bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Choroidal Vascular Index in Patients With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Methylphenidate
Authors: Kiziltoprak Hasan , Kocabas Dilara Ozkoyuncu , Aydemir Gozde Aksoy , Kalınlı Emine Merve , Aydemir Emre , Oren Burak
Published: December 2022

Purpose:

To investigate choroidal vascularity in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) who were not receiving therapy, children with ADHD who were regularly taking methylphenidate (MPH), and healthy controls.

Methods:

The study included three groups: patients with newly diagnosed ADHD without treatment, patients diagnosed as having ADHD who were already being treated with oral MPH, and controls. Both choroidal vascularity index (CVI) and choroidal thickness were measured using an enhanced-depth imaging mode of spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (EDIOCT) (Spectralis; Heidelberg Engineering GmbH).

Results:

There was a significant difference in CVI and stromal area between groups. Post-hoc univariate analysis showed that CVI was significantly lower in patients with ADHD treated with MPH compared with the other groups (
P
< .001, for each); however, there was no difference between the treatment-free ADHD group and controls (
P
= .305). In contrast, stromal area was significantly higher in patients with ADHD treated with MPH than the other groups (
P
< .001, for each group). The correlation of CVI with MPH treatment duration in patients with ADHD treated with MPH showed a significant, moderate negative correlation (
P
= .01,
r
= − 0.66).

Conclusions:

CVI is reduced in patients with ADHD treated with MPH, and the decrease in CVI becomes significant with increasing duration of MPH treatment. This result reflects an indirect effect of MPH treatment on choroidal vascular structures.

[
J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus
. 2023;60(6):411–416.]
The Effect of Leflunomide as Adjunctive Therapy With a TNF Inhibitor in Pediatric Patients With Uveitis
Authors: Garg Neha , Cohen Ezra , Tsui Edmund , LaMattina Kara C.
Published: December 2022

Purpose:

To describe the effectiveness of leflunomide as adjunctive therapy with anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) agents in pediatric patients with uveitis who are not able to tolerate methotrexate.

Methods:

A retrospective case series was performed of pediatric patients who were receiving leflunomide in conjunction with anti-TNF agent therapy after intolerance to a combination of methotrexate with anti-TNF therapy. Dose and duration of methotrexate, leflunomide, and anti-TNF therapy were recorded. Extensive history, demographics, laboratory data, and uveitis flare rate were obtained.

Results:

A total of five children were included in the study. Most patients were initially receiving methotrexate and an anti-TNF agent was added subsequently due to inadequate response to monotherapy. After discontinuation of methotrexate, leflunomide was initiated with anti-TNF therapy. The replacement of methotrexate with leflunomide showed decreased side effects and was associated with lower flare rates and steroid-free remission.

Conclusions:

Leflunomide was found to be well tolerated and effective at maintaining uveitis quiescence in conjunction with anti-TNF agents in pediatric patients who do not tolerate methotrexate.

[
J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus
. 2023;60(6):417–420.]
Analysis of thermal insulation in social housing in Spain (1939–1989) and its possible adaptation to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Authors: Martínez-Corral Aurora , Cárcel-Carrasco Javier , Kaur Jangveer , Fonseca Fabiola Colmenero
Published: December 2022

The construction of protected housing in Spain during the period analysed (1939–1989) reached its maximum between 1950–1980 with the construction of almost three million homes per year. The analysis of the homes built for railroad workers from this housing stock is distinct for four main reasons: it is a housing stock with a representative number of homes in relation to the total of social housing built in Spain, which is still mostly in use and covers all the typologies used in the country and which is dispersed throughout it. Thus, for the present analysis, there is a sample that is adequately representative of the whole stock of social housing constructed in Spain, this sample enables a comparative global analysis that can be extrapolated to the remaining stock. The objective of this study is to analyse the energy efficiency of homes through the thermal analysis of the envelope, as well as to acknowledge the specific constructive limitations of these homes and if possible, their rehabilitation that guarantees compliance with the required standards regarding sustainability and energy efficiency set by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established in the 2030 Agenda. This is a crucial goal to achieve, as the Spanish building stock currently consumes 30% of the total energy consumed, in addition to the socioeconomic profile and the potential for energy poverty, there is a portion of social housing with a precarious construction lacking the heating facilities, which is required due to the weather, with a significant potential for savings and the incorporation of renewable energies.
Penalty approach for KT-pseudoinvex multidimensional variational control problems
Authors: Preeti  , Agarwal Poonam , Treanţă Savin , Nonlaopon Kamsing
Published: December 2022

The present paper is the result of a contemplative study of a multi-time control problem (MCP) by considering its associated equivalent auxiliary control problem (MCP)$ _{\varsigma} $ via the exact $ l_{1} $ penalty method. Further study reveals that the solution set of the considered problem and the auxiliary problem exhibits an equivalence under the KT-pseudoinvexity hypothesis. Moreover, the study is extended towards the saddle point defined for (MCP) to establish the relationship between the solution set of multi-time control problem (MCP) and its associated equivalent auxiliary control problem (MCP)$ _{\varsigma} $. Finally, we present an illustrative application to authenticate the results presented in this paper.
An iterative technique for solving path planning in identified environments by using a skewed block accelerated algorithm
Authors: Dahalan A'qilah Ahmad , Saudi Azali
Published: December 2022

Currently, designing path-planning concepts for autonomous robot systems remains a topic of high interest. This work applies computational analysis through a numerical approach to deal with the path-planning problem with obstacle avoidance over a robot simulation. Based on the potential field produced by Laplace's equation, the formation of a potential function throughout the simulation configuration regions is obtained. This potential field is typically employed as a guide in the global approach of robot path-planning. An extended variant of the over-relaxation technique, namely the skewed block two-parameter over relaxation (SBTOR), otherwise known as the explicit decoupled group two-parameter over relaxation method, is presented to obtain the potential field that will be used for solving the path-planning problem. Experimental results with a robot simulator are presented to demonstrate the performance of the proposed approach on computing the harmonic potential for solving the path-planning problem. In addition to successfully validating pathways generated from various locations, it is also demonstrated that SBTOR outperforms existing over-relaxation algorithms in terms of the number of iterations, as well as the execution time.
Guerrear contra sí mismo: el gobernante nahua en un «espejo de príncipes»
Authors: Sánchez Aguilera Mario Alberto
Published: December 2022

Este trabajo analiza cómo un grupo de intelectuales indígenas plasmó, a partir del trasvase a la lengua náhuatl de varias obras en latín y castellano, sus impresiones sobre la guerra espiritual que debe librar todo cristiano en su paso por el mundo y, en particular, sobre la guerra que entablan los gobernantes contra sí mismos, al aspirar y luchar por el poder. Se explora también cómo estos textos, hasta ahora inéditos, conservados dentro de un volumen manuscrito compuesto hacia finales del siglo XVI y principios del XVII, conforman un gran «espejo de príncipes» dispuesto para la educación de la nobleza nahua novohispana.
«Singulares invenciones»: fuegos artificiales y fiestas religiosas en Lima colonial, siglos XVII y XVIII
Authors: Guibovich Pérez Pedro M.
Published: December 2022

Este ensayo estudia la realización y el empleo de los fuegos artificiales en las festividades religiosas celebradas en Lima durante los siglos XVII y XVIII. Ellos estuvieron presentes en numerosas celebraciones del calendario litúrgico y también en otras ocasiones excepcionales. Los espectáculos pirotécnicos tuvieron un enorme poder de convocatoria debido al empleo de la música, la danza y los elementos dramáticos que obtenían al conferir movimiento a las figuras y representaciones. Constituían una expresión de poder económico, pero, sobre todo, del gusto de la sociedad colonial por contar en las fiestas con entretenimientos inusitados e ingeniosos, que causaran pasmo y admiración. Estos espectáculos constituyeron una de las expresiones más interesantes de la cultura barroca en el Imperio español.
El cuerpo diplomático argentino en cuestión: debates y experiencias de la vida diplomática, 1900-1902
Authors: Bruno Paula
Published: December 2022

Entre 1900 y 1902, durante la segunda presidencia de Julio A. Roca, el servicio exterior argentino y el funcionamiento del cuerpo diplomático fueron cuestionados y criticados en la Cámara de Diputados y en la Cámara de Senadores. Los debates tuvieron ecos en la prensa periódica y en varios espacios de sociabilidad e intercambio intelectual. En este ensayo se restituyen las dinámicas de esa polémica y se analizan algunas de sus repercusiones. Con este objetivo, se revisan las discusiones y los diarios de sesiones de las dos cámaras parlamentarias, por un lado, y se presentan las experiencias diplomáticas que durante estos años desplegaron Lucio V. Mansilla, Eduardo Wilde y Martín García Mérou en las legaciones con centro en Berlín, Bruselas y Washington. Para llevar adelante el trabajo, se han revisado fuentes provenientes del Archivo del Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y Culto, el Archivo General de la Nación, el Museo Histórico Nacional, varios archivos personales y fuentes editas.
«A technical conflict of interest»: Corrupción en el programa de ayuda económica estadounidense en el Perú, 1955-1961
Authors: Barreto Velázquez Norberto
Published: December 2022

Este artículo analiza el impacto en el proceso de discusión y aprobación de la Alianza para el Progreso de una investigación congresal sobre denuncias de corrupción en el programa de asistencia económica estadounidense en el Perú. Dicha investigación se desarrolló en medio de un proceso de transformación del programa de ayuda económica para América Latina. La reestructuración del programa de ayuda, provocada por la revolución cubana, comenzó durante la administración Eisenhower con la fundación del Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo y se profundizó con la Alianza para el Progreso propuesta por Kennedy. Planteamos que los hallazgos de esta investigación fueron usados por congresistas enemigos y críticos del programa de ayuda económica para cuestionar su eficiencia, y oponerse a la reforma y expansión propuesta por Kennedy. Este artículo está fundamentado, principalmente, en fuentes del Congreso de Estados Unidos.
Statut civique et mobilité sociale dans l’Alexandrie romaine
Authors: Legras Bernard
Published: December 2022

La fondation par Hadrien d'une quatrième polis grecque d'Egypte, Antinooupolis, pourrait apparaître comme un renouveau de l'idéal civique grec. Or une telle fondation est restée unique dans cette province. Il s'agira de s'interroger sur la conception de la citoyenneté grecque développée dans le cadre de cette province par Rome et les élites locales.
Les identités de Rutilius Namatianus
Authors: Stein Christian
Published: December 2022

Le De reditu suo permet de se faire une bonne idée des principales facettes de la construction identitaire de son auteur, Rutilius Namatianus. Cette dernière était très classique, avec le milieu aristocratique et les deux patries, Rome et la cité d’origine. Le niveau intermédiaire régional, la Gaule, ne semble pas aussi structurant. On notera un paganisme affiché, donc militant dans le contexte des années 410-420.
Les paradoxes du recours au droit dans les mobilisations contre les violences policières en Russie
Authors: Huérou Anne Le
Published: December 2022

L’article explore les mobilisations contre les violences policières en Russie depuis le début des années 2000. Des secteurs de la société civile ont cherché à peser sur les processus législatifs de réforme de l’institution policière tout en tentant de tirer parti de la mise en place de dispositifs de coopération avec les administrations pour exercer des formes de contrôle civique sur les lieux de détention. Parallèlement plusieurs associations ont adopté des méthodes spécifiques pour obtenir la traduction en justice et la condamnation de policiers auteurs de violence.
Real-Time Human Action Recognition Using Deep Learning
Authors: Azzag Houssem Eddine , Zeroual Imed Eddine , Ladjailia Ammar
Published: December 2022

The future of computer vision lies in deep learning to develop machines to solve our human problems. One of the most important areas of research is smart video surveillance. This feature is related to the study and recognition of movements, and it's used in many fields, like security, sports, medicine, and a whole lot of new applications. The study and analysis of human activity is very important to improve because it is a very sensitive field, like in security, the human needs a machine's help a lot; and in recent years, developers have adopted many advanced algorithms to discover the type of movements humans preform, and the results differ from one to another. The most important part of human activity recognition is real time, so one can detect any issue, like a medical problem, in time. In this regard, the authors will use methods of deep learning to reach a good result of recognition of the nature of human action in real time clips.
Research Trends on Business Process Management in Higher Education and Recommendations for Vietnam
Authors: Hoang Anh , Van Phan Kha , Solanki Vijender Kumar
Published: December 2022

Business process management at universities appears to be one of the acute issues which allow universities to foster their training quality, along with significantly contributing to creating recommendation policies for the business process management to gain effectiveness. In this research, the bibliometric analysis approach is used to evaluate scientific results on publications related to research trends in business process management at universities bibliometrics in the Scopus database. 990 publications have been extracted to analyze growth trends, contributions of authors, research institutions, co-authors in research sectors, and the development of research trends. Research implications are used to suggest research trends on business process management in several developing countries, particularly case studies in Vietnam.
Opportunities for Simulation-Based Optimization in a Hospital Environment
Authors: Bottani Eleonora , Franchi Beatrice , Monferdini Laura , Bigliardi Barbara , Mordonini Monica , Pellegrino Mattia , Lombardo Gianfranco , Collini Luca , Bellini Valentina , Bignami Elena Giovanna
Published: December 2022

This paper proposes a literature review about the usage of simulation-based optimization tools in hospital environment and, more precisely, for operating rooms management. The usage of simulation, in its various forms, is gaining increasing attention in healthcare management because of its capability of describing the system in a high degree of detail as well as of modelling scenarios with different levels of available resources or uncertainty. In this respect, the contribution of this review study consists of classifying the literature about the topic, delineating the most debated themes and their internal relationships, and identifying the most prominent authors and papers. These results are achieved using a combination of bibliographic and bibliometric tools, commonly adopted in review studies, on a sample of 82 papers. On the basis of the findings, opportunities for future research activities are delineated.
Communication, Apology, and Resolution
Authors: Van Niel Melinda , Palacios Elisabeth , Woodward Alan C. , Salvador Douglas
Published: December 2022

Communication and resolution programs are gaining acceptance as an alternative to more traditional deny-and-defend practices after a patient is harmed during medical care. In Massachusetts, the Betsy Lehman Center for Patient Safety is supporting work to implement Communication, Apology, and Resolution (CARe) to resolve adverse events in an effort to improve patient safety, reduce costs, and enhance fairness and transparency in healthcare. Authors discuss the benefits of this model and explain challenges and lessons learned as they scale CARe statewide. They emphasize the need for standardization and structure when implementing the program to ensure equity and rigor.
Preparation of Bio-Composite Coatings on Titanium Substrate by Electrostatic Spray Deposition
Authors: Bashar Samara , Al-Kaisy Hanna A. , Al-Shroofy Mohanad N.
Published: December 2022

In this research, the most modern deposition technique used will be utilized for biomedical applications is Electrostatic Spray Deposition (ESD), which focused on enhancing the corrosion resistance as well as biocompatibility of commercially pure titanium substrate by constructing bio composite coating, various percentages (2, 6, and 10) wt.% of Hydroxyapatite (HAP) powder were combined with (98, 94, and 90) wt.% of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) powder, and the same percentages (2, 6, and 10) wt.% of Nickel Oxide (NiO) powder also combined with (98, 94, and 90) wt.% of PMMA. The effects of HAP and NiO percentages in the PMMA matrix on the surface characteristics of titanium were analyzed. The FESEM, XRD, contact angle, and anti-bacterial test demonstrated that the coating layer was successfully made consistent throughout and devoid of cracks. the samples exhibited favorable wetting qualities and inhibited bacterial growth.
Multiple-Response Optimization of Aluminum Oxide Nanocoating Prepared by Pulsed Laser Deposition Using Taguchi Design
Authors: Hassan Ayman M. , Alwahib Ali Abdulkhaleq , Hussein Abbas Khammas
Published: December 2022

In this work, an aluminum oxide nanocoating was prepared using the pulsed laser deposition technique to study the properties of the coating and to find the optimal conditions to achieve the highest quality of the aluminum oxide nanocoating. The structural properties were studied using X-ray diffraction. The results showed that the aluminum oxide nanocoatings were alpha phase polycrystalline structures. The surface topography was studied using atomic force microscopy. The surface topography showed that the average surface roughness ranged from 1.26 nm to 7 nm. The optical properties were studied using a UV-VIS spectrometer. It showed the energy gap within the range 4.09 eV to 3.98 eV. The hardness of the aluminum oxide nanocoatings were calculated using the nanoindentation technique and found within the range of 32.79 GPa to 10.41 GPa. According to the present work, the effect of the input parameters represented by the pulse energy and the number of pulses on the responses represented by the energy gap, hardness, and surface roughness were studied. The experiments were designed based on the L9 orthogonal array with the Taguchi approach. A multiple responsive optimizations of Takeuchi's design was done using the desirability function.
A Review of Inhibit the Growth of Lithium Dendrite Strategies
Authors: Wang Zi Jian
Published: December 2022

Nowadays, the development of electronic technology has driven the development of battery industry. Under the rigid demand for energy storage materials, lithium metal has received a lot of attention due to its excellent energy storage performance, however, the growth of lithium dendrite makes it difficult to recycle. This review introduces the principle of lithium dendrite growth and its negative impact leading to the degradation of battery performance, and then focuses on the methods to inhibit lithium dendrite growth e.g., fabrication of alloyed structure, regulation of solid electrolyte interface (SEI), application of solid electrolyte and recent research progress e.g., nanodiamond additive method, single-atom zinc anion skeleton method, battery self-heating method.
Thermal and Structural Properties of Poly(Lactic Acid)/Silica/Alumina Composite Materials
Authors: Bouamer Amirouche , Benrekaa Nasser , Younes Abderrahmane
Published: December 2022

In the present study, Polylactic acid/ silicon dioxide (SiO2)/ alumina (Al2O3) composite films were produced by a casting method. Thermal, morphological, optical and structural properties of obtaining samples investigated. The addition of aluminum monoxide and silicon dioxide fillers in PLA matrix increases the glass transition temperature significantly, and the Al2O3 and SiO2 particles behave as good nucleating agents with PLA matrix. A homogeneous distribution of SiO2 and Al2O3 particles was observed in the composite films. XRD results revealed that the addition of SiO2 particles improved the crystallinity of PLA, knowing that the degree of crystallinity increase from 2.75% to 31.63% by adding the nucleating agents. The DSC results showed that the glass transition temperature increases by 12 °C in the composites than the pure PLA.
Estimating Forming Conditions for Deep Drawn SUS304 Square Cups Having no Delayed Cracks Using FE Simulation
Authors: Ong Kuan Liang , Tan Chin Joo
Published: December 2022

Forming conditions for deep drawn SUS304 square cups having no delayed cracks are determined using finite element (FE) simulations based on the threshold % of wall thickening for delay cracking obtained from deep drawing tests of SUS304 cylindrical cups. The maximum drawing ratio and the initial blank thickness are fixed at 1.87 and 0.8 mm, respectively in this study taken into the considerations of the capacity of the press machine i.e., 100 kN. The blank holding forces (BHF), punch corner radius, rp and die corner radius, rd are varied to obtain 75 mm x 75 mm square cups having % of local thickening less than the threshold value i.e., 47% in the cracking zones located adjacent to the top corners of the cups. A quarter 3D FE simulation model of the deep drawing process is constructed, the wall thickness distributions of the cups are calculated. The simulation results showed that the forming conditions for the crack-free cups could be obtained with BHF ≥ 47 kN, rp ≥ 8.5 mm and 6.8 mm ≤ rd ≤ 9.5 mm. A method for designing the forming conditions of deep drawn SUS304 square cups is proposed in this study.
Comparing the Mechanical Behavior of Lamination Resin Reinforced with Two Types of Organic and Inorganic Particles Used in Prosthetic Applications
Authors: Sallal Hayder Abbas , Kadhim Ahmed Saad
Published: December 2022

The goal of modern industries is to use low-cost and environmentally friendly materials, whether natural or industrial, especially for engineering and medical applications. The present work includes the manufacture of a composite material of lamination resin reinforced with two types of particles, an organic type (animal horn particles and bamboo particles) and the second type inorganic (zinc oxide particles), according to the selected weight ratios (2,4,6, and 8) %wt. and all the particles were at a granular size (5 µm). The organic particles were prepared manually according to special steps to obtain the best results. The prepared particles were checked manually by examining the particulate size by the vibrating sieve and the shape of the particles through the (SEM) test. As for the mechanical behavior of the composite material, it was studied through (tensile, shock, and hardness) tests. The results of the examination showed that the best addition of particulate matter was for the inorganic particles (zinc oxide) and all tests if compared to the organic particles. The best ratio of zinc oxide particles is (6%wt.) as the results of the tensile, shock, and hardness tests were (59 Mpa, 4.4 J, and 95) respectively. Therefore, this ratio is suitable for use in various engineering and medical applications such as foot prosthetics.
Forming Hexagonal and Triangular Ultrathin WS2 Shapes by Controlling the Flow of Vapor
Authors: Muratov Dauren A. , Shaikenova Altynai A. , Nemkayeva Renata R. , Rakymetov Bagdat A. , Umirzakov Arman G. , Mereke Almaz L.
Published: December 2022

This paper reports on the synthesis of thin films of tungsten disulfide (WS2) by сhemical vapour deposition (CVD) using powders of sulfur and tungsten oxide obtained from tungsten metal powder. It is shown that the synthesized ultra-thin 2-dimensional (2D) films of WS2 have appropriate structural and optical properties suitable for their application in the manufacturing of electronic and optoelectronic devices. Proposed method for the synthesis of 2D few-layered WS2 can significantly accelerate the synthesis rate and will make it possible to control the stoichiometry and shapes of nanocrystals by controlling the amount of sulfur by magnetic mechanism. Moreover, obtained few-layered crystals demonstrate long-term stability to external factors, since the synthesis and the research carried out during the year. During this time, no signs of degradation of the TMDs structure were detected.
A Study on Optimization of CO2 Welding Process Parameters on Structural Steel by Using Taguchi Method
Authors: Math Praveen , Praveen Kumar B.S.
Published: December 2022

The goal of this study is to improve several welding parameters that affect the mechanical properties of mild steel, including YS, UTS, toughness, and Vicker hardness (VHN). The welding parameters were optimized using the Taguchi technique, and fracture mode characterization was investigated. There have been numerous experiments done. Applying for it was the L9 orthogonal array (3xx3). To find out how different welding factors, including wire feed speed, welding current, and gas flow rate, affect mechanical qualities, statistical methods of signal to noise ratio (SNR) and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used. To investigate the weld quality of MS, tensile strength, toughness, Vicker hardness (VHN), and mode of fracture were examined. It was noted from the results that the welding voltage has significant effect whereas gas flow rate has insignificant effect on tensile strength of the weldment, and the ideal process parameters were found to be 21 V, 330 IPM travel speed of wire, and 23 l/min gas flow rate.
Investigations on Machinability Behavior in Turning of Al7075/Beryl/Graphene Nano Platelets Hybrid Composites with Multilayer Coated Carbide Insert Using Taguchi and Statistical Techniques
Authors: Patil Shanawaz , Ahmed S. Adil , Gunaki Pradip , Pasha A.A. , Nagaral Madev
Published: December 2022

This work emphases on characterization and evaluation of machinabity characteristics of a novel hybrid Aluminum Metal Matrix Composite (AMMC) developed through two-step stir-casting method by reinforcing constant amount of Beryl (6%) and varying quantity of Graphene nanoPlatelets - GNPs (0%, 1% and 2%). Morphological analysis result shows the presence of dendritic arms and homogeneous distribution of the Beryl and GNPs in Al7075 matrix. Machinability (turning) characteristics of the developed hybrid composite were studied in detail besides optimizing the machining parameters employing Taguchi technique. The objective was to establish a correlation between cutting parameters such as cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut with, tool wear, and surface roughness on work piece. In the present study, performance of multilayer hard coatings (TiC/TiCN/Al2O3) on cemented carbide insert for machining of Al7075-Beryl-GNPs. An attempt has been made to analyze the effects of process parameters on machinability aspects using Taguchi technique. Response surface plots are generated for the study of interaction effects of cutting conditions on machinability factors. The correlations were established by multiple linear regression models. The linear regression models were validated using confirmation test.
Deposition of Layered Bioceramic HA/TiO2 Coatings on Ti-6Al-7Nb Alloys Using Micro-Arc Oxidation
Authors: Naji Qabas Khalid , Salman Jassim Mohammed , Dawood Nawal Mohammed
Published: December 2022

Investigation results of HA/TiO2 bioceramics coating on the Ti-6Al-7Nb alloy by MAO process were presented. The voltages of 300-500 V. In the electrolyte solution contain (HA=6g/l, EDTA=3g/l, NaOH=8g/l, and KOH=1g/l) are used. The coating characteristics are identified by using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), (EDX), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and the resulted phases are identified by X-Ray diffraction (XRD), mechanical test (microhardness, and wear). The electrochemical test in the Ringer’s solution using a potentiodynamic polarization tests. The results of the tests showed the possibility of deposition of a composite nano ceramic layer was obtained from hydroxyapatite (HA) with TiO2 were observed with increased voltage increased thickness layer and concentration of HA and decreased porosity, The identical dependencies of changes of the coating thickness with increase voltage and time. The best results were obtained in terms of hardness (368.1HV) and wear resistance equal to (4.33×10-7) for 400V&15min. Improvement corrosion resistance equals (87.4%).
Study on Optical Efficiency of Organic Photovoltaic Devices with Multi-Tip Metal Nanostructures
Authors: Wang Chen Can , Zhang Yao , Zhang Cai Yun , Niu Zi Jun , Shan Feng
Published: December 2022

As a new generation of photovoltaic devices, organic polymer solar cell (Organic Solar Cell, OSC) have attracted wide attention of researchers in recent years because of their unique advantages such as simple process, low energy consumption, low cost and large area preparation. However, the development of OSC has encountered bottlenecks: the low carrier mobility of photovoltaic materials forces the thickness of the active layer of OSC to be reduced as much as possible to meet the requirements of effective collection of photogenerated carriers, while the thinner absorption layer will lead to serious optical absorption loss and device performance degradation. Therefore, how to enhance the optical absorptivity of OSC on the premise of effective carrier collection has become a research hot-spot. Based on this characteristic, with the help of finite element method, the structure model of OSC with multi-tip metal nanoparticles is established, and the effects of metal nanospheres and star particles on OSC light absorption factors are studied systematically. Firstly, the effects of introducing metal nanoparticles into different functional layers of OSC (active layer and buffer layer) are compared and analyzed to determine the introduction location of metal nanoparticles in OSC. Secondly, the localized resonance enhancement rules of spherical and cubic metal nanoparticles in the functional layer are discussed. Combined with the theoretical model, the optimal design method of metal nanoparticles structure parameters (size and period) is established. The results show that the absorption enhancement of metal nanoparticles in the active layer of OSC is higher than that in the buffer layer. On the one hand, it can stimulate more electron hole pair separation, improve the separation rate of electron hole pair, on the other hand, it can also make the separated electron hole to obtain more energy, recombination becomes relatively difficult, and the arrival rate of the battery electrode is improved.
Paziente con lesioni cutanee in cure domiciliari: Consulenza dell’infermiere esperto in wound care. Definire e uniformare il processo a livello territoriale
Authors: Leonardelli Paola , Stelzer Rachele
Published: December 2022

Le persone in carico alle Cure Domiciliari in Trentino che presentano lesioni cutanee sono molte, gli interventi eseguiti nel 2021 per la loro gestione sono stati 51.291. Il Servizio dispone di 3 infermieri esperti in wound care. Ad oggi non è prevista una modalità di gestione uniforme delle consulenze: tale supervisioni o consigli vengono gestiti in modo informale. L’obiettivo di tale studio è quello di delineare i contenuti, le fasi e le attività del processo di consulenza da parte dell’infermiere esperto in wound care per i pazienti seguiti dal Servizio Cure Domiciliari e Palliative dell’Azienda Provinciale per i servizi sanitari di Trento (APSS). Sono state condotte delle interviste strutturate agli infermieri esperti in Wound Care del Servizio Cure Domiciliari e Palliative e alle referenti clinico assistenziali per lo sviluppo delle soluzioni digitali (CNIO - Chief Nursing Informatics Officer) del Dipartimento Tecnologie. Le interviste sono state condotte in presenza e audio registrate previa autorizzazione degli intervistati. L’elaborazione dei dati e  stata condotta in modo di garantire l’anonimato. Gli infermieri esperti in wound care rilevano queste tematiche importanti: modalità richiesta e esecuzione della consulenza, contenuto della richiesta di consulenza, pianificazione del lavoro, formazione/supervisione del personale, riconoscimento del ruolo dell’esperto, garantire tempo dedicato alla consulenza. Le CNIO riportano come sia importante un lavoro di team multiprofessionale per la digitalizzazione del percorso di consulenza e la raccolta dati rispetto al processo informatizzato. Sono emersi temi fondamentali per lo sviluppo della consulenza ai pazienti in carico al Servizio Cure Domiciliari e Palliative di APSS quali la necessità di uniformare la modalità di richiesta e erogazione della consulenza, documentare l'assistenza, facilitare la continuità delle informazioni, misurare i risultati in termini di indicatori di processo e risultato. Inoltre emerge come il consulente in wound care può avere un ruolo nei percorsi di formazione, supervisione e digitalizzazione.
MELD-Na score, Acute Physiologic and Chronic Health Evaluation II score, and SOFA score and their association with mortality in critically ill COVID-19 patients with liver injury
Authors: Gomez-Paz Sandra , Lam Eric , Gonzalez-Mosquera Luis , Berookhim Brian , Mustacchia Paul , Fogel Joshua , Rubinstein Sofia
Published: December 2022

Background:

The Acute Physiologic and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE-II), Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA), and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease modified for Sodium concentration (MELD-Na) scores are validated to predict disease mortality. We studied the prognostic utility of these scoring systems in critically ill coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients with liver injury.

Methods:

This was a retrospective study of 291 confirmed COVID-19 and liver injury patients requiring intensive care unit level of care. These patients required supplemental oxygen requirement with fraction of inspired oxygen >55% and/or the use of vasopressor. MELD-Na, SOFA, and APACHE-II scores were adjusted. Outcomes were mortality and length of stay (LOS).

Results:

SOFA (odds ratio: 0.78, 95% confidence interval: 0.63–0.98, P < 0.05) was associated with decreased odds for mortality. APACHE-II and MELD-Na were not associated with mortality or LOS.

Conclusions:

We suggest that the novel nature of COVID-19 necessitates new scoring systems to predict outcomes in critically ill COVID-19 patients with liver injury.
Early onset delirium incidence and risk factors in hematology oncology patients admitted to the intensive care unit
Authors: Klosko Rachel C. , Arnold Joshua R. , Murphy Claire V. , Brimmer Jessica , Hagy Natalie , Exline Matthew C. , McLaughlin Eric , Elefritz Jessica L.
Published: December 2022

Background:

Delirium occurs frequently in intensive care unit (ICU) patients; however, there are limited data evaluating its impact on critically ill hematology-oncology patients. We aimed to determine the incidence and risk factors for early-onset delirium development in hematology-oncology patients admitted to the ICU.

Methods:

This single-center, retrospective cohort study evaluated the primary outcome of incident delirium within 7 days of ICU admission in adults admitted to the hematology-oncology medical or surgical ICU. Patients with delirium (DEL) were compared to those without (No-DEL) for evaluation of secondary endpoints including hospital mortality, ICU, and hospital length of stay (LOS). Multivariable logistic regression modeling was performed to identify independent risk factors for delirium.

Results:

Delirium occurred in 125 (51.2%) of 244 patients. Inhospital mortality was significantly higher in the DEL vs. No-DEL group (32.8% vs. 15.1%, P = 0.002). Median (1st and 3rd quartiles) ICU and hospital LOS were significantly longer in the delirium group, respectively (6 [4–10] days vs. 3 [2–5] days, P < 0.001, and 21 [14–36] days vs. 12 [8–22] days, P < 0.001). Higher Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score, high-dose corticosteroids, mechanical ventilation (MV), and brain metastases were each independently, associated with an increased delirium risk.

Conclusion:

Hematology-oncology patients admitted to the ICU frequently develop delirium. Consistent with literature in nonhematology-oncology critically ill patients, identified independent risk factors for delirium were MV and organ dysfunction. Risk factors unique to the critically ill hematology-oncology patient population include high-dose corticosteroids and brain metastases. Further research is needed to evaluate strategies to mitigate delirium development in this population based on risk assessment.
Prognosis and sequelae of severe COVID-19 patients after 6 months of hospital discharge
Authors: Shirasu Daiki , Shinozaki Masahiro , Iino Tatsuhiko , Kaji Arito
Published: December 2022

Background:

We investigated the prognosis, sequelae, and related factors of severe coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patients who required invasive mechanical ventilation 6 months after discharge from the hospital.

Methods:

COVID-19 patients admitted to Kishiwada Tokusyukai Hospital between April 1, 2020, and May 31, 2021, and treated with an invasive mechanical ventilator were included in this study. We conducted a telephone visit 6 months after discharge to confirm survival and asked questions about sequelae.

Results:

The mortality rate 6 months after discharge was 7.4%. Tracheostomy (odds ratio [OR], 0.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.003–0.26), high Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score (16.0 [interquartile range [IQR], 11.5–17.2] vs. 11.0 [IQR, 8.0–14.0]), prolonged hospital stay (17.0 [IQR, 12.7–24.5] vs. 10.0 [IQR, 8.0–13.0]), and prolonged ventilation duration (12.5 [IQR, 10.7–20.0] vs. 8.0 [IQR, 6.0–11.0]) were associated with the risk of death. Moreover, 49% of the patients had residual disability. The most common sequelae were hoarseness, respiratory distress on exertion (31% of symptomatic patients), and muscle weakness (22%). The prone positioning therapy (OR, 5.55; 95% CI, 1.35–32.97) was associated with hoarseness, and the use of muscle relaxants (OR, infinity; 95% CI, 1.14–infinity) was a risk factor for muscle weakness.

Conclusion:

Although the mortality rate after the acute phase of COVID-19 was not high, many patients experienced sequelae. Careful treatment should be continued after the end of acute treatment for patients with prolonged respiratory failure due to COVID-19. Muscle relaxants and prone positioning therapy may cause sequelae and should be performed carefully.
Pulmonary embolism in patients with severe COVID-19 treated with systemic low-dose thrombolytic therapy
Authors: Aribawa I Gusti Ngurah Mahaalit , Ryalino Christopher , Pradhana Adinda Putra , Dewi Putu Utami , Sinardja Cyndiana Widia Dewi , Mulyantari Ni Kadek
Published: December 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been associated with respiratory failure and high mortality. Hypercoagulability and thromboembolic complications have been found in a high percentage of patients amongst which, pulmonary embolism (PE) is the most common. Currently, there are no guidelines on using thrombolysis therapy in COVID-19 patients who developed PE. We present five survivors aged 30–75 years old with confirmed COVID-19. All cases were proven by computed tomography pulmonary angiogram (CTPA) to have PE treated with low-dose recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA). PE should be suspected in all COVID-19 patients with rapid worsening of dyspnea, desaturation, unexplained shock, and increased level of D-dimer and fibrinogen. In our cases, PE developed despite preventative anticoagulation regimens with low molecular weight heparin. After thrombolytic therapy, all patients showed improvement in partial-arterial-oxygen-pressure to inspired oxygen-fraction ratio (arterial partial pressure of oxygen/inspired oxygen fraction ratio). D-dimer showed elevation after thrombolytic therapy and decreased in the following days. Fibrinogen levels decreased following thrombolytic therapy. Current anticoagulation regimens seem insufficient to halt the course of thrombosis, and thrombolytic therapy may be beneficial for patients with severe COVID-19 and PE. Systemic thrombolysis therapy is a double-edged sword, and clinicians must balance between benefit and risk of bleeding.
Identifying Predictors of Workplace Violence Against Healthcare Professionals
Authors: Kumari Archana , Ranjan Piyush , Sarkar Siddharth , Chopra Sakshi , Kaur Tanveer , Baitha Upendra
Published: December 2022

Understanding the predictors of workplace violence amongst healthcare professionals is important to develop and implement prevention and mitigation strategies. We conducted a systematic review to synthesize the recent evidence on predictors of workplace violence across healthcare settings. The review has been done as per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Two electronic databases (PubMed and Google Scholar) were used to search peer-reviewed studies published for the year 2009-2020 to identify studies reporting predictors of workplace violence. The significant predictors were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as proportions in most of the studies and some studies used inferential statistics such as logistic regression analysis, Chi-square test, ANOVA and Student's t-test. A total of 46 studies were identified and overall evidence was graded using an adapted GRADE approach. Some of the moderate quality predictors associated with workplace violence were the patient with a history of mental health disease, psychiatric setting, professional's gender and work experience and evening shift workers. Being a nurse was the only high-quality predictor. Healthcare professionals and administration can identify the predictors relevant to their setting to mitigate episodes of violence against healthcare personnel.
Explaining the Challenges of Coping with Coronavirus Crisis in the Workplaces
Authors: Tajvar Abdolhamid , Hosseini Zahra , Farahbakhsh Mohammadreza , Fakherpour Anahita , Homayuni Atefeh
Published: December 2022

Background:

Workplaces play a highly important role in controlling or spreading the prevalence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Therefore, the lack of proper implementation of hygienic protocols in these environments might increase the risk of getting infected with the COVID-19 among the employees, following the increase of the COVID-19 at the family and community levels. This qualitative study aims to explain the challenges of coping with the coronavirus crisis in the workplaces.

Methods:

The present qualitative study was conducted with a conventional content analysis approach. We used purposeful sampling with maximum diversity in terms of working processes. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Interviews were performed to the point of information saturation. MAXQDA software version 10 was used for data management.

Results:

Through the content analysis of the interviews with the participants, we identified two main classes and nine sub-classes. The main classes included intra-organizational challenges (job nature, budget allocation problems, individual factors, disorganization, manpower and equipment, lack of commitment, and insufficient support of managers) and extra-organizational challenges (lack of accessibility to valid information, black market, and inter-sectorial coordination problems).

Conclusion:

The study findings indicated that organizations and industries face numerous internal and external challenges in coping with the COVID-19 pandemic. Paying attention to the mentioned limitations and attempting to eliminate them, especially by the governmental organizations, employers, and managers, could help in effectively confronting the COVID-19 pandemic.
Driving Fine and its Relationship with Dangerous Driving Behaviour Among Heavy Vehicle Drivers
Authors: Kashani Masoud Motalebi , Akbari Hossein , Saberi Hamidreza , Ghorbanipour Reihaneh , Karamali Fahimeh
Published: December 2022

Context:

There is a significant difference between actual and existing statistics of traffic fines; since some invisible fines and most of the visible traffic violations cannot be recorded by traffic officers. Therefore, dealing with driving fines and road fatalities is considered an important issue in social and public management worldwide.

Aims:

Explore the factors associated with unsafe behaviors and getting traffic fines among a sample of Iranian heavy-vehicle professional drivers.

Settings and Design:

The present cross-sectional study was conducted in Iran, from February 2019 to September 2020.

Methods and Material:

This study used the driver behavior questionnaire (DBQ), demographic and driving characteristics, the number of fines, and structural equation modeling. Also, in this study 320 professional drivers participated.

Statistical Analysis Used:

This article used structural equation modeling for Statistical analysis.

Results:

The results of structural equation modeling analysis indicated that the data fit well with the theoretical model proposed in this study. The number of fines was directly predicted by both demographic and driving characteristics and risky driving behaviors. A significant relationship was observed between, driving hours, driving experience, and smoking, respectively, with a mistake, slip, and risky violation. There was a negative correlation between education and all four sub-scales of risky driving behaviors.

Conclusions:

In order to reduce traffic fines, training courses on increasing attention and precision in drivers' observations and judgments are useful. The courses can decrease traffic violations by trying to change beliefs, attitudes, and social norms. It is therefore helpful to understand the ways to change the drivers' attitudes.
Association of clinical factors with socio-occupational functioning among individuals with schizophrenia
Authors: Kumari Sunita , Dahuja Shrishti , Singh Upendra
Published: December 2022

Background:

Schizophrenia is assumed to be developing into a marked disability affecting performances in educational and vocational fields for both males and females. It is a psychiatric disorder that has been proven to be associated with poor occupational skills and functioning. This research aimed at studying the clinical correlates of socio-occupational functioning skills of persons with schizophrenia as per the ICD-10, DCR criteria.

Materials and Methods:

The is a cross-sectional descriptive study that included 200 participants diagnosed with schizophrenia, in which sociode mographic and clinical data sheet and Socio-occupational Functioning Scale (SOFS) by Saraswat et al. were used.

Results:

Mean age of the participants was 34 years, with onset of illness being 24 years of age. The results indicated significant correlation at 0.05 level between the total score of SOFS and age of onset and duration of illness.

Conclusion:

It can be concluded that for a better treatment outcome in a disorder like schizophrenia, bio-psychosocial model of treatment is necessary.