bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measurements of helium permeation in Zerodur glass used for the realisation of quantum pascal
Authors: Kurtishaj Ardita , Hameli Ibrahim , Zeqiraj Arber , Avdiaj Sefer
Published: June 2022

In the new optical pressure standard Ultra-Low Expansion glass cavities were proposed to measure helium refractivity for a new realisation of the unit of pressure, pascal. However, it was noticed that the use of this type of material causes some difficulties. One of the main problems of ULE glass is the pumping effect for Helium. Therefore, instead of ULE, Zerodur glass was proposed as a material for the cavity. This proposal was given by the Vacuum Metrology team of the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt - PTB in the QuantumPascal project. In order to calculate the flow of helium gas through Zerodur glass one has to know the permeation constant K. Moreover, the modelling of time dependency of the flow requires the knowledge of diffusion constant D as well. The relation between them is given by K =  S · D, where S is the solubility of Helium in glass. In our research work we measured permeation of helium gas in Zerodur. Measurements were performed in the temperature range 80 °C – 120 °C. Based on our results, we consider that the Zerodur material has potential to be used as cavity material for the new quantum standard of pressure.
A strategy to control industrial plants in the spirit of Industry 4.0 tested on a fluidic system
Authors: Fabbiano Laura , Oresta Paolo , Morello Rosario , Vacca Gaetano
Published: June 2022

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w:edGrp="everyone"/>
The goal of the paper is to propose a strategy of automating the control of wide spectrum industrial processes plants in the spirit of Industry 4.0. The strategy is based on the creation of a virtual simulator of the operation of the plants involved in the process. Through the digitization of the operational data sheets of the various components, the simulator is able to provide the reference values of the process control parameters to be compared with their actual values, in order to decide the direct inspection and/or the operational intervention on critical components before a possible failure. As example, a simple fluidic thrust plant has been considered, which a mathematical model (simulator) for its optimal operating conditions has been formulated for, by using the digitalized real operational data sheets of its components. The simple thrust system considered consists of a centrifugal pump driven by a three-phase electric motor, an inverter to regulate the rotation of the motor and a proportional valve that simulates the external load acting on the pump.

As results, the operational data sheets and principal characteristics of the pump have been reproduced by means of the simulator here developed, showing a very good agreement.
Study of fracture processes in sandstone subjected to four-point bending by means of 4D X-ray computed micro-tomography
Authors: Vavro Leona , Vavro Martin , Soucek Kamil , Fíla Tomás , Koudelka Petr , Vavrík Daniel , Kytýr Daniel
Published: June 2022

High-resolution X-ray computed micro-tomography (CT) is a powerful technique for studying the processes of crack propagation in non-homogenous quasi-brittle materials such as rocks. To obtain all the significant information about the deformation behaviour and fracture characteristics of the studied rocks, the use of a highly specialised loading device suitable for the integration into existing tomographic setups is crucial. Since no adequate commercial solution is currently available, a completely newly-designed loading device with a four-point bending setup and vertically-oriented scanned samples was used. This design of the loading procedure, coupled with the high stiffness of the loading frame, allows the loading process to be interrupted at any time and for CT scanning to be performed without the risk of the sudden destruction of the scanned sample.
This article deals with the use of the 4D CT for the visualisation of crack initiation and propagation in clastic sedimentary rocks. Two types of quartz-rich sandstones of Czech provenance were used for tomographic observations during the four-point bending loading performed on chevron notched test specimens. It was found that the crack begins to propagate from the moment that ca. 80 % of the maximum loading force is applied.
Effect of Supplemental Perioperative Oxygen on SSI Among Adults with Lower-Extremity Fractures at Increased Risk for Infection
Authors:   Major Extremity Trauma Research Consortium (METRC)
Published: June 2022

Background:

Supplemental perioperative oxygen is a low-cost intervention theorized to reduce the risk of surgical site infections, but its effect among patients undergoing surgery for a tibial plateau, tibial pilon, or calcaneal fracture is unknown. We aimed to determine the effectiveness of a high fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2, 80%) versus low FiO2 (30%) in reducing surgical site infections in these patients.

Methods:

A randomized controlled trial was conducted at 29 U.S. trauma centers. We enrolled 1,231 patients who were 18 to 80 years of age and had a tibial plateau, tibial pilon, or calcaneal fracture and were thought to be at elevated risk for infection based on their injury characteristics. Patients were randomized to receive 80% FiO2 (treatment group) or 30% FiO2 (control group) in the operating room and for up to 2 hours in the recovery room. The primary outcome was a composite of either deep surgical site infection (treated with surgery) or superficial surgical site infection (treated with antibiotics alone) within 182 days following definitive fixation. Secondary outcomes included these surgical site infections at 90 and 365 days after surgery.

Results:

The modified intention-to-treat analysis included 1,136 patients with 94% of expected follow-up through 182 days. Surgical site infection occurred in 40 (7.0%) of the patients in the treatment group and 60 (10.7%) of the patients in the control group (relative risk [RR], 0.65; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.45 to 0.96; risk difference [RD], −3.8%; 95% CI, −7.2% to −0.4%; p = 0.03). The treatment intervention demonstrated a similar effect at 90 days (RR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.37 to 0.93) and 365 days (RR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.44 to 0.87). Secondary analyses demonstrated that the effect was driven by a reduction in superficial surgical site infections.

Conclusions:

Among tibial plateau, pilon, or calcaneal fracture patients at elevated risk for surgical site infection, a high perioperative FiO2 lowered the risk of surgical site infection. The findings support the use of this intervention, although the benefit appears to mostly be in reduction of superficial infections.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Other social effects and social vulnerability analysis : existing resources
Authors: Durden Susan , Vaughan Tyson , Herman Brook
Published: June 2022

The following technical note (TN) provides a summary of existing resources available to the US Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) districts that address benefits in the Other Social Effects account for evaluating the effects of water resource projects. Consideration of social factors is key to a complete, robust, water-resources analysis, and these resources provide planners and project development teams with approaches and tools for their consideration. "social effects—the constituents of life that influence personal and group definitions of satisfaction, well-being, and happiness —OSE Primer, 3" This TN is limited in scope and does not cover ecosystem goods and services or environmental-quality metrics that can also be used to assess benefits outside of economic benefits from water-resource projects. The following resources and their associated metrics are presented in a manner that is focused on assisting districts during the project-planning phase, although the metrics can be used to assess benefits or impacts during other project phases as well (for example, construction, operations, and maintenance).
Sediment transfer from shelf to deepwater slope: How does it happen?
Authors: Gan Yuqian , de Almeida Flavio N. , Rossi Valentina M. , Steel Ron J. , Olariu Cornel
Published: June 2022

The processes that transport sediment from the coastline to the shelf edge are key components of the sedimentary source-to-sink system, determining basin-margin building, deepwater deposition, organic-material accumulation, and the long-term carbon cycle. Research on shelf sediment transport has been aided recently by advances in modeling and marine technology. In this study we provide a much needed review of up-to-date findings on how sediment moves from the outer shelf onto the upper slope, and we summarize four dominant shelf-to-slope drivers: 1) river currents, 2) reworking storm waves and longshore currents, 3) strong tidal currents supplementing river outflow, and 4) small-scale to very large-scale gravity collapse of the shelf-edge area.
VULNERABILIDADE DO SOLO À EROSÃO HÍDRICA, REGIÃO HIDROGRÁFICA DO GUAÍBA-RS
Authors: Ferreira Nedilson Sanches , Gomes Dênis José Cardoso , Ribeiro Priscila dos Santos , Pimenta Lianne Borja , Cattanio José Henrique
Published: June 2022

O aumento populacional nos últimos anos está desencadeando avanços no uso da terra de modo inadequado e sob a ocorrência extremos climáticos acarreta inúmeros desastres naturais, dentre eles a erosão do solo. O objetivo deste trabalho é analisar a vulnerabilidade a erosão hídrica do solo na Região Hidrográfica do Guaíba-RS. Ultilizou-se dados estimados de precipitação (Global Precipitation Climatology Center); uso da terra (Projeto MapBiomas); declividade (Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais) e de solo (Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisas agropecuária) na álgebra de mapas para obter o produto de erosão hídrica do solo. A região hidrográfica do Guaíba apresentou estabilidade ao norte e a sudeste, porém, áreas extremamente instáveis foram detectadas principalmente no eixo central (leste-oeste) com alguns pontos ao sul. Os processos erosivos da região são motivados naturalmente pela declividade e solo, onde a precipitação não é um fator preponderante na erosão, sendo este desastre ocasionado em alguns pontos pela forçante antrópica. O controle das áreas instáveis através preservação da cobertura vegetal e diminuição do avanço agrícola é essencial para a prevenção de possíveis casos de erosão, prejuízos socioambientais e econômicos.
A INTEGRAÇÃO DAS POLÍTICAS PÚBLICAS PNPDEC, PNRH, LDNSB ATRAVÉS DOS SEUS INSTRUMENTOS NA REDUÇÃO DOS RISCOS DE DESASTRES HIDROLÓGICOS COM ÊNFASE NO NÍVEL MUNICIPAL
Authors: Fonseca Claudi'Ariane Gomes , Kobiyama Masato
Published: June 2022

Atualmente já parece ser um consenso que os esforços e recursos destinados ao enfrentamento aos desastres requerem a articulação de diversos setores e por consequência de diferentes políticas públicas. O presente estudo teve por objetivo avaliar a integração das políticas (Política Nacional de Proteção e Defesa Civil - PNPDEC, Política Nacional de Recursos Hídricos – PNRH, e Lei Diretrizes Nacionais para o Saneamento Básico – LDNSB), na redução dos desastres hidrológicos. Considerando estudos que já foram desenvolvidos acerca deste assunto, e como forma de dar continuidade às avaliações, na escala municipal, este estudo referiu-se aos instrumentos de Florianópolis como forma de materialização destas políticas (Plano Municipal de Redução de Riscos- PMRR, Plano Municipal de Contingência – PMC, Plano Diretor – PD e Plano Municipal Integrado de Saneamento Básico – PMISB). A PNPDEC serviu como referência para as ações de enfrentamento aos desastres. Através da metodologia de análise de conteúdo foram identificados os temas abordados nesta política que foram relacionados com cada instrumento PMRR e PMC, PD, PMISB, o que possibilitou a identificação de interfaces. As interfaces verificadas entre os instrumentos mostraram-se alinhadas às identificadas entre as políticas, em consonância com o que já tinha sido apontado nos estudos que subsidiaram esta pesquisa. As questões afetas à gestão territorial e a bacia hidrográfica como unidade de planejamento se mostraram importantes interfaces e possíveis caminhos à integração das políticas públicas.
Redefining Operations Reporting Codes Helps Support Digitalization of Well Operations
Authors: Carpenter Chris
Published: June 2022

This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper SPE 208711, “Redefining Operations Reporting Codes to Support Digitalization of Well Operations,” by Theresa Baumgartner, SPE, Marcus Ridgway, SPE, and Cameron Bruce, SPE, Shell, et al. The paper has not been peer reviewed.

Under increasingly volatile market conditions, operators face pressure to increase performance and reduce costs through standardization of engineering, operations, services, and equipment. To this end, an operator has redefined the way it reports onsite operations through the development of a standardized set of reporting activity codes, designed as the backbone of a standardized and digital well-design and -execution process. The operator recognizes the value of industrywide standardization of fit-for-purpose operations codes and offers to donate the codes to the Open Subsurface Data Universe (OSDU) project.

Background of Activity Codes

The use of operations codes (also referred to as activity or reporting codes) to classify detailed well-activity descriptions has been prevalent in the oil and gas industry since the introduction of commercial daily-well-operations-reporting software systems in the 1980s and ’90s.

A limitation of many activity code sets was that they were focused on drilling operations and were light on completions and, especially, well-intervention activities. Today’s well-engineering teams are focused on optimizing all well-operation types, not only drilling operations.

Activity-code sets support a range of coding levels, from simple single-level activity code systems to several hierarchical levels of activity codes, such as the code set the authors propose in this paper. The number of levels is determined based on operator or contractor requirements for tracking operations, regulatory reporting, and performance measurement or optimization requirements.
Measured Properties of Annular Cement Compared With Ultrasonic Cement Logs
Authors: Carpenter Chris
Published: June 2022

This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper SPE 204015, “A Comparison of the Measured Properties of Annular Cement With Ultrasonic Cement-Evaluation Logs,” by Dave Gardner, SPE, Hans Joakim Skadsem, and Katherine Beltrán-Jiménez, SPE, Norwegian Research Centre, et al. The paper has not been peer reviewed.

In this work, different measurement methods have been used to investigate the quality of the cement sheath inside two cemented “sandwich” sections, including high-resolution ultrasonic cement-evaluation logs, sample analysis, mechanical loading, and fluid-seepage measurements. The examined sections were recovered from a North Sea well during a permanent plug-and-abandonment operation. The measurements have been analyzed with an aim of describing in detail the spatial variations in the cement properties and relating them to the logs. The data analysis has improved the understanding of the cement-sheath mechanical properties, seal quality, and response of the ultrasonic cement-evaluation logs.

Introduction

A well drilled at the Valhall Field was permanently abandoned in 2018 after being in production since 1985. To install the surface plug, the 9⅝-in. and 13⅜-in. casings were both cut and retrieved to surface in sections simultaneously. After the well abandonment, two of the cemented casing-in-casing sandwich sections were sent to shore for further analysis, including relogging.

The deepest section, recovered from the interval between 251 and 263 m, was named Fish 11. A visual inspection of the section showed complete annular cement coverage at both ends but with signs of mud contamination, especially at the casing/cement interface and primarily on the narrow side of the annulus. The 9⅝-in. casing had an eccentricity of 70% compared with the outer casing and equivalent to the standoff created by the 9⅝-in. casing-collar thickness.

The uppermost sandwich section covering the top of the cement was retrieved from

119 to 131 m and was named the transition joint. The eccentricity of the inner casing compared with the outer casing was 60% for this section. The bottom of the section had complete cement coverage; however, some mud intrusions were apparent in the bulk cement as well as mud contamination between the casing/cement interface.

The 9⅝-in. casing was originally cemented in two stages because of the presence of a weak formation. Both the transition joint and Fish 11 were retrieved from the upper part of the section, which was cemented in a second stage by bullheading slurry from the surface and down the annulus. In this operation, the denser slurry was displaced from above the spacer fluid and the oil-based mud was used to drill the 12¼-in. section into the formation.

The authors speculate that the mud displacement during the bullheading operation was instantaneous, with no backflow. The fact that the sections were cemented by bullheading may have influenced the properties of the cement, particularly close to the top of the cement.
A Comparative Study of Multiple-Criteria Decision-Making Methods for selecting the best process parameters for friction stir welded Al alloy
Authors: Sabry Ibrahim , Mourad Abdel-Hamid I. , Qazani Mohammad Reza Chalak , El-Araby Ahmed M.
Published: June 2022

The selection of welding process parameters is a difficult operation that proves the need for process evaluation. Several decision-making strategies have been presented for assessing friction stirring welding (FSW) process parameter selection difficulties considering the process up and down. It should be noted that few comparative studies have been conducted on the FSW problem without consideration of decision-making strategies. This article compares three multi-attribute decision-making strategies to select the parameters of the FSW process. The aim of this work applied different decision-making strategies TOPSIS, GRA, hybrid GRA-TOPSIS, COCOSO, and MACROS, using entropy for the calculated weight for all different decision-making. The proposed methods in this study are validated by representing the accurate decision maker's preferences and consideration of uncertainty. The decision-makers choose GRA-TOPSIS and TOPSIS as the best approach with higher efficiency. GRA was determined to be more time-consuming and to have the most variety of outcomes, whereas COCOSO and MACROS were unable to produce a definite best result.
Cluster analysis driven by unsupervised latent feature learning of intensive care unit medications to identify novel pharmaco-phenotypes of critically ill patients
Authors: Sikora Andrea , Jeong Hayoung , Yu Mengyun , Chen Xianyan , Murray Brian , Kamaleswaran Rishikesan
Published: June 2022

Unsupervised clustering of intensive care unit (ICU) medications may identify unique medication clusters (i.e., pharmacophenotypes) in critically ill adults. We performed an unsupervised analysis with Restricted Boltzmann Machine of 991 medications profiles of patients managed in the ICU to explore pharmacophenotypes that correlated with ICU complications (e.g., mechanical ventilation) and patient-centered outcomes (e.g., length of stay, mortality). Six unique pharmacophenotypes were observed, with unique medication profiles and clinically relevant differences in ICU complications and patient-centered outcomes. While pharmacophenotypes 2 and 4 had no statistically significant difference in ICU length of stay, duration of mechanical ventilation, or duration of vasopressor use, their mortality differed significantly (9.0% vs. 21.9%, p < 0.0001). Pharmacophenotype 4 had a mortality rate of 21.9%, compared with the rest of the pharmacophenotypes ranging from 2.5-9%. Phenotyping approaches have shown promise in classifying the heterogenous syndromes of critical illness to predict treatment response and guide clinical decision support systems but have never included comprehensive medication information. This first-ever machine learning approach revealed differences among empirically-derived subgroups of ICU patients that are not typically revealed by traditional classifiers. Identification of pharmacophenotypes may enable enhanced decision making to optimize treatment decisions.
No spillover of flower-visiting insects between community gardens and forest fragments in the city
Authors: Vanderstock Amelie M. , White Thomas E. , Latty Tanya
Published: June 2022

Cities are a fragmented matrix of cultivated and semi-natural greenspaces. In rural agroecosystems, croplands attached to forest often have higher pollinator diversity than isolated croplands due to temporary spillover from adjacent forests. A similar dynamic could be at play in cities, where different cultivated and semi-cultivated greenspaces could interact via spillover. We studied spillover of flower-visiting insects between different types of cultivated and semi-natural urban greenspaces; community gardens that were attached to urban forests, isolated community gardens that were at least 1 km from urban forests, and isolated urban forests that were at least 1 km away from community gardens. If spillover was occurring, we expected to see higher insect diversity and abundance in the community gardens that were attached to forests compared to isolated community gardens (and visa-versa). We found no evidence of insect-visitor spillover between community gardens and urban forests for all metrics measured. We did, however, find higher native bee and insect species richness in community gardens as compared with urban forests. Unlike their rural counterparts, community gardens are generally more diverse than monoculture farms and may offer the flowering and habitat needs such that insects do not need to spillover into forest. Further investigation into the relative lack of flower-visiting insect species in urban forests compared with gardens is required as this may have ramifications for native plant-pollinator interactions in cities. Our results suggest that growing gardens can attract pollinators regardless of their placement relative to natural forest within the urban landscape.
Relative burden of diarrheal cases in under-five children before and during COVID-19 pandemic in Ethiopia: a retrospective study
Authors: Zenebe Tizazu , Eguale Tadesse , Mihret Adane , Abebe Tamrat
Published: June 2022

Background: The burden of diarrhea in under-five children is a problem in Ethiopia. The different measures taken to prevent COVID-19 pandemic are believed to have impact on the burden of diarrhea. However, there is no data that shows the association of COVID-19 pandemic and burden of diarrhea in under-five children. The aim of this study was to assess burden of diarrheal cases and associated factors among under-five children that attended primary health centers before and during COVID-19 pandemic in Addis Ababa and Debre Berhan, Ethiopia. Methods: This retrospective study was carried out using data extracted from under-five children registered from January 2019 to December 2020 in Teklehaymanot Health Center, Addis Ababa, and 04 kebele health center, Debre Berhan, Ethiopia. Data analysis was made by SPSS statistics version 20. Results: A total of 11, 337 under-five registers of two years were reviewed. Diarrhea was the second leading cause for visiting health facilities to under-five children. The overall prevalence of diarrhea was 19.8%, with 20.2% before and 18.6% during COVID-19. There was no statistically significant difference for diarrhea before or during COVID-19 pandemic (AOR=1.117, 95%CI=0.898, 1.389). Higher prevalence was seen in male (21%) and in age range between 12-24 months (22.6%). Male had less likelihood to have diarrhea compared to female (AOR= 0.832, 95% CI=0.756, 0.915). Children with age <6 months were 1.5 times more likelihood to have diarrhea (AOR= 1.474= 95% CI= 1.240, 1.753) compared to age range with > 24 months. Children who lived in Addis Ababa had two times more risk of getting diarrhea (AOR= 1.903, 95% CI=1.717, 2.109) compared to children who lived in Debre Berhan. Diarrhea occurred 3 times during spring (AOR= 2.615=95%=2.239, 3.053) and 1.3 times in winter (AOR= 1.319=95% CI=1.133, 1.536) compared to summer. Conclusions: The burden of diarrhea remains high. However, the impact of COVID-19 on diarrhea for under-five children was not statistically significant. Sex, age, seasonality, and study area were associated with the diarrhea. We recommend assessment of community practices of the COVID-19 prevention measures, season dependent pathogens of diarrhea, and creating active health facility based surveillance for better understanding of the impact.
HI-Shaped antenna for non-invasive diabetic measurement and monitors fluctuating diabetes
Authors: J JEBASINGH KIRUBAKARAN S , P Ananadan , N.R Shanker
Published: June 2022

In this paper, HI- antenna is applied for monitoring the fluctuating diabetes. HI antenna senses the human pancreas dielectric radiation. HI antenna senses the radiation effectively because of shape and size of slot, which covers the pancreas region of human body, without change in crumbling effect during dielectric radiation signal acquisition. The dielectric radiations signal acquisition from pancreas lead to effective monitoring of fluctuating diabetes. However, traditional non-invasive method never monitors fluctuating diabetes, whereas they only measure diabetic value through non-invasive method. Non-invasive method of diabetic measurement never measures fluctuating diabetes due to improper mounting of sensor over the body is the major problem. The proposed HI-shaped antenna is mounted in different part of the human body such as hand, finger, stomach and pancreas for measuring fluctuating diabetes. Among the different part of body, optimized location is the pancreas of measuring diabetes is detected with proposed HI-shaped antenna. Moreover, different type of such as Microstrip antenna, log periodic antenna and are compared with the proposed HI-shaped antenna for diabetes measurement and proposed antenna dielectric signal statical values correlated with diabetic laboratory values. The proposed antenna measures the fluctuation diabetes with 85% accuracy.
Fatty Acid Metabolism-related Genes in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Unveil Prognostic and Immune Infiltration in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Lyu Yin , Guo Chen , Zhang Hao
Published: June 2022

BackgroundIdiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, often abbreviated as IPF, is a condition that is both chronic and progressive, and has an unfavorable prognosis. Recent research has demonstrated that individuals with IPF exhibit characteristic alterations in the fatty acid metabolism in their lungs, suggesting an association with the disease pathogenesis. Here, we explored whether the gene signature associated with fatty acid metabolism might be used as a reliable biological marker for predicting the IPF patients' survival.MethodsData of fatty acid metabolism-related genes (FAMRGs) were extracted from the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), Hallmark, and Reactome databases. The GSE70866 data set was retrieved for information on individuals diagnosed with IPF. Next, a consensus clustering approach was used to discover novel molecular subgroups. Then, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was conducted to evaluate the mechanisms involved. CIBERSORT was utilized to ascertain the infiltration levels of immune cells in the identified subgroups premised on specific gene expression signatures of immune cells. Finally, the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) algorithm and multivariate Cox regression analysis were utilized in the development of a prognostic risk model.ResultsThe patterns of gene expression that are linked to fatty acid metabolism were used to construct two subgroups that had remarkably different prognoses. GSEA indicated that immune-related pathways, were significantly altered between the two subgroups, and different subgroups had different metabolic characteristics. Poor prognosis was associated with high immune cell infiltration, particularly activated NK cells, monocytes, and activated mast cells. A risk model that was developed premised on FAMRGs showed excellent significance for use in predicting IPF. The prognosis for individuals diagnosed with IPF might be correctly predicted using a nomogram that incorporated clinical features and the risk model.ConclusionThe proposed fatty acid metabolism-related gene signature is a potential biological marker for predicting the clinical outcomes and infiltration status of immune cells, and may ultimately increase the accuracy of treating patients with IPF.
Annual distributions of insecticide-treated nets to schoolchildren and other key populations to maintain higher ITN access than with mass campaigns: a modeling study for mainland Tanzania
Authors: Koenker Hannah , Worges Matt , Kamala Benjamin , Gitanya Peter , Chacky Frank , Lazaro Samwel , Mwalimu Charles Dismas , Aaron Sijenunu , Mwingizi Deodatus , Dadi David , Selby Ato , Serbantez Naomi , Ikonje Albert , Loll Dana , Yukich Joshua
Published: June 2022

BackgroundSince 2013, the National Malaria Control Program in mainland Tanzania has deployed annual distributions of insecticide treated nets (ITNs) through primary schools to maintain ITN access and use. This School Net Programme (SNP) is slated to be used throughout mainland Tanzania by 2023. This modeling study projects ITN access under different ITN distribution strategies and quantification approaches. MethodsA stock and flow model with a Tanzania-specific ITN decay rate was used to calculate annual net crops for four different ITN distribution strategies, varying quantification approaches within each strategy. Annual nets-per-capita (NPC) was derived from net crop and a standardized population projection. Nonparametric conditional quartile functions for ITN access as a function of NPC were used to predict ITN access and its variability. The number of ITNs required under the varying quantification approaches for the period 2022-2030 was calculated.ResultsAnnual SNP quantified using a “population times 15%” approach maintained ITN access between 80% and 90%, when combined with reproductive and child health (RCH) ITN distribution, requiring 133.2 million ITNs. The same strategy quantified with “population times 22%” maintained ITN access at or above 90%, requiring 175.5 million ITNs. Under five-year mass campaigns with RCH distribution for pregnant women and infants, ITN access reached 90% post-campaign and fell to 27-35% in the 4th year post-campaign, requiring 120.5 million ITNs over 8 years. Three-yearly mass campaigns with RCH reached 100% ITN access post-campaign and fell to 70% in the third year post-campaign, requiring 154.4 million ITNs. ConclusionGiven an ITN retention time in Tanzania of 2.15 years, the model predicts that mass campaigns conducted every three years in mainland Tanzania will not maintain ITN access at target levels of 80%, even with strong RCH channels. Mainland Tanzania can however expect to maintain ITN access at 80% or above by quantifying SNP using “population x 15%”, in addition to RCH ITN delivery. This strategy requires 14% fewer ITNs than a 3-year campaign strategy while providing more consistent ITN coverage. Meeting the targets of 80% ITN use would require maintaining 90% ITN access, achievable using a “population times 22%” quantification approach for SNP.
The Prevalence and demographic factors of knee osteoarthritis in the Bozidun pastoral area of Xinjiang
Authors: Wu Xue , Li Zhengfang , MikelayI Mansuer , Feng Yun , Shi Yamei , Meng Xinyan , Yue Chaohong , Kong Jinjing , Wang Qianqian , Deng Juan , Zhang Guoli , Wang Yali , Su Jinmei , Wu Lijun
Published: June 2022

Osteoarthritis is a major musculoskeletal diseases cause of disability in the middle-aged and older populations around the world.The prevalence of osteoarthritis was associated with factors such as genetic factors, living environment, and dietary habits. Xinjiang is the second largest pastoral region in China. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of symptomatic knee OA in Bozidun Kirgiz township, Bozidun pastoral area, Xinjiang, in order to understand the risk factors that influence the onset and progression of knee OA in this location.This is a cross-sectional survey study conducted from November 11, 2020 to November 26, 2020 in Bozidun Kirgiz Township, Bozidun Pastoral Area, Aksu City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. All residents of nine villages were surveyed, and a total of 2,138 people were included. The prevalence of knee OA was 23.1%, and the prevalence of KOA increased with age.The prevalence of OA increased significantly after the age of 40. Logistic regression analysis, female, advanced age, coronary heart disease, hypertension, pastoralism and previous history of fracture were independent risk factors for knee OA.The overall prevalence of knee OA in the pastoral areas of Xinjiang is significantly higher than in other provinces of China, with an increasing trend in prevalence with age and a higher prevalence in females than in males, where factors such as age, female, obesity and farmers may be related to the onset of knee OA.
Nitrogen deposition alters plant community structure and biomass by affecting the relationships between plants and soil microorganisms a desert steppe
Authors: Ye He , Hong Mei , Xu Xuehui , Liang Zhiwei , Jiang Na , Tu Nare , Wu Zhendan
Published: June 2022

Aims Nitrogen (N) deposition is an important component of global change and threatens terrestrial biodiversity. The response of plant–soil microbe relationships to N deposition has recently attracted considerable attention. Soil microorganisms have been proven to provide nutrients for specific plant growth, especially in nutrient-poor desert steppe ecosystems. However, the effects of N deposition on plant soil microbial community interactions in such ecosystems remain poorly understood. Methods To investigate these effects, a six-year N-addition field experiment was conducted in a Stipa breviflora desert steppe in Inner Mongolia, Northwest China. Four N treatment levels (N0, N1, N2, and N3, corresponding to 0, 30, 50, and 100 kg N ha-1 yr-1, respectively) were applied to simulate atmospheric N deposition. Results The results showed that (1) after six years of simulated N deposition, plant aboveground biomass did not increase, but plant community structure changed; (2) In desert steppes, N addition increased the biomass of Neopallasia pectinata, and the correlations between N. pectinata and microorganisms also increased. However, the biomass of the perennial grass S. breviflora decreased, and the correlation with soil microorganisms was weaker for S. breviflora than for N. pectinata; (3) N deposition indirectly affects plant biomass mainly by inhibiting (or promoting) the number of microorganisms negatively correlated with plant growth. Conclusions These results suggest that N deposition alters plant community structures and biomass by affecting plant–soil microbe relationships in desert steppes. These findings help clarify atmospheric N deposition effects on the ecological health and function of desert steppes.
A retrospective pilot study examining inhalation anesthesia after delivery on intraoperative blood loss in emergency cesarean section
Authors: Matsui Nozomi , Matsuo Mitsuhiro , Yoneda Satoshi , Nakashima Akitoshi , Yamazaki Mitsuaki
Published: June 2022

Background After cesarean section delivery of a fetus, switching from inhalation to intravenous anesthesia is recommended to avoid atonic effects resulting from inhalation anesthetics. However, the clinical impact of inhalation anesthetic use remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the effects of inhalation anesthetic agents used after delivery on intraoperative blood loss in cesarean section. Methods A single-center retrospective study was performed using the clinical data of patients who underwent emergency cesarean section at an academic teaching hospital during a 7-year period from July 1, 2013, to June 30, 2020. Regression analyses were performed to determine the difference between inhalation anesthesia and propofol after delivery with regard to intraoperative blood loss. We also analyzed spinal anesthesia as a positive control to understand the absolute difference between inhalation and propofol.Results Of total, 511 patients were analyzed. Patients were 33.3 ± 5.4 years-old, had a body mass index of 25.1 ± 4.2 kg/m2, and were 34.8 ± 4.6 weeks of gestational age. Switching from inhalation anesthesia to propofol after delivery was performed in 123 patients, while 24 patients received no anesthesia switching (two propofol, 22 inhalation). Thus, propofol and inhalation anesthesia were used after cesarean delivery in 125 and 22 patients including 15 sevoflurane and seven desflurane. The remaining 364 patients were performed under spinal anesthesia. Univariate regression analysis showed that inhalation anesthesia use after delivery tended to reduce blood loss compared with propofol use after delivery, although this did not reach statistical significance (−171 mL; 95%CI, −388 to 46 mL). Multivariate regression analysis, including patients with spinal anesthesia, also showed that intraoperative blood loss using sevoflurane and desflurane after delivery was not significantly different from propofol (−155 mL; 95%CI, −344 to 35 mL). As a positive control, spinal anesthesia showed a significant reduction in blood loss compared with propofol use (−156 mL; 95%CI, −260 to −53 mL). Conclusion Our findings suggest that inhalation anesthetic agents used after delivery are not associated with increased blood loss during cesarean section. Further studies are needed to support our findings.
Oxygen Reserve Index in Predicting Hypoxemia in Morbidly Obese Patients
Authors: Saraçoğlu Kemal Tolga , Arslan Gülten , Saraçoğlu Ayten , Sezen Özlem
Published: June 2022

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated whether the oxygen reserve index(ORi) decreases earlier than percutaneous oxygen saturation(SpO2) and provides added warning time in morbidly obese patients.METHODS: After obtaining the approval of the Hospital Ethics Committee, this prospective, observational study included written informed consent from 51 patients with 1940m/kg2 undergoing an elective surgical requiring endotracheal intubation.In addition to standard monitors, an ORi sensor was placed and baseline values were recorded.The patients were preoxygenated until end tidal expiratory oxygen concentration is reached to 90%.After anesthesia induction and endotracheal intubation, the breathing circuit was not connected endotracheal tube until the SpO2 decreased to 95%.Times of tolerable apnea,ORi warning,SpO2 warning and added warning were also recorded at the end of preoxygenation, beginning of intubation,beginning of the ORi alarm,when SpO2 reached 95%,when ORi reaches a plateau.RESULTS: In both groups,ORi warning time was longer than the SpO2 warning time.While ORi warning time was observed as 32seconds in morbidly obese patients and 94seconds in patients with normal body mass index(BMI),SpO2 warning time was determined as 15seconds and 36seconds in these patients, respectively.It is observed that tolerable apnea, ORi,SpO2 and added warning times are longer in those with normal BMI compared to those with morbidly obese.CONCLUSIONS: As a result, ORi can provide an early warning to prevent unexpected hypoxia before saturation begins to decrease.In particular, it allows faster intervention in airway management and protection of patient safety by calling for help earlier in high-risk patients such as morbidly obese with reduced pulmonary reserve.
METADICHOL: A natural nano lipid emulsion that expresses all 48 Nuclear receptors in the Stem, somatic, and Cancer cells.
Authors: Raghavan Palayakotai R
Published: June 2022

The human nuclear receptor (NR) consists of 49 ligand-dependent transcription factors that play a critical role in development, metabolism, reproduction, cell cycle, differentiation, and diseases, e.g., cancer and cardiovascular disease, to name a few. Today, we have gene sequencing data on NR presence in many organs, disease cells, and tissues. We do not have a simple universal method to study the expression of NR that small molecules can induce in various cell diseased and non-diseased states. Here in we present systematic profiling of NRs in human umbilical cord stem cell lines and Expression of the 48 human NRs was assessed by quantitative real-time PCR. using Metadichol a nano-emulsion natural lipid alcohol treated Umbilical cord cells, Fibroblasts, cells expressed all the nuclear receptors at a concentration of 1 picogram per ml to 100 nanogram per ml in a concentration-dependent manner as seen by Q-RT-PCR and qualified by Western blot. This method will allow the study of many organs and tissues and expand our understanding of the role of NR in normal and disease states.
Impact of psychosocial factors on investors’ inclination: The Case of the South Pacific Stock
Authors: Saliya Candauda Arachchige
Published: June 2022

Previous research has documented that psychocognitive resources and socioeconomic status have significant influences on investment behavior in financial assets. Drawing from the positive psychosocial perspective, I hypothesized that positive enterprising personality mediates the influence of individual characteristics on investment behaviour and tested them using Structural Equation Modeling method. The findings are that the enterprising personality mediates the influence of individual characteristics on investors’ inclination to invest which, in turn, influences stock market participation. These findings will be useful for financial service providers and regulators in designing educational programs to enhance enterprising personality qualities amongst people generally, and inculcate positive attitudes towards stock investments through mass-awareness programs.Subject classification codes: JEL: A13, A11, B26, C51, D53, G10, G41, G53, O16, O56, P34
Stabilization efficiency of effluents and the effect of post-harvest treatments on microbial removal in Clarias gariepinus cultured in wastewater-fed pond.
Authors: Nsiah-Gyambibi Rapheal
Published: June 2022

Wastewater-fed aquaculture (WFA) is an innovative water reuse approach of harnessing nutrients in wastewater to culture fish. Due to possible pathogen contamination of fish tissues in WFA, it is necessary to provide precautionary and post-harvest treatments such as depuration and smoking. This study evaluated the current stabilization efficiency of effluents from the Chirapatire wastewater stabilization treatment plant in Ghana and its potential reuse for fish production. The efficacies of depuration and smoking as post-harvest treatments were also investigated. Results indicated that the stabilization efficiency of the effluent in terms of TSS, TDS, ammonia, COD, and BOD5 were all above 50% except alkalinity. Fish survival of > 65% with > 0.3 condition factors and fish yields of > 1500 kg/ha were recorded at the end of the study. Higher levels of total coliform and E. coli contamination were detected in fish tissues but got reduced through depuration and smoking.
WITHDRAWN: Mechanisms of thermal energy transfer through carbon-based materials
Authors: Chen Junjie
Published: June 2022

Carbon nanotubes can exhibit unique ability to conduct heat. However, the effects of different factors on the thermal conductivity of carbon nanotubes are still poorly understood. The effects of different factors on the thermal conductivity of carbon nanotubes are investigated to understand the mechanisms of transfer of thermal energy through carbon-based materials. Carbon nanotube films and fibers are produced, and the parallel thermal conductance technique is employed to determine the thermal conductivity. The importance of cross-sectional area is determined experimentally. The results indicated that the prepared carbon nanotube films and fibers are very efficient at conducting heat. The structure, purity, and alignment play a fundamentally important role in determining the thermal conductivity of carbon nanotubes. Single-walled carbon nanotube films and fibers generally have high thermal conductivity. The presence of non-carbonaceous impurities degrades the thermal performance due to the low degree of bundle contact. The carbon nanotubes are of the order of several hundred microns, which is significantly greater than the mean free path of phonons. Acoustic phonons exhibit a linear relationship between frequency and phonon wave-vector for long wavelengths. At room temperature, a maximum specific thermal conductivity is obtained but Umklapp scattering occurs. Heat transport in both amorphous and crystalline dielectric solids is by way of elastic vibrations of the lattice. This transport mechanism is theorized to be limited by the elastic scattering of acoustic phonons at lattice defects. The specific thermal conductivity of carbon nanotube fibers is significantly higher than that of carbon nanotube films due to the increased degree of bundle alignment.
The Phenomenon of Digital Mediatization: Axiological Aspect of Social Communication
Authors:   Nizhny Novgorod State Linguistic University named after N. A. Dobrolyubov, Kuznetsova Elena I.
Published: June 2022

The appeal to the problem of mediality is actualized by the need to comprehend the uniqueness of the process of mediatization unfolding in the modern world, which in the digital era is becoming the dominant factor in the development of society. The novelty of the work is determined by the problematization of new facets in the structure of social experience, which are constituted as a result of the process of mediatization changing its forms. The aim is to problematize the features of the socio-cultural experience of the subject in the conditions of developing digital mediatization. The methodology is determined by the socio-philosophical approach to the analysis of the impact of the mediatization of the digital era on the human life world. Reflection acts as a way to clarify the interdependence of a person’s life circumstances, his behavioral characteristics and technical and technological tools for ensuring communication. The phenomenon of mediatization is presented as a developing process, indicating the formation of a new context of human existence. The dual nature of mediatization is revealed: the communicative potential allowing to develop constructive models of social interaction, and the creation of positions of social instability. The expansion of mediatized forms of communication into the space of the human life world is established, the axiological aspects of the process of mediatization are emphasized. The influence of communicative factors on the process of transformation of individual values in the conditions of the mediatized world is proved.
Corresponding member of the Russian academy of sciences, professor g.ts. dambaev (on the occasion of his 80th birthday)
Authors: Editorial Article
Published: June 2022

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