bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acute abdominal pain and nephrotic syndrome: pediatric case reports and review of the literature
Authors: Conti Giovanni , Carucci Nicolina Stefania , Comito Valentina , Impellizzeri Pietro , Visalli Carmela , Ventrici Claudia , Chimenz Roberto , Romeo Carmelo
Published: December 2021

Background

Acute abdominal pain in nephrotic syndrome (NS) is a well-known clinical symptom and is mainly related to peritonitis. The presence, although rare, of red umbilicus may guide the diagnosis as a suggestive sign of peritonitis also in the non-neonatal period. Instead, the association between intussusception and NS is quite limited. We reviewed all published cases in the literature, and to our knowledge, this is one of the few pediatric cases of spontaneous resolution of intussusception in the setting of NS. Finally, a review of the causes of abdominal pain during the course of NS was made.

Cases presentation

We report two pediatric patient cases who complained of acute abdominal pain during a relapse episode of their NS. The first case is a 4-year-old boy with NS (fourth relapse) who presented with acute abdominal pain, ascites, and red umbilicus. Our suspect of primary peritonitis was clinically confirmed because of the subsequent appearance of the classical peritoneal signs. The second case is a 4-year-old boy who developed an ileo-ileal intussusception during the treatment of his first NS relapse, with spontaneous reduction.

Conclusions

Gastrointestinal disorders are frequently encountered in the course of NS. The appearance of acute abdominal pain in children with NS requires quick management, both clinical and instrumental. A multidisciplinary team approach needs to be encouraged to lead to an accurate diagnosis and a correct treatment.
Surgical extraction of an unusual macrocystic lymphatic malformation in the buttock: case report
Authors: Rodríguez-García Francisco Antonio , Gallegos-Sierra Cuauhtly , Villarreal-Salgado José Luis , Jimenez-Pavon Karla , Morfin-Meza Karen , Ramos-Maciel Joel , Fierro-Rodríguez Diego Armando , Romero-Algara Enrique , Bonilla-Catalán Pablo , Dorado-Hernández Emmanuel , Torres-Salazar Quitzia Libertad
Published: December 2021

Background

Macrocystic lymphatic malformation is a rare benign skin disorder, especially the anogenital area, which covers less than .5% of the reported cases. It can cause vesicular and papular lesions on the face, trunk, extremities, and, less frequently, anogenital areas. Although there are currently several therapeutic options, surgical excision is the most widely used, considering the lowest recurrence rate.

Case presentation

In this article, we describe the case of a 15-year-old male patient who presented with herpetiform skin lesions, corresponding to the diagnosis of macrocystic lymphatic malformation, in the lower region of the right buttock. After confirmation of the diagnosis by histopathology, surgical excision was performed with a tensor fascia lata graft, with successful aesthetic and functional results.

Conclusions

Considering the diagnosis of macrocystic lymphatic malformation is of utmost importance, although its presence is unusual, to differentiate it from other herpetiform lesions. Despite the existence of multiple approaches today, definitive treatment with surgical extraction is necessary, both to improve the cosmetic aspect and to prevent associated complications. It is suggested that histopathological and imaging diagnostic tools be used as a routine element, in order to increase therapeutic success, as well as decrease the risk of recurrences.

Evidence-based medicine ranking

Level IV
Case report of a near-fatal case of Mycobacterium massiliense sepsis after de-clotting of an arteriovenous fistula
Authors: Nawaz Haroon , Choudhry Ayesha A. , Morse William
Published: December 2021

Background

Mycobacterium massiliense is a rapidly growing a non-tuberculous mycobacterium that has been validated as a separate species from the Mycobacterium abscessus group. Only few antibiotics have demonstrated germicidal activity against Mycobacterium massiliense, and some of those include amikacin, clarithromycin, and cefoxitin.

Case presentation

We present the first reported case of near-fatal septic shock caused by disseminated Mycobacterium massiliense after de-clotting of an infected arteriovenous fistula, in a patient with end-stage renal disease with concomitant human immunodeficiency virus infection. Early recognition of the culprit organism and treatment with a combination therapy of clarithromycin and amikacin led to rapid improvement.

Conclusion

This unique case can highlight the importance of taking into consideration Mycobacterium massiliense infection as a cause of arteriovenous fistula thrombosis and highlights the risk of disseminated infection leading to life threatening sepsis upon de-clotting of the fistula.
Young age and the risk of violent behaviour in people with severe mental disorders: prospective, multicentre study
Authors: Micciolo Rocco , Bianconi Giorgio , Canal Luisa , Clerici Massimo , Ferla Maria Teresa , Giugni Camilla , Iozzino Laura , Sbravati Giulio , Tura Giovanni Battista , Vita Antonio , Zagarese Laura , de Girolamo Giovanni ,   for the Violence Risk and Mental Disorder 2 (VIORMED-2) Group
Published: December 2021

Background

During adolescence and young adulthood people appear to be more prone to violent behaviour. A greater tendency to violent behaviour appears to be associated with hyperactivity, impulsivity and low tolerance for frustration and provocation in social settings.

Aims

This prospective cohort study aimed to evaluate rates of violent behaviour among young people with mental disorders, compared with older age groups.

Method

A total of 340 individuals with severe mental disorders (125 living in residential facilities and 215 out-patients) were evaluated at baseline with the SCID-I and II, Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, Specific Level of Functioning scale, Brown–Goodwin Lifetime History of Aggression scale, Buss–Durkee Hostility Inventory, Barratt Impulsiveness Scale and State–Trait Anger Expression Inventory-2. Aggressive behaviour was rated every 15 days with the Modified Overt Aggression Scale (MOAS).

Results

The sample comprised 28 individuals aged 18–29 years, 202 aged 30–49 and 110 aged 50 and over. Younger age was associated with a personality disorder diagnosis, substance use disorder, being single and employed. These results were confirmed even controlling for the gender effect. The patterns of the cumulative MOAS mean scores showed that younger (18–29 years old) individuals were significantly more aggressive than older (≥50) ones (P< 0.001).

Conclusions

This study highlights how young age in people with severe mental disorders is correlated with higher levels of impulsivity, anger and hostility, confirming previous analyses. Our results may assist clinicians in implementing early interventions to improve anger and impulsivity control to reduce the risk of future aggressive behaviours.
Ergocalciferol in New-onset Type 1 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Nwosu Benjamin Udoka , Parajuli Sadichchha , Jasmin Gabrielle , Fleshman Jody , Sharma Rohit B , Alonso Laura C , Lee Austin F , Barton Bruce A
Published: December 2021

Context

The effect of the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory actions of vitamin D on the duration of partial clinical remission (PR) in youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D) is unclear.

Objective

This work aimed to determine the effect of adjunctive ergocalciferol on residual β-cell function (RBCF) and PR in youth with newly diagnosed T1D who were maintained on a standardized insulin treatment protocol. The hypothesis was that ergocalciferol supplementation increases RBCF and prolongs PR.

Methods

A 12-month, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted of 50 000 IU of ergocalciferol per week for 2 months, and then once every 2 weeks for 10 months, vs placebo in 36 individuals aged 10 to 21 years, with T1D of less than 3 months and a stimulated C-peptide (SCP) level greater than or equal to 0.2 nmol/L (≥ 0.6 ng/mL). The ergocalciferol group had 18 randomly assigned participants (10 male/8 female), mean age 13.3 ± 2.8 years, while the control group had 18 participants (14 male/4 female), aged 14.3 ± 2.9 years.

Results

The ergocalciferol treatment group had statistically significantly higher serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D at 6 months (P = .01) and 9 months (P = .02) than the placebo group. At 12 months, the ergocalciferol group had a statistically significantly lower serum tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) concentration (P = .03). There were no statistically significant differences between the groups at each time point from baseline to 12 months for SCP concentration (P = .08), glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (P = .09), insulin dose–adjusted A1c (IDAA1c), or total daily dose of insulin. Temporal trends for rising HbA1c (P = .04) and IDAA1c (P = .02) were statistically significantly blunted in the ergocalciferol group.

Conclusion

Ergocalciferol statistically significantly reduced serum TNF-α concentration and the rates of increase both in A1c and IDAA1c, suggesting a protection of RBCF and PR in youth with newly diagnosed T1D.
Οι πρωτοβυζαντινοί εμπορικοί αμφορείς από την πόλη της Κάτω Έδεσσας
Authors: Διαλούπη Ευγενία
Published: December 2021

Σκοπός της διατριβής αυτής είναι η μελέτη και η παρουσίαση των πρωτοβυζαντινών αμφορέων από την κάτω πόλη της Έδεσσας. Κατά την πρωτοβυζαντινή περίοδο, η πόλη της Έδεσσας, είναι μία ακμάζουσα πόλη στην οποία καταφθάνουν προϊόντα από όλα σχεδόν τα γνωστά κέντρα παραγωγής της Μεσογείου. Οι εμπορικές σχέσεις της πόλης αποτυπώνονται στους διαφορετικούς τύπους των υστερορωμαϊκών/πρωτοβυζαντινών αμφορέων οι οποίοι προέρχονται από τον ευρύτερο μεσογειακό χώρο, κυρίως όμως από το ανατολικό τμήμα της βυζαντινής αυτοκρατορίας. Η κομβική γεωγραφική θέση της πόλης, ως διαμετακομιστικού κέντρου της Εγνατίας οδού και ένας από τους σημαντικούς σταθμούς- πέρασμα συνέβαλλαν αναμφίβολα στην κοινωνικοοικονομική εξέλιξη και στις εμπορικές διασυνδέσεις της Έδεσσας. Επίσης το μεγάλο ποσοστό αμφορέων LRA2 καθώς και άλλων υστερορωμαϊκών τύπων όπως LRA1 σε συνδυασμό από επιμέρους αρχαιολογικά ευρήματα επιβεβαιώνουν και την παρουσία στρατιωτικών σωμάτων στη πόλη. Η μεγάλη ποικιλία πηλών στους LRA2 φαίνεται ότι συνδέεται με μία ευρύτερη και διευρυμένη γεωγραφική ζώνη του Αιγαιακού χώρου, που κατά την πρωτοβυζαντινή περίοδο αποτέλεσαν κέντρα παραγωγής των συγκεκριμένων αμφορέων. Τέλος η επιβεβαιωμένη επανάχρηση των υστερορωμαϊκών/πρωτοβυζαντινών αμφορέων LRA1, LRA4, Samian cistern type και «σπαθεία» συνδέθηκε άρρηκτα με τους εγχυτρισμούς βρεφών οι οποίοι έλαβαν χώρα στις τελευταίες φάσεις κατοίκησης της κάτω πόλης της Έδεσσας. Η πόλη δεν παύει να είναι ενεργή και δραστήρια καθ’όλη την πρωτοβυζαντινή περίοδο μέχρι την οριστική εγκατάλειψή της, στις αρχές του 7ου αιώνα, από τους κατοίκους της που πλέον έγινε αναπόφευκτη.
“We shall have gone to a higher standard”: Training village heath teams (VHTs) to use a smartphone-guided intervention to link older Ugandans with hypertension and diabetes to care
Authors: Mugisha Joseph Okello , Seeley Janet
Published: December 2021

Background: It is not clear whether village health teams (VHTs) can be empowered to participate in interventions to prevent and control hypertension and diabetes in older adults in Uganda. We conducted this study in rural Uganda to establish if VHTs could be effectively trained to use a smart phone guided intervention to link older people with hypertension and diabetes to care. We also explored the experiences of VHTs in managing older adults with health problems, their knowledge of hypertension and diabetes and their understanding of referral systems. We also explored their experiences with smartphones.

Methods: We conducted in-depth interviews (IDIs) with and trained 20 VHTs randomly selected from Bukulula sub-county in Kalungu district from October 2017-December 2018. We used interview guides to explore topics relevant to our study objectives. VHTs were trained to measure blood sugar and blood pressure using digital machines. VHTs were trained on identifying symptoms of diabetes mellitus. Data from IDIs were analysed using thematic content analysis. Competence tests were used to evaluate the training.

Results: Most of the VHTs were female (75%). All VHTs had some knowledge on hypertension and diabetes and other chronic diseases. They did not have any experience in treating older adults since they had been trained to deal mainly with children. Half of the VHTs owned smartphones. All were willing to participate in an intervention using a smartphone to link older adults with hypertension and diabetes mellitus to care. By the end of the training, all but three participants could comprehend the symptoms of diabetes and measure blood sugar and blood pressure.

Conclusion: Village health teams in the study setting need training in managing the health needs of older adults before engaging with an intervention using smartphones to link older adults with diabetes mellitus and hypertension to care.
Human-centred design of a new microneedle-based hormonal contraceptive delivery system
Authors: Gualeni Benedetta , Hughes Louise , Stauber Isabelle , Ackers Louise , Gorman Angela , Gashuga Dorothy , Dzabala Nettie , Chimimba Frider , Chikowe Ibrahim , Coulman Sion A. , Birchall James C.
Published: December 2021

Background: It is estimated that 225 million women worldwide have an unmet need for family planning, and more than half live in low- and middle-income countries. Increasing the choice of contraceptive methods available can reduce this unmet need. Microneedle drug delivery systems represent a new technology for minimally invasive self-administration of contraceptives. We explored stakeholders’ views on different aspects of a proposed microneedle-based hormonal contraceptive delivery system. The feedback was used to iteratively develop this delivery system.

Methods: Focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews were conducted with potential stakeholders (women and trans males of childbearing age, their partners, and health professionals and organisations that provide family planning advice and contraception services) in Uganda, The Gambia, Malawi, and the UK, exploring concept acceptability and gathering feedback on different aspects of design and usability of the proposed delivery system.

Results: Participants viewed the concept of a new, microneedle-based contraceptive favourably. In Uganda, participants were presented with 7 different prototype applicators and identified desirable features of a preferred delivery device; their input reducing the number of prototypes that were subsequently evaluated by stakeholders in The Gambia and the UK. Participants in these countries helped to identify and/or confirm the most desirable characteristics of the applicator, resulting in design consolidation into a refined concept applicator. The final, optimised applicator prototype was validated during user research in Malawi. This human-centred design approach was also used to iteratively develop an information leaflet for the device. During these user studies, other preferred aspects of a contraceptive delivery system were also evaluated, such as anatomical site of application, duration of action, and return to fertility.

Conclusions: A new microneedle-based contraceptive delivery system was iteratively developed using a human-centred design approach and was favourably received by potential stakeholders. The product is now being refined for testing in pre-clinical studies.
Organizaciones intensivas en conocimiento (OIC): características e implicaciones para la gestión
Authors: Bedoya-Dorado Cristian , García-Solarte Mónica , Murillo-Vargas Guillermo
Published: December 2021

A finales del siglo XX fue anunciada la llegada de un nuevo tipo de organización que estaría fundamentada en el conocimiento como núcleo de su estrategia. En la literatura, este tipo de organización se ha registrado principalmente como organizaciones intensivas en conocimiento (OIC). Pese al papel que cumplen las oic en el actual contexto, su definición ha resultado ser difusa y variable en la literatura. El presente estudio se enfoca en identificar las características de las OIC y sus implicaciones para la gestión. Para ello, el estudio se abordódesde un diseño documental en el que se realizó una revisión sistemática de la literatura mediante un análisis de contenido cuantitativo/cualitativo de una muestra de 509 artículos de los catálogos de Scopus y Web of Science. Los hallazgos sugieren que las confusiones teóricas se deben en gran medida a que la literatura registra diferentes etiquetas para conceptualizar e investigar a las oic. El conocimiento es una de las principales características, ya que es la fuente de ventaja competitiva, y sitúa los tipos de trabajadores, los productos y el modo de organizar a estas organizaciones. Las características de las oic las diferencian de organizaciones tradicionales, lo que sugiere nuevas formas de gestión.
Data-Driven Robust Resource Allocation with Monotonic Cost Functions
Authors: Chen Ye , Marković Nikola , Ryzhov Ilya O. , Schonfeld Paul
Published: December 2021

Using Data to Allocate Resources Efficiently

In city logistics systems, a fleet of vehicles is divided between service regions that function autonomously. Each region finds optimal routes for its own fleet and incurs costs accordingly. More vehicles lead to lower costs, but the trade-off is that fewer vehicles are left for other regions. Costs are difficult to quantify precisely because of demand uncertainty but can be estimated using data. The paper “Data-driven robust resource allocation with monotonic cost functions” by Chen, Marković, Ryzhov, and Schonfeld develops a principled risk-averse approach for two-stage resource allocation. The authors propose a new uncertainty model for decreasing cost functions and show how it can be leveraged to efficiently find resource allocations that demonstrably reduce the frequency of high-cost scenarios. This framework combines statistics and optimization in a novel way and is applicable to a general class of resource allocation problems, encompassing facility location, vehicle routing, and discrete-event simulation.
Patients' attitudes toward their health literacy and the use of digital apps in health and disease management
Authors: Klösch Michael , Sari-Kundt Firuzan , Reibnitz Christine , Osterbrink Jürgen
Published: November 2021

Background:

No qualitative studies have so far been conducted about patients' attitudes and perceptions toward their own health literacy and the use of digital apps in health and disease management based in Austria.

Aim:

In the context of digital apps, what are patients' attitudes and perceptions with regard to their own health literacy?

Method:

Guided interviews were conducted with patients in an Austrian hospital to obtain qualitative data. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyse the data.

Findings:

Responses to the research questions fell into three main categories: ‘health’, ‘health literacy’ and ‘digital applications in health and disease management’, with each having its own set of subcategories. Digital apps appear to be an important strategy for helping patients optimise their own health literacy, as well as their health or disease management. Challenges referred to the handling of sensitive data or the possibility of publishing unfiltered information.

Conclusion:

Further studies need to be carried out to gain a more detailed understanding of the findings. Personal experience plays an important role in supporting quantitative findings.
The experiences of adult nursing students completing a placement during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Cushen-Brewster Noreen , Barker Anne , Driscoll-Evans Paul , Wigens Lynne , Langton Helen
Published: November 2021

Background:

The emergency measures implemented by the Nursing and Midwifery Council in response to the COVID-19 pandemic provided nursing students in their final 6 months of study with the opportunity to complete a paid consolidation clinical placement and thus increase their personal responsibility for the care they delivered under supervision.

Aim:

To explore the experiences of third-year nursing students who completed their final clinical placement during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods:

Semi-structured interviews were conducted via a virtual platform.

Findings:

Three themes were identified: the importance of support mechanisms, the development of confidence, and innovative learning opportunities. Students reported improved confidence in the transition period to registered practitioner and felt well supported, which enabled them to take greater responsibility.

Conclusion:

This study provided insight into the experience of nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic, and found that support mechanisms, and a sense of belonging, helped to increase their confidence in clinical practice.
Estimating the time point for nutritional failure in patients suffering from acute brain attacks in the intensive care unit
Authors: Al-Kalaldeh Mahmoud , Shosha Ghada Abu , Shoqirat Noordeen , Alsaraireh Mahmoud , Haddadin Rawan
Published: November 2021

Background:

Severe brain attack patients demonstrate hypermetabolic state and gastrointestinal dysfunction, leading to faster onset of nutritional failure.

Aim:

To estimate the time point where the development of nutritional failure is more probable among patients with acute brain attacks in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Methods:

Direct bedside observation for selected nutritional parameters was performed. When enteral nutrition was initiated, observation was performed at five points over 9 days.

Findings:

84 patients with 55% mortality risk and on mechanical ventilation were included. Over the observation period, gastric residual volume increased (144 ml vs 196 ml), body weight decreased (79.4 kg vs 74.3 kg), and serum albumin reduced (3.6 g/dl to 3.1 g/dl). Caloric attainment and malnutrition score deteriorated, and feeding-related complications increased. Nutritional failure was evidently prevalent between the third and fifth day of observation.

Conclusion:

An earlier period of enteral nutrition entails higher probability of nutritional failure among severe brain attack patients in the ICU.
The nurse's role in providing strategies and advice on weight management
Authors: Coutts Alison
Published: November 2021

Maintaining a healthy weight is a concern for a large proportion of adults in the UK, with obesity rates having almost doubled between 1993 and 2011. With overweight and obesity linked to several diseases and health conditions, nurses are often tasked with raising the subject with their clients/patients and advising on lifestyle modifications. This article examines ways to identify whether a person needs to lose weight and establishing targets. It then reviews the evidence base for different approaches to weight management currently available and the advice nurses can provide.
Contemporary Thai Primary Schools through the Years
Authors:   Walailak University, Tha Sala, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80161, Thailand, Casta Janet S. , Bangasan Grace C. ,   St. Theresa International College, Nakhon Nayok 26120, Thailand, Mando Dario A. ,   St. Theresa International College, Nakhon Nayok 26120, Thailand
Published: December 2021

Amidst the various educational reforms implemented in Thai education system is a burning question of the current state of schools in the country. What has been accomplished and what is there to improve? This paper utilizes a qualitative research design in exploring the current state of Thai primary schools in Thailand. Specifically, it employs critical discourse analysis to extract relevant data from pre-service teacher’s coursebooks. Additionally, informal interviews were conducted to supplement and provide further information on the areas of school learning resources, daily routines, school activities, classroom rules, and new functions of teachers aside from teaching. Observations and responses were coded and grouped into themes. The results of the study have shown some progress along learning resources, several changes in daily routines and school activities, a more comprehensive classroom policies that include social and cultural rules, and multi-faceted functions of Thai teachers. Keywords: Pre-service teachers, School resources and daily routines, School activities, Classroom rules, Responsibilities of teachers, Thai primary schools
The Changing Forest Utilization and Management of Mlabri Tribe at Bokluea District, Nan Province, Thailand
Authors:   Natural Resource Management, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok 10140, Thailand, Wongwandee Norachat ,   Royal project Foundation and King’s Recommended Project Supporting Center, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi Bangkok 10140, Thailand, Kiratikara Krissanapong ,   Office of the President, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok 10140, Thailand, Suwannathep Sasitorn ,   Liberal Art, King Monkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok 10140, Thailand, Assavarak Passanan ,   Liberal Art, King Monkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok 10140, Thailand, Bunnag Boosya ,   Natural Resource Management, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok 10140, Thailand
Published: December 2021

This study investigates the changes in forest utilization and management of the Mlabri tribe in Phufa Village, Nan Province, Thailand. This research utilizes quantitative and qualitative methods, such as interviews, community meetings, focus groups and participant observation. The population in the Mlabri village is around 40. It was found that the Mlabri villagers utilized 13 groups to collect 92 different species of forest products to earn a total income of 490,000 baht per year. For resource management, the forest communities have two forms of forest management. These are: (a) a belief model that governs the supernatural mysteries; and (b) a modern community-based management system, which reflects modern rules and regulations from the local authorities. Since the Mlabri people share the same space with other communities, they need to follow the rules set by the owners of the area. Based on the type of forests, the Mlabri tribe utilizes forest management under the concepts of conservation and awareness-raising. The Mlabri people changed from using forest resources for subsistence and exchanged for items that they could not obtain, such as iron, salt and tobacco. At present, the people in the Mlabri tribe have become labourers and agricultural workers. Hunting and gathering forest products are just for earning some extra income and relaxation. Although hunting and gathering is no longer a primary activity among the Mlabri, it is an activity that improves the quality of their life. It also creates a new identity for the Mlabri tribe, which changes the context of the Mlabri society while making the story of the "people living with the forest" interesting. Keywords: Mlabri tribe, hunting and gathering society, utilization and forest management
Hybrid Energy System Modelling for Oil & Gas Fields: A Case Study of Pasakhi Satellite Oil & Gas Complex
Authors: Mustafa Fahim , Ali Sahito Anwar , Ahmed Khatri Shoaib , Kumar Laveet
Published: November 2021

Energy is needed for all community activities, the production of all goods,and the provision of all services. It is extremely important to a country’seconomy and wealth. Currently, conventional fossil fuels provide most ofthe world’s energy. In case of oil and gas fields their energy consumption istotally off-grid, their generation depends upon fossil fuels, the cost of energyconsumption of oil and gas fields are too high because operational work ofthe field is totally depending upon fossil fuels. The development of off-gridrenewable energy generation technologies offers the opportunity for tacklingthese challenges. This study provides a techno-economic feasibility analysisof an off-grid hybrid renewable energy system [HRES] for Pasakhi SatelliteOil & Gas Field, Tando Jam, Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan. The proposedhybrid energy system designed for field consists of the different combinationof solar Photovoltaics [PVs], wind turbines, batteries, and generator to meet the required energy consumption demand. The renewable hybrid energysystem is model and optimized configuration through powerful simulationsoftware Hybrid Optimized Model for Electric Renewable [HOMER] Pro.The optimized configuration of the hybrid system consists of solar PV’s(50 kW), Wind turbines (60 kW), 40 lead-acid batteries (165 Ah and 12Veach), 30 kw generator and 100 kW converter. The simulation results showthat the proposed system can meet the power requirements of 250 kWh/dayprimary demand load with 40.21 kW peak load. This system configurationhas the Capital Cost $71040, the Net Present Cost [NPC] of $253,159 andCost of Energy [COE] of 0.215$/kWh. Furthermore, the results of the presentstudy are compared with the literature because of which a cost-effectiveHRES with a low COE has been established.
Optimal Allocation of Distributed Energy Supply System Under Uncertainty Based Improved Gray Wolf Algorithm
Authors: Xue Xiao , Zheng Yangbing , Lu Chao
Published: November 2021

In order to improve the economical performance of distributed energy supplysystem under uncertainty, the improved gray wolf algorithm is constructed foroptimal allocation of distributed energy supply system. The relating researchprogress is summarized firstly, and effect of improved gray wolf algorithmon optimal allocation of distributed energy supply system are studied. Theoptimal allocation model of distributed energy supply system is constructedconsidering fuel consumption, operation and maintenance cost, environmentpenalty cost, and power grid energy exchange function, and the uncertainfactor is processed based on scienario method. And then the improved graywolf algorithm is designed, and the initial strategy of population and the reg-ulated method of main parameters are improved. Finally, simulation analysisis carried out, simulation results show that the proposed model can obtainbest optimal allocation effect of system.
Power Quality Disturbance Identification and Optimization Based on Machine Learning
Authors: Long Fei , Liu Fen , Peng Xiangli , Yu Zheng Yu , Huan Xu Huan , Xu Huan Xu , Li Jing Li
Published: November 2021

In order to improve the electrical quality disturbance recognition ability of theneural network, this paper studies a depth learning-based power quality dis-turbance recognition and classification method: constructing a power qualityperturbation model, generating training set; construct depth neural network;profit training set to depth neural network training; verify the performance ofthe depth neural network; the results show that the training set is randomlyadded 20DB-50DB noise, even in the most serious 20dB noise conditions,it can reach more than 99% identification, this is a tradition. The methodis impossible to implement. Conclusion: the deepest learning-based powerquality disturbance identification and classification method overcomes thedisadvantage of the selection steps of artificial characteristics, poor robust-ness, which is beneficial to more accurately and quickly discover the categoryof power quality issues.
A Bionic-Intelligent Scheduling Algorithm for Distributed Power Generation System
Authors: Ma Zhili , Wang Zhenzhen , Zhang Yuhong
Published: November 2021

With the introduction of the new power system concept, diversified dis-tributed power generation systems, such as wind power, photovoltaics, andpumped storage, account for an increasing proportion of the energy supplyside. Facing objective issues such as distributed energy decentralization andremote location, exploring what kind of algorithm to use to dispatch nearbydistributed energy has become a hot spot in the current electric power field. Inview of the current situation, this paper proposes a Bionic Intelligent Schedul-ing Algorithm (DWMFO) for distributed power generation systems. On thebasis of the Moth Flame Algorithm (MFO), in order to solve the problemof low accuracy and slow convergence speed of the algorithm in schedulingdistributed energy, we use the adaptive dynamic change factor strategy todynamically adjust the weighting factor of the MFO. The purpose is to assistthe power dispatching department to dispatch diversified distributed energysources such as wind power, photovoltaics, and pumped storage in a timelymanner during the peak power consumption period. In the experiment, wecompared with 4 algorithms. The simulation results of 9 test functions showthat the optimization performance of DWMFO is significantly improved, theconvergence speed is faster, the solution accuracy is higher, and the global search capability is stronger. Experimental test results show that the proposedbionic intelligent scheduling algorithm can expand the effective search spaceof distributed energy. To a certain extent, the possibility of searching for theglobal optimal solution is also increased, and a better flame solution can befound.
Effect of Loads on Temperature Distribution Characteristics of Oil-Immersed Transformer Winding
Authors: Zhao Zhengang , Jiang Zhangnan , Li Yang , Li Chuan , Zhang Dacheng
Published: November 2021

The temperature of the hot-spots on windings is a crucial factor that can limitthe overload capacity of the transformer. Few studies consider the impactof the load on the hot-spot when studying the hot-spot temperature and itslocation. In this paper, a thermal circuit model based on the thermoelectricanalogy method is built to simulate the transformer winding and transformeroil temperature distribution. The hot-spot temperature and its location underdifferent loads are qualitatively analyzed, and the hot-spot location is ana-lyzed and compared to the experimental results. The results show that thehot-spot position on the winding under the rated power appears at 85.88% ofthe winding height, and the hot-spot position of the winding moves down by5% in turn at 1.3, 1.48, and 1.73 times the rated power respectively.
Design of a Low Voltage DC Mini-grid for Isolated Healthcare Centres
Authors: Dhinakaran Vishnu , Akash K. , Viswanathan Rakshaa , Rakesh Kumar A. , Arul Daniel S.
Published: November 2021

Primary healthcare centres are essential to any inhabited place in the world.A lack of electrical power from the grid should not be a reason for peoplein remote rural areas to miss out on basic healthcare. In developing countrieslike India, rural healthcare centres usually have intermittent or no grid supplyand run on diesel generator-based electricity or other conventional sources,if at all there are such centres established. This, however, contributes toenvironmental degradation and is also expensive to maintain, consideringfluctuating fuel prices. To turn the dependence on renewable energy sourceslike photovoltaics would pave the way to sustainable energy productionand utilization, which costs less in the long run. This research work aimsat designing an islanded low voltage DC solar mini-grid that will provideenough power to sustain a primary healthcare centre that has less to no accessto the national grid. Previous works in this context tend to rely on varyingextents of intermittent supply from the national grid, which may not be thereality in most Indian rural areas. Additionally, an unreliable source of power from the grid which is also difficult to predict would make sensitive andimportant loads less accessible.
Defragmenting: towards a critical understanding of the new global division of labour
Authors: Ursula Huws
Published: December 2021

This paper provides a short introduction to this volume.
Capitalist flattening or flattening capitalism? class forces and political choices in the global knowledge economy
Authors: David Coates
Published: December 2021

The global knowledge economy is new, but its central drivers are not. Capitalist logics continue to set its trajectory. The character and strength of class forces continue to determine its development and outcomes. As industrial conditions standardise globally and as trade flows thicken, the class compacts established in core capitalisms in the immediate post-war period are everywhere under challenge, and the task for the Left is clear: to create and integrate movements capable of replacing that reactionary and capitalist logic with a progressive and socialist one.
Regions and firms in eWork Relocation Dynamics: Pittsburgh's call centre industry
Authors: Chris Benner
Published: December 2021

This paper attempts to contribute to our theoretical understanding of the relationship between regions and the location dynamics of telemediated employment through an analysis of the regional dynamics shaping the call centre industry in Pittsburgh, which has grown significantly despite the increased possibilities for offshoring. Focussing on fundamental dimensions of the call centre labour process, it suggests that there are particular features of the Pittsburgh region that are not only important components of firms’ decisions to locate call centre work there but also influence their processes for doing so. These features are rooted in the industrial history, socio-demographic dynamics and cultural factors in the region that increase the level of ‘stickiness’, or propensity of enterprises to stay in the area.
The story of an emerging crisis: the impact of COVID-19 on care home residents with dementia in the UK
Authors: Cousins Emily , de Vries Kay , Harrison Dening Karen
Published: November 2021

The impact of COVID-19 in UK care homes has been significant – for staff, residents and people with dementia. Given the rapidly changing circumstances, the media (limitations notwithstanding) have reported vital insights from the front line. A qualitative analysis of news articles across three time points reveals the story of an emerging crisis in UK care homes, beginning with a sole focus on hospital care and resulting in tragically high death rates. This public-facing narrative has potential to: advocate for increased resources in care homes; drive government accountability; highlight improvements for care practices; and bear witness to the experiences of a vulnerable population.
Interband plasmon-enhanced optical absorption of DNA nucleobases through the graphene nanopore
Authors: Faramarzi Vahid , Ahmadi Vahid , Heidari Mohsen , Fotouhi Bashir , Hwang Michael T.
Published: December 2021

We propose a novel, to the best of our knowledge, plasmonic-based methodology for the purpose of fast DNA sequencing. The interband surface plasmon resonance and field-enhancement properties of graphene nanopore in the presence of the DNA nucleobases are investigated using a hybrid quantum/classical method (HQCM), which employs time-dependent density functional theory and a quasistatic finite difference time domain approach. In the strong plasmonic–molecular coupling regime where the plasmon and DNA absorption frequencies are degenerated, the optical response of DNA molecule in the vicinity of the nanopore is enhanced. In contrast, when the plasmon and nucleobases resonances are detuned the distinct peaks and broadening of the molecular resonances represent the inherent properties of the nucleobase. Due to the different optical properties of DNA nucleobases in the ultraviolet (UV) region of light, the signal corresponding to the replacement of nucleobases in a DNA block can be determined by considering the differential absorbance. Results show the promising capability of the present mechanism for practical DNA sequencing.
Evaluating the association of self-reported psychological distress and self-rated health on survival times among women with breast cancer in the U.S.
Authors: Adeyemi Oluwaseun John , Gill Tasha Leimomi , Paul Rajib , Huber Larissa Brunner
Published: December 2021

Background

Psychological distress and self-rated health status may create additional complexities in patients already diagnosed with breast cancer. This study aims to assess the association of self-report-based assessment of psychological distress and self-rated health on survival times among women with breast cancer diagnoses.

Methods

Seventeen-year data from the Integrated Public Use Microdata Series—National Health Interview Survey (IPUMS-NHIS) were pooled and analyzed. Women who were aged 30 to 64 years old, with breast cancer diagnosis were selected (n = 2,819). The outcome variable was time to death. The independent variables were self-reported assessment of psychological distress and self-rated health. Psychological distress was defined using the Kessler-6 scale while self-rated health was measured on a 3-point Likert scale: Poor, Fair, and Good-to-Excellent (referred to as good for brevity). We computed unadjusted and adjusted hazard ratios (HR) using Cox-Proportional Hazard regression models with sociodemographic characteristics and measures of health care access used as potential confounders. Significance was set at alpha = 0.05.

Results

Women with breast cancer assessed as having psychological distress had 46% (Adjusted HR: 1.46; 95% CI: 1.02–2.09) increased risks of mortality. Also, women who rated their health as poor or fair had a significantly elevated mortality risk (Poor Health: Adjusted HR: 3.05; 95% CI: 2.61–4.69; Fair Health: Adjusted HR: 1.83; 95% CI: 1.43–2.35) as compared to women with good health status.

Conclusions

Self-reported psychological distress and fair and poor self-rated health are associated with reduced survival times among women with breast cancer diagnoses.
puerta videoescénica
Authors: Montes Gustavo
Published: December 2021

La obra videoescénica se construye a través de dos modos de representación, el dramático y el narrativo de enunciación audiovisual mediante la introducción de medios audiovisuales en la escenificación teatral. La categoría espacial es determinante en la creación de sentido, puesto que la comunicación con el espectador se produce en el espacio. Una pantalla de proyección, situada en el escenario, establece la interacción intermodal entre el espacio escénico y el espacio audiovisual. Esta investigación tiene como objetivo explicar cómo se establecen las relaciones entre espacio escénico y espacio audiovisual a través de una metodología cualitativa basada en el análisis dramatológico de tres productos videoescénicos. Los resultados muestran que la introducción del audiovisual altera cualitativamente los grados de representación del espacio a través de relaciones específicas de sucesividad y simultaneidad que llevan a la aparición de la subjetividad en la percepción espacial. La investigación concluye estableciendo la categoría de espacio videoescénico, caracterizado por la fragmentación y la multiplicidad. En la obra videoescénica se produce una doble ruptura: de los límites espaciales y de la focalización teatral.
IS ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE DRUG DEVELOPMENT BROKEN? WHAT MUST BE IMPROVED
Authors: Ousset P.-J. , Cummings J. , Delrieu J. , Legrand V. , Prins N. , Winblad B. , Touchon J. , Weiner M.W. , Vellas B.
Published: December 2021

During the decade from 2002 to 2012, 99.6% of the 244 agents tested for efficacy in slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s’ disease (AD) failed to achieve their primary endpoints. At a CTAD symposium on November 14, 2013, in San Diego, USA, an international group of AD researchers met to discuss the evolution of trials over the past 10 years and proposed a number of changes intended to streamline and enhance the efficiency of clinical trials. Approximately 1,031 AD trials were conducted between 2000 and 2012. The number of patients per trial site tended to decrease over time necessitating a larger number of sites. The use of biomarkers for enrichment purposes, or as measures of target engagement or surrogate outcomes, results in higher screen failure and drop-out rates, adding to trial duration and/or costs. Present disease modifying AD trials ask for increasing logistical and technical requirements, necessitating the creation of highly specialized trial facilities and limiting the participation of smaller sites. Due to heavy administrative and regulatory task, only about 13% of the team's time is used for the essential recruitment. Proposals and perspectives: Strategies suggested to improve the efficiency of recruitment include establishing “ready to go cohorts” in advance of trials using biomarkers and clinical measures. Simplification and harmonization of administrative procedures, including harmonization of certification procedures, are urgently needed. Alternative approaches, such as using the Internet to screen volunteers for possible inclusion needs to be evaluated. The AD drug development enterprise from discovery through clinical trials requires re-examination and re-organization if new drugs are to be delivered to patients in a timely way.
INTER-SPECIES GLIA DIFFERENCES: IMPLICATIONS FOR SUCCESSFUL TRANSLATION OF TRANSGENIC RODENT ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE MODEL TREATMENT USING BEXAROTENE
Authors: Bartzokis G.
Published: December 2021

Despite a multitude of efficacious treatments for the cognitive symptoms and pathology in transgenic mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), success in human trials has been elusive. Rodent-human brain dissimilarities may help explain failures of past human trials and improve outcomes of future ones. This review highlights the essential role of the human brain’s exceptional myelination in achieving and maintaining optimal brain functions, as well as underlying its vulnerability to age-related myelin breakdown and the degenerative brain diseases that process can trigger. This alternative myelin-centered perspective is used herein to help explain key disconnects in the existing treatment literature by focusing on recent reports on brain effects of bexarotene, the only marketed retinoid X receptor (RXR) agonist. The myelin perspective exposes significant yet underexplored opportunities for novel treatment and prevention interventions that have the potential to considerably reduce the tremendous burden of degenerative brain diseases.
Cultural Practices Triggering the Development of Citrus Stem Rot in District of Bangli
Authors: Widyastiti I Gusti Ayu , Widodo Widodo
Published: November 2021

Kabupaten Bangli, Bali merupakan salah satu sentra produksi jeruk di Indonesia. Kendala pada produksi jeruk di antaranya ialah penyakit busuk pangkal batang yang disebabkan oleh Lasiodiplodia theobromae. Tujuan penelitian ini menentukan faktor budi daya, letak geografis, dan curah hujan yang berkaitan dengan penyakit ini. Pengamatan kondisi penyakit dan wawancara mengenai teknik budi daya ditanyakan kepada 50 petani pemilik. Keterkaitan antara teknik budi daya dan keparahan penyakit dianalisa dari data korespondensi yang dipetakan dengan grafik biplot dan analisis kontingensi dengan uji khi kuadrat. Berdasarkan pada analisis korespondensi dan kontingensi terdapat 4 faktor cara budi daya dan 1 faktor tanaman yang berkaitan nyata terhadap keparahan busuk batang jeruk. Faktor tersebut ialah frekuensi penyiangan secara mekanis, umur tanaman, populasi tanaman per hektar, aplikasi herbisida, dan dosis pupuk nitrogen.