bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Organizational support and Nurse–Physician collaboration during SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic: A qualitative study
Authors: Zeb Hussan , Inayat Shahzad , Younas Ahtisham
Published: December 2022

Health care professionals experienced multiple uncertainties during the pandemic. Exploring health care professionals' views about collaboration and organizational support can offer insights into organizational processes and issues during the pandemic. This research explored the perspectives of nurses and physicians about organizational support and nurse–physician collaboration during the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic. Using a qualitative descriptive design, interviews were conducted with nurses and physicians working in hospital settings. The interviews lasted for 24–61 min. Reflexive thematic analysis was used for data analysis. Nurses and physicians were disappointed with the organizational support, but they were satisfied with nurse‐physician collaboration. The theme “Management Abusing Authority and Blaming the Victimized Workforce” included organizational nepotism, unethical managerial actions, and neglecting frontline workforce. Nurses and physicians supported each other in tackling the intensive and complex demands of the pandemic. The theme “Demonstrating Professional Humility and Overcoming Patient Care Issues at Hand” entailed subthemes ‐ negotiating conflicts and prioritizing patient care, practicing kindness, and jointly managing conflicts with patients' families. Nurses and physicians reported frustrations with limited organizational support and abusive practices of managers. Still, they prioritized patient care needs and family‐related conflicts over interprofessional tensions.
Risks, possibilities, and social relations in the computerisation of Swedish university administration
Authors: Regin David Ö.
Published: December 2022

This mixed methods case study discusses how the introduction of new technology changed the work of departmental administrators at a Swedish university, drawing on Cockburn's theories on gender and technology, viewing organisations as fields of contestation. This paper argues that jobs seem more fragmented with less discretion, as a result of computerisation. However, time saved by a new division of labour enabled by digitalisation has increased the possibilities for specialisation and job crafting. This new division of labour also led to increased tensions between academics, administrators and management. As the risks and possibilities connected to computerisation are matters of social relations, as much as being governed by technology, this paper adds to the debates on work and technology by exploring the complexity of social relations at work place level experienced by this overlooked group at the periphery of the managerial and academic power centres in academia.
Change in prevalence over time and factors associated with depression among Bangladeshi older adults during theCOVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Mistry Sabuj K. , Ali ARM Mehrab , Yadav Uday N. , Huda Md. Nazmul , Khanam Fouzia , Kundu Satyajit , Khan Jahidur R. , Hossain Md. Belal , Anwar Afsana , Ghimire Saruna
Published: December 2022

Background

Globally, the COVID‐19 pandemic seriously affected both physical and mental health conditions. This study aims to assess changes in the prevalence of depression among older adults during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Bangladesh and explore the correlates of depression in pooled data.

Methods

This study followed a repeated cross‐sectional design and was conducted through telephone interviews on two successive occasions during the COVID‐19 pandemic (October 2020 and September 2021) among 2077 (1032 in 2020‐survey and 1045 in 2021‐survey) older Bangladeshi adults aged 60 years and above. Depression was measured using the 15‐item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS‐15). The binary logistic regression model was used to identify the factors associated with depression in pooled data.

Results

A significant increase in the prevalence of depression was noted in the 2021 survey compared to the 2020 survey (47.2% versus 40.3%; adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.40, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.11–1.75). Depression was significantly higher among participants without a partner (aOR 1.92, 95% CI 1.45–2.53), with a monthly family income of <5000 BDT (aOR: 2.65, 95% CI 1.82–3.86) or 5000–10 000 BDT (aOR: 1.30, 95% CI 1.03–1.65), living alone (aOR 2.24, 95% CI 1.40–3.61), feeling isolated (aOR 3.15, 95% CI 2.49–3.98), with poor memory/concentration (aOR 2.02, 95% CI 1.58–2.57), with non‐communicable chronic conditions (aOR 1.34, 95% CI 1.06–1.69), overwhelmed by COVID‐19 (aOR 1.54, 95% CI 1.18–2.00), having difficulty earning (aOR 1.49, 95% CI 1.15–1.92) or obtaining food (aOR 1.56, 95% CI 1.17–2.09) during COVID‐19 pandemic, communicating less frequently (aOR 1.35, 95% CI 1.07–1.70) and needing extra care (aOR 2.28, 95% CI 1.75–2.96) during the pandemic.

Conclusions

Policymakers and public health practitioners should provide immediate mental health support initiatives for this vulnerable population during the COVID‐19 pandemic and beyond. Policymakers should also invest in creating safe places to practise mindful eating, exercise, or other refuelling activities as a means of preventing and managing depression.
Designing ‘optimal’ sanctions on Russian imports
Authors: Schropp Simon , Tsigas Marinos
Published: December 2022

Restricting Russian imports is an important instrument in Allies' sanction toolbox. Rather than arbitrarily choosing the set of targeted imported products and the level of import tariff increases (as is typically done in the literature), we follow the recent contributions on ‘optimal sanction’ strategies. We apply a workhorse computable general equilibrium (CGE) model, GTAP, in a way that enables us to endogenise the scope of sectors targeted, the magnitude of tariff increases and the disbursement of tariff revenues. This allows us to identify sets of Allied import restrictions that best achieve the Allies' objectives of inflicting the highest economic pain on Russia while at the same time keeping self‐harm to Allies as low and as equitably distributed as possible. With regard to scope, we find that, instead of targeting Russian imports across the board, the Allies fare better when limiting their import sanctions to products from the eight most‐imported Russian sectors. Regarding optimal tariff levels, we find that, rather than imposing all‐out import bans, tariff increases in the range of 20–25 percentage points best achieve the Allies' objectives. Finally, the Allied coalition could benefit from a burden‐sharing arrangement in which proceeds generated from the additional tariff rents are redistributed among Allies, and other cash transfers are allowed for. Doing so would result in a more equitable distribution of economic losses among Allied countries—at hardly any additional ‘cost’ to the coalition (in terms of extra losses to Allies or reduced losses to Russia). Such arrangement could significantly strengthen cohesion, resilience, and longevity of the Allied coalition, and thus ought to become a component of an optimal sanction strategy. As an alternative to redistributing tariff rents among coalition countries, Allies could consider using those funds towards supporting Ukraine directly. Doing so would involve a small sacrifice by Allies and would scarcely compromise the effectiveness of Allied sanctions. However, it could greatly help mitigating the human catastrophe unfolding in and around Ukraine.
Normal states are determined by their facial distances II
Authors: Chen Yuzhang , Ng Chi‐Keung
Published: December 2022

Let be a von Neumann algebra with separable predual. For a normal semi‐finite weight on , denote by the von Neumann subalgebra generated by
Let be the center of , and be the set of normal semi‐finite weights on . When has no type part (but could have a non‐trivial type part), for every faithful weights with being strictly semi‐finite, if , then there is a positive self‐adjoint operator affiliated with such that . This does not hold for the hyper‐finite type factor. When has no type part, we verify that for strictly semi‐finite weights with and , one has . This is not true for the hyper‐finite type factor. Denote by the subset of consisting of weights with being semi‐finite. When is the direct sum of a semi‐finite algebra and a type algebra, we show that for , if and , then . This fails for any type factor when . Using the above, we establish that when has no type part, the distances of a normal state on to closed faces of the normal state space of uniquely determine this state.
Aluminum nitride crystal-based photodetector with bias polarity-dependent spectral selectivity
Authors: Fan Zelong , Qin Zuoyan , Jin Lei , Cao Yuan , Yue Zhongyu , Li Baikui , Wu Honglei , Sun Zhenhua
Published: December 2022

Visible-blind ultraviolet-selective photodetection and ultraviolet-visible broad spectral photodetection are two essential functions eagerly pursued in each application area. However, they usually cannot be realized simultaneously in a bare photodetector because their different underlying photoexcitation processes would interfere with each other. In this work, a photodetector integrating the two distinct photodetector characteristics is presented. The device is prepared based on the heterojunction of a large-scale aluminum nitride bulk crystal and monolayer graphene. The visible-blind ultraviolet-selective photodetection and the ultraviolet-visible broad spectral photodetection are separately manifested in the device depending on the bias polarity. Under a negative bias, the device is a visible-blind deep-ultraviolet photodetector, demonstrating a 193/785 nm rejection ratio of over 106 for the photocurrent and a 193/405 nm rejection ratio of over 103 for the signal/noise ratio. Under a positive bias, the device performs as a broad spectral photodetector responding to light from 193 to 785 nm. Systematical characterization reveals that different photodetection manners are the synergistical results of the different photon energies of the incident light, wavelength-dependent penetration depths in AlN, and the different working modes of the device under different bias conditions. This work provides a particular dual-functional photodetector, which is of great significance in terms of both application and device physics.
Comparison of intravitreal injection of ranibizumab versus bevacizumab for treatment of type 1 and aggressive retinopathy of prematurity in rural Egypt. A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Tawfik Ghada Mahmoud , Shahein Ezzat A , Dabour Sherif A , Hassanein Dina , Elshewy Ahmed Mohamed
Published: December 2022

Objective

The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) monotherapy compared with intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) monotherapy for treatment of type 1 and aggressive retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in rural Egypt.

Methods

36 eyes of 18 infants with bilateral aggressive or type 1 ROP were recruited between September 2020 and September 2022. Mean follow-up duration was 16.53 months. IVB was injected in the right eye and IVR in the left eye, rescue injection of the same initial anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in case of ROP reactivation. Outcome measures included regression achieved either by single injection or multiple injections or additional laser therapy at 55 weeks’ postmenstrual age (PMA), recurrence of ROP, total retinal vascularisation time and complications.

Results

Initial regression of ROP within 1 week occurred in 11/18 eyes (61.1%) in bevacizumab group and 15/18 eyes (83.3%) in ranibizumab group (p=0.137). Primary outcome measure was achieved in 14/18 eyes (77.8%) and 16/18 eyes (88.9%) in bevacizumab and ranibizumab groups, respectively (p=0.658). Late reactivation requiring retreatment with anti-VEGF was encountered in 4/18 eyes (22.2%) and 1/18 eyes (5.6%) in bevacizumab and ranibizumab groups, respectively (p=0.338). Peripheral laser therapy on the avascular retina was done in 3/18 eyes (16.7%) in each group at mean of 55.67 weeks' PMA.

Conclusion

Bevacizumab and ranibizumab proved to be effective regarding regression of acute ROP and continuing peripheral retinal vascularisation. Higher proportion of reactivation with bevacizumab, however, clinically non-significant. Laser therapy can be postponed to reduce its complications.

Trial registration number

NCT05033106.
Use of traditional, complementary and integrative medicine in Chinese paediatric patients receiving palliative care: a multicentre study
Authors: Lam Chun Sing , Koon Ho Kee , Chan Cheong Wai , Lee Tracy Yuen Han , Li Rever Chak Ho , Li Chi Kong , Man Sze Shun , Cheung Yin Ting
Published: December 2022

Parents of children receiving palliative care (PPC) may turn to traditional, complementary and integrative medicines (TCIM); however, related studies are limited. This study examined the pattern of TCIM use in this population. Sixty-one parents in Hong Kong were recruited and surveyed. Over half (42/61) reported TCIM use, most commonly Chinese herbal medicine and massage/TuiNa. The most common reason for not using TCIM was the lack of information (11/19). In general, parents had expressed interests in TCIM. Policy makers should consider multidisciplinary and collaborative integration of TCIM in routine PPC.
Grand rounds in methodology: when are realist reviews useful, and what does a ‘good’ realist review look like?
Authors: Duddy Claire , Wong Geoff
Published: December 2022

Research in the quality and safety field often necessitates an approach that supports the development of an in-depth understanding of how a complex phenomenon occurs, or how an intervention works. Realist review is an increasingly popular form of evidence synthesis that provides a theory-driven, interpretive approach to secondary research. Realist reviews offer quality and safety researchers the opportunity to draw on diverse types of evidence to develop explanatory theory about how, when and for whom interventions ‘work’ or outcomes occur. The approach is flexible, iterative and practical, typically drawing on the experience of policymakers, practitioners and patients throughout the review. With the increasing use of realist reviews, some common misconceptions about the approach have become evident in the literature. This paper introduces what is involved when planning and conducting a realist review, and where the approach can offer most value, as well as outlining common challenges that researchers may face when adopting the approach, and recommended solutions. Our aim is to support researchers who are considering conducting a realist review to understand the key principles and concepts involved, and how they can go about producing high-quality work.
Impact of social deprivation on clinical outcomes of adults hospitalised with community-acquired pneumonia in England: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Lawrence Hannah , McKeever Tricia M , Lim Wei Shen
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Socioeconomic deprivation has been associated with an increased incidence of infection and poorer clinical outcomes during influenza pandemics and the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between deprivation and adverse clinical outcomes following hospital admission with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), specifically 30-day all-cause mortality and non-elective hospital readmission.

Methods

Data from the British Thoracic Society national CAP audit on patients admitted to hospital with CAP in England between 1 December 2018 and 31 January 2019 were linked to patient-level Hospital Episode Statistics data and Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) scores. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine the association between deprivation and (a) 30-day mortality and (b) 30-day readmission with p values for trend reported. Age was examined as a potential effect modifier on the effect of IMD quintile on mortality and subsequent subanalysis in those <65 and ≥65 years was performed.

Results

Of 9165 adults admitted with CAP, 24.7% (n=2263) were in the most deprived quintile. No significant trend between deprivation and mortality was observed (p trend=0.38); however, the association between deprivation and mortality differed by age group. In adults aged<65 years, 30-day mortality was highest in the most deprived and lowest in the least deprived quintiles (4.4% vs 2.5%, aOR 1.83, 95% CI 0.84 to 4.0) with a significant trend across groups (p trend=0.04). Thirty-day readmission was highest in the most deprived quintile (17.1%) with a significant p trend across groups (p trend 0.003). Age-adjusted odds of readmission were highest in the most deprived compared with the least deprived (aOR 1.41, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.73).

Conclusions

In adults aged<65 years hospitalised with CAP in England, mortality varied inversely with indices of social deprivation. There was also a significant association between deprivation and 30-day readmission. Strategies are required to decrease health inequalities in pneumonia mortality and hospital readmissions associated with deprivation.
Gut microbiota influence anastomotic healing in colorectal cancer surgery through modulation of mucosal proinflammatory cytokines
Authors: Hajjar Roy , Gonzalez Emmanuel , Fragoso Gabriela , Oliero Manon , Alaoui Ahmed Amine , Calvé Annie , Vennin Rendos Hervé , Djediai Souad , Cuisiniere Thibault , Laplante Patrick , Gerkins Claire , Ajayi Ayodeji Samuel , Diop Khoudia , Taleb Nassima , Thérien Sophie , Schampaert Frédéricke , Alratrout Hefzi , Dagbert François , Loungnarath Rasmy , Sebajang Herawaty , Schwenter Frank , Wassef Ramses , Ratelle Richard , Debroux Eric , Cailhier Jean-François , Routy Bertrand , Annabi Borhane , Brereton Nicholas J B , Richard Carole , Santos Manuela M
Published: December 2022

Objective

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most diagnosed cancer, and requires surgical resection and reconnection, or anastomosis, of the remaining bowel to re-establish intestinal continuity. Anastomotic leak (AL) is a major complication that increases mortality and cancer recurrence. Our objective is to assess the causal role of gut microbiota in anastomotic healing.

Design

The causal role of gut microbiota was assessed in a murine AL model receiving faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from patients with CRC collected before surgery and who later developed or not, AL. Anastomotic healing and gut barrier integrity were assessed after surgery. Bacterial candidates implicated in anastomotic healing were identified using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and were isolated from faecal samples to be tested bothin vitroandin vivo.

Results

Mice receiving FMT from patients that developed AL displayed poor anastomotic healing. Profiling of gut microbiota of patients and mice after FMT revealed correlations between healing parameters and the relative abundance ofAlistipes onderdonkiiandParabacteroides goldsteinii. Oral supplementation withA. onderdonkiiresulted in a higher rate of leaks in mice, while gavage withP. goldsteiniiimproved healing by exerting an anti-inflammatory effect. Patients with AL and mice receiving FMT from AL patients presented upregulation of mucosal MIP-1α, MIP-2, MCP-1 and IL-17A/F before surgery. Retrospective analysis revealed that patients with AL present higher circulating neutrophil and monocyte counts before surgery.

Conclusion

Gut microbiota plays an important role in surgical colonic healing in patients with CRC. The impact of these findings may extend to a vast array of invasive gastrointestinal procedures.
Precarious employment and occupational injuries in Sweden between 2006 and 2014: a register-based study
Authors: Kreshpaj Bertina , Wegman David H , Burstrom Bo , Davis Letitia , Hemmingsson Tomas , Håkansta Carin , Jonsson Johanna , Johansson Gun , Kjellberg Katarina , Sanchez Martinez Nestor , Matilla-Santander Nuria , Orellana Cecilia , Bodin Theo
Published: December 2022

Background

Precarious employment (PE) has been suggested as a risk factor for occupational injuries (OIs). However, several issues such as under-reporting and time at risk pose obstacles to obtaining unbiased estimates of risk

Objective

To investigate if PE is a risk factor for OIs in Sweden.

Methods

This register-based study included employed workers aged 18–65, resident in Sweden between 2006 and 2014. PE was operationalised as a multidimensional construct (score) and by its five items (contract insecurity, contractual temporariness, multiple jobs/multiple sectors, income level, collective bargaining agreement). Our outcome was OI in the following year. Pooled ORs for OIs in relation to PE and PE items were calculated by means of multivariate logistic regression models for women and men separately.

Results

Precarious workers were at lower risk of OIs as compared with non-precarious workers among both males and females (OR <1) also when applying weights for under-reporting and adjusting for time at risk (part-time work). Male agencies workers had a higher risk of OIs (OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.15 to 1.23), as did male and female workers in multiple jobs/sectors (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.23 to 1.28 and OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.13 respectively), and female workers in the low-income groups (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.12). Low coverage of collective bargaining agreements was associated with a lower risk of OIs for both men and women (OR 0.30, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.31 and OR 0.26, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.27, respectively).

Conclusions

While several mechanisms may explain why precarious workers in Sweden present lower risks of OIs, several dimensions of PE such as temp agency work and multiple job-holding could be important risk factors for OIs and merit further research.
Vaginal gonorrhoea in a transgender man reporting no vaginal sex
Authors: Golden John , Suchak Tara , Lander Frances
Published: December 2022

We present a case of a transgender man symptomatic of vaginalNeisseria gonorrhoeaeinfection despite reporting no receptive vaginal sex in his recent history.
Optimization of centrifugal casting process parameters by Taguchi method to reduce shrinkage porosity ratio of K417 superalloy
Authors: Wang Dongchao , Liao Minle , Wang Ye , Liu Guohuai , Wang Zhaodong
Published: December 2022

The process parameters were optimized by simulation and verification experiments using orthogonal experimental design and the Taguchi method to lessen the tendency of significant shrinkage porosity in the centrifugal cast ring parts of K417 nickel-based superalloy. Advanced Porosity Model (APM) in ProCAST was used to predict the shrinkage porosity of centrifugal castings, and the effects of centrifugal speed, pouring speed, pouring temperature and preheating temperature of the mold were investigated on the shrinkage porosity ratio of the castings. According to the results, the parameter that has the greatest influence on the shrinkage porosity ratio of centrifugal casting is the centrifuge speed, followed by the preheating temperature of the mold, and the pouring temperature and pouring speed have relatively small effects on it. The optimized parameters were proposed as follows: centrifugal speed of 500 r/min, pouring speed of 225 mm/s, pouring temperature of 1400[Formula: see text], and mold preheating temperature of 50[Formula: see text], which could effectively reduce the formation of shrinkage porosity of the K417 centrifugal casting rings.
Simulation study on mechanical properties of gradient-structured nano-polycrystalline Ni
Authors: Zhang Yuyang , Chen Xiaotong , Ren Junqiang , Xue Hongtao , Ding Yutian , Lu Xuefeng
Published: December 2022

The effects of gradient grain size and temperature on the mechanical properties of nanocrystalline nickel were studied by the molecular dynamics method, and the microstructure change process of size gradient nanocrystalline nickel under tensile load was characterized by Common Neighbor Analysis (CNA). The research results show that dislocations tend to generate stress concentration in small-sized grains during stretching, so the plastic deformation of the material always occurs in small-sized grains first. At the same time, through Dislocation Analysis (DXA), it was found that Shockley dislocation is the main factor affecting its mechanical properties, and the interaction between dislocations provides a certain contribution to the strength of the metal. In addition, yield strength, maximum tensile stress, and Young’s modulus all decrease with increasing temperature, and the grain boundary atomic content and the degree of disorder are greatly increased. During the stretching process, the number of dislocations is greatly reduced, which leads to a reduction of their interactions, which is the reason for the reduction of the mechanical properties of the material. The above research results have positive meaning for the design of gradient nanocrystalline materials, and provide reference and help for the improvement of nanomaterial properties.
The Use of Internal Resources for the Creation of Innovation: An Empirical Analysis of Portuguese Companies Benefiting From Tax Incentives for Research and Development
Authors: Walter Cicero Eduardo , Au-Yong-Oliveira Manuel , Ferasso Marcos , Polónia Daniel Ferreira , Veloso Cláudia Miranda
Published: December 2022

Comparing companies solely based on tax incentives for R&D activities can be misleading. Hence, this research aims to assess how Portuguese companies that make use of tax incentives for R&D activities on an ongoing basis behave in terms of promoting and appropriating value through innovation. From an initial population of 3,156 companies, a final database with 339 Portuguese companies that made use of fiscal credits from 2013 to 2016 was analyzed. The tax incentive program targeted was the Fiscal Incentive System supporting R&D in Enterprises (SIFIDE). Using the analysis of variance (one-way ANOVA), the main results suggest that, considering the internal resources, there are no statistically significant differences between the promotion and appropriation of value through innovation according to the size and age of companies. The data indicate that good management regarding the generation and implementation of innovations may occur independently of size and age of firms, in the Portuguese case. Albeit the averages of the indicators of value appropriation of the intangible (e.g. patents, trademarks, and new processes), and the efficiencies of assets and liabilities for the promotion of the intangible are different according to the level of technological intensity. These results point to the need to reevaluate the tax incentives for R&D activities, since its generic nature may not meet the different innovation needs arising from the distinctive characteristics of these enterprises and their technological dynamics. Implications and future research directions are provided.
Multitask Offloading Strategy for Edge Computing in Time-Sensitive Networking
Authors: Chen Junhua , Pu Chenggen , Wang Ping , Huang Xueda , Zhang Yan , Liu Yanfei
Published: December 2022

Edge computing is a creative computing paradigm that enhances the computing capacity of the edge device close to the data source. As the key technology of edge computing, task offloading, which can improve the response speed and the stability of the network system, has attracted much attention and has been applied in many network scenarios. However, few studies have considered the application of task offloading in time-sensitive networking (TSN), which is a promising technology that has the potential to guarantee data delivery with bounded latency and low jitter. To this end, we establish a task offloading stream transmission model for TSN based on the queueing theory. With the model, the average response time can be achieved by quantitative calculation. Then, we introduce the backward method to construct a utility function and formulate an exact potential game to model the task offloading competition among edge devices considering the minimization of the average response time of all tasks. Furthermore, a distributed and sequential decision-making algorithm for multitask offloading (DSDA-MO) is proposed to find the Nash equilibrium. Through numerical studies, we evaluate the algorithm performance as well as the benefit of the multitask offloading mechanism. The results reveal that through the proposed game theoretic approach, we can obtain the optimal multitask offloading strategy, which can significantly reduce the task computation delay in TSN, within a finite number of rounds of calculation.
A Network Meta-Analysis of Two Doses of Recombinant Human Thrombopoietin for Treating Sepsis-Related Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Chen Dandan , Hou Yu , Wei Chaochao , Cai Xingjun
Published: December 2022

Previous studies suggest that sepsis remains a common critical illness with a global incidence of 31.5 million. The aim of this study was to evaluate the comparative therapeutic value of recombinant human thrombopoietin (rhTPO) in treating sepsis patients with thrombocytopenia. We conducted a comprehensive electronic search of PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and CNKI from its inception through December 31, 2021. Thirteen randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 963 patients were included. Network meta-analyses showed that rhTPO 300 U/kg/day and rhTPO 15000 U/day significantly increased the platelet (PLT) levels on the 7th day and decreased the requirement of transfusion of red blood cells (RBCs), plasma, and PLT compared with IVIG and NAT. SUCRA showed that rhTPO 300 U/kg/day ranked first in terms of 28-day mortality (85.5%) and transfusion, including RBC (88.7%), plasma (89.6%), and PLT (95.2%), while rhTPO 15000 U/day ranked first for the length of the intensive care unit (ICU) stay (95.9%) and PLT level at day 7 (91.6%). rhTPO 300 U/kg/day may be the optimal dose to reduce 28-day mortality and transfusion requirements. However, rhTPO 15000 U/day may be the optimal dose for shortening the ICU stay and increasing the PLT level on the 7th day. However, additional studies to further validate our findings are needed.
A Compact Penta-Band Low-SAR Antenna Loaded with Split-Ring Resonator for Mobile Applications
Authors: Manikandan M. , Karthigai Lakshmi S.
Published: December 2022

A compact rectangular patch with dual-ring SRR (split-ring resonator) is presented in this article. An antenna is designed on FR4 substrate with an overall footprint size of 26 mm × 30 mm × 1.6 mm. The antenna presented operates in five bands from 2.95 to 3.06 GHz, 3.79 to 3.87 GHz, 4.11 to 4.19 GHz, 5.39 to 5.51 GHz, and 5.97 to 6.11 GHz. Mobile and fixed voice communication, WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access), 5G (5th generation), WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network), and ISM (Industrial Scientific and Medical) are some applications that utilized the above resonating bands. The penta-band operation is due to the inclusion of dual-ring SRR. The optimum values of the critical parameter of the SRR are identified using parametric analysis, and the results are presented. The antenna is also analyzed for the SAR (specific absorption rate) values, and it was found to be less than 2 W/kg for 10 g volume of tissue. The designed antenna is fabricated and tested, and the presented results show that there is good agreement between the simulated and measured results. Penta-band operation with simple structure, stable radiation pattern, and low SAR makes this antenna more intelligent and suitable for the mobile application.
A Preliminary Research on Combustion Characteristics of a Novel-Type Scramjet Combustor
Authors: Zhang Linqing , Chang Juntao , Cai Wenxiang , Sun Hui , Li Yingkun
Published: December 2022

In this work, a new configuration of strut-based scramjet is proposed, and a series of simulations are conducted to investigate its possibility of practical application. The simulation results are verified via the classical DLR ramjet and an experiment conducted on the connected pipe facility. The inlet area (

A

in

) and air intake height (

H

) of the combustor are varied independently to investigate their performance. The results indicate that the flow field and shock wave structure of such engine reveal similar characteristics as the classical DLR engine, and the variation in engine geometry can significantly affect its combustion characteristics. Moreover, the combustion efficiency could be enhanced by 2% as the

A

in

varied from 900π mm2 to 1100π mm2; increasing the air intake path (

H

) to 12 mm can increase the combustion efficiency by 25%. In general, the present work proposes a new geometry of the scramjet combustor; this combustor has possibility of practical application, but a further and detailed investigation is still needed.
The Feasibility of Enhancing Environmental Awareness using Virtual Reality 3D in the Primary Education
Authors: Sulisworo Dwi , Erviana Vera Yuli , Robiin Bambang , Sepriansyah Yovi , Soleh Achmad
Published: December 2022

Technology development promotes different learning strategies for varying levels of education. This technology provides opportunities for more engaging learning and encourages motivation to understand concepts and values. This research focuses on the development of 3D virtual reality (VR), which explains the living environment, especially animals, in the original habitat in the context of elementary school learning. This VR application is called Zoo-VR, which can be used in various learning models to achieve learning competencies. Zoo-VR includes 30 types of animals with their original sounds and explanations in audio and text form. The animals move freely in their habitat according to natural conditions. Users can move from one place to another, approach particular objects, and run virtual menus using programs installed on Oculus. The feasibility of Zoo-VR is reviewed from the perception of teachers and students after using it. The snowball effect interview model measured the perceptions of teachers and students. The teacher’s experience is observed in four aspects of the experience: conformity with the subject matter, feasible learning models, competencies, and the adequacy of menus in the application. The student experience is observed in five aspects: immersion, interest, the comfort of the tool, intention to share, and practicality of existing features. This experience gives the basis for a broader analyzing the use of Zoo-VR both in and outside the classroom. The results of the review and observation explain that Zoo-VR is feasible to apply to real learning situations. The challenge of Zoo-VR is integrating this application with learning objectives on various subjects. However, the result from the limited number of participants cannot be applied to generalize comprehensively. Studies on the application of Zoo-VR to actual learning conditions need to be carried out to reveal the real potential of VR.
Evaluation of Follow-Up CT Scans in Patients with Severe Initial Pulmonary Involvement by COVID-19
Authors: Pazooki Behshad , Ahangari Ailar , Mehrabi Nejad Mohammad-Mehdi , Batavani Nasim , Salahshour Faeze
Published: December 2022

Objective. To investigate the predictive factors of residual pulmonary opacity on midterm follow-up CT scans in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 pneumonia. Materials and Methods. This prospective study was conducted in a tertiary referral university hospital in Iran, from March 2020 to December 2020. Patients hospitalized due to novel coronavirus pneumonia with bilateral pulmonary involvement in the first CT scan were included and underwent an 8-week follow-up CT scan. Pulmonary involvement (PI) severity was assessed using a 25-scale semiquantitative scoring system. Density of opacities was recorded using the Hounsfield unit (HU). Results. The chest CT scans of 50 participants (mean age = 54.4 ± 14.2 years, 72% male) were reviewed, among whom 8 (16%) had residual findings on follow-up CT scans. The most common residual findings were faint ground-glass opacities (GGOs) (14%); fibrotic-like changes were observed in 2 (4%) patients. Demographic findings, underlying disease, and laboratory findings did not show significant association with remaining pulmonary opacities. The total PI score was significantly higher in participants with remaining parenchymal involvement (14.5 ± 6.5 versus 10.2 ± 3.7;

P
=
0.02

). On admission, the HU of patients with remaining opacities was significantly higher (−239.8 ± 107.6 versus −344.0 ± 157.4;

P
=
0.01

). Remaining pulmonary findings were more frequently detected in patients who had received antivirals, steroid pulse, or IVIG treatments (

P
=
0.02

, 0.02, and 0.001, respectively). Only the PI score remained statistically significant in multivariate logistic regression with 88.1% accuracy (OR = 1.2 [1.01–1.53];

P
=
0.03

). Conclusion. Pulmonary opacities are more likely to persist in midterm follow-up CT scans in patients with severe initial pulmonary involvement.
Estimation of Parameters of Finite Mixture of Rayleigh Distribution by the Expectation‐Maximization Algorithm
Authors: Mohammed Noor , Ali Fadhaa
Published: December 2022

In the lifetime process in some systems, most data cannot belong to one single population. In fact, it can represent several subpopulations. In such a case, the known distribution cannot be used to model data. Instead, a mixture of distribution is used to modulate the data and classify them into several subgroups. The mixture of Rayleigh distribution is best to be used with the lifetime process. This paper aims to infer model parameters by the expectation‐maximization (EM) algorithm through the maximum likelihood function. The technique is applied to simulated data by following several scenarios. The accuracy of estimation has been examined by the average mean square error (AMSE) and the average classification success rate (ACSR). The results showed that the method performed well in all simulation scenarios with respect to different sample sizes.
Coiled-Coil Domain-Containing Protein 45 Is a Potential Prognostic Biomarker and Is Associated with Immune Cell Enrichment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Liu Shuqing , Jia Lei , Quan Bing , Rong Guang , Li Min , Xie Ronggen , Cai Yanling , Bi Yuzhen , Han Siyuan
Published: December 2022

Objective. The role of coiled-coil domain-containing protein 45 (CCDC45) in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been reported. The present study is aimed at investigating the expression and prognosis of CCDC45 in HCC and its relevance to immune infiltration. Methods. We conducted CCDC45 expression analysis using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) tumor database, the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) database, and the Tumor Immunological Evaluation Resource (TIMER). We used the University of Alabama at Birmingham Cancer data analysis Portal (UALCAN) database to show the correlation of CCDC45 with clinical features. We examined the prognostic impact of CCDC45 expression levels on HCC patients with the Kaplan-Meier mapper database. Genes coexpressed with CCDC45 and its regulators were also identified using LinkedOmics. The enriched Gene Ontology (GO) categories and associated signaling pathways were estimated using GO, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and Gene Set Enrichment Assay (GSEA) pathway data. Correlations between CCDC45 and cancer immune infiltration was analyzed through the TIMER and an integrated repository portal for Tumor-Immune System Interactions (TISIDB) databases. Results. The expression of CCDC45 was elevated in HCC tissues compared to adjacent liver tissues, and overexpression of CCDC45 was significantly correlated with tumor stage. Furthermore, HCC patients with CCDC45 overexpression had a shorter overall survival (OS). Functional network analysis indicated that CCDC45 was involved in homologous recombination, spliceosome, and DNA replication. Interestingly, CCDC45 expression was positively correlated with the level of immune cell infiltration. Conclusions. CCDC45 is associated with prognosis and immune infiltration of HCC and may be a potential therapeutic target for HCC.
Diagnóstico ecocardiográfico de hipertrofia ventricular izquierda en población pediátrica según método de normalización de masa ventricular e impacto del estado nutricional
Authors: Larios Guillermo , Trincado G Claudia , Peredo G. Soledad
Published: December 2022

Antecedentes: la presencia de hipertrofia ventricular izquierda (HVI) es un marcador pronóstico y de severidad en condiciones de sobrecarga de presión. Se determina por masa ventricular (MV) aumentada en el ecocardiograma, debiéndose ajustar la MV por tamaño corporal en pediatría (normalización). Existen múltiples métodos de normalización, pero se desconoce si estos métodos son comparables. Objetivo: comparar distintos métodos de normalización de MV en sujetos con y sin sobrecarga de presión y evaluar el impacto del estado nutricional en el diagnóstico de HVI. Métodos: estudio de corte transversal en niños entre 5-18 años, divididos en 3 grupos: A) sin sobrecarga de presión (SSP), B) HTA (confirmado o sospecha), o C) Con cardiopatía obstructiva izquierda (CCOI, gradiente ≥25 mmHg). Se analizó antropometría, presión arterial y parámetros ecocardiográficos convencionales. Se determinó HVI por 4 métodos de normalización de MV: 1) Superficie corporal (SC) según sexo, 2) Talla2,7>51g/m2,7 3) Z-Score de Talla ≥ Z+2 y 4) Masa corporal magra ≥ Z+2.  Se evaluó la concordancia de los métodos por grupo y según el diagnóstico nutricional. Resultados: se analizaron 1162 sujetos, 673(57,9%) hombres, edad 10,2 ± 3,2 años, 852(73,3%) SSP, 192(16,5%) con HTA y 118(10,2%) con CCOI. Un 38,6% presentaba malnutrición por exceso. Se observó diferencia entre los métodos para HVI en pacientes SSP y con CCOI(p=0,01), y en obesos con CCOI.  La concordancia entre los métodos fue variable (rango de Kappa 0,38–0,71). Conclusiones: existe variabilidad y discrepancia entre los distintos métodos de normalización utilizados para definir HVI, influenciados por el estado nutricional.
Análisis de la Teoría del fraude aplicado al caso Carabineros de Chile
Authors: Díaz Alvarado Joselyn Cecilia , Fuentes Mora Consuelo Amelia
Published: December 2022

Este artículo analiza el proceso de auditoría aplicado por la Contraloría General de la República a Carabineros de Chile en relación con la malversación de recursos públicos en 2016. Se usó una metodología con enfoque cualitativo a partir del método inductivo para evidenciar la importancia de la teoría del fraude al momento de las realizar fiscalizaciones a entidades públicas, se tomó como base los procedimientos y conclusiones llevados a cabo por la Contraloría durante el periodo de investigación. Se encontró que las auditorías realizadas por la Contraloría son internas con foco operacional, por lo tanto, se carece de auditorías preventivas y de detección, actuando de manera reactiva ante los sucesos de fraude, hecho que tiene implicaciones en la oportunidad de acciones aplicadas por las entidades fiscalizadoras del servicio público.
Using a tablet-mediated intervention for teaching pre-addition skills to children with autism
Authors: Kahveci Gül , Bulut Serin Nergüz , Akkus Osman
Published: December 2022

Nowadays, tablets and their applications are part of the children’s daily lives. These digital educational activities can become a potent educational tool for efficient and effective in neurotypical as well as children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Tablets and their applications allow children to take advantage of new learning platforms and effectively learning through activities in learning domains, such as mathematics. In the present study representational-abstract sequencing instruction in the form of explicit instruction used with the help of mobile technologies. The aim of this study is to match the semi-concrete visual drawings with the correct abstract mathematical pre-addition expressions. Findings suggest using a tablet mediated intervention is effective teaching to match the semi-concrete visual drawing with the correct abstract mathematical expression. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.
Spatial zonation system with Voronoi diagram and Delaunay triangulation to improve management education
Authors: Vatresia Arie , Utama Ferzha Putra , Nirwana Nirwana
Published: December 2022

The zonation system is one of the efforts of the Indonesian Government to improve the quality of education services continuously, but the implementation is still considered less useful. Some areas were still grouped into the different zone from the original. Based on this problem, the solution needed for the zonation mapping of each school so that the apparent zonation limit can be resolved. An application that can map schools in an area based on housing for prospective students is a solution that can be considered at this time. This research showed the implementation of Voronoi diagrams to cluster the area based on the school position within Bengkulu City. The system was also capable of mapping the residential of the student address to match the choice for registration in available secondary school and senior high school. The implementation of the system showed a better result for school zonation over Bengkulu City based on web geographic information system (Web GIS). Furthermore, the comparison analysis over the existing system also showed that the performance of the Voronoi diagram for school zonation the method could solve the problem of the overlapping zonation with Radius method. Three hundred fifty students validated this system to show the performance of this method. The result showed that 72.05% of students matched the first choice, while 27.95% of students matched the second choice. This research showed the analysis of the value of this gap appeared due to the student preferences and school capacity factors.
Social studies learning modules to improve concept understanding and attitude of the environmental care
Authors: Sari Ratna Wulan , Pujiastuti Pratiwi
Published: December 2022

This study aimed to produce a suitable module to improve the understanding of environmental care concepts and attitudes of fourth-grade elementary school students and determine the module’s effectiveness. The data collection instruments consisted of a teacher interview guide, a student preliminary study questionnaire, a media expert validation questionnaire, material and instrument experts, a teacher response questionnaire, a student response questionnaire, and environmental care attitude assessment questionnaire, and a concept understanding ability test. The feasibility assessment uses assessments from media experts, learning material experts, and learning instruments. The practicality assessment of the module consists of a teacher response questionnaire and a student response questionnaire. The data analysis of the module’s effectiveness on the ability to understand the concept and attitude of caring for the environment was analyzed using the t-test and MANOVA test with a significance level of 0.05. The results of the study showed that: i) The module met the eligibility criteria based on the results of assessments from media experts, learning materials experts, and learning instruments that get an assessment in the “very feasible” category to use; ii) The module met the practicality criteria based on the results of the teacher response questionnaire assessment and the student response assessment questionnaire who received an assessment in the “very feasible” category; iii) The module was effective in increasing students’ understanding of concepts and environmental care attitudes. The effectiveness is shown from the t-test and MANOVA test results with a significance level of 0.001.