bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing a collaborative learning framework for resilience in healthcare: a study protocol
Authors: Haraldseid-Driftland Cecilie , Aase Karina , Wiig Siri , Billett Stephen
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Resilience in healthcare (RiH) can be conceptualised as the adaptive capacities of a healthcare system that allow it to maintain the delivery of high-quality care during and after events that challenge, change or disrupt its activities. These adaptive capacities require collaborative learning and working, as the complexities of changes and challenges can rarely be addressed by individuals alone or single healthcare disciplinary knowledge. So, there is a need to understand how collaborative learning practices can be developed and supported both intra and inter disciplinary in healthcare. The aim of the study is to explore the relationship between collaborative learning, and resilience to establish a framework that supports the development and application of adaptive capacities across diverse healthcare contexts and levels. Collaborative learning is premised on learning as something that occurs continuously through everyday work in the healthcare systems as professionals engaging in clinical work, and interacting with other coworkers, patients and stakeholders making local adaptations in respond to needs.

Method and analysis

The study applies a mixed methods design in a two-phased approach to explore and develop the relationship between collaborative learning and resilience. Phase One is exploratory using literature review, meta-synthesis, interviews and focus groups as data collection methods in empirical studies in different healthcare contexts. Phase Two uses participatory approach to develop and test a collaborative learning framework followed by an evaluation to appraise its utility using observation and focus groups as data collection procedures.

Ethics and dissemination

Phase One of the study is approved by the Norwegian Centre for Research Data (reference no. 864334). The findings will be disseminated through scientific articles, presentations at international conferences and through social media and popular press. This includes establishing a set of learning tools for adaptive use, that is made publicly available in Open Access repositories.
Introducing patient and public involvement practices to healthcare research in Austria: strategies to promote change at multiple levels
Authors: Kaisler Raphaela E , Kulnik Stefan Tino , Klager Elisabeth , Kletecka-Pulker Maria , Schaden Eva , Stainer-Hochgatterer Andreas
Published: August 2021

Background

Patient and public involvement (PPI) in research is well-established in the UK. However, it can be challenging to introduce PPI to research communities where there is limited prior knowledge, experience or appreciation of PPI. We aimed to explore current PPI practices, experiences and ethical and operational challenges with PPI within our own research community in Austria, to inform strategies for supporting PPI in Austria going forward.

Methods

We surveyed scientists at 21 research institutes of the Ludwig Boltzmann Gesellschaft (LBG) and representatives of 32 medical and university research ethics committees in Austria using online questionnaires. We analysed quantitative data using descriptive statistics, and we collated textual responses to open questions. We combined survey data with anecdotal evidence from our personal experience to summarise current challenges around implementing PPI in Austria.

Results

Nineteen scientists from nine research institutes indicated generally positive attitudes towards PPI. However, the majority reported they rarely or never involved patients and members of the public in roles of consultation, collaboration or control in research. Six of eight ethics committees were unfamiliar with PPI. We discern five current challenges to implementing PPI in Austria: lack of knowledge and skills for PPI among scientists, scepticism about the usefulness of PPI, conflation of PPI with qualitative research, uncertainty about ethical requirements for PPI and uncertainty about publishing PPI activities.

Discussion

We suggest that the provision of guidance about ethical requirements of PPI is a strategic priority. To address this, and following on from a recently introduced PPI training and grant scheme by the LBG, our surveys have initiated a dialogue with ethics committees and have informed the development of a checklist for ethical aspects of PPI.

Conclusion

Our experiences may provide useful examples to others who seek to introduce or strengthen PPI practices within their own research communities.
Clinical outcomes and associated predictors of early intervention in autism spectrum disorder: a study protocol
Authors: Masi Anne , Dissanayake Cheryl , Alach Tasha , Cameron Kate , Fordyce Kathryn , Frost Grace , Grove Rachel , Heussler Helen , Silove Natalie , Sulek Rhylee , Tucker Madonna , Williams Katrina , Eapen Valsamma
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Research highlights the importance of early intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder with better outcomes associated with earlier access to early intensive intervention (EII) programmes. However, there is significant variability in response to EII despite children receiving the same programmes.

Methods and analysis

A prospective, multisite cohort study using a pre–post design assesses the predictors of early intervention outcomes for children who receive EII through six early intervention services (Autism Specific Early Learning and Care Centres, ASELCCs) across Australia. Child and family characteristics at entry to and exit from ASELCCs are ascertained using measures of autism symptoms (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2; Social Communication Questionnaire); cognitive, language and developmental skills (Mullen Scale of Early Learning); adaptive function (Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scale—second Edition); behaviours (Child Behaviour Checklist—1.5 to 5 years; Restricted Repetitive Behaviour Scale); parental stress (Parent Stress Index-4 Short Form); quality of life (Quality of Life in Autism Scale) and a semistructured family history questionnaire for sociodemographic, family and psychosocial characteristics. Characteristics at entry are used as predictors of outcome at exit following EII approximately 12 months later. The change in score from baseline to exit will be the primary outcome of interest. The mediating role of family and psychosocial factors will also be considered.

Ethics approval

University of New South Wales Human Research Ethics Committee (HC14267).

Dissemination of results

Findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at conferences. A report summarising data and the interpretation of data will be published.
Emotional, informational and instrumental support needs in patients with breast cancer who have undergone surgery: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Cai Tingting , Huang Qingmei , Yuan Changrong
Published: August 2021

Objectives

This study evaluated emotional, informational and instrumental support needs in patients with breast cancer who had undergone surgery, then identified the variables associated with those needs.

Design

This was a cross-sectional survey study.

Setting

Questionnaires were distributed in tertiary hospitals in China between January 2018 and July 2020.

Participants

We recruited 477 eligible patients with breast cancer via convenience sampling. Due to exclusions for response errors, the final analysed sample included 461 participants (mean age of 50.9 years). Each completed a questionnaire consisting of a sociodemographic information component and three short forms from the Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (social relationships short forms, anxiety short form and depression short form). Subsequent analyses included the χ2test, Pearson correlation and multivariate regression.

Results

The T scores for informational support were lower than those for the reference group (general population), while those for emotional and informational support were average. Marital status, childbearing history, lifestyle, employment status, anxiety and depression levels were related to the scores for emotional, informational and instrumental support in this population. The regression analysis revealed that emotional support levels, instrumental support levels, marital status, employment status, anxiety and depression outcomes were predictors for informational support levels.

Conclusions

Informational support should be specifically assessed and promoted among patients with breast cancer in general, while marital status, childbearing history, lifestyle, employment status, anxiety and depression levels should be evaluated when conducting interventions to promote emotional, informational and instrumental support for those who have undergone surgery. Early and regular screenings for high-risk patients will help nurses identify those who are likely to benefit from targeted preventive interventions aimed at emotional, informational and instrumental support issues.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2000035439; ClinicalTrials.gov registry.
Allogeneic adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells in ischaemic stroke (AMASCIS-02): a phase IIb, multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial protocol
Authors: de Celis-Ruiz Elena , Fuentes Blanca , Moniche Francisco , Montaner Joan , Borobia Alberto M , Gutiérrez-Fernández Maria , Díez-Tejedor Exuperio
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Stroke is a serious public health problem, given it is a major cause of disability worldwide despite the spread of recanalisation therapies. Enhancement of brain plasticity with stem cell administration is a promising innovative therapy to reduce sequelae in these patients.

Methods and analysis

We have developed a phase IIb, multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial protocol to evaluate the safety and efficacy of intravenous administration of allogeneic adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs) in patients with acute ischaemic stroke, concurrently with conventional stroke treatment. Thirty patients will be randomised on a 1:1 basis to receive either intravenous placebo or allogeneic AD-MSCs as soon as possible within the first 4 days from stroke symptom onset. Patients will be followed up to 24 months after randomisation. The primary objective is the safety assessment of early intravenous administration of allogeneic AD-MSCs by reporting all adverse events and neurological or systemic complications in both treatment groups. Secondary objectives assess efficacy of early intravenous AD-MSC treatment in acute ischaemic stroke by evaluating changes in the modified Rankin Scale and the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale throughout the follow-up period. In addition, brain repair biomarkers will be measured at various visits.

Ethics and dissemination

This clinical trial has been approved by the Clinical Research Ethics Committee of La Paz University Hospital (Madrid, Spain) and by the Spanish Agency of Medication and Health Products and has been registered in Eudra CT (2019-001724-35) and ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04280003). Study results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications in Open Access format and at conference presentations.
Prehospital risk stratification in patients with chest pain
Authors: Sagel Dennis , Vlaar Pieter Jan , van Roosmalen Radboud , Waardenburg Ingmar , Nieuwland Wybe , Lettinga Roelof , van Barneveld Robert , Jorna Edward , Kijlstra Roelof , van Well Carien , Oomen Antoon , Bartels Louis , Anthonio Rutger , Hagens Vincent , Hofma Sjoerd , Gu Youlan , Drenth Derk , Addink Ryanne , van Asselt Thea , van der Meer Peter , Lipsic Eric , Juarez Orozco Luis , van der Harst Pim
Published: August 2021

Objectives

The History, ECG, Age, Risk Factors and Troponin (HEART) Score is a decision support tool applied by physicians in the emergency department developed to risk stratify low-risk patients presenting with chest pain. We assessed the potential value of this tool in prehospital setting, when applied by emergency medical services (EMS), and derived and validated a tool adapted to the prehospital setting in order to determine if it could assist with decisions regarding conveyance to a hospital.

Methods

In 2017,EMS personnel prospectively determined the HEART Score, including point-of-care (POC) troponin measurements, in patients presenting with chest pain, in the north of the Netherlands. The primary endpoint was a major adverse cardiac event (MACE), consisting of acute myocardial infarction or death, within 3 days. The components of the HEART Score were evaluated for their discriminatory value, cut-offs were calibrated for the prehospital setting and sex was substituted for cardiac risk factors to develop a prehospital HEART (preHEART) Score. This score was validated in an independent prospective cohort of 435 patients in 2018.

Results

Among 1208 patients prospectively recruited in the first cohort, 123 patients (10.2%) developed a MACE. The HEART Score had a negative predictive value (NPV) of 98.4% (96.4–99.3), a positive predictive value (PPV) of 35.5% (31.8–39.3) and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.81 (0.78–0.85). The preHEART Score had an NPV of 99.3% (98.1–99.8), a PPV of 49.4% (42.0–56.9) and an AUC of 0.85 (0.82–0.88), outperforming the HEART Score or POC troponin measurements on their own. Similar results were found in a validation cohort.

Conclusions

The HEART Score can be used in the prehospital setting to assist with conveyance decisions and choice of hospitals; however, the preHEART Score outperforms both the HEART Score and single POC troponin measurements when applied by EMS personnel in the prehospital setting.
Can fibromyalgia be considered a characteristic symptom of climacterium?
Authors: Ozcivit Ipek Betul , Erel Cemal Tamer , Durmusoglu Fatih
Published: August 2021

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic pain syndrome, characterised by diffuse pain in musculoskeletal system and accompanied by stiffness, fatigue, tender points, sleep disturbances and cognitive and gastrointestinal symptoms. It affects middle-aged women (between 40 and 65) predominantly. Climacteric syndrome, which is characterised by vasomotor, somatic (headache, sleep disorders, myalgia and arthralgia) and psychical (mood changes) symptoms, results from the change in brain neurotransmitter concentrations due to gradual decline of ovarian hormone levels. Currently, studies focus on the similarities of FMS and climacteric syndrome in terms of age of occurrence, epidemiology, etiopathogenesis, symptomatology and treatment. Hormonal fluctuation during menopausal transition is likely the triggering factor for both syndromes. Therefore, hormone replacement therapy is a favourable approach in the treatment of FMS due to the antiallodynic, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effect of oestrogen. In this review, we emphasise the similarity of FMS and climacteric syndrome and suggested that FMS could be considered as a characteristic symptom of climacterium.
Trends of core versus subspecialty operative procedures completed in general surgery residency training programs
Authors: Tuma Faiz , Malgor Rafael D , Kapila Nikit , Kamel Mohamed K
Published: August 2021

Introduction

General surgery residency involves performing subspecialty procedures in addition to the core general procedures. However, the proportion of core general surgery versus subspecialty procedures during training is variable and its temporal changes are unknown. The goal of our study was to assess the current trends in core general surgery and subspecialty procedure distributions during general surgery residency training.

Methods

Data were collected from the ACGME core general surgery national resident available report case logs from 2007 to 2019. Descriptive and time series analyses were used to compare proportions of average procedures performed per resident in the core general surgery category versus the subspecialty category. F-tests were conducted to show whether the slopes of the trend lines were significantly non-zero.

Results

The mean of total procedures completed for major credit by the average general surgery resident increased from 910.1 (SD=30.31) in 2007 to 1070.5 (SD=37.59) in 2019. Over that same period, the number of general, cardiothoracic, plastic and urology surgery procedures increased by 24.9%, 9.8%, 76.6% and 19.3%, respectively. Conversely, vascular and paediatric surgery procedures decreased by 7.6% and 30.7%, respectively. The neurological surgery procedures remain stable at 1.1 procedures per resident per year. A significant positive correlation in the trend reflecting total (p<0.0001), general (p<0.0001) and plastic (p<0.0016) surgery procedures and the negative correlation in the trend lines for vascular (p<0.0006) and paediatric (p<0.0001) surgery procedures were also noted.

Conclusions

Trends in overall surgical case volume performed by general surgery residents over the last 12 years have shown a steady increase in operative training opportunity despite the increasing number of subspecialty training programmes and fellowships. Further research to identify areas for improvement and to study the diversity of operative procedures, and their outcomes is warranted in the years to come.
Partitioning resources through the seasons: abundance and phenology of carrion beetles (Silphidae) in southeastern Ontario, Canada
Authors: Wettlaufer J.D. , Burke K.W. , Beresford D.V. , Martin P.R.
Published: August 2021

The coexistence of ecologically similar species is thought to require resource partitioning to minimize competition. Phenological, seasonal differences in activity may provide an important axis for resource partitioning. Here, we test for evidence of seasonal differences in activity within a diverse guild of carrion beetles (Silphidae) in a habitat preserve on the Frontenac Arch, southeastern Ontario, Canada, using a large-scale survey during their active seasons (April to October). We then used generalized additive models to test for differences in seasonal abundance among eight co-occurring carrion beetle species, including five species of burying beetles (Nicrophorinae: Nicrophorus Fabricius, 1775) and three species from the Silphinae subfamily. Consistent with previous work, all species showed seasonal variation in abundance, with peak abundance of most species occurring between June and August. All but one species (Nicrophorus sayi Laporte, 1840) showed positive relationships between abundance and temperature. We find evidence consistent with seasonal partitioning of resources among Nicrophorus habitat generalists that could potentially reduce competition for limited carrion resources. In contrast, we find little evidence for seasonal differences in abundance among Nicrophorus habitat specialists, which instead may partition resources spatially. Overall, our results provide evidence consistent with an important role for seasonal resource partitioning among carrion beetle species that show higher levels of spatial (habitat) overlap within a temperate beetle guild.
Quasi-local photon surfaces in general spherically symmetric spacetimes
Authors: Cao Li-Ming , Song Yong
Published: August 2021

Based on the geometry of the codimension-2 surface in general spherically symmetric spacetime, we give a quasi-local definition of a photon sphere as well as a photon surface. This new definition is the generalization of the one provided by Claudel, Virbhadra, and Ellis but without referencing any umbilical hypersurface in the spacetime. The new definition effectively excludes the photon surface in spacetime without gravity. The application of the definition to the Lemaître–Tolman–Bondi (LTB) model of gravitational collapse reduces to a second order differential equation problem. We find that the energy balance on the boundary of the dust ball can provide one of the appropriate boundary conditions to this equation. Based on this crucial investigation, we find an analytic photon surface solution in the Oppenheimer–Snyder (OS) model and reasonable numerical solutions for the marginally bounded collapse in the LTB model. Interestingly, in the OS model, we find that the time difference between the occurrence of the photon surface and the event horizon is mainly determined by the total mass of the system but not the size or the strength of the gravitational field of the system.
Research on Visual Image Texture Rendering for Artistic Aided Design
Authors: Xiao Yahui
Published: August 2021

The rendering effect of known visual image texture is poor and the output image is not always clear. To solve this problem, this paper proposes a visual image rendering based on scene visual understanding algorithm. In this approach, the color segmentation of known visual scene is carried out according to a predefined threshold, and the segmented image is processed by morphology. For this purpose, the extraction rules are formulated to screen the candidate regions. The color image is fused and filtered in the neighborhood, the pixels of the image are extracted, and the 2D texture recognition is realized by multilevel fusion and visual feature reconstruction. Using compact sampling to extract more target features, feature points are matched, the coordinate system of known image information are integrated into a unified coordinate system, and design images are generated to complete art-aided design. Simulation results show that the proposed method is more accurate than the original method for extracting the information of known images, which helps to solve the problem of clearly visible output images and improves the overall design effect.
Antioxidant Activity Derived from Marine Green‐Lipped Mussel Perna canaliculus Extracts in Mice
Authors: Alghamdi Ahmad A. , Al-Hazmi Ayman , Almalki Abdulraheem A. , Alsubaihi Asma A. , Anagreyyah Sulaiman A. , Qasem Ahmed H. , Anajirih Nuha A. , Allahyani Mamdouh , Alyamani Reema A. , Albanghali Mohammad A. , Kofiah Yasser M. , Bukhary Haitham A. , Aldairi Abdullah F.
Published: August 2021

This study investigates the antioxidant activities of lipid, protein, and carbohydrate extracts from the marine mollusk Perna canaliculus. Lipids were extracted using acetone, which was followed by protein extraction using the broad‐spectrum enzyme Alcalase and then carbohydrate extraction using cetylpyridinium chloride. Eighty white BALB/c mice were divided into eight groups according to the administered extracts. Groups 1 and 5 were the control and toxin control groups, respectively. Groups 2, 3, and 4 were administered lipid, protein, and carbohydrate extracts, respectively. The other groups were administered P. canaliculus extracts as well as gentamicin and acetaminophen, known as ethanolic extracts, derived from Nerium oleander to induce oxidation stress. All groups showed significant improvements in body weight (p < 0.05). The lipid extract group showed a significant decrease in low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (p < 0.05) and a significant increase in high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (p < 0.05). After the toxin injection, all groups treated with P. canaliculus extracts showed increased antioxidant effects on hepatocytes (p < 0.05). The lipid extracts induced antioxidant effects to protect the kidney by increasing lipid peroxidation (p < 0.05) and catalase activities (p < 0.05). Also, protein extracts showed antioxidant effects by increasing glutathione and catalase levels significantly (p < 0.005). In conclusion, P. canaliculus extracts, especially lipids and proteins, have potent antioxidant activities that protect vital organs from oxidation stress.
A Novel Machine Learning Model for the Detection of Epilepsy and Epileptic Seizures Using Electroencephalographic Signals Based on Chaos and Fractal Theories
Authors: Brari Zayneb , Belghith Safya
Published: August 2021

Machine learning is an expanding research area. Its main application is in the medical field and particularly the detection of epilepsy and epileptic seizures through electroencephalographic signals (EEG). It aims to design an intelligent framework that enables an immediate diagnosis of this disease without neurological consultation and thus saves the lives of the epileptic patients by detecting seizures and warning them before it happens. However, as a real-time application, this kind of framework faces several challenges such as accuracy, fast responses, and optimal memory usage. Within this context, our work was carried out. We propose a new machine learning framework based on chaos and fractal theories. Two main novelties are presented in this paper. Firstly, we propose a new method for signal preprocessing, and we reconstruct new versions of studied EEG signals using derivative determination and chaotic injection. Secondly, we suggest a new method for fractal analysis using Higuchi fractal dimension (HFD). In fact, HFDs extracted from EEG derivatives lead to detect epilepsy, whereas HFDs extracted from EEG with a chaotic signal injection lead to seizure detection. In addition, feature fusion helped to linearize all classification problems. An experimental study using the Bonn EEG database proves the efficiency of our contributions in comparison to published research. An accuracy of 100% was achieved in different classification cases using few features and a simple linear classifier.
A Learning Sparrow Search Algorithm
Authors: Ouyang Chengtian , Zhu Donglin , Wang Fengqi
Published: August 2021

This paper solves the drawbacks of traditional intelligent optimization algorithms relying on 0 and has good results on CEC 2017 and benchmark functions, which effectively improve the problem of algorithms falling into local optimality. The sparrow search algorithm (SSA) has significant optimization performance, but still has the problem of large randomness and is easy to fall into the local optimum. For this reason, this paper proposes a learning sparrow search algorithm, which introduces the lens reverse learning strategy in the discoverer stage. The random reverse learning strategy increases the diversity of the population and makes the search method more flexible. In the follower stage, an improved sine and cosine guidance mechanism is introduced to make the search method of the discoverer more detailed. Finally, a differential‐based local search is proposed. The strategy is used to update the optimal solution obtained each time to prevent the omission of high‐quality solutions in the search process. LSSA is compared with CSSA, ISSA, SSA, BSO, GWO, and PSO in 12 benchmark functions to verify the feasibility of the algorithm. Furthermore, to further verify the effectiveness and practicability of the algorithm, LSSA is compared with MSSCS, CSsin, and FA‐CL in CEC 2017 test function. The simulation results show that LSSA has good universality. Finally, the practicability of LSSA is verified by robot path planning, and LSSA has good stability and safety in path planning.
Radial Radio Number of Hexagonal and Its Derived Networks
Authors: Yenoke Kins , Kaabar Mohammed K. A. , Al-Shamiri Mohammed M. Ali , Thivyarathi R. C.
Published: August 2021

A mapping

 
ℸ
:
 
V

G

⟶
N

∪

0

for a connected graph

G
=

V
,
E

is called a radial radio labelling if it satisfies the inequality

 

 
ℸ

x

−
 
ℸ
 

y

+
d

x
,
y

≥
rad

G

+
1

∀
x
,
y
∈
V

G

, where

rad

G

is the radius of the graph

G

. The radial radio number of

ℸ

denoted by

r
r

ℸ
 

is the maximum number mapped under

ℸ

. The radial radio number of

G

denoted by

r
r

G

is equal to min {

r
r

ℸ
 

/

ℸ
 

is a radial radio labelling of

G

}.
Comprehensive In Silico Screening of the Antiviral Potentialities of a New Humulene Glucoside from Asteriscus hierochunticus against SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Imieje Vincent O. , Zaki Ahmed A. , Metwaly Ahmed M. , Mostafa Ahmad E. , Elkaeed Eslam B. , Falodun Abiodun
Published: August 2021

Chromatographic fractionation of the methanolic extract of Asteriscus hierochunticus whole plant led to the identification of a new humulene glucoside (1). The chemical structure of the isolated compound was elucidated by IR, 1D, 2D NMR, and HRESIMS data analysis to be (-)-(2Z,6E,9E)8α-hydroxy-2,6,9-humulatrien-1(12)-olide. In this study, we report the in silico binding affinities of 1 against four different SARS-CoV-2 proteins (COVID-19 main protease (PDB ID: 6lu7), nonstructural protein (PDB ID: 6W4H), RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (PDB ID: 7BV2), and SARS-CoV-2 helicase (PDB ID: 5RMM)). The isolated compound showed excellent binding affinity values (ΔG) of −21.65, −20.05, −28.93, and −21.73 kcal/mol, respectively, against the target proteins compared to the cocrystallized ligands that exhibited ΔG values of −23.75, −17.65, −23.57, and −15.30 kcal/mol, respectively. Further in silico investigations of the isolated compound (1) for its ADMET and toxicity profiles revealed excellent drug likeliness. On the other hand, the results obtained from in vitro antitrypanosomal, antileishmanial, and antimalarial activities of (1) were not promising.
Random Cyclic Triangle-Free Graphs of Prime Order
Authors: Jiang Yu , Liang Meilian , Teng Yanmei , Xu Xiaodong
Published: August 2021

Cyclic triangle-free process (CTFP) is the cyclic analog of the triangle-free process. It begins with an empty graph of order

n

and generates a cyclic graph of order

n

by iteratively adding parameters, chosen uniformly at random, subject to the constraint that no triangle is formed in the cyclic graph obtained, until no more parameters can be added. The structure of a cyclic triangle-free graph of the prime order is different from that of composite integer order. Cyclic graphs of prime order have better properties than those of composite number order, which enables generating cyclic triangle-free graphs more efficiently. In this paper, a novel approach to generating cyclic triangle-free graphs of prime order is proposed. Based on the cyclic graphs of prime order, obtained by the CTFP and its variant, many new lower bounds on

R

3
,
t

are computed, including

R

3,34

≥
230

,

R

3,35

≥
242

,

R

3,36

≥
252

,

R

3,37

≥
264

,

R

3,38

≥
272

. Our experimental results demonstrate that all those related best known lower bounds, except the bound on

R

3,34

, are improved by 5 or more.
Effectiveness of Smartphone‐Based Physical Activity Interventions on Individuals’ Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review
Authors: Emberson Mia A. , Lalande Anna , Wang Danielle , McDonough Daniel J. , Liu Wenxi , Gao Zan
Published: August 2021

Objective Purpose. The following review synthesized the currently available literature evaluating the effectiveness of smartphone‐based physical activity applications on various health outcomes including physical and physiological outcomes, weight‐related outcomes, and psychosocial outcomes. Design. A systematic review. Data Sources. 114 studies were gathered using the following search descriptors: (“mobile phone” OR “smartphone” OR “cell phone” OR “mobile device” OR “mobile apps” OR “mHealth”) AND (“exercise” OR “physical activity” OR “physical fitness” OR “motor activity”) AND (“physiological outcomes” OR “weight outcomes” OR “psychological outcomes” OR “health” OR “health behavior”). Seven databases were used including databases such as Academic Search Premier and PubMed. PRISMA guidelines were followed in this review. Eligibility Criteria for Selecting Studies. The 20 articles included in this review met the following inclusion criteria: (1) randomized and controlled trials, (2) involving an outcome variable measured by accelerometer, and (3) intervention enforced by a smartphone application. Results. Overall, 56% of the studies reviewed in this paper resulted in successful interventions. Of the 19 articles that examined the first individual health outcome of physical and physiological outcomes, 11 interventions resulted in a positive effect on one of the following parameters: MVPA/step count, sedentary behavior, cardiorespiratory fitness, and blood pressure. Six interventions examined the effects on the second individual health outcome, weight‐related outcomes. Five of these interventions observed significant positive effects from mobile application interventions on weight and waist circumference. Six articles evaluated the effectiveness of smartphone‐based physical activity interventions on the third and final individual health outcome, psychological outcomes, with four resulting in significant positive outcomes in self‐efficacy, life enjoyment/satisfaction, and intrinsic PA motivation. Conclusion. The findings in this review suggest that mobile application physical activity interventions, compared to unguided exercise activities, can effectively improve certain health outcomes for individuals such as physical/physiological and weight‐related outcomes. It was found that research in the area of effectiveness of mobile application interventions on specific psychosocial health outcomes such as self‐efficacy, life enjoyment, and intrinsic PA motivation is limited. Thus, the effect of mobile health applications remains unclear for psychosocial outcomes. Due to this limitation, more research is warranted to confirm the findings of this review.
Cochlear Synaptopathy: A Primary Factor Affecting Speech Recognition Performance in Presbycusis
Authors: Chen Zhe , Zhang Yanmei , Zhang Junbo , Zhou Rui , Zhong Zhen , Wei Chaogang , Chen Jing , Liu Yuhe
Published: August 2021

The results of recent animal studies have suggested that cochlear synaptopathy may be an important factor involved in presbycusis. Therefore, here, we aimed to examine whether cochlear synaptopathy frequently exists in patients with presbycusis and to describe the effect of cochlear synaptopathy on speech recognition in noise. Based on the medical history and an audiological examination, 94 elderly patients with bilateral, symmetrical, sensorineural hearing loss were diagnosed as presbycusis. An electrocochleogram, auditory brainstem responses, auditory cortical evoked potentials, and speech audiometry were recorded to access the function of the auditory pathway. First, 65 ears with hearing levels of 41‐50 dB HL were grouped based on the summating potential/action potential (SP/AP) ratio, and the amplitudes of AP and SP were compared between the two resulting groups. Second, 188 ears were divided into two groups: the normal SP/AP and abnormal SP/AP groups. The speech recognition abilities in the two groups were compared. Finally, the relationship between abnormal electrocochleogram and poor speech recognition (signal‐to‐noise ratio loss ≥7 dB) was analyzed in 188 ears. The results of the present study showed: (1) a remarkable reduction in the action potential amplitude was observed in patients with abnormal SP/AP ratios; this suggests that cochlear synaptopathy was involved in presbycusis. (2) There was a large proportion of patients with poor speech recognition in the abnormal SP/AP group. Furthermore, a larger number of cases with abnormal SP/AP ratios were confirmed among patients with presbycusis and poor speech recognition. We concluded that cochlear synaptopathy is not uncommon among elderly individuals who have hearing ability deficits, and it may have a more pronounced effect on ears with declining auditory performance in noisy environments.
A Prediction Model of Customer Churn considering Customer Value: An Empirical Research of Telecom Industry in China
Authors: Zhao Ming , Zeng Qingjun , Chang Ming , Tong Qian , Su Jiafu
Published: August 2021

Customer churn will cause the value flowing from customers to enterprises to decrease. If customer churn continues to occur, the enterprise will gradually lose its competitive advantage. When the growth of new customers cannot meet the needs of enterprise development, the enterprise will fall into a survival dilemma. Focusing on the customer churn prediction model, this paper takes the telecom industry in China as the research object, establishes a customer churn prediction model by using a logistic regression algorithm based on the big data of high-value customer operation in the telecom industry, effectively identifies the potential churned customers, and then puts forward targeted win-back strategies according to the empirical research results. This paper analyzes the trends and causes of customer churn through data mining algorithms and gives the answers to such questions as how the customer churn occurs, the influencing factors of customer churn, and how enterprises win back churned customers. The results of this paper can better serve the practice of customer relationship management in the telecom industry and provide a reference for the telecom industry to identify high-risk churned customers in advance, enhance customer loyalty and viscosity, maintain “high-value” customers, and continue to provide customers with “value” and reduce the cost of maintaining customers.
The Equilibrium Mechanism of Interest Distribution in Farmland Transfer: Based on the Perspective of the Three-Party Game
Authors: Li Hong , Zhang Xian
Published: August 2021

The purpose of the paper is to study how the interests of farmland transfer be distributed among the government, contractors, and farmland transferees. The process of the paper is to analyze the evolutionary stability strategies of the government, contractors, and farmland transferees by building a three-party evolutionary game model; in order to identify the equilibrium point of the three-party evolutionary game, an example of interest distribution in a village in Anhui Province is used to analyze and simulate the three-party evolutionary game. The conclusions of the paper are as follows: the combination of a one-party subsidy, transferring farmland, and grain production is the ideal equilibrium result in the three-party game; farmland transfer rent is the a crucial factor of interest balance among the three parties; only if the farmland transfer rental price is larger than the sum of the contractor’s self-farming incomes and subsidies and lower than the grain income of the transferee can the three parties realize the equilibrium of interest distribution. The suggestions of the paper are that the government should carry out the system of “retirement allowance” and transform “subsidy” to “allowance” to protect the interests of contractors, and the government should promote farmland transfer and encourage grain production by controlling the fluctuation range of farmland transfer rent.
Mutational Analysis of EXT1in a Chinese Family Affected by Hereditary Multiple Osteochondroma
Authors: Yuan Guangzhi , Su Qiang , Liao Wenjun , Hou Wei , Huang Linke , Wang Peng , Wu Huayu
Published: August 2021

Objectives. To discuss the mutational features and their relationships with disease in a family with hereditary multiple osteochondroma (HMO) from Guangxi Province (GXBB‐1 family), China. Methods. Genomic DNA and total mRNA were extracted from peripheral blood cells of GXBB‐1 family members. Whole elements of the EXT1gene and its transcript, including exons, introns, exon‐intron boundaries, and coding sequence (CDS) clones, were amplified and sequenced. Allele‐specific PCR was used to confirm the position and type of mutation. Results. All patients from the GXBB‐1 family harbored the cosegregating heterozygous c.1056+1G>A mutation located in EXT1at an exon‐intron boundary. Another three single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were also detected in the patients, including IVS2+1G>A in intron 2, c.1844 T>C [p.Pro (CCT) 614Pro (CCC)] in exon 3, and c.2534G>A [p.Glu (GAG) 844Glu (GAA)] in exon 9. The latter two SNPs were synonymous variations. Conclusions. The heterozygous c.1056+1G>A mutation cosegregated with the phenotype, indicating that it is a pathogenic mutation in the GXBB‐1 family. This mutation is reported for the first time in Chinese HMO patients. IVS2+1G>A and c.2534G>A have no relationship with the occurrence of disease. However, c.1844 T>C and c.1056+1G>A are linked, and their interaction needs to be further studied. c.1844T>C is a new SNP that has not been reported internationally.
Optimization of Dental Devices and Tools Used on Teeth
Authors: Uzun Berna , Ozsahin Dilber Uzun , Hamdan Hani , Charafeddine Jinan , Ünsal Gürkan , Özyer Deniz
Published: August 2021

Taking decisions is important in every aspect of life. Decision‐making has become a difficult problem in any situation where there are multiple criteria. The application of multicriteria decision‐making methods that can bring mathematical and logical solutions to the problem from an analytical perspective has experienced considerable growth recently. It provides great benefits in solution and subsequent stages. Medical equipment selection is also a challenging, complex, and difficult problem for the decision‐maker, due to the requirements of conflicting criteria, which must be taken into account simultaneously. In this context, the aim of this study implicates the principle of multicriteria decision‐making theories on various types of instruments used in dentistry. Since the data used in this study are not numeric but linguistic, the Fuzzy PROMETHEE decision‐making method is used. In this research, six dental tools most commonly used by professionals to perform operations on patients are compared and evaluated. Fuzzy PROMETHEE decision‐making method investigations show that the dental mirror is the most effective tool among all compared tools, followed by dental suction, dental air abrasion, dental handpiece, dental laser, and dental X‐ray, consequently, basing on the selected criteria and the importance weight given to each criterion. Using this technique, one can obtain more specific ranking results based on a specific preference level.
Growth, Nitrogen Uptake of Maize (Zea mays L.) and Soil Chemical Properties, and Responses to Compost and Nitrogen Rates and Their Mixture on Different Textured Soils: Pot Experiment
Authors: Nigussie Ashenafi , Haile Wassie , Agegnehu Getachew , Kiflu Alemayehu
Published: August 2021

Integrated nutrient management, which primarily involves the combined application of organic and inorganic nutrient sources, is one of the simplest approaches to handle declining soil fertility challenges and increase crop productivity and production. Keeping in view this fact, a pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of compost and inorganic nitrogen fertilizer and their mixture on soil properties, growth, and nitrogen uptake of maize on loam and clay textured soils at the Awada Agricultural Research Subcenter. Treatments comprised factorial combinations of five compost rates (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 t·ha−1) and four rates of inorganic nitrogen fertilizer (0, 46, 92, and 138 kg·N·ha−1) laid out as a completely randomized design with three replications. Results showed that both the main and interaction effects of compost and mineral N fertilizer rates significantly affected the selected soil chemical properties and yield, and nitrogen concentration of maize. There were significant associations between plant parameters and soil nitrogen contents. The addition of 92 kg·ha−1·N + 10 t·ha−1 compost and 46 kg·ha−1·N + 10 t·ha−1 compost was the best treatments for loam and clay textured soils of the study areas, which improved shoot dry matter by 179.5 and 284.5%, compared to the unfertilized pot, respectively. From the results of this experiment, we concluded that the integrated application of compost and mineral nitrogen fertilizer enhanced soil chemical properties and thus improved nitrogen uptake and sustainable production of maize in the study areas.
Quality Evaluation of Ethambutol Hydrochloride Tablet Batches Available in Governmental Health Facilities of Jimma Town, Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Yirdaw Meseret , Umeta Belachew , Mokennen Yimer
Published: August 2021

Background. The availability of poor-quality drugs on the drug market might favor the ineffectiveness of the drug and/antimicrobial resistance. Aim. To evaluate the quality of similar batches of ethambutol hydrochloride tablets available in different governmental health facilities of Jimma town, southwest Ethiopia. Methods. The World Health Organization checklist was used to inspect the storage area of health facilities and check medicines for the sign of counterfeit. The test was conducted as per the United States Pharmacopeia on six similar batches of ethambutol hydrochloride sampled from different governmental health facilities. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20, and one-way ANOVA was used for comparing the dissolution profile and weight variation of batches. Results. Three health facilities did not comply with the storage area specifications for pharmaceuticals. No batches have shown any sign of counterfeit. All of the tablet batches tested complied with USP specifications for weight variation, percentage purity, and dissolution test. Conclusions and Recommendation. The entire tablet batches complied with the World Health Organization specification for packaging and labelling of pharmaceuticals. All tablet batches complied with the test for weight variation, purity of drug substance, and dissolution. Since some health facilities did not comply with at least one specification for storage of pharmaceuticals, regulatory agencies and stack holders are advised to inspect the health facilities to ensure appropriate storage of pharmaceuticals in health facilities.
Variation of Radar-Observed Precipitation Characteristics in Relation to the Simultaneous Passages of a Madden–Julian Oscillation Event and Convectively Coupled Equatorial Waves during the Years of the Maritime Continent Pilot Study
Authors: Geng Biao , Katsumata Masaki
Published: August 2021

In this study, we examined the variations of precipitation morphology and rainfall in relation to the simultaneous passages of a Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) event and convectively coupled equatorial waves (CCEWs) observed during the Years of the Maritime Continent pilot study. We utilized globally merged infrared brightness temperature data and the radiosonde and radar data observed aboard the Research Vessel Mirai at 4°4′S, 101°54′E. As well as the observed MJO event, equatorial Rossby waves (ERWs), Kelvin waves (KWs), and mixed Rossby–gravity waves (MRGWs) were identified. The radar data exhibited high-frequency variation, mainly caused by KWs and MRGWs, and low-frequency variation, mainly caused by the MJO and ERWs. The MRGWs predominantly modulated convective echo areas and both convective and stratiform volumetric rainfall. In contrast, the MJO event had little influence on the variance of convective echoes. Moreover, stratiform echo areas and volumetric rainfall were more strongly modulated by the combined effects of the MJO, ERWs, KWs, and MRGWs than their convective counterparts. The intense development of stratiform echo areas and volumetric rainfall was coherent with the superimposition of the active phases of the MJO event and all the analyzed CCEWs. The strongest development and a significant reduction of convective echo-top heights before and after the peak MJO date, respectively, were coherent with the passages of ERWs and MRGWs, which were the dominant wave types in modulating echo-top heights. Thus, it appears that the superimposition of the CCEWs on the MJO event exerted complex modulations on the convective activities within the MJO event.