bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bridging the Gap: An Empirical Approach to Studying the Social Sustainability of Future Energy Systems
Authors: Schmidt-Scheele Ricarda , Hauser Wolfgang , Scheel Oliver , Minn Fabienne , Becker Lisa , Buchgeister Jens , Hottenroth Heidi , Junne Tobias , Lehr Ulrike , Naegler Tobias , Simon Sonja , Sutardhio Claudia , Tietze Ingela , Ulrich Philip , Viere Tobias , Weidlich Anke
Published: October 2021

Background: Given the multitude of scenarios on the future of our energy systems, multi-criteria assessments are increasingly called for to analyze and anticipate long-term effects of possible pathways with regards to their environmental, economic and social sustainability. While economic and ecologic indicators are covered through energy systems modelling and life cycle sustainability assessments, approaches to the social sustainability of future energy systems remain methodologically under-developed. Previous studies have either focused only on the social acceptance of single energy technologies or used expert-based environmental and economic indicators with social implications. Approach and results: We argue that in order to gather empirical insights on the social sustainability of future energy systems and to integrate it in multi-criteria assessments, citizens’ preferences and values need to be more systematically analyzed while informing their decisions more transparently with full life cycle data. Given the lack of theoretical underpinnings of sustainability and of empirical insights into citizens’ perceptions of sustainability with respect to future energy systems, we further argue that an explorative research design is needed. Therefore, next to six focus groups, we conducted a discrete choice experiment. The method is currently becoming more popular to analyze individuals’ preference structures for energy technologies or investments. As we show in our paper, it can be fruitfully applied to study the values and trade-offs of citizens with regards to sustainability issues. Our combined empirical methods provide two main insights with strong implications for the future development and assessment of energy pathways: While environmental and climate-related effects significantly influenced citizens’ preferences for or against certain energy pathways, total systems and production costs were of far less importance to citizens than the public discourse suggests. Conclusions: Our findings are contrary to the focus of many scenario studies that seek to optimize pathways according to total systems costs. The role of fairness and distributional justice in transition processes featured as a dominant theme in all focus groups. This adds central dimensions for future multi-criteria assessments that, so far, have been neglected by current energy systems models.
Statin in Combined With Xuezhikang Capsules Get More Lipid-Regulating Effective Than Statin Only: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chen Dongxiong , Feng Huiyan , Li Yigen , Huang Jinzhu
Published: October 2021

Background: To compare the lipid-regulating effects and safety of statin combined with Xuezhikang capsules and statin used alone for hyperlipidemia. Methods: CNKI, Wanfang database, VIP Chinese Journals, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane library were searched to comprehensively collect and screen RCTs of Xuezhikang combined with statin compared with statin used alone for lipid modifying treatment in hyperlipidemia patients from the database built as of July 2020, and the Cochrane 5.1.0 quality evaluation form was used to evaluate the quality of the included literature and The Cochrane 5.1.0 quality assessment form was used to evaluate the quality of the included literature and bias analysis, extract basic study information, primary and secondary outcome indicators, and meta-analysis of the outcome indicators was performed using RevMan 5.3. Results: A total of 14 studies with a total of 2042 patients were included, and the quality of the included studies was low to medium. ①Effectiveness rate: OR=3.63,95%CI[2.69,4.90],P<0.00001; Funnel plot: all within the funnel, but not in accordance with the principle of "aggregation at the top and dispersion at the bottom". ②Total cholesterol: MD=-0.61,95%CI[-0.84,-0.39],P<0.00001, The forest plots of each subgroup are to the left, P<0.05. ③Triglycerides: MD=-0.30,95%CI[-0.41,-0.19],P<0.00001, The forest plots of each subgroup are to the left, P<0.05. 0.05. ④ LDL: MD=-0.33,95%CI[-0.46,-0.20],P<0.00001, The forest plots of each subgroup are to the left, P<0.05 in atorvastatin and fluvastatin groups, P=0.09 in simvastatin group. ⑤ HDL: MD=0.23, 95%CI [0.12,0.35], P<0.00001, The forest plots of each subgroup are to the right, P<0.05. 6) Adverse effects: OR=0.32, 95% CI[0.19,0.55],P<0.0001. Conclusion: The combination of statin with Xuezhikang capsule has better effect on lipid regulation in patients with hyperlipidemia, and can effectively reduce the incidence of adverse events and has better safety. It is recommended that the treatment of Xuezhikang combined with statin can be used as a safer and more effective treatment for patients with hyperlipidemia.
Non-Ketotic Hyperglycemia Induced Hemichorea-Hemiballism May Represent Glioma-Like Pattern On Multimodal Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Can 1H Spectroscopy Help In The Differentiation?
Authors: Lin Yu , Zhang Xiaoxiao , Yue Xin , Wang Jinan
Published: October 2021

Background: Non-ketotic hyperglycemia (NKH) induced hemichorea-hemiballismus (HC-HB) is a rare reversible condition predominantly found in elderly patients with poorly controlled diabetics. Here, we describe two cases of NKH induced HC-HB with distinctive morphological and functional changes on conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS).Case presentation: In case 1 with NKH induced HC-HB, computer tomography depicted increased attenuation in the left putamen and caudate nucleus. Focal T2-hyperintensity, obvious mass effect and ring-like enhancement were revealed on conventional MRI, suggesting the imaging findings of glioma. DWI indicated the lesion with unrestricted diffusion of water molecule. MRS further illustrated markedly increased lactate (Lac) and lipids (Lip), slightly elevated choline (Cho), and slightly decreased N-acetylaspartate (NAA) within the lesion. In case 2, baseline and follow-up MRI showed a lesion with typical reversible signal intensity in the right putamen without mass effect.Conclusions: This report emphasizes that NKH induced HC-HB may exhibit a unique appearance mimicking glioma. Slightly elevated Cho/NAA ratio with marked increased Lac peak on MRS may help to exclude neoplastic diseases.
Palpation Localization of Radial Artery Based on 3-Dimensional Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Chen Qiliang , Huang Yulin , Luo JingJing , Yang Jiacheng , Lu Hong , Ji Zhongzhi , Zhu Xing
Published: October 2021

Palpation localization is essential for detecting physiological parameters of the radial artery for pulse diagnosis of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Detecting signal or applying pressure at the wrong location can seriously affect the measurement of pulse waves and result in misdiagnosis. In this paper, we propose an effective and high accuracy regression model using 3-dimensional convolution neural networks (CNN) processing near-infrared picture sequences to locate radial artery upon radius at the wrist. Comparing with early studies using 2-dimensional models, 3D CNN introduces temporal features with the third dimension to leverage pulsation rhythms. The model had achieved superior performance accuracy as 0.87 within 50 pixels at picture resolution of 2048*1088. Model visualization shows that the additional dimension of the temporal convolution highlights dynamic changes within image sequences. This study presents the great potential of our constructed model to be applied in real wrist palpation location scenarios to bring the key convenience for pulse diagnosis.
Screening on Collect Students: Postural Risk Factors of Spinal Musculoskeletal Problems and Scoliosis
Authors: Yi Jiang , Li Wen-mao , Zhang Ting , Yang Jia-he , Sun Zhong-bo , Zheng Bin , Duan Xiao-qin
Published: October 2021

Background: Overuse of electronic products and decrease in levels of physical activity may lead to an increased incidence of spinal health problems in college students. This study aims to 1) identify the incidence of spinal health problems in college students, 2) to explore the key postural factors in development of spinal musculoskeletal dysfunction and scoliosis, and 3) to clarify new strategies for early identification and prevention of scoliosis. Methods: A cross-sectional screening by static posture assessment, selective functional movement assessment (SFMA) and Adam's Forward Bend Test, was conducted to 306 college students from October to December 2019. Descriptive analysis, Spearman correlation analysis and binomial logistic regression analysis were performed on the collected data.Results: Static postural assessment was completed among 306 college students, 53% of students’ external auditory meatus and acromioclavicular joint were not in the same gravitational line, 45% had forward-head posture, 42% had uneven shoulders. When performing SFMA, we found spinal musculoskeletal dysfunctions, including abnormalities of multi-segment spine flexion (32%), cervical rotation to right (18%), cervical rotation to left (16%), etc. In Adam's Forward Bend Test, 10.78% had a positive result, which suggested structural or functional scoliosis. Correlation analysis showed that the top three postural factors related to spinal musculoskeletal dysfunctions included uneven shoulders, forward-head, position of thorax and pelvis rotated. And top three postural factors related to scoliosis were spinous processes line deviating from midline, winged scapula and head rotation off midline. Logistic regression analysis displayed that there are two high risk factors for scoliosis, including external auditory meatus and acromioclavicular joint not in the same vertical line (OR = 6.314), and deviation of spinous processes line (OR = 12.743). Conclusions: Poor posture, spinal musculoskeletal dysfunction and scoliosis affect a significant proportion of college students. While their spinal musculoskeletal dysfunction and scoliosis are closely related to poor posture.
Clinical Features of Familial Amyloidotic Polyneuropathy With Transthyretin p.Ala117Ser Mutation in Mainland China
Authors: Zhu Yeli , Zhu Xiying , Li Wei , Zhang Zhaoyong , Zheng Hui , Meng Lingchao , Zhang Ruxu , Jiang Haishan
Published: October 2021

Objective: Our study aimed to report the clinical features of ATTR-PN with TTR p.Ala117Ser mutation in mainland China. Methods: Thirteen patients from 13 different families diagnosed with p.Ala117Ser ATTR-PN were identified from three centres. Clinical and laboratory data were retrospectively retrieved for analysis. Results: The male/female ratio was 11:2. All patients showed late onset, with the age of onset at 57.8 ± 5.8 years. The initial symptom was numbness of the lower or upper extremities in 9 patients (69.2%). Paraesthesia was present in all patients. Eleven patients (84.6%) had autonomic dysfunction. Cardiac, renal, hepatic, and ocular dysfunctions were noted in 8 (61.5%), 1 (7.7%), 2 (15.4%), and 3 (23.1%) patients, respectively. Nerve conduction studies have shown axonal-type sensorimotor polyneuropathy. The decline in sensory nerve action potentials was more noticeable than in compound muscle action potentials. The nerve damage present in the lower limbs was more severe than that in the upper limbs. Nerve biopsy revealed positive Congo red staining in 7/10 patients (70%). Conclusion: Our study is the largest population report on this rare p.Ala117Ser mutation in mainland China.
Quantitative Assessment of Posterior Maxillary Arch for Orthodontic Mini-screw Insertion Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography- a Cross Sectional Analysis
Authors: Valizadeh Solmaz , Zafarmand Abdolhamid , Hasanyazdi Sara , Majidi Korosh , Ahsaie Mitra Ghazizadeh
Published: October 2021

Background and aimThe aim of this study is to assess the cortical bone thickness and inter-radicular distance between posterior maxillary teeth using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT).Methods and materialCone beam computed tomography records of 35 patients (70 quadrants) from maxilla were evaluated. The images were analyzed using NNT viewer Software (Version 23). The measurements were made on axial sections at 2, 4, 6 and 8 mm from the CEJ. The optimal sites were defined in terms of (a) mesiodistal palatal or buccal inter-radicular distance, (b) alveolar cortical bone thickness and (c) palatal or buccal safe depth of bone for mini-screw insertion. Descriptive statistics, paired T-test and repeated measure ANOVA were used to analyze the data.ResultsThe mean buccal inter-radicular distance was lowest between first and second molar (2.44 mm) and highest between first and second premolar (3.28 mm). The mean palatal inter-radicular distance was lowest between first and second premolar (3.64 mm) and highest between second premolar and first molar (5.30 mm).The mean buccal safe depth was lowest between canine and first premolar (1.96 mm) and highest between first and second molar (2.61 mm). The mean palatal safe depth was lowest between second premolar and first molar (3.35 mm) and highest between first and second molar (3.56 mm). The thinnest and thickest buccal cortical thickness was detected on canine and first molar (1.04 mm) and on the second premolar and second molar (1.56 mm). ConclusionThe quantity and quality of the maxillary alveolar process is an important factor to decide where to insert the orthodontic mini screws, necessitating careful preoperative evaluation.
Associations of Falls with Quality of Life and Correlated Factors in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Two-Wave Cohort Study
Authors: Tsai Yih-Jian , Sun Wen-Jung , Yang Yi-Ching , Chou Pesus , Wang Jung-Der
Published: October 2021

Background
Falls contribute to disability and burden of care among older adults. Studies of fall-related impacts on quality of life (QOL) are warranted for future prevention interventions.
Methods
Fall-related data were collected from adults aged 70 years and above using questionnaire interviews in the 1996 and 1999 surveys at Hunei community in southern Taiwan. Their QOL was measured using the Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) and World Health Organization Quality of Life questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF) in the 1999 follow-up only. The bilateral relationship among fall category, selected covariates (i.e., age, sex, number of difficulties in performing activities of daily living (ADLs) or instrumental ADLs, number of comorbidities, Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) scores, Mini-Mental Stated Examination (MMSE) scores, fear of falling, and Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) scores), and mean QOL scores were investigated. Hierarchical linear regression models were tested to examine the associations between fall frequency and QOL with sequential entry of explanatory variables. The final models were established by substituting fall category for fall frequency.
Results
Fall category was significantly associated with physical-related subscale scores, except body pain. Almost every QOL score revealed a negative association with the number of comorbidities, GDS scores, and fear of falling; however, a positive association with MMSE and PASE scores was observed.
Conclusions
Future prevention interventions should target common risk factors of both QOL and falls among older people, including control of comorbidities, depressive symptoms, cognitive impairment, and inactivity.
Histiocytoid Giant Cellulitis-Like Sweet Syndrome At The Site of Sternal Aspiration: A Case Report
Authors: Zhao Dewan , Ni Jing , Sun Xiuli
Published: October 2021

Background: Sweet syndrome with both histiocytoid pathology and giant cellulitis-like lesion feature is extremely rare and has only been reported once. Our case is different from the previous report because the cutaneous lesion was caused by local invasive irritation, which made it much more difficult to distinguish from cellulitis.Case presentation: A 52-year-old male was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome with multilineage dysplasia (MDS-MLD) associated with myelofibrosis (MDS-F) as well as angioneurotic edema of the tongue and floor of the mouth. Seven days after sternal aspiration, a cellulitis-like lesion was formed at the puncture site. Since he had neutropenia, history of glucocorticoid use and didn't keep the site dry and clean after aspiration, cellulitis was diagnosed, followed by broad-spectrum antibiotics and debridement. However, the lesion continued to expand, associated with blisters formation, accompanied by chills and fever. Blood cultures and blister smears didn't detect any pathogens. Biopsy of the lesion was performed and histiocytoid Sweet syndrome was diagnosed. He received prednisone treatment, and the fever relieved within 24 hours and the cutaneous lesion resolved within one week. He has had no recurrence during two-month follow-up.Conclusions: This case can provide help for timely diagnosis and treatment and a reference for further summarizing the characteristics of this rare variant.
Comparative Genomic Analysis of Limosilactobacillus Pontis Reveals Genetic Characteristics of High GC Content and Potential Niches Adaptations
Authors: Liu Qing , Liu Chen , Li Weicheng , Liu Wenjun , Liu Qing
Published: October 2021

Limosilactobacillus pontis is a species of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) found in fermented milk, sourdough and broiler chickens gastrointestinal tract and so on. However, the evolutionary strategies and genomic characteristics of the species remain unknown, which limits its application. In this study, whole genome sequencing was combined with a comparative genomic approach to investigate genomic characteristics and evolutionary strategies of L. pontis; this includes three published genomic sequences and two strains isolated from fermented milk in Inner Mongolia, China. The mean genome size and GC content of L. pontis was 1.70 Mb and 53.06%, respectively. Within the LAB L. pontis has a high GC content. The phylogenetic tree based on 1,281 core genomes showed that strains from the same sources aggregated together in clusters. Genome information, average nucleotide identity values, and phylogenetic relationships amongst L. pontis from different sources indicated that strains have potential niche adaptability. Functional genomic aspects, GT2 and GT4 (glycosyltransferases, GTs) involved in the synthesis of cellulose and sucrose were the family with the largest number of carbohydrate enzymes in L. pontis, particularly strains isolated from fermented milk. It is worth mentioning that the ability of L. pontis to produce bacteriocin may increase its application potential. This study provides new insight into the genetic characteristics and potential niche adaptations of L. pontis.
An Investigation on Dissimilarity of Mass Flow Rate and N on Exergo-Enviro-Economic Parameters for Solar Still of Single Slope Type Integrated with N Similar PVT Flat Plate Collectors Having Series Connection
Authors: Sharma Gaurav Kumar , Mallick Ashis , Sharma Ram Kumar , Dobriyal Ritvik , Kumar Navneet , Singh Desh Bandhu
Published: October 2021

This paper investigates analytically the effect of dissimilarity of mass flow rate \({\dot{(m}}_{f})\) and number of collectors (N) on exergo-enviro-economic parameters for solar still of single slope type integrated with N similar photovoltaic thermal flat plate collectors having series connection (NPVTFPC-SS) keeping water depth as 0.14 m. All four kinds of weather conditions for New Delhi have been taken for the computation of different parameters. All relevant equations obtained using energy balance equations for all components of the system have been fed to computer code inscribed in MATLAB-2015a for computing different parameters. The computation of different relevant parameters has been performed for various values of \({\dot{m}}_{f}\) and N while keeping water depth as constant to know the effect of variation of \({\dot{m}}_{f}\) and N on exergo-enviro-economic parameters for NPVTFPC-SS. It has been concluded that the value of carbon credit earned, enviroeconomic and exegoeconomic parameters and productivity diminishes with the enhancement in \({\dot{m}}_{f}\) at given N. The optimum value of N for given value of \({\dot{m}}_{f}\) has been found to be 10 from exergoeconomic parameter viewpoint and 6 from productivity viewpoint.
Application of Indocyanine Green Videoangiography in Cerebellar Hemangioblastoma Surgery as a Valuable Adjunctive Surgical Tool
Authors: Byun Joonho , Kim Moinay , Song Sang Woo , Kim Young-Hoon , Hong Chang Ki , Kim Jeong Hoon
Published: October 2021

Introduction

: Surgery for cerebellar hemangioblastoma can be challenging because of the tumor’s location in the posterior fossa and its inherent nature of hypervascularity.
Methods

We reviewed a total of seven consecutive patients who received microsurgery adjunction with indocyanine green (ICG) videoangiography.
Results

Our study included four female and three male patients. All tumors were located in the cerebellum. We used ICG videoangiography for the purposes of identifying a small tumor inside the cyst in one case, for defining feeding arteries and draining veins in three cases, for confirming residual tumor in the resection cavity in two cases, and for assessment of tumor shunt flow in one case of extremely hypervascular hemangioblastoma. Median blood loss during surgery was 100 mL, and total resection was achieved in all cases with no complications. No adverse effects of ICG videoangiography were observed.
Conclusions

ICG videoangiography is a very useful adjunctive tool for cerebellar hemangioblastoma surgery.
Automatic Detection of Q-T interval in ECG using MATLAB Tool
Authors: Tiwari Amresh kumar
Published: October 2021

While measurement of QT prolongation in electrocardiogram (ECG) is important to clinical applications, but it is quite difficult to evaluate the performance of QT measurement algorithms using clinical ECGs because the real values of the Q-point and T-end point changes are usually unknown and is difficult to detect.This research paper deals with the Abnormality Detection and its analysis using MATLAB tool software. In this paper, abnormity which is in concern is known as QT prolongation. Due to prolongation or extention of QT interval in the ECG graph obtained from abnormal patient, known as QT syndrome is caused.For the analysis purpose, Large number of data has been taken from QT database and MIT-BIH database. Some of the other useful data were also obtained from other useful sources such as ECG wave maven. In this paper, we have dealt only with the detection of QT interval and its detection. A MATLAB algorithm has been generated which in turns detect the Q-wave and T-end point corresponding to its input samples.This algorithm is designed and analyzed with more than 100 samples taken from the various data base sources. It detects onset of the Q-wave and T-end point which in turn is used to calculate QT interval of the analyzed ECG sample.
Intermittent Preventive Treatment and Malaria of Parturient Women in Southeastern Gabon.
Authors: Biteghe-Bi-Essone Jean Claude , Imboumy-Limoukou Roméo Karl , Ekogha-Ovono Jean Jordan , Maghendji-Nzondo Sydney , LEKANA-DOUKI Jean Bernard
Published: October 2021

Background: Evaluating malaria control strategies for pregnant women is essential. The objective of this study was to determine the factors influencing the frequency of prenatal consultations (PNC), the adherence to intermittent preventive treatment with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPT-SP) and its impact on the health of parturient women and their newborn babies living in semi-urban and rural areas of southeastern Gabon.Methods: This transversal study was performed at the Centre Hospitalier Régional Paul Moukambi de Koula-Moutou (CHRPMK). Information regarding age, frequency of prenatal consultations, obstetric history, use of malaria control measures, use of IPT-SP, malaria diagnostic of parturient women and their newborns, were collected with a questionnaire and from birth registers from January 1st 2018 to December 31st 2019.Results: In total, 2174 parturient women were included in the study. The mean age was 26.2 ± 6.99 years and 81.4% of parturient women attended at least four CPN. The proper attendance of PNC (at least 4 prenatal consultations) was linked with age (p< 0.001) and profession (aOR= 1.72 [1.27 - 2.37]; p< 0.001). The coverage rate of IPT-SP was 90% with a good adherence rate (at least three doses of IPT-SP) of 58.87%. The good adherence rate to IPT-SP was linked to profession (aOR= 1.65 [1.20 - 2.29]; p< 0.01) and age (p< 0.001). The mean weight of newborns was higher for babies whose mothers had received three doses of IPT-SP (p< 0,001) but the APGAR score was not influenced by the use of IPT-SP by the mother (p= 0.47). The prevalence of plasmodial infection was 3.10% (IC95%= [1.21 - 5]) and Plasmodium falciparum was responsible for 100% of infections. The prevalence of plasmodial infection was the same for all age groups (p> 0.06). No link was found between plasmodial infection, gravidity (p> 0.06) and domestic control measures (p≥ 0.05). A low birth weight was statistically linked to the mother’s plasmodial infection (OR= 9.42 [2.55 – 34.75]; p< 0.01). Furthermore, plasmodial infection was statistically linked to premature birth (OR= 69.25 [8.52 – 562.69]; p< 0.001).Conclusions: We observed a good attendance of women to prenatal counselling services in southeastern Gabon, though the adherence of IPT-SP is insufficient.
A cross-sectional study assessing the alarming prevalence of burnout among physicians in a developing country facing a combination of a COVID-19 Pandemic and an economic collapse
Authors: Youssef Dalal , Youssef Janet , Abou-Abass Linda , Mouaiwa Hussein , Kawtharani Malak , Sinan Fadi , Hassan Hamad
Published: October 2021

Background:

Burnout among physicians is a serious concern that cultivates its seeds during their education and matures in their daily practicing life. Lebanese physicians were particularly at high risk of burnout since they confronted a mixture of overlapping crises.
Objectives:

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of burnout among Lebanese physicians, to investigate its associated factors and to explore the combined effects of the pandemic and the economic crisis on burnout.
Methods:

A web-based cross-sectional study was conducted among Lebanese physicians over December 2020 using a snowball sampling technique. Self-reported data were collected electronically through an anonymous questionnaire that included information on socio-demographic characteristics, work-related variables, and 4 scales: fear of COVID-19, threat perception, InCharge Financial Distress/Financial Well-Being, and the Copenhagen burnout inventory (CBI). CBI scale cut-off score of 50 was used to evaluate the prevalence of burnout. Multivariable linear regression analyses were carried out to identify the factors associated with burnout.
Results:

A total of 398 physicians participated in the study. The majority of them were male (52.8%), married (60.1%), and aged between 40 and 49 years (43.2%). Burnout hits 90.7% of the Lebanese physicians where personal, work-related, and client-related burnout were detected among 80.4%, 75.63%, and 69.6% of them respectively. A strong association was found between the higher level of burnout and female gender, younger age, being single, having a dependent child, living with an elderly or having a family member with comorbidities, and insufficient sleeping hours. Physicians’ specialties, working in a public health facility, limited years of professional experience, lack of previous experience in pandemic and extensive working hours were also associated with increased burnout. Furthermore, low income, working in the frontline, higher threat perception, and fear of COVID-19 were contributing to higher burnout. However, financial wellbeing, altruism, having good health, and previous history of COVID-19 were significantly associated to lower burnout. The combined effect of threat perception and financial hardship significantly increased the level of burnout.
Conclusion:

The huge burnout level among Lebanese physicians raises alarm about the seriousness of the current situation and urges the health authorities to take prompt action to enhance the physicians’ wellbeing.
Decaying Logs Enrich Soil Fungal Communities in the Forest Ecosystem
Authors: Wang Qin , Peñuelas Josep , Tan Bo , Wang Zhuang , Li Han , Cao Rui , Chang Chenhui , Jiang Yurui , Yang Wanqin
Published: October 2021

Aims: Soil fungi are crucial drivers of log decomposition in forest ecosystems. The objective of this study was thus to assess the conservation roles of decaying logs on soil fungi.Methods: Five classes of decaying Minjiang fir (Abies faxoniana) logs were incubated on the forest floor in a subalpine coniferous forest on the eastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, China, and the fungal communities compositions of the soil under decaying logs were assessed using high-throughput sequencing. Results: A total of 4321 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were detected by Illumina MiSeq sequencing analysis. Basidiomycota and Ascomycota were dominant phyla regardless of log decay classes. With the log decomposition, the proportion of arbuscular mycorrhiza, wood saprotroph and saprotroph increased, but that of ectomycorrhiza decreased. Moreover, the diversity of soil fungal communities also increased along the decomposing process of logs. The decaying logs significantly altered soil fungal community composition by affecting biochemical properties (e.g. pH and concentrations of microbial biomass nitrogen and total phosphorus) and environmental factors (e.g. soil water content). Conclusion: Different decay classes of logs favor special fungal species, implying that the logs conservation with different decay classes in the forest ecosystem is of great significance for improving the diversity of soil fungi.
Single Dose or Divided Dose of Polyethylene Glycol in Treatment of Pediatric Functional Constipation: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Safarpour Heidar , Imanieh Mohammad Hadi , honar naser , hekmati sajad , Asmarian Naeimehossadat
Published: October 2021

BackgroundThis study aimed to compare different regimens of Polyethylene Glycol (PEG, single dose vs. divided dose) in the treatment of functional constipation among children aged 4-15 years.Materials and MethodsThis double-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted on the children (4-15 years old) with functional constipation who were visited in an outpatient pediatric clinic affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences between February and July 2021. Among the120 eligible patients, 80 ones who met the inclusion criteria were recruited. The patients were divided into two parallel groups; the children who received single-dose PEG (group A) and those who received PEG in divided doses (group B). The study was performed during 12 weeks and follow-up visits were scheduled at 1, 3, 6, and 12 weeks after enrollment. The outcomes were measured using the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS).ResultsThe study was performed on 78 cases including 45 boys (57.7%) and 33 girls (42.3%) with the mean age of 5.52±1.79 years. After 12 weeks, a significant difference was observed between groups A and B regarding the mean of BSFS (4.94±0.52 vs. 4.50±0.88, p=0.008). However, no significant difference was observed between the two groups regarding the number of defecation times during the study. The detected complications included mild abdominal pain in eight children in group A (5.3%), fecal incontinency in six children in group B (3.8%), and painful defecation in six children in group B (3.8%).ConclusionThis study confirmed that the administration of the single dose (0.4 g/kg) of PEG early in the morning was more effective, well tolerated, and accompanied by fewer complications compared to the divided dose.
Effects of anthropic activity dynamics on mangrove ecosystems’ degradation in Caracol County – Haiti
Authors: Morancy Johnson , Cunha Helenilza Ferreira Albuquerque , Cunha Alan Cavalcanti da
Published: October 2021

Anthropization process and climatic changes, mainly deforestation and sea level rise, are factors significantly contributing to the most evident loss of mangrove ecosystems. The aim of our study is to analyze variables related to the effects of the dynamics of human activities closely associated with these ecosystems’ degradation. The Geographic Information System tool allowed identifying and comparing soil use and occupation variations based on information provided by 140 randomly chosen participants in Caracol County - Haiti. Interviews were carried out in loco between March and November 2020. Based on results statistically analyzed through multivariate regression tests, the most significant exploratory variable for the mangroves’ degradation process (p<0.05) was “mangrove occupation”, regardless of age, sex, schooling, time in the same residence, profession, home distance from the mangrove, landslide events, and risk of floods. We have concluded that distance from home, ecological function, intervention in biodiversity conservation, as well as water-climatic and geo-physical threats are factors closely correlated to mangroves’ environmental conservation and management (p<0.05).
WITHDRAWN: Numerical and Empirical Studies on Friction Stir Welding of Yellow Brass 405-20
Authors: Raza Syed Farhan , Khan Sarmad Ali , Farhan Muhammad , Ahmed Naveed , Habib Muhammad Salman , Mehdi Ahmed M.
Published: October 2021

Friction stir welding (FSW) is an eco-friendly and solid-state joining technology. Due to this reason, industries are keenly adopting this joining process in their various applications e.g., automobile, aerospace, marine, etc. Several materials have already been welded by FSW including aluminum, copper, steel, alloys of these materials, plastics, composites, and list are still going on. Few researchers have welded the brass using FSW. In this research, yellow brass 405-20 is welded with FSW for the very first time. Thermal distribution during FSW of brass was recorded via both simulations and experiments. Moreover, ultimate tensile strength was also measured numerically with its validation from its empirical counterpart. Finally, hardness was measured numerically in the form of compressive strength of welded brass, and it was also validated experimentally. Three aspects of validated simulations were never studied for brass 405-20 before and finally a good and close match was found between results from both simulations and experiments.
Determination of Heavy Metals in Surface Water, Sediments and Planktons at the Junction of Multiple Rivers (Punjnad Headworks) and Their Impact on Human Health
Authors: Naz Saima , Mansouri Borhan , Chatha Ahmad Manan Mustafa , Ullah Qudrat , Abadeen Zain Ul , Khan Muhammad Zahoor , Khan Adnan , Saeed Saba , Bhat Rayees Ahmad
Published: October 2021

This study was conducted to calculate the burden of heavy metals i.e., aluminium (Al), arsenic (As), barium (Ba) and lead (Pb) in the river water of Punjnad Headworks, Bahawalpur, Pakistan. For this purpose, samples were collected from surface water, bed sediments and planktons during autumn, winter and spring seasons (September 2018 to May 2019). The results showed that in surface water Pb concentration was highest (453.87 mg L-1), while in sediments and plankton, Al concentration was highest (370.24 µg g-1 and 315.05 µg g-1, respectively). A significant difference (p < 0.000) in metal concentrations was found among surface water, bed sediments and plankton at different sampling stations during various seasons. However, findings of this study showed no adverse effects of heavy metal concentrations on human health. This study provided better understanding of various pollutants and their concentrations in water sources at the studied location.
Exploring the Effects of Landscape Structure at Multiple Scales on River Water Characteristics in the Khorramabad and Chalus River basins
Authors: Gorbandi Fatemeh Sadeghi , Torangzar Hamid , Zare Ramin , Varvani Javad , Ahmadi Abbas
Published: October 2021

Background

It is acknowledged that the landscape composition and configuration of land cover within a watershed could influence a watershed environmental and ecological quality. Therefore, rivers receive pollution from their surrounding landscape and the amount and intensity of this pollution are affected by the landscape structure around the river or within a watershed.
Methods

In this research, we estimated the relationship between landscape characteristics and water quality in two different basins. We used multiple stepwise regression analysis and redundancy analysis to explore the quantitative association between landscape metrics, at both the watershed and riparian buffer scales.
Results

The riparian buffer scales metrics were more effective in predicting water quality in comparison with the indices at the watershed scale. The landscape composition and configuration explained 80% of the variation in water quality at 100 m buffer, and the value decreased to 79% at 1000 m. At the 100 m buffer scale, ED of the forest, PLADJ, and MESH of urban areas in Khorramabad basin and AI of the forest, ED of urban, and SPLIT of agricultural lands were recognized as significant variables affecting the water quality in the Chalus basin. In other scales only metrics related to agriculture and urban were seen as dominant variables, indicating that these land-use classes are final determinatives in water quality changes in our study areas.
Conclusion

All dominant variables at each scale indicated a decreasing trend of the landscape impact on the water quality. Although in the Chalus basin human activities were insignificant, they had considerable effects on Chalus river quality, and urban and agriculture were recognized as dominant usages at all scales, implying that a large amount of forest cover cannot impede the effects of human activities in a basin.
A Smart Contract-based Access Control Architecture for Telemedicine During Covid-19
Authors: zerga hideyat , AMRAOUI Asma , BENMAMMAR badr
Published: October 2021

In the fight against the COVID-19 epidemic that is currently a major global public health issue, social distancing has been imposed to prevent the massive transmission, thus doctors in hospitals have turned to telemedicine in order to be able to monitor their patient notably those suffering from chronic diseases. To do so, patients need to share their physiological data with doctors. In order to share this data safely, prevent malicious users from tampering with it and protect the privacy of patients, access control becomes a fundamental requirement.
In order to set up a real-time (Internet of Thing) IoT enabled healthcare system (HS) scenario like telemedicine, Fog computing (FC) seems to be the best solution comparing to Cloud computing since it provides low latency, highly mobile and geo-distributed services and temporary storage. In this paper, the focus is on access control in the telemedicine systems. Our proposal is based, on one hand, the concept of Fog computing to ensure the distributed aspect needed in the monitoring of patient health remotely; and on the other hand Blockchain (BC) smart contracts, in order to provide a dynamic, optimized and self-adjusted access control.
3GOLD: Optimized Levenshtein distance for clustering third-generation sequencing data
Authors: Logan Robert , Fleischmann Zoe , Annis Sofia , Wehe Amy , Tilly Jonathan L. , Woods Dori C. , Khrapko Konstantin
Published: October 2021

Background:Third-generation sequencing offers some advantages over next-generation sequencing predecessors, but with the caveat of harboring a much higher error rate. Clustering-related sequences is an essential task in modern biology. To accurately cluster sequences rich in errors, error type and frequency need to be accounted for. Levenshtein distance is a well-established mathematical algorithm for measuring the edit distance between words and can specifically weight insertions, deletions and substitutions. However, there are drawbacks to using Levenshtein distance in a biological context and hence have rarely been used for this purpose. We present novel modifications to the Levenshtein distance algorithm to optimize it for clustering error-rich biological sequencing data.Results: We successfully introduced a bidirectional frameshift allowance with end-user determined accommodation caps combined with weighted error discrimination. Furthermore, our modifications dramatically improved the computational speed of Levenstein distance. For simulated ONT MinION and PacBio Sequel datasets, the average clustering sensitivity for 3GOLD was 41.45% (S.D. 10.39) higher than Sequence-Levenstein distance, 52.14% (S.D. 9.43) higher than Levenshtein distance, 55.93% (S.D. 8.67) higher than Starcode, 42.68% (S.D. 8.09) higher than CD-HIT-EST and 61.49% (S.D. 7.81) higher than DNACLUST. For biological ONT MinION data, 3GOLD clustering sensitivity was 27.99% higher than Sequence-Levenstein distance, 52.76% higher than Levenshtein distance, 56.39% higher than Starcode, 48% higher than CD-HIT-EST and 70.4% higher than DNACLUST.Conclusion:Our modifications to Levenshtein distance have improved its speed and accuracy compared to the classic Levenshtein distance, Sequence-Levenshtein distance and other commonly used clustering approaches on simulated and biological third-generation sequenced datasets. Our clustering approach is appropriate for datasets of unknown cluster centroids, such as those generated with unique molecular identifiers as well as known centroids such as barcoded datasets. A strength of our approach is high accuracy in resolving small clusters and mitigating the number of singletons.
Influences of Organic Loading, Feed-To-Inoculum Ratio, And Different Pretreatment Strategies On The Methane Production Performance of Eggplant Stalk
Authors: Zhu Zhe , Zhang Si , Song Chao , Wang Ligong , Cai Fanfan , Chen Chang , Liu Guangqing
Published: October 2021

A large amount of eggplant straw (ES) is incinerated after harvesting of eggplant every year, which aggravates environmental pollution and waste of resources. Converting ES into methane through anaerobic digestion (AD) technology may be a potential treatment method, considering the low environmental impact and high energy recovery. Firstly, this study explored the effects of organic loading (OL) and feed to inoculum ratio (F/I ratio) on the AD of ES by response surface methodology (RSM). In order to achieve higher AD efficiency, various pretreatments (acid, alkali, alkaline hydrogen peroxide (AHP), microwave and ultrasound) were introduced and comprehensively assessed with regard to methane production performance, organic matter destruction and kinetic parameters. Results showed that OL had a more significant impact on AD process compared to F/I ratio and methane production was enhanced remarkably when the OL and F/I ratio were 35.0 g VS/L and 3.0, respectively. XRD, FTIR, and SEM analyses of pretreated ES showed that alkali and AHP pretreatments performed better in delignification. Under optimal conditions, the ES pretreated with 1.5% AHP (adjusted by KOH) performed the maximum methane production of 262.2 mL/g VS with a Bd of 95.0%, which increased by 334.1% than untreated ES. This paper not only provides the theoretical data about methane production performance of ES but also gives practical guidance for efficient utilization of similar vegetable straw biowastes, which is also promising for large-scale industrial applications in the future.
Development of novel Mixed Reality-Based Simulator for Endoscopic Transnasal Surgery with HoloLens and multiple AR tracker
Authors: Katayama Yoshihide , Ikeda Naokado , Kawabata Shinji , Furuse Motomasa , Nonoguchi Naosuke , Yagi Ryokichi , Hiramatsu Ryo , Fujishiro Takahiro , Tamura Yoji , Kuroiwa Toshihiko , Itamiya Tomoki , Wanibuchi Masahiko
Published: October 2021

Background

Virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR) are now widely applied for preoperative simulation and intraoperative navigation.
Methods

We developed an MR-based simulator for endoscopic transnasal surgery (ETNS) with a head-mounted display HoloLens and evaluated its usefulness. This simulator consisted of MR images of patients and an MR endoscope. HoloLens was used for projection of MR images and recognition of markers. The MR images were reconstructed from the preoperative images of patients and superimposed onto the endoscopic training model of the head. The MR endoscope was superimposed onto a three-dimensional (3D) printed replica of an endoscope. The MR endoscopic images from the replica of the endoscope were projected in the operator’s visual field. The MR images followed the manipulation of the replica of the endoscope through a nasal cavity on the training model. To evaluate the developed simulator, the MR endoscopic images were compared with video-recorded actual operative endoscopic views. And face validity and content validity of the simulator were evaluated by senior residents, using a 5-point Likert scale.
Result

The 3D MR images through HoloLens correlated well with the actual intraoperative views. Although there was an innate learning curve with the simulator, the face validity and the content validity demonstrated effective simulation of an operative field of view with real-time characteristics of the surgical procedure.
Conclusions

Our developed simulator for ETNS will contribute to learning the unique and the limited surgical fields through the narrow surgical corridor with endoscope, particularly for novice surgeons.
Identity and Gender Perspective of Gatotkaca through Transmedia Narrative in Character Design for Game
Authors: Ardiyan Ardiyan
Published: October 2021

Indonesian games are still need improvement, this matter is indicated by the quantity and the quality of the product. One of the quality game aspect is character design which has big influence in visual assets development. The contemporary spirit to develop creativity in cultural aspect through many media has opened many possibilities to breakfree from the traditional form in Indonesia, especially wayang, that commonly considered as sacred which has made the audiences lost their interest. This research was made to study the game character design of Ghatotkacha in Boma Naraka Sura PC Game by Anantarupa Studio which is using cultural story of wayang. This game had significant support in crowdfunding. In descriptive interpretive analysis from cultural identity and gender stereotyping perpective through transmedia narrative, Gatotkaca character design has evolved from narrative into visual form that is being marked by eminent artworks.
Early Childhood Cognitive Development Through Games Educational Tool
Authors: Sutoyo Suprayitno
Published: October 2021

Games Educational Tool are all things that can be used as a medium to play that have educational value, one of the benefits is that it helps the growth of all aspects of physical and cognitive abilities. This study will explain how the media has a very important role in stimulating the growth of a child's brain. Using descriptive qualitative method to determine the cognitive educational element in the game. The results of this study to prove that media educational games have a major role in the cognitive abilities of children floating.
Framework of Mobile Game Design as an Assistive Technology for Children with Motor Disabilities
Authors: Melyani Melyani , Heryadi Yaya , Trisetyarso Agung , Abbas Bachtiar Saleh , Suparta Wayan , Gaol Ford Lumban
Published: October 2021

Computer games have emerged in the past decade as potential media beyond entertainment. Despite its popularity, game accessibility remains a major concern of various researchers. Children population with motor disabilities is a potential target for developing entertainment or therapeutic support games due to their interest to play. This paper presents: (1) a framework for mobile games for children with motor disability using simple hand postures and (2) Xgboost decision tree as a hand posture recognizer (98.48 percent training accuracy and 96.76 percent testing accuracy) as a prototype of hand posture-based commands as assistive technology to interact with games.