bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global Cardiovascular Risk Profile and Cerebrovascular Abnormalities in Presymptomatic Individuals with CADASIL or Autosomal Dominant Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Schoemaker Dorothee , Velilla-Jimenez Lina , Zuluaga Yesica , Baena Ana , Ospina Carolina , Bocanegra Yamile , Alvarez Sergio , Ochoa-Escudero Martin , Guzmán-Vélez Edmarie , Martinez Jairo , Lopera Francisco , Arboleda-Velasquez Joseph F. , Quiroz Yakeel T.
Published: June 2021

Background: Cardiovascular risk factors increase the risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. Objective: Studying individuals with autosomal dominant mutations leading to the early onset of dementia, this study examines the effect of the global cardiovascular risk profile on early cognitive and neuroimaging features of Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. Methods: We studied 85 non-demented and stroke-free individuals, including 20 subjects with Presenilin1 (PSEN1) E280A mutation leading to the early onset of autosomal dominant Alzheimer’s disease (ADAD), 20 subjects with NOTCH3 mutations leading to cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) and to the early onset of vascular dementia, and 45 non-affected family members (non-carriers). All subjects underwent clinical and neuropsychological evaluations and an MRI. The global cardiovascular risk profile was estimated using the office-based Framingham Cardiovascular Risk Profile (FCRP) score. Results: In individuals with CADASIL, a higher FCRP score was associated with a reduced hippocampal volume (B = –0.06, p < 0.05) and an increased severity of cerebral microbleeds (B = 0.13, p < 0.001), lacunes (B = 0.30, p < 0.001), and perivascular space enlargement in the basal ganglia (B = 0.50, p < 0.05). There was no significant association between the FCRP score and neuroimaging measures in ADAD or non-carrier subjects. While the FCRP score was related to performance in executive function in non-carrier subjects (B = 0.06, p < 0.05), it was not significantly associated with cognitive performance in individuals with CADASIL or ADAD. Conclusion: Our results suggest that individuals with CADASIL and other forms of vascular cognitive impairment might particularly benefit from early interventions aimed at controlling cardiovascular risks.
Rats Display Sexual Dimorphism in Phosphorylation of Brain Tau with Age
Authors: Niu Jiahui , Iqbal Khalid , Liu Fei , Hu Wen
Published: June 2021

Background: Women have a two-fold higher risk than men to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) at midlife. Larger brain tau burden was consistently shown in older women than age-matched men. The biological basis for this gender disparity remains elusive. Objective: We sought to know whether tau expression and phosphorylation physiologically differ between males and females. Methods: We used western blots and immunohistochemistry to compare the levels of total tau and phosphorylated tau in the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex (EC) between sexes in Wistar rats at 40 days, and 8 and 20 months of age. Results: We detected no statistically significant difference in total tau, 3R-tau, and 4R-tau between sexes. However, female rats exhibited lower levels of tau unphosphorylated at the Tau-1 site at 40 days of age. At 8 months of age, females showed higher levels of tau phosphorylated at Ser190, Ser387, and Ser395 (Ser199, Ser396, and Ser404 of human tau, respectively) than males in EC. At 20 months of age, both brain regions of female rats consistently showed higher levels than males of tau phosphorylated at Ser253, Ser387, PHF-1 (Ser387/395), and Ser413 sites, which correspond to Ser262, Ser396, Ser396/404, and Ser422 of human tau, respectively. Conclusion: Rats of both sexes have comparable levels of total tau, 3R-tau, and 4R-tau, whereas females exhibit higher levels of tau phosphorylated at multiple sites that are implicated in AD tau pathology, indicating a sexual dimorphism of tau phosphorylation that may potentially underlie the disparity in brain tau burden and risk for AD between sexes.
A novel flux switching claw pole machine with soft magnetic composite cores
Authors: Liu Chengcheng , Liu Qainyu , Wang Shaopeng , Wang Youhua , Lei Gang , Guo Youguang , Zhu Jianguo
Published: June 2021

This paper proposes a novel flux switching claw pole machine (FSCPM) with soft magnetic composite (SMC) cores. The proposed FSCPM holds advantages of the conventional flux switching permanent magnet machine (FSPMM) and claw pole machine (CPM) with SMC cores. As permanent magnets are installed between the stator claw pole teeth, FSCPM has good flux concentrating ability, and the air gap flux density can be significantly improved. The torque coefficient of FSCPM is relatively high due to the applied claw pole teeth and global winding. FSCPM is mechanically robust because there are no windings or PMs on its rotor. Moreover, the core loss of FSCPM is relatively low for the SMC material has lower core loss at high frequency compared with silicon steels. The topology and operational principle of FSCPM are explained first. Several main dimensions of the machine are optimized to achieve better performance, based on 3D finite element method (FEM). Furthermore, the rotor skewing technology is adopted to reduce the cogging torque and torque ripple.
Variability and Trend Analysis of the Rainfall of the Past 119 (1901-2019) Years using Statistical Techniques: A Case Study of Uttar Dinajpur, India
Authors: Sarkar Ajit , Saha Sunil , Sarkar Debabrata , Mondal Prolay
Published: June 2021

The present study aims to identify and measure the impact of climate change on rainfall patterns in the Uttar Dinajpur district of West Bengal. The hydro-meteorological time series rainfall data was collected from the IMD and CHRS data portals and subsequently analysed using various statistical methods. Agriculture in this district is the main economic activity, but the rainfall propensity is very unpredictable and sporadic that has a significant impact on agriculture. The rainfall results (1901-2019) were examined and assessed using statistical techniques for Mann-Kendall’s Z-statistic and Sen’s slope estimators. From the estimation, it is understood that the pre-monsoon, monsoon, and winter seasons have positive trends in rainfall, whereas the post-monsoon rainfall shows a negative trend and both Mann-Kendall and Sen’s slope projections depict the same. Likewise, January, February, April, May, June, July, August, and December reflect upward positive change, while a downward trend (decline trend) was recorded in March, September, and October. The winter Kharif crops are more impacted by this negative or decreasing pattern of seasonal rainfall than other crops. The maximum average monthly rainfall in July (892.1 mm) and January showed the lowest average monthly rainfall of 63.3 mm. The results revealed that during the monsoon season the maximum rainfall (75.2%) occurred and the coefficient of variance value is 20.4%. In the winter season, the minimal rainfall (2.87%) with a coefficient of variance (CV) is 72.9%. The rainfall forecast using SMOreg and linear regression methods has been calculated. This research contributes greatly to adopting different strategies by the planners, researchers, numerous government institutions, and NGOs for the overall development of the study area. This study may also be effective in the management of water resources in the study region.
Color-blindness simulation for red-green and blue-yellow ambiguity
Authors: Anbari Sheida , Hamidi Hamid Reza , Kermanshahani Shokoh
Published: June 2021

Color blindness has important effects on people’s daily activities, since most activities require a discernment between colors. It is very important for engineers and designers to understand how colorblind people perceive colors. Therefore, many methods have been proposed to simulate color perception of people affected by Dichromacy and anomalous Trichromacy. However, the simulation results rarely have been evaluated with the reports of concerned individuals. In first study, we tried to simulate the color perception of people with different types (red and green) and different degrees of color blindness. Different degrees of red-green deficiency is simulated on the 24-plates brand of the Ishihara color vision test kit. Then simulated plates were tested on people with normal color vision. The results show that the simulation performance is better in the case of high degrees of red-green deficiency. There is also a clear difference between the assessment of female and male volunteers. In another study, the perception of the color of people with blue-yellow blindness is also considered. The proposed blue-yellow blind simulation is compared with the result of another research project. The results show that the color perception of individuals with different degrees of blue-yellow blindness can be reconstructed with a reasonable accuracy.
Research of active vibration control optimal disposition based on CMQPSO
Authors: Meng Xiangzhong , Ma Ying , Guo Qiang
Published: June 2021

The adaptive quantum particle swarm optimization algorithm based on cloud model and the multi-island genetic algorithm [15] have obvious advantages in convergence speed to solve the sensor optimization problem, and can effectively achieve global optimization. Due to the installation of sensors and actuators, the electromechanical coupling coefficient of intelligent structures is changed, which affects the vibration energy of structures. In this paper, the reserved energy index of structural vibration control system is taken as the objective optimization function. The position, number, length and control gain of sensors and actuators of active vibration control system are optimized. The adaptive Quantum-behaved Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm in cloud model(CMQPSO) is used as the optimization strategy, and the cantilever beam is taken as an example. This approach is verified its effectiveness and feasibility. It is found that excellent optimization results are obtained.
An approach to decision making with interval-valued complex Pythagorean fuzzy model for evaluating personal risk of mental patients
Authors: Wang Lei , Peng Xindong
Published: June 2021

It is prominent important for managers to assess the personal risk of mental patients. The evaluation process refers to numerous indexes, and the evaluation values are general portrayed by uncertainty information. In order to conveniently model the complicated uncertainty information in realistic decision making, interval-valued complex Pythagorean fuzzy set is proposed. Firstly, with the aid of Einstein t-norm and t-conorm, four fundamental operations for interval-valued complex Pythagorean fuzzy number (IVCPFN) are constructed along with some operational properties. Subsequently, according to these proposed operations, the weighted average and weighted geometric forms of aggregation operators are initiated for fusing IVCPFNs, and their anticipated properties are also examined. In addition, a multiple attribute decision making issue is examined under the framework of IVCPFNs when employing the novel suggested operators. Ultimately, an example regarding the assessment on personal risk of mental patients is provided to reveal the practicability of the designed approach, and the attractiveness of our results is further found through comparing with other extant approaches.The main novelty of the coined approach is that it not only can preserve the original assessment information adequately by utilizing the IVCPFNs, but also can aggregate IVCPFNs effectively.
Application and research of robot sorting system based on LabVIEW
Authors: Huang Xiaoping , Weng Fangyi , Wei Zhongxin , Kamruzzaman M.M.
Published: June 2021

Sorting robot is a kind of artificial intelligence robot which has certain sense ability and can classify items. In the sorting industry, its appearance not only reduces the labor input, but also improves the production efficiency of the sorting industry. In this paper, a production line composed of linear Delta robot and 3-DOF robot is studied. The forward and inverse solutions are calculated by MATLAB and simulated by Solid Works. Through the visual processing function, communication function and axle card driving function of Lab VIEW software, the servo motor rotation is controlled to achieve the purpose of the end moving along the predetermined trajectory, and finally the visual sorting function is realized.
Linkage development of sports industry and mobile internet in the internet era
Authors: Zhen Lihong
Published: June 2021

The sports industry is considered the industry with the most vitality, participation, and penetration in the 21st century. From the perspective of practice on a global scale, the demand for the sports market has gradually developed from low-level simplification to high-level multi-polarity, and sports consumption has also shifted from single sports goods to sports services and entertainment sports. The sport industry has become modern society containing emerging industries with large business opportunities. This article mainly uses literature, expert interviews, data collation, logical analysis, and other methods to conduct a comparatively systematic study on the development of the new form of the “Internet+” sports industry. In the study, by comparing the commodity types, organizational forms, and management of the traditional sports industry in terms of management and other aspects, the connotation of the new format of the “Internet+” sports industry is introduced in detail, which is divided into four industries: network broadcasting, smart software and hardware, vertical e-commerce, and e-sports. The research in this article shows that, after accounting, the total scale (total output) of the national sports industry in 2019 was 2,948.3 billion yuan, with a year-on-year added value of 1,124.8 billion yuan. In terms of growth, total output increased by 10.9% over 2018 and 11.6% year-on-year. Among them, sports activities integrated with the Internet have reached 58%. Finally, it will help the transformation and upgrading of Internet+sports and improve its own development level. Returning to the real economy and serving the real economy have become a consensus for the future development of Internet finance.
Design of embedded acoustic image acquisition system for wireless sensor network
Authors: Huang Xiaoping , Wen Fangyi , Wei Zhongxin
Published: June 2021

In recent years, with the development of communication technology, embedded computing technology and sensor technology, it has become increasingly mature. Micro sensors with sensing, computing and communication capabilities have appeared in large numbers and developed rapidly, making wireless sensor networks widely used. People put forward higher requirements for the accuracy, reliability and flexibility of the image acquisition system. The image transmission system using analog technology not only has low image quality, but also has a serious waste of system resources, is not easy to form a complex network structure, and has poor functional scalability. In view of the actual needs of the current image acquisition and wireless transmission system, based on embedded technology, image acquisition, processing technology and network transmission technology, this paper proposes and designs a low-cost, high-reliability embedded image acquisition and wireless transmission system. Experimental tests show that this system has reasonable design, high video coding efficiency, good image continuity, stable operation, and basically realizes the display, storage and playback functions of the collected video data. Improve the transmission rate of the system and reduce the distortion caused by compression in terms of image compression. At the same time, it supports multiple image resolutions, frame rate options and multiple video formats, and the system’s transmission rate can adapt to the state of the network. This design fulfills the basic requirements of an embedded image acquisition system based on network technology, and provides a good foundation for the next development of a gigabit network-based image acquisition system.
Personalized recommendation algorithm in social networks based on representation learning
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxian , Zhang Jianpei , Yang Jing
Published: June 2021

Recommendation algorithm is not only widely used in entertainment media, but also plays an important role in national strategy, such as the recommendation algorithm of byte beating company. This paper studies the personalized recommendation algorithm based on representation learning. The data in social network is complex, and the data mainly exists in various platforms. This paper introduces AI (Artificial Intelligence) algorithm to guide the algorithm of representation learning, and integrates the algorithm steps of representation learning, to realize the implementation of personalized recommendation algorithm in social network, and compares the representation learning algorithm. Finally, this paper designs a method based on heat conduction and text mining to provide users with webpage recommendations and help users better mine interesting popular webpages. Research shows that the performance of IMF is better than that of PMF because it overcomes the sparsity of data by pre-filling. The accuracy of IMF is 3.69% higher than that of PMF on the epinions data set, and 6.24% higher than that of PMF on the double data set. Rtcf, socialmf, tcars, CSIT, isrec, and hesmf have better performance than PMF and IMF. Among them, rtcf, socialmf, tcars, CSIT, isrec, and hesmf improve the MAE performance of PMF by 7.6%, 6.3%, 8.8%, 7.9%, 9.5% and 14.2%, respectively.
The effective model of transformation of ideological and political education in universities based on artificial intelligence
Authors: Zhang Yu , Sun Xuying
Published: June 2021

In the context of artificial intelligence, the path of knowledge transmission needs to be transformed. In essence, the transmission of knowledge and the transformation of information transmission methods are integrated. This paper studies the foreign object tracking algorithm, analyzes the error in the target tracking algorithm, and uses the BP neural network principle to modify the IMM algorithm. Aiming at the problem of low tracking accuracy when the target is maneuvering, this paper analyzes the linearization error of Kalman filter and builds a BP neural network to correct the tracking model of IMM. The model creates a target prediction training set and a test set, optimizes the parameters of the neural network, and conducts simulation experiments using MATLAB, which proved that the model had a higher accuracy in predicting the target trajectory of foreign objects. Therefore, the transformation of ideological and political teaching mode in colleges and universities can be realized, and the intelligent classroom of ideological and political education and intelligent communication have technical support.
The Human Hippocampus in Parkinson’s Disease: An Integrative Stereological and Proteomic Study
Authors: Villar-Conde Sandra , Astillero-Lopez Veronica , Gonzalez-Rodriguez Melania , Villanueva-Anguita Patricia , Saiz-Sanchez Daniel , Martinez-Marcos Alino , Flores-Cuadrado Alicia , Ubeda-Bañon Isabel
Published: June 2021

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative disease that is pathologically described as a six-stage α-synucleinopathy. In stage 4, α-synuclein reaches the hippocampus, inducing cognitive deficits, from which it progresses to the isocortex, leading to dementia. Among hippocampal fields, cornu ammonis 2 is particularly affected by this α-synucleinopathy and critical for cognitive decline. Volumetric studies using magnetic resonance imaging have produced controversial results, with only some reporting volume loss, whereas stereological data obtained using nonspecific markers do not reveal volume changes, neural or glial loss. Proteomic analysis has not been carried out in the hippocampus of patients with PD. Objective: This study aims to explain hippocampal changes in patients with PD at the cellular and proteomic levels. Methods: α-Synuclein inclusions, volume and neural (NeuN), microglial (Iba-1) and astroglial (GFAP) populations were stereologically analyzed. SWATH-MS quantitative proteomic analysis was also conducted. Results: Area fraction fractionator probe revealed a higher area fraction α-synucleinopathy in cornu ammonis 2. No volume change, neurodegeneration, microgliosis or astrogliosis was detected. Proteomic analysis identified 1,634 proteins, of which 83 were particularly useful for defining differences among PD and non-PD groups. Among them, upregulated (PHYIP, CTND2, AHSA1 and SNTA1) and downregulated (TM163, REEP2 and CSKI1) proteins were related to synaptic structures in the diseased hippocampus. Conclusion: The distribution of α-synuclein in the hippocampus is not associated with volumetric, neural or glial changes. Proteomic analysis, however, reveals a series of changes in proteins associated with synaptic structures, suggesting that hippocampal changes occur at the synapse level during PD.
Bringing Advanced Therapies for Parkinson’s Disease to the Clinic: An Analysis of Ethical Issues
Authors: Hug Kristina
Published: June 2021

Advanced therapies for Parkinson’s disease (PD) constitute a broad range of treatments, each presenting specific ethical challenges. Some of these therapies are established and in clinical use, like device-aided therapies, and others, based on advanced therapeutic medicinal products (ATMPs), are still in early stage of clinical trials. This paper focuses on some common ethical issues arising in these two categories of advanced therapies, especially challenges arising when advanced therapies are proposed to PD patients in the form of advanced care, under a clinical trial, or, in case of ATMPs, under the “hospital exemption” rule. The ethical issues covered here relate mainly to ensuring informed consent in these different contexts, to the stakeholder role of patient’s non-professional caretakers, such as family, and to patient safety in treatments under “hospital exemption”. To illustrate the points discussed in connection with “hospital exemption” rule, the example of the EU has been chosen. This paper does not claim completeness of ethical issues raised by bringing advanced therapies for PD to the clinic, but rather presents examples of ethical challenges in this context.
Gene Therapy to Modulate Alpha-Synuclein in Synucleinopathies
Authors: Sandoval Ivette M. , Marmion David J. , Meyers Kimberly T. , Manfredsson Fredric P.
Published: June 2021

The protein alpha-Synuclein (α-Syn) is a key contributor to the etiology of Parkinson’s disease (PD) with aggregation, trans-neuronal spread, and/or depletion of α-Syn being viewed as crucial events in the molecular processes that result in neurodegeneration. The exact succession of pathological occurrences that lead to neuronal death are still largely unknown and are likely to be multifactorial in nature. Despite this unknown, α-Syn dose and stability, autophagy-lysosomal dysfunction, and inflammation, amongst other cellular impairments, have all been described as participatory events in the neurodegenerative process. To that end, in this review we discuss the logical points for gene therapy to intervene in α-Syn-mediated disease and review the preclinical body of work where gene therapy has been used, or could conceptually be used, to ameliorate α-Syn induced neurotoxicity. We discuss gene therapy in the traditional sense of modulating gene expression, as well as the use of viral vectors and nanoparticles as methods to deliver other therapeutic modalities.
The cerebral palsy research network: Building a learning health network for cerebral palsy
Authors: Bailes Amy F. , Kean Jacob , Gross Paul H. , Narayanan Unni , Noritz Garey , Hurvitz Ed , Leonard Jeffrey , Shusterman Michele , Gannotti Mary
Published: June 2021

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to measure the growth of the Cerebral Palsy (CP) Research Network towards becoming a Learning Health Network in order to guide future development. METHODS: Thirteen CP Research Network leaders completed the Network Maturity Grid (NMG) which consists of six domains with eight to 10 components each. The six domains are Systems of Leadership, Governance and Management, Quality Improvement, Engagement and Community, Data and Analytics, and Research. Radar mapping was utilized to display mean scores on a 5-point ordinal scale (1 = not started to 5 = idealized state) across domains and for individual components within domains. Consensus was reached for top priorities for the next 3–5 years. RESULTS: Domain scores ranged from 2.4 in Quality Improvement to 3.2 in System of Leadership. The lowest scoring component was clinician clinical decision support and the highest was common purpose. The following priority areas of focus were agreed upon moving forward: development of leaders, financial sustainability, quality improvement education and training, patient reported data, data quality and validation, and primary data collection. CONCLUSION: Results from this project will be utilized for strategic planning to improve the network. Conducting regular self-assessments of the network with the NMG will be useful in achieving the network’s ultimate goal to improve care and outcomes for individuals with CP.
From Barrier-Free to Universal/Inclusive Design: How Far Have We Progressed During These 60 Years in Japan?
Authors: Kose Satoshi
Published: June 2021

It is sixty years since ASA A117.1 was introduced in 1961, and fifty years since the US Senate Special Committee on Aging hearings on barrier-free environment in October 1971. During these years, the word “barrier-free design” was replaced with universal design, or inclusive design, with the notion that the need is not limited to people who have disabilities, but that more people will be affected by poor design. How far have we progressed in these years to solve the problems? This paper tries to examine what we have now and what still need to be done, on environments, products, and services. To sum-up major findings, the built environment is more considerate to people than before thanks to ADA and other similar laws and regulations, but improvement of existing infra/structures is slower than desirable.
The Qualities of Architecture in Relation to Universal Design
Authors: Ahmer Carolyn
Published: June 2021

Aesthetic experience of the built environment involves all our senses: the sight of colour and form; the echo in a room; the smell of wood; the touch of handrails; the refreshing cool air on the skin, and so on. However, the definition of universal design sets no criteria for aesthetics, only stating the functional requirements that need to be met. The term for many architects and planners is still too closely associated with legislations, regulations, and standards. Buildings designed by some of the pioneers of modern architecture have been briefly mentioned in relation to universal design: Le Corbusier and Frank Lloyd Wright’s use of the ramp as an architectural element, Mies van der Rohe’s plans, the fluent transition between inside and outside, through which people may move easily and effortlessly, and Alvar Aalto’s design of details, such as door handles suitable for people of varying heights. However, their architectural works have greater potential as sources of inspiration with respect to moving buildings in a universal direction. Rem Koolhaas’ innovative design for a client with reduced mobility and his library projects are examples of how a contemporary architect has used Le Corbusier’s architecture as a source of reference. This paper refers to or includes works made by the above-mentioned architects to illustrate universal design and thereby discusses architectural qualities and aesthetics in relation to the needs of people with reduced mobility, vision and hearing.
Trans-Create – Co-Design with Persons with Severe Disabilities
Authors: Cappelen Birgitta , Andersson Anders-Petter
Published: June 2021

Technology has potential for improving the lives of persons with severe disabilities. But it’s a challenge to create technology that improves lives from a person’s own perspective. Co-design methods have therefore been used in the design of Assistive Technology, to include users in the design process. But it’s a challenge to ensure the quality of participation with persons with significantly different prerequisites for communication than ourselves. It’s hard to know if what we design is good for them in the way they themselves define it, in a communication situation, which has to be significantly different than traditional co-design. In this paper, we present a new approach to co-design with persons with severe disabilities. We call this process “trans-create”, based on the creative translation we use when translating between cultures. We found that by using familiar artifacts that could be added and removed in the co-design process, we had a language for communication. By adding a personalisable digital layer to the artifacts, we could adapt, scale and redesign both tangible, visual and sound qualities in the situation dynamically. For example, by making it possible for the user to choose and activate a pink music cover card (RFID) that turns the lighting of the entire room pink and changes the music. This implies changing the distinction between designer and user, between the design process and the use process, and the view of what we create during a co-design process. That is why we have chosen to call this process “trans-create”, instead of co-create, what we create for “living works”, instead of design, a hybridisation between design and use, process and result.
Physiotherapists’ knowledge and the implementation of COVID-19 infection prevention and control measures
Authors: Al Attar Wesam Saleh A. , Husain Mohamed A.
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND: Physiotherapists are required to recognize their role in managing patients with Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19), and to adopt preventive measures to limit transmission of the disease. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the perception, knowledge, and application of the preventive measures taken by physiotherapists in managing issues with confirmed or suspected patients suffering from COVID-19. METHODS: A self-administered survey comprising 15 questions was divided into four sections related to precautions when interacting with patients with COVID-19: (1) knowledge of the physiotherapy role, (2) knowledge of preventive measures to limit transmission of the virus, (3) practicing these measures, and (4) managing patients with COVID-19. RESULTS: A total of 456 physiotherapists from 139 countries participated in the study. Most physiotherapists were knowledgeable regarding their role in the management of COVID-19 patients (M = 94.3%; SD = 15.4) and the management of potential COVID-19 patients (M = 84.5%; SD = 20.1). The rating of knowledge and practices of preventive measures to limit transmission of COVID-19 were lower (M = 74.3%; SD = 25.7, and M = 62.5%; SD = 31.3, respectively). Participants from the European region (M = 83; SD = 15.8) had a higher score than participants from the Asia Western Pacific region (M = 78; SD = 18.49; P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Physiotherapists are highly knowledgeable about their role in managing COVID-19 patients. Most of them are adopting preventive measures to limit the transmission of the disease. Yet, physiotherapists are required to enroll in medical education, training and infection control workshops and courses to remain updated with the recent advances in such fields.
Motivation and job satisfaction among medical and dental college faculty in Pakistan amid the COVID-19 outbreak
Authors: Ali Saqib , Alam Beenish Fatima , Noreen Sara , Anwar Madiha , Qazi Sabeen Hashmat , Hussain Talib
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND: The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has affected economies all over the world. The ability of an organization to grow is heavily influenced by job satisfaction and employee motivation. OBJECTIVE: This study examines the factors affecting employee motivation and job satisfaction among medical and dental college faculty members in Pakistan, both in the private and public sector, during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Medical and dental college faculty in Pakistan comprised the sample for this multi-centric cross-sectional study. A questionnaire, which was modified from an existing study, was distributed electronically. A student’s independent t-test was applied to compare the mean scores of the responses from public and private sector employees. RESULTS: Of the 466 total respondents, 55 %were female and 45 %male. Public sector faculty reported receiving adequate resources and preferred online teaching. Both public and private sector faculty reported being satisfied with regular workshops and training. Private sector employees demonstrated more satisfaction with workplace safety measures. Public sector faculty highlighted the positive influence of job security and timely salary payments on productivity. CONCLUSION: Faculty members from both the public and private sector find working from home to be easier and better for handling one’s workload. Public sector faculty noted job security, timely salary payments, and an individual’s sense of achievement as sources of motivation. Private institutes are more lacking in ensuring their faculty feel content and satisfied. Measures should be undertaken to improve the level of motivation felt by faculty members, especially in the private sector.
The Q-Life experience: An evaluation of an employee resilience program
Authors: Steeves Darren
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND: Many employers are turning to training programs to help them cope or flourish in life. Many programs on the market have not been validated. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to evaluate the effect building awareness and skill development can have on sustaining high resilience within a group of employees. METHODS: 524 participants completed the 44 itemed Q-Life assessment. A CFA model was conducted to determine whether the Q-Life score, adequately describes the data. 116 employees signed up to the Q-Life experience with 64 completing all requirements. RESULTS: The RMSEA index was less than 0.08, RMSEA = 0.07, 90%CI = [0.07, 0.07], which is indicative of a good model fit. The mean of score for resilience on the first test (M = 249.91) was significantly lower than the mean of post-test (M = 264.91). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated that the model demonstrated acceptable fit to the data and can be used as an assessment tool for the Q-Life. The Q-Life experience showed significant improvement in resilience.
“Today I felt like my work meant something”: A pilot study on job crafting, a coaching-based intervention for people with work limitations and disabilities
Authors: Sundar Vidya , Brucker Debra
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND: People’s work life and career can ultimately be deconstructed to the day-to-day job tasks they perform, the people they interact with, and the value and meaning attached to their jobs. Individuals with work limitations and disabilities consistently experience disparities in the workplace resulting in a less than optimal work experience in all three areas. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to conduct a pilot study to test the effectiveness of job crafting as an occupational therapy (OT) intervention strategy for workers with health conditions and impairments. Job crafting is a proactive, strengths-based, bottom-up approach where workers renegotiate and redefine their job tasks in a personally meaningful way. METHODS: A mixed-methods study (n = 11) was conducted with workers who experience work limitations and disabilities. OT graduate students conducted in-depth interviews and facilitated the use of job crafting to improve work-related outcomes. Pre-and post-intervention data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Qualitative data was transcribed, coded, and synthesized. RESULTS: The job crafting intervention improved work-related self-efficacy (p < 0.05) and crafting behaviors (p < 0.05) in the workplace. Participants accomplished goals to manage their work limitations, meet job demands, and other non-disability related challenges. CONCLUSIONS: Job crafting has the potential to be used as a holistic OT intervention strategy to improve work-related self-efficacy among workers with work limitations and disabilities
Feasibility study of using virtual non-contrast images derived from dual-energy CT to replace true non-contrast images in patients diagnosed with papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Zhou Jiang , Zhou Yan , Hu Hao , Shen Mei-Ping , Ge Ying-Qian , Tao Xin-Wei , Xu Xiao-Quan , Su Guo-Yi , Wu Fei-Yun
Published: June 2021

OBJECTIVE:

To assess the feasibility of using virtual non-contrast (VNC) images derived from dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) to replace true non-contrast (TNC) images of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) patients.

METHODS:

Images of 96 PTC patients were retrospectively analyzed. TNC images were acquired under the single-energy mode of DECT after the plain scanning. The arterial and venous phase VNC (VNC-a and VNC-v) images were generated by the post-processing algorithm from the arterial phase and venous phase of contrast-enhanced CT images, respectively. Mean attenuation values, image noise, number and length of calcification were measured. Radiation dose was also calculated. Last, subjective score of image quality was evaluated by a 5-point scale.

RESULTS:

Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of each tissue in TNC images is significantly higher than that of VNC images ( p<0.050). Contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of fat, muscle, thyroid nodules and internal carotid artery in TNC images is significantly higher than that of VNC images, while CNR in TNC images is lower for cervical vertebra ( p<0.001). Calcification is detected on TNC images of 44 patients, while it is omitted on VNC images of 14 patients (31.8%). The subjective score of TNC images is higher than VNC images ( p<0.001). The effective dose reduction is 47.6% by avoiding plain scanning.

CONCLUSIONS:

Considering the different attenuation value, SNR, CNR and especially reduced detection rate of calcification, we deem that VNC images cannot be directly used to replace TNC images in PTC patients, despite the reduced radiation dose.
A preliminary evaluation study of applying a deep learning image reconstruction algorithm in low-kilovolt scanning of upper abdomen
Authors: Wang Ya-Ning , Du Yu , Shi Gao-Feng , Wang Qi , Li Ru-Xun , Qi Xiao-Hui , Cai Xiao-Jia , Zhang Xuan
Published: June 2021

OBJECTIVE:

To investigate feasibility of applying deep learning image reconstruction (DLIR) algorithm in a low-kilovolt enhanced scan of the upper abdomen.

METHODS:

A total of 64 patients (BMI<28) are selected for the enhanced upper abdomen scan and divided evenly into two groups. The tube voltages in Group A are 100kV in arterial phase and 80kV in venous phase, while tube voltages are 120kV during two phases in Group B. Image reconstruction algorithms used in Group A include the filtered back projection (FBP) algorithm, the adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction-Veo (ASIR-V 40% and 80%) algorithm, and the DLIR algorithm (DL-L, DL-M, DL-H). Image reconstruction algorithm used in Group B is ASIR-V40%. The different reconstruction algorithm images are used to measure the common hepatic artery, liver, renal cortex, erector spinae, and subcutaneous adipose in the arterial phase and the average CT value and standard deviation of the portal vein, liver, spleen, erector spinae, and subcutaneous adipose in the portal phase. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is calculated, and the images are also scored subjectively.

RESULTS:

In Group A, noise in the aorta, liver, portal vein (the portal phase), spleen (the portal phase), renal cortex, retroperitoneal adipose, and muscle is significantly lower in both the DL-H and ASIR-V80% images, and the SNR is significantly higher than those in the remaining groups ( P<0.05). The SNR of each tissue and organ in Group B is not significantly different from that in DL-M, DL-L, and ASIR-V40% in Group A ( P>0.05). The subjective image quality scores in the DL-H and B groups are higher than those in the other groups, and the FBP group has significantly lower image quality than the remaining groups ( P<0.05).

CONCLUSION:

For upper abdominal low-kilovolt enhanced scan data, the DLIR-H gear yields a more satisfactory image quality than the FBP and ASIR-V.
Avaliação físico-química e microbiológica de doces pastosos de leite comercializados na região de Lavras - MG
Authors:   Universidade Federal de Lavras, Venâncio Anderson Henrique , Balduino Bruna Azevedo ,   Universidade Federal de Lavras, Pereira Fernanda ,   Universidade Federal de Lavras, Albergaria Francielly Corrêa ,   Universidade Federal de Lavras, Oliveira Diana Carla Fernandes ,   Universidade Federal de Lavras, Silva Mônica Aparecida da ,   Universidade Federal de Lavras, Gonçalves Michelle Carlota ,   Universidade Federal de Lavras, Nascimento Sabrina de Souza ,   Universidade Federal de Lavras, Piccoli Roberta Hilsdorf ,   Universidade Federal de Lavras
Published: June 2021

The study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical and microbiological quality of five brands of dulce de leche called A, B, C, D and E. The samples were collected in an establishment and taken to the Food Microbiology Laboratory. Aerobic mesophilic microorganisms, fungi, and yeasts, coagulase-positive staphylococcus (CPS) and enterobacteria were quantified. Temperature, pH and acidity were also determined. The results showed that the brands C, D and E are following the legislation. Regarding the physicochemical analysis were adequate. It is emphasized that there must be an inspection and the cleaning of utensils so that the food becomes safe in this way.
Phytochemical composition of Thymus Serpyllum L. plants and study of antibacterial activity
Authors:   East Kazakhstan State University, S.Amanzholov, Duzbayeva N.A. , Sanyazova Sh.K. ,   East Kazakhstan State University, S.Amanzholov, Kabdysalym K. ,   East Kazakhstan State University, S.Amanzholov, Nykmukanovа M.M. ,   East Kazakhstan State University, S.Amanzholov, Adhikari A. ,   Central Department of Chemistry, Tribhuvan University
Published: June 2021

The results of phytochemical studies of plants are presented of the genus Thymus Serpyllum L. growing in East Kazakhstan. The quantitative characteristics of macro- and micronutrients are determined. In plants, the maximum calcium content is 654.25 µ g / ml, magnesium 235.34 µ g / ml. From thyme (Thymus serpyllum L.), a pure substance of the class of flavonoids, campferid, was isolated. The structure of the compound was proved by spectral (IR, UV, 13C NMR, 1H -, mass spectrometry) analysis methods. The biological activity of phytopreparations and the obtained individual compound was studied. This article presents the results of chemical composition study of the aboveground part of Thymus Serpyllum L. and the number of biologically active substances widely used in folk medicine, distributed in the Eastern territory of Kazakhstan. Thymus Serpyllum L. is a valuable medicinal plant raw material and a source of a number of biologically active substances (flavonoids, phenolycosides, phenolic acids, tannins, essential oils), which is characterized by a wide range of pharmacological activity that can resist inflammation, viruses, anti-rheumatic and other diseases.
Оценка атмосферных выпадений тяжелых металлов и других токсичных элементов в Карагандинской области на основе метода мхов-биомониторов
Authors: Ташенов А , Кабылова А , Фронтасьева М , Омарова Н , Моржухина С
Published: June 2021

В работе приведены результаты оценки загрязнения окружающей средыследовыми элементами на основе анализа мхов-биомониторов, собранных в центральномКазахстане. Концентрации элементов определяли с помощью нейтронного активационногоанализа и атомной абсорбционной спектрометрии в Объединенном институте ядерныхисследований. В целом было определено 39 элементов, в том числе тяжелые металлы.
ШЛЯХИ УДОСКОНАЛЕННЯ СИСТЕМИ НАДАННЯ АДМІНІСТРАТИВНИХ ПОСЛУГ В УКРАЇНІ
Authors: Розмаріцина Наталія
Published: June 2021

Динамічні зміни в соціально-економічних відносинах, завдан- ня розвитку конкурентних переваг України в сучасній світовій економіці ви- магають серйозної модернізації системи надання адміністративних послуг, зокрема перетворення її у гнучкий процес, який розвивається та адекватно реагує на зміни і запити суспільства. Якість надання адміністративних по- слуг повинна бути рушійною силою, здатною значно поліпшити якість життя громадян. З урахуванням задекларованого Україною наміру наблизитися до євро- пейських стандартів, у тому числі у сфері державного управління, великого значення набуває наукове осмислення та впорядкування системи надання адміністративних послуг. Переосмислення ролі держави з точки зору впро- вадження “сервісної моделі” державного управління вимагає удосконалення механізмів та технологій функціонування ринку. Орієнтацією для діяльно- сті органів публічного управління може служити саме концепція “загального управління якістю”. Сучасні соціально-економічні умови ставлять перед центрами надання ад- міністративних послуг нові цілі й завдання. Тому вони вимушені не лише пе- реглядати звичні, традиційні методи управління, але й постійно підвищувати ефективність своєї діяльності. На сучасному етапі державотворення зрозумі- ло, що успішна реалізація стратегії розвитку будь-якої країни неможлива без підвищення якості надання адміністративних послуг. Одним із ефективних інструментів підвищення якості надання адміністративних послуг є впрова- дження концепції “загального управління якістю” за наданням адміністра- тивних послуг населенню. Таким чином, удосконалення системи надання адміністративних послуг є одним із пріоритетних напрямів адміністративної реформи в Україні для виходу на новий етап державності. Перетворення в системі публічної влади в Україні повинні бути спрямовані на те, щоб кожний громадянин не тільки знав, але й мав реальну можливість вимагати той рівень і ту якість послуг, які йому зобов’язані надати органи публічної влади.
PENCARIAN TEMPAT IBADAH TERDEKAT MENGGUNAKAN ALGORITMA DIJKSTRA
Authors: Rofiq Bagas lutfi Ainur , Februariyanti Herny , Wibowo Jati  Sasongko , Budiarso Zuly
Published: June 2021

Tempat ibadah merupakan suatu sarana masyarakat untuk mendekatkan diri kepada Tuhan Yang Maha Esa. Sering kali para pendatang ketika mau beribadah tidak tahu keberadaan tempat ibadah tersebut. Untuk mengetahui lokasi tempat ibadah biasanya para pendatag dengan bertanya kepada masyarakat setempat. Pencarian jalur terpendek merupakan suatu problematika dalam sistem yang mengacu pada titik awal dan titik akhir. Tidak terkecuali sistem untuk mencari tempat ibadah terdekat. Sistem tersebut menggunakan algoritma dijkstra yang memang diperuntukan untuk mencari rute terdekat. Dalam rancangan aplikasi berbasis Web ini untuk mengetahui tempat ibadah dan rute terdekat nantinya akan di tampilkan peta, fitur unggulan dari aplikasi ini adalah pengoperasiannya dapat mencari lokasi tempat ibadah terdekat dari posisi penggunanya saat itu dan juga sistem ini memberikan panduan jalan yang di lewati pengguna menggunakan metode dijkstra. penelitian ini bertujuan agar para pengguna tidak kesulitan dalam mencari jalur untuk menuju lokasi tempat ibadah tersebut
EVOLUTIONARY PROTOTYPE DALAM PERANCANGAN SISTEM INFORMASI GUNA MENINGKATKAN PENJUALAN
Authors: Irnawati Oky , Darwati Ida
Published: June 2021

Wawan toys merupakan toko yang menjual aneka mainan dengan spesifikasi mobil-mobilan modifikasi yang saat ini belum memiliki web e-commerce sebagai media promosi serta penunjang transaksi penjualannya. Tidak dapat dipungkiri bahwa e-commerce banyak memberikan manfaat dalam hal pemasaran suatu produk yang tidak mengenal jarak dan waktu. Oleh sebab itu penulis tertarik untuk membuat rancangan sistem informasi bagi Wawan toys, menggunakan teknik pengembangan Evolutionary Prototype. Penulis menggambarkan rancangan dimulai dari menggambarkan use case diagram, activity diagram, class model sebagai rancangan untuk pembuatan database. Dari hasil penelitian penulis menyimpulkan bahwa perancangan sistem informasi penjualan ini memberi kemudahan bagi pemilik Wawan toys serta pembelinya dalam melakukan transaksi.