bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Feasibility Study of a Modified Treatment Strategy Combined External Beam Radiation Therapy and Brachytherapy for Cervical Cancer
Authors: Fu Qi , Li Wei , Zuo Jing , Yang Xi , Xu Yingjie , Huang Manni , An Jusheng , Jia Shuangzheng , Wu Lingying
Published: February 2022

Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility of a modified treatment strategy combined external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and brachytherapy (BT) for cervical cancer through a dosimetry analysis.Material and methods: This study retrospectively selected 12 cervical cancer patients treated with the conventional treatment strategy, which consisted of 45-50 Gy/25 fractions of EBRT using volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) and image-guided BT with fraction dose of 5-7 Gy. The modified treatment strategy decreased the central EBRT dose while increasing the BT fractions. New target volumes were additionally contoured and new VMAT EBRT plans were generated for the modified treatment strategy. The dosimetric parameters for evaluation included the doses to the most irradiated 2 cc (D2cc) of the organs at risk (OARs) and the doses to at least 90% (D90) of the gross tumor volume (GTV) and high-risk clinical target volume (HR-CTV). The total doses to OARs and targets that obtained by adding the equivalent doses in 2 Gy fraction (EQD2) from the EBRT and BT plans were used for quantitative comparison between the modified and conventional treatment strategies.Results: Comparison to the conventional treatment strategy, the modified treatment strategy resulted in a higher bladder D2cc, a slightly lower rectal D2cc and a similar HR-CTV D90, all with no significant differences (p＞0.05). The GTV D90 of the modified treatment strategy was significantly higher than that of the conventional treatment strategy (p＜0.01). Conclusion: The modified treatment strategy can significantly increase the BT dose while remaining the total doses to the bladder and rectum basically unchanged, demonstrating its feasibility and promising prospect in clinical use.
Effects of laser process parameters on the hardness profile of AISI 4340 cylindrical samples: statistical and experimental analyses
Authors: Bensalem Karim , Barka Noureddine , Mouradi Mahmoud , Sadeghian Amirhossein , Karganroudi Sasan Sattarpanah
Published: February 2022

In the present paper, continuous Nd:YAG laser hardening of cylindrical AISI 4340 steel specimens was studied using experimental and statistical analyses. Three Laser parameters namely laser power, laser feed speed, and sample rotation speed were selected to evaluate their influence on the depth of the hardened zone, and the maximum surface hardness. Mathematical models were developed as a function of these three parameters and the analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to conduct the statistical study. Microhardness measurements revealed three distinct regions in the heat-affected zone (HAZ) of all samples. The hardened zone (Z1) near the surface with the highest value of hardness, the hardness loss zone (Z2) where hardness started to decrease, and the overheated zone (Z3) adjacent to the core with hardness values that were less than the base metal. Based on experimental measurements, a maximum surface hardness of 60.8 HRC was attained. Furthermore, the maximum depth of the hardened zone was observed as 500 µm. The microstructures of laser-hardened samples were studied using optical and scanning electron (SEM) microscopies. The hardened region seemed to have hard martensitic microstructure. By comparing the predicted and measured data for maximum microhardness values it was revealed that the models represent the experimental values with correlations close to 100%.
Rare bacterial infection after arthroscopic continuous irrigation for autologous tendon reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament: case report
Authors: Peng Xu , Chen Shirong , Chen Xiangjun , Xie Xiaowei , Wu Chen
Published: February 2022

Bacterial infection of the knee is a rare but serious complication after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, with an incidence ranging from 0.1% to 2.25% according to the literature. The causes are complex, such as contamination of surgical instruments and grafts, prolonged tourniquet, diabetes, anemia, infection in other parts of the body, history of smoking, history of previous surgery on the affected knee, etc.The treatment of postoperative infection includes conservative treatment with antibiotics and continuous lavage after debridement. Conservative treatment usually refers to the application of broad-spectrum antibiotics with topical medications, knee braking and cold compresses after confirmation of infection, while the latter usually involves arthroscopic debridement of pus and inflammatory degenerative tissue in the knee cavity, extensive irrigation and drainage with large amounts of saline, and even removal of the graft to control the infection. The most crucial thing in treating joint infection after ACL reconstruction is early detection and early diagnosis, especially in the early postoperative period, and timely diagnosis is more conducive to complete elimination of infection, protection of articular cartilage and preservation of grafts. In December 2021, a case of Paracoccus yeei (P. yeei) infection occurred in our department after early ACL reconstruction, which was treated with arthroscopic debridement and continuous lavage with satisfactory results.
Food Addiction And Emotional Eating Are Associated With Intradaily Rest–Activity Rhythm Variability
Authors: Borisenkov Mikhail F. , Tserne Tatyana A. , Bakutova Larisa A. , Gubin Denis G.
Published: February 2022

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to study the associations among parameters characterizing eating behavior and actimetry-derived indices of circadian rhythm of motor activity. Methods: The study involved 81 participants (average age: 21.5 ± 9.6 y, women: 77.8%). Each study participant provided personal data, filled out the Yale Food Addiction Scale and the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire, and wore a wrist actimeter for seven consecutive days to record motor activity. Using time series treatments, we obtained three cosinor-derived parametric—MESOR, amplitude, and acrophase—and four nonparametric indices—interdaily stability, intradaily variability (IV), most active 10-h period (M10), and least active 5-h period—characterizing the 24-h rhythm of motor activity. A multiple regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, and BMI was performed to assess the associations among the studied indicators.Results: It was shown that IV is a predictor of symptoms of food addiction (β = 0.242, P = 0.037) and emotional eating (β = 0.390, P = 0.004), MESOR is a predictor of symptoms of food addiction (β = 0.342, P = 0.003), and M10 predicts restraint (β = 0.257, P = 0.015) and emotional eating (β = 0.464, P = 0.001). Conclusion: It was shown for the first time that an increase in symptom counts of food addiction is associated with an increase in the average level and fragmentation of 24-h rhythm of motor activity. Level of Evidence: Level V, cross-sectional descriptive study.
Comparative Effectiveness of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors vs the Other Hypoglycemic Drugs on Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events and Hospitalization for Heart Failure in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Kwon Chang Hee , Kim Ye-Jee , Kim Min-Ju , Cha Myung-Jin , Cho Min Soo , Nam Gi-Byoung , Choi Kee-Joon , Kim Jun
Published: February 2022

Background: In the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients, evidence of the comparative effectiveness of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors vs the other hypoglycemic drugs on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality is lacking. This study aimed to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of SGLT2 inhibitors vs the other hypoglycemic drugs on major adverse cardiovascular events and heart failure for hospitalization in patients with T2DM and AF.Methods: A cohort study used data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service database compared the use of SGLT2 inhibitors vs the other hypoglycemic drugs for treatment of T2DM in AF patients. We identified 40,268 patients with T2DM and AF who were newly prescribed oral hypoglycemic drugs (2,977 individualst with SGLT2 inhibitors and 37,291 individuals without SGLT2 inhibitors) between 2014 and 2018. After 1:4 propensity score matching, patients who received SGLT2 inhibitors (n=2,958) and those who did not receive SGLT2 inhibitors (n=10,691) were enrolled, and followed up until December 31, 2018. The primary study outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), a composite of cardiovascular mortality, myocardial infarction, or ischemic stroke. Secondary outcoms were hospitalization for heart failure and all-cause mortality. The risks of study outcomes were assessed using a Cox proportional hazard model.Results: Mean age of all participants was 59.7 ± 11.9 years and 8.023 [58%] were male. During a mean follow-up duration of 2.1 ± 1.4 years, SGLT2 inhibitors were not significantly associated with reduced risk of MACE(hazard ratio [HR], 0.96; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.76-1.21) compared with the other hypoglycemic drugs. However, patients who received SGLT2 inhibitors had significantly lower risks of hospitalization for heart failure (HR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.53-0.93) and all-cause mortality (HR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.56-0.98) than those who did not receive SGLT2 inhibitors. Conclusions: In this real-world cohort of Asian patients with T2DM and AF, new use of SGLT2 inhibitors was associated with a lower risk of hospitalization for heart failure compared with use of the other hypoglycemic drugs.
Protocol for a Feasibility Randomised Controlled Study of a Multicomponent Intervention to Promote a Sustainable Return-To-Work of Workers on Long Term Sick Leave. PROWORK: PROmoting a Sustainable and Healthy Return-To-Work
Authors: Varela-Mato Veronica , Godfree Kate , Adem Anwar , Blake Holly , Bartle Craig , Daly Guy , Hassard Juliet , Kneller Richard , Meyer Caroline , Russell Sean , Marwaha Steven , Kershaw Charlotte , Newman Kristina , Yarker Joanna , Thompson Louise , Munir Fehmidah
Published: February 2022

Background The cost of sickness absence has major social, psychological, and financial implications for individuals and organisations. Return-to-work (RTW) interventions that support good quality communication and contact with the workplace can reduce the length of sickness absence by between 15 to 30 days. However, initiatives promoting a sustainable return-to-work for workers with poor mental health on long-term sickness absence across small, medium and large enterprises (SMEs and LEs) are limited. This paper describes the protocol of a pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT) to test the feasibility of implementing a RTW intervention across SMEs and LEs across all sectors. Methods and Design A two-arm feasibility RCT with a 4-month intervention will be conducted in SMEs and LE enterprises from the Midlands Region, UK. At least 8 organisations (4 control and intervention), and at least 60 workers and/or managers will be recruited and randomised into the intervention and control group (30 intervention, 30 control). Workers on long-term sickness absence (LTSA) (between 8 and 50 days) and managers with a worker on LTSA will be eligible to participate. The intervention is a behavioural change programme, including a managers and workers RTW toolkit. focused on supporting sickness absence and RTW through the provision of knowledge, problem-solving, action planning, goal setting and positive communication that leads to a sustainable RTW. Organisations assigned to the control group will continue with their usual practice. Measurements of mental health, RTW, work outcomes, quality-of-life, workplace support and communication and other demographic data will be taken at baseline, 2 months and 4 months. Feasibility will be assessed based on recruitment, retention, attrition, completion of measures and intervention compliance for which, specific process and research outcomes been established. A process evaluation will explore the experiences and acceptability of the intervention components and evaluation measures. Exploratory economic evaluation will be conducted to further inform a definitive trial.DiscussionThis is a novel intervention using a worker-manager approach to promote a sustainable return-to-work of workers on long-term sick leave due to poor mental wellbeing. If this intervention is shown to be feasible, the outcomes will inform a larger scale randomised control trial.Trial registration ISRCTN90032009 (retrospectively registered, date registered 15th December 2020)
Private health insurance and redistribution preferences in the Austrian health care system: A case of mere self-interest?
Authors: Resch Thomas
Published: February 2022

Background: Private health insurance (PHI) is a relevant financing source in many health care systems, including the Austrian one where more than a third of the population possess such an insurance. The effect of PHI on redistribution preferences in health care has been an understudied phenomenon. This article examines such a relationship. Further the mediating effect of fairness attitudes within said relationship is analysed.Methods: The data for this study come from the Austrian Corona Panel Project (ACPP). OLS regression models are employed to elicit the links between the variables.Results: In this article evidence for considerable self-interest in support for redistribution in health care with matching fairness attitudes is found. Additionally, social redistribution preferences for benefits and taxation, political party preferences and pandemic risk perception play a role. Conclusion: Health policy makers should carefully consider these relationships when adapting the public health care system to challenges, such as increased financing pressure or a pandemic. This could be done by incorporating vulnerable groups and public preferences at large in an open debate about the design of the health care system, its financing and its consequences for redistribution.
First Yield Inter-storey Drift Ratios of Composite (Steel/concrete) and Steel Frames for the Purposes of the Direct Displacement Based Design Method
Authors: Serras Dionisios , Kalapodis Nicos A. , Muho Edmond V.
Published: February 2022

The present work provides expressions about the Inter-storey Drift Ratios at the damage state of the first yield (IDRy). The proposed expressions are compatible with i) composite (steel/concrete) moment resisting frames (MRFs), ii) steel MRFs, iii) steel eccentrically braced frames (EBFs) and iv) steel buckling restrained braced frames (BRBFs) for soil types B and D. These expressions have been derived by means of statistical and regression analysis incorporating a large databank composed by numerous IDR values that correspond to the first yield of the aforementioned under-study frames. The databank has been produced after extensive dynamic analyses, considering a plethora of seismic recordings compatible with different soil types. The validity of these expressions is proved through an indicative number of numerical examples. Most importantly, the proposed expressions may constitute a very useful tool towards the direct displacement based design (DDBD), where the existing equations for the calculation of the IDRy are crude and oversimplified, leading to unreliable results. The superiority of the proposed expressions over those stipulated in the DDBD code is verifying through an additional numerical example.
Ultralow-dose Pediatric Total-body PET/CT Imaging Using an Artificial Intelligence Technique
Authors: Zhang Qiyang , Xiao Zizheng , Zhang Xu , Hu Yingying , Zhao Yumo , Wang Jingyi , Zhou Yun , Zheng Hairong , Fan Wei , Liang Dong , Hu Zhanli
Published: February 2022

Purpose Young children are more sensitive to radiation than adults, and their absorption of effective dose can be four times higher than that of adults, inducing a higher risk of secondary injury. Here, we propose for the first time the use of artificial intelligence techniques combined with low dose CT prior information to improve image quality in ultralow-dose total-body PET/CT scans.MethodsA total of 44 pediatric patients (weight range: 8·5–50·1 kg; ages 1–12 years) who underwent total-body PET/CT at the Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center were retrospectively enrolled. 18F-FDG was administered at a dose of 3·7 MBq/kg and an acquisition of 600 s. The low-dose PET images were simulated by truncating the list-mode data to reduce the count density. The neural network uses the residual network as the basic structure and fuses low-dose CT images as the priori information into the network at different scales. The image quality was assessed by subjective and objective analyses. Bland-Altman plots were used to assess the agreement of regional SUV ratios between the image types. Statistical analysis was carried out to assess the differences in the image quality metrics and reader agreement.ResultsThe use of artificial intelligence techniques can significantly improve PET image quality. When combined with a prior CT information, the anatomical information of the images was better recovered, and the 15 seconds acquisition yields a quality equivalent to the 10 minutes acquisition, it can equivalently guide the concentration of the injected tracer to decrease, which is very important for dose-sensitive pediatric patients.ConclusionsThe proposed artificial intelligence technology is safe and can effectively enhance the quality of pediatric total-body PET/CT ultralow-dose images and has the potential to further reduce the concentration of injected tracers for clinical applications.
Prevalence and Impact of Early Prone Position on 30-day Mortality in Mechanically Ventilated Patients With COVID-19 – a Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Engerström Lars , Thermaenius Johan , Mårtensson Johan , Oldner Anders , Petersson Johan , Kåhlin Jessica , Larsson Emma
Published: February 2022

Background: COVID-19 ARDS shares features with non-COVID ARDS but also demonstrates distinct physiological differences. Despite a lack of strong evidence, prone positioning has been advocated as a key therapy for COVID-19 ARDS. The effects of prone position in critically ill patients with COVID-19 are not fully understood, nor is the optimal time of initiation defined. In this nationwide cohort study, we aimed to investigate the association between early initiation of prone position and mortality in mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients with low oxygenation on ICU admission.Methods: Using the Swedish Intensive Care Registry (SIR), all Swedish ICU patients ≥ 18 years of age with COVID-19 admitted between March 2020, and April 2021 were identified. A sub-cohort of patients with PaO2/FiO2 ratio ≤20 kPa on ICU admission and receiving invasive mechanical ventilation within 24 hours from ICU admission was generated. In this sub-cohort the association between early use of prone position (within 24 hours from intubation) and 30-day mortality was estimated using univariate and multivariable logistic regression models.Results: The total study cohort included 6350 ICU patients with COVID-19, of whom 46.4% were treated with prone position ventilation. Overall 30-day mortality was 24.3%. In the sub-cohort of 1714 patients with lower admission oxygenation, the utilization of early prone increased from 8.5 % in March 2020 to 48.1% in April 2021. The crude 30-day mortality was 27.2% compared to 30.2% in patients not receiving early prone positioning. We found no significant association between early use of prone positioning and survival.Conclusions: During the first three waves of the COVID-19 pandemic, almost half of the patients in Sweden were treated with prone position ventilation. We found no association between early use of prone positioning and survival in patients on mechanical ventilation with severe hypoxemia on ICU admission. To fully elucidate the effect and timing of prone position ventilation in critically ill patients with COVID-19 further studies are desirable.
Script-Based Automatic Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy Planning with Robust Optimization for Craniospinal Irradiation: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Wang Xuetao , Li Changhu , Zhao Jianling , Li Guangjun , Bai Sen
Published: February 2022

Background
Craniospinal irradiation (CSI) is essential for treating central nervous system malignancies. However, it is very challenging and time-consuming to design a robust treatment plan capable of delivering a uniform dose to the entire treatment volume for standard linear accelerators. This study proposes a script-based automatic planning method with robust optimization for CSI to reduce sensitivity to setup errors and increase planning efficiency.
Methods
Ten CSI patients with planning target volume (PTV) lengths between 49.8 and 85.0 cm were retrospectively studied. IMRT plans with robust optimization were generated by the automatic planning script. The plans’ sensitivities to positional inaccuracy were evaluated by deliberately shifting the middle beamsets ±5 mm longitudinally. Non-robust optimization plans were also created and compared to the robust ones. The planning time was recorded to evaluate the efficiency of the automatic CSI planning.
Results
For the ten patients enrolled in the study, homogeneous dose coverage were achieved for both robust and non-robust plans with average conformity index value of 0.827 (±0.028) and 0.841 (±0.023) (p = 0.047), homogeneity index values of 0.076 (±0.014) and 0.078 (±0.027) (p = 0.114), respectively. In robust plans, the variations of D1% and D99% were between -0.17–0.99% and -1.18–0.53% for cranial PTV, and -1.02–7.2% and -4.78–0.31% for spinal PTV, while in non-robust plans, the variations were much more significant with corresponding values of -0.53–8.31% and -5.17–0.57% for cranial PTV, and 0.53–40.14% and -46.06% to -2.01% for spinal PTV. The total planning time of a robust optimization plan was about 9-13 minutes by the automatic planning script.
Conclusions
The script-based automatic CSI planning with robust optimization could efficiently create a uniform dose coverage for the entire target volume regardless of PTV length, with the advantage of being insensitive to setup errors and standardizing the planning process.
Ethnobotanical study on Herbal tea in Qianxinan Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture of southwestern Guizhou province, China
Authors: Geng Yanfei , Long Xiaofeng , Li Qingqing
Published: February 2022

Background "Herbal tea" is a kind of "tea" made from the roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits, and even whole plants of herbal plants. In southwestern Guizhou Province, where ethnic minorities gathering, drinking herbal tea has always been one of the methods used by the local people to prevent common diseases. Systematical records of the use of herbal tea are urgent of ethnic groups. The present study sought to investigate and analyze the traditional knowledge of the herbal tea plants used by the minority people in Qianxinan Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture of southwestern Guizhou province, and reveal their utilization characteristics and its formation factors. Methods: In 2020 and 2021, field surveys of four villages were conducted in Qianxinan, with ethnobotanical methods such as semi-structured interviews and participatory observation. The relative frequency of citation (RFC) was used to determine the commonly used herbal tea plants. Herbal tea plant specimens were identified according to the Flora of China (http://www.iplant.cn/). Results: A total to 114 species of herbal tea plants belonging to 59 families 103 genera in Qianxinan, with 60% of herbal tea plants grow in wild. The families with the richest species were Asteraceae (19 species). Of the 114 species, herbaceous were common (59%); the most popular used plant parts were whole plants (35%); processing methods of most herbal tea were dried in the sun (38%); most of herbal tea preparation forms were decocted in water for oral dose (50%). 33 major medicinal functions of herbal tea were recorded, which clearing heat, detoxify, and diuresis being the most commonly. The RFC index determined the most used species was Houttuynia cordata (RFC=0.51). Conclusions: After investigation, the resources of herbal tea plants in Qianxinan are rich. However, the traditional knowledge and sustainable development and utilization of herbal tea plants need more extensive basic investigations as support. This study records the types of herbal tea plants and related information used in the Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture in Southwest Guizhou Province, and lays the foundation for the development, protection and sustainable use of herbal tea resources.
Integrated waveguides and nanowires for optical spectral shaping by using Sagnac loop reflectors
Authors: Moss David
Published: February 2022

We propose and theoretically investigate integrated photonic filters based on two coupled Sagnac loop reflectors (SLRs) formed by a self-coupled optical waveguide. Recently we investigated integrated photonic filters based on cascaded SLRs and coupled SLRs. Here, we advance this field by presenting a unique approach of using coupled SLRs formed by a self-coupled optical waveguide. This enables us to achieve high performance filter functions including Fano-like resonances and wavelength interleaving with a simpler design and a higher fabrication tolerance by tailoring coherent mode interference in the device. Our design takes into account the device fabrication issues as well as the requirements for practical applications. As a guide for practical device fabrication, an analysis of the impact of the structural parameters and fabrication tolerance on each filter function is also provided. The Fano-like resonances show a low insertion loss (IL) of 1.1 dB, a high extinction ratio of 30.2 dB, and a high slope rate (SR) of 747.64 dB/nm. The combination of low IL and high SR promises this device for Fano resonance applications. Our device also can achieve wavelength de-interleaving function with high fabrication tolerance which is attractive for optical interleavers that need a flat-top symmetric filter shape. Optical interleavers and de-interleavers are core elements for signal multiplexing and demultiplexing in wavelength division multiplexing optical communication systems. Versatile spectral responses with a simple design, compact device footprint, and high fabrication tolerance make this approach highly promising for flexible response shaping in a wide variety of applications.
Artificial Intelligence-based Predictive Analysis of Self-Advancing Goaf Edge Support (SAGES) for Improving Underground Mines Safety
Authors: Singh Ankit , Mittal Aman , Haldar Gunjan , Kumar Dheeraj
Published: February 2022

An efficient and robust communication channel is a critical factor in underground coal mines to ensure the safety of the working environment. Through this paper, we explore how the functionalities and operational and analytical efficiency of SAGES can be analyzed utilizing historical data acquired during the depillaring operations carried out in underground coal mines using SAGES for safety and productivity during deployment with the incorporation of IoT with Artificial Intelligence. Applying predictive machine learning of convergence, load at withdrawal, and duration of yielding, in hrs will automate the analysis of the after-effects of depillaring operations. This will ultimately help in the maintenance of components of SAGES and measures to be taken on the safety of the workplace. Linear estimators, gradient boosting, and clustering methods are employed to detect the output properties of the deployed SAGES. Further, we illustrate and analyze a fine-tuning approach for supervised and unsupervised algorithms subsequently, which are analyzed and the performance of various estimator models in our experiments are compared. To end with, we perform an ensemble of the models for each target variable.
A Proposed Digital Systematic Introduction to Measure Innovation and Creativity Levels in Interior Parametric Architectural Design
Authors: tantawy amal
Published: February 2022

Background: This paper aims to investigate the extent to which parametric design tools contribute to increasing innovation in interior furniture design. The research methodology measures creativity criteria based on the theoretical background and previous studies in this field. We use Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software with samples (40 professionals) of architects, designers and specialists to analyze the survey outcomes. Our methodology consists of three stages. In the first stage, a questionnaire and a survey on the main concepts, familiarity and applications of parametric design in furniture and interior design is done. Then, the stage of measuring the success and extent of fulfillment of parametric design characteristics criteria and indices in the modern parametric furniture. Finally, comparing the levels of creativity in some proposed types of traditional and parametric furniture (i.e. chairs and tables) in furniture interior design.Results: The results show that; adoption of parametric design in interior furniture achieves good flexibility and streamlining. Also, it fulfills a good and perfect aesthetic, functional and innovative value, where the highest innovation index of 53% (good) is achieved. For parametric chairs the highest innovation index percentage is 38% (creative), while for traditional chairs is 41% (normal). The parametric tables highest percentage is 40% (creative), and for traditional tables is 57% (normal). Finally, we recommend and suggest applying in a larger scale the applied research study on all parametric interior design elements and not just some types of furniture, and examining the psychological impact on the user behavior.Conclusions the parametric design tools for interior furniture actually help designers to make significant creative and innovative designs. This because they are more than just traditional engineering design tools. In this paper, we focus on tools, criteria and indices of furniture parametric interior design and their effects on increasing the creativity levels.
Knowledge and Self-Reported Practice of Insulin Injection Device Disposal and Associated Factors among Diabetes Patients in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Loha Aynalem , Aga Fekadu , Fanta Amanuel
Published: February 2022

Background

Poor disposal practices of insulin injection device among diabetes patients lead to the accumulation of sharps within the household and can potentially result in personal injury and injuries to people in the household and general community.
Objective

This study was aimed to assess the knowledge and self-reported practice of insulin injection device disposal and associated factors among diabetes patients in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Method

A hospital based cross-sectional study was employed among 182 diabetes patients on follow-up at Diabetic Clinic of Tikur Anbesa Specialized Hospital – the Ethiopia’s single largest referral hospital – in Addis Ababa. Descriptive data was summarized using frequencies and percentage. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze the relationships between variables. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25.
Results

About 54% of the participants had inadequate knowledge towards safe insulin injection waste disposal. More than two-thirds (73% %) of respondents had poor self-reported practice of insulin device disposal. Participants in age group between 25 and 39 years (AOR = 8.012, 95%CI = 2.168, 29.600, p-value = 0.02) and those with type 1 diabetes (AOR = 2.14, 95%CI = 1.12, 4.00, p-value = 0.020) were more likely to have adequate knowledge of insulin injection device disposal. But, participants who were urban residents (AOR = 0.197, 95%CI = 0.053, 0.730, p-value = 0.015), received information from pharmacist or friends (AOR = 0.358, 95%CI = 0.129, 0.990, p-value = 0.036), and used insulin for 5 years or bellow (AOR = 0.332, 95%CI = 0.154, 0.710, p-value = 0.014) were less likely to have adequate knowledge. Participants with type 1 diabetes (AOR = 2.1, 95%CI = 1.054, 4.200, p-value = 0.035) and who had adequate knowledge (AOR= 2.5, 95%CI = 1.025, 6.300, p-value = 0.044) were more likely to have good self-reported practice of insulin injection device disposal.
Conclusion

This study revealed that diabetes patients in Addis Ababa had poor knowledge and self-reported practice of insulin injection device disposal.
Gravitational cells and gravitational strings as a necessary part of the gravitational field. Obtaining new physical formulas and indicators: the formula for the gravitational constant, the formula for the mass of the hydrogen atom, the formula for the vibrational velocity of a gravitational string, the minimum distance of action of gravitational forces etc.
Authors: Chernov Andrey
Published: February 2022

This study introduces scientific concepts such as gravitational cells and gravitational strings. This innovation made it possible to move from general ideas about the gravitational interaction of bodies in space to a more detailed understanding of this physical process and to obtain significant scientific results. These results include: obtaining the formula for the gravitational constant, obtaining the formula for the gravitational quantum, obtaining the formula for the electron mass, obtaining the formula for the mass of the hydrogen atom, obtaining the formula for the vibrational velocity of the gravitational string, obtaining the value of the minimum distance of gravitational interaction, obtaining a new physical formula for the speed of a body in a gravitational field, obtaining the formula for the limit of action of gravitational forces. The calculations made according to the new formulas completely coincided with the experimental data. In this work, Planck's constant was successfully applied to the gravitational interaction (with its help, the minimum distance of the gravitational interaction was determined, the mass of the hydrogen atom was calculated with an accuracy of 10−7, etc.). A distinctive feature of this study is the fact that most of the new formulas contain only fundamental physical constants.
A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial: Short-Time In Vitro Maturation For Improvement of Oocytes Quality And Reproductive Outcomes
Authors: Liu Ying-ying , Shi Ya-nan , Zeng Hai-tao , Fang Cong , Chian Ri-cheng , Liang Xiao-yan
Published: February 2022

Background: Current standard stimulation protocols use gonadotropins (recombinant or hMG) combined with LHRH agonists to prevent premature ovulation to obtain an average of 10-15 mature oocytes per retrieval. However, it usually has some immature oocytes retrieved with mature oocytes even after triggering LH surge. Compared to fertilization medium, IVM medium may be more effective in stimulating the maturation of oocyte nucleoplasm. This study aimed to explore the effect of short-term culture in our novel IVM medium on oocyte maturity and subsequent embryonic development in current standard stimulation protocols.Methods/Design: This study is a multicenter, prospective, randomized controlled clinical trial (1:1 treatment ratio of short term IVM group or control group). we will need to enroll 1860 participants in each group; that is, a total of 3720 participants. The The retrieved cumulus-oocyte complexes（COCs） of the short-term IVM group were exposed to IVM medium immediately after retrieval and subsequently incubated for 4 hours,and COCs in control group were cultured in G-IVF PLUS in 4-wells culture dish after retrieval. The primary study endpoint is number of available embryos: defined as number of embryos d≥4cells and ≤30% fragmentation (except embryos developed from ≥3 PN zygotes) on day 3 of observation. All tests were two-tailed, and differences with p value<0.001 for interim analysis or p-value <0.05 for final analysis are considered statistically significant.Discussion:This study aimed to explore the effect of short-term culture in our novel IVM medium on oocyte maturity and subsequent embryonic development.Trial registration: chictr.org.cn Identifier:ChiCTR2000038043
Studying the Effects of Waterhemp Competition on Yield and Phytochemical Content of High-cannabidiol Hemp in Plasticulture
Authors: Shikanai Avery , Gage Karla L.
Published: February 2022

The impacts of weed interference on hemp (Cannabis sativa) yield are largely unstudied despite causing serious economic losses in most cropping systems. For high-cannabidiol (CBD) hemp, understanding the role of weed competition on CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content may help promote profitability and regulatory compliance. Therefore, we tested the effects of varying waterhemp [Amaranthus tuberculatus (zero, one, three, and five waterhemp plants per planting hole)] and hemp (zero or one hemp plants per planting hole) planting densities on total hemp yield, chemical composition, and aboveground waterhemp biomass in plasticulture. There was no significant total biomass or stripped floral biomass yield loss resulting from waterhemp competition, although unexpectedly high variation in hemp phenotypes likely limited the ability to detect subtle differences between treatments. Furthermore, there was no significant effect of competition treatment on total CBD, total THC, or measured terpene composition. However, waterhemp biomass was reduced significantly by competition from hemp in comparison with hemp-free treatments. Suppression of waterhemp by hemp and lack of significant yield loss suggest that hemp can be highly competitive and grown successfully without herbicides in certain circumstances.
Variation in Creeping Bentgrass Cultivar Responses to Drought Stress
Authors: Krishnan Sanalkumar , Merewitz Emily
Published: February 2022

Creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera) is a desirable turfgrass putting green species that is susceptible to drought stress. Planting drought-resistant creeping bentgrass will enhance the resilience of golf turf surfaces, lower required resource inputs, and reduce the environmental impact of golf courses. Creeping bentgrass cultivar performance data during drought stress are needed for informed selection of appropriate cultivars. We evaluated the drought performance of 19 cultivars of creeping bentgrass and found that newer creeping bentgrass cultivars such as Pure Distinction and others exhibited superior drought performance compared with older cultivars such as Penncross and L93 based on turf quality, photochemical yield, and leaf relative water content. The results of this work should be used to aid in the selection of drought-resistant creeping bentgrass cultivars for turfgrass practitioners.
Factores que prolongan el proceso de referencia en salud entre una institución hospitalaria y un asegurador
Authors: Rojas Giraldo Eliana Maritza , Zapata Ruiz Leidy Maryuri
Published: February 2022

Objetivo: Establecer los factores demográficos y clínicos relacionados con el proceso de referencia en salud, entre una institución hospitalaria de alta complejidad y el centro regulador de un asegurador en una ciudad de Colombia. Metodología: Se analizaron 446 usuarios. Se compararon dos grupos según el tiempo de aceptación del proceso de referencia a la institución hospitalaria, articulándose al Decreto 4747 de 2007 y Resolución 3047 de 2008: menor a seis horas y mayor a seis horas en el proceso de referencia. Se realizó análisis estadístico aplicando medidas de frecuencias y prueba de Chi cuadrado con su correspondiente valor de p. Se calculó OR como medida de asociación para comparar ambos grupos con las variables independientes. Resultados: El 95,51% de los datos analizados logró una respuesta a la remisión en menos de 6 horas, con una media de 1 hora y 59 minutos. Los usuarios dentro de este grupo se caracterizaron por ser menores a 26 y mayores a 60 años. Los pacientes con diagnósticos de enfermedades endocrinas, nutricionales y metabólicas, trastornos mentales y del comportamiento, enfermedades del aparato genitourinario y del sistema circulatorio están relacionados con remisiones más prolongadas; así, como los usuarios que tenían cuatro a seis comorbilidades. Igualmente, los factores como: iniciar la remisión desde una institución de alta complejidad, requerir una especialidad clínica, realizar el proceso en un día hábil, en horario nocturno y tener más de cuatro negaciones durante la solicitud favorecieron una duración mayor a seis horas para el proceso de referencia. Conclusiones: Algunas características demográficas, estado clínico del paciente y factores relacionados con el proceso de referencia, favorecieron remisiones con duración mayor a seis horas. Éste retraso puede relacionarse con la calidad y oportunidad de la atención en salud, y representa un reto tanto para las instituciones como para los centros reguladores. Se deben orientar actividades de mejora hacia resoluciones ágiles y efectivas que terminen favoreciendo el resultado en salud.
Illicit discharge detection in stormwater drains using an Arduino-based low-cost sensor network
Authors: Shi B. , Catsamas S. , Deletic B. , Wang M. , Bach P. M. , Lintern A. , Deletic A. , McCarthy D. T.
Published: February 2022

Illicit discharges in urban stormwater drains are a major environmental concern that deteriorate downstream waterway health. Conventional detection methods such as stormwater drain visual inspection and dye testing have fundamental drawbacks and limitations which can prevent easy location and elimination of illegal discharges in a catchment. We deployed 22 novel low-cost level, temperature and conductivity sensors across an urban catchment in Melbourne for a year to monitor the distributed drainage network, thereby detecting likely illicit discharges ranging from a transitory flow with less than 10 minutes to persistent flows lasting longer than 20 hours. We discuss rapid deployment methods, real-time data collection and online processing. The ensemble analysis of all dry weather flow data across all sites indicates that: (i) large uncertainties are associated with discharge frequency, duration, and variation in water quality within industrial and residential land uses; (ii) most dry weather discharges are intermittent and transient flows which are difficult to detect and not simply due to cross-connections with the sewerage network; (iii) detectable diurnal discharge patterns can support mitigation efforts, including policies and regulatory measures (e.g., enforcement or education) to protect receiving waterways; and, (iv) that it is possible to cost effectively isolate sources of dry weather pollution using a distributed sensor network.
La obesidad y el mercado laboral en el Perú
Authors: Nuñez Roy
Published: February 2022

La obesidad en un problema que aqueja no solo a países en desarrollo, sino también a países de ingresos medios. Utilizando información antropométrica y socioeconómica, en este artículo analizo la relación entre la obesidad con el empleo y los salarios del Perú. Los resultados muestran que un aumento en el índice de masa corporal (IMC), tiene una relación negativa con la probabilidad de trabajar de las mujeres (-0.3 puntos porcentuales en promedio); en particular, entre las casadas. En el caso de los hombres, no se observa alguna relación estadísticamente significativa. Con relación a los salarios mensuales, un incremento en el IMC se asocia a una reducción de 0.8% en los salarios de las mujeres (US$ 2.3 en promedio).
Acumulación de (des)ventajas y género en trayectorias de clase obrera en Buenos Aires
Authors: Seid Gonzalo
Published: February 2022

Este artículo versa sobre procesos de acumulación de ventajas y desventajas en trayectorias de movilidad social tomando en consideración el género. Para indagar cómo las trayectorias de clase obrera en el Área Metropolitana de Buenos Aires son moldeadas por el género en términos de acumulación de (des)ventajas, se realizaron entrevistas biográficas a personas de distintos orígenes sociales dentro de la clase obrera. Las familias con situaciones más estables pudieron transmitir recursos variados que hicieron más probables las espirales de acumulación de ventajas. Dentro de ellas, algunos varones pudieron aprovecharlas al máximo, mientras que, para las mujeres, fueron más recurrentes los obstáculos.
An Investigation of the Factors Affecting Compliance when Using Home
Non-invasive Ventilation Therapy
Authors: Kashkosh Abdulrahman
Published: February 2022

Home non-invasive ventilation has become a well-established form of therapy over the
last few decades. Many conditions benefit from home NIV, for instance, patients with motor neurone
disease (MND) and chest wall deformities that lead to respiratory complications. Home NIV
has been shown to increase survival and improve quality of life in many chest wall diseases and
MND. There is also substantial evidence to indicate that NIV can palliate symptoms of Obesity Hypoventilation
Syndrome (OHS). Also, Home NIV is a valuable tool in the management of patients
with severe COPD and has been shown to reduce mortality and morbidity in patients with chronic
respiratory failure. However, the usefulness of home NIV varies according to compliance. This review
investigates the factors affecting compliance with home NIV. Compliance remains to be an incredibly
complex matter. Yet, due to the importance of compliance and its effect on outcomes, investigating
influencing variables is a priority.
RP-HPLC In-Vitro Dissolution Method Development and Validation for Determination of Olmesartan Medoxomil, Chlorthalidone and Cilnidipine Drug Combinations
Authors: Shah Pranavkumar , Dhaduk Bhavin
Published: February 2022

Objective:

A simple, sensitive, and accurate in-vitro dissolution method has been developed
for Olmesartan Medoxomil (OLM), Chlorthalidone (CHLR) & Cilnidipine (CIL) drug
combination according to USP dissolution testing methodologies with different discriminating
mediums and validated as per ICH guidelines.

Methods:

The in-vitro dissolution profile was obtained using 900 ml of phosphate buffer pH 6.8
with 1.0% SLS at 37 °C ± 0.5 °C as dissolution medium and USP II (paddle) at 75 rpm. The average
% in-vitro drug release was above 80% within 45 minutes for the above drug combination.
The drug release profile was evaluated by RP-HPLC method. Chromatographic separation was
done on Hypersil-BDS C-18 (12.5cm x 4.6mm x 5μm) column using gradient program with initial
mobile phase ratio of 55:45 (v/v) mixture of ammonium acetate buffer (pH 5.0) and acetonitrile
at a flow rate of 1.0 ml/min with detection wavelength 260 nm.

Results:

The method was validated with respect to specificity, linearity, precision, accuracy, and
robustness. The method was found to be linear in the range of 7.0-21.0 μg/ml for CHLR (R2 =
0.9982), 22.5-67.5 μg/ml for OLM (R2 = 0.9999) and 5.5 -16.5 μg/ml for CIL (R2 = 0.9995) respectively.
The % recovery data were found between 98.3 % to 104.1%. The % RSD for method and
intermediate precision of method did not exceed more than 2%.

Conclusion:

The proposed in-vitro method can be applied successfully for routine quality control
analysis to check the quality of above drug combination.
Asymmetric Attack
Authors: Butterfield Alexander
Published: February 2022

On November 23, 2021, Alexander Butterfield presented on Asymmetric Attack: A Quantum of Warning at the 2021 CASIS West Coast Security Conference. Alexander Butterfield’s presentation centered around developing a warning system for incoming threats, with key discussion points being the failures of operational warnings in large-scale terrorist events, the need to compensate for uncertainty, and hypersensitivity to weak signals. Mr. Butterfield’s presentation was followed by a question and answer period directed at a group of panelists allowing the audience and CASIS Vancouver executives to directly engage with the content of each speaker’s presentation.