanan
Published: August 2021

Wind energy is a potent yet freely available renewable energy. It is essential to estimate the wind speed (WS)precisely to makeaprecise estimation of wind power at wind power generating stations.Generally, the WS data is non-stationary. Wavelets have the potential to deal with the non-stationarilyindatasets. On the other hand, the prediction ability of primal least square support vector regression (PLSTSVR) has never been tested to best of our knowledge for WS prediction. Hence, in this work, wavelet kernel-based LSTSVR models are proposed for WS prediction. They are Morlet wavelet kernel LSTSVR and Mexican Hat wavelet kernel LSTSVR.HourlyWS data are collected from four different stations namely Chennai, Madurai, Salem and Tirunelveli in Tamil Nadu, India. The performance of the proposed models isevaluated using root mean square, mean absolute, symmetric mean absolute percentage, mean absolute scaled error and R2. The results of the proposed models are compared with twin support vector regression (TSVR), PLSTSVR and large-margin distribution machine-based regression (LDMR). Based on the results of the performance indicators, the performance of the proposed models is better when compared to other models.
Concept Analysis of Caring Thinking in Iranian Nurses: A Hybrid Model
Authors: nayeri Nahid Dehghan , Samadi Nasrin , Vakili Jafar , Pakfar Zanyar
Published: August 2021

Introduction: The concept of caring thinking has been utilized in nursing, and although it has been deﬁned and evaluated using a variety of methods, yet it remains an abstract concept in nursing practice. This paper presents a concept analysis to deﬁne and clarify the concept of caring thinking to provide a deeper understanding of how caring thinking can be incorporated into nursing. Therefore, the present study is carried out for the purpose of defining and clarifying its concept in the nursing profession.Methods: This study used a hybrid model of concept analysis comprising three phases, namely a theoretical phase, field work phase, and a final analysis phase. To find relevant literature, electronic search of valid databases was utilized using keywords related to the concept of caring thinking. Field work data were collected over a 10-month time period from 2017 to 2018. In the field work phase, in-depth interviews were performed with 10 nurses and academic nurse. The conventional content analysis was used in two theoretical and field work phases, and the results were combined in the final analysis phase. Results: The 4 main themes extracted included “Correct thinking”, “Responsibility”, “Professional commitment”, and “Ethical thinking” and the final definition of the concept was presented.Conclusion: The results of this study showed that clarifying the concept of Caring thinking leads to better understanding and common perception of this concept and helps nurses to exhibit caring thinking and provide quality care. Caring thinking arranges the systematic approach to and practice of behaviors. Actually, caring thinking is form of thinking contributing to correct thinking. Therefore, the results of this study have implications for nursing practice, nursing education, and nursing research.
Climate Change Projections of Temperature and Precipitation in the Eastern Black Sea Basin, Turkey by using Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines Statistical Downscaling Method
Authors: NACAR Sinan , KANKAL Murat , OKKAN Umut
Published: August 2021

Climate change has recently become one of the most important issue discussed by scientists around the world. The purpose of this study is to investigate the possible effects of climate change on temperature and precipitation variables, which are among the most major climate variables in terms of their environmental and economic impact for the rainiest region of Turkey. General circulation models (GCMs) under different emission scenarios are widely used in determining possible changes in the climate system. However, the coarse resolutions of these models are unsuitable for the climate impact/adaptation studies at basin scale. In this paper, the future monthly mean temperature and precipitation for 12 station in the Eastern Black Sea Basin, Turkey were projected for three periods 2030s (2021–2050), 2060s (2051–2080), and 2090s (2081–2100) from the three GCMs, namely CNRM-CM5.1, HadGEM2-ES, and MPI-ESM-MR, under RCP4.5 (optimistic) and RCP8.5 (pessimistic) scenarios using the multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS) statistical downscaling method. The statistical downscaling models were set up between the 12 potential predictor, obtained from ERA-Interim reanalysis data set, and the local station data. For evaluating and the performance of the downscaling models four performance statistics namely root means square error, scatter index, mean absolute error, and the Nash Sutcliffe coefficient of efficiency, were used. Thereafter, the calibrated and validated models were applied to downscale future scenarios of the GCMs. The results obtained from the study proved that the downscale temperature and precipitation values correlated well with the observation values for the training (1981–2004) and test (2005–2010) periods. An average increase of 2.5 and 2.0°C is foreseen according to the optimistic scenario and an average increase of 3.5 and 3.0°C is foreseen according to the pessimistic scenario in the southern and northern parts of the basin, respectively. As to precipitation, a decrease is expected in the southern part of the basin but a significant increase is expected especially in spring at the stations located in the western and coastal parts of the basin.
Association Between Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitors and Diabetic Retinopathy in Korean Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Oh Gyu Chul , Ki You-Jeong , Park Kyung Woo , Han Kyung-Do , Kim Hyo-Soo
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) inhibitors are widely used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In a previous study, we demonstrated a plausible mechanism how DPP4 inhibitors may cause accumulation of stroma derived factor-1 (SDF1) in ischemic retina, leading to vascular permeability and diabetic retinopathy (DR). We sought to investigate the association of DPP4 inhibitors with DR in patients using the Korean National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) data.
METHODS

This was a retrospective, population-based cohort study using the Korean NHIS database. The Korean NHIS is a government-run, mandatory medical insurance service and keeps records of patient sociodemographic data, inpatient and outpatient medical services and prescriptions. The database consists of records from the entire Korean, totaling 51 million people, regardless of the medical institution from which they received service.
RESULTS

Among the total study population, 26.0% (152,149 of 585,191) received prescriptions of DPP4 inhibitors. The incidence of DR in the DPP4 inhibitor group was 55.03 per 1,000 person-years (PPY), compared to 50.17 PPY in the non-DPP4 group (P < 0.001). Patients prescribed with DPP4 inhibitors as second-line therapy had a 9% increased risk of developing DR compared to those on other medications after adjustment for age, gender, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and duration of disease (adjusted HR 1.09, 95% CI 1.07–1.11, P < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS

In Korean T2DM patients that received second line oral hypoglycemic agents, DPP4 inhibitor prescription was associated with a higher risk of newly-developed DR, suggesting that the effect of DPP4 inhibitors on vascular permeability and neovascularization may have clinical implications.
Trends in Faecal Calprotectin Levels During Pregnancy in Non-IBD Patients
Authors: Doherty Jayne , Moore Rebecca , Kivlehan Clodagh , Byrne David F , Yelverton Cara A , Twomey Patrick , Cullen Garret , McAuliffe Fionnuala
Published: August 2021

Background and Aims:

No optimal marker exists to assess activity of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) during pregnancy, though faecal calprotectin (FCP) is the most commonly used test. However minimal data exists on what a normal calprotectin level is during pregnancy and post-partum in healthy individuals.
Objective:

Our aim is to determine normal FCP levels during pregnancy and post-partum in a healthy population.
Methods:

We performed a prospective analysis of FCP levels from pregnant women at 16- and 34-weeks’ gestation and 4- and 12-weeks post-partum. Patient demographics were collected. FCP concentrations were measured with a quantitative ELISA assay.
Results:

98 patients were included in our study. 172 maternal stool samples were collected in total; 62 samples at 16-weeks’ gestation, 48 samples at 34-weeks’ gestation, 38 samples from 4-weeks post-partum and 24 samples from 12-weeks post-partum. Median age was 33.0 years. 41 patients had a BMI > 25 (41.8%). 16 patients were ex-smokers (16.3 %). The median FCP levels at 16-weeks’ gestation was 29.5 µg/g (range 10–476 µg/g), median level from 34-weeks’ gestation was 25.6 µg/g (range 10–259 µg/g), from 4-weeks post-partum was 23.4 µg/g (range 10–318 µg/g) and 12-weeks post-partum was 29.4 µg/g (range 10–216 µg/g). There was no significant change in median FCP levels over the course of pregnancy and post-partum (p = 0.294).
Conclusion:

Faecal calprotectin levels are not affected by physiological changes in pregnancy or post-partum in normal healthy individuals without IBD. This suggests FCP is a useful tool for identifying flares of colitis during pregnancy.
Development and Characterization of 135 SNP Markers in Chiton Acanthochitona Rubrolineatus
Authors: zhang Jirui , Song Yunqi , Wang Chenghong , Zhang Shukui , Jiang Zilin , Ni Yan , Qu Ying , Sun Donghui , Wu Sen , Xing Zhikai , Wang Lijun , Qu Jiangyong , Wang Xumin
Published: August 2021

Acanthochitona rubrolineatus (Lischke, 1873) (Polyplacophora, Neoloricata, Cryptoplacidae) is an important species widely distributed in the middle and low tide zone of coastal intertidal zone along the China Sea coast. In recent years, the serious pollution of seawater has caused a sharp decline in the number of wild populations of A. rubrolineatus. Lacking of effective molecular markers limits the effective protection and management of this species. Studies for the isolation and characterization of 135 A. rubrolineatus SNPs markers were carried out. The frequency of minor allele ranges from 0.0125 to 0.5000. The observed heterozygosity and expected heterozygosity are 0.0000-0.9750, 0.0731-0.6696, respectively. The inbreeding value varies from -0.2902 to 0.9966. Among them, there are 27 sites markablely differently from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P < 0.05). The study of the polymorphic SNPs will provide a therotical basis for further analysis of population genetic analysis on A. rubrolineatus.
Surveillance Data Analysis of Typhoid Fever in Jimma Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia (2015 - 2019)
Authors: Yemata Getaneh Atikilt , Yenew Chalachew , Mamuye Melkalem , Tiruneh Mulu , Assfaw Tiagabinesh , Mulatu Sileshi , Sisay Ermias
Published: August 2021

IntroductionTyphoid fever is a major cause of morbidity and mortality around the globe and it is a serious illness in developing countries. Typhoid fever is prevalent in Ethiopia and the burden differs with diverse demography, environment, and climate. Efficient evidence concerning the trend of typhoid fever is important for targeted intervention in the catchment area. So, ongoing analysis of surveillance data is vital but there is no data regarding typhoid fever trend and distribution in the study area. The study aimed to determine the proportion of typhoid fever cases by person, district, and time ,and to assess the mortality rate of typhoid fever. MethodDescriptive cross-sectional study design was conducted among monthly reported typhoid fever surveillance data of 5 years (2015-2019) in Jimma Zone. The data were retrieved, analyzed, and interpreted from May 20/2019 to June 7/ 2019. The study population is estimated to be 3425206. SPSS version 21 was used to enter and analyze the data. ResultA total of 36641 typhoid fever cases were reported. The total prevalence rate during the five years was 24 cases per10,000 residents. The disease mostly occurred in March with these 7200(20%) reported during the period. The majority of the investigated cases were identified in Qarsa woreda 4476(12.2%), Followed by Gomma 4075(11.1%) and Mana 3267 (8.9%) wereda. 159 (0.4%) of the reported cases were admitted and the majority 60 (37.7%) were from Gumay wereda but there was no death from all wereda in the five years. Conclusion and RecommendationTyphoid fever was a major public health problem in the Jimma zone for the last 5 years. The highest incidence of typhoid fever cases was reported at the end of the dry season particularly in March and the distribution of cases was positively skewed to Qarsa, Gomma, and Mana wereda among the surveillance areas. Zonal health departments should strengthen the interventions focused on the wereda that had a high burden of typhoid fever at the end of the dry season.
Pesticides Residues in Blood Serum and Their Adverse Effects on Multi- Biomarkers in Occupationally Exposed Greenhouse Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study in Hamadan City, Iran
Authors: Leili Mostafa , Khosrowshahi Abolfazl Ghafouri , Poorolajal Jalal , Samiee Fateme , Samadi Mohammad Taghi , Bahrami Abdulrahman
Published: August 2021

The cultivation of greenhouse crops is the most severe form of crop production in Iran, and vast quantities of unreasonable pesticides are being utilized to control pests. The residual level of blood pesticides and its correlation with multi- biomarkers were determined to evaluate the adverse health consequences on greenhouse workers in the Hamdan city of Iran. Participants were 180 adult males, including 90 greenhouse workers exposed to pesticides and 90 control individuals. The residue analyses revealed that 64 out of the 90 workers had residues of dichlorvos, diazinon, and chlorpyrifos in their blood serum; and 56.25% out of these workers were exposed for > 15 years period. The residues of all three pesticides were higher than the no observable adverse effect level (NOAEL) in all the exposure duration categories. Comparisons of hematological parameters showed that mean monocyte (P < 0.001), lymphocyte (P < 0.001) and platelet counts (P = 0.001), mean platelet volume (P = 0.002), and plateletcrit (PCT) (P < 0.001) were significantly higher in workers than in controls, whereas hemoglobin (HB) (P = 0.028), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentrations (MCHC) (P < 0.001) were lower in workers than controls. These results show that exposure to different pesticides was associated with alterations in some biochemical and hematological parameters. Prevention and intervention programs can be effective in eliminating pesticide-related alterations among agricultural workers.
Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on the Progression of Alzheimer’s Disease in Rats: A Mechanistic Approach
Authors: Patel Parmi , Shah Jigna Samir
Published: August 2021

Purpose: A multifaceted treatment approach can be effective for Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, currently, it involves only symptomatic treatment with cholinergic drugs. Beneficial effects of high vitamin D levels or its intake in the prevention and treatment of cognitive disorders have been reported. Thus, the present study examined the preventive effect of vitamin D supplementation on AD progression and evaluated its impact on the accumulation or degradation of Aβ plaques. Methods: A single intraperitoneal injection of scopolamine was used to induce AD in rats. Treatment of vitamin D was provided for 21 days after the injection. Various behavioral parameters like learning, spatial memory and exploratory behavior, biochemical alterations in the brain homogenate and histology of the hippocampus were investigated. Results: Our results indicated that scopolamine-induced rats depicted cognitive deficits with high Aβ levels and hyperphosphorylated tau proteins in the brain tissue, while vitamin D supplementation could significantly improve the cognitive status and lower these protein levels. These results were supported by the histopathological and immunohistochemical staining of the hippocampal brain region. Furthermore, mechanistic analysis depicted that vitamin D supplementation improved the Aβ protein clearance by increasing the neprilysin levels. It also reduced the accumulation of Aβ plaques by lowering neuroinflammation as well as oxidative stress. Conclusion: The present findings indicate that vitamin D supplementation can delay AD progression by an increase in Aβ plaques degradation or reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.
Higher Hemoglobin Levels Are Associated With Better Physical Performance Among Older Adults Without Anemia: A Longitudinal Analysis
Authors: Corona Ligiana Pires , Andrade Flavia Cristina Drummond , Alexandre Tiago Silva , Brito Tábatta Renata Pereira , Nunes Daniella Pires , Duarte Yeda Aparecida Oliveira
Published: August 2021

Background

Anemia is the most common hematological abnormality among older adults, and it is associated with decreased physical performance. But the role of hemoglobin in the absence of anemia remains unclear. Thus, this study aimed to assess the impact of hemoglobin levels on physical performance in Brazilian older adults without anemia.
Methods

The study is longitudinal in that it relies on two waves of the Saúde, Bem-Estar e Envelhecimento (SABE; Health, Well-being, and Aging) study: 2010 and 2015–2016. Mixed-effects linear regression was used to determine the effects of the hemoglobin concentrations on the Short Physical Performance Battery-SPPB over time among the 1,020 who had complete data and did not have anemia in 2010. In the follow-up, there were 562 without anemia. Analyses were stratified by sex.
Results

In analyses adjusted for age, education, grip strength, comorbidities, and body mass index, hemoglobin levels were positively associated with physical performance scores among older women (β = 0.15, p < 0.05) and men (β = 0.18, p < 0.05) without anemia.
Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that higher hemoglobin levels were associated with better physical performance among older men and women without anemia. This finding is important because, in clinical practice, most health professionals focus on the World Health Organization definition of anemia. Our study suggests the importance of hemoglobin levels among older adults, even those without anemia.
Determination of the Optimal Size and Location of an Electricity Generation Plant That Uses Lignocellulosic Residues From Costa Rican Northern
Authors: Valverde Juan Carlos , Arias Dagoberto , Campos Roel , Masís Charlyn , Jiménez María Fernanda , Brenes Laura
Published: August 2021

The northern zone of Costa Rica has extensive forestry and agro-industrial development, which generates a large number of lignocellulosic residues that do not have an economic value but could represent a vast energy potential. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the optimal size and location of an electricity generation plant from the forest and agro-industrial biomass. The researchers worked with two forest species residues (Gmelina arborea and Tectona grandis) and two agro-industrial residues (Anana comosus and Saccharum officinarum), representing the most extensive cultivations in the region. The material was characterized, then GIS layers of the species cultivation areas were analyzed and related to the roads and protected areas to define the twelve potential points where the power plant should be installed. Later the optimal supply radius of the plant and the optimal site conditions were determined. The study determined that the tree species have an average caloric power of 19059.50 kJ/kg, significantly higher than the agro-industrial ones (16684.9 kJ/kg). It was determined that 1,056,527.67 tons of dry biomass are generated per year, 6.5% of the biomass is arboreal, and 79.97% comes from A. comosus. Also, it was determined that the optimal supply radius for the plant is 30 km. Longer distances make the project financially unviable. Considering this, the annual energy potential of the twelve points was evaluated, which varied from 4.06 to 101.82 MW. Point eleven was determined the best positioned by the biomass source and optimal environmental conditions for establishing the power plant.
A Novel Method for Efficient Electrochemical Treatment of Actual Dyeing Wastewater With Energy Saving
Authors: Yao Jiachao , Lv Sini , Wang Zeyu , Hu Liyong , Chen Jun
Published: August 2021

Electro-oxidation is a promising technology for wastewater treatment with bio-refractory organic and nitrogen pollutants; however, the high energy-demanding hinders its wide application. In this study, a novel method by regulating the significant parameter during electro-oxidation process timely for actual dyeing wastewater treatment with energy saving was studied. Operating factors (i.e., flow rate, initial pH value, electrode distance, and current density) were investigated for chemical oxygen demand (COD) and ammonia removal, and results indicated that current density was the key factor which obviously influenced the electrochemical performance. Indirect oxidation by active chlorine was then confirmed as the main reaction pathway for pollutants oxidation, and the relationship between the current density and the generation of active chlorine was established, suggesting that a large part of the generated active chlorine was not utilized effectively. Subsequently, a novel method by variation of current density timely based on the reaction mechanism was proposed; results indicated that, with similar pollutant removal efficiency, energy consumption could be reduced from 31.6 kWh/m3 to 20.5 kWh/m3. Additionally, the novel system was further optimized by Box-Behnken design: COD and ammonia removal efficiencies could reach 71.8% and 100% respectively, and energy-demanding could be reduced by 45.6%.
How Do Multiple Kernel Functions in Machine Learning Algorithms Improve Precision in Flood Probability Mapping?
Authors: Baig Muhammad Aslam , XIONG Donghong , Rahman Mahfuzur , Islam Md. Monirul , Elbeltagi Ahmad , Yigez Belayneh , Rai Dil Kumar , Tayab Muhammad , Dewan Ashraf
Published: August 2021

With climate change, hydro-climatic hazards, i.e., floods in the Himalayas regions, are expected to worsen, thus, likely to affect humans and socio-economic growth. Precisely, the Koshi River basin (KRB) is often impacted by flooding over the year. However, studies on estimating and predicting floods still lack in this basin. This study aims at developing flood probability map using machine learning algorithms (MLAs): gaussian process regression (GPR) and support vector machine (SVM) with multiple kernel functions including Pearson VII function kernel (PUK), polynomial, normalized poly kernel, and radial basis kernel function (RBF). Historical flood locations with available topography, hydrogeology, and environmental datasets were further considered to build flood model. Two datasets were carefully chosen to measure the feasibility and robustness of MLAs: training dataset (location of floods between 2010 and 2019) and testing dataset (flood locations of 2020) with thirteen flood influencing factors. The validation of the MLAs was evaluated using a validation dataset and statistical indices such as the coefficient of determination (r2: 0.546~0.995), mean absolute error (MAE: 0.009~0.373), root mean square error (RMSE: 0.051~0.466), relative absolute error (RAE: 1.81~88.55%), and root-relative square error (RRSE: 10.19~91.00%). Results showed that the SVM-Pearson VII kernel (PUK) yielded better prediction than other algorithms. The resultant map from SVM-PUK revealed that 27.99% area with low, 39.91% area with medium, 31.00% with high, and 1.10% area with very high probabilities of flooding in the study area. The final flood probability map could add a greatt value to the effort of flood risk mitigation and planning processes in KRB.
Horizontal transfer of the n-TASE gene cluster in Burkholderia seminalis TC3.4.2R3 inferred from phylogenetic and molecular methods
Authors: Tsui Sarina , Araújo Welington Luiz
Published: August 2021

This study describes the n-TASE cluster in Burkholderia seminalis TC3.4.2R3, which was present in B. contaminans (CP046609.1), but absent in other related Burkholderia species. Phylogeny, comparative genomics and molecular analysis indicated it is not common to B. seminalis species, presenting similarity with homologous genes presents Aquamicrobium sp. SK-2 and B. contaminans LMG23361, probably acquired by an HGT (Horizontal Gene Transfer) event. It was not possible to determine which was the most likely donor strain of the n-TASE cluster. The HGT event did not occur in all strains of the Bcc group, nor in the B. seminalis, but it did occur punctually in the strain B. seminalis TC34.2R3. It has a correlation in biotechnological applications related processes. Aiming at understanding the involvement of the n-TASE cluster in the interaction of this bacterium in the environment, genes in this cluster will be inactivated, next.
Case Report: Both Mother and Child With Chronic HBV Infection Were Clinically Cured After PEG-IFN Treatment
Authors: Bi Xiaoyue , Zeng Zhan , Sun Fang-fang , Lin Yan-jie , Yang Liu , Li Ming-hui , Xie Yao
Published: August 2021

Background：Interferon is significant for chronic hepatitis B patients to get ideal treatment endpoint—functional cure, and is widely used as a first line therapy.Case presentation：We reported two cases of consanguineous patients with chronic hepatitis B. Case 1 was a 36-year-old woman with chronic hepatitis B for 13 years. Case 2 and case 1 were mother-child relationship. At the age of 2, HBsAg and HBeAg of case 2 were found to be positive during physical examination, and they received antiviral therapy together. Both mother and child were treated with Peginterferon (PEG-IFN).　Based on antiviral therapy, through prolonged interferon therapy or combined with oral medication of individualized treatment, they both achieved clinical cure.Conclusion：The outcome of the two patients suggests not only the significance of individualized antiviral therapy but also a high correlation between the response to interferon antiviral therapy and genetic background.
Investigating The Prevalence of Alcohol Consumption and Its Related Factors in 13 To 17-Year-Old Adolescents: Data Extraction From 55 Eastern Mediterranean Countries
Authors: farnia vahid , Jouybari Touraj Ahmadi , salemi safora , rahami Bahareh , moradinazar mehdi , alikhani mostafa , Majd Tahereh Mohammadi , Bahadorinia shahab
Published: August 2021

Background

Alcohol consumption has become very common among adolescents in recent years and its prevalence varies in different countries. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of alcohol consumption and related factors in adolescents aged 13 to 17 years living in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR).
Methods

The present study was a cross-sectional study that was performed on 191228 adolescents (girl, 51.1% of total) aged 13 to 17 years in 55 EMR countries. In this study, the data that were collected by the World Health Organization from students were used. In order to investigate the factors affecting alcohol consumption, univariate and multivariate logistics models with 95% confidence limits were used.
Results

The overall prevalence of alcohol consumption in adolescents was 18.2%, which was 19.2% and 17.3% in boys and girls, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that using marijuana for more than 10 days in a month (OR = 6.27, 95%CI: 5.12–7.68), smoking (OR = 3.68, 95%CI: 3.52–3.84), having sex (OR = 3.39, 95%CI: 3.24–3.55), being alone for more than 10 days (OR = 1.84, 95%CI: 1.66–2.037), having insomnia most of the time (OR = 1.68, 95%CI: 1.54–1.83), having suicide plan (OR = 1.47, 95%CI: 1.39–1.57), being 16 and older (OR = 1.41,95%CI: 1.33–1.48), being alone sometimes (OR = 1.41,95%CI: 1.33–1.48), daily activity (OR = 1.24, 95%CI: 1.19–1.29), being beaten for 1–9 days a month (OR = 1.20, 95%CI: 1.14–1.26) increased the chances of consuming alcohol, respectively. Parental supervision most of the time and parental awareness sometimes reduced the likelihood of consuming alcohol.
Conclusions

Due to the high prevalence of alcohol consumption among adolescents living in EMR countries, it is suggested that educational, preventive and health intervention programs be conducted to raise students’ awareness of the effects of alcohol consumption in schools.
The Effects of Flaxseed Supplementation On Circulating Adipokines Concentration in Patients With Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Morshedzadeh Nava , Rahimlou Mehran , Shahrokh Shabnam , Karimi Soheila , Chaleshi Vahid , Mirmiran Parvin , Zali Mohammad Reza
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is one of the most common gastrointestinal diseases that can affect people of all ages. Adipokines secreted from adipose tissue have been shown to play an important role in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplementation with your seed on the concentrations of adiponectin, resistin and visfatin in patients with UC.Methods: This trial is an open-labeled randomized controlled trial which conducted among 70 patients with UC. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: flaxseed and control. Patients in the intervention were received 30 g/day flaxseed powder for 12 weeks. Anthropometric, nutritional and biochemical factors of patients were evaluated at the beginning and end of the intervention period.Results: Totally, 64 patients (36 men and 28 women) with mean age of 31.12 ± 9.67 included in the final analysis. There wasn’t any significant difference between two groups in term of baseline weight and height (P>0.05). After the 12 weeks' intervention, flaxseed supplementation led to a significant reduction in the resistin (-4.85 ± 1.89 vs. -1.10 ± 2.25, P<0.001) and visfatin concentration (-1.33± 1.14 vs. -0.53 ± 1.63, P=0.018). Moreover, we found a significant increase in the adiponectin levels after the flaxseed supplementation (3.49 ± 1.29 vs. -0.35 ± 0.96, P<0.001).Conclusion: It has been reported in this study that flaxseed supplementation could exert beneficial effects on adipokine levels in patients with UC. Trial registration: IRCT registration no. IRCT20180311039043N1
Anti-OJ (Anti-isoleucyl-tRNA Synthetase) Autoantibody- Positive Anti-synthetase Syndrome: a Case Report
Authors: Gu Ji-Na , Yan Wang , Gao Qiao-Ling , Chen Lin
Published: August 2021

Background: Anti-OJ (anti-isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase) autoantibody-positive anti-synthetase syndrome(ASS) is a rare systemic autoimmune diseases that manifest as an inflammatory myopathy and interstitial lung diseas.Case presentation: We present a case of anti-OJ antibody-positive ASS with recurrent joint pain, fever, significantly elevated inflammatory markers, occult myositis but no interstitial pneumonia in a 75-year-old male patient. The patient was misdiagnosed for more than one year. Recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was confirmed after 1 year of the diagnosis of ASS, and the clinical symptoms were relieved after surgical resection. Conclusion: We report this rare case of anti-OJ antibody-positive ASS with atypical manifestations to raise awareness of the disease for clinicians.
The Study of Machine Learning for Wire Rupture Prediction in WEDM
Authors: Chou Ping Hsien , Hwang Yean-Ren , Yan Bling-Hwa
Published: August 2021

During wire electrical discharge machining (WEDM), wire rupture may deteriorate workpieces' machined surfaces and increase the processing time. However, only a few referenced papers focused on wire rupture during past decades because of its complexity. In this research, Machine Learning (ML) technique was applied to analyze the relationship between manufacturing parameters and the chance of wire rupture. Three parameters, including gap voltage (GV), feed rate (FR), and water resistance (WR), were considered as training features, and a total of 298 sets were used to train an Artificial Neural Network (ANN). The results show that the prediction accuracy of wire rupture for 10 seconds in advance is above 85%.
The Effect of Uncertainty Training on the Improvement of Diagnostic Ability in Chinese Medical Students
Authors: Xia Xiaomeng , Zeng Yi , Pi Pixiang , Wu Xianqing , Fang Xiaoling , Chen Jianlin , Zhong Yan
Published: August 2021

Background: To evaluate the effect of the uncertainty training on improvement of students’ diagnostic ability. Methods: Data were collected on 70 fifth year medical students enrolled in the Case Discussion courses on Obstetrics and Gynecology in the spring of 2020. Of these students, 36 were in the uncertainty training group and 34 in the control group. The effect of training was evaluated by cognitively diagnostic assessment which mapped exam questions to 4 attributes assessing clinical reasoning and basic science knowledge. Results: Uncertainty training was able to improve students’ ability to use basic science concepts for inference and problem solving, and the ability to integrate complex clinical information to arrive at a diagnosis. But it could not improve students’ ability on the basic recall of foundational concepts and the ability to use basic science concepts in clinical reasoning. Medical students could do well in integrating complex clinical information although they didn’t recall basic science knowledge well. Conclusions: Uncertainty training could be used as an effective teaching method in Case Discussion course on Obstetrics and Gynecology. However, students still need to improve their basic knowledge besides the training.
Correlation Between Structural and Ionic Transport Properties of Lithium-ion Hybrid Gel Polymer Electrolytes Based PMMA-PLA
Authors: Mazuki Norfatihah , Kufian M.Z. , Nagao Y. , Samsudin Ahmad Salihin
Published: August 2021

In this work, the investigation on hybrid gel polymer electrolytes (HGPEs) comprising polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)-polylactic acid (PLA) incorporate with LiTFSI were carried out. The HGPEs samples were characterized for their structural, thermal and ionic conduction properties via FTIR, XRD, DSC, and EIS. FTIR analysis show the indication of the interaction between PMMA-PLA hybrid polymer and LiTFSI with the appearance of peak and changes in peak shifting at the coordinating site from polymer blend. The DSC analysis shows that the glass transition temperature (Tg) of HGPEs was decreased as the LiTFSI content increases, suggesting that the HGPEs system has good thermal stability. The ionic conductivity was calculated based on the Cole-Cole plot and the incorporation of LiTFSI with 20 wt. % into hybrid polymer matrixes revealed the maximum ionic conductivity of 1.02 х 10-3 S cm-1 at room temperature as the amorphous phase increases. The dissociation of ions and transport properties of the PMMA-PLA-LiTFSI systems was determined via dielectric response approach and it was found that number density (ɳ), mobility (μ), and diffusion coefficient (D) of mobile ions follows ionic conductivity trend.
Prioritization of Indicators of the Quality of Care Provided to Older Adults with Frailty by Key Stakeholders from Five Canadian Provinces
Authors: Giguere Anik , Holroyd-Leduc Jayna M. , Straus Sharon E. , Urquhart Robin , Turcotte Véronique , Durand Pierre J. , Turgeon Alexis
Published: August 2021

Background: To meet the needs of older adults with frailty better, it is essential to understand which aspects of care are important from their perspective. We therefore sought to assess the importance of a set of quality indicators (QI) for monitoring outcomes in this population. Methods: In this mixed-method study, key stakeholders completed a survey on the importance of 36 QIs, and then explained their ratings in a semi-structured interview. Stakeholders included older adults with frailty and their caregivers, healthcare providers (HCPs), and healthcare administrators or policy/decision makers (DMs). We conducted descriptive statistical analyses of quantitative variables, and deductive thematic qualitative analyses of interview transcripts. Results: The 42 participants (8 older adults, 18 HCPs, and 16 DMs) rated six QIs as more important: increasing the patients’ quality of life; increasing healthcare staff skills; decreasing patients’ symptoms; decreasing family caregiver burden; increasing patients’ satisfaction with care; and increasing family doctor continuity of care.Conclusions: Key stakeholders prioritized QIs that focus on outcomes targeted to patients and caregivers, whereas the current healthcare systems generally focus on processes of care. Quality improvement initiatives should therefore take better account of aspects of care that are important for older adults with frailty, such as having a chance to express their individual goals of care, receiving quality communications from HCPs, or monitoring symptoms that they might not spontaneously describe. Our results point to the need for patient-centred care that is oriented toward quality of life for older adults with frailty.
The Impact of Complications on Short-Term Outcomes of Pelvic Peritoneum Reconstruction with Barbed Suture in Laparoscopic Rectal Resection for Rectal Cancer
Authors: Wen Jing , Shen Jian , Huang Qiushi , He Shan
Published: August 2021

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the safety and short-term outcomes of pelvic peritoneum reconstruction with barbed sutures in laparoscopic rectal resection for rectal cancer. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study conducted in Chengdu second’s people hospital. The clinicopathological data of 402 patients with rectal cancer admitted to our department hospital from January to December 2019 were collected. There was total of 402 patients, including 218 males and 174 females, with an average age of 68 years. Among them, 216 patients who underwent laparoscopic rectal resection with pelvic peritoneum reconstruction (PPR) were allocated into the PPR group, and 186 patients who underwent conventional laparoscopic rectal resection were allocated into a non-PPR group. All the patients received standard preoperative and postoperative treatments. Observational indicators (1) surgical and postoperative conditions; (2) postoperative pathological examination. (3) postoperative complications. Results (1) Surgery condition: all patients in the two groups underwent successful surgery without conversion to open surgery. There were no differences between the two groups in terms of surgical approach, resection margin, tumor size, postoperative T-stage, postoperative N-stage, positive lymph nodes, harvest lymph nodes, perineal wound infection, perineal hernia, postoperative pneumonia, postoperative hemorrhage, presacral fluid, or abscess. The operative time, blood loss, the incidence of anastomotic leakage, and small-bowel obstruction showed a significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion pelvic peritoneum reconstruction with barbed suture in laparoscopic rectal resection is safe and feasible for the treatment of rectal cancer, which can significantly reduce postoperative perineal-related complications.
Contact Friction Regulation of the UV Laser Textured PVA Hydrogel and Titanium Alloy Interface
Authors: Zhou Xiaopeng , Liu Zihao , Zhu Xiaowei , Cai Yan , Chen Jie , Cao Yu
Published: August 2021

The soft, hydrophilic and smooth surface of hydrogel displays extremely complex friction behavior. In this work, the ultraviolet laser post-processing created PVA hydrogel surface textures is found to be a one-step effective way for the contact friction regulation at the hydrogel-titanium alloy interface. Micro-grooves with various spacings and depths are fabricated by adjusting the laser scanline interval, laser energy density and the scanning times. Friction torques are measured by a strain-controlled parallel-plate rheometer to characterize frictional behaviors of micro-grooves. At the sliding velocity range of 0.085mm/s < v < 2.3mm/s, the effect of interlocking and ploughing force are the dominant origins of friction. Frictional stress increases with the decrease of the micro-groove spacing, but not with the increase of the micro-groove depth, which indicates that frictional stress doesn’t simply increase with an increase of hydrogel’s roughness. As the velocity increases from 2.3mm/s to 100mm/s, the surface wettability of textured hydrogel plays an important role in regulating friction. Both smooth hydrogel and laser textured hydrogels show stick-slip phenomenon which occurs in the same velocity range. These results take us a step closer to deriving a more effective, accurate, and dependable guideline for designing laser-textured surface grooves for sliding friction control of hydrogel applications.