bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multipoint-Interconnected Quantum Communication Networks
Authors: Zhu Qingcheng , Wang Yazi , Lu Lu , Zhao Yongli , Yu Xiaosong , Cao Yuan , Zhang Jie
Published: January 2022

As quantum computers with sufficient computational power are becoming mature, the security of classical communication and cryptography may compromise, which is based on the mathematical complexity. Quantum communication technology is a promising solution to secure communication based on quantum mechanics. To meet the secure communication requirements of multiple users, multipoint-interconnected quantum communication networks are specified, including quantum key distribution networks and quantum teleportation networks. The enabling technologies for quantum communication are the important bases for multipoint-interconnected quantum communication networks. To achieve the better connection, resource utilization, and resilience of multipoint-interconnected quantum communication networks, the efficient network architecture and optimization methods are summarized, and open issues in quantum communication networks are discussed.
Introduction of ZEB Technology in Japan
Authors: Yuan Jihui
Published: January 2022

It is necessary to reduce energy consumption in order to combat global warming and stabilize energy supply and demand. In particular, final energy consumption in the business sector (buildings such as office buildings and commercial facilities) accounted for about 16.1% of Japan’s total in FY2018 database, an increase from about 12.6% in FY1990 database. Therefore, there is a need for the spread of zero-energy building (ZEB), which can significantly reduce the energy consumption in buildings. Since people are active in the building, energy consumption cannot be completely reduced to zero; however, it can be closer to ZEB by reducing the energy used in the building and creating energy in the building as much as possible. This chapter introduces some technologies of energy saving and energy creation to realize ZEB in general buildings in Japan.
Application of Acoustic Emissions Technique in Assessment of Cracking Performance of Asphalt Pavement Materials
Authors: Behnia Behzad
Published: January 2022

This chapter focuses on various applications of acoustic emissions (AE) technique in evaluation of cracking in asphalt pavements including (1) assessment of low-temperature cracking of asphalt binders and mixtures and (2) quantitative characterization of rejuvenators’ efficiency in restoring aged asphalt pavements to their crack-resistant state. The AE-based embrittlement temperature results of 24 different asphalt materials consisting of eight different binders, each at three oxidative aging levels are presented. Results show that embrittlement temperatures correlated well with corresponding bending beam rheometer (BBR-based) critical cracking temperatures with R2 = 0.85. This chapter also presents application of AE for evaluation of rejuvenators’ efficiency on asphalt materials at various oxidative aging levels. The Geiger’s iterative source location method was employed to accurately determine embrittlement temperatures throughout the thickness of rejuvenator-treated asphalt samples. Results showed that the low temperature cracking properties of oxidative aged materials after 2 weeks of dwell time of rejuvenator have been recuperated. Moreover, it was observed that cracking characteristics of aged asphalt 6–8 weeks after applying rejuvenator far exceeded that of the virgin materials. The promising results suggest that the AE technique can be considered as a viable approach for the assessment of low temperature behavior of asphalt pavements.
Rolling Biped Polynomial Motion Planning
Authors: de J. Favela Ortíz Santiago , A. Martínez García Edgar
Published: January 2022

This work discloses a kinematic control model to describe the geometry of motion of a two-wheeled biped’s limbs. Limb structure is based on a four-bar linkage useful to alleviate damping motion during self-balance. The robot self-balancing kinematics geometry combines with user-customized polynomial vector fields. The vector fields generate safe reference trajectories. Further, the robot is forced to track the reference path by a model-based time-variant recursive controller. The proposed formulation showed effectiveness and reliable performance through numerical simulations.
Perspective Chapter: Water, Natural Disasters and Socio-Economic Development in the Early 21st Century
Authors: Vaquero Piñeiro Manuel , de Salvo Paola
Published: January 2022

This chapter investigates the complex relationship between socio-economic development and environmental sustainability by focusing on one of the most vital natural phenomena: the water cycle. Considering the current public awareness of climate change and the growing number of natural disasters, focusing on this topic provides a better understanding of weaknesses and bottlenecks that 21st-century society faces daily. This work presents three case studies, different from each other but conceptually interconnected. The first case concerns the situation of lakes in the world, whose water in many cases is at risk of disappearing. In the second instance, we present the growing socio-economic risks generated by floods. Nowadays, floods play a fundamental role in influencing socio-economic development due to the dislocation of economic activities in Southeast Asian countries. Finally, we discuss desertification affecting large areas of the African continent. One aspect of great interest is the Grande Muraille Verte project promoted by numerous countries. Reforestation of large arid areas is the main issue; the attempt is to support local communities to implement agricultural and livestock activities. Socio-economic and environmental sustainability and resilience are the main challenges that countries, regions and local communities are facing.
Nanocomposite Material Synthesized Via Horizontal Vapor Phase Growth Technique: Evaluation and Application Perspective
Authors: Akhsin Muflikhun Muhammad , Kuncoro Adi Rahmad , Nonato C. Santos Gil
Published: January 2022

The synthesis of nanomaterials has been reported by many researchers using different methods. One of the methods that can be used with perfect pureness and have less pollution in the synthesized materials results is the vapor phase growth technique (VPGT). Several types of nano shapes materials were reported such as nanoparticles, nanorods, nano triangular, nanosphere, and nanocrystal. The synthesis method has a fundamental process where the nanomaterials evaporated and condensed based on the temperature difference. There are three important variables, i.e., stochiometric ratio of source materials, temperature and baking time. The synthesis was occured in the quartz tube and sealed in the vacuum condition. This create the material was synthesis in pure and isolated conditions. The application of the nanomaterials synthesized via Horizontal Vapor Phase Growth (HVPG) can be implemented in anti-pathogen, anti-bacterial, gas sensing and coating applications.
Multilingualism and Language Choice in Domains
Authors: Berisso Genemo Tesso
Published: January 2022

Experts know that multilingualism is not the so-called minority phenomenon as many people think it to be. Although it is difficult to provide the exact statistical data on the multilingual speakers and distribution of multilingualism in the world, sociolinguists and linguists estimate that there are roughly around 6000 languages in the world. The focus of this book chapter is to succinctly present the sociolinguistic aspects of language choice and use of multilingual speakers in various domains. Besides, concepts such as bilingualism and multilingualism and their dynamics in the field of sociolinguistics have been critically been reviewed and presented from the theoretical and empirical perspectives. Further, some of the relevant issues related to language choice and use in multilingual speech communities in different parts of the globe are reviewed and included. Furthermore, factors inducing multilingualism among different speech communities and individuals have been reviewed and finally, recent developments and dynamics toward the spread of multilingualism in various parts of the world are also presented in the chapter.
Labor Markets
Authors: Sun Meng
Published: January 2022

What is the labor market? Like the goods and services markets, a labor market consists of the supply and demand sides. In the labor market, while workers supply labor, firms demand labor. This chapter studies the backward-bending nature of the labor supply curve and the downward-sloping nature of the labor demand curve. We also analyze the labor market equilibrium in a perfectly competitive labor market. Several policies such as immigration and minimum wage will be introduced to illustrate how government policies affect the labor market equilibrium.
Tracing the Inside of Pigs Non-Invasively: Recent Developments
Authors: M. Scholz Armin , Kušec Goran , D. Mitchell Alva , Baulain Ulrich
Published: January 2022

Regional markets require a large variety of pig breeds and pork products. Noninvasive techniques like computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, computer vision, or, very often, ultrasound helps to provide the information required for breeding, quality control, payment, and processing. Meanwhile, computed tomography is being used as phenotyping tool by leading pig breeding organizations around the world, while ultrasound B- or A-mode techniques belong to the standard tools, especially to measure subcutaneous fat and muscle traits. Magnetic resonance imaging and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, however, are still mainly used as research tools to develop and characterize new phenotypic traits, which usually could not be measured without slaughtering the breeding pigs. A further noninvasive method—already used on a commercial basis, not only in abattoirs—is video 2D or 3D imaging. This chapter will review the latest developments for these noninvasive techniques.
Supercapacitors Fabrication and Performance Evaluation Techniques
Authors: Ahmed Khan Imtiaz , Thekkekara Litty , Waqar Sania , Choudhry Nauman , John Sabu
Published: January 2022

Supercapacitors have surfaced as a promising technology to store electrical energy and bridge the gap between a conventional capacitor and a battery. This chapter reviews various fabrication practices deployed in the development of supercapacitor electrodes and devices. A broader insight is given on the numerous electrode fabrication techniques that include a detailed introduction, principles, pros and cons, and their specific applications to provide a holistic view. Key performance parameters of an energy storage device are explained in detail. A further discussion comprises several electrochemical measurement procedures that are used for the supercapacitor performance evaluation. The performance characterization section helps to determine the correct approach that should be utilized for supercapacitor device performance measurement and assessment.
Response of Marine Plankton Communities in Ponds to the Presence of Vertical Structures
Authors: Emília Cunha Maria , Quental Ferreira Hugo , Barradas Ana , Pousão-Ferreira Pedro
Published: January 2022

The effects of bottom vertical structures like AquaMats® in enhancing plankton productivity was evaluated. One experimental earthen pond of 500 m2 was provided with AquaMats® increasing the surface substrate area 12 times and water quality, phytoplankton and zooplankton populations developed during almost 100 days was compared with a pond without AquaMats®. Their presence favored the development of Dinoflagellates (Miozoa, Dinophyceae), mostly Gymnodiniales, which may be of some concern since some species of this group have been associated with toxic algal blooms while in the ponds without AquaMats® Diatoms (Bacillariophyta) predominate. In both ponds plankton production was very much sculptured by external nutrients added to the systems. The balance between different nutrients is extremely important to regulate the phytoplankton populations with Diatoms blooming at silicate concentrations higher than 2 μM and below this level and at low nitrate and high ammonium being more appropriate for Dinoflagellates. The linkage between phytoplankton and zooplankton population in ponds is strong with zooplankton exerting control over the phytoplankton population and vice-versa. The use of vertical substrates enhances plankton productivity by increasing the substrate area for periphyton fixation. The main zooplankton taxonomic groups associated with the presence of AquaMats® were Calanoid and Harpacticoid copepodites and nauplii, veligers of gastropods and trochophore of polychaets, larval stages of organisms that except for calanoid copepods are benthic and correspond to the meroplanktonic phase in the life cycle of those organisms.
Redefining Surgical Skill Acquisition
Authors: Rajaratnam Vaikunthan , Abdul Rahman Norana , Dong Chaoyan , Jia Hui Ng Hannah
Published: January 2022

There have been reduced opportunities for surgical skill acquisition due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the regulated training hours. Despite these challenges, self-regulated learning allows trainees to learn continuously, and motor skills development can be augmented through mental practice and motor imagery. The aim of this chapter is to introduce the theoretical concepts in skill acquisition and the role of mental and deliberate practice as an alternative for skill training. A case study is presented using a design and development framework for producing an online basic micro suturing training resource based on self-regulated learning. This case study demonstrates the use of the ADDIE instructional design model and Mayer’s multimedia theory guidelines, for creating online instructional resources. The methodological approach of a design and developmental framework to create an educationally sound online training module for micro suturing which has significant utility in hand surgery is discussed in this chapter. The tools described in this chapter are translatable to any psychomotor skills development in medical education.
Predictors of recurrence of venous thromboembolic disease after discontinuing of anticoagulation: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Posadas-Martínez María Lourdes , Torres Gómez Felipe , Mezzarobba Daniela , Schutz Natalia , Ruberto Jesica , Dovasio Fernanda , Martinuzzo Marta Elba , Vázquez Fernando Javier , de Quirós Fernan , Giunta Diego
Published: January 2022

Objective We aim to evaluate factors associated with the recurrence of thromboembolic episodes among patients with a first episode of venous thromboembolic disease during anticoagulation treatment and at least one year after treatment suspension. Methods A prospective cohort of patients with a first episode of deep vein thrombosis confirmed by Doppler ultrasound and initiated anticoagulation treatment. Participants were registered in the Institutional Registry of Thromboembolic Disease between June 2015 and March 2019. Patients with cancer, with permanent inferior vena cava filter implant, and those who refused to participate or did not provide informed consent were excluded. All patients were evaluated within treatment at 30 days and at least one year after the suspension of anticoagulation with a D-dimer study and an ultrasound. All patients were evaluated for recurrence, bleeding (major and minor), and death. Results A total of 304 patients were recruited during the study period. Seventy-three percent were female, and the median age was 80 years. The rate of recurrence rate during anticoagulation treatment was 5% (N = 16/303; 95% confidence interval: 3 to 8), and 5% during post-suspension follow-up (N = 11/202; 95%CI: 3 to 9). The overall bleeding rate was 13% (N = 39; 95%CI: 9 to 17), and 5% for major bleeding. Patients who recurred had higher basal D-dimer mean, higher neutrophils and monocytes, and a higher prevalence of age-adjusted D-dimer ratio greater than 0.5 before discontinuation. In addition, they more frequently had complete leg involvement by ultrasound and received a shorter treatment. Conclusions Although some baseline and pre-suspension parameters had a higher recurrence incidence, statistical significance was not reached, probably due to small statistical power and a short-term follow-up.
Perspectives of patients and consumers on the use of generic medicines
Authors: Celedón Natalia , González Cristián , Cuadrado Cristóbal
Published: January 2022

INTRODUCTION Access to medicines constitutes a public health challenge worldwide. Promoting utilization of generic medicines is one of the strategies that has been proposed to optimize pharmaceutical spending and thus allow greater coverage. However, its use is not yet widespread enough. This study seeks to explore the perspectives and acceptability to the use of generic medicines from patients and consumers. METHODS We searched in Epistemonikos, the largest database of systematic reviews in health, which is maintained by screening multiple information sources, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, among others. We extracted data from the systematic reviews, reanalyzed data of primary studies, conducted a evidence synthesis and generated a summary of findings table using the GRADE approach. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS We identified four systematic reviews that together include 47 primary studies, of which one corresponds to a randomized trial. A low rate of patients or consumers has a negative perception regarding generic medicines, including dimensions such as risk, quality, safety, risk of adverse effects, among others.
Radiosurgery for brain oligometastases in lung cancer
Authors: Antúnez Gabriela , Merino Tomás
Published: January 2022

INTRODUCTION Brain metastases are a common problem in oncology patients, especially in lung cancer. The usual treatment for cerebral oligometastases is whole brain radiation therapy. Given the persistent poor prognosis of this disease, other therapeutic alternatives such as stereotactic radiosurgery have been considered. However, there is no clarity regarding the effectiveness of its addition. METHODS We searched in Epistemonikos, the largest database of systematic reviews in health, which is maintained by screening multiple information sources, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, among others. We extracted data from the systematic reviews, reanalyzed data of primary studies, conducted a meta-analysis and generated a summary of findings table using the GRADE approach. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS We identified 17 systematic reviews including seven studies overall, of which four were randomized trials. All trials assessed patients with brain oligometastases, but none of them included exclusively lung cancer population. We concluded that it is not possible to clearly establish whether radiosurgery decreases neurological functionality, cognitive impairment, mortality or serious adverse effects, as the certainty of the existing evidence has been assessed as very low.
Child perception and parent’s perception about child sleep quality
Authors: Gomes Ana Maria , Martins Mariana Costa
Published: January 2022

Introduction Sleep is a physiological necessity that interferes with the activity during the day. This study aimed to analyze child perception about sleep quality and compare it with parent’s perception about the quality of their children’s sleep, and to investigate the sleep quality of Portuguese schoolchildren. Analyze the differences between the sexes and the type of school attended.

Material and Methods Cross-sectional study, quantitative methodology. The results of two questionnaires, the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) answered directly by the children, and the children’s sleep habits questionnaire (CSHQ), answered by the parents of 883 children, were analyzed and compared.

Results PSQI reveals good sleep quality, which contradicts the results of CSHQ. The CSHQ indicates a mean sleep deterioration index (IPS) value of 46.12 (above the cutoff point, 44) indicating that on average the children in this sample have poor sleep quality. There is no significant difference between girls and boys regarding IPS. There is a significant difference in the level of daytime drowsiness (p=.018), girls wake up moodier (p=.011), have more difficulty getting out of bed in the morning (p=.019), and take longer to fully awaken than boys (p=.004).

Conclusion The data show that children seem to have poor sleep quality and that they erroneously evaluate it, but these same data should be read with caution since the reason for the different perception between parents and children is not known.
The adverse impact of excessive smartphone screen-time on sleep quality among young adults: A prospective cohort
Authors: Arshad Daneyal , Joyia Usaid Munir , Fatima Sadaf , Khalid Noor , Rishi Anser Ikram , Rahim Naimat Ullah Abdul , Bukhari Syed Faheem , Shairwani Gulfam Khan , Salmaan Ahmed
Published: January 2022

Introduction Problematic over usage of smartphones has led to various deteriorating effects including poor sleep quality. Screen exposure, especially near bedtime, directly leads to poor sleep quality. We aimed to measure smartphone screen-time (ST) statistics of the participants directly using a smartphone application. Furthermore, we aimed to assess sleep quality using the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), and to investigate the association between ST & PSQI.

Material and Methods This descriptive cohort study was conducted among 280 students of MBBS at Rawalpindi Medical University for a period of 1 month (30 days). Physically healthy students who owned Android smartphones were included in the study. Students with diagnosed sleep disorders and students taking sleep medication were excluded from the study. ST was recorded using a smartphone application. Sleep quality was assessed at the end of 30 days using the PSQI questionnaire. Data entry and analysis was done using SPSS v23.0.

Results Total and mean ST were calculated for every participant. The mean screen time of 242 individuals was 147.50±51.09 hours. The mean PSQI score was 6.68±2.3. 65.70% of the participants had a poor sleep quality (PSQI>5). Pearson’s correlation revealed that long total ST was associated with decreased sleep quality (R=0.356, p<0.001).

Conclusion Our findings are in accordance with previous scientific literature largely based on self-reported ST measurements and affirm that excessive ST deteriorates sleep quality and hence has numerous adverse physical and psychological manifestations.
Dissociation of impulsive traits by subthalamic metabotropic glutamate receptor 4
Authors: Piszczek Lukasz , Constantinescu Andreea , Kargl Dominic , Lazovic Jelena , Pekcec Anton , Nicholson Janet R , Haubensak Wulf
Published: January 2022

Behavioral strategies require gating of premature responses to optimize outcomes. Several brain areas control impulsive actions, but the neuronal basis of natural variation in impulsivity between individuals remains largely unknown. Here, by combining a Go/No-Go behavioral assay with resting-state (rs) functional MRI in mice, we identified the subthalamic nucleus (STN), a known gate for motor control in the basal ganglia, as a major hotspot for trait impulsivity. In vivo recorded STN neural activity encoded impulsive action as a separable state from basic motor control, characterized by decoupled STN/substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr) mesoscale networks. Optogenetic modulation of STN activity bidirectionally controlled impulsive behavior. Pharmacological and genetic manipulations showed that these impulsive actions are modulated by metabotropic glutamate receptor 4 (mGlu4) function in STN and its coupling to SNr in a behavioral trait-dependent manner, and independently of general motor function. In conclusion, STN circuitry multiplexes motor control and trait impulsivity, which are molecularly dissociated by mGlu4. This provides a potential mechanism for the genetic modulation of impulsive behavior, a clinically relevant predictor for developing psychiatric disorders associated with impulsivity.
Similar neural and perceptual masking effects of low-power optogenetic stimulation in primate V1
Authors: Chen Spencer Chin-Yu , Benvenuti Giacomo , Chen Yuzhi , Kumar Satwant , Ramakrishnan Charu , Deisseroth Karl , Geisler Wilson S , Seidemann Eyal
Published: January 2022

Can direct stimulation of primate V1 substitute for a visual stimulus and mimic its perceptual effect? To address this question, we developed an optical-genetic toolkit to ‘read’ neural population responses using widefield calcium imaging, while simultaneously using optogenetics to ‘write’ neural responses into V1 of behaving macaques. We focused on the phenomenon of visual masking, where detection of a dim target is significantly reduced by a co-localized medium-brightness mask (Cornsweet and Pinsker, 1965; Whittle and Swanston, 1974). Using our toolkit, we tested whether V1 optogenetic stimulation can recapitulate the perceptual masking effect of a visual mask. We find that, similar to a visual mask, low-power optostimulation can significantly reduce visual detection sensitivity, that a sublinear interaction between visual- and optogenetic-evoked V1 responses could account for this perceptual effect, and that these neural and behavioral effects are spatially selective. Our toolkit and results open the door for further exploration of perceptual substitutions by direct stimulation of sensory cortex.
The Principle of Proportionality, Article 8 of the ECHR and Swedish Care Orders in Cases of Neglect. A Sketch of a Theoretical Framework
Authors: Alexius Katarina
Published: January 2022

This study conducts an analysis of the rights in article 8 of the ECHR and the application of the proportionality principle when Swedish care orders may be regarded as a necessary interference in family life. The study has been based on an interdisciplinary approach. Text documents
were studied through socio-legal methods and perspectives, by combining knowledge from legal sources and social sciences research through a content analysis derived from formal and substantive legal certainty. The article concludes that reasoning in Swedish administrative courts should routinely
consider proportionality in cases of neglect, and sets out to sketch a theoretical framework for the principle of proportionality in decisions on care orders. The results show that, since decisions in child welfare cases cannot be made completely uniform and predictable, the focus of decisions
in social child welfare work must be to satisfy the objectives and values of substantive legal certainty, instead of unrealistically striving for formal legal certainty through equal treatment and predictability. The results also show that, by requiring those who exercise public authority
to present their assessments based on proportionality, new demands are made for the quality and efficiency of involuntary out-of-home placements. Child welfare investigations should nowadays include impact assessments that clarify the advantages and disadvantages of the care in relation to
the risk of harm from the original home conditions. Abuse and neglect in out-of-home placements will therefore be of growing importance in decisions on care orders in the future.
Data privacy during pandemics: a systematic literature review of COVID-19 smartphone applications
Authors: Alshawi Amany , Al-Razgan Muna , AlKallas Fatima H. , Bin Suhaim Raghad Abdullah , Al-Tamimi Reem , Alharbi Norah , AlSaif Sarah Omar
Published: January 2022

Background

On January 8, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officially announced a new virus in Wuhan, China. The first novel coronavirus (COVID-19) case was discovered on December 1, 2019, implying that the disease was spreading quietly and quickly in the community before reaching the rest of the world. To deal with the virus’ wide spread, countries have deployed contact tracing mobile applications to control viral transmission. Such applications collect users’ information and inform them if they were in contact with an individual diagnosed with COVID-19. However, these applications might have affected human rights by breaching users’ privacy.

Methodology

This systematic literature review followed a comprehensive methodology to highlight current research discussing such privacy issues. First, it used a search strategy to obtain 808 relevant papers published in 2020 from well-established digital libraries. Second, inclusion/exclusion criteria and the snowballing technique were applied to produce more comprehensive results. Finally, by the application of a quality assessment procedure, 40 studies were chosen.

Results

This review highlights privacy issues, discusses centralized and decentralized models and the different technologies affecting users’ privacy, and identifies solutions to improve data privacy from three perspectives: public, law, and health considerations.

Conclusions

Governments need to address the privacy issues related to contact tracing apps. This can be done through enforcing special policies to guarantee users privacy. Additionally, it is important to be transparent and let users know what data is being collected and how it is being used.
Development and validation of a novel risk score to predict 5-year mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction in China: a retrospective study
Authors: Tang Yan , Bai Yuanyuan , Chen Yuanyuan , Sun Xuejing , Shi Yunmin , He Tian , Jiang Mengqing , Wang Yujie , Wu Mingxing , Peng Zhiliu , Liu Suzhen , Jiang Weihong , Lu Yao , Yuan Hong , Cai Jingjing
Published: January 2022

Background

The disease burden from ischaemic heart disease remains heavy in the Chinese population. Traditional risk scores for estimating long-term mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) have been developed without sufficiently considering advances in interventional procedures and medication. The goal of this study was to develop a risk score comprising clinical parameters and intervention advances at hospital admission to assess 5-year mortality in AMI patients in a Chinese population.

Methods

We performed a retrospective observational study on 2,722 AMI patients between January 2013 and December 2017. Of these patients, 1,471 patients from Changsha city, Hunan Province, China were assigned to the development cohort, and 1,251 patients from Xiangtan city, Hunan Province, China, were assigned to the validation cohort. Forty-five candidate variables assessed at admission were screened using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, stepwise backward regression, and Cox regression methods to construct the C2ABS2-GLPK score, which was graded and stratified using a nomogram and X-tile. The score was internally and externally validated. The C-statistic and Hosmer-Lemeshow test were used to assess discrimination and calibration, respectively.

Results

From the 45 candidate variables obtained at admission, 10 potential predictors, namely, including Creatinine, experience of Cardiac arrest, Age, N-terminal Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide, a history of Stroke, Statins therapy, fasting blood Glucose, Left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, Percutaneous coronary intervention and Killip classification were identified as having a close association with 5-year mortality in patients with AMI and collectively termed the C2ABS2-GLPK score. The score had good discrimination (C-statistic = 0.811, 95% confidence intervals (CI) [0.786–0.836]) and calibration (calibration slope = 0.988) in the development cohort. In the external validation cohort, the score performed well in both discrimination (C-statistic = 0.787, 95% CI [0.756–0.818]) and calibration (calibration slope = 0.976). The patients were stratified into low- (≤148), medium- (149 to 218) and high-risk (≥219) categories according to the C2ABS2-GLPK score. The predictive performance of the score was also validated in all subpopulations of both cohorts.

Conclusion

The C2ABS2-GLPK score is a Chinese population-based risk assessment tool to predict 5-year mortality in AMI patients based on 10 variables that are routinely assessed at admission. This score can assist physicians in stratifying high-risk patients and optimizing emergency medical interventions to improve long-term survival in patients with AMI.
Seasonal variations and co-occurrence networks of bacterial communities in the water and sediment of artificial habitat in Laoshan Bay, China
Authors: Fang Guangjie , Yu Haolin , Sheng Huaxiang , Chen Chuanxi , Tang Yanli , Liang Zhenlin
Published: January 2022

Marine bacteria in the seawater and seafloor are essential parts of Earth’s biodiversity, as they are critical participants of the global energy flow and the material cycles. However, their spatial-temporal variations and potential interactions among varied biotopes in artificial habitat are poorly understood. In this study, we profiled the variations of bacterial communities among seasons and areas in the water and sediment of artificial reefs using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and analyzed the potential interaction patterns among microorganisms. Distinct bacterial community structures in the two biotopes were exhibited. The Shannon diversity and the richness of phyla in the sediment were higher, while the differences among the four seasons were more evident in the water samples. The seasonal variations of bacterial communities in the water were more distinct, while significant variations among four areas were only observed in the sediment. Correlation analysis revealed that nitrite and mud content were the most important factors influencing the abundant OTUs in the water and sediment, respectively. Potential interactions and keystone species were identified based on the three co-occurrence networks. Results showed that the correlations among bacterial communities in the sediment were lower than in the water. Besides, the abundance of the top five abundant species and five keystone species had different changing patterns among four seasons and four areas. These results enriched our understanding of the microbial structures, dynamics, and interactions of microbial communities in artificial habitats, which could provide new insights into planning, constructing and managing these special habitats in the future.
Triple Arthrodesis for Equinovarus Foot using Ilizarov Technique: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Pandey Ritesh Arvind , Richa .
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Equinovarus foot deformity is a significant problem in adolescents and its treatment remains challenging. Triple arthrodesis, even though an effective palliative tool in management of complex foot deformity, has its own limitations if it is done for acute deformity correction. Ilizarov technique offers gradual deformity correction, fusion and takes care of many known complications of acute correction. However, there are very few studies about effectiveness and functional outcome of triple arthrodesis for equinovarus deformity when done gradually with an Ilizarov fixator. Aim: To study the effectiveness of triple arthrodesis, performed with Ilizarov technique for equinovarus foot deformity in adolescents and adults and to evaluate the early functional outcome and patient satisfaction rate for this procedure. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of 22 feet in 20 patients with equinovarus foot deformity between January 2015 and December 2018 was done. Patients underwent gradual deformity correction and triple fusion with Ilizarov fixator. Foot was assessed for any residual deformity and shortening. Functional outcome and patient satisfaction were assessed by Ankle Hind Foot Scale (AHFS) and Likert scale, respectively using paired t-test. Final analysis was done with Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 21.0. Results: Twelve males and eight females with mean age of 15.9±3.4 years fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included for final analysis of results. Fusion rate was 86.1% with mean union time of 12.5 weeks. Mean AHFS improved from 61.27 before surgery to 76.9 which was statistically significant (p<0.0001). One or more complications were seen in 15 (68.1%) feet but were managed satisfactorily without any significant impact on final outcome. Patient satisfaction rate for the procedure was 80%. After a mean follow-up of 18.1 months, plantigrade foot with equal foot length was obtained in all patients. Conclusion: Triple arthrodesis with gradual deformity correction by Ilizarov technique effectively corrects equinovarus foot deformity and foot length discrepancy. Known complications of acute deformity correction can be avoided with equally good results. It corrects deformity and restores alignment of foot more accurately leading to a high patient satisfaction rate.
Impact of COVID -19 on Gallstones Patients
Authors: Mahmoud Yousif , Lee Daniel , Rezkallah Emad
Published: January 2022

Background: It is well known that most of the healthcare centers have redistributed their material and human resources to face the health issues associated with COVID-19 pandemic.

Aims: In the current study, we aimed to investigate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on gall stone patients.

Methods: Comparison was conducted in our own center regarding gallstones related activities before, during and after the pandemic. We reviewed also the number of elective laparoscopic cholecystectomies during these periods. Data were obtained from the hospital recording system. Results: We found a significant increase in the number of gall stones related complications during the COVID-19 pandemic when compared with non-pandemic periods.

Conclusion: It is recommended that laparoscopic cholecystectomies should be considered whenever possible, taking all relevant measures to avoid contagion of patients and the health team.
BHEP Class of Tests for Multivariate Normality: An Empirical Comparison
Authors: Madukaife Mbanefo S.
Published: January 2022

This paper compares the empirical power performances of eight tests for multivariate normality classified under Baringhaus-Henze-Epps-Pulley (BHEP) class of tests. The tests are compared under eight different alternative distributions. The result shows that the eight statistics have good control over type-I-error. Also, some tests are more sensitive to distributional differences with respect to their power performances than others. Also, some tests are generally more powerful than others. The generally most powerful ones are therefore recommended.
Effect of Fermentation with Rumen Content on the Feeding Value of Boiled Iron Tree (Prosopis africana) Seedcoat on Haematology and Serum Biochemistry of Broiler Chickens
Authors: Bishop B. , Abang F. B. P. , Attah S.
Published: January 2022

Aims: The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of inclusion of Prosopis seed coat fermented with rumen content at different levels as energy source on the  serum biochemical composition and heamatological indices of broiler chickens.

Study Design:Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance in a completely randomized design.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Livestock Teaching and Research Farm of the University of Agriculture Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria. Between November 2016 and January 2017.

Methodology: The study was in two phases; the starter and finisher phase, in each of the phases, there were five dietary groups and fermented Prosopis africana seed coat meal (FPASCM) was included at 0, 10, 15, 20 and 25% to replace maize. The total of two hundred and sixty (260), day- old Zartech broiler chicks were randomly distributed to five dietary treatments with four replicates of 52 chickens per treatment and each replicate had 13 birds. The birds were raised on deep litter and fed ad-libitum and drinking water provided daily and performance was monitored. At the end of the eight week, blood was collected via the wing web for serum and haematological assay.

Results: The results of haematological parameters of broiler chickens fed varying levels of fermented Prosopis africana seed coat are presented in Table 3.There were no significant (P>0.05) differences between treatments for parameters measured except for PCV and haemogobin.  The PCV values ranged from 25.00 -28.25% and haemoglobin values ranged from 8.35 -9.40g/dl. It was observed that most of the haematological indices measured fell within the normal reference range values. The results of serum biochemical assay revealed that serum glucose 45.85-107.22 mg/dl varied significantly (P<0.05) among the dietary treatments. Birds served 25% FPSCM had the highest value while those served 15% FPASCM recorded  least value.

Conclusion: Based on the observations from this study, it was concluded that FPASCM could be included in the diets of broiler chickens up to 25% without compromising the health of the birds.
Effect of Different Levels of Irrigation on Yield and Yield Attributes of Winter Marigold Crop (Tagetes erecta L.)
Authors: Raj Jeet , Sinha Jitendra
Published: January 2022

Agriculture has been indispensable for the subsistence of the people of India in general and farmers in particular. It has naturally been the cornerstone of the Indian economy since time immemorial and agriculture has played a major role in the country's economy since its inception. The research work was done to study the effect of irrigation levels on the yield and growth of winter marigolds. Marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) had been taken twice the winter season of 2019-20 and 2020-21. The average flower yield (t/ha) was recorded under the treatment I1 (12.03 t/ha) was found maximum and it was followed by I2 (10.51 t/ha), I3 (9.73 t/ha). The consumptive water use (CWU) was found maximum (26.62 cm) in 100% of ETc and the lowest CWU was found (21.03 cm) in 80% of ETc through a drip system of irrigation in the cropping year 2020-21. Similarly, in 2019-20 CWU was found maximum (18.02 cm) in 100% of ETc, while the lowest CWU was found (14.42 cm) in 80% of ETc. The water use efficiency was found highest in I3 (0.77 t/ha/cm) and minimum WUE was found in I2 (0.525 t/ha/cm) in the cropping year 2019-20. For 2020-21, a maximum WUE was recorded in I2 (0.497 t/ha/cm) and the minimum WUE in I3 (0.335 t/ha/cm).
Oxidative Effects in Streptozotocin-induced Male and Female Mice: The Effect of Garlic Oil and Melatonin
Authors: Al-Rashedi Abeer , Al-Johari Banan , Al-Abbasi Rahaf , Sindi Raghdh , Hameed Rawan Bin , Al-Saadi Sulafah , Al-Awam Sara , Bukhari Mawada , Al-Talhi Rahaf , Al-Hindi Yosra
Published: January 2022

Background: Recent studies have revealed that a hyperglycemia-induced overproduction of superoxide can be the first event in the activation of all pathways involved in the pathogenesis of complications of diabetes. Supplementation of garlic was found to decrease diabetes-induced oxidative stress complications. Studies shown also that melatonin attenuates diabetes‐induced oxidative stress in diabetic induced rabbits and rats.

Objective: In this present study, oxidative stress in diabetic model and the effect of garlic oil or melatonin treatment were examined in both genders' male and females' mice.

Methods: 96 mice were randomly divided into 5 groups including control (C), diabetic (D), melatonin 10 mg/kg (D+M), garlic extract 100 mg/kg (D+G) and combined melatonin and garlic (D+M+G). All treatments were given orally daily for 16 weeks after induction of hyperglycemia by streptozocin (STZ). Fasting blood glucose and antioxidant levels were estimated.

Results: Streptozotocin induced diabetic mice, showed a significant increase of plasma glucose, lipid peroxide and uric acid. Accordingly, significant decreases in the levels of antioxidants ceruloplasmin were found in the plasma of diabetic mice. Treatment of diabetic mice with garlic oil or melatonin for 16 weeks significantly increased plasma levels of ceruloplasmin activities. Lipid peroxides, uric acid, blood glucose was decreased significantly after treatment with garlic oil or melatonin.

Conclusion: The results suggest that garlic oil or melatonin may effectively normalize the impaired antioxidants status in streptozotocin induced diabetes in both males and females mice.
Lower Respiratory Tract Infections in Primary Care, Review Article
Authors: Algaows Faisal Suliman , Alamer Bader Abdulwahab N. , Alotaibi Mohammed Abdulhafith R. , Aljubran Zahra Nasser A. , Alshammary Bassam Zaal Hammad , Alfaifi Nawaf Abdullah A. , Aldawsari Nasser Abdullah , Alanazi Ahmed maashi helal , Alwadai Abdullah Mohammed , Alayyafi Ahmed Ali M. , Mohammad A. Alzarga Ibrahim
Published: January 2022

Any infectious illness of the upper or lower respiratory tract is classified as a respiratory tract infection (RTI). Acute bronchitis, bronchiolitis, pneumonia, and tracheitis are examples of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs). The most prevalent cause of death from lower respiratory infections is pneumococcal pneumonia. Pneumonia is a major cause of death globally. new advances in pneumonia diagnosis and treatment have been made, identification of new pathogens as well as the development of newer therapeutic agents like fluoroquinolones, macrolides, streptogramins, oxazolidinones, and –actam antibiotics. Despite these advancements, respiratory tract infections continue to be a challenge in both the diagnostic and therapeutic domains. Because detecting and treating pneumonia may be difficult, a number of professional organizations have created treatment recommendations. In this review we’ll be looking at LRTIs and pneumonia epidemiology, etiology, diagnosis and treatment.
COVID-19: The Pandemic Situation in the Context of India
Authors: Hardaswani Daksh
Published: January 2022

The novel corona virus disease (COVID-19) is a pandemic due to the global health crisis it has created in the world and greatest challenges that it has introduced in this 21ST century. COVID-19 is the the 5th pandemic which was first reported in Wuhan, China and gradually spread into the other parts of the world. This virus is a spillover of an animal virus and then also adapted the ability of transferring human to human. The virus is highly contagious due to rapid spread and constantly evolves in the human population.  COVID-19 pandemic is a lot more than just a health emergency, but it is also socio-economic because people are losing jobs and income. The COVID-19 disease affects physical and mental health due to isolation. Moreover, more and more countries are affecting the cases of COVID-19 which are rising very rapidly day by day.

Therefore, every country needs to several actions which accelerates their safety health, balance between the protection of health, prevent economic and social disruption due to this pandemic. In the spirit of the solidarity, we all need to be contributing our self to protect this situation. However, every country is equally responsible for determining the measures to prevent or decrease the viral transmission. Government authorizes also trying to act for reduce disease’s trajectory and they focus on develop the vaccination and therapeutic drugs. 

Aim: To find causes, symptoms, awareness, Prevention, and treatment of COVID-19.

Conclusion: The world is going by the critical situation and that is COVID-19 pandemic which is originated due to corona virus. Shortness of breath, fever and dry cough are most common symptoms of the novel corona virus. COVID-19 is highly contagious, so we must keep safe distance from other people and wear a mast hand wash our hands frequently. As it were together can we overcome the interwoven wellbeing and social and financial impacts of the widespread and anticipate its acceleration into an extended compassionate and nourishment security catastrophe, with the potential misfortune of as of now accomplished advancement picks up.