bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Robust Stabilizing Control for Oscillatory Base Manipulators by Implicit Lyapunov Method
Authors: Guo Yufei , Hou Baolin , Xu Shengyue , Mei Ruilin , Wang Zhigang , Huynh Van Thanh
Published: May 2021

Oscillatory base manipulators (OBMs) are a kind of mechanical systems suffering from unexpected base oscillations. The oscillations affect tremendously system stability. Various control methods have been explored, but most of them require measurement or prediction of the oscillations. This study is concerned with a novel OBM-the autoloader, which are used in modern, autonomous main battle tanks. The base oscillation of the autoloader is hard to be obtained in practice. Furthermore, control synthesis for autoloaders is complicated with intrinsic payload uncertainty and actuator saturation. To address these issues, a novel robust control scheme is proposed in this work relying on the implicit Lyapunov method. Moreover, a novel two-Degree-of-Freedom manipulator operating on a vibrating base is constructed to realize the proposed control. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study considering both control and hardware implementation for the OBM-like autoloaders. Experimental results demonstrate that, although without prior information of the base oscillation, the proposed controller exhibits good robustness against the base oscillation and payload uncertainty.
Techno-Economic and Environmental Assessment for Biomethane Production and Cogeneration Scenarios From OFMSW In Mexico
Authors: Anaya-Reza Omar , Altamirano-Corona María Fe , Castelan-Rodríguez Gabriel , García-González Sergio Adrian , Durán-Moreno Alfonso
Published: May 2021

Mexico City is one of the largest cities in the world and therefore there is a high generation of waste, of which 44% is equivalent to the Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Waste (OFMSW). In this work, two case studies are evaluated for the application of biogas obtained in an anaerobic digestion process using OFMSW. CASE I considers obtaining biomethane, while CASE II considers energy cogeneration. The biogas yield was determined and was used to carry out an analysis of the process through an economic and environmental impact evaluation on different amounts of OFMSW (100-500 MT). The net present value of this project does not show the feasibility of the process, unless subsidy support is considered. The value of the smallest subsidy over the total investment to find NPV = 0, is 5.64 % for CASE I and 6.84% for CASE II at 200 MT of OFMSW. The WAste Reduction (WAR) methodology was used, which shows that the potential for environmental impact for the two cases is only 4%. The in-depth research of this work helps to maintain the anaerobic digestion process in a circular economy context, for the supply of energy and the protection of the environment.
Advances and Physicochemical Property Investigations by Methylene Chain Length of Perovskite-type Layer Crystals [NH3(CH2)nNH3]CdCl4 (n=2, 3, and 4)
Authors: Lim Ae Ran
Published: May 2021

Hybrid perovskites have potential applications in several electrochemical devices such as supercapacitors, batteries, and fuel cells. However, despite various potential applications, there have been limited studies on compounds containing Cd. Therefore, in this study, the structures and phase transition temperatures TC of organic–inorganic perovskite [NH3(CH2)nNH3]CdCl4 (n=2, 3, and 4) were confirmed by X-ray diffraction and DSC experiments. The thermal stabilities obtained by TGA and DTA results were considered as a function of the length n of the CH2 groups in the cation. In addition, structural characteristics and molecular dynamics of the cation and anion near TC were studied by 1H MAS NMR, 13C MAS NMR, 14N static NMR, and 113Cd MAS NMR experiments. From these results, regardless of whether n is even or odd, the differences in thermal and physical properties were minimal. Rather, the difference in molecular motion relative to the length of the cation was seen only at higher temperatures. These results provide insights into the thermal stability and molecular dynamics of [NH3(CH2)nNH3]CdCl4 crystals and are expected to facilitate potential applications.
COVID19 Vaccine Intentions in South Africa: Health Communication Strategy to Address Vaccine Hesitancy
Authors: Kollamparambil Umakrishnan , Oyenubi Adeola , Nwosu Chijioke
Published: May 2021

Background: Widespread vaccine acceptance is key to achieving herd immunity through vaccination against COVID19, especially because the available vaccines do not have 100% efficacy. The continued infection amongst the unvaccinated can lead to heightened risk of further virus mutation, exposing even those vaccinated to new virus strains. Therefore, there are social benefits in minimising vaccine hesitancy. The objective of this study is to assess the level of COVID19 vaccine hesitancy in South Africa, identify the socio-economic patterns in vaccine hesitancy and to develop a targeted health communication strategy based on the HBM and EPPM models in order to improve vaccine acceptance. Methods: The study uses the nationally representative National Income Dynamics Study - Coronavirus Rapid Mobile Survey (NIDS-CRAM) survey. The analysis combines univariate and bivariate statistics together with multivariate regression models like binomial/ordinal logit and seemingly unrelated regressions.Results: The study finds that vaccine acceptance is lower than that of non-pharmaceutical intervention life face-mask use. Only 55% are fully accepting of the vaccine, while a further 16% are moderately accepting of vaccines. Together, vaccine acceptance is estimated at 70.8% and vaccine hesitancy against COVID19 is estimated at 29.2% amongst the adult South African population. The reasons cited for vaccine hesitancy are primarily due to concerns regarding the side-effects and efficacy of vaccine. the study has identified perceived risk of infection with the mediating role of efficacy as a key predictor of vaccine intention. Apart from vulnerability to infection, those perceiving higher severity of risk (elderly and those with chronic illness) have lower hesitancy. Higher awareness of COVID19 related information and higher household income are correlated with lower vaccine hesitancy. The non-black African population group has significantly high vaccine hesitancy compared to black Africans. Males on average have lower hesitancy compared to females, and unmarried/unpartnered individuals are found to have higher hesitancy. Conclusions: There are other significant differences across socio-economic and demographic variables in vaccine hesitancy. From a communication perspective, it is imperative to continue risk messaging, hand in hand with clearer information on the efficacy of the vaccines
Does Myocardial Bridge Appear More Frequently and Diffusely on Radial Access Coronary Angiography?
Authors: senoz oktay , emren zeynep yapan
Published: May 2021

Background: Although the incidence of myocardial bridge (MB) has been defined in different conventional coronary angiography (CCA) studies,the frequency of MB in radial access coronary angiography (RACA) is unknown.The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of MB in patients undergoing RACA.Method: A total of 2600 consecutive patients who underwent RACA were retrospectively investigated to detect the presence of MB.The clinical,laboratory, and angiographic features of the patients with MB were analyzed. Results: MB was detected at an incidence of 10.2%, in 255/2600 patients who underwent RACA.The most involved coronary artery was the left anterior descending artery (LAD) (86.9%) and the mid segment (84.9%) was the most affected section.Co-involvement of multiple coronary arteries by MB was 7.8%. Coronary artery disease (CAD) was determined in 102 (36.2%) of the coronary arteries with MB, 82.4% which were proximal to the MB.Conclusion: These data demonstrated that the incidence of MB able to be detected on RACA was much higher than reported in previous CCA studies.
Cancer-associated Fibroblasts Are Associated With Poor Prognosis in Solid Type of Lung Adenocarcinoma: Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Min Kyueng-Whan , Kim Dong-Hoon , Son Byoung Kwan , Kwon Mi Jung , Moon Ji-Yong
Published: May 2021

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) participate in critical processes in the tumor microenvironment, such as extracellular matrix remodeling, reciprocal signaling interactions with cancer cells and crosstalk with infiltrating inflammatory cells. However, the relationships between CAFs and survival are not well known in lung cancer. The aim of this study was to reveal the correlations of CAFs with survival rates, genetic alterations and immune activities. This study reviewed the histological features of 517 patients with lung adenocarcinoma from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. We performed gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), network-based analysis and survival analysis based on CAFs in four histological types of lung adenocarcinoma: acinar, papillary, micropapillary and solid. We found four hallmark gene sets, the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, angiogenesis, hypoxia, and inflammatory response gene sets, that were associated with the presence of CAFs. CAFs were associated with tumor proliferation, elevated memory CD4+ T cells and high CD274 (encoding PD-L1) expression. In the pathway analyses, CAFs were related to blood vessel remodeling, matrix organization, negative regulation of apoptosis and transforming growth factor-b signaling. In the survival analysis of each histological type, CAFs were associated with poor prognosis in the solid type. These results may contribute to the development of therapeutic strategies against lung adenocarcinoma cases in which CAFs are present.
Intraoperative Midflexion Medial Laxity Affects Patient Expectations Following Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Hasegawa Masahiro , Tone Shine , Naito Yohei , Sudo Akihiro
Published: May 2021

Background: Patient satisfaction and expectations are now recognized as an outcome measure for successful total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of this study was to determine which factors including soft tissue balance during surgery affect patient satisfaction and expectations after TKA.Methods: A total of 135 patients (157 knees) with knee osteoarthritis who underwent primary TKA with a posterior stabilized design were studied. After implantation of all components, varus/valgus laxity of the knee was measured intraoperatively with the knee at 0°, 30°, 60°, 90°, and 120° guided by an image-free navigation system. Factors that affected patient satisfaction and expectations, including lateral and medial laxities, were evaluated using the 2011 Knee Society score.Results: The mean intraoperative lateral laxity was 1.1°, 1.6°, 0.9°, 1.3°, and 1.7° with the knee at 0°, 30°, 60°, 90°, and 120°, respectively. The mean intraoperative medial laxity was 1.1°, 1.4°, 1.1°, 1.1°, and 1.7° with the knee at 0°, 30°, 60°, 90°, and 120°, respectively. Patient satisfaction after TKA correlated positively with symptom (R = 0.61, P < 0.01) and functional activity (R = 0.47, P < 0.01) scores. Patient expectations after TKA correlated positively with symptom (R = 0.29, P < 0.01) and functional activity (R = 0.20, P = 0.01) scores, and negatively with medial laxity at 30° (R = -0.21, P < 0.01).Conclusion: Midflexion medial laxity was associated with worse patient expectations after TKA. Avoiding medial laxity could be one of the important techniques during TKA.
Field-based tree mortality observations constrain model-projected forest carbon sinks across continents
Authors: Yu Kailiang , Ciais Philippe , Seneviratne Sonia , Liu Zhihua , Chen Han , Barichivich Jonathan , Allen Craig , Yang Hui , Huang Yuanyuan , Ballantyne Ashley
Published: May 2021

Considerable uncertainty and debate exist in projecting the future capacity of forests to sequester atmospheric CO2. Here we generate spatially explicit patterns of biomass loss by mortality (LOSS) from a dataset (n = 2676) of long-term (1951 to 2018), largely unmanaged forest plots to constrain projected (2015–2099) net primary productivity (NPP), heterotrophic respiration (HR) and net carbon sink in six dynamic global vegetation models (DGVMs) across North and South America, Africa, Asia, and Australia. This approach was motivated by the higher accuracy of field-derived LOSS estimates and the strong relationship among LOSS, NPP, and HR at continental or biome scales. The field observations showed higher values of LOSS in tropical regions (0.53 Kg m− 2 y− 1) than in North America (0.22 Kg m− 2 y− 1). The upscaled gridded LOSS map show hotspots in Southern Asia & Australia, Northwestern South America, and the western coast of North America. The DGVMs overestimated LOSS, particularly in tropical regions and eastern North America by as much as 0.5 Kg m2− y1. The spread of DGVM-projected NPP and HR uncertainties was substantially reduced after constraining the simulations with the observed LOSS patterns. The observation-constrained models show a decrease in the tropical forest carbon sink by the end of the century, particularly across South America (from 2 to 1.3 PgC y1), and an increase in the sink in North America (from 0.75 to 0.97 PgC y1). These results suggest that forest demographic data can be used to constrain land carbon sink projections.
Association Between Health Insurance and Race With Mortality From Trauma: a Retrospective Study
Authors: Gwarzo Ibrahim , Perez-Patron Maria , Xu Xiaohui , Radcliff Tiffany , Horney Jennifer
Published: May 2021

Background: The population health implications of the growing burden of trauma-related mortality may be influenced by access to health insurance coverage, and demographic characteristics such as race and ethnicity. We investigated the effects of health insurance status and race/ethnicity on the risk of mortality among trauma victims in Texas.Methods: Using Texas trauma registry data from 2014 - 2016, we categorized health insurance coverage into private, public, and uninsured, and categorized patients with serious injuries into Non-Hispanic Whites, Non-Hispanic Blacks, Hispanics Any-Race, and Others. Multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate the effects of health insurance status and race/ethnicity on mortality, controlling for age, gender, severity of the trauma, cause of trauma, presence of comorbid conditions, trauma center designation, presence of a traumatic brain injury (TBI), and severity of a TBI. Results: From January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2016, there were 415,159 trauma cases in Texas; 8,827 (2.1%) were fatal. Among patients with at least a moderate injury, 24, 606 (17.4%) were uninsured, and 98, 237 (69.4%) identified as Non-Hispanic White. In the multivariate analysis, Hispanics of any race and Non-Hispanic Blacks had higher adjusted odds of trauma mortality compared to Non-Hispanic Whites [ORHispanics= 1.25: 95% CI (1.16 – 1.36)] [ORBlacks= 2.11: 95% CI (1.87 – 2.37)]. Similarly, compared to privately insured, uninsured patients had 86% higher odds of trauma-related death [OR= 1.86: 95% CI (1.66 – 2.05)]. The effects of lack of health insurance on trauma mortality varied across race/ethnicity of the victims; uninsured Non-Hispanic Blacks had disproportionately higher adjusted odds of trauma mortality than uninsured Whites. Conclusion: Using Texas trauma registry data, we found significant disparities in trauma-related mortality risk based on race/ethnicity and health insurance coverage. The identification of trauma mortality inequalities could inform the design and implementation of future public health interventions.
Adipogenic Differentiation Was Inhibited by Downregulation of PPARγ Signaling Pathway in Aging Tendon Stem/ Progenitor Cells
Authors: Lai Fan , Wang Jingjing , Tang Hong , Bian Xuting , Lu Kang , He Gang , Huang Pan , Liu Juan , Zhou Mei , Liu Jian , Tao Xu , Tang Kang-lai
Published: May 2021

Background: Tendon stem/progenitor cells (TSPCs) play a vital role in tendon repair and regeneration. Previously we found more adipocytes accumulated in the patellar tendon injury sites in aging rats compared with the young ones, of which the mechanism is still unknown. Here we want to identify whether erroneous differentiation of TSPCs by aging accounts for the adipocyte accumulation. Methods: TSPCs from young and aging rats were isolated and propagated. Both young and aging TSPCs were induced to differentiate into adipocytes, and Oil red O staining, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR), western-blot and immunofluorescent staining were used to evaluate the capability of TSPCs. RNA sequencing was utilized to screen out different genes and signaling pathways related to adipogenesis between young and aging TSPCs. Results: The Oil red O staining showed there were more adipocytes formed in young TSPCs. Besides, adipogenic markers perilipin, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ(PPARγ), CCAAT/enhancer-binding proteins alpha (C/EBPα) and Fatty acid-binding protein 4(FABP4) were elevated both at gene and protein level. PPARγ signaling pathway was selected as our target via RNA sequencing. After adding the signaling activators, Rosiglitazone maleate (RM), inhibited adipogenesis of aging TSCs was reversed. Conclusions: In conclusion, aging inhibited adipogenesis of TSPCs by down‐regulating PPARγ signaling. It is not likely that the adipocyte accumulation in aging tendon during repair was due to the aging of TSPCs. This may provide new targets for curing aging tendon injuries or tendinopathies.
MRI Assessment of Degeneration of Multifidus and Erector Spinae Muscles in Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain
Authors: Yazici Alikemal , Yerlikaya Tuba , Oniz Adile
Published: May 2021

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the degeneration of lumbar musculus multifidus (L.MF) and lumbar musculus erector spinae (L.ES) muscles in healthy individuals and patients with mechanical low back pain and lumbar discopathy without root compression (radiculopathy), and to examine the relationship between low back pain by comparing the results according to gender, pain and lumbar segments between the groups. Methods: The study included 30 healthy individuals (Group 1), 30 patients with mechanical low back pain (Group 2) and 30 patients with lumbar discopathy without root compression (radiculopathy) (Group 3). Pain severity was evaluated using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Right and left L.MF and L.ES cross-sectional areas (CSA), total cross-sectional areas (TCSA =L.MF+L.ES), fat infiltrations, and asymmetries between the right and left sides were evaluated. L.MF and L.ES muscles CSA and TCSA, fat infiltrations, asymmetries between the right and left sides were evaluated in the patients at the L3-S1 level, in axial Magnetic Resonance Imaging.Results: The mean value of the CSA differed between the groups only in the right L.MF and in the healthy group (p=0.011). No statistically significant difference was observed between the TCSA values of the groups, but a significant difference was found between the groups in terms of fat infiltration in right and left L.MF and left L.ES (p=0.011, p=0.001, p=0.027, respectively). When CSA and TCSA were examined according to gender within the group, the values were found to be significantly higher in males (p<0.001). The CSA and TCSA values ​​of L.MF and L.ES differed between segments (L3-L4, L4-L5, L5-S1) (p<0.001). There was no asymmetry between the right/left CSA and TCSA of the groups. Fat infiltration differed according to gender (p=0.001) and segments (p<0.001).Conclusion: Fat infiltration in the lumbar multifidus muscle was associated with mechanical low back pain and lumbar discopathy. The fact that there was no difference between the cross-sectional area and the total cross-sectional area between the groups indicates the need to measure the FCSA or muscle atrophy due to fat infiltration in the evaluation of muscle mass, rather than CSA and TCSA.
Radiotherapy Increases Major Complications and Complication-related Reconstruction Failures in Patients with Implant-based Breast Reconstruction
Authors: Li Zhang , Wang Xuanyi , Jin Kairui , Yang Zhaozhi , Wang Junqi , Shi Wei , Mei Xin , Chen Xingxing , Wang Xiaofang , Meng Jin , Ma Jinli , Wu Jiong , Shao Zhimin , Zhang Zhen , Yu Xiaoli , Guo Xiaomao
Published: May 2021

Purpose This study was designed to assess the impact of post-mastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) on reconstruction complications and failures in patients undergoing mastectomy and different types of breast reconstruction.Methods We retrospectively identified 832 breast cancer patients who underwent mastectomy and breast reconstruction at Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center between June 2001 and December 2015. Of these, 159 patients received PMRT, and 673 patients did not receive PMRT. The endpoints of the reconstruction outcomes included any complications, major complications, overall reconstruction failures and complication-related reconstruction failures. Multivariate analysis was applied to identify independent predictors of reconstruction outcomes in patients with different types of breast reconstruction. The nomogram model was built on the basis of the multivariate analysis to predict complication-related reconstruction failures.Results The median follow-up time was 58.5 months. Of all 832 patients, 394 patients received implant-based reconstruction, and 438 patients received autologous reconstruction. For patients with implant-based reconstruction, multivariate analysis showed that PMRT was associated with 3.16 times (95% CI 1.17-8.54, p=0.023) higher odds of major complications and 3.22 times (95% CI 1.01-10.20, p=0.047) higher odds of complication-related reconstruction failures but was not associated with any complications (OR 1.73, 95% CI 0.88-3.38, p=0.113) or overall reconstruction failures (OR 2.09, 95% CI 0.76-5.73, p=0.152). The nomogram model for implant-based reconstruction showed good predictive performance for complication-related reconstruction failures (AUC =0.714).Conclusions PMRT appears to be associated with an increased risk of major complications and complication-related reconstruction failures in patients with implant-based reconstruction.
Leucine-rich repeats and immunoglobulin-like domains protein 1 (LRIG1) is downregulated in Invasive ductal carcinoma: a potential prognostic marker of breast cancer
Authors: Piracha Zahra Zahid , Saeed Umar
Published: May 2021

LRIG1 (leucine-rich repeat and immunoglobulin-like domain containing), belongs to LRIG family of transmembrane proteins containing leucine rich repeats. LRIGs are considered as tumor suppressor as they negatively regulate receptor tyrosine kinases. The role of LRIG1 as an EGFR regulator makes it an important marker to be studied in various epithelial-derived cancers. LRIG1 expression was low in Erbb2+ cell lines and more cell motility were observed. AKT/GSK3-β/β-catenin pathway was activated when LRIG1 was downregulated and consequently, Erbb2 was upregulated. So far, no study has reported the expression of LRIG1 in benign forms of tumor such as fibroadenoma. Current study aims to analyze LRIG1 expression in fibroadenoma and Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) tissues. In this study, we compared the LRIG1 expression with different clinicopathological parameters of patients having IDC or fibroadenoma. Our results indicated that LRIG1 expression can be significantly correlated with age, Nottingham index and Her2/ neu status of cancer. The expression of LRIG1 in IDC and fibroadenoma were found to be significantly different. The fibroadenoma tissue sections were found to express LRIG1 more intensely as compared to the IDC sections which are in line with the studies reporting reduced copy number of the gene either due to gene deletion or transcriptional inhibition. This further lends supports to the previous studies showing that the down regulation of LRIG1 may lead to a more aggressive and malignant tumor thus acting as a tumor suppressor.
Eggs With Trilobite Larvae in a Cambrian Community. Modeling the Hydrodynamics
Authors: Lan Tian , Zhao Yuanlong , Esteve Jorge , Zhao Fangchen , Li Cong , Martinez Pedro
Published: May 2021

Background: Reproductive behaviors include mating, pregnancy, birth, and ulterior brood care. Fossil records (eggs, nests, etc.) provide a glimpse into the reproductive sequences of ancient animals. Here, we show putative trilobite egg clusters from the middle Cambrian (Miaolingian, Wuliuan Stage) that were found in the Kaili Formation, South China. The arrangement of these egg clusters would ensure efficient oxygen diffusion from the water into cells.Results: We applied a computational fluid mechanics simulation method to understand the behavior of Kaili trilobite eggs in Cambrian seawater under different flow patterns. The drag force and lift force load on the eggs increased rapidly when current speeds exceeded 0.2 m/s. Moreover, the drag coefficient of the single egg model was 1.8–2 times larger than that of each egg in the egg cluster model. The trilobite larva within the egg cluster (ca. 0.5 mm in size) are smaller than the eggs (ca. 0.6 mm), which indicates that they had recently hatched.Conclusions: We suggest that not all trilobites had an unmineralized preliminary stage in their ontogeny and that some protaspis shield may have been formed before hatching. Moreover, we hypothesize that aquatic animals can use egg clustering to effectively reduce the effects of drag and lift forces from the surrounding water.
Enhancement of Reputation Aggregation based Dynamic Trust Protocols for Edge Computing based E-Health Care System
Authors: Christo Mary Subaja , M Bommi R , P Anandaraj S , M Udhaya Sankar S , V Anbarasu , G Ramkumar
Published: May 2021

In recent years, E-services such as e-healthcare, e-learning, e-ticketing, depend on computer networks where the attackers have started introducing new types of attacks. Therefore, it is necessary to enhance security for communication which is needed for the transfer of confidential information relating to patients through the network. In our research we have developed a reputation aggregation based dynamic trust model for edge computing based E-health care systems. In this model, the edge node evaluates the trust value of a user and allows the user to access the E-health care system only when the trust value is satisfied. In order to do this, initially the user information is collected with the help of user agents and then this information is processed and the relevant data alone is sent to the edge nodes for evaluating the trust. Finally, the trusted users can be identified through edge nodes and they are only given the permission to access the e-health care system. Attacks generated in the simulations are detected using the prevailing algorithms and also the suggested techniques. The simulation results of this work prove the ability of the proposed techniques which are used to detect the attacks accurately and to prevent them effectively.
Pre-hospital Management in Trauma Patients: a Comparison Between Austria and Germany
Authors: Kanovsky Amelie , Deininger Christian , Wichlas Florian , Traweger Andreas , Lefering Rolf , Mueller Ernst J.
Published: May 2021

ObjectivesTo compare the pre-hospital treatment and intervention regimen for major trauma patients with comparable injury patterns between Austria (AUT) and Germany (GER). Patients and MethodsThis analysis is based on data retrieved from the TraumaRegister DGU®. Data included severely injured trauma patients with an Injury Severity Score (ISS) ≥ 16, an age ≥ 16, and who were primary admitted to an Austrian (n=4.186) or German (n=41.670) Level I Trauma Center from 2008 to 2017. Endpoints included pre-hospital times and interventions performed until final hospital admission. The analyzed data include patients’ demographics, mode of transportation, pre-hospital time management, hemodynamic stability, and various pre-hospital interventions.ResultsThe cumulative time for transportation from the site of accident to the hospital did not significantly differ between the countries (62 min. in AUT, 65 min. in GER). Overall, 53% of all trauma patients in AUT were transported to the hospital with a helicopter compared to 37% in GER (P<0.001). The rate of intubation - 48% in both countries, the number of chest tubes placed (5.7% GER, 4.9% AUT), and the frequency of administered catecholamines (13.4% GER, 12.3% AUT) was comparable (Φ=0.00). Hemodynamic instability upon arrival in the TC was higher in AUT, (20.6% vs. 14.7% in GER; P<0.001). A median of 500mL of fluid was administered in AUT, whereas in GER 1000mL were infused (P<0.001). Patient demographics did not reveal a relationship (Φ=0.00) and the majority of patients sustained a blunt trauma (96%). ConclusionA significant higher number of Helicopter EMS transports (HEMS) were carried out in AUT. This can be explained by the overall lack of a unified transport algorithm. The authors suggest implementing an international guideline to explicitly use the HEMS system for trauma patients only a) for the rescue/care of people who have had an accident or are in life-threatening situations, b) for the transport of emergency patients with ISS>16, c) for transport of rescue personnel to hard-to-reach regions or, d) for the transport of medicinal products. Further, the amount of administered fluid in the pre-clinical setting should follow the concept of permissive hypotension/ hypotensive resuscitation, however the data are still inconclusive and mandate further research.
Injury protection strategies for H63D syndrome patients suffering from cataplexy
Authors: Adams Jacob S , Seideman David , Honda Riku , Smith Lucas , Diamandis Carolina
Published: May 2021

Patients suffering from H63D syndrome have a significant incidence of narcolepsy with cataplexy as a symptom. Previous studies have shown that the presence of narcolepsy with cataplexy in the context of H63D syndrome is a surrogate marker for structural brain damage. Now, the aim was to clarify which measures best protect affected patients with cataplexy from injury.
Effects of information and communication technology use in nursing and obstetric learning in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review
Authors: Pilabré Arzouma Hermann , Ngangué Patrice , Bationo Nestor , Tassembédo Issouf , Traoré Doulaye , Kinda Abel , Soubeiga Dieudonné
Published: May 2021

Background

The use of ICT in learning has become commonplace in higher education and, consequently, in nurses, midwives, and other health professionals worldwide. This use has become widespread and intensified since the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite growing evidence that e-learning has positive effects, studies on the effects of ICT use in nursing and midwifery learning in low- and middle-income countries are limited.
Objectives

This systematic review aims to identify and synthesize the effects of information and communication technologies utilization in nursing and obstetric learning in low- and middle-income countries.
Methods

A search of articles published from 2016 to 2020 on the effects of ICT use in nursing and obstetric learning was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, Epistemonikos and ERIC using free and controlled vocabularies. All original articles meeting the predefined criteria were included. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) guidelines, searches were performed among published and unpublished articles. Data were extracted and assessed for quality using the Mixed Methods Analysis Tool (MMAT).
Results

Of 483 articles identified, eleven were reviewed, and eight were found to be relevant. The included articles were synthesized into a narrative synthesis. The effects of using ICT in learning are related to student motivation, autonomy in learning, meaningful acquisition of knowledge and skills. Furthermore, students have a positive perception of the use of ICT in learning.
Conclusion

The results of this study on the use of ICTs in nursing and midwifery learning in low- and middle-income countries show that ICTs are used primarily as a medium for distance learning. In addition, it was found that e-learning has several advantages or positive effects. However, many students do not have a personal computer, and they have low or average skills in the use of computer tools, and access to the Internet is low. A limitation of this study is the lack of primary data on the effects of ICT use in midwifery learning in low- and middle-income countries.
Novel Mixed Ligand Complexes of Alkaline Earth Metal Cations Containing Nicotinamide and Diphenic Acid. Synthesis and Structural Properties
Authors: Yurdakul Omer , Köse Dursun Ali , Şahin Zarife Sibel , Şahin Onur
Published: May 2021

Mixed-ligand coordination compounds containing neutral nicotinamide and monoanionic diphenate organic molecules of alkaline earth metal cations, Mg2+ (I), Ca2+ (II), Sr2+ (III) and Ba2+ (IV) were synthesised. Chemical composition analysis, single crystal XRD, spectroscopic and thermal analysis methods were used to determine the structural properties of the compounds obtained. According to the data obtained from single-crystal XRD analysis of the Mg2+ complex, the coordination environment of the metal cation was surrounded by four aqua and two nicotinamide ligands to form a distorted octahedral geometry. The charge balance of the complex sphere was provided by two diphenate ligands placed mono-anionically outside the coordination sphere. The structure is a salt type complex. Since crystals suitable for single crystal structure analysis of other metal cations complexes (II, III and IV) could not be formed, the structural properties were tried to be explained by chemical composition analysis, spectroscopic and thermal analysis methods. Accordingly, it is thought that the coordination circles of metal cations are octal and all ligands (two aqua, two neutral nicotinamide and two monoanionic-double-toothed diphenate) coordinate with the metal in the coordination sphere. The geometries of the complexes are thought to be of distorted cubic structure.
Synthesis of Silica/Hydroxyapatite Nanocomposite by Mechanochemical Method
Authors: Hannora Ahmed , Mostafa M. M.
Published: May 2021

Biocompatibility of Silica makes it a suitable material for biomedical applications. The main components of teeth and bones are calcium phosphate (CP). Hydroxyapatite (HA) is expected to be used in different fields not only in biomedical applications but also in agriculture as a fertilizer and pollution treatment. Various substitutions in the apatite lattice play a significant role in its properties. In the present work, Silica-50, 40, 30 and 25 mol.% Hydroxyapatite nanocomposites were prepared successfully by mechanochemical processing method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) indicated that silica stimulates the HA decomposition to β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP). XRD of heat-treated compacted sample at 1200oC confirmed β-TCP and calcium phosphate silicate phases formation. Mechanical properties decreased with decreasing HA content. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) results revealed that pure HA possess the highest resistivity to corrosion, while the silica/HA samples showed lower corrosion resistance. The polarization resistance increases with HA content.
Public funding of social protection: Impact on social indicators in Eurozone countries
Authors: Chugunov Igor , Nasibova Olha
Published: May 2021

Social protection has long been a relevant subject of scientific debate. Its development is interrelated with the study of fiscal factors (collection of social contributions), establishment of major social protection vectors, and confirmation of hypotheses about the link between social protection policy and the resulting socio-economic indicators.The purpose of the paper is to study the impact of public funding of social protectionon social indicatorsusing the example of Eurozone countries. To this end, a number of economic and mathematical methods of analysis were applied to process panel data of seventeen countries for the last fifteen years, including the calculation of the relative rate of variation, regression dependence statistics, and cluster analysis.The study established the irrelevance between the scope of the fundingof spending on social protection and social contributions (coefficient of determination R2=0.255). As illustrated, social indicators are determined not only by the amount of funding of social spending, but also by the structure of the social protection system, in particular, the focus on assistance to families with children and disability compensation (coefficient of determination R2>0.3). The general level of public funding for social spending items results in the 69% income inequality index andis behind 58% of non-economic parameters affecting life quality. The information outlined in the papercan serve as a basis for the formation of social and budgetary policy, as well as the revision of the structure and scope of social protection funding toensure an efficient impact on the quality of life of the population.
Preparation of EDTA modified cotton fiber iron complex and catalytic properties for aqueous Cr(VI) reduction and dye degradation
Authors: Wu Hongfang , Wang Peng , Wang Zongqian , Sun Yufang , Li Changlong , Dong Yongchun
Published: May 2021

Cotton fabric was modified with Na2EDTA using a hydrothermal method to introduce surface hydroxyl groups, and subsequent coordination of Fe(III) ions to produce an Na2EDTA modified cotton-fiber-Fe complex (Fe-EDTA-Cotton). After characterization by SEM and FTIR, Fe-EDTA-Cotton was used as a heterogeneous photocatalyst to reduce Cr(VI) and degrade Reactive Red 195 oxidatively, to evaluate its catalytic activity. The results indicated that high Na2EDTA and/or NaH2PO4 concentrations, and/or high hydrothermal temperature increased the carboxyl group content (QCOOH) of the cotton fiber; high Fe content and elevated temperature could enhance coordination. Fe-EDTA-Cotton had a significant photocatalytic function in reducing Cr(VI). Increasing the QFe value of the complex or stronger irradiation favored photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI) species. Increasing the system's pH did not help the reduction reaction. Fe-EDTA-Cotton could also remove Cr(VI) and Reactive Red 195 simultaneously from aqueous solution, and showed strong photocatalytic capacity. The reduction or oxidation reaction could be regulated by changing Na2S2O8 concentration in the reaction system, which might provide a new way to treat wastewater containing organic pigments and Cr(VI) species.

Highlight

Hydrothermal process enhanced EDTA modification of cotton fabric EDTA-modified cotton fiber Fe complex was prepared Cr(VI) removal was improved by its synergistic effect Fe complexes can remove Cr (VI) and organic dyes from aqueous solution in one bath The work might provide a new way to purify the wastewater containing organic pigments and Cr (VI) species.
Multi-variate infilling of missing daily discharge data on the Niger basin
Authors: Oyerinde Ganiyu Titilope , Lawin Agnide E. , Adeyeri Oluwafemi E.
Published: May 2021

The Niger basin has experienced historical drought episodes and floods in recent times. Reliable hydrological modelling has been hampered by missing values in daily river discharge data. We assessed the potential of using the Multivariate Imputation by Chained Equations (MICE) to estimate both continuous and discontinuous daily missing data across different spatial scales in the Niger basin. The study was conducted on 22 discharge stations that have missing data ranging from 2% to 70%. Four efficiency metrics were used to determine the effectiveness of MICE. The flow duration curves (FDC) of observed and filled data were compared to determine how MICE captured the discharge patterns. Mann-Kendall, Modified Mann-Kendall, Pettit and Sen's Slope were used to assess the complete discharge trends using the gap-filled data. Results shows that MICE near perfectly filled the missing discharge data with Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) range of 0.94–0.99 for the calibration (1992–1994) period. Good fits were obtained between FDC of observed and gap-filled data in all considered stations. All the catchments showed significantly increasing discharge trend since 1990s after gap filling. Consequently, the use of MICE in handling missing data challenges across spatial scales in the Niger basin was proposed.
A Short Review on Key Role of Plants and their Extracts in Boosting up Immune Response to Combat COVID-19
Authors: Khan Mudassir , Saddique Muhammad Abu Bakar , Tahir Huzaifa , Amjad Muhammad Dawood , Ahmad Abdullah , Masood Usama , Khan Dilawar
Published: May 2021

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In the wake of the recent global pandemic of COVID-19, there has been increasing concern among the general public to improve their immune system. The causative agent of COVID-19 is SARS CoV-2, similar to its relative viruses SARS Cov-1 and MERS. Although vaccines have been developed now and are in public use, still the role of a healthy immune system is crucial as new strains of the virus are being discovered and along with emergence of new strains, short and long term side effects of vaccine cannot be excluded. Plants have been used in herbal medicines and many chemicals since ancient times and extracts in them are found to boost the immune system. Therefore, a consciously maintained diet consisting of plant-based immunity boosters is the need of the hour. Plants are known to provide many chemicals, natural therapeutics and vitamins which naturally enhance our immune system. Recently, vaccination research is also being carried out in transgenic plants. In this review, main focus has been put on highlighting some of the key players within the Kingdom Plantae, which, when taken up in regular diet, can significantly boost our immune system capacity and thus helps the human body to combat this deadly virus more efficiently.
Post-graduate specialty choice among interns of a private dental school in Jeddah
Authors:   Dentistry Program, Ibn Sina National College for Medical Studies, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, et al. Vanka
Published: May 2021

Evidence indicates that the majority of dental students report continuing their education further towards a post-graduate specialty degree. The choice of a career is a critical decision that has an obvious impact on a future life pattern. Based on the various factors that influence the decision of the students in choosing the post-graduate specialty student career counseling may be provided at the university level. This study was done to evaluate the specialty preference and their influencing factors among the interns in a private dental school in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The study is a cross-sectional survey conducted using a self-administered questionnaire among final year dental students batch 2020-2021. The response rate for the study was 85% which is 87 out of 102 interns from the batch 2020-21. The subjects of choice to pursue post-graduation among the respondents was Endodontics, Prosthodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, Oral maxillofacial surgery, Periodontics, Orthodontics, Restorative and esthetic dentistry, Advanced General Dentistry, Forensic Dentistry, and Oral Pathology. It is revealed that Oral Surgery followed by Orthodontics may be the leading choice of dental specialization among students and the preferred choice may be Restorative and Aesthetic Dentistry. Our study and literature review suggest that there are few post-graduate specialties that are more preferred in comparison to some that are not. It is warranted that the students should be oriented about all the specializations in dentistry which will help in a targeted approach towards meeting the demand of supplying specialists from all the fields in Dentistry.
Efficacy of Cladribine Tablets as a Treatment for People With Multiple Sclerosis: Protocol for the CLOBAS Study (Cladribine, a Multicenter, Long-term Efficacy and Biomarker Australian Study)
Authors: Maltby Vicki E , Lea Rodney A , Monif Mastura , Fabis-Pedrini Marzena J , Buzzard Katherine , Kalincik Tomas , Kermode Allan G , Taylor Bruce , Hodgkinson Suzanne , McCombe Pamela , Butzkueven Helmut , Barnett Michael , Lechner-Scott Jeannette
Published: May 2021

Background

Cladribine tablets (marketed as Mavenclad) are a new oral therapy, which has recently been listed on the pharmaceutical benefits scheme in Australia for the treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS). The current dosing schedule is for 2 courses given a year apart, which has been shown to be effective for treatment of MS for up to 4 years in 75% of patients (based on annualized relapse rate). However, the reinitiation of therapy after year 4 has not been studied.

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of cladribine tablets over a 6-year period, according to no evidence of disease activity 3.

Methods

This will be a multicenter, 6-year, phase IV, low interventional, observational study that incorporates clinical, hematological, biochemical, epigenetic, radiological and cognitive biomarkers of disease. Participants considered for treatment with cladribine as part of their routine clinical care will be consented to take part in the study. They will be monitored at regular intervals during the initial course of medication administration in years 1 and 2. After year 3, patients will have the option of redosing, if clinically indicated, or to switch to another disease-modifying therapy. Throughout the duration of the study, we will assess blood-based biomarkers including lymphocyte subsets, serum neurofilament light chain, DNA methylation, and RNA analysis as well as magnetic resonance imaging findings (brain volume and/or lesion load) and cognitive performance.

Results

This study has been approved by the Hunter New England Local Health District Human Research Ethics Committee. Recruitment began in March of 2019 and was completed by June 2021.

Conclusions

This will be the first long-term efficacy trial of cladribine, which offers reinitiation of therapy in the 3rd year, based on disease activity, after the initial 2 courses. We expect that this study will indicate whether any of the assessed biomarkers can be used to predict treatment efficacy or the need for future reinitiation of cladribine in people with MS.

Trial Registration

This study is registered with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12619000257167) with Universal Trial Number (U1111-1228-2165).

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/24969
Professional Social Media Usage and Work Engagement Among Professionals in Finland Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Four-Wave Follow-Up Study
Authors: Oksa Reetta , Kaakinen Markus , Savela Nina , Hakanen Jari J , Oksanen Atte
Published: May 2021

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed work life profoundly and concerns regarding the mental well-being of employees’ have arisen. Organizations have made rapid digital advancements and have started to use new collaborative tools such as social media platforms overnight.

Objective

Our study aimed to investigate how professional social media communication has affected work engagement before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and the role of perceived social support, task resources, and psychological distress as predictors and moderators of work engagement.

Methods

Nationally representative longitudinal survey data were collected in 2019-2020, and 965 respondents participated in all 4 surveys. Measures included work engagement, perceived social support and task resources, and psychological distress. The data were analyzed using a hybrid linear regression model. 

Results

Work engagement remained stable and only decreased in autumn 2020. Within-person changes in social media communication at work, social support, task resources, and psychological distress were all associated with work engagement. The negative association between psychological distress and work engagement was stronger in autumn 2020 than before the COVID-19 outbreak.

Conclusions

The COVID-19 pandemic has exerted pressure on mental health at work. Fostering social support and task resources at work is important in maintaining work engagement. Social media communication could help maintain a supportive work environment.