bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A tale of ‘politics and stars aligning’: analysing the sustainability of scaled up digital tools for front-line health workers in India
Authors: Singh Neha S , Scott Kerry , George Asha , LeFevre Amnesty Elizabeth , Ved Rajani
Published: July 2021

Introduction

India has become a lighthouse for large-scale digital innovation in the health sector, particularly for front-line health workers (FLHWs). However, among scaled digital health solutions, ensuring sustainability remains elusive. This study explores the factors underpinning scale-up of digital health solutions for FLHWs in India, and the potential implications of these factors for sustainability.

Methods

We assessed five FLHW digital tools scaled at the national and/or state level in India. We conducted in-depth interviews with implementers, technology and technical partners (n=11); senior government stakeholders (n=5); funders (n=1) and evaluators/academics (n=3). Emergent themes were grouped according to a broader framework that considered the (1) digital solution; (2) actors; (3) processes and (4) context.

Results

The scale-up of digital solutions was facilitated by their perceived value, bounded adaptability, support from government champions, cultivation of networks, sustained leadership and formative research to support fit with the context and population. However, once scaled, embedding digital health solutions into the fabric of the health system was hampered by challenges related to transitioning management and ownership to government partners; overcoming government procurement hurdles; and establishing committed funding streams in government budgets. Strong data governance, continued engagement with FLHWs and building a robust evidence base, while identified in the literature as critical for sustainability, did not feature strongly among respondents. Sustainability may be less elusive once there is more consensus around the roles played between national and state government actors, implementing and technical partners and donors.

Conclusion

The use of digital tools by FLHWs offers much promise for improving service delivery and health outcomes in India. However, the pathway to sustainability is bespoke to each programme and should be planned from the outset by investing in people, relationships and service delivery adjustments to navigate the challenges involved given the dynamic nature of digital tools in complex health systems.
Another voice in the crowd: the challenge of changing family planning and child feeding practices through mHealth messaging in rural central India
Authors: Scott Kerry , Ummer Osama , Shinde Aashaka , Sharma Manjula , Yadav Shalini , Jairath Anushree , Purty Nikita , Shah Neha , Mohan Diwakar , Chamberlain Sara , LeFevre Amnesty Elizabeth
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Kilkari is one of the world’s largest mobile phone-based health messaging programmes. Developed by BBC Media Action, it provides weekly stage-based information to pregnant and postpartum women and their families, including on infant and young child feeding (IYCF) and family planning, to compliment the efforts of frontline health workers. The quantitative component of a randomised controlled trial (RCT) in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh found that exposure to Kilkari increased modern contraceptive uptake but did not change IYCF practices. This qualitative research complements the RCT to explore why these findings may have emerged.

Methods

We used system generated data to identify households within the RCT with very high to medium Kilkari listenership. Mothers (n=29), as well as husbands and extended family members (n=25 interviews/family group discussions) were interviewed about IYCF and family planning, including their reactions to Kilkari’s calls on these topics. Analysis was informed by the theory of reciprocal determinism, which positions behaviour change within the interacting domains of individual attributes, social and environmental determinants, and existing practices.

Results

While women who owned and controlled their own phones were the Kilkari listeners, among women who did not own their own phones, it was often their husbands who listened. Spouses did not discuss Kilkari messages. Respondents retained and appreciated Kilkari messages that aligned with their pre-existing worldviews, social norms, and existing practices. However, they overlooked or de-emphasised content that did not. In this way, they reported agreeing with and trusting Kilkari while persisting with practices that went against Kilkari’s recommendations, particularly non-exclusive breastfeeding and inappropriate complementary feeding.

Conclusion

To deepen impact, digital direct to beneficiary services need to be complimented by wider communication efforts (e.g., sustained face-to-face, media, community engagement) to change social norms, taking into account the role of socio-environmental, behavioural, and individual determinants.
Using variation between countries to estimate demand for Cochrane reviews when access is free: a cost–benefit analysis
Authors: Jacobs Perke , Gigerenzer Gerd
Published: July 2021

Objectives

Cochrane reviews are currently of limited use as many healthcare professionals and patients have no access to them. Most member states of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) choose not to pay for nationwide access to the reviews, possibly uncertain whether there is enough demand to warrant the costs of a national subscription. This study estimates the demand for review downloads and summary views under free access across all OECD countries.

Design

The study employs a retrospective design in analysing observational data of web traffic to Cochrane websites in 2014. Specifically, we model for each country downloads of Cochrane reviews and views of online summaries as a function of free access status and alternative sources of variation across countries. The model is then used to estimate demand if a country with restricted access were to purchase free access. We use these estimates to perform a cost-benefit analysis.

Results

For one group of eight OECD countries, the additional downloads under free access are estimated to cost between US$4 and more than US$20 each. Three countries are expected to save money under free access, as existing institutional subscriptions would no longer be needed. For the largest group of 17 member states, free access is estimated to cost US$0.05–US$2 per additional review download. On average, the increase in review downloads does not appear to be associated with a decrease in the number of summary views. Instead, translations of plain-language summaries into national languages can serve as an additional strategy for dissemination.

Conclusions

We estimate that free access would cost less than US$2 per additional download for 20 of the 28 OECD countries without national subscriptions, including Canada, Germany and Israel. These countries may be encouraged by our findings to provide free access to their citizens.
A prospective, phase II, single-centre, cross-sectional, randomised study investigating Dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation and its Profile in Trauma: ADaPT
Authors: Bentley Conor , Potter Claire , Yakoub Kamal Makram , Brock Kristian , Homer Victoria , Toman Emma , Taylor Angela E , Shaheen Fozia , Gilligan Lorna C , Athwal Amrita , Barton Darren , Carrera Ronald , Young Katie , Desai Amisha , McGee Kirsty , Ermogenous Christos , Sur Gurneet , Greig Carolyn A , Hazeldine Jon , Arlt Wiebke , Lord Janet M , Foster Mark A
Published: July 2021

Introduction

The improvements in short-term outcome after severe trauma achieved through early resuscitation and acute care can be offset over the following weeks by an acute systemic inflammatory response with immuneparesis leading to infection, multiorgan dysfunction/multiorgan failure (MOF) and death. Serum levels of the androgen precursor dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfate ester DHEAS, steroids with immune-enhancing activity, are low after traumatic injury at a time when patients are catabolic and immunosuppressed. Addressing this deficit and restoring the DHEA(S) ratio to cortisol may provide a range of physiological benefits, including immune modulatory effects.

Objective

Our primary objective is to establish a dose suitable for DHEA supplementation in patients after acute trauma to raise circulating DHEA levels to at least 15 nmol/L. Secondary objectives are to assess if DHEA supplementation has any effect on neutrophil function, metabolic and cytokine profiles and which route of administration (oral vs sublingual) is more effective in restoring circulating levels of DHEA, DHEAS and downstream androgens.

Methods and analysis

A prospective, phase II, single-centre, cross-sectional, randomised study investigating Dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation and its profile in trauma, with a planned recruitment between April 2019 and July 2021, that will investigate DHEA supplementation and its effect on serum DHEA, DHEAS and downstream androgens in trauma. A maximum of 270 patients will receive sublingual or oral DHEA at 50, 100 or 200 mg daily over 3 days. Females aged ≥50 years with neck of femur fracture and male and female major trauma patients, aged 16–50 years with an injury severity score ≥16, will be recruited.

Ethics and dissemination

This protocol was approved by the West Midlands – Coventry and Warwickshire Research Ethics Committee (Reference 18/WM/0102) on 8 June 2018. Results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications and presented at national and international conferences.

Trial registration

This trial is registered with the European Medicines Agency (EudraCT: 2016-004250-15) and ISRCTN (12961998). It has also been adopted on the National Institute of Health Research portfolio (CPMS ID:38158).

Trial progression

The study recruited its first patient on 2 April 2019 and held its first data monitoring committee on 8 November 2019. DHEA dosing has increased to 100 mg in both male cohorts and remains on 50 mg in across all female groups.
Pooled analysis of the association between alcohol use and violence against women: evidence from four violence prevention studies in Africa
Authors: Ramsoomar Leane , Gibbs Andrew , Chirwa Esnat D , Dunkle Kristin , Jewkes Rachel
Published: July 2021

Objectives

To test associations between men’s past year alcohol use and patterns of drinking, and their perpetration of intimate partner violence (IPV) and non-partner sexual violence (NPSV). To test the associations between women’s reports of partner alcohol use and their experience of IPV, in three countries in Africa.

Design

Pooled analysis of cross-sectional baseline data from men and women participating in four IPV prevention studies across Africa and Asia.

Setting

Data from five data sets generated by four violence against women and girls prevention studies in three countries in sub-Saharan Africa, South Africa, Ghana and Rwanda.

Participants

8104 men 18+ years old and 5613 women 18+ years old from a mix of volunteer and randomly selected samples.

Main outcome measures

Studies employed comparable measures of past year alcohol use, harmful alcohol use (Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test scale) and items from modified WHO Women’s Health and Domestic Violence to measure physical IPV and NPSV perpetration among men and IPV experience among women.

Findings

Overall harmful alcohol use among men was associated with a substantially increased odds of perpetrating physical IPV (adjusted OR (aOR)=3.45 (95% CI 2.56 to 4.64)) and NPSV (aOR=2.64 (95% CI 1.85 to 3.76)) compared with non-drinkers. Women who had seen their partner occasionally drunk (aOR=2.68 (95% CI 2.13 to 3.36)) or frequently drunk (aOR=5.94 (95% CI 4.19 to 8.41)) in the past 12 months had an increased odds of experiencing physical IPV.

Conclusions

Alcohol use is associated with increased IPV and NPSV perpetration for men and (physical) IPV experience for women. Reported frequency of IPV and NPSV increase with increasing levels and frequency of alcohol use. Interventions aimed at reducing alcohol may also lead to reductions in IPV and NPSV perpetration and experience.
Comparative 4-year risk and type of hospital admission among homeless and housed emergency department attendees: longitudinal study of hospital records in England 2013–2018
Authors: Moss Charlie , Sutton Matt , Cheraghi-Sohi Sudeh , Sanders Caroline , Allen Thomas
Published: July 2021

Objectives

People experiencing homelessness are frequent users of secondary care. Currently, there is no study of potentially preventable admissions for homeless patients in England. We aim to estimate the number of potentially preventable hospital admissions for homeless patients and compare to housed patients with similar characteristics.

Design

Retrospective matched cohort study.

Setting

Hospitals in England.

Participants

16 161 homeless patients and 74 780 housed patients aged 16–75 years who attended an emergency department (ED) in England in 2013/2014, matched on the basis of age, sex, ED attended and primary diagnosis.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Annual counts of admissions, emergency admissions, ambulatory care-sensitive (ACS) emergency admissions, acute ACS emergency admissions and chronic ACS emergency admissions over the following 4 years (2014/2015–2017/2018). We additionally compare the prevalence of specific ACS conditions for homeless and housed patients.

Results

Mean admissions per 1000 patients per year were 470 for homeless patients and 230 for housed patients. Adjusted for confounders, annual admissions were 1.79 times higher (incident rate ratio (IRR)=1.79; 95% CI 1.69 to 1.90), emergency admissions 2.08 times higher (IRR=2.08; 95% CI 1.95 to 2.21) and ACS admissions 1.65 times higher (IRR=1.65; 95% CI 1.51 to 1.80), compared with housed patients. The effect was greater for acute (IRR=1.78; 95% CI 1.64 to 1.93) than chronic (IRR=1.45; 95% CI 1.27 to 1.66) ACS conditions. ACS conditions that were relatively more common for homeless patients were cellulitis, convulsions/epilepsy and chronic angina.

Conclusions

Homeless patients use hospital services at higher rates than housed patients, particularly emergency admissions. ACS admissions of homeless patients are higher which suggests some admissions may be potentially preventable with improved access to primary care. However, these admissions comprise a small share of total admissions.
Proof-of-concept study of electrospun PLGA membrane in the treatment of limbal stem cell deficiency
Authors: Ramachandran Charanya , Deshpande Pallavi , Ortega Ilida , Sefat Farshid , McKean Rob , Srivastava Mala , MacNeil Sheila , Basu Sayan , Sangwan Virender Singh
Published: July 2021

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the safety of poly-lactic co-glycolic acid (PLGA) electrospun membranes as carriers for limbal tissue explants for treatment of limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD).

Methods and analysis

Approval was obtained for a first in-man study from the Drug Controller General of India. PLGA membranes were applied to the affected eye of five patients after removal of the vascular pannus. Simple limbal epithelial transplantation was performed and limbal explants were secured on the membrane using fibrin glue followed by a bandage contact lens. Patients were followed up for 1 year with ocular exams including slit lamp exam, corneal thickness measurements, intraocular pressure measurements and recording of corneal vascularisation and visual acuity. Systemic examinations included pain grading, clinical laboratory assessment, blood chemistry and urine analysis at baseline, 3 and 6 months after surgery.

Results

PLGA membranes completely degraded by 8 weeks post-transplantation without any infection or inflammation. In all five patients, the epithelium regenerated by 3 months. In two in five patients, there was a sustained two-line improvement in vision. In one in five patients, the vision improvement was limited due to an underlying stromal scarring. There was recurrence of pannus and LSCD in two in five patients 6 months after surgery which was not attributable to the membrane. The ocular surface remained clear with no epithelial defects in three in five subjects at 12 months.

Conclusion

PLGA electrospun membranes show promise as carrier for limbal epithelial cells in the treatment of LSCD.
How to talk with the family of a dying patient: anger to understanding, rage to compassion, loss to acceptance
Authors: Flugelman Moshe Y
Published: July 2021

Informing families about the impending or actual death of their relatives is one of the most challenging and complex tasks a physician may face. The following article describes goal setting and provides five roles/recommendations for conducting the encounter with patient families regarding the imminent or actual death of their relatives. Importantly, the encounter should be family-centred, and the physician should be highly attentive to family needs. The following roles should be applied based on family needs and should not be sequential as numbered. The first and basic role is to inform the family at the earliest possible time and as often as possible. The second goal of the physician is to convey to the family that their relative received the needed therapy during his hospitalisation or in the community. The third goal of the physician is to help the family reach acceptance of the death of their relative and leave the hospital having moved beyond anger and bargaining. The fourth goal of the physician during the encounters is to reduce or alleviate guilt by stating that nothing could have changed the course of the disease and that all efforts were made to save the patient. The fifth role of the physician is to try and help the family as a single entity and maintain their unity during this stressful situation. Following these roles/methods will help families in the stressful situation and will create the difference between anger and understanding, rage and compassion, and loss and acceptance.
Anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic in hospital staff: systematic review plus meta-analysis
Authors: Raoofi Samira , Pashazadeh Kan Fatemeh , Rafiei Sima , Khani Saghar , Hosseinifard Hossein , Tajik Fatemeh , Masoumi Maryam , Raoofi Neda , Ahmadi Saba , Aghalou Sepideh , Torabi Fatemeh , Dehnad Afsaneh , Hoseinipalangi Zahra , Rezaei Sepide , Shabaninejad Hosein , Ghashghaee Ahmad
Published: July 2021

Background

This study was conducted to systematically review the existing literature examining the prevalence of anxiety among hospital staff and identifying the contributing factors to address the complications of this disorder and develop effective programmes for reducing the complications of this mental health problem.

Methods

We searched the electronic databases including PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar from January 2020 to February 2021. To perform meta-analysis, the random effects model was used. To assess the statistical heterogeneity of the included studies, the I2index was used, and 95% CI was estimated. Data analysis was performed by R software.

Results

In the final analysis, 46 articles with the total sample size of 61 551 hospital staff members were included. Accordingly, anxiety prevalence among healthcare workers (HCWs) was 26.1% (95% CI 19% to 34.6%). The prevalence rates of anxiety in health technicians and medical students were 39% (95% CI 13% to 73%) and 36% (95% CI 15% to 65%), respectively, indicating a much higher prevalence than other hospital staff members. Furthermore, a positive significant relationship between prevalence of anxiety among HCWs and their age was approved (p<0.001). The prevalence rate of anxiety was higher among women 37.7% (95% CI 25.4% to 51.8%) than men 27.2% (95% CI 18.2% to 38.6%).

Conclusion

The findings show a moderately high prevalence rate of anxiety in hospital staff. Due to the high prevalence of this mental health problem in health technicians, medical students and frontline health workers, it is highly suggested that healthcare institutions offer mental health programmes for these working groups in order to appropriately manage anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Clinical manifestations and outcome of SARS-CoV-2 infections in children and adolescents with rheumatic musculoskeletal diseases: data from the National Paediatric Rheumatology Database in Germany
Authors: Sengler Claudia , Eulert Sascha , Minden Kirsten , Niewerth Martina , Horneff Gerd , Kuemmerle-Deschner Jasmin , Siemer Caroline , Berendes Rainer , Girschick Hermann , Hühn Regina , Borte Michael , Hospach Anton , Emminger Wolfgang , Armann Jakob , Klein Ariane , Kallinich Tilmann
Published: July 2021

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the clinical manifestations, course and outcome of SARS-CoV-2 infection among children and adolescents with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMD). Due to their underlying disease as well due to therapeutic immunosuppression, these patients may be at risk for a severe course of COVID-19 or for a flare of the underlying disease triggered by SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Methods

Demographic, clinical and treatment data from juvenile patients with RMD as well as data about SARS-CoV-2 infection like test date and method, clinical characteristics, disease course, outcome and impact on the disease activity of the RMD were documented on a specific SARS-CoV-2 questionnaire implemented in the National Paediatric Rheumatology Database (NPRD) in Germany. The survey data were analysed descriptively.

Results

From 17 April 2020 to 16 February 2021, data were collected from 76 patients (52% female) with RMD and laboratory-proven SARS-CoV-2 infection with median age of 14 years, diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (58%), autoinflammatory (24%) and connective tissue disease (8%). Fifty-eight patients (76%) received disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), 41% biological DMARDs and 11% systemic glucocorticoids. Fifty-eight (76%) had symptoms of COVID-19. Disease course of SARS-CoV-2 infection (classified as asymptomatic, mild, moderate, severe, life-threatening) was mild and outcome of COVID-19 (classified as recovered, not yet recovered, permanent damage or deceased) was good (recovered) in the majority of patients. Two patients were hospitalised, one of whom required intensive care and died of cardiorespiratory failure. In 84% of SARS-CoV-2-positive patients, no relevant increase in disease activity of the RMD was observed.

Conclusions

In our cohort, SARS-CoV-2 infection in juvenile patients with RMD under various medications was mild with good outcome in the majority of cases and does not appear to have a relevant impact on disease activity of the underlying condition.
Impact of aerobic training periodisation on global and regional right ventricular strain in coronary heart disease
Authors: Trachsel Lukas D. , David Louis-Philippe , Gayda Mathieu , Boidin Maxime , Lalongé Julie , Juneau Martin , Nigam Anil , Henri Christine
Published: July 2021

Linear aerobic training periodisation (LP) is recommended for patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). However, the effects of training periodisation on the right heart mechanics in patients with CHD have never been examined. This study aimed to explore the effects of LP and non-linear periodisation (NLP) on right heart mechanics. We prospectively randomised CHD patients to 12 weeks of aerobic training with LP or NLP. While there was a weekly increase in energy expenditure with LP, there was a steeper increase during the first 3 weeks, followed by a decrease in the fourth week with NLP. Echocardiography was performed at baseline and after the training period to assess the right ventricular free wall (RVFW) and right atrial strain. Thirty patients with CHD were included (NLP, n = 16; LP, n = 14). The traditional right and left heart parameters showed no significant time effects. There was a decrease of RVFW strain with time in both groups (+1.3 ± 0.9% with NLP, and +1.5 ± 0.8% with LP; p = 0.033). Mid-ventricular RVFW strain changed significantly with time (+2.0 ± 1.3% with NLP, and from +2.3 ± 1.2% with LP; p = 0.025). There was no time effect on the right atrial strain. In stable CHD patients, LP and NLP resulted in right ventricular strain decrements with a segment-specific pattern. This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier number: NCT03414996).

Novelty: In stable coronary heart disease patients, both linear and non-linear aerobic training periodisation programs result in right ventricular strain decrements with time, particularly in the mid-ventricular segment. Traditional right and left heart parameters and right atrial strain showed no significant time effect in both 12 weeks aerobic training periodisation programs.
S-ketamine alleviates carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic injury and oxidative stress by targeting the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway
Authors: Xu Weimin , Wang Peng , Wang Dalong , Liu Ke , Zhang Shuaishuai , Zhao Wei , Liu Guoqing
Published: July 2021

The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effect of S-ketamine (S-KET) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) – induced liver damage and oxidative stress, as well as to elucidate the related underlying mechanisms. Blood was collected to measure biochemical parameters (alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin (TB) and γ-glutamyltransferase (γ-GT)) and the liver was harvested for histopathological analysis of enzymes related to the antioxidant response (malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX)). Liver cell apoptosis was evaluated using the TUNEL assay. In addition, the expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins and the nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling pathway were detected by Western blot analysis to explore potential mechanisms. S-KET protected the liver from CCl4-induced damage. The changes to the liver biochemical parameters (increased ALT, AST, ALP, TB, and γ-GT) and oxidative stress-related indicators (increased MDA; depleted SOD, GSH, and GSH-PX) induced by CCl4 were inhibited by S-KET. S-Ket also inhibited CCl4-induced cell apoptosis, the changes in expression of related proteins, and blocked CCl4-induced liver injury and oxidative stress via activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. S-KET effectively protected the liver by inhibition of CCl4-induced damage via upregulation the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.
DHLBT: Efficient Cross-Modal Hashing Retrieval Method Based on Deep Learning Using Large Batch Training
Authors: Zhang Xuewang , Lin Jinzhao , Zhou Yin
Published: July 2021

Cross-modal hashing has attracted considerable attention as it can implement rapid cross-modal retrieval through mapping data of different modalities into a common Hamming space. With the development of deep learning, more and more cross-modal hashing methods based on deep learning are proposed. However, most of these methods use a small batch to train a model. The large batch training can get better gradients and can improve training efficiency. In this paper, we propose the DHLBT method, which uses the large batch training and introduces orthogonal regularization to improve the generalization ability of the DHLBT model. Moreover, we consider the discreteness of hash codes and add the distance between hash codes and features to the objective function. Extensive experiments on three benchmarks show that our method achieves better performance than several existing hashing methods.
Generating infinite monoids of cellular automata
Authors: Castillo-Ramirez Alonso
Published: July 2021

For a group [Formula: see text] and a set [Formula: see text], let End[Formula: see text] be the monoid of all cellular automata over [Formula: see text], and let Aut[Formula: see text] be its group of units. By establishing a characterization of surjunctive groups in terms of the monoid End[Formula: see text], we prove that the rank of End[Formula: see text] (i.e. the smallest cardinality of a generating set) is equal to the rank of Aut[Formula: see text] plus the relative rank of Aut[Formula: see text] in End[Formula: see text], and that the latter is infinite when [Formula: see text] has an infinite decreasing chain of normal subgroups of finite index, condition which is satisfied, for example, for any infinite residually finite group. Moreover, when [Formula: see text] is a vector space over a field [Formula: see text], we study the monoid [Formula: see text] of all linear cellular automata over [Formula: see text] and its group of units [Formula: see text]. We show that if [Formula: see text] is an indicable group and [Formula: see text] is finite-dimensional, then [Formula: see text] is not finitely generated; however, for any finitely generated indicable group [Formula: see text], the group [Formula: see text] is finitely generated if and only if [Formula: see text] is finite.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Solvation Nanostructure in Carbonate-Based Electrolyte of Lithium–Sulfur Battery
Authors: Chen Chenglong , Pei Fubin , Feng Shasha , Xia Mingzhu , Wang Fengyun , Hao Qingli , Lei Wu
Published: July 2021

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries are widely regarded as the most promising batteries for the future due to their higher specific capacity and lower prices. Various strategies are utilized to alleviate the shortcomings of Li–S batteries failing to reach theoretical capacity. However, basic research at the molecular level continues to be lacking. Therefore, we use molecular dynamics to study the details of the solvated structure of Li–S batteries electrolyte and the nature of the transport process, revealing the relationship between the solvated structure of the electrolyte of LiPF6 and the organic solvent ethylene carbonate/dimethyl carbonate (EC/DMC). The electrolyte of Li2S4 was first simulated in a pure solvent environment. Then the LiPF6 salt was added to the model to simulate a typical electrolyte for a working Li–S battery. Regarding the rationality of the solvent system, various reference systems such as density, dielectric constant, viscosity and diffusion coefficient of the solvent were used for verification. And the detailed composition of the first solvation shell of the polysulfate ion and the coordination number of the ions are discussed. These results provide new insights into the use of EC/DMC electrolytes in Li–S batteries, while at the same time providing a basis for efficient future predictions of electrolyte structure and transport in complex electrode confinements.
Finding the shortest path for a Hypergraph
Authors: Shirdel G. H. , Vaez-Zadeh B.
Published: July 2021

A hypergraph is given by [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is a set of vertices and [Formula: see text] is a set of nonempty subsets of [Formula: see text], the member of [Formula: see text] is named hyperedge. So, a hypergraph is a nature generalization of a graph. A hypergraph has a complex structure, thus some researchers try to transform a hypergraph to a graph. In this paper, we define two graphs, Clique graph and Persian graph. These relations are one to one. We can find the shortest path between two vertices in a hypergraph [Formula: see text], by using the Dijkstra algorithm in graph theory on the graphs corresponding to [Formula: see text].
WebRTC
Authors: Blum Niklas , Lachapelle Serge , Alvestrand Harald
Published: July 2021

What was once a way to bring audio and video to the Web has expanded into more use cases than we could ever imagine.
PL and HCI
Authors: Chasins Sarah E. , Glassman Elena L. , Sunshine Joshua
Published: July 2021

Collaborations between two communities have unearthed a sweet spot for future programming efforts.
Better security through obfuscation
Authors: Edwards Chris
Published: July 2021

The quest to find greater security through obscurity.
eBP
Authors: Bui Nam , Pham Nhat , Barnitz Jessica Jacqueline , Zou Zhanan , Nguyen Phuc , Truong Hoang , Kim Taeho , Farrow Nicholas , Nguyen Anh , Xiao Jianliang , Deterding Robin , Dinh Thang , Vu Tam
Published: July 2021

Frequent blood pressure monitoring is the key to diagnosis and treatments of many severe diseases. However, the conventional ambulatory methods require patients to carry a blood pressure (BP) monitoring device for 24 h and conduct the measurement every 10--15 min. Despite their extensive usage, wearing the wrist/arm-based BP monitoring device for a long time has a significant impact on users' daily activities. To address the problem, we developed eBP to measure blood pressure (BP) from inside user's ear aiming to minimize the measurement's impact on users' normal activities although maximizing its comfort level.

The key novelty of eBP includes (1) a light-based inflatable pulse sensor which goes inside the ear, (2) a digital air pump with a fine controller, and (3) BP estimation algorithms that eliminate the need of blocking the blood flow inside the ear.

Through the comparative study of 35 subjects, eBP can achieve the average error of 1.8 mmHg for systolic (high-pressure value) and -3.1 mmHg for diastolic (low-pressure value) with the standard deviation error of 7.2 mmHg and 7.9 mmHg, respectively. These results satisfy the FDA's AAMI standard, which requires a mean error of less than 5 mmHg and a standard deviation of less than 8 mmHg.
Multimedia data delivery based on IoT clouds
Authors: Wang Xiaonan , Wang Xingwei
Published: July 2021

A method for reducing delivery delays for multimedia data produced by the Internet of Things.
Mechanisms of decreased tubular flow-induced nitric oxide in Dahl salt-sensitive rat thick ascending limbs
Authors: Hong Nancy J. , Gonzalez-Vicente Agustin , Saez Fara , Garvin Jeffrey L.
Published: July 2021

The Dahl rat has been used extensively to study the causes and effects of salt-sensitive hypertension. Our study suggests that more complex processes other than simple scavenging of nitric oxide (NO) by superoxide lead to less NO production in thick ascending limbs of the Dahl salt-sensitive rat. The predominant mechanism involved depends on dietary salt. Impaired flow-induced NO production in thick ascending limbs most likely contributes to the Na+ retention associated with salt-sensitive hypertension.
Prognostic Value of Procalcitonin for Morbidity and Mortality in Patients after Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Amouzeshi Ahmad , Abedi Farshid , Zardast Mahmoud , Rezaeian Bilondi Yaser , Amouzeshi Zahra
Published: July 2021

Background. The increased serum procalcitonin (PCT) level in cardiac patients is known as a sign of postoperative complications. Objective. Considering the importance of predicting the incidence of both complications and mortality caused by coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, this study was conducted to determine the serum PCT level and its relationship with one-year morbidity and mortality among CABG patients. Methods. This descriptive-analytical study was performed on 100 patients who underwent CABG surgery in Vali-e-Asr Hospital of Birjand, Iran. They were selected by a census sampling method from March 2014 to March 2015. The Elecsys BRAHMS PCT kit (Roche Company) was then used to measure the patients’ serum PCT level. The required data were collected using the patients’ medical records and telephone interviews with the patient or his/her relatives by passing one year from their discharge. The outcomes of this study comprised of mortality and morbidity causes (e.g., dysrhythmia, infection, and stroke). The data were then analyzed in SPSS version 16 by Mann–Whitney, chi-squared, and Fisher exact tests. Results. The postoperative serum PCT level is significantly correlated with sternum wound infection (

p
=
0.001

), packed cells (PC) transfusion (

p
=
0.003

), and death (

p
=
0.003

). In addition, a significant relationship was found between dyslipidemia and hypertension and early mortality rate in patients with high levels of PCT. Of note, risk-adjusted death did not differ significantly between the serum PCT levels after one year (RR, 0.068; 95% CI 0.008–0.566). Conclusion. Higher PCT serum levels in CABG patients are associated with the increased early mortality rate, sternum wound infection, and PC transfusion. Additionally, the other factors associated with mortality in the patients under study included dyslipidemia and hypertension.
Numerical Analysis of the ACL, with Sprains of Different Degrees after Trauma
Authors: Marquet-Rivera Rodrigo Arturo , Urriolagoitia-Sosa Guillermo , Romero-Ángeles Beatriz , Hernández-Vázquez Rosa Alicia , Mastache-Miranda Octavio Alejandro , Cruz-López Salvador , Torres-Yáñez Arturo , Urriolagoitia-Calderón Guillermo
Published: July 2021

Nowadays, cruciate ligament injuries have increased in incidence, since practicing a sport or physical activity has become a trend in current societies. Although this lifestyle generates multiple benefits, as a consequence, injury has also increased. Due to its nature and complexity, the ligaments of the knee are those that are most frequently affected, mainly the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament). This tissue reacts to overexertion or movements out of range, either caused by the exercise itself or caused by trauma caused by the practice of physical activity, causing various degrees of sprain. Whatever the etiology of these injuries, they will require a therapy indicated for each degree of injury. This therapy initially entails immobilization of the affected area and later; physical therapy will be required to a lesser or greater degree. Commonly, in the physiotherapy of these injuries, rehabilitation exercises are prescribed, where the physiotherapist asks a patient to use equipment with an estimated weight. However, the effectiveness of a generalized therapy in this way does not always give the expected results. This is related to the fact that these therapies are standardized and do not consider some factors such as the remaining muscle fibres that are not directly affected by the sprain, which does not mean that they should not be considered. Therefore, in the present work, a biomodel of a human knee has been developed and used to evaluate numerically how the ACL acts under an external load, when there are different degrees of injuries, caused by trauma. Four case studies were considered: Case 1 (control case) where the ACL is healthy, Case 2 where the ACL presents a 1st-degree sprain, Case 3 where the ACL presents a 2nd-degree sprain, and finally Case 4 where the ACL presents a 3rd-sprain grade. After performing the analyses, in the control case, it was found that it presents a balance between tensile and compressive stresses. While in the 4th case, the most critical tensile stress decreases while compression stresses increase. This shows that the ligament, having considerable damage, no longer works as it should and can eventually damage the collateral structures. It was found that, when there was a sprain, where the continuity of the ligament is compromised, a second torsional moment occurs in the ACL which causes the tissue fibres not to act according to their normal physiology or in a healthy state. The results obtained from the present study provide the possibility of predicting where the following injuries will occur by considering the von Mises failure criterion. Likewise, they will allow to improve the therapeutic procedures considering not only the injured structure but also the system as a whole.
Harmonic Current Suppression of Dual Three-Phase PMSM Based on Model Predictive Direct Torque Control
Authors: Lei Bicheng , Wu Lingwei , Lin Zhiming , Mei Pan
Published: July 2021

The traditional direct torque control (DTC) method will produce a larger harmonic current in the x, y subspace when applied to a dual three-phase permanent magnet synchronous machine (DTP-PMSM) because the voltage vector used for DTC is not equal to zero in the x, y harmonic subspace. To mitigate this problem, in this manuscript, a model predictive direct torque control (MPDTC) method is proposed to eliminate the harmonic current in DTP-PMSM. The spatial distribution characteristic DTP-PMSM voltage vector is analyzed; then, the table of vector group can be obtained according to DTC, and each vector group can be combined to obtain the zero-voltage vector in the x, y subspace. According to the cost function, MPDTC selects the vector group and obtains the optimal vector sequence combination to eliminate the harmonic current in the x, y subspace. Furthermore, the MPDTC achieves closed-loop control of harmonic currents in the x, y subspace. The MPDTC can also eliminate harmonic currents caused by other factors. The simulation results show that the method of MPDTC can effectively suppress the harmonic current of DTP-PMSM.
SFRNet: Feature Extraction-Fusion Steganalysis Network Based on Squeeze-and-Excitation Block and RepVgg Block
Authors: Xu Guiyong , Xu Yang , Zhang Sicong , Xie Xiaoyao
Published: July 2021

In the era of big data, convolutional neural network (CNN) has been widely used in the field of image classification and has achieved excellent performance. More and more researchers are beginning to combine deep neural networks with steganalysis to improve performance in recent years. However, most of the steganalysis algorithm based on the convolutional neural network has only run test against the WOW and S-UNIWARD algorithms; meanwhile, their versatility is insufficient due to long training time and the limit of image size. This paper proposes a new network architecture, called SFRNet, to solve these problems. The feature extraction and fusion layer can extract more features from the digital image. The RepVgg block is used to accelerate the inference and increase memory utilization. The SE block improves the detection accuracy rate because it can learn feature weights to make effective feature maps with significant weights and invalid or ineffective feature maps with small weights. Experimental results show that the SFRNet has achieved excellent performance in the detection accuracy rate against four state-of-the-art steganography algorithms in the spatial domain, e.g., HUGO, WOW, S-UNIWARD, and MiPOD, under different payloads. The SFRNet detection accuracy rate achieves 89.6% against S-UNIWARD algorithm with the payload of 0.4bpp and 72.5% at 0.2bpp. As the same time, the training time of our network is greatly reduced by 35% compared with Yedroudj-Net.
Spatial Variability and Temporal Trends of Climate Change in Southwest Ethiopia: Association with Farmers’ Perception and Their Adaptation Strategies
Authors: Habte Abera , Mamo Girma , Worku Walelign , Ayalew Dereje , Gayler Sebastian
Published: July 2021

The impact of climate change is a global threat, and its effect is more pronounced in developing countries. It is vital to link physical data analysis with endogenous knowledge and practices of farmers to strengthen their adaptive capacity. This study was conducted to explore spatial variability and temporal trends of temperature and rainfall in association with farmers’ perceptions and their adaptation strategies in Southwest Ethiopia. Daily rainfall and temperature data of twelve weather stations were collected from the National Meteorological Agency of Ethiopia for the period 1983 to 2016. Farmers’ perceptions about climate change and its impact and their adaptation strategies were assessed through a survey. Spatial variability and temporal trends of rainfall and temperature were analyzed using ArcGIS and R software. Sen’s slope estimator and Mann–Kendall’s trend tests were used to detect the magnitude and statistical significance of changes in rainfall and temperature. Spatial analysis of rainfall showed high variability over the region. There were no consistent and significant temporal trends of annual and seasonal rainfall of the area. Significant and upward trends of annual maximum and minimum temperatures were reported for all stations. Accordingly, annual maximum and minimum temperatures were increased by 0.71 and 0.65°C, respectively, over the period 1983 to 2016. Farmers had a good awareness of climate change and its impact. Adaptation strategies used by farmers included soil and water conservation practices (66.21%), crop diversification (62.16%), modifying planting date (42.56%), agroforestry practices (35.13%), use of drought-tolerant variety (33.95%), use of early maturing crop (27.03%), and livelihood diversification (25.42%). As most of these adaptation strategies were familiarized by a small number of farmers, further effort is needed to identify factors limiting the adoption of these strategies. Furthermore, additional planned strategies and supports that widen available options at the farmers’ disposal should be introduced to strengthen their adaptive capacity.
An Overview of the Main Trends in the Creation of Biodegradable Polymer Materials
Authors: Vikhareva Irina N. , Buylova Evgeniya A. , Yarmuhametova Gulnara U. , Aminova Guliya K. , Mazitova Aliya K.
Published: July 2021

Plastic is one of the most demanded materials on the planet, and the increasing consumption of which contributes to the accumulation of significant amounts of waste based on it. For this reason, a new approach to the development of these materials has been formed: the production of polymers with constant operational characteristics during the period of consumption and capable of then being destroyed under the influence of environmental factors and being involved in the metabolic processes of natural biosystems. The paper outlines the prerequisites for the development of the field of creating biodegradable composite materials, as well as the main technical solutions for obtaining such polymeric materials. The main current solutions for reducing and regulating the degradation time of polymer materials are presented. The most promising ways of further development of the field of bioplastics production are described. Common types of polymers based on renewable raw materials, composites with their use, and modified materials from natural and synthetic polymers are considered.
Fluid Inclusions and H-O-C-S-Pb Isotope Studies of the Xinmin Cu-Au-Ag Polymetallic Deposit in the Qinzhou-Hangzhou Metallogenic Belt, South China: Constraints on Fluid Origin and Evolution
Authors: Duan Rui-Chun , Jiang Shao-Yong
Published: July 2021

Qinzhou-Hangzhou metallogenic belt is an important polymetallic (Cu, Mo, W, Sn, Pb, Zn, Au, and Ag) belt in South China. The Xinmin polymetallic deposit is located in the southwestern segment of this belt, which ore bodies hosted in the contact zone of granite and Lower Devonian sedimentary strata and in the structure fractured zone within the strata. Three hydrothermal stages can be distinguished: quartz+tourmaline+pyrite (early stage), tourmaline+pyrite+galena+bismuthinite+sphalerite+chalcopyrite+pyrrhotite (main stage), and quartz+calcite+dolomite (late stage). The mineralizing fluid system can be described as aqueous with medium-high salinity (2.7-50.7 wt.‰ NaCl equiv. in the main stage and 0.18-8.81 wt.‰ NaCl equiv. in the late stage) and medium-high temperature of 485°C to 205°C (main stage) and 300°C to 116°C (late stage). The trapping pressures varied from 2 MPa to 30 MPa (main stage) and 0.4 MPa to 9 MPa (late stage). The

δ

18

O

values of quartz range from 6.7‰ to 8.5‰, and the

δ
D

values for fluid inclusions in quartz range from -45‰ to -52‰. The calcite has C-isotopes ranging from -5.8‰ to +0.7‰ and O-isotopes from +12.7‰ to 21.4‰. H-O-C isotope data are consistent with a hydrothermal fluid derived from the Cretaceous granitoid magma. The

δ

34

S

values of sulfides are -3.3‰ to +1.9‰. Sulfides have 206Pb/204Pb ratios of 18.377 to 18.473, 207Pb/204Pb ratios of 15.606 to 16.684, and 208Pb/204Pb ratios of 38.613 to 38.902. The S-Pb isotope data suggest derivation of S and Pb mainly from the Cretaceous granitic magma. It is concluded that the Xinmin deposit is a medium-high temperature, medium-high salinity hydrothermal polymetallic deposit, related to the granitic magmatism and strictly controlled by the fault and shattered zones.