bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prediction Model of Casing Wear Shape and Residual Strength under Compound Modes
Authors: Zhang Xingkun , Huang Wenjun , Gao Deli
Published: March 2022

Casing wear is one important reason for wellbore integrity failure in deep and ultradeep wells. Field measurement data show that there are multiple wear areas on the casings in some well sections, and the wear shape is more complicated than a single crescent, which exceeds the scope of conventional casing wear theory. To solve this problem, prediction models of casing wear shape and residual strength under compound modes are built. First, the compound wear mode is divided into four categories according to field measurement results, and the prediction model of wear shape is built. Second, the failure mechanism of casing with the compound wear shape is revealed through experiment and numerical simulation. Next, the influences of various factors on casing strength are revealed, and an intelligent prediction model of casing strength is built. Last, a software platform of casing wear and strength prediction is developed and applied to an ultradeep well.

The results show that casing wear shape is not only a single crescent but also has the modes of overlapping, separating, and crossing crescents. Different wear modes are caused by different reasons: overlapping is caused by the change of wear diameter, separating by a large deviation of wear position, and crossing by slight deviation of wear position. The failure mechanisms of worn casing under internal and external pressures are different: Internal pressure failure is one kind of strength failure while external pressure failure is one kind of stability failure. The critical internal pressure of the casing is mainly determined by the main wear area but irrelevant to the secondary wear area, yet the critical external pressure is closely related to both the main and secondary wear areas. Casing strength will be overestimated if casing wear is neglected, so casing wear should be sufficiently considered in ultradeep well design.
Bayesian Deep Decline Curve Analysis: A New Approach for Well Oil Production Modeling and Forecasting
Authors: Tadjer Amine , Hong Aojie , Bratvold Reidar
Published: March 2022

Following the rapid growth of unconventional resources, many models and methods have been proposed for forecasting the performances of unconventional wells. Several studies have attempted to use machine learning (ML) for improving the forecasting. However, owing to limitations of ML in regard to long-term forecasts (e.g., the occurrence of unphysical results), most of these ML forecasts are not satisfactory. In this work, we propose, demonstrate, and discuss a new ML approach able to rapidly provide probabilistic, long-term forecasts of oil production rates from individual wells in a decline curve analysis (DCA) manner. The novelties of the proposed approach are as follows: (1) it combines an automated ML (AutoML) method for supervised learning and a Bayesian neural ordinary differential equation (BN-ODE) framework for time-series modeling; (2) it uses the DCA model to inform the BN-ODE framework of “physics” and regulate the BN-ODE forecasts; and (3) several completion parameters (such as locations, lengths, and slickwater volume) of individual wells are analyzed and included as the inputs of model building, in addition to measured oil production rate data. Specifically, AutoML method is first used to model the relationship between the well location, completion parameters, and the DCAs parameters, and the BN-ODE framework is then used to model the relationship between the DCAs parameters and the time-series oil production rates. A publicly accessible data set, consisting of completion parameters and oil production rates, of 396 horizontal wells in the Bakken Shale Formation is used to train and test the model of the proposed approach. The results lead to the conclusion that the proposed approach is practical for providing probabilistic, long-term forecasts of oil production from individual wells, given data of existing wells in the reservoir.
QALY losses for chronic diseases and its social distribution in the general population: results from the Belgian Health Interview Survey
Authors: Wilder Lisa Van , Devleesschauwer Brecht , Clays Els , Heyden Johan Van der , Charafeddine Rana , Scohy Aline , De Smedt Delphine
Published: March 2022

Background. The burden of chronic diseases is rapidly rising, both in terms of morbidity and mortality. This burden is disproportionally carried by socially disadvantaged population subgroups. Quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) measure the impact of disease on mortality and morbidity into a single index. This study aims to estimate the burden of chronic diseases in terms of QALY losses and to model its social distribution for the general population.Methods. The Belgian Health Interview Survey 2013 and 2018 provided data on self-reported chronic conditions for a nationally representative sample. The annual QALY loss per 100,000 individuals was calculated for each condition, incorporating disease prevalence and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) data (EQ-5D-5L). Socioeconomic inequalities, based on respondents’ socioeconomic status (SES), were assessed by estimating population attributable fractions (PAF).Results. For both years, the largest QALY losses were observed in dorsopathies, arthropathies, hypertension/high cholesterol, and genitourinary problems. QALY losses were larger in women and in older individuals. Individuals with high SES had consistently lower QALY loss when facing a chronic disease compared to those with low SES. In both years, a higher PAF was found in individuals with hip fracture and stroke. In 2013, the health inequality gap amounts to 33,732 QALYs and further expanded to 42,727 QALYs in 2018. Conclusion. Given that chronic diseases will rise in the next decades, addressing its burden is necessary, particularly among the most vulnerable (i.e. elderly, women, low SES). Interventions in these target groups should get priority in order to reduce the burden of chronic diseases.
Pneumocephalus and Headache Following Craniotomy During the Immediate Postoperative Period
Authors: Kim Tae Kwan , Yoon Jun Rho , Kim Yee Suk , Choi Yuna , Han Seheui , Jung Jaeuk , Park IK Seong
Published: March 2022

Background Pneumocephalus may be responsible for post-craniotomy headache but is easily overlooked in the clinical situation. In the present study, the relationship between the amount of intracranial air and post-craniotomy headache was investigated. Methods A retrospective observational study was performed on 79 patients who underwent minimal invasive craniotomy for unruptured cerebral aneurysms. The amount of air in the cranial cavity was measured using brain computed tomography (CT) taken within 6 hours after surgery. To measure the degree of pain due to intracranial air, daily and total analgesic administration amount were used as a pain index. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis was used to determine the amount of air associated with increased analgesic consumption over 72 hours postoperatively. Results The mean amount of intracranial air was 15.6 ± 9.1 mL. Total administration of parenteral and oral analgesics frequency were 6.5 ± 4.5, 13.2 ± 7.9 respectively. A statically significant correlation was observed between daily and total parenteral analgesic consumption after surgery and the amount of intracranial air at followed-up brain CT postoperatively within 24 h (r = 0.69, p < 0.001), within 48 h (r = 0.68, p < 0.001), and total duration after surgery (r = 0.84, p < 0.001). The optimal cut-off value of 12.14 mL of intracranial air predicts the use of parenteral analgesics over 72 h after surgery. Conclusions Pneumocephalus may be a causative factor for post-craniotomy pain and headache with surgical injuries.
Measuring and Controlling Medical Record Abstraction (MRA) Error Rates in an Observational Study
Authors: Garza Maryam Y. , Ounpraseuth Songthip , Hu Zhuopei , Lee Jeannette , Snowden Jessica , Zozus Meredith N. , Walden Anita C. , Simon Alan E. , McClaskey Barbara , Sanders Sarah G. , Beauman Sandra S. , Ford Sara R. , Malloch Lacy , Wilson Amy , Devlin Lori A. , Young Leslie W.
Published: March 2022

Background: Studies have shown that data collection by medical record abstraction (MRA) is a significant source of error in clinical studies. Yet, the quality of data collected using MRA is seldom assessed. We employed a novel, theory-based framework for data quality assurance and control of MRA. The objective of this work is to determine the effects of formalized MRA training and continuous quality control (QC) processes on data quality over time. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of QC data collected during a cross-sectional medical record review of mother-infant dyads with Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome. A confidence interval approach was used to calculate crude (Wald’s method) and adjusted (generalized estimating equation) error rates over time. Comparison of error rates with estimates derived from meta-analysis of the literature on the topic were conducted. We calculated error rates using the number of errors divided by total fields (“all-field” error rate) and populated fields (“populated-field” error rate) as the denominators, to provide both an optimistic and a conservative measurement, respectively. Results: On average, the ACT NOW CE Study maintained an error rate between 1% (optimistic) and 3% (conservative), 3-5 percentage points less than the observed rate from the literature. Additionally, we observed a decrease of 0.51 percentage points with each additional QC Event conducted.Conclusions: Formalized MRA training and continuous QC resulted in lower error rates than have been found in previous literature and a decrease in error rates over time. This study newly demonstrates the importance of continuous process controls for MRA within the context of a multi-site clinical research study.
Non-attendance to Mammography Screening: A Qualitative Study among Non-attendees in Malta
Authors: Marmarà Danika , Hubbard Gill , Marmarà Vincent
Published: March 2022

Background
There is limited qualitative research exploring reasons for underutilisation of breast screening and the broader contexts that affect health-seeking behaviour among women who do not respond to breast screening invitations. This study aims to advance understanding of factors that influence breast screening non-attendance among lifetime non-attendees in Malta.
Methods
Twenty face-to-face qualitative interviews were conducted with women in Malta. These explored women’s illness perceptions regarding breast cancer, knowledge on screening, mammography beliefs, past health-related experiences, medical help seeking behaviour, health and social interactions, and effective interventions that would facilitate mammography attendance. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.
Results
Four themes emerged: 1) attitudes, feelings, beliefs and perceptions; 2) knowledge; 3) social network experiences and 4) perceived effective interventions. Fear of breast cancer and screening emerged as barriers to mammography. The majority of participants had not received physician advice. Previous familial cancer diagnosis prompted lifestyle changes in women, but it was not the primary motivator to attendance. Participants talked about fear of death and traumatic histories from experiences of relatives with cancer or personal traumas. Practical and emotional support are important to non-attendees.
Conclusions
The impact of physical and psychosocial variables on personal resilience and self-confidence should inform the planning of screening interventions. Professionals must refer to patients’ wider support networks and make the necessary referrals, while policy makers should ensure services providing psychological, social and emotional support are accessible.
The Incidence of Severe Oral Mucositis and Taste Disturbance in Patients Undergoing Different Conditioning Regimens in Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Nakagaki Midori , Kennedy Glen A , Gavin Nicole C , Clavarino Alexandra , Whitfield Karen
Published: March 2022

PurposeOral mucositis and taste disturbance are common complications during haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). This study aimed to review the incidence of severe mucositis and taste disturbance in patients undergoing different HSCT regimens. MethodsThis single-centre retrospective study reviewed daily oral assessment for 467 consecutive patients who underwent different transplant regimens for matched unrelated or related allogeneic HSCT with post-transplant methotrexate, haploidentical or mismatched HSCT with post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy), or autologous HSCT. Oral care and cryotherapy with melphalan were used. Patient demographic data, oral mucositis WHO grade, taste disturbance, use of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) and patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) were collected. ResultsGrade 3-4 oral mucositis was common in myeloablative total body irradiation (TBI) based regimens cyclophosphamide/ TBI (CyTBI) (71%) and fludarabine/ TBI (FluTBI) with PTCy (46%), as well as reduced intensity fludarabine/ melphalan (FluMel) (43%) and carmustine/ etoposide/ cytarabine/ melphalan (BEAM) autologous HSCT (41%). In contrast, Grade 3-4 oral mucositis was less common in reduced intensity haploidentical regimen melphalan/ fludarabine/ TBI with PTCy (19%), all non-myeloablative regimens (0-9%) and high dose melphalan autologous HSCT (26%). TPN and PCA use were correlated to oral mucositis severity. Taste disturbance was common regardless of the regimens (89%, range 71-95%). ConclusionsSevere oral mucositis was associated with myeloablative TBI, methotrexate and melphalan in combination with methotrexate and in BEAM. Use of PTCy was preferable over methotrexate to prevent oral mucositis.
Therapeutic hypothermia for the treatment of neonatal hypoxia-ischemia: sex-dependent modulation of reactive astrogliosis
Authors: Fabres Rafael Bandeira , Nunes Ricardo Ribeiro , de Mattos Marcel de Medeiros , Andrade Mirella Kielek Galvan , Martini Ana Paula Rodrigues , Tassinari Isadora D’Ávila , Sanches Eduardo Farias , de Fraga Luciano Stürmer , Netto Carlos Alexandre
Published: March 2022

Therapeutic hypothermia (TH) is the standard treatment for neonatal hypoxia-ischemia (HI) with a time window limited up to 6h post injury. However, influence of sexual dimorphism in the therapeutic window for TH has not yet been elucidated in animal models of HI. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the most effective time window to start TH in male and female rats submitted to neonatal HI. Wistar rats (P7) were divided into the following groups: NAÏVE and SHAM (control groups), HI (submitted to HI) and TH (submitted to HI and TH; 32ºC for 5h). TH was started at 2h (TH-2h group), 4h (TH-4h group), or 6h (TH-6h group) after HI. At P14, animals were subjected to behavioural tests, volume of lesion and reactive astrogliosis assessments. Male and female rats from the TH-2h group showed reduction in the latency of behavioral tests, and decrease in volume of lesion and intensity of GFAP immunofluorescence. TH-2h females also showed reduction of degenerative cells and morphological changes in astrocytes. Interestingly, females from the TH-6h group showed an increase in volume of lesion and in number of degenerative hippocampal cells, associated with worse behavioral performance. Together, these results indicate that TH neuroprotection is time- and sex-dependent. Moreover, TH started later (6h) can worsen volume of brain lesion in females. These data indicate the need to develop specific therapeutic protocols for each sex and reinforce the importance of early onset of the hypothermic treatment.
QTL-mapping in the obese Berlin Fat Mouse identifies additional candidate genes for obesity and fatty liver disease
Authors: Delpero Manuel , Arends Danny , Freiberg Aimée , Brockmann Gudrun , Hesse-Wilting Deike
Published: March 2022

Background
The Berlin Fat Mouse Inbred line (BFMI) is a model for obesity and the metabolic syndrome. This study aimed to identify genetic variants associated with liver weight, liver triglycerides, and body weight using the obese BFMI sub-line BFMI861-S1. BFMI861-S1 mice are insulin resistant and store ectopic fat in the liver.
Methods
In generation 10, 58 males and 65 females of the advanced intercross line (AIL) BFMI861-S1xB6N were phenotyped under a standard diet over 20 weeks. QTL analysis was performed after genotyping with the MiniMUGA Genotyping Array. Whole-genome sequencing and gene expression data of the parental lines was used for the prioritization of positional candidate genes.
Results
Three QTL associated with liver weight, body weight, and subcutaneous adipose tissue (scAT) weight were identified. A highly significant QTL on chromosome (Chr) 1 (157–168 Mb) showed an association with liver weight. A QTL for body weight at 20 weeks was found on Chr 3 (34.1–40 Mb) overlapping with a QTL for scAT weight. In a multiple QTL mapping approach, an additional QTL affecting body weight at 16 weeks was identified on Chr 6 (9.5–26.1 Mb). Considering sequence variants and expression differences, Sec16b and Astn1 were prioritized as top positional candidate genes for the liver weight QTL on Chr 1; Met and Ica1 for the body weight QTL on Chr 6. Interestingly, all top candidate genes have previously been linked with metabolic traits.
Conclusions
This study shows once more the power of an advanced intercross line for fine mapping. QTL mapping combined with a detailed prioritization approach allowed us to identify additional and plausible candidate genes linked to metabolic traits in the BFMI861-S1xB6N AIL. By reidentifying known candidate genes in a different crossing population the causal link with specific traits is underlined and additional evidence is given for further investigations.
Quantifying Participant Burden In Clinical Trials: Data From Prostate Cancer Rcts
Authors: Shiely Frances , Gallagher Kerrie , Dorgan Amy
Published: March 2022

Background: The restrictions implemented due to the COVID pandemic have underscored the importance of clinical research and trial methodology, while also highlighting the potential need for reduced clinical visits or face to face interaction. This has reignited the discussion surrounding the impact of clinical research participation on trial participants. The primary aim of this study was to quantify participant burden in a sample of prostate cancer clinical trials. Secondary to this was establishing the effect of participant burden on recruitment and retention. Methods: We identified a body of prostate cancer clinical trials in a five-year period from 2017-2021 and randomly selected 30 for inclusion. We categorised participant burden as physical, psychological, economic, familial and societal. We created a measurement tool called the Trial Burden Score and applied it to each included trial. We used the trial burden score to categorise each trial into high participant burden, medium participant burden and low participant burden. We compared the trial burden to recruitment and retention rates in each trial.Results: 50% (n = 15) of the included trials were categorized as high participant burden, 47% (n = 14) as medium participant burden and one trial was categorized as low participant burden. The median participant burden score for each category was: physical burden 11 (range 8-16); psychological burden 14 range (11-18); economic burden 5 (range 2-6); familial burden 10 (range6-11); societal burden 0 (range 0-1). There was no association between stage of cancer diagnosis and the participant burden categories (low, medium, high). There was no correlation between trial burden score and under recruitment percentage and trial burden score and retention. Conclusions: The burden placed on clinical trials participants is significant and requires consideration at the trial design stage. Serious thought should be given to only collecting data necessary to answer the research question while also ensuring the trial is applicable to the population it purports to serve. Limiting burden to improve participant trial experience is vital to ensure our participants have a positive experience, stay in the trial, pass on this positivity to others and are willing to participate in further trials.
Effect Of Goal-Directed Haemodynamic Therapy On Short-Term Postoperative Complications In Patients With Extensive Burns: A Single-Centre Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Liang Bing , Cai Lianjie , Cao Yang , Huang Haoran , Zeng Jianhao , Peng Weilong , Zhang Yan
Published: March 2022

Background: To investigate the effect of goal-directed hemodynamic treatment on perfusion and short-term prognosis in patients undergoing early Tangential excision and skin grafting for extensive burns.Methods: Ninety-five patients with extensive burns undergoing early Tangential excision and skin grafting were randomly divided into a standard hemodynamic management group (control group) and a goal-directed therapy group (GDHT group), with the control group guided by conventional parameters and the GDHT group guided by stroke volume (SV) based on Vigileo. The primary outcomes were cardiac complications, pulmonary complications, neurological disease, acute kidney injury, and pain within 7 days postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included microcirculatory perfusion metrics: The central venous-arterial carbon dioxide partial pressure difference (Pcv-aCO2), and blood lactate (Lac). investigators assessing outcomes were blinded to group allocation.Results: When analysing 47 subjects in the GDHT group and 48 subjects in the control group, fewer patients in the GDHT group had postoperative pulmonary complications [pneumonia (2:9, P=0.027); oxygenation index <300 (3:8, P=0.041)] and controls were more likely to have atrial fibrillation (4:12, P=0.032) Renal and neurological complications did not differ between groups. Pcv-aCO2 and Lac were higher in the Con group after the intervention compared to the control group, and there was no difference between the two groups postoperatively. In this study, Pcv-aCO2 and Lac were Key influencing factors for pulmonary complications within 7 days postoperatively (Beta=0.197, P=0.000; Beta=0.147, P=0.000).Conclusion: SV-guided GDHT improves microcirculatory perfusion and has fewer short-term postoperative complications compared with standard hemodynamic therapy.Trial registration: NCT05221788 (03/02/2022)
Cost-effectiveness of an Intensive Upper Limb Rehabilitation Therapy for Children With Unilateral Cerebral Palsy: an Economic Evaluation of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: David Michael C. , Higashi Hideki
Published: March 2022

BackgroundUnilateral cerebral palsy (UCP) is a major cause of childhood disability and a substantial economic burden. Intensive group-based therapy of either hybrid constraint-induced movement therapy (mCIMT) or bimanual therapy has been shown to be effective in improving specific domains of the Quality of Life (QoL) in children with this disability. However, there is a paucity of economic evaluation on its role as an adjunct to other therapies currently in use. This study aimed to address this paucity by evaluating whether an intensive group-based therapy model is cost-effective compared to individualized distributed standard care occupational therapy (SC).MethodsAn open-label parallel randomized controlled trial (RCT) and an embedded economic evaluation of intensive group-based hybrid-CIMT (combined mCIMT and bimanual therapy) were conducted. A total of 47 children were randomized to the hybrid-CIMT group (n=27) or the SC (n=20) group. Effectiveness was assessed using the Cerebral Palsy Quality of Life (Child) questionnaire across seven domains: 1) Social well-being and acceptance; 2) Functioning; 3) Participation and physical health; 4) Emotional well-being; 5) Access to services; 6) Pain; and 7) Impact of disability and family health. Using trial data, costs in Australian dollars (AUD) were assessed from a societal perspective. Non-parametric bootstrap analysis was used to quantify uncertainty intervals (UIs; around point estimates) accompanying incremental cost-effectiveness ratio estimates, the cost per unit of beneficial change in the quality of life.ResultsOnly for the domains of Pain (Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio: $273; 95% Uncertainty interval: $107 - $945) and to a lesser extent, Access to services ($1732; -$6448 - $8775) and the Impact of disability and family health ($1071; -$5718 - $4606), was hybrid-CIMT therapy found to be cost-effective when compared to SC. The probability that hybrid-CIMT was cost-effective for the Pain domain was estimated to be 0.50.ConclusionsHybrid-CIMT was not found to be cost-effective when compared to SC over a 13-week time horizon. In order to assess benefits and costs more fully, we recommend that future research utilize time horizons that extend sufficiently into the future. Irrespective of study duration, therapy comparisons should also consider acceptance, equity and feasibility.Trial registrationACTRN12609000912280. 21/10/2009, https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?ACTRN=12609000912280
Lay Persons Views On Current And Novel Methods Of Fertility Assessment And Supporting Conception: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Ng Ka Ying Bonnie , Glowacka Marta , Dennison Laura , Cheong Ying
Published: March 2022

Background: There is an ongoing trend towards delayed childbearing; 1 in 6 couples suffer from subfertility. For couples needing In-vitro fertilisation (IVF), one factor hindering advances in this area is lack of knowledge on in-vivo uterine conditions. A novel intrauterine sensor is currently under development to measure the intrauterine environment, as an innovative means of fertility assessment. Our study explored women’s views of current and novel methods of fertility assessment. Methods: A qualitative study was performed. A purposeful sampling method was used to recruit participants from public spaces within Southampton. Women were eligible if they were of reproductive age, planning a pregnancy, nulliparous and not undergoing clinical investigation/fertility treatment. Semi-structured interviews explored pregnancy planning, understanding and experiences of current/novel methods aiming to assess and improve fertility. Interviews were conducted until data saturation was reached (n=16). Inductive thematic analysis was performed. Results: The main factors influencing the decision of when to ‘start trying’ were education, financial stability and relationship status. Pregnancy was seen as a ‘physiological’ event without the need for intervention. Participants lacked knowledge of fertility indicators and had limited knowledge of available products to assess fertility/support conception. Although participants generally perceived a novel intrauterine sensor as acceptable and valuable, the main concerns centred around invasiveness, safety and discomfort.Conclusions: When developing a novel medical device, healthcare professionals should be aware of the user’s knowledge and views at each stage. A clear added benefit over conventional methods is needed and addressing invasiveness, safety, and comfort may improve the acceptability of the device.
Perinatal outcomes with a copper intrauterine device in situ after 28 weeks of gestation: a retrospective cohort study of sole center in southeast China.
Authors: Chen Xiuying , Zhao Baihui , Cao Lili , Zhao Peng , Huang Lili
Published: March 2022

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the pregnancy outcomes with a copper intrauterine device (IUD) in situ after 28 weeks of gestation and the association between pregnancy with copper IUDs and neonatal congenital malformations. Methods: This retrospective cohort study had compared the singleton pregnancies with the copper IUDs in situ and without IUDs after 28 gestational weeks in one delivery center of southeast China. The pregnant outcomes as preterm birth, premature rupture of membranes, infections and neonatal congenital malformations were observed and compared. The statistical analysis was carried out using R (version 4.0.4; R Development Core Team) statistical software. Results: A total of 147 pregnant women were included in our study, 73 with copper IUDs in situ were categorized into case group and 74 without IUDs during pregnancy into control group. In case group, the rates of premature rupture of membranes (38.36%) and spontaneous preterm birth (23.29%) were significantly high compared to control group. Women of elder age (≥35 years) in case group were more likely to experience premature rupture of membranes. The rates of neonatal congenital malformation were 10.96% (8/73) in case group and 1.35% (1/74) in control group respectively with no statistically significant difference. Conclusion: We had found that a copper IUD with pregnancy in situ increased the risk of premature rupture of membranes and spontaneous preterm birth after 28 gestation weeks, nearly one fourth of those women were encountered spontaneous preterm birth, but not increased risk of neonatal congenital malformations.
A Survey on Face Recognition Based on Deep Neural Networks
Authors: Norouzi Mohsen , arshaghi ali
Published: March 2022

Face recognition is one of the most important and challenging issues in computer vision and image processing. About half a century ago, since the first face recognition system was introduced, facial recognition has become one of the most important issues in industry and academia. In recent years, with the developing of computers throughput and developments of a new generation of hierarchical learning algorithms called deep learning, much attention has been devoted to solving learning problems by deep learning algorithms. Deep neural networks perform feature learning instead of feature extraction which by this strategy they are much useful for image processing and computer vision problems. Deep neural network through feature learning perform data representation well and have gained many successes in learning and complex problems, many studies have been done on the application of deep neural networks to face recognition and many successes has been achieved. In this study we examine the neural network based methods used for face recognition such as multilayer perceptrons, restricted Boltzmann machine and auto encoders. Most of our study devoted to convolutional neural network as one of the most successful deep learning algorithms. At the end we have examined the results of the encountered methods on ORL, AR, YALE, FERET datasets and show deep neural network has gained high recognition rate in comparing with benchmark methods.
An Investigation into Entrepreneurial Intentions in Caribbean Small Island Developing States
Authors: Mohan Preeya
Published: March 2022

This paper explored entrepreneurial intentions in the Caribbean adult population using a social cognitive approach. It used the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) Adult Population Survey (APS), which includes questions about entrepreneurial intentions of potential business owners and entrepreneurial perceptions namely individual, entrepreneurial opportunities, and socio-cultural, along with demographic and socio-economic variables. The effect of perceptions along with socio-economic control variables on entrepreneurial intentions was investigated using probit regression models. The results confirm that even after controlling for demographic and socio-economic and country fixed effects, social cognitive perceptions were indeed relevant in explaining entrepreneurial intentions in the region. This study therefore provides insights into understanding entrepreneurship in particular the decision to form a new business through the individual’s perceptions and intentions.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Attitudes and intentions of undergraduates in a developing country
Authors: Abu-Rumman Ayman , Shraah Ata Al , AlSha’ar Hamzeh , Alqhaiwi Laith A.
Published: March 2022

Purpose – This study aimed to explore the relationship between entrepreneurial attitudes, innovation, and entrepreneurial intentions amongst university students studying in Jordan. Design/methodology/approach – The study employed a quantitative methodological approach using an e-questionnaire survey and structural equation modelling analysis, underpinned by the theory of planned behaviour. The study collected data from 878 final semester students of business studies from 10 Jordanian universities. Findings – The study outcomes confirmed that attitude to become entrepreneurial and innovativeness lead to entrepreneurial intentions, and that this is supported through the application of appropriate teaching methodology. Originality/value – Throughout the world policy makers and governments are trying to strengthen entrepreneurship. In order to achieve this, there is a need to develop entrepreneurial intentions amongst those leaving education. This study was conducted in a developing country which is generally considered to be a haven for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) but yet the rate of entrepreneurship is still low and limited research exists to understand this phenomenon better. This study therefore aimed to add to the body of evidence in this field and present an understanding of the causal relationship between innovativeness, attitude towards entrepreneurship, and entrepreneurial intentions of Jordanian undergraduates.
Measuring Financial Satisfaction of Indonesian Young Adults: A SEM-PLS Analysis
Authors: Nabila Farizka Shafa , Fakhri Mahendra , PRADANA MAHIR , Kartawinata Budi Rustandi , Silvianita Anita
Published: March 2022

The Indonesian population, especially Generation Z, tend to have difficulties in managing their finances both now and in the future. This situation is caused by the lack of knowledge about financial investment. This study aims to determine the financial level of Generation Z. This study used a questionnaire with 100 respondents. The independent variable consists of financial attitudes, the intervention variable is financial management and the dependent variable in this study is financial satisfaction. The research method used is a quantitative method with a Likert scale as a measurement. The data analysis method used in this study is Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and processed using SmartPLS. Based on the results of the hypothesis that the financial attitude variable on financial satisfaction mediated by financial management has a t statistic of 4.268 > 1.96, it means that the financial attitude variable has a positive and significant effect on financial satisfaction mediated by financial management.
Prevalence of Dental Caries and Relation with Nutritional Status Among School-Age Children in Resource Limited Setting of Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Bassa Selamawit , Workie Shimelash Bitew , Kassa Yibeltal , Worku Dawit
Published: March 2022

Background
Dental caries is a major public health problem globally and a widespread non -communicable disease. Dental caries is more prevalent in school-age children however there are few studies for relation of dental caries with nutritional status. Thus, this is aimed to determine the relation of dental caries with nutritional status among school-age children at Areka town Woliata zone from February 03 - February 22, 2020.
Methodology
: A community-based cross sectional study was conducted on systematic randomly selected 761 school-age children (6-12years) of Areka town. Data were collected by face-to-face interviewer-administered questionnaire and clinical assessment of dental caries. Data were entered into Epi data 3.2.1 and exported to SPSS 20 for further analysis. Bivariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to identify the association of dependent and independent variables. P-value < 0.05 was considered to declare a result as statistically significant.
Results
Prevalence of dental caries among school-age children was 15.6% with (95% CI, 13.0-18.5%). Nutritional status were 4.3% (95% CI, 2.9–5.8%) of children were underweight and 14.2% (95% CI, 11.7–16.6%) were overweight. The relationship between dental caries with nutritional status was not statistically significant with a p-value (p = 0.32). Factors associated with dental caries were educational status of a mother AOR 3.14, (95% CI, 1.03–9.56), not cleaning teeth AOR 7.70, (95% CI, 4.00-14.85), sugared coffee drinking AOR 3.22, (95% CI, 1.68–6.18.0), sweet food consumption AOR 4.19,(95% CI, 1.76–9.96) and non-consuming milk AOR 5.66,( 95% CI, 1.49–21.49).
Conclusion and recommendation:
Dental caries were low compared to WHO oral health reports of school-age children. Tooth cleaning habit, parental education, sweet food consumption and milk consumption are associated factors. Therefore, Behavioral intervention on dental hygiene and dietary practices are mandatory for school-age children.
Allogeneic Tendon Ball Tamponade With The Proximal Joint Surface Of Trapezium Preservation For Treatment Of The First Carpometacarpal Joint Arthritis: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Cai Xiao-Ming , Lu Chen-Lin , Li Jun-Jie , Yuan Hui-Zong , Yin Jie , Wang Xin
Published: March 2022

Background: The purpose of this study was to analyze the clinical efficacy of allogeneic tendon ball tamponade with the proximal joint surface of trapezium preservation for the treatment of patients with first carpometacarpal arthritis in patients in Eaton stage Ⅱ and Ⅲ.Methods: Data of 16 patients with first carpometacarpal arthritis who were treated with allogeneic tendon ball tamponade with the proximal joint surface of trapezium preservation from April 2016 to June 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The subsidence rate of the first carpometacarpal joint was evaluated based on the height of the joint space and its index according to three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT). Visual analogue scale (VAS) score, disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) score, grip strength and pinch force pre- and post-operatively were analyzed. The data were analyzed by t-test or one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey’s post hoc test for multiple comparisons. Results: All participants were followed up for at least 8 months. After the surgery, the VAS and DASH scores were significantly lower than those before surgery. The pinch strength and grip strength significantly increased. No significant difference was found in the carpometacarpal height index at the final follow-up, indicating that the first metacarpal had no obvious collapse after surgery. Conclusion: Allogeneic tendon tamponade with the proximal joint surface of trapezium preservation is effective for the first carpometacarpal joint arthritis in patients with Eaton stages Ⅱ and Ⅲ. The therapeutic effect of this modified operation was satisfactory for alleviating pain and reducing the collapse rate of the first metacarpal.
Initial experiences of prehospital blood product transfusions between 2016-2020 in Päijät-Häme hospital district, Finland
Authors: Yliharju Heidi , Jama Timo , Nordquist Hilla
Published: March 2022

Background: Treating hemorrhaging patients with prehospital blood product transfusions (PHBT) narrows transfusion delays and potentially benefits the patient. We describe our initial experiences of PHBT in a ground-based emergency medical service (EMS), where the transfusion protocol covers both traumatic and nontraumatic hemorrhaging patients.Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on the records of all the patients receiving red blood cells, freeze-dried plasma, or both during prehospital care from September 2016 to December 2020. The delays of PHBT and the effects on patients’ vital signs were analyzed and reported as the median and interquartile range (IQR) and analyzed using a two-sided t-test of ANOVA. Results: 65 patients received prehospital blood product transfusions (PHBT), 29 (45%) were non-traumatic, and 36 (55%) traumatic. The main two reasons for PHBT were blunt trauma (n=30, 46%) and gastrointestinal hemorrhage (n=20, 31%). The median delay from the emergency call to the start of PHBT was 54 minutes (IQR 38), and the transfusion began on a median of 61 minutes (IQR 42) before arrival at the hospital. The median systolic blood pressure improved from a median 76.5 mmHg (IQR 36.5) before transfusion to a median of 116.60 mmHg (IQR 26.5) (p<0.001) on arrival to the hospital. No transfusion-related severe adverse events were noted.Conclusions: Starting PHBT in ground-based EMS is a feasible and viable option. The PHBT began significantly earlier than it would have started on arrival to the hospital, and it seems to be safe and improve patients’ physiology. Trial registration: D/2603/07.01.04.05/2019
High Frequency Ultrasound to Assess Facial Skin Thickness with Gender, Age and BMI in Healthy Adults
Authors: Meng Ying , Feng Lan , Shan Jiali , Yuan Zixu , Jin Lin
Published: March 2022

Background
With the high frequency of ultrasonic instruments, high frequency ultrasound plays a more and more important role in normal skin measurement, skin disease diagnosis and cosmetic medicine. The study aimed to estimate the skin epidermis and dermis thickness on eight different sites of the face in healthy adults with high frequency ultrasound, and evaluate the correlation with age and BMI.
Methods
In this study, we performed a facial skin ultrasound on 118 volunteers using high frequency ultrasound. Their epidermis and dermis thickness of forehead, glabella, temple, eyelid, nasal dorsum, zygoma, submaxilla and neck were measured. The correlation of the epidermis and dermis thickness with age and BMI was analyzed by linear correlation analysis.
Results
The epidermis and dermis thickness in males were statistically significantly higher than female (P༜0.05), except the thickness of zygomatic epidermis and neck dermis. The dermis thickness on zygoma and submaxilla of female in young age group was statistically higher than middle age and old group respectively (P༜0.05). Overall, with the increase of age, the thickness of female facial skin decreased, mainly in the forehead, glabella, zygoma and submaxill dermis thickness. In females, the epidermis and the dermis thickness of neck were correlated with BMI (r = 0.392, 0.241, P༜0.05, respectively). However, in males, the epidermis and dermis thickness was correlated with age only in zygoma dermis (r=-0.327, P༜0.05), while there was no correlation between the epidermis and dermis thickness and BMI.
Conclusions
Gender, age and BMI had significant effect on the epidermis and dermis thickness on different sites of the face.
The optimal 18F-Fluoromisonidazole PET threshold to define tumor hypoxia in preclinical squamous cell carcinomas using pO2 electron paramagnetic resonance imaging as reference truth.
Authors: Gertsenshteyn Inna , Epel Boris , Ahluwalia Amandeep , Kim Heejong , Fan Xiaobing , Barth Eugene , Zamora Marta , Markiewicz Erica , Tsai Hsui-Ming , Sundramoorthy Subramanian , Leoni Lara , Lukens John , Bhuiyan Mohammed , Freifelder Richard , Kucharski Anna , Giurcanu Mihai , Roman Brian , Karczmar Gregory , Kao Chien-Min , Halpern Howard , Chen Chin-Tu
Published: March 2022

Purpose : To identify the optimal threshold in 18 F-Fluoromisonidazole (FMISO) PET images to accurately locate tumor hypoxia by using electron paramagnetic resonance imaging (pO 2 EPRI) as ground truth for hypoxia, defined by pO 2 ≤10mmHg. Methods: Tumor hypoxia images in mouse models of SCCVII squamous cell carcinoma (n=16) were acquired in a hybrid PET/EPRI imaging system two hours post-injection of FMISO. T2-weighted MRI was used to delineate tumor and muscle tissue. Dynamic Contrast Enhanced (DCE) MRI parametric images of K rans and v e were generated to model tumor vascular properties. PET/EPR/MRI images were co-registered and resampled to isotropic 0.5mm voxel resolution for analysis. PET images were converted to standardized uptake value (SUV) and tumor-to-muscle ratio (TMR) units. FMISO uptake thresholds were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to find the optimal FMISO threshold and unit with maximum overall hypoxia similarity (OHS) with pO 2 EPRI, where OHS=1 shows perfect overlap and OHS=0 shows no overlap. The mean of the Dice Similarity Coefficient, normalized Hausdorff Distance, and accuracy were used to define the OHS. Monotonic relationships between EPRI/PET/DCE-MRI images were evaluated with the Spearman correlation coefficient to quantify association of vasculature on hypoxia imaged with both FMISO PET and pO 2 EPRI. Results: FMISO PET thresholds to define hypoxia with maximum OHS (both OHS=0.728±0.2) were SUV≥1.4×SUV mean and SUV≥0.6×SUV max . No strong correlations were observed between hypoxia images (EPRI and FMISO PET) with vascular permeability ( K trans ) or fractional extracellular-extravascular space ( v e ) from DCE-MRI. Conclusion: This is the first in vivo comparison of FMISO uptake with pO 2 EPRI to identify the optimal FMISO threshold to define tumor hypoxia, which may successfully direct hypoxic tumor boosts in patients, enhancing tumor control.
Recirculation of activated sludge for coagulant synthesis under hydrothermal conditions
Authors: wang lu , Li Dapeng , Li Xueying , Liang Hui , Yue Wei , Wang Lingzhi , Pan Yang , Huang Yong
Published: March 2022

A hypothesis was proposed that the activated sludge was converted into hydrochar full of phenolic hydroxyl and then was made into coagulant by graft copolymerization. The results show that under the addition of HCl, the content of phenolic hydroxyl on the surface of hydrochar (SBC) under hydrothermal conditions increased sharply, up to 1.586 mmol/g, showing that HCl dosage of 0.10 g/g dry sludge and holding time of 4h was recommended. Under graft copolymerization with the addition of DMC, the coagulant was synthesized. Based on the analysis by FTIR, XPS, zeta potential, et al., the possible synthesis route of coagulant from SBC was that phenolic hydroxyl on SBC was activated by the initiator and then the polymerization between SBC and DMC was triggered. The optimal grafting conditions are gotten. It was named as SBCHCl0.10g, 4h-g-DMC0.7. The removal by SBCHCl0.10g, 4h-g-DMC0.7 on COD and turbidity in domestic wastewater is up to 69% and 93%, respectively. The component of COD indicated that almost all particulate COD and most of colloidal COD are removed. On the contrary, the removal on dissolved COD can be neglected. Most of NH3-N and P is kept in the wastewater. This is favor of subsequent reuse and biological treatment.
Embracing Crisis: What Change in Business Resilience and Growth Strategy After Pandemic
Authors: Setiawan Agus , bachtiar nia kurniati , Prastyan Galih Adi , Kijkasiwat Ploypailin
Published: March 2022

This paper aims to elaborate changing in business resilience and growth as basic reaction of crisis. By making a proposed model for business sustainability after crisis, this study detailed resilience and growth to stages to explain both processes. The model can also assist entrepreneurs to deal with crisis in term of what to do and what condition will they face. This qualitative study used purposive sampling and 13 case studies were included to build line-in-line coding and shape a proposed model by conducting semi-structured interview and FGD. Basically, this study reveals resilience and growth steps to help entrepreneurs to avoid misleading strategy. To complete the findings, we found that digital imperatives can faster both processes to reach sustainability. This paper draws on organisational resilience theory by using stages and deliver a bridge to achieve business sustainability and provides more practical steps to deal with crisis and gain business sustainability.