bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PENERAPAN ISLAMIC MARKETING STRATEGY DAN ISLAMIC HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT DI UB. SURYA MADIUN
Authors: Fauziah Nur
Published: November 2021

Surya Madiun is a company engaged in the retail sector, namely minimarkets that provide basic daily needs. At UB. Surya Madiun in implementing the company's activities uses a sharia-based marketing strategy system and Islamic Human Resource Management to improve the quality of the company. This research was conducted to find out how the implementation of Islamic Marketing Strategy and Islamic Human Resource Management in UB. Surya Madison. In this analysis, qualitative data analysis method is used, namely by interviewing parties from UB. Surya Madison. In field research procedures that produce descriptive data, in the form of written or oral data from the people or observed behavior. Therefore, in this study, every symptom related to Islamic Marketing Strategy and Islamic Human Resource Management in UB. Surya Madiun will be thoroughly researched and endeavored to give meaning to every phenomenon found.

Surya Madiun adalah sebuah perusahaan yang bergerak di bidang peretailan, yaitu minimarket yang menyediakan kebutuhan pokok sehari-hari. Di UB. Surya Madiun dalam pelaksanaan kegiatan perusahaan menggunakan sistem strategi pemasaran berbasis syariah serta Manajemen Sumber Daya Manusia yang Islami guna peningkatan kualitas perusahaan. Penelitian ini dilakukan guna mengetahui bagaimana penerapan Islamic Marketing Strategy dan Islamic Human Resource Management di UB. Surya Madiun. Dalam analisis ini menggunakan metode analisis data kualitatif, yaitu dengan cara mewawancarai pihak dari UB. Surya Madiun. Dalam prosedur penelitian lapangan yang menghasilkan data deskriptif, berupa data tertulis atau lisan dari orang-orang atau perilaku yang diamati. Oleh karena itu dalam penelitian ini dari setiap gejala yang terkait dengan Islamic Marketing Strategy dan Islamic Human Resource Management di UB. Surya Madiun akan diteliti secara menyeluruh serta diupayakan untuk memberikan makna dalam setiap fenomena yang ditemukan.
Experimental Investigation On Hydrate Dissociation in Near-Wellbore Region Caused By Invasion of Drilling Fluid: Ultrasonic Measurement and Analysis
Authors: Li Qingchao , Cheng Yuanfang , Ansari Ubedullah , Han Ying , Liu Xiao , Yan Chuanliang
Published: November 2021

As we all know, development and utilization of clean energy is the only way for society to achieve sustainable development. Although natural gas hydrates is a new type of clean energy, uncontrollable hydrate dissociation and accompanying methane leakage in drilling operation threaten drilling safety and marine environment. However, dissociation range of natural gas hydrates around wellbore can't be reasonably and clearly determined in previous investigations, which may lead to the inaccurate estimation of borehole collapse and methane leakage. Then, the marine environment will be greatly damaged or affected. The purpose of the present work is to experimentally explore the dissociation characteristics of natural gas hydrates around wellbore in drilling operation, and analyze the influence law and mechanism of various factors on hydrate dissociation. It is expected to provide reference for exploring effective engineering measures to avoid the uncontrolled hydrate dissociation, borehole collapse and accompanying methane leakage. The experimental results demonstrate that acoustic velocity of hydrate-bearing sediment can be accurately expressed as quadratic polynomial of hydrate saturation, which is the theoretical basis for determination of hydrate saturation in subsequent experiments. Owing to the fact that hydrate dissociation is an endothermic reaction, hydrate dissociation gradually slows down in experiment. Throughout the experiment, the maximum dissociation rate at the beginning of the experiment is 8.69 times that at the end of the experiment. In addition, sensitivity analysis found that the increase of stabilizer concentration in drilling fluid can inhibit hydrate dissociation more than the increase in hydrate saturation. Hydrate dissociation was completely inhibited when the concentration of soybean lecithin exceeds 0.60wt%, but hydrate dissociation definitely occurs in the near-wellbore region no matter what hydrate saturation is. In this way, based on the requirements of drilling safety and environment protection, hydrate dissociation and accompanying methane leakage can be controlled by designing and adjusting the stabilizer concentration in drilling fluid.
Research of Technology For Production Deformed Semi-Finished Products From Chip Waste of Aluminum Alloys And Study Properties of The Obtained Products
Authors: Sidelnikov Sergey Borisovich , Zagirov Nikolay Nikolaevich , Loginov Yuri Nikolaevich , Ivanov Evgeniy Vladimirovich , Voroshilov Denis Sergeevich , Lopatina Ekaterina Sergeevna , Konstantinov Igor Lazarevich , Mansurov Yulbarskhon Nabievich , Galiev Roman Ilsurovich , Ber Vladimir Ivanovich , Voroshilova Marina Vladimirovna , Zagirova Elena Vladimirovna
Published: November 2021

The results of studies of some methods of obtaining longish deformed semi-finished products in the form of rods and wires from chips of aluminum alloys 6063 and AlSi12 excluding the melting process during their implementation are presented. At the same time, the main methods used powder metallurgy (briquetting), metal forming (extrusion and drawing), and heat treatment (annealing). Using the developed general technological scheme of thermal deformation processing of chip waste from aluminum alloys, experimental studies of the technology of production of longish deformed semi-finished products from high-quality chips of alloys 6063 and AlSi12 have been carried out. The mechanical properties of metal obtained from shavings of experimental alloys of briquettes, rods, and wires were determined. The change in the structure of semi-finished products at all technological stages of processing was investigated. Computer simulation has been carried out, according to the results of which the regularities of temperature change, degree of deformation, and relative density in the volume of the deformation zone for semi-finished products obtained by the method of combined rolling-extrusion of a porous billet from briquette chips of 6063 alloy. As well as the degree of deformation, average normal and tangential stresses in the zone have been established. Deformation depends on the conditions of contact friction when drawing a wire from this alloy. Using the results of computer simulation, the proposed routes for drawing wire from extruded rods of chips of 6063 and AlSi12 alloys were experimentally tested and with their help, experimental batches of products were obtained for various industrial purposes.
Will environmental information disclosure affect bank credit decisions and corporate debt financing costs? Evidence from China's heavily polluting industries
Authors: Du Mo , Chai Shanglei , Wei Wei , Wang Shuqi , Li Zhilong
Published: November 2021

In the context of green finance, whether listed companies in heavily polluting industries can convert the external pressure of environmental information disclosure into internal motivation is critical to achieving environmental governance goals. This paper selects 946 listed companies of 16 heavily polluting industries in the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock markets as samples to explore whether environmental information disclosure can help companies increase bank credit support and reduce debt financing costs to transform their external pressures into internal motivation. The empirical results show that there is a significant positive correlation between environmental information disclosure and bank credit decisions. From the perspective of financing scale, heavily polluting companies have the inherent motivation to disclose environmental information actively and proactively to obtain more credit support. There is no significant relationship between the corporate debt financing cost and environmental information disclosure. This paper puts forward some critical policy suggestions for government decision makers, heavily polluting enterprises and financial institutions.
The Effects of the Functional Garment on the Biomechanics During the Single Leg Drop Landing.
Authors: Kudo Shintarou , Yamamoto Ayane , Katayama Sho , Miyashita Toshinori , Takasaki Raita
Published: November 2021

Background: Female athletes with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury should decrease both dynamic valgus of the knee and related kinematics of the lower limb during single leg drop landing (SLDL). A functional biomechanics garment (FBG) may help prevent injury by improved kinematics during motion. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the FBG on the biomechanics of SLDL.Methods: Seventeen female university basketball players participated in this study. Characteristics of the FBG were designed based on biomechanics during weight-loaded performance of human movement such as gait, running, and jumping. Lower limb kinematic and kinetic data were calculated using a three-dimensional motion analysis system during a SLDL task with and without the FBG. The hip, knee, and ankle angles and joint moments were automatically calculated from the standard plug-in gait lower body model. The average values of lower limb kinematics and kinetics in the sagittal and frontal planes from 3 SLDL with and without FBG were measured and compared.Results: The maximum varus angle of the knee showed a significant difference between with FBG (15.3±15.1 degrees) and without FBG (5.9±15.4 degrees). (p<0.01; effect size 0.6) Conclusion: Use of the FBG decreases dynamic knee valgus, which reduces risk of knee injury. The FBG can reduce dynamic knee valgus during SLDL in athletic rehabilitation and to play a role in the prevention of knee injury.
“I feel like it is asking if he is a stalker… But I also feel like it is asking if he cares”: Exploring South African Youth’s Perceptions of the Sexual Relationship Power Scale
Authors: Closson Kalysha , Zharima Campion , Kuchena Michelle , Dietrich Janan J. , Gadermann Anne , Ogilvie Gina , Beksinska Mags , Kaida Angela
Published: November 2021

Background: Gender inequity and the subsequent health impacts disproportionately affect communities in the Global South. However, most gender equity measures, such as Pulerwitz’ (2000) Sexual Relationship Power Scale (SRPS), are developed and validated in the Global North and then applied in Global South settings without investigation of context applicability or validity. This study examines the SRPS’ validity evidence, comprehensiveness and contemporary relevance for young South African women and men. Methods: Between 2019-2021, 38 cognitive interviews (CIs) were conducted among previous participants of a South African youth cohort study ‘AYAZAZI’ (2015-2017) to explore youth’s perceptions of the SRPS. The SRPS measures women’s perceptions of their partner’s controlling behaviours, and men’s perceptions of their own controlling behaviours. Using CIs, participants responded to a 13-item South African youth SRPS (Strongly Agree-Strongly Disagree), and then were asked to think-aloud their reasoning for responses, their understanding and perceived relevance of each item, and made overall suggestions for scale adaptations. An item appraisal coding process was applied, whereby Cognitive Coding assessed the types of cognitive problems youth had with understanding the items, and Question Feature Coding assessed which item features caused problems for participant understandings. Finally, youth recommendations for scale adaptations were summarized. Results: Overall, 21 women and 17 men aged 21-30 participated in CIs in Durban and Soweto, South Africa. Cognitive Coding revealed 1. Comprehension issues, and 2. judgements related to items’ applicability to lived experiences and identities (e.g., being unmarried). Question Feature Coding revealed items’ 1. Lack of clarity or vagueness in wording and 2. logical problems in assumptions leading to multiple interpretations (e.g., item ‘does your partner always need to know where you are’ interpreted as both controlling and caring behaviour). Multiple, overlapping issues revealed how many items failed to “fit” within the present-day living realities of South African youth. Youth recommended several item adaptations and additions, including strength-based items, to existing measures of gender equity and power. Conclusion: Given identified issues, several adaptations including revising items to be more inclusive, contemporary, context specific, and strength-based are needed to validly measure gender equity and power dynamics within the relationships of South African youth.
An Efficient multi-level Pre-processing Algorithm for the Enhancement of Dermoscopy images in Melanoma detection
Authors: D JEBA DERWIN , O JEBA SINGH , B PRIESTLY SHAN
Published: November 2021

In this paper, a multi-level algorithm for Pre-processing of dermoscopy images is proposed, which helps in improving the quality of the raw images, making it suitable for skin lesion detection. This multi-level pre-processing method has a positive impact on automated skin lesion segmentation using Regularized Extreme Learning Machine. Raw images are subjected to de-noising, illumination correction, contrast enhancement, sharpening, reflection removal and virtual shaving before the skin lesion segmentation. The NLM filter with lowest BRISQUE score exhibits better de-noising of dermoscopy images. To suppress uneven illumination, gamma correction is subjected to the de-noised image. RICE algorithm is used for contrast enhancement, produces enhanced images with better structural preservation and negligible loss of information. Unsharp Masking for sharpening exhibits low BRISQUE scores for better sharpening of fine details in an image. Output images produced by the phase-congruency based method in virtual shaving shows high similarity with groundtruth images as the hair is removed completely from the input images. Obtained scores at each stage of pre-processing framework shows that, the performance is superior compared to all the existing methods, both qualitatively and quantitatively, in terms of uniform contrast, preservation of information content, removal of undesired information and elimination of artifacts in melanoma images. Output of proposed system is assessed qualitatively and quantitatively with and without pre-processing of dermoscopy images. From the overall evaluation results it is found that, the segmentation of skin lesion is more efficient using Regularized Extreme Learning Machine if the multi-level pre-processing steps are used in proper sequence.
Stem Cells Micro-transplantation in Elderly Patients Aged Over 70 With Acute Myeloid Leukemia: a Multicenter, Prospective, Non-interventional Study
Authors: hu kaixun , Guo Mei , Yu Chang-Lin , Qiao Jian-Hui , Sun Qi-Yun , Cai Bo , zuo hongli , Huang Ya-Jing , Zhan Xingrong , Shen Xu-liang , Fan Chuan-bao , Dong Zheng , Ai Hui-Sheng , Wang Yi , Tu Xiao-nian , zheng zhongzheng
Published: November 2021

BackgroundThe treatment outcomes of elderly patients aged over 70 with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have been very disappointing. In comparison, our designed HLA-mismatched hematopoietic stem cell micro-transplantation (MST) has achieved such encouraging treatment results in AML patients as might warrant further investigations of the outcomes of MST for the above mentioned patients. MethodsOne hundred and eleven patients aged 70-88 years were enrolled. Eighty patients were assigned to the high-risk MST or standard MST group according to high-risk prognostic factors. The other thirty-one patients were assigned to either the chemotherapy group or support group. After receiving induction chemotherapy with cytarabine and anthracycline, patients who achieved complete remission (CR) were given another 2 cycles of post-remission therapy with cytarabine. Each chemotherapy regimen was followed by donor stem cell infusion in the MST groups. ResultMST achieved an encouragingly high CR rate in patients (63.8%), even in high-risk patients (54%). It was significantly higher than that in the chemotherapy alone group. The 1-year overall survival (OS) of MST patients was 57.7% and was 68.6% in the high-risk and standard group, respectively, whereas the OS was only 37.3% in the chemotherapy group. The severe infection rate was 36% and 54% in MST and chemotherapy group. No GVHD was observed in MST patients. A larger updated T cell clones was observed in MST patients by T cell receptor repertoire analysis with a Next Generation Sequencing methodology. ConclusionsThese results suggested that MST is a safe and practical treatment regimen conducive to a longer-term survival for AML patients at a highly advanced age.
Detection of Subclinical Keratoconus Using a Novel Combined Tomographic and Biomechanical Model Based on an Automated Decision Tree
Authors: Song Peng , Ren Shengwei , Liu Yu , Li Pei , Zeng Qingyan
Published: November 2021

The aim of this study was to develop a predictive model for subclinical keratoconus (SKC) based on decision tree (DT) algorithms. A total of 194 eyes (including 105 normal eyes and 89 SKC) were included in the double-center retrospective study. Data were separately used for training and validation databases. The baseline variables were derived from tomography and biomechanical imaging. DT models were generated in the training database using Chi-square automatic interaction detection (CHAID) and classification and regression tree (CART) algorithms. The discriminating rules of the CART model selected variables of the Belin/Ambrósio deviation (BAD-D), stiffness parameter at first applanation (SPA1), back eccentricity (Becc), and maximum pachymetric progression index in order, while the CHAID model selected BAD-D, deformation amplitude ratio, SPA1, and Becc. The CART model allowed discrimination between normal and SKC eyes with 92.2% accuracy, which was higher than that of the CHAID model (88.3%), BAD-D (82.0%), Corvis biomechanical index (CBI, 77.3%), and tomographic and biomechanical index (TBI, 78.1%). The discriminating performance of the CART model was validated with 92.4% accuracy, while the CHAID model was validated with 86.4% accuracy in the validation database. Thus, the CART model using tomography and biomechanical imaging was an excellent model for SKC screening and provided easy-to-understand discriminating rules.
Early prediction of COVID-19 patient survival by targeted plasma multi-omics and machine learning
Authors: Borchers Christoph , Richard Vincent , Gaither Claudia , Popp Robert , Chaplygina Daria , Brzhozovskiy Alexander , Kononikhin Alexey , Zahedi René , Nikolaev Evgeny
Published: November 2021

The recent surge of COVID-19 hospitalizations severely challenges healthcare systems around the globe and demands for reliable tests predictive of disease severity and mortality. Using multiplexed targeted mass spectrometry assays on a robust triple quadrupole MS setup which is available in many clinical laboratories, we determined the precise concentrations of 100s of proteins and metabolites in plasma from hospitalized COVID-19 patients. We observed a clear distinction between COVID-19 patients and controls and, strikingly, a significant difference between survivors and non-survivors. With increasing length of hospitalization, the survivors’ samples showed a trend towards normal concentrations, indicating a potential sensitive readout of treatment success. Building a machine learning multi-omic model that considers the concentrations of ten proteins and five metabolites we could predict patient survival with 92% accuracy (AUC 0.97) at the day of hospitalization. Hence, our standardized assays represent a unique opportunity for the early stratification of hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
Spatial Distribution of Rotavirus Immunization Coverage in Ethiopia
Authors: Atalell Kendalem Asmare , Alene Kefyalew , Liyew Alemneh Mekuriaw
Published: November 2021

Introduction:
Rotavirus immunization prevents severe diarrheal diseases in children, but vaccination coverage is still far from desired targets in many African countries including Ethiopia. Measuring rotavirus immunization coverage at a lower geographic area can provide information for designing and implementing a targeted immunization campaign. This study aimed to investigate the spatial distributions of rotavirus immunizations coverage in Ethiopia.
Methods
Rotavirus immunization coverage data were obtained from the Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) 2019. Covariate data were assembled from different publicly available sources. A Bayesian geostatistic model was used to estimate the national rotavirus immunization coverage at a pixel level and to identify factors associated with the spatial clustering of immunization coverages.
Result
The national rotavirus immunization coverage in Ethiopia was 52.3% (95% CI: 50.3, 54.3). The immunization coverage varied substantially at the sub-national level with spatial clustering of low immunization coverage observed in the Eastern, Southeastern, and Northeastern parts of Ethiopia. The spatial clustering of the rotavirus immunization coverage was positively associated with altitude of the area (mean regression coefficient (β): 0.38; 95% credible interval (95% CrI): 0.18, 0.58) and negatively associated with travel time to the nearest cities in minutes (mean regression coefficient (β): -0.45; 95% credible interval (95% CrI): (-0.73, -0.18) and distance to the nearest health facilities (mean regression coefficient (β): -0.72; 95% credible interval (95% CrI): (-1.07, -0.37).
Conclusions
This study found that the rotavirus immunization coverage varied substantially at sub-national and local levels in Ethiopia. The spatial clustering of rotavirus immunization coverage was associated with geographic and healthcare access factors such as altitude, distance to health facilities, and travel time to the nearest cities. The immunization program should be strengthened in Ethiopia, especially in the Eastern, Southeastern, and Northeastern parts of the Country. Outreach immunizations services should be also implemented in areas with low coverage.
Intermediate-dose cytarabine is an effective therapy for adults with non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis
Authors: Liu Ting , Cai Hua-cong , Cai Hao , Chen Miao , Zhang Wei , Li Jian , Zhou Dao-bin , Cao Xin-xin
Published: November 2021

Background
Non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis, including Erdheim–Chester disease (ECD), Rosai–Dorfman disease (RDD), indeterminate cell histiocytosis (ICH), and unclassified histiocytosis, is a rare disorder lacking a standard treatment strategy. We report our experience using intermediate-dose cytarabine as the first or subsequent therapy in non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis.
Results
Eight ECD patients, 5 RDD patients, 1 ICH patient and 1 unclassified histiocytosis patient were enrolled. Intermediate-dose cytarabine therapy was administered as 0.5-1.0 mg/m2 of intravenous cytarabine every 12 hours for 3 days every 5 weeks. The median age at cytarabine initiation was 45 years (range, 18–70 years). The median number of cycles of cytarabine administered was 6 (range, 2–6). The overall response rate (ORR) was 86.7% in the overall cohort, including 6.7% with complete response and 80.0% with partial response. All patients (n=10) with CNS involvement achieved disease improvements. One patient experienced disease recurrence 19 months after cytarabine therapy. The median follow-up duration for the entire cohort was 12 months (range, 4-61 months). The 1-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were 85.6% and 92.3%, respectively. The most common toxicity was haematological adverse events, including grade 4 neutropenia and grade 3-4 thrombocytopenia. No treatment-related deaths occurred.
Conclusions
Intermediate-dose cytarabine is a cost-effective treatment option for non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis patients, especially for those with CNS involvement.
AVE0991 Promotes Neuroprotection via Mas/ERK/mPTP Pathway in α-Synuclein A53T Transgenic Mice
Authors: Ou Zhou , Xue Jun Liu , Xu Gui Fu , Yi Yan Hong , Yang Xiu , Wei Ming , Wang Jun Li , zheng Long jing , Tong Qiang
Published: November 2021

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative movement diseases featured by selective loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons within the striatum and substantia nigra (SN). Accumulating evidence have indicated that angiotensin-(1-7) (Ang-(1-7)) prevents neuronal damage by binding to its specific receptor Mas in PD. To date, the underlying mechanisms is not known thus far. In the present study, by using α-synuclein A53T transgenic mice (A53T mice), we showed that the neuronal apoptosis in the SN of A53T mice may be attributed to a decrease in Ang-(1-7) levels. Additionally, we revealed that AVE0991, a recently found non-peptide analogue of Ang-(1−7), ameliorated neuronal apoptosis via Mas/ERK pathway in primary DA neurons. More importantly, we provided novel evidence that this beneficial impact was dependent on the suppression of mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening. In conclusion, these findings disclose the neuroprotective impact of Ang-(1−7) in the etiology of PD, and support the application of its nonpeptide analogue AVE0991 in the therapies of this neurodegenerative disease.
Hybrid RSO Algorithm with SFLA for Scientific Workflow Scheduling in Cloud Using Clustering Techniques
Authors: M KARPAGAM
Published: November 2021

An inevitable part of the cloud computing environment is virtualization, as it can multiplex or combine many virtual machines in a single physical machine, and simultaneously an isolated environment is provided to every virtual machine. An important issue in cloud computing is workflow scheduling, which maps tasks of workflow to VMs based on various functional and non-functional requisites. Workflow scheduling is an NP-hard optimization problem and it is quite hard to achieve an optimal schedule. Metaheuristic algorithms helped in solving the problem of cloud task scheduling and this was compared to other heuristics. Reactive Search (RSO) and its structure will consist of a local heuristic based on a certain neighborhood complemented by making use of a memory-based mechanism. The Shuffled Frog Leaping Algorithm (SFLA) is based on swarm evolution that imitates information exchange divided into memeplexes when searching for food. This paper proposes a new set of optimization heuristics along with hybrid optimizations (RSO - SFLA) to solve problems in combinatorial optimization.
Medical Student Perspectives on Substance Misuse Education in the Medical Undergraduate Programme: A Grounded Theory Approach
Authors: Rudrakumar Senthan , Taylor David
Published: November 2021

BackgroundA substance misuse epidemic has been appropriately responded to in medical education. Numerous curriculum reviews and most recently a UK department of Health (DOH) project have identified deficiencies in substance misuse education whilst also suggesting an alternative curriculum to be implemented into UK medical school. The student perspective has largely been muted during this process and this study aims to explore this using a constructivist grounded theory approach.Methods Eleven Final year and intercalating medical students across three separate focus groups participated in this study. Focus groups were initially less structured with subsequent focus groups session using more guided questions. Audio recordings of focus groups were transcribed into codes and categories until data saturation was obtained. Results Medical students had a common consensus that substance misuse education was an underperforming subject in their curriculum, from limited teaching hours to curriculum design and organisational problems. Students identified an alternative curriculum is required to not only prepare students for their future clinical duties but also their own personal lives. Students highlighted this proximity to a ‘dangerous world’ where exposure to substance misuse risks were faced daily. This exposure also provided a source of informal learning experiences which students deemed as being potentially unbalanced and even dangerous. Students also identified unique barriers to curriculum change with reference to a lack of openness due to the impacts of disclosure in substance misuse. Conclusion The student perspective identifies deficiencies in substance misuse education and provides alternative curriculum approaches like that discussed in current curriculum reviews and projects. The student perspective however provides a unique look at how substance misuse pervades into their own lives and how informal learning is a largely underestimated source of learning with more dangers than benefits. This together with the identification of unique barriers to curriculum change and substance misuse being a ubiquitous problem, medical faculties should work together with students themselves to drive curriculum change forward at a local level.
A Controlled Material Flow Forming Mechanism of Curve Cutter Forging in The Hot Impression Forging of The Medical Instrument
Authors: Fuh Yiin-Kuen , Chen Chi-Peng , Wu Wei-Li , Ho Ming-Shiou , Tzeng Ching-Shiang
Published: November 2021

In this study, a forming process during producing medical surgery curve cutter stapler would be tentatively as well as numerically investigated and validated by the simulations. The reasons for the investigation are to find the critical technology of the forming process and to understand this medical tool head forming within the forming process associated with medical surgery curve cutter stapler and improve the traditionally forming process. Moreover, to understand the medical tool head forming, the novel forging process, and the parting line approach are offered and simulated by the FE software QForm, the method data on the medical tool head forging are investigated and compared with the experimental analysis. According to the outcomes of the simulations, the distributions of the forming process, some parameters have been gotten to explain and improve these microscopic phenomena. The precision of the numerical patterns has been confirmed by comparing them with the test dimensions. The offered revised model from the forming preform has been submitted to achieve an alike forging condition when reducing manufacturing cost After the improved method, measure the shrinkage width of the workpiece. Compared with the product of the traditional process, the widest area is 6.37mm shrink to 6.29mm. The shrinkage is about 1%. Compared with the previous result is 5%, the improvement plan has been optimized the outcomes very much.
Physical Activity Improves Outcomes of Combined Lenvatinib Plus Anti-PD-1 Therapy In Patients With Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Liu Xue-Feng , Zhu Xiao-Dong , Feng Long-Hai , Li Xiao-Long , Xu Bin , Li Kang-Shuai , Xiao Nan , Lei Ming , Sun Hui-Chuan , Tang Zhao-You
Published: November 2021

Background: Adaptive resistance is one of the major hinderances for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with lenvatinib and anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (anti-PD-1) therapy. Physical activity is known to have anti-cancer effects, including immunomodulatory actions, influencing patients’ outcomes. This study investigated the hypothesis that physical activity synergizes with combined lenvatinib plus anti-PD-1 therapy to enhance efficacy in patients with unresectable HCC.Methods: The physical activity levels of patients with unresectable HCC treated with combination therapy using lenvatinib plus anti-PD-1 antibodies were recorded by questionnaire. Patients were categorized according to physical activity levels (active vs. sedentary). The primary outcome was overall survival (OS), analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method with a log-rank test. Secondary outcomes included objective response rate (ORR) and progression-free survival (PFS). Factors associated with survival and ORR were analyzed using regression analyses. A subcutaneous syngeneic HCC model was generated in C57BL/6 mice. Mice were randomized to receive placebo, combined lenvatinib plus anti-PD-1 antibodies or combination therapy plus physical activity. Tumors were measured every 3 days and harvested for immunohistochemistry analysis at 20 mm maximum diameter. Results: Fifty-nine patients with unresectable HCC were categorized to active (n=28) or sedentary (n=31) groups. The active group had higher albumin and des-γ-carboxy prothrombin levels and lower hepatitis B virus load at baseline; other clinical and oncologic characteristics were comparable between the two groups. Patients in the active group had significantly longer OS (HR = 0.220, 95% CI, 0.060-0.799) and PFS (HR = 0.158, 95% CI, 0.044-0.562) and higher ORR (OR = 4.571, 95% CI, 1.482-14.102) than patients in the sedentary group. Regular physical activity was independently associated with OS, PFS and ORR. The mouse model showed that physical activity significantly suppressed tumor growth and prolonged survival of tumor-bearing mice. Furthermore, physical activity inhibited Treg cell infiltration and immune checkpoint expression (including CTLA4, TIGIT and TIM3) induced by long-term combined lenvatinib plus anti-PD-1 therapy, improving efficacy. Conclusions: Regular physical activity was associated with improved outcomes in patients receiving combined lenvatinib plus anti-PD-1 therapy for unresectable HCC. Physical activity may improve therapeutic efficacy by reprograming the tumor microenvironment from an immunosuppressive to immunostimulatory phenotype.
A method based on circumferential strain distribution for roller path design in conventional spinning of thin-walled conical part with curved surface
Authors: Wang Yongdi , Li Hongwei , Gao Pengfei , Zhan Mei , Yan Xinggang , Niu Haotong
Published: November 2021

Multi-pass conventional spinning is the preferable forming technology for the forming of thin-walled conical part with curved surface (TCPCS) in aerospace field. In multi-pass conventional spinning, the design of roller path is a critical problem due to its sensitive effect on the deformation mode and forming defect during spinning process. However, at present, the roller path is still mainly designed based on experience and trial-and-error, which seriously restricts the high-performance spinning of TCPCS. In this work, a new quantitative method based on circumferential strain distribution was developed for the roller path design in multi-pass conventional spinning of TCPCS. In this method, the total required circumferential strain for the forming of final TCPCS by conventional spinning was firstly determined. Then, the spinning passes number were obtained through dividing the total required circumferential strain by the ultimate circumferential strain producing the spinning instability ( ε θult ). As for the roller path profile in each pass, it is divided into two sections and determined respectively, i.e. the attaching mandrel section and the performing section. The attaching mandrel section presents the same profile of mandrel. The profile of preforming section is determined point-by-point by distributing the rest of circumferential strain { ε θni } to produce the final TCPCS. The point-by-point distributed circumferential strain is half of the { ε θni } at the initial stage until reaches the half of ε θult , then it will keep the half of ε θult to the end. The proposed new method of roller path design was validated by finite element simulation, where well spinning stability, wall thickness distribution and roundness were obtained. This method provides a quantitative, high-efficient and universal way for the roller path design in conventional spinning of TCPCS.
Mapping evidence of Universal Health Coverage in the world: a protocol for a scoping review
Authors: Endalamaw Aklilu , Gilks Charles F , Ambaw Fentie , Assefa Yibeltal
Published: November 2021

Background
Universal health coverage (UHC) is critical for improving global health and socioeconomic development. Monitoring and evaluating UHC's progress has also been suggested as an additional intervention to improve its road map. Globally, the concept of UHC is being desperately used by health care delivery systems and research institutions using a variety of indicators. More evidence is required to know what is known and the gaps are in the UHC literature that helps to identify research problems. The review will map the available researches of UHC from around the world.
Methods
The scoping review will be reported using the checklist The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). For studies reporting data on UHC and its dimensions, systematic searches will be conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and the United Nations, World Health Organization, and World Bank repositories. To present the review findings, a narrative synthesis will be performed.
Discussion
UHC is a cornerstone to achieve the health goal of UN’s by the end of 2030. The mapping of available literature towards UHC will provide evidence that will help in the designing and implementation of health policy, health research and health care services.
Conclusions
A protocol for a global scoping review of UHC research is described. This scoping review will add to the body of knowledge about UHC research. The review will identify UHC research questions for which primary research or a systematic review and meta-analysis will be conducted. This is the first review of UHC to be conducted. This review will prioritize UHC research questions in relation to the sustainable development goals.
Pronounced Enhancement in Radiosensitization of Esophagus Cancer Cultivated in Docosahexaenoic Acid Via The PPAR-γ Activation
Authors: Yang Ying , Xu Ying , Zhao Congzhao , Zhang Lirong , Nuerbol Aslibek , Wang Lili , Jiao Yang
Published: November 2021

Background: Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) has been reported to slow the tumor growth and improve prognosis, and been used to co-operate with many other chemotherapy medicines. Up to now, survey focuses on the interaction between DHA and radiation is relatively modest. Our study sought to evaluate the changes of radiosensitivity caused by DHA on esophageal cancer cells. Besides, potential mechanism and molecular are needed to be explored.Results：DHA enhanced proliferation inhibition of irradiation on esophageal cancer cells. DNA damage, especially double-strand break, induced by irradiation, was sharply increased by DHA addition. DHA accelerated G2/M phase blocking, cell apoptosis and lipid peroxidation after radiotherapy. The similar outcomings were observed in mouse xenograft tumor experiment that the malignancy substantially dismissed after the combined treatment of DHA and irradiation. Moreover, PPAR -γ was verified to increase post-treatment. Suppression of PPAR -γ would attenuate the radio sensitization triggered by DHA incompletely.Conclusion：DHA could improve radio sensitivity in esophageal squamous cancer cells in vivo and in vitro by activating PPAR -γ. Due to its explicitly usage and convenient, DHA and other PPAR -γ agonists would serve as an adjuvant therapy before radiotherapy if the clinical trials indicated positive from now on.
The Synergistic Effect of The Preceding Winter Northern Hemisphere Annular Mode and Spring Tropical North Atlantic SST On Spring Extreme Cold Events in The Mid-high Latitudes of East Asia
Authors: Wang Hao , Zheng Fei , Diao Yina , Li Jianping , Tang Xinxin , Sun Yue , Li Fei , Zhang Yazhou
Published: November 2021

In this paper, the synergistic effect of the preceding winter positive Northern Hemisphere annular mode (pNAM) and spring negative tropical North Atlantic (nTNA) sea surface temperature anomaly (SSTA) on spring extreme cold events in the mid-high latitudes of East Asia (MHEA) is investigated. The results show that the co-occurrence of the two factors is unfavorable for extreme cold events during spring in the MHEA via the snow cover and atmospheric bridges. Over the Atlantic, the spring nTNA SSTA can lead to an atmospheric response that is similar to the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), which enhances the persistence of the pNAM and in turn amplifies the negative spring Eurasian snow cover extent (EASCE) anomaly caused by the preceding winter pNAM. Meanwhile, the spring EASCE is closely related to the spring MHEA anomalous anticyclone. In addition to storing its signal in the spring EASCE, the spring nTNA SSTA can also lead to the spring MHEA anomalous anticyclone via the eastward Rossby wave train. The evidence shows that the Rossby wave energy can propagate eastward to the MHEA as a result of the enhanced negative spring EASCE anomaly and Rossby wave induced by the spring nTNA SSTA, and the two factors have an obvious synergistic effect on the spring MHEA anomalous anticyclone. This anomalous MHEA anticyclone becomes a barrier that can hinder the intrusion of cold air from the polar region and can increase the thickness of the atmospheric layer. The anomalous sinking motion of the spring MHEA anomalous anticyclone can also lead to an increase in net radiation received at the surface and increase the air temperature through the vertical motion of air. The southerly wind over the west side of the spring MHEA anomalous anticyclone leads to horizontal warm advection. All of the above processes favor an increase in air temperature and dampen extreme cold events, implying the synergistic effect of the preceding winter pNAM and spring nTNA SSTA on spring extreme cold events in the MHEA.
Did More Generous Health Insurance Improve Health Outcomes of The Elderly? Evidence From China
Authors: Shieh Jusheng , Xu Xinpeng , You Hua , Wu Qifeng
Published: November 2021

Background: Catastrophic Medical Insurance (CMI) has been piloted in China Since 2012 and gradually implemented in various regions. Most studies focus on its impact on medical economic risks, and few studies discussed the impact of CMI on health of the elderly.Methods: This study used Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) data to explore the impact of CMI on health of the elderly. Difference-in-differences (DID) and Propensity score matching-DID were employed to study the health impact of CMI. Heckman selection model was used to study the potential mechanisms.Results: We found that the implementation of CMI improved the mental health of the elderly, and the effect was limited. Moreover, the positive effect of CMI on the health of the elderly was mainly in the high-income group, and CMI had no significant effect on any health indicators of the low-income group population. The potential channel of CMI health improvement was its ability to increase hospitalization rate in the elderly. Conclusions: Therefore, the health promotion and equity of CMI deserve more attention, and the compensation level of CMI needs to be improved under the premise of sustainable and effective supervision of the fund.
Fusobacterium Nucleatum Promotes the Development of Acute Liver Failure by Inhibiting the NAD+ Salvage Metabolic Pathway
Authors: Cao Pan , Chen Qian , Shi Chunxia , Wang Luwen , Gong Zuojiong
Published: November 2021

Background: Acute liver failure (ALF) patients are often accompanied by severe energy metabolism abnormalities and intestinal microecological imbalance. The intestinal mucosal barrier is severely damaged. Intestinal endotoxin can induce intestinal endotoxemia through the "Gut-Liver axis". More and more evidence shows that members of the gut microbiota, especially Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum), are related to inflammatory bowel disease, but whether F. nucleatum is involved in the development of ALF and whether it affects the liver energy metabolism is unclear. Methods: This study first detected the abundance of F. nucleatum and its effect on ALF disease, and explored whether F. nucleatum aggravated liver inflammation in vitro and in vivo. Results: Our data showed that liver tissues of ALF patients contained different abundances of F. nucleatum, which were related to the degree of liver inflammation. In addition, we found that F. nucleatum infection affected the energy metabolism of the liver during the development of ALF, inhibited the synthesis pathway of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)'s salvage metabolism, and promoted inflammatory damage in the liver. In terms of mechanism, F. nucleatum inhibited NAD+ and the NAD+-dependent SIRT1/AMPK signaling pathway, and promoted liver damage of ALF. Conclusions: F. nucleatum coordinates a molecular network including NAD+ and SIRT1 to control the progress of ALF. Detection and targeting of F. nucleatum and its related pathways may provide valuable insights for the treatment of ALF.
Influence of cultural factors on choice of childbirth place among women in Oyigbo L.G.A. Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: OBIKA-NDIRI NGOZI AFULENU , NDIKOM CHIZOMA MILLICENT , OBIKA OGOCHUKWU IMMACULATE , ASEMINASO OMINEOKUMA TUBONEMI
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND: Choices of childbirth places among women may influence the risk rate of both maternal and newborn health and some cultural practices which encourages both maternal mortality and infant death, are still a major challenge especially in developing countries like Nigeria, cultural norms and practices during childbirth are common but little is documented about how these cultural beliefs and their influence on the women of child bearing age and their childbirth place choices. The aim of this study was to find out the prevalent cultural factors that influence the choice of childbirth places among the women of child bearing age, in Oyigbo Local Government area of Rivers State in Nigeria.METHODOLOGY: A self-structured questionnaire was used as instrument to collect data for the study through simple random sampling, and these data was analyzed using Frequency and percentage for descriptive statistics while chi-square was used for inferential statistics at 0.05 level of significance. RESULT: The result showed that mean age of the women is 35.27 and most of them had secondary education, also there was a high level of hospital/health facility adherence among the women in Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers and also there was no significant association between cultural factors and choices of childbirth places among the women.CONCLUSION: Therefore, this study has shown that there is no significant cultural influence on the choices of childbirth places of women in Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Epidemiological Characteristics of COVID-19 Deaths In China: An Analysis of Environmental Factors
Authors: Feng Xixi , Du Peipei , Li Guobao , Cao Peihua , Luo Jiaohua , Yan Xiaodong , Luo Jiawei , He Daihai , Yang Lin , Wang Xiaohui , Yang Shu , Fu Yang , Chen Yaolong
Published: November 2021

Background: As of April 2020, most of the confirmed cases outside Hubei province have been cured or confirmed dead in China. We aimed to understand environmental factors leading to COVID-19-related mortality in non-Hubei region.Methods: We collected spatial-temporal and environmental data of 99 cases of COVID-19-related deaths outside of Hubei province in Mainland China between January 22, 2020 and April 6, 2020. A descriptive analysis, including a spatial-temporal distribution of daily reported diagnosed cases and related deaths, was conducted. We analyzed the possible environmental factors that affect the provincial-level case fatality rate (CFR) of COVID-19 outside Hubei, China.Results: Among the 99 reported deaths, 59 (59.6%) were male and 40 (40.4%) were female. The mean age at death was 71.30 (SD 12.98) years and 74 deaths were among those 65 years or older. The CFR was negatively correlated with temperature (r=-0.679, P<0.001) and humidity (r=-0.607, P=0.002), while latitude was positively correlated with the CFR (r=0.636, P=0.001). There were no statistically significant associations between CFR and the social environment factors.Conclusion: Higher CFR of COVID-19 was associated with lower temperature, lower humidity, and higher latitude. Continual analysis of daily reported diagnoses and mortality data can help healthcare professionals and policy makers understand the trends within a country in order to better prepare nationwide prevention and care guidelines, along with adequately appropriate funds accordingly.