bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of the global gag rule on women’s contraceptive use and reproductive health outcomes in Ethiopia: a pre–post and difference-in-difference analysis
Authors: Sully Elizabeth A , Seme Assefa , Shiferaw Solomon , Chiu Doris W , Bell Suzanne O , Giorgio Margaret
Published: May 2023

Objective

To assess the impacts of the Protecting Life through Global Health Assistance policy (otherwise known as the expanded global gag rule (GGR)) on women’s sexual and reproductive health (SRH) in Ethiopia. The GGR prohibits all non-US non-governmental organisations (NGOs) receiving US Government global health funding from providing, referring or advocating for abortion.

Design

Pre–post analysis and difference-in-difference analysis.

Setting

Six regions of Ethiopia (Tigray, Afar, Amhara, Oromiya, SNNPR and Addis Ababa).

Participants

Panel of 4909 reproductive-age women recruited from the Performance Monitoring for Accountability 2018 survey, administered face-to-face surveys in 2018 and 2020.

Measures

We assessed impacts of the GGR on contraceptive use, pregnancies, births and abortions. Due to the 2019 ‘Pompeo Expansion’ and widespread application of the GGR, we use a pre–post analysis to investigate changes in women’s reproductive outcomes. We then use a difference-in-differences design to measure the additional effect of NGOs refusal to comply with the policy and the resulting loss in funding; districts are classified as more exposed if organisations impacted by lost funding were providing services there and women are classified based on their district.

Results

At baseline, 27% (n=1365) of women were using a modern contraceptive (7% using long-acting reversible contraceptive methods (LARCs) and 20% using short-acting methods. The pre–post analysis revealed statistically significant declines from 2018 to 2020 in the use of LARCs (−0.9, 95% CI: −1.6 to –0.2) and short-acting methods (−1.0, 95% CI: −1.8 to –0.2). These changes were deviations from prior trends. In our difference-in-differences analysis, women exposed to non-compliant organisations experienced greater declines in LARC use (−1.5, 95% CI: −2.9 to –0.1) and short-acting method use (−1.7, 95% CI: −3.2 to –0.1) as compared with less-exposed women.

Conclusions

The GGR resulted in a stagnation in the previous growth in contraceptive use in Ethiopia. Longer-term strategies are needed to ensure that SRH progress globally is protected from changes in US political administrations.
Mortality in residential care facilities for people with disability: a descriptive cross-sectional analysis of statutory notifications in Ireland
Authors: McMahon Martin J , O'Connor Aisling M , Dunbar Paul , Delany Anna , Behan Laura , Grogan Carol , Keyes Laura M
Published: May 2023

Objectives

To determine incidence of death in residential care facilities for people with disability in Ireland, primary cause of death, associations of facility characteristics and deaths, and to compare characteristics of deaths reported as expected and unexpected.

Design

Descriptive cross-sectional study.

Setting

All residential care facilities for people with disability operational in Ireland in 2019 and 2020 (n=1356).

Participants

n=9483 beds.

Main outcome measures

All expected and unexpected deaths notified to the social services regulator. Cause of death as reported by the facility.

Results

395 death notifications were received in 2019 (n=189) and 2020 (n=206). 45% (n=178) were for unexpected deaths. Incidence of death per 1000 beds per year was 20.83 for all, 11.44 for expected and 9.39 for unexpected deaths. Respiratory disease was the most common cause of death, accounting for 38% (n=151) of all deaths. In adjusted negative binomial regression analysis, congregated settings versus non-congregated (incidence rate ratio (95% CI): 2.59 (1.80 to 3.73)) and higher bed numbers (highest vs lowest quartile) (4.02 (2.19 to 7.40)) were positively associated with mortality. There was also a positive n-shaped association with category of nursing staff-to-resident ratio when compared with zero nurses. Emergency services were contacted for 6% of expected deaths. Of the deaths reported as unexpected, 29% were receiving palliative care and 10.8% had a terminal illness.

Conclusion

Although incidence of death was low, residents of congregated and larger settings had higher incidence of death than residents of other settings. This should be a consideration for practice and policy. Given the high contribution of respiratory diseases to deaths and the potential avoidability of these, there is a need for improved respiratory health management in this population. Nearly half of all deaths were reported as unexpected; however, overlap in the characteristics of expected and unexpected deaths highlights the need for clearer definitions.
Association between remnant lipoprotein cholesterol levels and risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in non-obese populations: a Chinese longitudinal prospective cohort study
Authors: Miao Yanju , Tao Hong
Published: May 2023

Objectives

The association between remnant lipoprotein cholesterol (RLP-C) levels and the incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is unclear, especially in non-obese populations.

Setting

We used data from a health assessment database. The assessment was conducted at the Wenzhou Medical Center from January 2010 to December 2014. The patients were divided into low, middle and high RLP-C groups according to tertiles of RLP-C, and baseline metabolic parameters were compared among the three groups. Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression were used to evaluate the relationship between RLP-C and NAFLD incidence. Additionally, sex-specific associations between RLP-C and NAFLD were examined.

Participants

16 173 non-obese participants from the longitudinal healthcare database.

Outcome measure

NAFLD was diagnosed using abdominal ultrasonography and clinical history.

Results

Participants with higher RLP-C levels tended to have higher blood pressure, liver metabolic index and lipid metabolism index than those with middle or low RLP-C (p<0.001). During the 5-year follow-up period, 2322 (14.4%) participants developed NAFLD. Participants with high and middle RLP-C levels were at a higher risk of developing NAFLD, even after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index and main metabolic parameters (HR 1.6, 95% CI 1.3, 1.9, p<0.001; and HR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1, 1.6, p=0.01, respectively). The effect was consistent in subgroups of different ages, systolic blood pressures and alanine aminotransferase levels, except for sex and direct bilirubin (DBIL). These correlations, beyond traditional cardiometabolic risk factors, were stronger in males than females (HR 1.3 (1.1, 1.6) and HR 1.7 (1.4, 2.0), p for interaction 0.014 for females and males, respectively).

Conclusions

In non-obese populations, higher RLP-C levels indicated a worse cardiovascular metabolic index. RLP-C was associated with the incidence of NAFLD, independent of the traditional risk factors of metabolism. This correlation was more substantial in the male and low DBIL subgroups.
Point-of-care measurement of C-reactive protein promotes de-escalation of treatment decisions and strengthens the perceived clinical confidence of physicians in out-of-hours outpatient emergency medical services
Authors: Matthes Anni , Wolf Florian , Wilde Elmar , Bleidorn Jutta , Markwart Robby
Published: May 2023

Objectives

Out-of-hours outpatient emergency medical services (OEMS) provide healthcare for patients with non-life-threatening conditions in need for urgent care when outpatient practices are closed. We studied the use of point-of-care-testing of C-reactive protein (CRP-POCT) at OEMS.

Design

Cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey.

Setting

Single centre OEMS practice in Hildesheim, Germany (October 2021 to March 2022).

Participants

OEMS physicians answering a questionnaire immediately after performing CRP-POCTs (CUBE-S Analyzer, Hitado) on any patients.

Primary and secondary outcomes

Impact of CRP-POCTs on clinical decision-making and perceived usefulness.

Results

In the 6-month study period, 114 valid CRP-POCTs were performed in the OEMS practice by 18 physicians and the questionnaire was answered in 112 cases (response rate: 98.2%). CRP-POCTs were used in the diagnosis of inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (60.0%), respiratory tract infections (17.0%), urinary tract infections (9.0%) and other non-gastrointestinal/non-specified infections (11.0%). The use of a CRP-POCT resulted in a change of the physicians’ clinical decision in 83.3% of the cases. Specifically, in 13.6% and 35.1% of the cases, rapid CRP measurements led to decision changes in the (1) initiation of antimicrobial therapy and (2) other drug treatment, respectively. Notably, in 60% of all cases, the use of a CRP-POCT reportedly changed the decision on hospitalisation/non-hospitalisation of OEMS patients. In respect of antimicrobial therapy and hospitalisation, these decision changes primarily (≥73%) promoted ‘step-down’ decisions, that is, no antibiotic therapy and no hospital admission. In the great majority of CRP-POCT applications (≥95%), OEMS physicians reported that rapid CRP measurements increased the confidence in their diagnostic and therapeutic decision. In almost all cases (97%), physicians rated the CRP-POCT use as useful in the treatment situation.

Conclusion

Quantitative CRP-POCT promotes step-down clinical decisions and strengthens the clinical confidence of physicians in out-of-hours OEMS.
Companion restrictions in the emergency department during COVID-19: physician perceptions from the Western Cape, South Africa
Authors: Wiebe Lauren E , Alvesson Helle Molsted , Stassen Willem
Published: May 2023

Objectives

To determine emergency department (ED) physicians’ perceptions regarding hospital companions being prohibited from accompanying the patient during COVID-19.

Design

Two qualitative datasets were combined. Data collected included voice recordings, narrative interviewing and semistructured interviews. A reflexive thematic analysis was conducted and guided by the Normalisation Process Theory.

Setting

Six hospital EDs in the Western Cape, South Africa.

Participants

Convenience sampling was used to recruit a total of eight physicians working full time in the ED during COVID-19.

Results

The lack of physical companions provided an opportunity for physicians to assess and reflect on a companion’s role in efficient patient care. Physicians perceived that the COVID-19 restrictions illuminated that patient companions engaged in the ED as providers contributing to patient care by providing collateral information and patient support, while simultaneously engaging as consumers detracting physicians from their priorities and patient care. These restrictions prompted the physicians to consider how they understand their patients largely through the companions. When companions became virtual, the physicians were forced to shift how they perceive their patient, which included increased empathy.

Conclusion

The reflections of providers can feed into discussions about values within the healthcare system and can help explore the balance between medical and social safety, especially with companion restrictions still being practised in some hospitals. These perceptions illuminate various tradeoffs physicians had to consider throughout the pandemic and may be used to improve companion policies when planning for the continuation of the COVID-19 pandemic and future disease outbreaks.
How does work environment relate to diagnostic quality? A prospective, mixed methods study in primary care
Authors: Khazen Maram , Sullivan Erin E , Arabadjis Sophia , Ramos Jason , Mirica Maria , Olson Andrew , Linzer Mark , Schiff Gordon D
Published: May 2023

Objectives

The quest to measure and improve diagnosis has proven challenging; new approaches are needed to better understand and measure key elements of the diagnostic process in clinical encounters. The aim of this study was to develop a tool assessing key elements of the diagnostic assessment process and apply it to a series of diagnostic encounters examining clinical notes and encounters’ recorded transcripts. Additionally, we aimed to correlate and contextualise these findings with measures of encounter time and physician burnout.

Design

We audio-recorded encounters, reviewed their transcripts and associated them with their clinical notes and findings were correlated with concurrent Mini Z Worklife measures and physician burnout.

Setting

Three primary urgent-care settings.

Participants

We conducted in-depth evaluations of 28 clinical encounters delivered by seven physicians.

Results

Comparing encounter transcripts with clinical notes, in 24 of 28 (86%) there was high note/transcript concordance for the diagnostic elements on our tool. Reliably included elements were red flags (92% of notes/encounters), aetiologies (88%), likelihood/uncertainties (71%) and follow-up contingencies (71%), whereas psychosocial/contextual information (35%) and mentioning common pitfalls (7%) were often missing. In 22% of encounters, follow-up contingencies were in the note, but absent from the recorded encounter. There was a trend for higher burnout scores being associated with physicians less likely to address key diagnosis items, such as psychosocial history/context.

Conclusions

A new tool shows promise as a means of assessing key elements of diagnostic quality in clinical encounters. Work conditions and physician reactions appear to correlate with diagnostic behaviours. Future research should continue to assess relationships between time pressure and diagnostic quality.
Glomerular mTORC1 activation was associated with podocytes to endothelial cells communication in lupus nephritis
Authors: Liu Xiaotian , Mao Zhaomin , Yuan Mo , Li Linlin , Tan Ying , Qu Zhen , Chen Min , Yu Feng
Published: May 2023

Objective

This study was initiated to evaluate the mammalian target of the rapamycin (mTOR) signalling pathway involved in renal endothelial-podocyte crosstalk in patients with lupus nephritis (LN).

Methods

We compared the kidney protein expression patterns of 10 patients with LN with severe endothelial-podocyte injury and 3 patients with non-severe endothelial-podocyte injury on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded kidney tissues using label-free liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry for quantitative proteomics analysis. Podocyte injury was graded by foot process width (FPW). The severe group was referred to patients with both glomerular endocapillary hypercellularity and FPW >1240 nm. The non-severe group included patients with normal endothelial capillaries and FPW in the range of 619~1240 nm. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analyses were performed based on the protein intensity levels of differentially expressed proteins in each patient. An enriched mTOR pathway was selected, and the activation of mTOR complexes in renal biopsied specimens was further verified in 176 patients with LN.

Results

Compared with those of the non-severe group, 230 proteins were upregulated and 54 proteins were downregulated in the severe group. Furthermore, GO enrichment analysis showed enrichment in the ‘positive regulation of mTOR signalling’ pathway. The glomerular activation of mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) was significantly increased in the severe group compared with the non-severe group (p=0.034), and mTORC1 was located in podocytes and glomerular endothelial cells. Glomerular activation of mTORC1 was positively correlated with endocapillary hypercellularity (r=0.289, p<0.001) and significantly increased in patients with both endocapillary hypercellularity and FPW >1240 nm (p<0.001).

Conclusions

Glomerular mTORC1 was highly activated in patients with both glomerular endocapillary hypercellularity and podocyte injury, which might be involved in podocytes to endothelial cells communication in lupus nephritis.
Differential analysis and genome-wide association analysis of stomata density of maize inbred lines leaves at ear position
Authors: Jin Yu , Wang Jinglu , Zhang Ying , Zhao Yanxin , Lu Xianju , Wen Weiliang , Liu Xiang , Guo Xinyu , Zhao Chunjiang
Published: May 2023

The stomatal complex on the surface of maize leaves is closely related to photosynthesis and transpiration, and the study of maize stomatal phenotypes and the discovery of their regulatory genes are of great importance for the breeding of high-quality and high-yielding maize. In this study, rapid scanning electron microscopy was used to obtain images of the abaxial stomata of 457 maize inbred lines with extensive genetic variation, and stomata density was obtained by counting. The results of correlation showed that stomata density was significantly correlated with leaf width, and Analysis of variance found that there were significant differences ( P value < 0.05) in stomata density among different leaf width and 100-grain weight. The highest stomata density was found in the inbred lines with wide and short leaves and higher 100-grain weight. Furthermore, genome-wide association analysis was performed using a mixed linear model. It showed that eight SNPs significantly associated with stomata density were obtained, which could explain 35.507% of the phenotypic variation. Among these, four SNPs on chromosome 5 were tightly linked, mainly formatting two haplotypes, CTTA (0.636) and TCCG (0.330). Twelve genes with functional annotation were identified within 100 kb upstream and downstream of the eight SNPs. One gene, GRMZM2G068277, which had been shown to be involved in plant mitotic processes and exhibited high expression at the leaf base, was therefore the most likely candidate gene for stomata density. The results presented here could provide references for further cloning of functional genes related to stomata density.
Towards the development of a polymer-based assembly for cryogenic detectors for neutrino-less double beta decay
Authors: Biassoni Matteo , Brofferio Chiara , Faverzani Marco , Ferri Elena , Nutini Irene , Pettinacci Valerio , Pozzi Stefano , Ghislandi Stefano , Quitadamo Simone
Published: May 2023

Cryogenic single-particle detectors are devices, operated close to absolute zero, widely used in current and future generation detectors for the search for rare particle physics processes, for example neutrino-less double beta decay. Traditionally, these detectors are assembled in copper structures inside dilution refrigerators. The use of copper, however, is expected to become a limiting factor on the path towards the background reduction needed for future generation projects. Its high density and large Z make it an effective target where gamma-rays produced by radioactive contaminants can lose part of their energy undetected, and subsequently be measured as sensitivity-spoiling spurious signals in the region of interest of the energy spectrum. We present here a new method of building assemblies for kg-scale cryogenic single particle detectors based on low Z, low density additive manufacturing-compatible polymers that can in the future be doped with scintillating compounds thus making them an active component of the experimental setup. Additive manufacturing overcomes the limitations, imposed by traditional techniques, in the design of the structures. The assembly geometry can therefore be driven by the combined needs for reduction of mass and optimization of light production and collection. The experimental setup and the performance of the detectors in terms of energy resolution and temperature stability are described.
Description of GL3-orbits on the quadruple projective spaces
Authors: Shimamoto Naoya
Published: May 2023

This paper gives a description of the diagonal [Formula: see text]-orbits on the quadruple projective space [Formula: see text]. We give explicit representatives of orbits, and describe the closure relations of orbits. A distinguished feature of our setting is that it is the simplest case, where diag[Formula: see text] has infinitely many orbits but has also an open orbit in the multiple projective space [Formula: see text].
Applying the angular spectrum representation to calculate the optical force density generated in dielectrics by tightly focused laser beams
Authors: Anghinoni Bruno , Malacarne Luis C. , Požar Tomaž , Astrath Nelson G. C.
Published: May 2023

The Angular Spectrum Representation (ASR) is applied to describe semi-analytically the optical force densities acting on linear dielectric media when a quasi-monochromatic tightly focused Gaussian beam is applied. This method is seen to be inherently faster than conventional finite-difference schemes. Numerical simulations of the optical force densities were also performed and found to be in agreement with the literature, providing a complementary tool for the study of opto-mechanical effects in matter.
Interfacial Torsional Behavior of Pipe Joints with Hardening and Softening Bond-Slip Law
Authors: Yuan Hong , Han Jun , Lu Huaqiang , Mo Ziyong , Zeng Lan
Published: May 2023

For the purpose of a better understanding of the mechanical behavior of pipe joints’ interface which is critical for the integral performance of a pipe system, and excessive torsional loading that is typical for their interfacial failure, the interfacial behavior of adhesive bonded pipe joints under torsion loads is theoretically studied throughout the full-ranged failure process based on a local bond-slip law with hardening and exponential softening. Firstly, closed-form solutions for the interfacial shear stress distribution and load–displacement response are derived to describe the four basic loading stages. Secondly, a simplified law is used by changing the exponential softening law into a tri-linear one to make the comparison. According to the analytical solutions of two laws, the influences of the bond length on load–displacement curve including the ultimate loads and relative slips are discussed, with the similarities and differences between the two laws being studied. Thirdly, by introducing a dimensionless damage parameter, the results of the finite element method (FEM) using ABAQUS modeling are compared with analytical results. Based on these coincident results, the parametric studies of bond lengths and ratios of torsion stiffness on specific cases were conducted to explain the stress transfer mechanism and interface crack propagation. Both their ultimate bearing capacity and ductility improve in an increase of bond lengths, while the ductility reduces as the ratio of torsion stiffness increases. The outcomes of this paper are helpful to improve the safety and applicability of bonded pipe joints in engineering design and application.
Modal-Based Analysis for Aiding 3D Elastic Metastructure Design
Authors: Zhang Minghui , Xiao Yi , Qin Qing-Hua
Published: May 2023

The engineered topological structures of the unit cell endow elastic metamaterials (EMMs) with the extraordinary capability to attenuate elastic waves. In real-life scenarios, a practical EMM (i.e., metastructure), consisting of a limited number of unit cells, is the truncation of the infinite EMM, which may detriment seriously the attenuation capability. To understand the mechanism behind the detriment, an efficient way to evaluate and analyze the stopbands for metastructures is essential. Instead of relying on the commonly adopted frequency response analysis to characterize stopbands for metastructures, which are sensitive to frequency sweeping steps and short of information of truncated resonance affecting wave attenuation performance, a novel modal-based method (MM) is proposed to assess the wave attenuation of 3D metastructures. Specifically, the modal-based analysis scheme incorporating the modal superposition principle and a freshly developed layer-based strain energy ratio (SER) measurement method is proposed. Through employing the MM, the opening and ceasing of the stopbands are evaluated by characterizing dominant eigenmodes developed in metastructures. Accordingly, the influences of eigenmodes induced by different mechanisms on wave attenuation performance are investigated, and the stopband formation mechanisms are elaborated. Furthermore, under the guidance of a freshly proposed modal-based design framework, metastructures with modified geometrical parameter settings (GPSs) are demonstrated with enlarged normalized bandwidths (NBs) at lower frequencies, which show improved applicability in multiple engineering disciplines.
Some results on the super domination number of a graph
Authors: Ghanbari Nima
Published: May 2023

Let [Formula: see text] be a simple graph. A dominating set of [Formula: see text] is a subset [Formula: see text] such that every vertex not in [Formula: see text] is adjacent to at least one vertex in [Formula: see text]. The cardinality of a smallest dominating set of [Formula: see text], denoted by [Formula: see text], is the domination number of [Formula: see text]. A dominating set [Formula: see text] is called a super dominating set of [Formula: see text], if for every vertex [Formula: see text], there exists [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text]. The cardinality of a smallest super dominating set of [Formula: see text], denoted by [Formula: see text], is the super domination number of [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we study super domination number of some graph classes and present sharp bounds for some graph operations.
An identification method for power grid error parameters based on sensitivity analysis and deep residual network
Authors: Wang Jingjing , Ye Mingdong , Xie Dawei , Wu Xu , Ding Chao , Peng Wei , Han Wenzhi
Published: May 2023

The planning, scheduling and operation decisions of the power grid depend on the calculation of the simulation model. Parameter errors in the grid model can lead to deviations between simulation calculations and actual grid operation. The strategy based on incorrect calculation data will lead to power outages in the actual power grid, which may cause significant economic losses and personal safety accidents. For the safe operation of power grid, a method for locating the wrong parameters of transmission line based on sensitivity analysis (SA) and deep residual network (DRN) is proposed. By calculating the sensitivity of apparent power to parameter error of each line in the power grid, the propagation characteristics of power flow error are analyzed quantitatively. An error region segmentation method is proposed to reduce the search range of error parameters from large-scale power grids to local networks which can reduce the computational complexity of the search algorithm, and increase accuracy. An error transmission line index for local power grids is proposed to identify error source in local power grids. Then, the specific wrong parameters are identified through the DRN. It can intelligently identify the error parameters from multiple parameters of the error transmission line. The calculation results of the 300-bus system verify the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed method.
Calibration and Evaluation of a Motion Measurement System for PET Imaging Studies
Authors: Wang Junxiang , Wu Ti , Iordachita Iulian , Kazanzides Peter
Published: May 2023

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) enables functional imaging of deep brain structures, but the bulk and weight of current systems preclude their use during many natural human activities, such as locomotion. The proposed long-term solution is to construct a robotic system that can support an imaging system surrounding the subject’s head, and then move the system to accommodate natural motion. This requires a system to measure the motion of the head with respect to the imaging ring, for use by both the robotic system and the image reconstruction software. We report here the design, calibration, and experimental evaluation of a parallel string encoder mechanism for sensing this motion. Our results indicate that with kinematic calibration, the measurement system can achieve accuracy within 0.5[Formula: see text]mm, especially for small motions.
Rodinia palaeogeography: Laurentia as the geological ‘Key’
Authors: Dalziel Ian W. D.
Published: May 2023

Laurentia, core of the North American continent, is surrounded by Neoproterozoic to Cambrian rifted margins. This led to early suggestions that it was located within a Neoproterozoic supercontinent, Rodinia. Recent models of Precambrian palaeogeographical development also point to a ‘Laurentia-centric’ Rodinian supercontinent. Before plate tectonics, the geometry of continental margins, comparison of cratonic interiors and sedimentary covers, and orogenic piercing points were employed to postulate the geography of Phanerozoic Pangaea. Marine studies have subsequently demonstrated that the results were remarkably accurate. Absent
in situ
Precambrian oceanic crust, the same lines of evidence are employed here to reconstruct Rodinia, together with others unavailable at that time. A strong case can be made for the former juxtaposition of the Pacific margins of Laurentia and East Antarctica–Australia approximately as proposed in the 1990s, even though the precise match remains elusive. The Atlantic margin is likely to have rifted from Baltica, Amazonia and other South American cratons along the Grenvillian orogenic suture in the early Paleozoic, although the suture itself makes accurate reconstruction difficult. A piercing point and ‘tectonic tracer’ can be used to position the Kalahari craton and Coats Land crustal block of Antarctica off the present southern margin of Laurentia and contemporaneous large igneous provinces point to Siberia being located off the Arctic margin. Hence Laurentia does appear to be the ‘Key’ to Rodinian palaeogeography even though the exact geometric fit to its surrounding cratons remains to be refined.
Heterogeneous Hadoop Cluster-Based Image Processing Workload Distribution Framework between CPU and GPU
Authors: Naz Najia , Zada Islam , Malik Abdul Haseeb , Nadeem Muhammad , Ali Sikandar
Published: May 2023

Due to the rapid development of image data and the necessity to analyze it to extract meaningful information, heterogeneous systems have gained prominence. One of the most critical aspects of distributed systems is load balancing. When it comes to the distribution of workload in a balanced manner in a cluster, some heterogeneous systems are used for image processing. When workloads are allocated in these systems, the computational power of the processors is not considered. As a result, in these heterogeneous systems for image processing applications, an uneven workload distribution issue is found. A workload distribution programming framework is presented and discussed in this paper. The proposed strategy consists of two parts. As a first step, image data is split into optimal split sizes and distributed across nodes, then the image data is distributed across CPU and GPU in a second step for processing. A heterogeneous environment is created by combining the CPU and GPU. The OpenCL Java bindings are used to set up both the CPU and GPU to run the program. To assess the performance of the suggested technique, certain tests are carried out and compared to current platforms. For image processing applications in heterogeneous clusters, the proposed workload distribution approach distributed image data efficiently. The results of the proposed solution (Hadoop + GPU) show that using an effective workload allocation mechanism in heterogeneous systems reduces average execution time while improving overall application performance.
Complexity Model for Predicting Oil Displacement by Imbibition after Fracturing in Tight-Oil Reservoirs
Authors: Chen Aijun , Zhou Yiqing , Song Rulin , Song Yangrong , Cheng Hanlie , Cadasse David
Published: May 2023

With the increasing difficulty of conventional oil and gas exploration and development, oil and gas resources have developed from conventional to unconventional, and the exploration and development of tight-oil reservoirs are highly valued. In view of the complexity of the influencing factors of oil-water spontaneous seepage after fracturing and the instability of reservoir recovery, this paper takes the tight sandstone reservoir of Yanchang Formation in the southern Ordos Basin as the research object. Based on the micro-nano pore throat characteristics of tight sandstone, the seepage experiment is carried out, and the theoretical model of seepage suction is constructed. The mechanism and influencing factors of suction and oil displacement after fracturing in tight reservoirs are analyzed. Based on the analysis of fluid buoyancy and gravity, a mathematical model of the oil-water spontaneous flow after fracturing was established, and its influencing factors were analyzed. The experimental results show that the pore throats of tight sandstone are mainly in micron- and submicron scale, and the reservoir permeability is related to the pore throat structure, oil-water interfacial tension, and wettability. After fracturing, with the increase of the fracture length, the seepage velocity gradually decreases. With the increase of fracture opening, the influence of buoyancy and gravity on seepage velocity increases. With the increase of the fracture number, seepage velocity also increases. The fracture helps to reduce the adsorption of oil droplets on the core surface and improve the efficiency of spontaneous imbibition and oil displacement of the core. The research results provide theoretical data support for enhancing oil recovery and have important application guiding significance for the operational reliability of manufacturing systems with complex topology and the complexity and operability of production operations in manufacturing systems.
Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Intestinal Parasites among Children under Five Years of Age Attended at Bachuma Primary Hospital, West Omo Zone, Southwest Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Duguma Tadesse , Worku Teshale , Sahile Samuel , Asmelash Daniel
Published: May 2023

Background. In regions of the world with low resources, such as Ethiopia, intestinal parasite diseases are still highly prevalent, especially in children. Poor personal and environmental hygiene, as well as unsafe and low-quality drinking water, are the main causes of this. This investigation aimed to determine the frequency of intestinal parasites and risk factors among children under 5 years age at Bachuma Primary Hospital in 2022. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out from October 2022 to December 2022 at Bachuma Primary Hospital, West Omo Zone, Southwest Ethiopia. Stool sample was collected from randomly selected children who were ordered to have their stool examined at the hospital laboratory and wet mount was prepared using normal saline to detect the different stage of intestinal parasites microscopically. Moreover, data related to the sociodemographic and associated risk factors was collected using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were computed to describe the characteristics of the study participants and determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites. Data were entered into Epi-data manager and analysed using statistical packages for social sciences (SPSS) version 25.0, respectively. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed, with variables with a

p

value of <0.05 considered statistically significant. Result: Infection with at least one intestinal parasite among children was 29.4% (95% CI: 24.5–34.7). Ascaris lumbricoide and Giardia lamblia were responsible for 8% (26/323) and 4% (13/323) of the prevalence of helminth and protozoans, respectively. A multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that children whose residence was rural had an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of 5.048 (

p
=
0.001

), those who did not wash their hands before meals had an AOR of 7.749 (

p
=
0.001

), a child with not trimmed fingernails had an AOR of 2.752 (

p
=
0.010

), a child who frequently experienced stomach pain and whose source of water was pond had an AOR of 2.415 (

p
=
0.028

) and 3.796 (

p
=
0.040

), respectively. Conclusion. In this study, the prevalence of intestinal parasites recorded was low. Rural residency, absence of child hand washing practice before meal, and not trimming fingernail were among factors significantly associated with intestinal parasite infection.
A Caching-Enabled Permissioned Blockchain Scheme for Industrial Internet of Things Based on Deep Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Liu Peng , Yao Chuanjian , Li Chunpei , Zhang Shuyi , Li Xianxian
Published: May 2023

The integration of the industrial internet of things (IIoT) and blockchain has become a popular concept that provides IIoT with a trustworthy computing environment. Numerous IIoT nodes together form a decentralized network with rich location-aware computation resources, which can offer great data processing capabilities and low-latency services. However, we still face the challenges of how to efficiently process the massive IIoT data on resource-constrained IIoT nodes by blockchain smart contracts, as their storage capacity only allows them to store limited blockchain data. This work is aimed at improving the smart contract execution efficiency on these IIoT nodes by caching based on deep reinforcement learning. On the one hand, focusing on the characteristics of IIoT, the ledger structure, network architecture, and transaction flow are optimized. IIoT nodes are enabled to store and cache part of block data without affecting global data consistency. On the other hand, we formulated the blockchain caching problem as a Markov decision process and implemented a lightweight caching agent based on deep Q-learning. Proper features and a reward function are defined to minimize the execution delay of smart contracts. The extensive experimental results show that our proposed scheme can effectively reduce the data dissemination costs and smart contract execution delays of IIoT nodes that hold limited blockchain data.
Postoperative Endophthalmitis after Combined Cataract Extraction and iStent Inject Implantation
Authors: Huang Johnson , Nguyen Minh T. , Tsukikawa Mai , Chen Andrew
Published: May 2023

Purpose. To report a case of postoperative endophthalmitis after combined cataract extraction and iStent inject implantation. Observation. A 70-year-old male with a nuclear sclerotic cataract and primary open-angle glaucoma underwent an uneventful phacoemulsification cataract extraction with implantation of an intraocular lens and an iStent inject trabecular bypass stent. The patient was prescribed a postoperative regimen of ofloxacin 0.3% and prednisolone acetate 1%, 1 drop four times a day each. On postoperative day five, he presented to the emergency room for eye pain and had 4+ mixed cells in the anterior chamber (AC) without hypopyon or vitritis on exam. Prednisolone 1% eye drops were increased from four times a day to every two hours while awake. Overnight, he developed worsening vision and severe eye pain. The next morning, he was found to have increased AC cells, vitritis, and intraretinal hemorrhages and was diagnosed with endophthalmitis. The patient underwent a vitreous tap and intravitreal injections of vancomycin (1 mg/0.1 mL) and amikacin (0.4 mg/0.1 mL). Cultures grew Staphylococcus epidermidis. Lab work-up revealed underlying neutropenia. Visual acuity eventually recovered to 20/20. Conclusion and Importance. This report highlights a case of endophthalmitis associated with placement of the iStent inject. The infection was well-controlled after administration of intravitreal antibiotics without removal of the iStent inject, and visual acuity eventually recovered to 20/20. Surgeons should be aware of endophthalmitis risk following combined iStent inject placement, and good recovery is possible without removal of the implant.
Low Skeletal Muscle Mass and the Incidence of Delirium in Hospitalized Older Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies
Authors: Shen Yuhou , Wan Qianyi , Zhao Rui , Chen Yi , Xia Lin , Wu Yutao , Xiao Shuomeng , Wang Yong , Zhao Lihao , Li Tao , Wu Xiaoting
Published: May 2023

Background. Both low skeletal muscle mass and delirium are prevalent in older hospitalized patients, while their associations are unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to investigate the associations between low skeletal muscle mass and the incidence of delirium in hospitalized patients. Methods. The PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase were searched for relevant studies published before May 2022, and we conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis according to the PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines. The summary odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated, and subgroup analyses were also conducted according to the age and major surgeries. Results. Finally, nine studies with 3 828 patients were included. The pooled result showed no significant association between low skeletal muscle mass and the incidence of delirium (OR 1.69, 95% CI 0.85 to 2.52). However, sensitivity analysis suggested that one study caused a significant alteration of the summary result, and the meta-analysis of the remaining 8 studies showed that low skeletal muscle mass was significantly associated with an 88% increased incidence of delirium (OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.43 to 2.33). Furthermore, subgroup analyses indicated that low skeletal muscle mass was associated with a higher incidence of delirium in patients ≥75 years old or undergoing major surgeries instead of those <75 years old or without surgeries, respectively. Conclusions. Hospitalized patients with low skeletal muscle mass might have higher incidence of delirium, particularly in those of older age and undergoing major surgeries. Therefore, great attention should be paid to these patients.
Boundary Guidance Strategy and Method for Urban Traffic Congestion Region Management in Internet of Vehicles Environment
Authors: Ren Chuanxiang , Wang Zhen , Yin Changchang , Xu Hui , Wang Li , Guo Luyao , Li Juntao
Published: May 2023

Accelerated urbanization has increased regional traffic congestion. To alleviate traffic congestion in a homogeneous road network, combined with the advantage of real-time traffic information obtained by the Internet of Vehicles (IoVs), a boundary guidance strategy for traffic congestion region is proposed. The strategy considers the optimal operation state of traffic congestion region and is divided into two categories according to different destinations of traffic demands. Meanwhile, a method for the boundary guidance strategy is presented in which the macroscopic fundamental diagram (MFD) is used to determine the optimal accumulation, a traffic flow equilibrium model is established to calculate the real-time accumulation, and a fuzzy adaptive PID control algorithm is designed to calculate the optimal traffic inflow of the traffic congestion region. Furthermore, an example is selected for simulation. The results show that the boundary guidance strategy can effectively improve the operational state of the road network and alleviate traffic congestion. Finally, the influence of connected vehicle penetration rate on the strategy is discussed. The simulation results show that the strategy can improve the operation state of the road network under mixed traffic flow, and the higher the penetration rate, the more significant its effect on alleviating traffic congestion.
Assessment of Solar Panel Using Multiattribute Decision‐Making Approach Based on Intuitionistic Fuzzy Aczel Alsina Heronian Mean Operator
Authors: Hussain Abrar , Ullah Kifayat , Pamucar Dragan , Haleemzai Izatmand , Tatić Dušan
Published: May 2023

Multiattribute decision‐making (MADM) approach is an effective method for handling ambiguous information in a practical situation. The process of the MADM technique has drawn a lot of interest from various academic and selection processes of extensive analysis. The aggregation operators (AOs) are the best mathematical tools and received a lot of attention from researchers. This article explored the theory of intuitionistic fuzzy IF sets (IFSs) and their certain fundamental operations. The theory of triangular norms also explores Aczel Alsina operations (AAOs) in advanced mathematical tools. The concepts of Heronian mean (HM) and geometric HM (GHM) operators are presented to define interrelationships among different opinions. We developed a list of certain AOs by utilizing AAOs under the system IF information, namely, IF Aczel Alsina HM (IFAAHM), IF Aczel Alsina weighted HM (IFAAWHM), IF Aczel Alsina GHM (IFAAGHM), and IF Aczel Alsina weighted GHM (IFAAWGHM) operators. Some particular characteristics of our invented methodologies are also presented. Solar energy is an effective, efficient resource to enhance electricity production and the country’s economic growth. Therefore, we studied an application of solar panel systems to solve real‐life problems under a robust technique of the MADM approach by utilizing our invented approaches of IFAAWHM and IFAAWGHM operators. A numerical example was also given to select more suitable solar panels under our proposed methodologies. To find the competitiveness and feasibility of discussed methodologies, we make an inclusive comparative study in which we contrast the results of existing AOs with the consequences of current approaches.
A CNN‐Based Chest Infection Diagnostic Model: A Multistage Multiclass Isolated and Developed Transfer Learning Framework
Authors: Ali Muhammad Umair , Kallu Karam Dad , Masood Haris , Tahir Usama , Gopi Chandu V. V. Muralee , Zafar Amad , Lee Seung Won
Published: May 2023

In 2019, a deadly coronaviral infection (COVID‐19) that infected millions of people globally was detected in China. This fatal virus affects the respiratory system and currently spreads to more than 200 nations worldwide. COVID‐19 may be found using a chest X‐ray scan, a reliable imaging method. Although an expert may examine an X‐ray scan manually, this process takes a lot of time. Therefore, deep convolutional neural networks (CNNs) may be utilized to automate this procedure. In this work, at the first step, a novel isolated 19‐layer CNN model is developed from scratch to detect chest infections using X‐rays. Then, the developed model is reutilized to distinguish the type of chest infection, such as COVID‐19, fibrosis, pneumonia, and tuberculosis, using the transfer learning approach. Stochastic gradient descent with momentum is utilized to optimize the model. The proposed multistage framework shows 98.85% and 97% classification accuracies for chest infection detection (binary classification between normal and patient) and four‐class subclassification (COVID‐19, fibrosis, pneumonia, and tuberculosis) for an online chest X‐ray dataset. The reliability of the proposed multistage CNN model was further validated through a new dataset, showing an accuracy of 98.5%. The proposed multistage methodology took minimal training time compared to publically available pretrained models. Therefore, the presented multistage deep learning framework can help doctors in clinical practices.