bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Training Traditional Bonesetters in Basic Principles of Fracture Treatment
Authors: Konadu-Yeboah Dominic , Yempabe Tolgou , Bo-ib Buunaaim Alexis Dun , Konadu Peter , Owusu Ruth , Arthur Joshua , Osei Francis Adjei , Nuertey Benjamin , Mensah Nicholas Karikari , Odoom Samuel Frimpong , Addo-Larbi Wilfred , Martin Claude , Buehler Polly , Addo Reuben , Yankyera Benedict Owusu , Osei Paul Kofi , Azaglo Martin , Okyere Paul , Mensah Bernice , Misbahu Yussif , Hamdiyat Abdulaisogleh , Abrefi Brenda , Akuoku Doris , Minta Stella , Pokuaa Matilda , Imoro Mohammed , Dongyele Mathias , Howard Anthony , Harrison William James
Published: August 2023

Background:

Our study assessed the effectiveness of a traditional bonesetter (TBS) educational program that was designed to increase knowledge, reduce complications, and promote the referral of patients to local hospitals by TBSs when necessary.

Methods:

From April to December 2021, TBSs from the Northern Sector (the Northern, Savannah, and North East regions) and the Ashanti region of Ghana underwent a 4-day training course that had been designed to teach basic principles of fracture care with the use of local tools. We assessed the levels of knowledge of the TBSs both before and after training. The change in practice of the trained TBSs also was assessed at 6 months using a structured questionnaire and a checklist.

Results:

In total, 157 TBSs were trained in 5 training sessions over a 9-month period. There was an improvement in knowledge in all of the modules of training, with an overall knowledge gain of 19.7% (from 67.2% to 86.9%). At 6 months of follow-up, the practices of TBSs that had most improved were record-keeping, hand hygiene, and patient rehabilitation. As a result of the referral system that was established by the training project, a total of 37 patients were referred to local hospitals in the 6 months following the training.

Conclusions:

Formal training for TBSs that was provided by a multidisciplinary team with use of a locally developed curriculum and tools was effective in improving the practice and outcomes of treatment by TBSs. There was marked knowledge retention by the trained TBSs at 6 months after training in fracture management.

Clinical Relevance:

Education, training, and the establishment of referral pathways between TBSs and local hospitals could improve trauma care in Ghana.
Patient-Relevant Outcomes Following First Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty, by Diagnosis
Authors: Sabah Shiraz A. , Knight Ruth , Alvand Abtin , Palmer Antony J. R. , Middleton Robert , Abram Simon G. F. , Hopewell Sally , Petrou Stavros , Beard David J. , Price Andrew J.
Published: August 2023

Background:

The purpose of this study was to investigate patient-relevant outcomes following first revision total knee arthroplasties (rTKAs) performed for different indications.

Methods:

This population-based cohort study utilized data from the United Kingdom National Joint Registry, Hospital Episode Statistics Admitted Patient Care, National Health Service Patient-Reported Outcome Measures, and the Civil Registrations of Death. Patients undergoing a first rTKA between January 1, 2009, and June 30, 2019, were included in our data set. Patient-relevant outcomes included implant survivorship (up to 11 years postoperatively), mortality and serious medical complications (up to 90 days postoperatively), and patient-reported outcome measures (at 6 months postoperatively).

Results:

A total of 24,540 first rTKAs were analyzed. The patient population was 54% female and 62% White, with a mean age at the first rTKA of 69 years. At 2 years postoperatively, the cumulative incidence of re-revision surgery ranged from 2.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.9% to 3.4%) following rTKA for progressive arthritis to 16.3% (95% CI, 15.2% to 17.4%) following rTKA for infection. The mortality rate at 90 days was highest following rTKA for fracture (3.6% [95% CI, 2.5% to 5.1%]) and for infection (1.8% [95% CI, 1.5% to 2.2%]) but was <0.5% for other indications. The rate of serious medical complications requiring hospital admission within 90 days was highest for patients treated for fracture (21.8% [95% CI, 17.9% to 26.3%]) or infection (12.5% [95% CI, 11.2% to 13.9%]) and was lowest for those treated for progressive arthritis (4.3% [95% CI, 3.3% to 5.5%]). Patients who underwent rTKA for stiffness or unexplained pain had some of the poorest postoperative joint function (mean Oxford Knee Score, 24 and 25 points, respectively) and had the lowest proportion of responders (48% and 55%, respectively).

Conclusions:

This study found large differences in patient-relevant outcomes among different indications for first rTKA. The rate of complications was highest following rTKA for fracture or infection. Although rTKA resulted in large improvements in joint function for most patients, those who underwent surgery for stiffness and unexplained pain had worse outcomes.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Perception In Leading Change: The Role Of Academic Leaders as Change Agents 
Authors: Finn Edward , Feldhaus Charles
Published: August 2023

Too often organizational change is seen as a negative force. This perception of the specific change as bad causes tremendous disruption and misunderstanding among faculty and academic leaders. This study contends that the more relevant issue is whether academic leaders communicate the vision and strategy for change effectively. Furthermore, the crux of the matter is not whether high-quality, rich communication exists but depends more heavily on the perception of faculty undergoing change. In this article, the authors will compare nine faculty members’ responses to a perceptual survey dealing with organizational change, interviews with questions created using the survey as a basis, and archival data showing the availability and opportunity for involvement in the change process. This comparison will allow similarities and discrepancies to be examined between faculty perceptions of leaders, while also taking the institutional context into account.
Autonomy in AI Systems: Rationalizing the Fears
Authors: Walsh Kenneth , Mahesh Sathiadev , Trumbach Cherie
Published: August 2023

The news, popular culture, and legislatures are concerned with the recent reemergence of artificial intelligence (AI) technology. Some of the fear is fueled by the terminology including artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, and superintelligence that have specific meaning within the technology community, but can be misunderstood by the general public or by other fields of inquiry. Because of this, the fears are not well linked to what the technology actually does. The type of AI technology such as neural networks or decision trees does little to clarify the conversation. However, considering where an AI system exhibits autonomy better highlights what the systems capabilities are and what may be rationally feared from such capabilities. This paper develops a typology of autonomous functions within AI systems and why they matter.
Strengths and Success: Technology and Engineering Student Perceptions
Authors: Ryan Saxon , Mosher Gretchen
Published: August 2023

Strengths have been hypothesized to play a role in how a person approaches leadership and problem-solving. The Clifton StrengthsFinder (CSF) is a common way to identify and measure an individual’s strengths. This research examined the role of CSF strengths in the academic success of engineering and technology students within a large, midwestern, research-intensive, land-grant university. The purpose of this research was to identify how students use their CSF strengths and to identify if students perceive a connection between strengths and their success. This research utilized semi-structured interviews with students to gather detailed qualitative information on student perceptions of success and CSF strengths. The survey collected information on student perceptions of how useful strengths are in various scenarios and if there is a connection between student success and CSF strengths. Students perceived that there were a set of strengths that make some students more successful than others, but they were not able to identify what those strengths were. Primarily, students perceived CSF strengths were useful in group academic tasks but were not useful in individual academic tasks. Based on the responses from these interviews, students are not aware of all the scenarios in which they can use their strengths.
STEL Practice and the Integration of Tinkering and Take Apart in the Elementary Classroom 
Authors: Cheek Leah , Carter Vinson , Daugherty Michael
Published: August 2023

Over the past two decades the Standards for Technological Literacy (STL) (ITEEA, 2000) have challenged educators to search for strategies to implement and address improvements in technological literacy rates among P-12 students. Capobianco, Yu, and French (2014) acknowledged “the integration of engineering practices in the science classroom as early as grade one shows potential in fostering and sustaining student interest, participation, and self-concept in engineering and science” (p. 275). The updated Standards for Technological and Engineering Literacy (STEL) (ITEEA, 2020) are organized into three STEL structural branches that combine to create a pedagogical and domain knowledge configuration for technology and engineering teachers (ITEEA, 2020). Although the three STEL organizational branches are at the forefront, this study attempts to focus on and identify the relationship between the practices surrounding the eight core STEL standards: systems thinking, creativity, making and doing, critical thinking, optimism, collaboration, communication, and attention to ethics. These specific practices are designed for the integration of STEM in the classroom and may be advantageous toward promoting technological and engineering literacy through tinkering and take-apart teaching methodologies. Acknowledging that the teacher may be the STEM integration decision maker in the classroom, this study attempts to discern the link between STEL, tinkering and take-apart teaching methodologies, and pre-service elementary teacher candidates’ self-efficacy in the STEM disciplines of technology and engineering education as well as providing implications for future practice in the elementary classroom.
Perceptions in Trimester III About Covid-19 Scrining Using Rapid Test Antibody
Authors: Ertiana Dwi , Anggraini Wulan
Published: August 2023

Rapid antibody test is one method of screening for Covid-19 in third trimester pregnant women during the pandemic. The low participation of pregnant women in the third trimester in the implementation of Covid-19 screening can be seen from the delay in pregnant women carrying out rapid antibody tests. The purpose of the study was to find out the Perception of Pregnant Women in the Third Trimester Regarding Screening for Covid-19 Using Antibody Rapid Tests. The research design used a descriptive method. The variable is the perception of pregnant women in the third trimester regarding Covid-19 screening using a rapid antibody test. The population is 40 people and the number of samples is 29 respondents who are taken by purposive sampling. The research was carried out on April 20 - May 22, 2021 at the Kusuma Pertiwi Clinic, Kepung Village, Kepung District, Kediri Regency. The results showed that the perception of pregnant women in the third trimester about screening for Covid-19 using a rapid antibody test was mostly negative. 17 pregnant women in the third trimester (52%), the negative perception was almost entirely influenced by the education of 18 respondents (62%). The negative perception of pregnant women in the third trimester about screening for Covid-19 using rapid antibody tests is influenced by negative information for pregnant women about rapid antibody tests, causing negative perceptions about the process of implementing the Covid-19 screening, pregnant women's trust in hoax news caused by the information provided to them. less than optimal pregnant women.
COVID-19 Aşılarının Uygulanma Sürecinde Yaşanan Sorunların Bir İnternet Sitesi Üzerinden İçerik Analizi
Authors: ASLAN YILMAZ Banu , ÖNAL Özgür
Published: August 2023

Çalışma, aşılama sürecinde karşılaşılan önlenebilir sorunları belirlemek ve aşı fırsatlarını kaçırmamak için "sikayetvar.com" adlı internet portalında COVID-19 aşısı başvuru sürecinde yaşanan sorunlarla ilgili şikayetlerin tespit edilmesini amaçlamaktadır. Karma (nicel ve nitel) araştırma, Türkiye'de COVID-19 aşılamasının ilk yapıldığı tarihten bu yana popüler bir şikayet sitesinde (sikayetvar.com) aşılama süreciyle ilgili tüm şikayetlerin yer almasıyla gerçekleştirilmiştir. Çalışmada Ocak 2021 ile Mart 2022 arasında 871 şikayet tespit edildi. Şikayetlerin aylık dağılımında dönemsel dalgalanmaların özellikle Haziran 2021 ile Eylül 2021 arasında arttığı belirlendi. Şikayetler; sağlık kuruluşunda aşı olan ve olmayanlarda yaşanan sorunlar, aşı randevusu alamayanlar, eğitim, sosyal faaliyetlere katılım ve seyahat ile ilgili sorunlar, karantina, sağlık personelinin olumsuz tutumu ve aşı talebi yaşlı ve engelli bireyler gibi riskli grupların evde aşılama hizmeti olarak dokuz temaya ayrılmaktaydı. Sağlık hizmeti sunucularının bu temaların çözümüne odaklanması, yaklaşmakta olan salgın hastalıklarla daha iyi baş edebilmelerini sağlayacaktır.
Embedded Resonant Cell loaded Metamaterial Inspired Dual Band Notched Ultra Wide Band Antenna
Authors: Jairath Kapil , Singh Navdeep
Published: August 2023

A novel design exhibits band stop characteristics at WLAN and ITU band which include metamaterial inspired SRR structure and embedded resonant cell (ERC). The low-profile antenna has a metamaterial-inspired SRR structure and an embedded resonant cell that produce dual band notching at the WLAN frequency from 5.2 to 5.9 GHz and ITU frequency from 7.9 to 8.8 GHz. By changing the dimensions of the SRR structure and embedded resonant cell inspired by metamaterials, the rejected bands can be controlled. According to simulation results, The intended antenna has a broad impedance bandwidth extending from 3.4 GHz to 13 GHz with a VSWR of less than 2.The results of the simulation show that the low profile antenna has a steady gain over the radiating frequency range, with an optimised gain of 4.12 dBi.
Modeling factors related to earthquake preparedness: a structural equation modeling approach.
Authors: Fatehpanah Azadeh , Maraghi Elham , Coetzer-Liversage Anthony , Karimy Mahmood , Pakpour Amir H , Maripour Majed , Fard Nematollah Jaafarzadeh Haghighi , Araban Marzieh
Published: August 2023

Introduction
Global evidence suggests that natural disasters are on the rise, and that earthquake harm disproportionally impacts developing countries. To mitigate these harms, disaster preparedness is an important behavioral strategy in earthquake risk mitigation. However, there is limited evidence about the levels of preparedness in developing countries, especially Iran. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate earthquake preparedness among the general public, using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) as a theoretical framework.
Method
This methodological study was conducted in Iran in 2022, involving 302 participants selected through stratified random sampling. Data was collected using a valid and reliable questionnaire. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to analyze TPB constructs, including attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and intentions, in relation to earthquake preparedness behaviors. The statistical analyses encompassed descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, correlation coefficients, confirmatory factor analysis, and structural equation modeling.
Results
Results show that attitudes toward disaster preparedness, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control significantly (< 0.05) influenced residents' disaster preparedness intentions. Additionally, there was good model fit of the TPB in explaining earthquake preparedness behavior. For confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) of TPB model the fit indices were CMin/df = 1.35 (< 3), RMSEA = 0.03 (< 0.05); CFI = 0.96 (> 0.95); TLI = 0.95 (= 0.95), and for SEM model they were CMin/df = 1.36 (< 3), RMSEA = 0.03 (< 0.05); CFI = 0.96 (> 0.95); TLI = 0.96 (> 0.95).
Conclusion
The overall fit indexes were acceptable indicating the TPB model is a valid and reliable measurement model for screening population-level readiness for earthquake preparedness, developing and/or implementing health promotion interventions. The findings also suggest that disaster education programs should emphasize the importance of attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control in promoting disaster preparedness.
Cooperation of myosin II in muscle contraction through nonlinear elasticity
Authors: Zhang Yunxin , Shen Beibei
Published: August 2023

Myosin II plays a pivotal role in muscle contraction by generating force through the cooperative action of multiple motors on actin filaments. In this study, we integrate the nonlinear elasticity of the neck linker in individual myosin II and comprehensively investigate the evolution of cooperativity and dynamics at microstate and mesostate levels using a combined model of single and multiple motors. We find that a substantial proportion of actin-bound motors reside in the mid- and post-power stroke states, and our nonlinear model reveals their increased capacity for load sharing. Additionally, we systematically explore the impact of mechanical load and ATP concentration on myosin II motors. Notably, we observe that the average net distance of actin undergoes a transition from a weak load-sensitive regime at low ATP concentrations to a load-sensitive regime at higher ATP concentrations. Furthermore, increasing the load or raising the ATP concentration to saturation can enhance the efficiency and output power of myosin filament. Moreover, the efficiency of the myosin filament increases with the power stroke strength, reaching a maximum at a specific range, and subsequently declining beyond that threshold. Finally, we explore the mean run time/length and mean existence probability of myosin filament, shedding light on its overall behavior.
Covalent Immobilization of Multi-Enzyme Biocatalysts on Nano-Silica for Efficient p,p'-DDT Degradation
Authors: Salem Tamer M. , Fetyan Nashwa A. H. , Taha Ahmed Aboueloyoun , Malhat Farag M. , Ramadan Amal Ibrahim
Published: August 2023

Growing concerns over environmental pollution have necessitated the development of new-generation environmental protection technologies. Multi-enzyme biocatalysts offer a promising approach for reducing pollution caused by organic wastes. However, the recovery of free-form multienzymes is challenging, resulting in high costs and low production efficiency, limiting their application in bioremediation. Immobilization provides a solution by stabilizing and retaining enzymes. In this study, we devised a sensitive and stable enzyme biocatalyst by covalently immobilizing multi-enzymes onto nano-silica using glutaraldehyde. Ligninolytic enzymes (laccase, aryl alcohol oxidase, lignin peroxidase, and manganese peroxidase) were produced from Pleurotus ostreatus (NRRL-2366) under submerged fermentation. Enzymes were partially purified through ammonium sulfate precipitation and dialysis. These purified enzymes were immobilized on nano-silica. The resulting immobilized enzymes biocatalyst exhibited stability and activity across a pH range of 4 to 9 and a temperature range of 20 to 55°C. Immobilization of laccase, lignin peroxidase, manganese peroxidase, and aryl-alcohol oxidase achieved residual activities of 77%, 62.5%, 41.59%, and 28.21%, respectively, after three consecutive batches. Immobilized enzymes biocatalyst effectively degraded p,p'-DDT, and its complete degradation was achieved after incubation at pH 5 and 30°C for 12 hours, as confirmed by HPLC analysis. The GC-MS analysis revealed the detection of eleven major metabolites during the degradation process, which were utilized to predict the degradation pathway.
Systematic review and meta analysis of the preventive effect of HPV vaccine in anal squamous intraepithelial lesions in MSM
Authors: Hu Xinyue , Wang Wenjie , Liu Yuanjun
Published: August 2023

Objective: To systematically review and appraise published data, to determine efficacy and safety of the quadrivalent human papillomavirus (qHPV) vaccine in preventing anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN) incidence in men who have sex with men(MSM);
Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis;
Data sources: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science;
Results: The qHPV vaccine-group showed a decresed risk of AIN incidence close to a half as compared to the placebo group.(OR=0.49,95%CI 0.22-1.11, P=0.09, I²= 97.9%). For the subgroup analysis, the AIN incidence of the HIV-positive group showed no meaningful difference between vaccine group and placebo group(pooled OR=1.07, 95%CI 0.74-1.53; P=0.73), and the AIN incidence of vaccine group in the HIV-negative group reduced by a factor of four (pooled OR=0.20, 95%CI 0.15-0.28; P<0.00001) in contrast with the placebo group. Test for subgroup differences: P<0.00001, I²= 97.9%;
Conclusions: MSM who received qHPV vaccine had a decreased risk of AIN incidence compared with those who did not receive the vaccine. The subgroup analysis suggested that HIV-positive MSM may not be protected from AIN by vaccination;
Clinical PROSPERO: registration number (CRD42022301994).
Sulfur Source Effects on Soil Sulfur Concentration, Vegetation Indices, Biomass, and Sulfur Uptake in Potato
Authors: Sharma Ayush , Sidhu Simranpreet , Riley Simon , Griffin Winniefred , Zotarelli Lincoln , Sharma Lakesh
Published: August 2023

Potato is an important tuber crop, consumed globally by over a billion people. Among the essential nutrient for optimum potato growth, sulfur (S) is the most crucial after nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. In addition, the S is necessary for amino acid production, disease resistance, protein synthesis, and N assimilation. In this study, we tested the performance of three S sources: magnesium sulfate (EPTOP), gypsum, Ammonium sulfate (AS) applications at 45 and 90 kg ha− 1 for soil S availability, vegetative indices, above- and below-ground biomass, and potato S uptake. It was found that maximum soil S availability was reported when applied as EPTOP, followed by gypsum and AS at 90 kg ha− 1 compared to 45 kg ha− 1. For vegetative indices such as normalized difference vegetative index (NDVI), normalized difference red-edge index (NDRE), and chlorophyll content (CC), the maximum values were reported when gypsum and EPTOP were applied compared to AS. These differences were decreased later in the crop stages. Besides, individual band reflectance red and red-edge values decrease with time and near infra-red increases with time, following the same trend as of vegetative indices. For S uptake, sources or rates did not affect shoot S uptake, but for tuber S uptake, the factors such as S source, rate, and sites had a significant interaction. The maximum S (9.65 kg ha− 1) among the tubers was removed when EPTOP was applied at 45 kg ha− 1. It was reported that the EPTOP can release the S slowly so can retain in the soil for longer time which eventually reflects in its responses as biomass production and S removal.
Linear Discrete Method for Two-component Coagulations
Authors: Yang Manli , Xu Guanghui
Published: August 2023

The paper pays attention to the simulation method for two-component coagulation. Based on Simmel’s one-component Linear Discrete Method (LDM), we develop two-component linear discrete method. The method is used to simulate two classical cases, and the simulation results fit the theoretical analysis well. This method makes up Bott’s two-dimensional linear flow method (TFM) that can only handle the case one component is dominant on the coagulation process.
Experimental study on cutting carbon steel with pre-mixed abrasive water jet and construction of a mathematical model for predicting cutting surface roughness
Authors: Zhang Xiyang , Wang Yan , Xie Huaibei , Zhang Guorong
Published: August 2023

Realizing precision machining of pre-mixed abrasive water jet is an important issue that needs to be solved, and physical model analysis, experimental research, establishment of predictive mathematical models, and experimental verification are relatively mature solutions. Based on dimensional analysis, the key influencing parameters on the cutting surface roughness Ra of pre-mixed abrasive water jet cutting were determined: working pressure of water jet P, feed rate v, target distance h, and nozzle outlet diameter d. A full factor cutting experiment L81 (34) was developed for Q235 carbon structural steel based on four key influencing parameters, and the cutting experiment was completed using a pre-mixed abrasive water jet cutting system. Based on the analysis of polar variance, the significance relationships of four key influencing parameters were obtained, with d>v>P>h. Analyze the experimental data to obtain the optimal parameter combination: P=28 MPa, v=50 mm/min, h=4 mm, d=1.14 mm. The minimum Ra under this parameter combination is 0.760 µm. Based on the multivariate nonlinear regression analysis method, a mathematical model for predicting the cutting surface roughness of Q235 carbon structural steel was constructed, with an average relative error of 3.633%. The mathematical model for predicting the cutting surface roughness of Q235 carbon structural steel constructed in this study has good reliability and has a good predictive effect on the cutting surface roughness.
Impact of the COVID-19 Epidemic on Deaths in Korea
Authors: Jang Hye Jin , Han Soyul , Won Sungho , Lee Bora , Kim Young Sam
Published: August 2023

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic is a major public health problem worldwide. This study estimated the impact of SARS-CoV-2 in terms of the excess mortality from any cause during the COVID-19 epidemic in the Republic of Korea. The excess mortality during the COVID-19 epidemic was analyzed using the number of deaths over the past 5 years (2015–2019) in Korea. The numbers of total deaths and COVID-19–related deaths were counted from January 2020 through May 2022, using public data from the Korean Statistical Information Service (KOSIS) of Statistics Korea. These numbers were compared with nationwide mortality data from January 1, 2015, through December 2019. There were more than 24,000 reported deaths officially across Korea from January 2020 through May 2022. Excess mortality was observed nationwide in March, August, October, November, and December 2020; January, March, July, and August 2021; and October 2021 through May 2022, which was consistent with the epidemic waves in the country. After 2021, significant excess mortality occurred at the national level despite decreasing COVID-19 case fatality rates which means there might be an another relevant factors on all-cause mortality aside from the direct effect of deaths from COVID-19.
Character Association and Path Analysis Studies in Indian Mustard [Brassica juncea L.]
Authors: Kumar Rajneesh , Pandey Manoj Kumar , Priyanka Narlagadda , Kumar Vinay
Published: August 2023

The current research was conduct with 20 genotypes of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.) at Agriculture Research Farm, Lovely Professional University, Punjab during Rabi 2020-21 in RBD with 3 replication among 12 traits was study to determine the relationship between seed yield per plant and its components at the genotypic level and phenotypic level. The research study of genotypic path coefficient analysis for several traits demonstrated a positive direct effect on seed yield plant− 1 by the plant height, No. of primary branches plant− 1, seeds siliqua− 1, biological yield, harvest index and test weight. Negative direct effect on No. of days to flowering, No. of days to maturity, No. of secondary branches plant− 1, No. of siliqua plant− 1 and siliqua length. From the present findings, we can conclude that the selection of characters with the positive direct effect would be beneficial for increasing the yield. The requirement for providing appropriate consideration to Days to maturity, Plant height, No. of secondary branches plant− 1, no. of seeds siliqua− 1, Biological yield, Harvest index and Test weight has been specifically outlined in the current study.
Effect of systemic corticosteroid on pulmonary function and survival of severe COVID-19 with COPD
Authors: Jin Qian , Zhu Tiefeng , Wei Yi , He Haidong , Wang Liping , Xu Xianrong , Huang Feihua
Published: August 2023

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different dose and initiating time of systemic corticosteroid on severe COVID-19 with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study included severe COVID-19 with COPD group and severe COVID-19 group. Pulmonary function and 3-month survival were analyzed and compared. The results showed initiating systemic corticosteroid therapy in 1–7 days after diagnosed with COVID-19 can improve the FEV1%, DLco%, lung fibrosis score and 3-month survival, especially in severe COVID-19 with COPD patients (P = 0.0010, P = 0.0001, P = 0.0000 and P = 0.0001, respectively). ≥6mg dexamethasone injection daily in the 1st week of corticosteroid therapy can improve the DLco%, lung fibrosis score and 3-month survival, especially in COPD patients (P = 0.0458, P = 0.0013 and P = 0.0004, respectively). The 3-month survival of severe COVID-19 with COPD patients was higher than that of non-COPD patients (Log-rank: P = 0.0018), while the initiating time of systemic corticosteroid therapy was earlier (7.17 ± 5.70 days VS 10.12 ± 5.78 days, P = 0.0000) and the 1st week corticosteroid dose was higher (46.41 ± 26.56 mg VS 38.49 ± 31.56 mg, P = 0.0142). In conclusion, severe COVID-19 with COPD patients can have satisfied clinical outcomes if initiating systemic corticosteroid therapy in an early time (1–7 days after diagnosed with COVID-19) with enough dose (≥ 6mg dexamethasone injection daily).
The impact of a pilot dance intervention program for children and adolescents with developmental disabilities: a randomized control trial
Authors: Anderson Jeffrey , Toolan Christina , Coker Emily , Singer Hannah , Pham Derek , Jackson Nicholas , Lord Catherine , Wilson Rujuta
Published: August 2023

Background Organized physical activity programs have been shown to provide wide benefits to participants, though there are relatively few studies examining the impact of these programs for individuals with developmental disabilities. This pilot study was conducted to determine the feasibility and impact of an undergraduate-led dance intervention program for children and adolescents with developmental disabilities. We evaluated the impact of the dance program on motor ability and social skills. Methods The study design was a waitlist control clinical trial in which participants were randomized to active and control groups. After gathering baseline data, the active group completed 1 hour of online dance classes per week for 10 weeks, while the control group entered a 10-week waiting period. All participants then returned for a follow-up visit. Pre- and post-intervention data were analyzed using linear mixed-effects modeling adjusting for age and class attendance with subject random intercept. Results The active group demonstrated a significant improvement in motor skills in an unpredictable environment, as indicated on the Motor Assessment Battery for Children Checklist. We also observed positive trends in social skills that did not reach significance. Conclusions Our results indicate that it is feasible to develop and implement a fully digital dance intervention program for individuals with developmental disabilities. Further, we find that change in motor skills can be detected after just 10 hours of low-intensity participation. However, a lack of significant change in social skills coupled with limitations in study implementation suggests further research is needed to determine the full impact of this dance program. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Protocol Registration System: Protocol ID 20-001680-AM-00005, registered 17/2/2021 – Retrospectively Registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04762290?term=20-001680-AM-00005&draw=2&rank=1
Prediction of Mortality After Convulsive Status Epilepticus: The Status Epilepticus M3A2S2H Score
Authors: Al-Mufti Fawaz , Patel Smit D. , Ogulnick Jonathan , Subah Galadu , Nolan Bridget , Uddin Anaz , Blowes Leah , Bloomfield Jessica , Raghavendran Keshav , Marikunte Sanjana , Feldstein Eric , Nuoman Rolla , Rosenberg Jon , Bauerschmidt Andrew , Overby Philip , Ramani Venkat , Wolf Steven M. , Milligan Tracey , Holmes Manisha , Gandhi Chirag D. , Etienne Mill , Mayer Stephan A.
Published: August 2023

Purpose:
This study aimed to investigate in-patient mortality and predictors of death associated with convulsive status epilepticus (CSE) in a large nationwide cohort.
Methods:
Retrospective data from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database between 2007 and 2014 were analyzed, including 123,082 adults with CSE. Univariate logistic testing identified admission variables, neurological and medical complications associated with mortality. A simplified clinical prediction score, called M3A2S2H, was generated using variables that were frequent (> 1%) and had a significant impact on mortality.
Results:
The overall hospital mortality rate was 3.5%. Univariate analysis revealed that older age, female gender, past medical history, and acute hospital conditions were related to mortality. After reclassification, a final multivariable model with 27 clinical variables was constructed, and the eight strongest predictors were included in the M3A2S2H score: hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (2 points); age > 60 years, acute symptomatic CSE, invasive mechanical ventilation, sepsis, metastases, and chronic liver failure (all 1 point); and medication nonadherence (-1 point). The mortality rate among patients with ≤ 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or ≥ 5 of these risk factors progressively increased from 0.2%, 2.1%, 7.8%, 20.3%, 31.9%, to 50.0% (P < 0.0001). Additionally, a similar stepwise trend was observed regarding discharge to a facility versus home without services (P < 0.0001).
Conclusions:
This study demonstrates that mortality in CSE cases occurs in 3.5% of adult hospital admissions. Identification of specific acute and chronic conditions using the M3A2S2H score can help predict the risk of death or disability.
Effect of H3BO3 modification on the char yield of epoxy resin and structure and property of epoxy resin carbon foam
Authors: YANG Ping Jun , LI Tie Hu , LI Hao , DANG A Lei
Published: August 2023

H3BO3 promotes the removing oxygen-containing functional groups of epoxy resin (EP) and forms B-O-C bond with EP during pyrolysis. Char yield of EP is decided by the chemical crosslinking of EP and H3BO3 and H3BO3 dehydration. The char yield of 0 and 9 wt% H3BO3 modified EP are 19 and 33.4 wt%, respectively. The graphitization degree and grain stacking thickness of EP carbon foam (CF) first decrease and then increase with H3BO3 increase. The graphitization degree of 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 wt% H3BO3 modified EP CF are 0, 11.6, 0, 0, and 23.2 %, respectively. Furthermore, the ID/IG value of 0, 3, 6, 9, 12 wt% H3BO3 modified EP CF are 0.97, 1.05, 1, 1.1, and 0.89, respectively. For 0 and 3 wt% H3BO3, the bubbles combine easily and form bigger cell size of CF. When the H3BO3 is 6 wt% above, the combination of bubbles become difficult, and decreases cell size of CF. However, the cell size (760 μm) of 12 wt% H3BO3 modified EP CF is the maxim due to H2O foaming. The electrical conductivity of 0 and 3 wt% H3BO3 modified EP CF is 15.56 to 25.94 S/m, respectively, which is decided by the CF carbon graphite structure and its density. The compressive strength of H3BO3 modified EP CF gradually decreases with H3BO3 increase, which is influenced by CF density. The compressive strength (0.6 Mpa) of 12 wt% H3BO3 modified EP CF is much lower than pure EP CF (3.32 MPa).
Role of DNA Methylation in Ischemic-Hypoxic Endothelial Cells and its Clinical Implications in AMI Patients
Authors: Tang Yuning , Wang Yongxiang , Wang Shengxiang , Wang Runqing , Xu Jin , Peng Yu , Ding Liqiong , Zhao Jing , Zhou Gang , Sun Shougang , Zhang Zheng
Published: August 2023

The obstructed coronary artery undergoes a series of pathological changes due to ischemia and hypoxic shocks during acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, the altered DNA methylation levels in endothelial cells under these conditions and their implication for the etiopathology of AMI have not been investigated in detail. This study aimed to explore the relationship between DNA methylation and pathologically altered gene expression profile in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD), and its clinical implications in AMI Patients. The Illumina Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip assay was used to explore the genome-wide DNA methylation profile using the Novaseq6000 platform for mRNA sequencing in 3 pairs of HUVEC-OGD and control samples. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses, as well as correlation, causal inference test (CIT), and protein-protein interaction (PPI) analyses identified 22 hub genes that were validated by MethylTarget sequencing as well as qRT-PCR. ELISA was used to detect four target molecules associated with the progression of AMI. A total of 2524 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 22148 differentially methylated positions corresponding to 6642 differentially methylated genes were screened (|Δβ|>0.1 and detection p<0.05). After GO, KEGG, correlation, CIT, and PPI analyses, 441 genes were filtered. qRT-PCR confirmed the overexpression of VEGFA, CCL2, THBS1, SQSTM1, BCL2L11, and TIMP3 genes, and downregulation of MYC, CD44, BDNF, GNAQ, RUNX1, ETS1, NGFR, MME, SEMA6A, GNAI1, IFIT1, and MEIS1. DNA fragments BDNF_1_ (r=0.931, p<0.0001) and SQSTM1_2_NEW (r=0.758, p=0.0043) were positively correlated with the expressions of corresponding genes, and MYC_1_ (r=-0.8245, p=0.001) was negatively correlated. Furthermore, ELISA confirmed TNFSF10 and BDNF were elevated in the peripheral blood of AMI patients (p=0.0284 and p=0.0142, respectively). Combined sequencing from in-vitro cellular assays with clinical samples, focusing on the importance of endothelial cells in AMI, our study identified promising OGD-specific genes, which provided a solid basis for screening fundamental diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of coronary endothelial cell injury of AMI. Moreover, it furnished the first evidence that during ischemia and hypoxia, the expression of BNDF was regulated by DNA methylation in endothelial cells and elevated in peripheral blood.
Forecasting Time Series Covid 19 Using Deep Learning Methods: South America Comparative Case Study
Authors: Alfaro Miguel , Vargas Manuel , Fuertes Guillermo , Grado Dalí , Suarez Enrique , Silva Ignacio , Karstegl Natalia
Published: August 2023

The global pandemic of COVID-19 that took place in 2020 and 2021 posed different challenges for health systems worldwide, revealing various deficiencies and generating supply problems and a breakdown in medical services. Given this situation, it is crucial to have predictive methodologies that can accurately estimate the behavior of diseases of this type. This would allow countries to be better prepared in the future and respond effectively to future similar situations, avoiding a repetition of large-scale events. In the literature, deep learning techniques, in particular, have shown promise in this field. In this paper, a comparative study is performed between individual Deep Learning models, such as Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) and Gated Recurrent Units (GRU), along with hybrid models that combine Conv1D with LSTM or GRU. The objective is to predict contagion curves in Latin American countries, specifically in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Peru. These countries present a dwindling number of studies in the existing literature, which makes this work especially relevant. The results emphasize the competitiveness of the hybrid models, which show MAPE values ranging from 0.1–1%. In contrast, the individual models present slightly higher MAPE, in the range of 0.2–0.8%. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed Deep Learning models in predicting the spread of COVID-19 in South America.
Diagenetic Characteristics and Controlling Factors of the Paleogene Sandy Conglomerate Reservoirs in the North Chezhen Sag, Bohai Bay Basin, China
Authors: Room Shahab Aman e , Ahmad Waqar , Iqbal Ahmad
Published: August 2023

The Paleogene sandy conglomerate reservoirs in the North Chezhen Sag, Bohai Bay basin have undergone significant diagenesis, resulting in complex reservoir characteristics. This study investigates the diagenetic characteristics and controlling factors of these reservoirs using petrographic analysis, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and fluid inclusion analysis. The diagenetic processes include compaction, cementation, dissolution, and replacement. Compaction is the dominant diagenetic process, leading to a reduction in porosity and permeability. Cementation is mainly due to quartz overgrowth and carbonate cements, which further reduce the reservoir quality. Dissolution and replacement, on the other hand, have a positive impact on reservoir quality, creating secondary porosity and enhancing permeability. The controlling factors of diagenesis include sedimentary environment, lithology, burial depth, and fluid flow. The sedimentary environment and lithology control the original texture and mineral composition of the reservoirs. Burial depth affects the degree and timing of diagenesis, with deeper burial leading to more significant diagenesis. Fluid flow influences the type and timing of cementation and dissolution, which further impact reservoir quality. Understanding the diagenetic characteristics and controlling factors of the Paleogene sandy conglomerate reservoirs in the North Chezhen Sag, Bohai Bay Basin is essential for reservoir evaluation and exploration. The results of this study can be used to guide future reservoir development strategies and optimize production.
Reduced intensity conditioning prior to autologous stem cell transplantation in elderly DLBCL patients
Authors: Marks Reinhard , Strüßmann Tim , Hermes Philipp , Finke Jürgen , Duque-Afonso Jesus , Engelhardt Monika , Duyster Justus , Ihorst Gabriele
Published: August 2023

High-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is widely used in diffuse-large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients in a curative approach. Since HDCT/ASCT is associated with increased morbidity in elderly/unfit DLBCL patients, we retrospectively investigated the use of reduced-intensity conditioning prior to ASCT in this cohort. Between 2005 and 2019 146 patients aged ≥ 60 years were treated; 86 patients received standard intensity conditioning (SI-group) with BEAM/TEAM (BCNU/thiotepa, etoposide, cytarabine, melphalan). 60 patients received reduced intensity conditioning (RI-group) with BM (BCNU, melphalan, 43.3%), TM (thiotepa, melphalan 16.7%), BCNU- or busulfan-thiotepa (38.4%) or bendamustin-melphalan (1.7%). While patient characteristics differed significantly between the SI- and RI-groups, acute toxicities and non-relapse mortality were comparable. The cumulative incidence of relapse at 3 years was higher in the RI-group (30.8% vs. 23.4%, p = 0.034, median follow-up: 62.4 month). Nevertheless, in multivariate analyses, no difference in PFS (HR 0.74 CI 0.40–1.38, p = 0.345) and a trend for better OS with RI-conditioning (HR 0.45 CI 0.22–0.94, p = 0.032) could be detected. ASCT in frontline DLBCL treatment was also associated with superior OS. In summary, RI-conditioning prior to ASCT is feasible in elderly patients and led to a comparable outcome when corrected for multiple significant confounders.
Infection Play a Key Role in the Formation of Calcium Oxalate Stone: A New Hypothesis Starting from the Composition of Early DJ Stent Encrustations
Authors: Yang Zesong , Lin Jiexiang , Wang Fang , Hong Yun , Hu Minxiong , Cai Wanghai , Pan Honghong , Zhu Qinguo , Ye Liefu , Wu Jinfeng
Published: August 2023

Background/aims:
At present, the mechanism of calcium oxalate(CaOx) stone formation is still unclear. Previous studies have shown that the compositions of encrustations on double-J(DJ) stents were basically consistent with the compositions of primary stones, which may be a special form of stone recurrence. Therefore, we tried to identify the compositions of early encrustations and combined with some clinical findings and existing evidence to discover the a new potential direction for mechanism research of CaOx stone formation.
Methods
We retrospectively analyzed the data of 251 patients with upper urinary tract stones who underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), ureteroscopic lithotripsy (URL), or retrograde renal surgery (RIRS). F4.8 DJ stents were indwelled after operation in all patients and were removed after 1 month. we collected early encrustations (if occurred) and purulent floccules (if found in surgery) for compositional analysis. In addition, we accidentally obtained gout crystals and dental calculus from a gout patient, and conducted a compositional analysis of them out of interest.
Results
All of these patients were left with DJ stents for 1 month, and 5.18% of them had encrustations on the DJ stents (early encrustations). The main compositions of these scabs were infectious compositions, without a single CaOx. Primary infectious stone and urease-producing bacteria before surgery were the risk factors for early encrustation. The compositions of purulent floccules were mainly composed of infectious compositions such as CaAp. The compositions of gout crystals were sodium urate monohydrate, CaOx dihydrate and MAP hexahydrate, and the compositions of dental calculus also contained CaOx.
Conclusion
Infectious compositions were the main components of early DJ stent encrustations. Infection may play a indispensable role in the formation of CaOx stone, which deserves further research.
Time-Series Forecasting of Wheat Crop Productivity in Egypt using Deep Learning Techniques
Authors: Mahmoud Amal , Moahmmed Ammar , wahab M. M abdel , Khalil A.A
Published: August 2023

Egypt’s agricultural sector plays a critical role in the country’s economy, with wheat cultivation being vital for ensuring food security. However, the challenges faced by wheat farming in Egypt, such as climate change, water scarcity, and pest infestations, contribute to yield fluctuations, highlighting the need for accurate and timely predictions of wheat productivity. To address this need, time series analysis is employed, which involves analyzing data collected at regular intervals over a specific time frame. Time series data can encompass multiple variables recorded simultaneously at each interval, known as multivariate time series data. Traditional statistical methods have been commonly used for time series analysis. However, these methods have limitations when dealing with nonlinear and complex data patterns, especially in agricultural data exhibiting spatiotemporal characteristics. Deep learning techniques have emerged as a promising solution to address these limitations. In this paper, we have developed the Multivari-ate Multi-Head Attention Temporal Convolutional Networks (MATCN) model specifically to handle the spatiotemporal nature of multivariate time series data in the context of wheat crop productivity prediction in Egypt. The experimental results revealed that our proposed MATCN model exhibited the most effective prediction performance when compared to other state-of-the-art models.