bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Propeller Efficiency - Simple Methods
Authors: Scholz Dieter
Published: June 2021

In order to produce thrust, the air needs to be accelerated by the propulsor (the propeller or the jet engine). The more the air gets accelerated from flight speed v = v_1 to exit speed v_4 (i.e. the higher v_4/v_1), the lower the efficiency. However, without accelerating the air, no power or thrust is produced. The efficiency depends on the non-dimensional thrust, called thrust loading, c_S, which is a function of aircraft speed. Disc loading k_P is calculated from power, P air density, rho and propeller disc area, A_S. k_P is independent of speed and as such a good characteristic parameter of a propeller. Together, this makes the propulsive efficiency a function of disc loading, k_P and flight speed, v. Further losses come from angular momentum. The efficiency calculated considering angular momentum in addition dependents on the ratio of forward speed, v and tip speed u (v/u). A constant speed propeller can run at a favorable speed for the piston or turboprop engine at a limited Mach number of the blade tips. At higher speeds, v and also v/u increases and hence required engine torque. This increases the angular momentum and reduces the efficiency. At low speeds, the ratio v_4/v_1 gets unfavorably high and the efficiency is low. At zero speed v_4/v_1 goes to infinity and the efficiency to zero. For an example calculation, optimum efficiencies were obtained at v/u between 3 and 5 depending on disc loading. Not considered is the limited lift-to-drag ratio (L/D) of the propeller blades and losses at blade tip (which could be accounted for by a performance factor between 0.85 and 0.9).
Out of touch: Touch deprivation and affective touch perception during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Meijer Larissa Lauren , Hasenack Birgit , Kamps Jonas , Mahon Andy , Titone Guilia , Dijkerman H. Chris , Keizer Anouk
Published: June 2021

Interpersonal touch and affective touch play a crucial role in social interactions and have a positive influence on mental health. The social distancing regulations related to the COVID-19 pandemic have reduced the ability to engage in interpersonal touch. This could cause touch deprivation, and it might alter the way in which affective touch is perceived. To investigate this, we conducted an online survey with 2348 participants, which contained questions regarding the COVID-19 regulations, touch deprivation and the perceived pleasantness of affective and non-affective touch. Results showed that participants reported feelings of touch deprivation. This significantly increased with the duration and severity of the COVID-19 regulations. Participants who experienced more touch deprivation rated videos of affective and non-affective touch as more pleasant. Current results provide insight in the impact of sudden and prolonged COVID-19 regulations and show that increasing the duration and severity of these regulations is associated with a higher desire for touch, which leads to increased perceived pleasantness of touch.
blockmodeling: an R package for Generalized Blockmodeling
Authors: Matjašič Miha , Cugmas Marjan , Žiberna Aleš
Published: June 2021

This paper presents the R package blockmodeling which is primarily meant as an implementation of generalized blockmodeling (more broadly blockmodeling) for valued networks where the values of the ties are assumed to be measured on at least interval scale. Blockmodeling is one of the most commonly used approaches in the analysis of (social) networks, which deals with the analysis of relationships or connections, between the units studied (e.g., peoples, organizations, journals etc.). The R package blockmodeling implements several approaches for the generalized blockmodeling of binary and valued networks. Generalized blockmodeling is commonly used to cluster nodes in a network with regard to the structure of their links. The theoretical foundations of generalized blockmodeling for binary and valued networks are summarized in the paper while the use of the R package blockmodeling is illustrated by applying it to an empirical dataset.
Sustainability of corporate based shallot farming business: Evidence from Malang Regency, Indonesia
Authors: Parmawati Rita , Hardyansah Rizha , Rahmawati Aditia
Published: June 2021

Shallot is the strategic horticulture commodity and one of superior national commodities. Ministry of Agriculture initiated a pilot project for the development of a corporate based shallot farming business area in Ngantang dan Pujon Districs, Malang Regency. This research aims to analyze the sustainability of the shallot farming in Ngantang and Pujon Districts, Malang Regency. Multidimensional Scaling (MDS) RAP-Shallot's analysis with five dimensions (ecological, economic, social, institutional, and technological) was used with a total of 49 attributes. The results of the sustainability index analysis show that the institutional, technological, and social dimensions are classified as quite sustainable, but the ecological and economic dimensions are still classified as less sustainable. Some attributes that are sensitive to the sustainability of shallot farming include integrated pest and disease control, marketing access of shallots, conflicts related to farming, the role of the middleman in harvest collecting, and the use of high quality and certified bulb. To improve the sustainability of shallot farming, the supervision and management of each attribute must be carried out optimally and integrated with many stakeholders such as farmers, traders, cooperatives, and the government.JEL Classification: Q01; Q02; Q20
Strengthening institutions theory on modification of technology acceptance model: A study of financial information system for local government
Authors: Fauzi Fauzi , Jatiningrum Citrawati
Published: June 2021

The financial information system for local Government or SIPKD regulation in Indonesia are mandatory. There have been several innovations on it, but in practice mostly they were not effective in term of user acceptance due to several obstacles. This study investigates the modified Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) theory proposed with the institutional strengthening theory on the user performance of SIPKD. Supported by the sample of 556 SIPKD users from the Lampung Provincial Government, the results showed that all constructs are associated in accordance with the theory and concept of TAM. The quality of training had a dominant effect on the ease of use and usefulness. Related to the reinforcement theory, the results showed that facilitating conditions and incentives affect the performance of SIPKD users. Meanwhile, institutional pressure did not show its role to improve the performance of users. The main findings revealed that the TAM model becomes more perfect when imbued with the reinforcement theory. These results suggest that information system acceptance is higher when reinforcement theory is able to manipulate the cognitive of users to further improve their individual performance.JEL Classification E60; H83; M48
A Scalable and Effective Course Design for Teaching Competency-Based Euthanasia Communication Skills in Veterinary Curricula
Authors: Schultz Mei A. , Morrisey James K. , Kaplan Leni K. , Colón Jorge L. , McVety-Leinen Dani G. , Hinckley-Boltax Ariana L.
Published: June 2021

Veterinary staff must be able to navigate end-of-life care with sensitivity and skill to create the best possible outcome for the patient, client, and veterinary team collectively. Despite the clear importance of euthanasia communication and procedural skills in veterinary practice, recent graduates of veterinary programs identified gaps between skills deemed important in clinical practice and skills emphasized in the curriculum. Little time is allocated to euthanasia procedural or communication training across the board in US veterinary programs. Thus, it is of paramount importance to establish intentional and well-designed instruction and assessment of euthanasia communication skills for veterinary trainees. A course on veterinary euthanasia communication skills was designed to emphasize themes and topics essential for a competent veterinarian. Through course evaluations, students expressed the sentiments that this course improved their euthanasia communication skills, that euthanasia communication skills are essential for their careers, and that the course content should be integrated into the core curriculum. This article presents a scaffold for the instruction and assessment of veterinary euthanasia communication skills in alignment with a competency-based veterinary education (CBVE) framework and outlines specific learning interventions used in the course that are scalable and may be extracted and incorporated into existing courses.
The impact of job satisfaction on organizational commitment with employee engagement as moderating variable
Authors: Linda Muthia Roza , Sutiyem  , Trismiyanti Dessy , Yonita Riza , Suhery
Published: June 2021

The purposes of the study are to analyze; 1) the impact of job satisfaction on banking employee’s organizational commitment, 2) the impact of employee engagement on organizational commitment, 3) the impact of job satisfaction on employee engagement, and 4) the indirect effect of job satisfaction on organizational commitment of banking employees in Padang with employee engagement as a moderating variable. The type of research is causative research, which aims to see how far the independent variables affect the dependent variable. The research data was collected came from 180 employees who worked in banking, in which they had more than 2 years of experience. Then the data to analyze using the structural equation modeling (SEM) approach with Smart PLS 3.0 software. The results showed that: 1) Job satisfaction has not a direct effect on organizational commitment in banking employees in Padang; 2) Employee engagement has a direct and significant effect on organizational commitment of banking employees in Padang; 3) Job satisfaction has a direct and significant effect on employee engagement banking employees in Padang and 4) Job satisfaction has an indirect and significant influence on employee organizational commitment when mediated by employee engagement. The contribution of this study is expected to provide information for companies in developing and improving employee attitudes to have a high commitment to the company. This is intended so that employees can contribute to providing excellent service to increase organizational competitiveness.
Risk management practices and financial performance nexus: Evidence from MSMEs in Osun State, Nigeria
Authors: Ojubanire Olugbenga Ayo , Dawodu Solomon
Published: June 2021

This study assessed the effect of enterprise risk management on the firm financial performance of Micro, Small and Medium-scale Enterprises in Osun state Nigeria. Precisely, the risk encountered, the adoption of risk management practices, the implementation of Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) practices, and the financial performance of micro, small and medium scale enterprises in Osun state Nigeria. Primary data was used for this study; a well-structured questionnaire was used to elicit data from 273 respondents. The study population consists of owners and managers of small and medium businesses in Osun state, Nigeria. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis and was the inferential statistic used to test the hypotheses. The results showed that market (33.7%), strategic (57%), financial (46.9%), operational (34.2%), management (47.6%), and technological (45.4%) are risks prevalent to micro and small businesses, but most of the respondents disagreed that the relationship of their staff to the customer is poor. Risk acceptance with a mean score of (2.27 ± 1.21) is the most utilized risk management practice adopted by the MSMEs. The implementation of ERM practices shows that MSMEs more utilized setting of objectives (43.6%), risk identification (38.3%), risk assessment (36.2%), and control activities (31.2%) and the financial performance of the businesses was moderate (69.7%). The correlation analysis shows no significant relationship between the scale of business and the adoption of risk management practices. Also, the regression analysis shows that Risk identification (? = 0.388, p ?0.01) and Control activities (? = 1.096, p ?0.01) are the only ERM variables that significantly affect financial performance. The study concluded that the implementation of enterprise risk management practices has a significant effect on the financial performance of Micro, Small and Medium enterprises in Osun State, Nigeria.
Hakkari İlinde Yapılan Mergabütan Kayak Merkezinin Halkın Kayak Sporuna Yönelik Olumlu Veya Olumsuz Etkileri
Authors: KUMARTAŞLI Mehmet , BAŞYİĞİT GÖNENDİ Fahriye Esra , GÖNENDİ Burak , SEVİNÇ Neçirvan
Published: June 2021

Amaç; Hakkâri ilinde yeni yapılmış olan Mergabütan kayak merkezinin kayak branşı açısından, Hakkâri ilinde yaşayan insanlara yönelik olumlu veya olumsuz etkilerini bulmaktır.
Yöntem; Çalışma, nitel bir çalışmadır. Araştırma grubunu Halk (n:10), Esnaf (n:10), Antrenör (n:10), Sporcu (n:10) olmak üzere toplam 40 kişi oluşturmaktadır. Araştırmada elde edilen veriler, araştırmacı aracılığıyla hazırlanan yarı yapılandırılmış görüşme formu kullanılarak toplanmıştır.
Bulgular; Araştırmamıza 40 kişi katılmıştır bu kişilerin 29’u erkek 11’i kadındır. Araştırmamıza katılanların 10 tanesi 18-22, 25 tanesi 24-28 yaş aralığında 5 tanesi 30 yaşındadır. Ayrıca araştırmamıza katılanların 10 tanesi sporcu kişiler, 10 tanesi antrenörlük mesleğine sahip kişiler, 10 tanesi esnaf ve 10 tanesi halktan kişilerdir.
Tartışma ve Sonuç; Katılımcıların ortak vermiş olduğu cevap neticesinde Hakkâri de bulunan remi kurumların kayak branşına gerekli ilgi ve desteği verdiğini görmekteyiz. Katılımcıların verdiği cevaplar neticesinde Hakkâri’ de bulunan kayak merkezi ekonomik ve tanınırlık açısından devlet tarafından ve halk tarafından tam destek almaktadır. Sonuç olarak Hakkari ilindeki farklı 4 kategorideki bireylerin vermiş olduğu cevaplardan yola çıkarak Mergabütan kayak merkezinin halk, sporcu, antrenör ve esnaf üzerinde olumlu düşünceleri söz konusudur.
Proposal for the development and implementation of a Software for Monitoring Patients with Tuberculosis in Primary Care in the Pandemic: A Critical Analysis
Authors: Ramos Eliza Miranda , Mendes da Fonseca Junior Ernani , José Mendes dos Reis Francisco , Souza Igor Domingos de , Fonseca Alessandro Carvalho da , Ramos Hugo Vieira
Published: June 2021

Health in Brazil through technological innovations, whether under conditions of equipment availability has been using new techniques of care and care in primary care in diseases communicable with tuberculosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the national and international scientific production on the knowledge about the process of monitoring tuberculosis patients in Brazilian primary care by software applied by a health professional. The methodology used in this study was the systematic review with a critical analysis in the elaboration for a software and was developed in six stages. As a result, 03 articles were obtained for the construction of this systematic review and the critical analysis in the follow-up of tuberculosis patients in primary care in Brazil. Among the models used, it was noticed that the cascading model, linear or classic and prototyping were the most used for software for care support and educational software.
Propellant Stimulation and Hydraulic Fracturing
Authors: Lwisa Essa Georges
Published: June 2021

The Propellant Stimulation is applied to increase the permeability of rocks; a certain quantity of explosive material is donated at the bottom of the well opposite the producing layer, which causes many cracks in the near well area. A good Propellant Stimulation process must consider the explosive material quality and quantity, and the explosion should be prevented from vertically spread so all its energy will be used to crack the rocks. The first part of this chapter explains all the above in addition to the directed explosions and its calculation in an easy way. In the second part, I explained the Hydraulic Fracturing of the reservoir rocks in details, from principal elements of the process passing through cracking fluids, proppants, preparing the wells and ending with evaluating the effectiveness and discussing the methods of hydraulic fracturing. Hydraulic fracturing is the process of pumping fluid into a wellbore at an injection rate that is too high for the formation to accept without breaking. During injection the resistance to flow in the formation increases, the pressure in the wellbore increases to a value called the break-down pressure, that is the sum of the in-situ compressive stress and the strength of the formation. Once the formation “breaks down,” a fracture is formed, and the injected fluid flows through it.
REVISITING SCHOOL CULTURE
Authors: Bustos Ruth Claire , Tan Emily B.
Published: June 2021

Since the abrupt change in learning mode last March 2020, schools’ administrators have been looking for ways to somehow alleviate the stress and anxiety the children have to face using the online study mode.  One of the things the school management tries to address is the development of Social-Emotional Skills in children amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
This paper seeks to analyze and bridge the gap on the roles of the schools in nurturing the Socio-Emotional Development of Children during the outbreak of the disease. Using Literature Review Method, this study is going to highlight key roles of the school leaders and educators in their tasks to help children strengthen their coping mechanism.  It shall also discuss the importance of nourishing the socio-emotional skills of the children now that schools are adopting the Distance Learning.  Moreover, it will present possible strategies to foster a school culture geared toward the safety and improvement of the child’s socio-emotional skills.
COVID-19
Authors: Ludwig Jeffrey
Published: June 2021

COVID-19 and its ensuing pandemic ignited an atomic bomb on educational systems across the world invoking an emergent and abrupt transition to remote learning. The aftershocks were unpredictable but left a crippled educational system where students were forced into their bedrooms, sometimes deported to their homelands in different time-zones and isolated from their friends and peers. Learning quickly transitioned from social face-to-face interactions to an estranged and detached face-to-computer dependence. Although some introverted students welcomed this transition, many were dissatisfied, and their performance reflected this sentiment. In this study, we compare students’ performance in an undergraduate mathematics class in a large research-intensive university in the Western United States of America over a 2-year time period from 2019 to 2020. This started as a traditional lecture-style course for 3 quarters, transitioned to a hybrid lecture style with integrated adaptive team-based quizzes for 2 quarters, and abruptly changed with the COVID-19 pandemic to online lectures with team-based quizzes for 1 quarter. We demonstrate in our retrospective data analysis that the performance gains from the traditional lecture-style transition to active learning were subsequently lost in the movement to remote learning. We discuss the many obstacles that may have accounted for this loss of performance and suggest future directions for improving remote active learning methodologies.
TRANSMUTED EXPLORATION IN EFFECTIVE DEVELOPMENT FOR THE AMAZON
Authors: MENDES BARBOSA Marcelo Augusto , DE OLIVEIRA FREIRE JOYCE ANNE , LOPES URGAL MARIA APARECIDA , NANTES ROSALINA , RAMALHO DIAS DE SOUZA ALINE
Published: June 2021

The present article presents historical information about the periods of exploitation, transmuted in the figure of a fallacious development, which in the last 300 years, has not brought effective gains to the population residing in the Amazon. The criticism is based on the historiography of events that took place since Portuguese explorations with hinterland drugs in the 17th and 18th centuries; going through the economic cycle of rubber and mining of minerals; the exploitation of wood from the migratory flow encouraged by the military governments; reaching the present day with the production of agricultural commodities and hydroelectric enterprises. The false developmentalist conceptions make use of the extent to which the Amazon was exploited in the name of false development, said by those who exploit it in the name of progress and not as the effective and sustainable development of those who reside in the Amazon. All of this has resulted in gains for the few, resulting in the social, economic and environmental imbalance of many.
A didactic proposal for the construction of the ellipse
Authors: DIAS GUSTAVO NOGUEIRA , FERREIRA ROSANA DA COSTA , Araújo Manoel Batalha Silvino de , Araújo Geraldo Mendes de , Souza Júnior José Carlos Barros de , Lobato Fabricio da Silva , Vogado Gilberto Emanoel Reis , Pamplona Vanessa Mayara Souza , Rodrigues Alessandra Epifanio , Reis Cássio Pinho dos , Silva Junior Washington Luiz Pedrosa da , Barbosa Eldilene da Silva , Beirão Antônio Thiago Madeira , Silva Katiane Pereira da
Published: June 2021

The purpose of the present is to propose the construction of the ellipse in a didactic way in which the work deals with the exposure of a specific methodology for the 3rd year of high school when dealing with ellipse content. Followed by the results of the realization of a workshop aimed at the construction of the ellipse in a didactic way, constructed with low cost material, thereby proposing the teaching of mathematics in a more pleasant and effective way, where the ellipse equations were defined with the theoretical concept and afterwards, the gardener's method was used to construct this curve in a terrain, using ropes and civil construction fasteners, so that the student could concretize and apply this content in practice. After that, it was used for construction in the classroom using thread threads or thin strings to make the tracing and to finish it used the Geogebra software to finish the work showing the perfection of the curve explained in the classroom. The didactic process carried out showed a real interest of the students mainly with the use of the field practice. In conclusion, teaching mathematics in a didactic and interactive way provides a favorable environment for learning, stimulating students with a critical sense and an investigative spirit.
FREEDOM OF WILL AND CULPABILITY
Authors: Pinto Sebastião , NANTES ROSALINA ALVES
Published: June 2021

Unlike animals (which are programmed by nature), the human being, at birth, brings with him an innate characteristic: freedom of action. In our legal-criminal system, after completing 18 years, the individual acquires the fullness of that freedom and, consequently, the capacity for culpability. This is because, from this age, it is assumed that the person achieves so-called self-determination, that is, the ability to direct alone to his own actions according to the formation of his independent will. In other words: legally it no longer requires the guidance of parents or guardians to direct their conduct. You have complete freedom of action.
Indo-Pak Relations in Ideological Perspective after 9/11: Critical Discourse Analysis of Nawa-i-Waqt; A Pakistani Urdu Newspaper
Authors: Ahsan Muhammad , Nawaz Shahid , Asif Muhammad
Published: June 2021

The objective of this work was to utilize the critical discourse analysis in the reporting and coverage of Indo-Pak relations from an ideological perspective after 9/11. The critical discourse analysis of local, international, and business news, editorials, articles, columns, and letters to the editor published in Nawa-i-Waqt, a Pakistani Urdu Newspaper, is carried out. The overall purpose of the study was to critically analyze lexical choices, rhetorical devices and the dominant themes reported after 9/11 from August 1st, 2008 to January 31, 2009, the peak time of terrorist attacks in Pakistan. In the present study, it has been noticed that the Urdu newspaper Nawa-i-Waqt reports and publishes more news, editorials, columns, and articles regarding this hot aspect. The CDA of lexical items reported and published in the daily Nawa-i-Waqt revealed the use of victimization and generalization in the coverage of Indian Occupied Kashmir. Similarly, Nawa-i-Waqt newspaper also exclusively focused and reported the historical narrative of the government of Pakistan and its efforts to convey the frightful condition of Kashmir and Kashmiris to the nations of the world and engage them to resolve this longstanding dispute.
Chemical Constituents and Therapeutic Properties of Himalayan Rhododendron Arboreum - Review
Authors: Agarwal Deepti
Published: June 2021

ABSTRACT Nature has plentiful plant sources to fulfil the needs of human beings in terms of food and medicines. Rhododendron tree is one of them. The literature reviewed from online resources suggests that Rhododendron arboretum belongs to family Ericaceae and bears pale pink to deep red colour flowers. It is a national flower of Nepal and a state flower of Uttarakhand. The flowers generally blossom in the months of March to April and June to September. Rhododendron contains significant amount of minerals and many phytochemicals and secondary metabolites like alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, tannins and steroids. Rhododendron arboreum has various therapeutic properties like anti-diabetic property, anti- inflammatory property, antioxidant property, anti-hyperlipidemic property, anti-cancerous property, cardio protective properties. People of India use it in preparation of many valued products like jellies, squashes, ready to serve drinks etc. But their commercialized value added products are not available. This study suggests for more extensive studies on development of commercial product for utilization of its nutritional and therapeutic value.
Enhancing Decision Tree Performance in Credit Risk Classification and Prediction
Authors: Oetama Raymond Sunardi
Published: June 2021

This study is focused on enhancing Decision Tree on its capabilities in classification as well as prediction. The capability of decision tree algorithm in classification outperforms its capability in prediction. The classification quality will be enhanced when it works with resampling techniques such as Adaboost.
ORTAKLAŞA REKABET COĞRAFYASI VE YERSİZ ÜRETİM
Authors: EKİNCİ Sedat , KOCALAR Ali Osman
Published: June 2021

Bu araştırmada, ortaklaşa rekabet ve yersiz üretim kavramları coğrafi bir bakış açısıyla açıklanmaya çalışılmış ve birbirleriyle olan ilişki ortaya konmuştur. Ortaklaşa rekabet kavramı rekabet ve ortaklık gibi iki zıt kavramı tek bir bünyede toplamıştır. Firmalar rekabet ettikleri şirketlerle belli noktalarda iş birliği yapabilirler. Bu iş birliği ve rekabet mekânı belli açılardan etkilemektedir. Bir diğer kavram olan yersiz üretim ise üretilen ürünün herhangi bir yerin yerel özelliğini yansıtmayarak belirsiz bir kimliğe sahip olması halidir. Yersiz üretim ürünler bulundukları mekânın kimliğini bölgesel olarak belirsiz bir kimliğe sürükleyerek yersizliği artırır. Yersizliğin üretiminde yer alan yersiz üretimlerin varoluş serüveninde önde yer alan faillerden biri de ortaklaşa rekabetin ta kendisidir. Bu bağlamda makalede; ortaklaşa rekabetin ve yersiz üretimin coğrafi sonuçları nelerdir, sorusuna cevap aranmıştır. Araştırmada durum çalışması deseni kullanılarak doküman analizi yöntemiyle elde edilen veriler yorumlayıcı bir yaklaşımla ele alınmıştır. Araştırma sonuçlarına göre ortaklaşa rekabet mekan içerisinde birbirleriyle ilişkili yapılar ve ağlar meydana getirir. Bu yapı ve ağlar neticesinde şirketler kârlarını arttırmak ve gelişmek için dış kaynak kullanımı yapabilir veya doğduğu yerin sınırları dışında üretim merkezleri kurabilirler. Bunun dışında şirketler mekânsal hakimiyet mücadeleleriyle rekabet ya da mekansal yakınlıkla ittifak yapabilirler. Bu da göstermektedir ki mekân; ortaklık ve rekabet için sadece bir hayat sahası değil, aynı zamanda bir enstrümandır.
The Importance of Diagnosing and the Clinical Potential of Treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea to Delay Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease: A Special Focus on Cognitive Performance
Authors: Fernandes Mariana , Placidi Fabio , Mercuri Nicola Biagio , Liguori Claudio
Published: June 2021

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a highly frequent sleep disorder in the middle-aged and older population, and it has been associated with an increased risk of developing cognitive decline and dementia, including mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In more recent years, a growing number of studies have focused on: 1) the presence of OSA in patients with MCI or AD, 2) the link between OSA and markers of AD pathology, and 3) the role of OSA in accelerating cognitive deterioration in patients with MCI or AD. Moreover, some studies have also assessed the effects of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment on the cognitive trajectory in MCI and AD patients with comorbid OSA. This narrative review summarizes the findings of studies that analyzed OSA as a risk factor for developing MCI and/or AD in the middle-aged and older populations with a special focus on cognition. In addition, it describes the results regarding the effects of CPAP treatment in hampering the progressive cognitive decline in AD and delaying the conversion to AD in MCI patients. Considering the importance of identifying and treating OSA in patients with MCI or AD in order to prevent or reduce the progression of cognitive decline, further larger and adequately powered studies are needed both to support these findings and to set programs for the early recognition of OSA in patients with cognitive impairment.
Medications in Patients with Dementia and Behavioral Disturbance
Authors: Zhong Wenjun , Liu Xinyue , Voss Tiffini , Khalilieh Sauzanne , Khandker Rezaul Karim , Bortnichak Edward , Liaw Kai-Li
Published: June 2021

Background:

Behavioral disturbance (BD) is common in dementia patients, with no FDA approved medications for this condition. Little data exists on the real-world medication use in this population.

Objective:

To describe real-world medications use in this population.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted using the MarketScan database for outpatient medications and the Cerner database for inpatient medications. The study period was Oct 2015–Jun 2018. Patients with dementia and BD were identified through ICD-10-CM. We examined outpatient medications prescribed during 6-month before or after BD event date, and inpatient medications during inpatient visits, especially on central nervous systems (CNS) drugs including antidementia drugs, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anxiolytics, and anticonvulsants.

Results:

A total of 56,544 outpatients and 34,245 patient hospitalizations were assessed separately. Among outpatients, patients filled more medications after a BD event. The use of the five CNS drug classes generally increased after a BD event, and the largest increase was seen in antipsychotics (23%to 33%). Among inpatients, the median number of medications used in each hospitalization was 14. The use of antipsychotics was particularly high (64%), followed by anxiolytics (51%). A list of 60 unique medications were suggested to be the commonly used drugs in dementia patients with BD.

Conclusion:

In dementia patients with BD, anti-dementia medications, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, hypnotics and antipsychotics were the most used drug classes. Antidepressants and antipsychotics use were more frequent after a BD event, which suggests a need for safe drugs targeting BD in dementia patients.
On Laplacian energy of picture fuzzy graphs in site selection problem
Authors: Poonia Mahima , Bajaj Rakesh Kumar
Published: June 2021

In the present work, the adjacency matrix, the energy and the Laplacian energy for a picture fuzzy graph/directed graph have been introduced along with their lower and the upper bounds. Further, in the selection problem of decision making, a methodology for the ranking of the available alternatives has been presented by utilizing the picture fuzzy graph and its energy/Laplacian energy. For the shake of demonstrating the implementation of the introduced methodology, the task of site selection for the hydropower plant has been carried out as an application. The originality of the introduced approach, comparative remarks, advantageous features and limitations have also been studied in contrast with intuitionistic fuzzy and Pythagorean fuzzy information.
Research on sports aided teaching and training decision system oriented to deep convolutional neural network
Authors: Mei Qinyu , Li Ming
Published: June 2021

Aiming at the construction of the decision-making system for sports-assisted teaching and training, this article first gives a deep convolutional neural network model for sports-assisted teaching and training decision-making. Subsequently, In order to meet the needs of athletes to assist in physical exercise, a squat training robot is built using a self-developed modular flexible cable drive unit, and its control system is designed to assist athletes in squatting training in sports. First, the human squat training mechanism is analyzed, and the overall structure of the robot is determined; second, the robot force servo control strategy is designed, including the flexible cable traction force planning link, the lateral force compensation link and the establishment of a single flexible cable passive force controller; In order to verify the effect of robot training, a single flexible cable force control experiment and a man-machine squat training experiment were carried out. In the single flexible cable force control experiment, the suppression effect of excess force reached more than 50%. In the squat experiment under 200 N, the standard deviation of the system loading force is 7.52 N, and the dynamic accuracy is above 90.2%. Experimental results show that the robot has a reasonable configuration, small footprint, stable control system, high loading accuracy, and can assist in squat training in physical education.
Psychological health analysis based on fuzzy assisted neural network model for sports person
Authors: Li Na , Zhai Haiting , Seetharam Tamizharasi G. , Shanthini A.
Published: June 2021

Stress is indeed a life aspect that influences everyone, even though athletes seem to suffer from it one step ahead of others because of the extent they are expected to balance between coursework, workouts, and competitions, along with everyday life and family stress. Therefore, an efficient psychological health analysis for sportspersons is crucial in sports training. This paper introduces a Fuzzy-assisted Neural Network model for Psychological Health Analysis (FNN-PHA) to assess mental stress by monitoring the Electro Cardio Gram signal (ECG), Electroencephalogram (EEG), and Pulse rate. This paper integrates the fuzzy assisted Petri nets, fuzzy assisted k-complex detector, and fuzzy assisted transient time analyzer to ensure the psychological health analysis neural network model’s adaptive performance. The strength of the proposed fuzzy model demonstrates interpretability against the accuracy of different criteria. The simulation analysis shows that the FNN-PHA model enhances the prediction ratio of 98.7%, emotional stability of 96.7%, personal growth of 95.7%, physical fitness level of 97.8%, and depression ratio of 12.5% when compared to other existing models.
Digital inclusive finance risk prevention based on machine learning and neural network algorithms
Authors: Hao Yangyang
Published: June 2021

To improve the effectiveness of digital inclusive finance risk prevention, this paper constructs a digital inclusive finance risk prevention system based on machine learning and neural network algorithms and performs special data pre-processing for convolutional neural networks. Moreover, based on the index data arrangement with the shortest double Euclidean distance, this paper uses the principle of combining qualitative analysis and quantitative analysis to process the data set. Aiming at the characteristics of different links in the whole process of digital inclusive finance, this paper has formed a preliminary digital inclusive finance risk factor assessment of influencing factors. Besides, this paper combines the needs of digital inclusive finance risk methods to construct a digital inclusive finance risk prevention model, and design functional modules based on process analysis. Finally, this paper designs experiments to verify the performance of the digital inclusive finance risk prevention model constructed in this paper. The experimental research results show that the model constructed in this paper has a certain effect.
Predictors of mortality in premature babies with respiratory distress syndrome treated by early rescue surfactant therapy
Authors: Gahlawat Vivek , Chellani Harish , Saini Isha , Gupta Shobhna
Published: June 2021

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the predictors of mortality following early rescue surfactant therapy in preterm babies with respiratory distress syndrome.

STUDY DESIGN:

Prospective cohort study enrolling babies between 28 weeks to 34 weeks with respiratory distress syndrome requiring early rescue surfactant therapy. For statistical analysis babies were further divided into two subgroups: survivors and non-survivors. Maternal and neonatal variables were compared between the two groups to find out the predictors of mortality.

RESULTS:

Out of total 110 babies, 72 (65.45%) survived. The mean birth weight and mean gestational age of the study population was 1614.36 (±487.86) g and 31.40 (±2.0)1 weeks, respectively. Birth weight < 1500 g, gestational age < 32 weeks, primiparity, vaginal delivery, prolonged rupture of membranes, lack of antenatal steroid cover, bag and mask ventilation at birth, sepsis, apneic episodes and mechanical ventilation were significantly associated with death on univariate analysis. On multivariate analysis, very low birth weight, vaginal delivery, lack of antenatal steroid cover, bag and mask ventilation at birth and mechanical ventilation were found to be independent predictors of mortality.

CONCLUSIONS:

Some of the identified predictors of mortality are modifiable and can be used to draw up a screening tool to predict the clinical severity and mortality among these babies.
Care practices and outcomes of extremely preterm neonates born at 22–24 weeks – A single centre experience
Authors: Ramaswamy V.V. , Oommen V.I. , Gupta A. , Weerapperuma N. , Zivanovic S. , Roehr C.C.
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND:

Wide variation in the care practices and survival rates of neonates born at peri-viable gestational ages of 22+0 – 24+6 weeks. This study elucidates the postnatal risk factors for morbidity/mortality, contrasts the care practices and short-term outcomes of this vulnerable group of preterm neonates from a single center with others.

METHODS:

Retrospective study of neonates born at 22+0 –24+6 weeks in a level 3 neonatal intensive care unit in UK, over a period of 4 years (2016–2019).

RESULTS:

94 neonates given active care were studied. Survival until discharge was 51.1%(22–23 wks –44%, 24 wks –59.1%) and survival with no major brain injury (MBI) [grade III/IV IVH, cystic periventricular leukomalacia] was 38.3%(22–23 wks –32%, 24 wks –45.4%). Of those who survived until discharge, 75%had no MBI (22–23 wks –72.7%, 24 wks –76.9%). Neonates requiring significant respiratory support within first 72 hours as well as needing rescue high frequency ventilation had significantly high risk of mortality or MBI [aOR –7.17 (2.24–25.79), p = 0.00; 4.76 (1.43–20.00), p = 0.01].

CONCLUSIONS:

Survival rate differed from other centres. MBI was low amongst survivors. Severe respiratory disease in the initial days was associated with a higher risk of death or MBI.
Increasing the exclusive breastfeeding rate in a private hospital in UAE through quality improvement initiatives
Authors: Kaushal M. , Sasidharan K. , Kaushal A. , Augustine P. , Alex M.
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND:

Mother’s milk is the best, and ideal method for infant feeding. We found that this practice was not being followed in our hospital. A survey was conducted in the unit with regards to breastfeeding practices which revealed that most babies who were discharged from our nursery were on formula supplements. Our goal was to improve established breastfeeding rates in the unit by increasing the number of full-term healthy babies who were discharged on exclusive Breastfeeding.

METHOD:

A project team was formed, and data were collected through direct observations and direct interviews with postnatal mothers. Exclusive Breastfeeding at discharge was defined as a baby being fully on breastfeed with no additional formula supplements for at least 12 hours prior to discharge. The primary outcome was to increase the percentage of babies being discharged on exclusive Breastfeeding. We used the FOCUS PDCA model to measure improvements and 8 PDCA cycles of 4 weeks duration were implemented to test the changes.

RESULTS:

The interventions we put in place led to a considerable nine times overall improvement in the established breastfeeding rates. Among all the interventions, the most promising results were observed during the PDCA cycles involving staff education, the introduction of antenatal classes for mothers, skin to skin contact and rooming in.

CONCLUSION:

Breastfeeding rates in the private sector with nursery services can be improved by reinforcing breastfeeding education for mothers in addition to training the maternal care staff, empowering them to promote and assist in breastfeeding.
Software-based shielding for real-time inventory count in different store areas: A feasibility analysis in fashion retail
Authors: Esposito Giovanni , Mezzogori Davide , Neroni Mattia , Rizzi Antonio , Romagnoli Giovanni
Published: June 2021

RFID is an established technology and its implementation has been increasing steadily in different industries in the last decades. An important and relatively recent RFID breakthrough has been that of moving the level of tagging from pallet- or case-level, to item-level. This development has opened up a new set of use cases and benefits, especially in retail. One of these new use cases is the estimation of items’ location by positioning and tracking the tags attached to them. This problem is often seen as a classification problem, especially when tags that are read at the retail store must be located either in the sales floor or in the backroom area. The typical approach to ease this classification consists of physically shielding the interested areas via hardware installations, although this solution is expensive and lacks flexibility. In this paper, we present a different solution, namely a software-based shielding approach, to address the classification problem. Our solution makes use of item-level RFID tags and is based on the well-known logistic regression. Whenever a reading session is performed by means of a handheld reader, the classification model estimates in real-time (i.e. within a few seconds) which tagged items are in the same area of the reader and which are not, with no need of any shielding hardware installation. According to the validation preliminary tests presented in this paper, in which we simulated a fashion retail store, the proposed approach has an overall average accuracy of 95.5%.
Symptom perception management education improves self-care in patients with heart failure
Authors: Sousa Joana Pereira , Oliveira Cláudia , Pais-Vieira Miguel
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND: Patients with heart failure often have difficulty recognizing signs and symptoms of the disease, which delays seeking help, and therefore interferes with patient engagement and self-care management. Early detection of these symptoms could lead to care-seeking and avoid hospitalizations. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to design a complex intervention through a systematic literature review and qualitative study. METHODS: Our design followed the Medical Research Council’s recommendations. To design a complex intervention, we combined a systematic literature review on education, symptom recognition, and self-care management in patients with heart failure, and semi-structured interviews with cardiology healthcare providers and patients with heart failure admitted to a cardiology ward. RESULTS: The systematic literature review identified 582 studies published between 2005 and 2014, of which four were included in the final review. These suggested that patient education focused on symptom recognition, combined with reinforcements, led to better self-care behaviors. Additionally, content analysis of semi-structured interviews revealed three themes: health management, behavior management, and support received. CONCLUSIONS: Combining the findings of the literature review and the themes that emerged from the semi-structured interviews, we proposed the development and implementation of a complex intervention on symptom perception and fluid management.
Food intake, physical activity and quality of life among children and youth
Authors: Martins Emília , Fernandes Rosina , Mendes Francisco , Magalhães Cátia , Araújo Patrícia
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND: The health-related quality of life construct (QoL) implies a relationship with eating habits (EA) and physical activity (PA). Sociodemographic and anthropometric variables (gender, age and Body Mass Index - BMI) are highlighted in the definition of healthy lifestyle habits promotion strategies. OBJECTIVE: We aim to characterize and relate PA, EA and QoL in children/youth and explore gender, age and BMI influences. METHODS: It is a non-experimental study, with 337 children/youth, ages between 8 and 17 years (12.61±2.96), mostly from the rural inland of Portugal. In data collection we used a sociodemographic and anthropometric questionnaire, a weekly register table of EA and Kid-Kindl (QoL). Statistical analysis (p < 0.05) were performed in SPSS-IBM 25. RESULTS: Lower BMI was associated with better EA (p < 0.001), PA (p < 0.05) and self-esteem (p < 0.01) and worse scores on family subscale of QoL. Female showed higher fruit intake (p < 0.05). The older has shown better results. PA is positively correlated with QoL (p < 0.01) and EA (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It is important to explore other relevant social and family dimensions, to promote intervention programs with parents, school and community, as well as healthy practices policies. The intervention in these age groups is critical for a longer-term impact in improving healthy life habits.