bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real Time Ultrasound-Guided Thoracic Epidural Catheterization with Patients in the Lateral Decubitus Position without Flexion of Knees and Neck: A Preliminary Investigation
Authors: Huang Yuexin , Li Tingting , Wang Tianhong , Wei Yanhuan , Xiong Liulin , Wang Tinghua , Liu Fei
Published: October 2022

Objectives: For some patients, such as pregnant women, it can be difficult to maintain the ideal “forehead to knees” position for several minutes for epidural catheter placement. We conducted this study to investigate the feasibility of real-time ultrasound-guided (US) epidural catheterization under a comfortable lateral position without flexion of knees and neck. Materials and Methods: 60 patients aged 18-80 years with a body mass index of 18-30 kg/m2 after general surgery were included. In a comfortable left lateral position, thoracic epidural catheterization was performed under real-time US for postoperative analgesia. The visibility of the neuraxial structures, procedural time from needle insertion to loss of resistance in the epidural space, the number of needle redirections, success rate of epidural catheter placement and postoperative analgesic effect were recorded. Results: In the paramedian oblique sagittal view, the well visible of vertebral lamina, intervertebral space and posterior complex under ultrasound were as high as 93.33%, 81.67% and 70.00%, respectively. The success rate of thoracic epidural catheterization was as high as 91.67%, and the satisfactory postoperative analgesic effect was 98.2% for patients without nausea, pruritus and other discomfort. Discussion: Thoracic epidural catheterization with patients in the lateral position without flexion of knees and neck under real time ultrasound guidance has a high success rate and strong feasibility. This visual manipulation makes epidural catheterization not only “easier” to perform, but also reduces the requirements of the procedure.
Localization of Vibration Weak Position of Composites Based on Weighted Modal Strain Energy Summation
Authors: Qiu Ju , Lian Wei , Rao Huaxiang , Wang Caiyun , Luo Tengteng , Tang Jiali
Published: October 2022

In this paper, two typical examples are used to illustrate the weak position of aircraft structure in the process of vibration. Through the modal analysis of the typical composite plate and I-shaped beam, the first 20-order modal strain energy of the plate is extracted, which is difficult to locate the weak spot due to the highly scattered location of the higher modal strain energy. The modal participation factor is introduced as the weight factor of the summation of the modal strain energy. The modal participation factor is large, the weighting factor is large, and the high modal strain energy of the composite plate moves diagonally in the 45° direction of the composite plate and the high strain energy region is consistent with the previous modes of the plate. This is the result of the weak in-plane shear stiffness of the composite panel, which shows the effectiveness of the mode weighted summation method. The I-shaped composite beam uses the modal strain energy summation of the weight factor, and the higher modal strain energy is concentrated on the middle part of the beam and at 1/4 and 3/4 of it. Therefore, the weak part of the vibration can be clearly identified. The higher modal strain energy is extracted by the method proposed to this paper, which can be used as a reference to structural design and dynamic on-line monitoring.
Performance Comparison of Feature Detectors on Various Layers of Underwater Acoustic Imagery
Authors: Zhou Xiaoteng , Yuan Shihao , Yu Changli , Li Hongyuan , Yuan Xin
Published: October 2022

Image feature matching is essential in many computer vision applications, and the foundation of matching is feature detection, which is a crucial feature quantification process. This manuscript focused on detecting more features from underwater acoustic imageries for further ocean engineering applications of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). Currently, the mainstream feature detection operators are developed for optical images, and there is not yet a feature detector oriented to underwater acoustic imagery. To better analyze the suitability of existing feature detectors for acoustic imagery and develop an operator that can robustly detect feature points in underwater imageries in the future, this manuscript compared the performance of well-established handcrafted feature detectors and that of the increasingly popular deep-learning-based detectors to fill the gap in the literature. The datasets tested are from the most commonly used side-scan sonars (SSSs) and forward-looking sonars (FLSs). Additionally, the detection idea of these detectors on the acoustic imagery phase congruency (PC) layer was innovatively proposed with the aim of finding a solution that balances detection accuracy and speed. The experimental results show that the ORB (Oriented FAST and Rotated BRIEF) and BRISK (Binary Robust Invariant Scalable Keypoints) detectors achieve the best overall performance, the FAST detector is the fastest, and the PC and Sobel layers are the most favorable for implementing feature detection.
VOx Phase Mixture of Reduced Single Crystalline V2O5: VO2 Resistive Switching
Authors: Walls Brian , Murtagh Oisín , Bozhko Sergey I. , Ionov Andrei , Mazilkin Andrey A. , Mullarkey Daragh , Zhussupbekova Ainur , Shulyatev Dmitry A. , Zhussupbekov Kuanysh , Andreev Nikolai , Tabachkova Nataliya , Shvets Igor V.
Published: October 2022

The strongly correlated electron material, vanadium dioxide (VO2), has seen considerable attention and research application in metal-oxide electronics due to its metal-to-insulator transition close to room temperature. Vacuum annealing a V2O5(010) single crystal results in Wadsley phases (VnO2n+1, n > 1) and VO2. The resistance changes by a factor of 20 at 342 K, corresponding to the metal-to-insulator phase transition of VO2. Macroscopic voltage-current measurements with a probe separation on the millimetre scale result in Joule heating-induced resistive switching at extremely low voltages of under a volt. This can reduce the hysteresis and facilitate low temperature operation of VO2 devices, of potential benefit for switching speed and device stability. This is correlated to the low resistance of the system at temperatures below the transition. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy measurements reveal a complex structural relationship between V2O5, VO2 and V6O13 crystallites. Percolation paths incorporating both VO2 and metallic V6O13 are revealed, which can reduce the resistance below the transition and result in exceptionally low voltage resistive switching.
Deep-Learning-Based Cyber-Physical System Framework for Real-Time Industrial Operations
Authors: Maru Vatsal , Nannapaneni Saideep , Krishnan Krishna , Arishi Ali
Published: October 2022

Automation in the industry can improve production efficiency and human safety when performing complex and hazardous tasks. This paper presented an intelligent cyber-physical system framework incorporating image processing and deep-learning techniques to facilitate real-time operations. A convolutional neural network (CNN) is one of the most widely used deep-learning techniques for image processing and object detection analysis. This paper used a variant of a CNN known as the faster R-CNN (R stands for the region proposals) for improved efficiency in object detection and real-time control analysis. The control action related to the detected object is exchanged with the actuation system within the cyber-physical system using a real-time data exchange (RTDE) protocol. We demonstrated the proposed intelligent CPS framework to perform object detection-based pick-and-place operations in real time as they are one of the most widely performed operations in quality control and industrial systems. The CPS consists of a camera system that is used for object detection, and the results are transmitted to a universal robot (UR5), which then picks the object and places it in the right location. Latency in communication is an important factor that can impact the quality of real-time operations. This paper discussed a Bayesian approach for uncertainty quantification of latency through the sampling–resampling approach, which can later be used to design a reliable communication framework for real-time operations.
Bayesian Estimation of a Transmuted Topp-Leone Length Biased Exponential Model Based on Competing Risk with the Application of Electrical Appliances
Authors: Mohamed Rania A. H. , Elbatal Ibrahim , ALmetwally Ehab M. , Elgarhy Mohammed , Almongy Hisham M.
Published: October 2022

Competing risk (CoR) models are frequently disregarded in failure rate analysis, and traditional statistical approaches are used to study the event of interest. In this paper, we proposed a new lifetime distribution by generalizing the length biased exponential (LBE) distribution using the transmuted Topp-Leone-G (TTL-G) family of distributions. The new three parameter model is called the transmuted Topp-Leone length biased exponential (TTLLBE) distribution. A comprehensive account of various mathematical features of the TTLLBE model are derived. The unknown parameters of the proposed distribution are estimated by six classical approaches: the maximum likelihood (ML) approach, maximum product spacing (MPS) approach, least square (LS) approach, Weighted LS (WLS) approach, Cramér-Von Mises (CVN) approach, Anderson–Darling (AD) approach, and Bayesian approach. The stability of the model parameters is examined through the simulation study. The applications of our proposed distribution are explained through real data and its performance is illustrated through its comparison with the competent existing distributions. The TTLLBE model depend on the CoR model has been obtained and estimated parameter of this model by ML and Bayesian estimation approaches. In electrical appliances, we found two main causes of failure, and the data of electrical appliances are fitted to our model. Therefore, we analyzed the TTLLBE model depend on the CoR model to obtain the strong cause of failure.
Acanthamoeba Mannose and Laminin Binding Proteins Variation across Species and Genotypes
Authors: Corsaro Daniele
Published: October 2022

Acanthamoeba is a ubiquitous free-living amoeba capable of being an opportunistic pathogen in humans and animals. A critical step in infection is the adhesion of the amoeba to host cells and tissues, and two major parasite adhesins, mannose-binding protein (MBP) and laminin-binding protein (LBP), are known to recognize the cell surface glycoproteins and those of the extracellular matrix, respectively. In this study, the available genomes of Acanthamoeba were analysed to recover the sequences of MBP and LBP using previously published genetic data. Genes for both proteins were successfully obtained from strains belonging to various genotypes (T4A, T4D, T4G, T4F, T2, T5, T10, T22, T7 and T18), resulting in a single gene for LBP but identifying two types of MBP, MBP1 and MBP2. Phylogenetic analysis based on deduced amino acid sequences shows that both MBP and LBP have a branching pattern that is consistent with that based on 18S rDNA, indicating that changes in both proteins occurred during diversification of Acanthamoeba lines. Notably, all MBPs possess a conserved motif, shared with some bacterial C-type lectins, which could be the recognition site for mannose binding.
Linking Puberty and the Gut Microbiome to the Pathogenesis of Neurodegenerative Disorders
Authors: Esposito Pasquale , Ismail Nafissa
Published: October 2022

Puberty is a critical period of development marked by the maturation of the central nervous system, immune system, and hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis. Due to the maturation of these fundamental systems, this is a period of development that is particularly sensitive to stressors, increasing susceptibility to neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders later in life. The gut microbiome plays a critical role in the regulation of stress and immune responses, and gut dysbiosis has been implicated in the development of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current knowledge about puberty, neurodegeneration, and the gut microbiome. We also examine the consequences of pubertal exposure to stress and gut dysbiosis on the development of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. Understanding how alterations to the gut microbiome, particularly during critical periods of development (i.e., puberty), influence the pathogenesis of these disorders may allow for the development of therapeutic strategies to prevent them.
Construction and Characterization of Polyolefin Elastomer Blends with Chemically Modified Hydrocarbon Resin as a Photovoltaic Module Encapsulant
Authors: Park Jin Hwan , Hwang Seok-Ho
Published: October 2022

In this study, polyolefin elastomer (POE) was blended with a chemically modified hydrocarbon resin (m-HCR), which was modified through a simple radical grafting reaction using γ-methacryloxypropyl trimethoxy silane (MTS) as an adhesion promotor to the glass surface, to design an adhesion-enhanced polyolefin encapsulant material for photovoltaic modules. Its chemical modification was confirmed by 1H and 29Si NMR and FT-IR. Interestingly, the POE blends with the m-HCR showed that the melting peak temperature (Tm) was not changed. However, Tm shifted to lower values with increasing m-HCR content after crosslinking. Additionally, the mechanical properties did not significantly differ with increasing m-HCR content. Meanwhile, with increasing m-HCR content in the POE blend, the peel strength increased linearly without sacrificing their transmittance. The test photovoltaic modules comprising the crosslinked POE blend encapsulants showed little difference in the electrical performance after manufacturing. After 1000 h of damp-heat exposure, no significant power loss was observed.
Preparatory Railway Track Geometry Estimation Based on GNSS and IMU Systems
Authors: Judek Slawomir , Wilk Andrzej , Koc Wladysław , Lewiński Leszek , Szumisz Artur , Chrostowski Piotr , Grulkowski Sławomir , Szmagliński Jacek , Michna Michal , Karwowski Krzysztof , Skibicki Jacek , Licow Roksana
Published: October 2022

The article discusses an important issue of railway line construction and maintenance, which fundamentally is the verification of geometric parameters of the railway track. For this purpose, mobile measurements have been performed using a measuring platform with two properly arranged GNSS receivers, which made it possible to determine the base vector of the platform. The measuring functionality of the system was extended by IMU. In this article, the effect of measuring conditions on the accuracy of the results collected from GNSS receivers is analyzed. In particular, the advisability of digital filtering of the recorded coordinates to eliminate disturbances is indicated. The article also presents the possible use of GNSS devices and the IMU unit for determining the direction angle and the longitudinal and lateral inclination angles of the railway track. This makes it possible to verify the track geometry in the horizontal plane by determining the positions of straight sections, circular arcs, and transition curves. It is indicated that the results of measurements are repeatable despite the dynamic interaction between the railway track and the measuring platform. The results confirm the usefulness of the applied GNSS and IMU signal processing method for monitoring the geometrical parameters of the railway track in operating conditions.
Ethanolic Extract of Ocimum sanctum Linn. Inhibits Cell Migration of Human Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells (A549) by Downregulation of Integrin αvβ3, α5β1, and VEGF
Authors: Kustiati Ulayatul , Ergün Suleyman , Karnati Srikanth , Nugrahaningsih Dwi Aris Agung , Kusindarta Dwi Liliek , Wihadmadyatami Hevi
Published: October 2022

Adenocarcinoma lung cancer is a type of non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC), which accounts for 85% of lung cancer incidence globally. The therapies that are being applied, both conventional therapies and antibody-based treatments, are still found to have side effects. Several previous studies have demonstrated the ability of the ethanolic extract of Ocimum sanctum Linn. (EEOS) as an ethnomedicine with anti-tumor properties. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Ocimum sanctum Linn. ethanolic extract in inhibiting the proliferation, angiogenesis, and migration of A549 cells (NSCLC). The adhesion as well as the migration assay was performed. Furthermore, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure the expression of αvβ3 integrins, α5β1 integrins, and VEGF. The cells were divided into the following treatment groups: control (non-treated/NT), positive control (AP3/inhibitor β3 80 µg/mL), cisplatin (9 µg/mL), and EEOS at concentrations of 50, 70, 100, and 200 µg/mL. The results showed that EEOS inhibits the adhesion ability and migration of A549 cells, with an optimal concentration of 200 µg/mL. ELISA testing showed that the group of A549 cells given EEOS 200 µg/mL presented a decrease in the optimal expression of integrin α5β1, integrin αvβ3, and VEGF.
Acute, Non-Specific Low Back Pain Does Not Impair Isometric Deadlift Force or Electromyographic Excitation: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Stock Matt S. , Bodden Megan E. , Bloch Jenna M. , Starnes Karen L. , Rodriguez Gabriela , Girts Ryan M.
Published: October 2022

Low back pain (LBP) is a leading cause of disability. The use of deadlift-based assessments in assessing LBP is becoming common in clinical settings, but these concepts have not been well studied. We sought to compare force and muscle excitation during isometric deadlifts in participants suffering from LBP versus asymptomatic controls. We also compared these outcomes for conventional versus hexagonal barbells. Sixteen adults with mild-to-moderate, acute, non-specific LBP and 19 controls performed maximal, isometric deadlifts while standing on a force plate using conventional and hexagonal barbells. Surface electromyographic signals were recorded from the upper trapezius, external oblique, erector spinae, vastus lateralis, and biceps femoris. Normalized peak force and peak rate of force development were similar for those with acute, non-specific LBP and controls. Surface electromyographic excitation was not different between groups, but was higher with the hexagonal barbell for the vastus lateralis and upper trapezius. Both groups felt equally safe and confident. In summary, the presence of acute, non-specific LBP did not impair peak and rapid force or muscle excitation. Hexagonal barbells may optimize knee extensor and trapezius activation. Deadlift-based force assessments appear safe and may be useful in the assessment of functional strength in patients with acute, non-specific LBP.
Analysis of the Spatial Distribution Characteristics of Residences and Workplaces under the Influence of Metro Transportation in Metropolises from the Perspectives of Accessibility and Travelers’ Industries: The Case of Guangzhou
Authors: Ye Changdong , He Qiluan , Huang Wanlin , Ma Haitao
Published: October 2022

The spatial separation between residences and workplaces of citizens is a challenge encountered by many, causing urban problems like long-distance commutes, traffic congestion, and environmental pollution due to the heavy usage of cars. As a result of this phenomenon, metro transportation has become an increasingly important means of transportation in metropolises. To further understand the spatial separation issues, we analyzed the spatial distribution characteristics of areas under the influence of metro transportation in metropolises, and this could provide new approaches to this challenge. This research used Guangzhou city as a case study to investigate the spatial distribution characteristics of residences and workplaces from two perspectives: accessibility, and the type of the travelers’ industries. The analysis was mainly based on (1) passengers’ travel data provided by Guangzhou Metro Group Co., Ltd. (Guangzhou, China); (2) the resident population, based on the sixth national census in China; and (3) the employed population, based on the third economic census of China. Our research resulted in three key findings. First, the spatial separation of residences and workplaces was generally noticeable in Guangzhou but was less noticeable in the area with metro stations. Second, workplaces were concentrated in the central ring while residences were concentrated in the inner suburban ring in Guangzhou. Third, there was a relative concentration of workplaces in the same service industry and the workplaces of each service industry were concentrated in separate, respective areas in Guangzhou. On the basis of these findings, we provided suggestions for policymakers to develop specific and effective actions to mitigate the negative impacts of spatial separation.
Modeling of Causes and Consequences of Human Error in Mining Processes Design: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Mohammadfam Iraj , Bascompta Marc , Khajevandi AliAsghar , Dehghani Hesam
Published: October 2022

Given the significant role of mining in sustainable development and its intrinsic characteristics, the hazards and potential consequences are a great concern for the industry. A design error is one of the main reasons behind accidents and environmental disasters. This study aims to identify and categorize effective factors influencing design errors and their health, safety, and environmental consequences. The study was carried out based on the theme analysis of 12 Iranian surface miners’ opinions from 14 October to 25 December 2021. The data were collected using semi-structured interviews. The data analysis procedure was conducted based on the Strauss Model using MAXQDA2022. In the open coding section, 120 and 146 primary codes were identified regarding causes and consequences, respectively. As for the codes for causes, 26 main categories and five subcategory codes were identified, including organizational, personal, environmental, occupational, and external factors. As for the identified codes for consequences, 11 subcategories and three main categories were identified, including safety, health, and environmental effects. The findings of the study revealed that among causes, the external factor (p = 0.3703) had the weakest, and the personal factor (p = 0.003) had the strongest correlations with human error in design. In line with the opinion of the expert participants, design error had significant relationships with safety (p = 0.002), environmental (p = 0.01), and health effects (p = 0.034). The cause-consequence model introduced in this study can help many organizations, particularly surface mines, to provide a good basis for achieving sustainable safety, health management, and sustainable development.
Realizing a Rural Sustainable Development through a Digital Village Construction: Experiences from China
Authors: Zhao Wu , Liang Zhiye , Li Binrong
Published: October 2022

The rapid application of digital technology in rural areas has been carried out worldwide, but academic research on the theme of digital villages is still in its infancy. The academia is still unclear about the construction content, theoretical framework and realization path of the digital village construction. Against this background, this paper studies how villages can transform into digital villages and achieve a sustainable development. Firstly, this paper builds a digital village technology architecture system from four levels: infrastructure system, village brain, application support system and application service system. The system points out the specific construction content from the technical point of view, and provides scientific guidance for construction activities. Secondly, with the help of digital empowerment theory, the theoretical framework of the digital village construction to promote a sustainable rural development, is constructed from five fields: industry, ecology, culture, service and governance. Finally, the theoretical framework is verified through five Chinese cases, and two characteristics of a digital village construction are summarized to provide reference and guidance for digital village practice activities. The digital village construction should use data, digital technology and digital platform as the base, attract multiple subjects to participate and form symbiotic relationships, and achieve a rural sustainable development.
Dimensionality of Environmental Values and Attitudes: Empirical Evidence from Malaysia
Authors: Tan Booi Chen , Khan Nasreen , Lau Teck Chai
Published: October 2022

This paper aims to examine the dimensions of environmental values from the combination of biospheric and altruistic values; and the dimensions of environmental attitudes using a revised New Ecological Paradigm (NEP) scale in a developing country. The unit of analysis was individual respondents who live in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Descriptive, reliability, exploratory, and confirmatory factor analyses were used to analyze the 500 useable data. The findings supported the reliability and validity of the research instruments. Both environmental values and attitudes are recommended as a single dimensional rather than multidimensional structure in a multicultural context of Malaysia. Respondents placed altruistic and biopsheric values in the same environmental value cluster, and a shorter version of the revised NEP scale is provided. As such, segregating environmental values and attitudes into multiple dimensions to segment and target individuals in Malaysia is not recommended. The distinction between altruistic and biopsheric values has rarely been validated in empirical research; and the suitability of the revised NEP scale to measure environmental attitudes is debatable due to the issues of its reliability, dimensionality, and applicability in the context of a non-Western developing country.
Effects of Zinc Acetate Hydrate Supplementation on Renal Anemia with Hypozincemia in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Sato Eiichi , Sato Shohei , Degawa Manaka , Ono Takao , Lu Hongmei , Matsumura Daisuke , Nomura Mayumi , Moriyama Noriaki , Amaha Mayuko , Nakamura Tsukasa
Published: October 2022

Introduction and Aims: This study examined whether zinc supplementation with zinc acetate hydrate improved renal anemia with hypozincemia in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Methods: The study participants included 21 patients undergoing hemodialysis who presented with a serum zinc level < 60 mg/dL and who were administered zinc acetate hydrate at 50 mg (reduced to 25 mg, as appropriate) for 6 months. Patients with a hemorrhagic lesion, acute-phase disease (pneumonia or cardiac failure), or hematologic disease and those whose treatment was switched from peritoneal dialysis to hemodialysis were excluded. The changes in the erythropoietin resistance index (ERI) before and after zinc acetate hydrate administration were examined. ERI was defined as the dose (IU) of erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA)/week/body weight (kg)/hemoglobin content (g/dL). The differences between the two groups were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed rank sum test, and p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The study participants included 19 men and 2 women aged 41–95 years (mean ± standard deviation (SD): 67.1 ± 13.6). The changes in the values of parameters measured before and after zinc acetate hydrate administration were as follows: Blood Hb did not change significantly, from 10.0–13.6 g/dL (11.5 ± 1.0 g/dL) to 10.2–12.4 g/dL (11.4 ± 0.7 g/dL); serum zinc concentration significantly increased, from 33.0–59.0 mg/dL μg/dL (52.4 ± 7.6 mg/dL μg/dL) to 57.0–124.0 mg/dL μg/dL (84.1 ± 16.3 mg/dL μg/dL; p < 0.01); the ESA dose significantly decreased, from 0–12,000 IU/week (5630 ± 3351 IU/week) to 0–9000 IU/week (4428 ± 2779; p = 0.04); and ERI significantly decreased, from 0.0–18.2 (8.1 ± 5.1) to 0.0–16.0 (6.3 ± 4.3; p = 0.04). Conclusions: Zinc supplementation increased the serum zinc concentration and significantly reduced the ESA dose and ERI, suggesting that a correction of hypozincemia contributes to lessening renal anemia in these patients.
Experimentum crucis for Electromagnetic Response of Metals to Evanescent Waves and the Casimir Puzzle
Authors: Klimchitskaya Galina L. , Mostepanenko Vladimir M. , Svetovoy Vitaly B.
Published: October 2022

It is well known that the Casimir force calculated at large separations using the Lifshitz theory differs by a factor of 2 for metals described by the Drude or plasma models. We argue that this difference is entirely determined by the contribution of transverse electric (s) evanescent waves. Taking into account that there is a lack of experimental information on the electromagnetic response of metals to low-frequency evanescent waves, we propose an experiment on measuring the magnetic field of an oscillating magnetic dipole spaced in a vacuum above a thick metallic plate. According to our results, the lateral components of this field are governed by the transverse electric evanescent waves and may vary by orders of magnitude depending on the model describing the permittivity of the plates used in calculations and the oscillation frequency of the magnetic dipole. Measuring the lateral component of the magnetic field for typical parameters of the magnetic dipole designed in the form of a 1-mm coil, one could either validate or disprove the applicability of the Drude model as a response function of metal in the range of low-frequency evanescent waves. This will elucidate the roots of the Casimir puzzle lying in the fact that the theoretical predictions of the Lifshitz theory using the Drude model are in contradiction with the high-precision measurements of the Casimir force at separations exceeding 150 nm. Possible implications of the suggested experiment for a wide range of topics in optics and condensed matter physics dealing with evanescent waves are discussed.
Evolutionary Dynamics of Whole-Genome Influenza A/H3N2 Viruses Isolated in Myanmar from 2015 to 2019
Authors: Phyu Wint Wint , Saito Reiko , Kyaw Yadanar , Lin Nay , Win Su Mon Kyaw , Win Nay Chi , Ja Lasham Di , Htwe Khin Thu Zar , Aung Thin Zar , Tin Htay Htay , Pe Eh Htoo , Chon Irina , Wagatsuma Keita , Watanabe Hisami
Published: October 2022

This study aimed to analyze the genetic and evolutionary characteristics of the influenza A/H3N2 viruses circulating in Myanmar from 2015 to 2019. Whole genomes from 79 virus isolates were amplified using real-time polymerase chain reaction and successfully sequenced using the Illumina iSeq100 platforms. Eight individual phylogenetic trees were retrieved for each segment along with those of the World Health Organization (WHO)-recommended Southern Hemisphere vaccine strains for the respective years. Based on the WHO clades classification, the A/H3N2 strains in Myanmar from 2015 to 2019 collectively belonged to clade 3c.2. These strains were further defined based on hemagglutinin substitutions as follows: clade 3C.2a (n = 39), 3C.2a1 (n = 2), and 3C.2a1b (n = 38). Genetic analysis revealed that the Myanmar strains differed from the Southern Hemisphere vaccine strains each year, indicating that the vaccine strains did not match the circulating strains. The highest rates of nucleotide substitution were estimated for hemagglutinin (3.37 × 10−3 substitutions/site/year) and neuraminidase (2.89 × 10−3 substitutions/site/year). The lowest rate was for non-structural protein segments (4.19 × 10−5 substitutions/site/year). The substantial genetic diversity that was revealed improved phylogenetic classification. This information will be particularly relevant for improving vaccine strain selection.
Predicting and Changing Intentions to Avoid Driving into Urban Flash Flooding
Authors: Hamilton Kyra , Smith Stephanie R. , Wright Charlene , Buchhorn Yvette Miriam , Peden Amy E.
Published: October 2022

Driving into floodwater is a leading cause of fatal and non-fatal drowning during times of flood. The present research aimed to understand drivers’ beliefs and intentions in relation to driving into floodwater caused by flash floods in an urban area (Newcastle City, Australia), using the theory of planned behavior as a framework. The study (N = 217) used a survey-based design to identify the psychological processes (attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, planning, moral norm) underpinning drivers’ intention to avoid driving into floodwater in Newcastle; and to concurrently investigate the potential effects of a brief planning intervention on drivers’ willingness to drive into floodwater in Newcastle. The structural equation model explained 49% of the variance in intention to avoid driving into floodwater in Newcastle, with subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, and planning each significant independent predictors of drivers’ intention to avoid driving into urban floodwater in Newcastle. Paired samples t-tests revealed participants’ willingness to stay at their location and not drive if a flood alert was received, and willingness to drive into floodwater when there is perceived pressure from other drivers, significantly changed after a brief planning intervention. These findings can inform intervention targets and development of prevention strategies targeting personal mitigation measures, particularly in the context of driver behaviour during flash flooding in an urban area.
Is the Сoncert Over?
Authors:   Institute for Economic Strategies, Ageev Aleksandr I.
Published: October 2022

Opening address of the editor-in-chief
Medical treatment for heavy menstrual bleeding in primary care: 10-year data from the ECLIPSE trial
Authors: Kai Joe , Dutton Brittany , Vinogradova Yana , Hilken Nicholas , Gupta Janesh , Daniels Jane
Published: October 2022

Background

Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) is a common problem that can significantly affect women’s lives. There is a lack of evidence on long-term outcomes after seeking treatment.

Aim

To assess continuation rates of medical treatments and rates of surgery in women 10 years after initial management for HMB in primary care.

Design and setting

This was a prospective observational cohort study.

Method

Women with HMB who participated in the ECLIPSE primary care trial (ISRCTN86566246) completed questionnaires 10 years after randomisation to the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) or other usual medical treatments (oral tranexamic acid, mefenamic acid, combined oestrogen–progestogen; or progesterone alone). Outcomes were rates of surgery, medical treatments, and quality of life using the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) and EuroQoL EQ-5D.

Results

The responding cohort of 206 women was demographically and clinically representative of the original trial population. Mean age at baseline was 41.9 years (SD 4.9) and 53.7 years (SD 5.1) at follow-up. Over the 10-year follow-up, 60 of 206 (29.1%) women had surgery (hysterectomyn= 34, 16.5%; endometrial ablationn= 26, 12.6%). Between 5 and 10 years, 89 women (43.2%) ceased all medical treatments and 88 (42.7%) used LNG-IUS alone or in combination with other treatments. Fifty-six women (27.2%) were using LNG-IUS at 10 years. There were improvements over time in quality-of-life scores, with no evidence of differences in these or other outcomes between the two groups.

Conclusion

Medical treatments for women with HMB can be successfully initiated in primary care, with low rates of surgery and improvement in quality of life observed a decade later.
Vendo lugares no vazio: processos artísticos de apropriação em deslocamentos
Authors:   , Silva Washington Antônio da
Published: October 2022

A dissertação surge da vontade de destrinchar os assuntos que manifestam-se nas narrativas pessoais e produções artísticas do autor. Buscando explorar possíveis articulações entre deslocamento, apropriação e paisagem, fazendo aproximações com autores e procedimentos de artistas; passando pelos escritos de Duchamp e pelas documentações de trabalhos de artistas da Land Art, a fim de compreender e aplicar uma metodologia própria à produção artística do autor. Com isso, tentamos experimentar, um exercício de construção de uma auto-etnografia, a qual o autor se utiliza da documentação de registros e experiências de vida como guia para a produção textual e artística. Nesta dissertação, compõe-se como disparador de diálogos, obras e experimentações autorais realizadas até 2021.
Programa de Avaliação de Desempenho dos Técnico-Administrativos em Educação do Instituto de Ciências da Vida da Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Campus Avançado Governador Valadares
Authors:   , Carvalho Fernanda Leite
Published: October 2022

Este trabalho foi desenvolvido no âmbito do Programa de Mestrado Profissional em Gestão e Avaliação da Educação Pública do Centro de Políticas Públicas e Avaliação da Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora (CAEd/UFJF). O foco da pesquisa é a análise da execução da avaliação de desempenho dos servidores técnicoadministrativos em educação aplicada a uma equipe de trabalho do Instituto de Ciências da Vida (ICV), denominada “Secretarias ICV”, da Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora (UFJF) Campus Avançado Governador Valadares. O objetivo é analisar de que forma é possível adequar a participação desta equipe de trabalho junto ao Programa de Avaliação de Desempenho (Proades), almejando cumprir os objetivos do programa. O trabalho descreve a implantação do Proades, do Campus Avançado Governador Valadares e do Instituto de Ciências da Vida, analisa as dificuldades encontradas pelos servidores da equipe “Secretarias ICV” na participação da avaliação de desempenho e, por fim, apresenta um plano de ação que busca contribuir para a adequação do trabalho da equipe. Com base nos relatórios e formulários do Proades referentes aos ciclos 8º, 9º e 10º, relativos aos anos 2017, 2018 e 2019, foram levantadas evidências para este estudo de caso. O referencial teórico trabalhado dialoga com a temática da gestão do desempenho, para estudo e entendimento da avaliação aplicada aos técnicos. A metodologia de pesquisa utilizada engloba pesquisa bibliográfica, documental e entrevista de servidores componentes da equipe de trabalho “Secretarias ICV”, chefia imediata e representante da Pró-Reitoria de Gestão de Pessoas (Progepe) da UFJF.
Prontuário Eletrônico do Cidadão do Sistema e-SUS Atenção Básica: análise da sua utilização por médicos e enfermeiros da Atenção Básica
Authors:   , Neiva Joana d’Arc Aparecida Siqueira
Published: October 2022

Introdução- O Prontuário Eletrônico do Cidadão (PEC) do Sistema e-SUS AB é um software da Estratégia e-SUS Atenção Básica utilizado para a operacionalização do SISAB (Sistema de Informação em Saúde para a Atenção Básica). É fornecido gratuitamente pelo Ministério da Saúde que tem se empenhado na evolução tecnológica do sistema. O PEC é considerado uma ferramenta de melhoria da qualidade da assistência e um facilitador dos processos de trabalho na Atenção Básica, inclusive nos processos gerenciais. Apoia os profissionais na coordenação do cuidado e no suporte à decisão clínica, representando um importante avanço na qualificação e no uso da informação registrada na Atenção Básica Objetivo- Analisar a utilização do PEC por médicos e enfermeiros da Atenção Básica do município mineiro de Juiz de Fora Métodos- Estudo transversal realizado com médicos e enfermeiros das UBS de Juiz de Fora, através da aplicação de um questionário estruturado e autoaplicável, elaborado em escala do tipo Likert de cinco pontos, contemplando dados de descrição da amostra e sobre a utilização do PEC. Os dados foram descritos em frequências absolutas e relativas, sendo feita a associação entre as variáveis categóricas por meio do teste de Qui-Quadrado de Pearson (sem correção) ou teste exato de Fisher. Para a comparação da escala do questionário do PEC em formato contínuo, utilizou-se o teste U de Mann Whitney e /ou o teste H de Kruskal-Wallis. O nível alfa foi estabelecido em p < 0,05 para o intervalo de confiança de 95% Resultados- Participaram deste estudo 51 médicos e 56 enfermeiros usuários do PEC do sistema e-SUS AB, com média do tempo de utilização do sistema de 35 meses. A maioria dos profissionais integra as equipes da Estratégia de Saúde da Família (87,9%) e apresenta especialização nesta área de atuação (60%). Os profissionais consideraram o PEC um sistema sigiloso (60%), de fácil utilização (90%), útil na organização do trabalho na Atenção Básica (94%) e que melhora a qualidade do atendimento (77,5%), sendo preferido pela maioria dos profissionais em relação ao prontuário físico (de papel). Cerca de 70% dos profissionais consideraram ter disponíveis nas UBS os equipamentos (computador e impressora) e a rede de internet necessários para a utilização do sistema. A maior parte dos profissionais (80%) considerou ser necessário curso de capacitação sobre o PEC e 64,5% participaram deste tipo de treinamento ofertado pela secretaria municipal de saúde de Juiz de Fora. Conclusão- O PEC do sistema e-SUS AB foi considerado pelos profissionais da AB de Juiz de Fora como uma ferramenta tecnológica útil para a organização do serviço e para a melhoria da qualidade da assistência nas UBS. Sendo necessário o aumento na oferta de cursos de capacitação para os profissionais, bem como da disponibilidade de equipamentos para utilização do sistema.
Inovação e tecnologia na saúde entre profissionais e usuários
Authors:   , Sabão Rafael Casimiro
Published: October 2022

Olhando pelo trabalho, podemos encontrar divisão em três capítulos, nos quais o primeiro tem como seu foco em um estudo e análise sobre o funcionamento do SUS- Sistema Único de Saúde, teorias, conceitos básicos, sobre a comunicação e saúde no (SUS). No entanto o nosso foco fundamenta-se na área da saúde, tentando buscar um meio ou forma possível, no que diz respeito a inovação tecnológica para a saúde entre profissionais e usuários para resolução dos seus problemas comunicacionais nos seus locais de trabalhos e na sociedade em geral. já que uma das principais diretrizes do (SUS)-Sistema Único de Saúde ou Ministério da Saúde é a inclusão social e o uso dos meios comunicacionais tecnológicos para a saúde, procurando cobrir as demandas ou necessidades na saúde pública. Este setor tem grandes planos, atividades e possibilidades de desenvolvimento de projetos sobre comunicação e saúde, que abarcam uso das tecnologias de informação e comunicação. No segundo capitulo abordamos as resumidamente o surgimento da comunicação, fato este que veio desde os tempos primitivos ate o surgimento das primeiras movimentações tecnológicas, e fazemos uma pequena comparação de como era a comunicação antes e depois, isto é, até a nossa geração atual. Índo para o terceiro capitulo centralizámo-nos em estudar e analisar um aplicativo produzido pelo SUS e denominado (SUS COVID19), onde procuramos saber as suas funcionalidades, abrangência ou alcance aos usuários, caraterísticas do seu design, e os respetivos termos de usabilidade. É a partir destes estudos que o nosso trabalho buscou desenvolver uma pesquisa precisa a partir de várias fontes bibliográficas, artigos científicos, dissertações e incluindo a busca pelas várias fontes na Internet, aprofundando e ampliando assim os diversos conhecimentos e saberes em relação ao tema em estudo sobre (Inovação eTecnologia na Saúde entre Profissionais e Usuários), assim como sondagem em níveis de conhecimentos aos profissionais sobre comunicação e informação para saúde e também as ofertas de serviços adequados para os usuários do SUS, como a marcação de consultas, de visitas, orientações para a medicação e contato domiciliário com os pacientes mais próximos e prevenção de várias pandemias.
O uso de ameaças como estratégia para cumprimento do mandato institucional em audiências no Juizado Especial Criminal
Authors:   , Mesquita Sarah Matos Rocha
Published: October 2022

Este trabalho tem como objetivo investigar o uso de ameaças por conciliadores em Audiências Preliminares no Juizado Especial Criminal (JECrim) de duas cidades da Zona da Mata de Minas Gerais. Mais especificamente, pretende-se: (i) identificar o tipo das ameaças produzidas pelos conciliadores de acordo com a classificação proposta por Salgueiro (2010); (ii) analisar a forma linguístico-discursiva das ameaças; (iii) investigar a função das ameaças no cumprimento do mandato institucional nessa atividade de fala. Para tanto, adotamos o referencial teórico-metolodógico da Sociolinguística Interacional (GUMPERZ, 1982; GOFFMAN, 1981), e as discussões de Drew e Heritage (1992) e Del Corona (2009) respaldam a análise da fala institucional. O trabalho é um estudo de casos múltiplos (YIN, 2015) de cunho qualitativo-interpretativo (DENZIN; LINCOLN, 2006), e os dados foram transcritos seguindo as convenções do modelo Jefferson (LODER, 2008). Os resultados preliminares mostram que as ameaças atuam no cumprimento do mandato institucional (MAYNARD, 1984) tanto para dar continuidade às tarefas previstas na situação de fala quanto para atuar na argumentação (SCHIFFRIN, 1987; VIEIRA, 2003; 2007) dos profissionais da instituição. A investigação sobre o uso da ameaça em audiências de conciliação no JECrim pode contribuir para os estudos da linguística interacional no contexto legal, tendo em vista que alia interessantes insights empíricos à teoria. Pode também colaborar para a prática da profissão dos conciliadores, além de possibilitar uma replicabilidade da discussão em outros campos profissionais relacionados.
Avaliação de impacto do programa tarifa social de energia elétrica
Authors:   , Marcoje Beatriz Morgado
Published: October 2022

O presente estudo avalia o impacto do Programa Tarifa Social de Energia Elétrica (TSEE) no Brasil. Para isto, parte da revisão bibliografia sobre a literatura de pobreza energética, a fim de compreender as necessidades energéticas na contemporaneidade e edificar o debate sobre políticas públicas de suporte financeiro para acesso aosserviços de energia. A construção dessas políticas é complexa e multidimensional, relacionada a fatores econômicos e não econômicos diversos. Com o intuito de qualificar o diálogo para a problemática brasileira, inicia-se a avaliação por meio da análise descritiva dos domicílios elegíveis e não elegíveis à TSEE a partir dos microdados da Pesquisa de Orçamento Familiar (POF 2017/2018) do IBGE. Em seguida, estima-se o efeito da elegibilidade ao programa através do método de Regressão Descontínua (Regression Discontinuity Design). Os resultados sugerem que os critérios atuais de elegibilidade capturam domicílios com menor poder aquisitivo, famílias numerosas e com menor acesso a serviços públicos. Além disso, a elegibilidade ao desconto mitiga o dispêndio e o consumo de energia em kwh, com efeitos heterogêneos que advêm essencialmente de domicílios chefiados por indivíduos autodeclarados pretos e por domicílios situados na terceira faixa de desconto, de 101 kWh a 220 kWh. No entanto, não há efeito significativo para a proporção do gasto energético sobre a renda, o que indica que o programa tem resultados limitados numa perspectiva de pobreza energética.