Exploring the relationship between ambient sulfur dioxide and semen quality parameters:A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective:To investigate the relationship between ambient sulfur dioxide(SO2)exposure and semen quality parameters.Methods:A systematic literature search was conducted to identify relevant studies investigating the association between SO2 exposure and semen quality parameters.This search encompassed the timeframe from January 2000 to May 2023 and included electronic databases such as Web of Science,Google Scholar,PubMed,Cochrane,and Scopus.Pooled effect estimates with 95%confidence intervals(CI)were calculated using percent changes(PC).The meta-analysis included seven studies with 6711 participants and 15087 semen samples.Results:The results revealed a significant negative association between ambient SO2 exposure and certain semen quality parameters.In particular,SO2 exposure was associated with a significant decrease in progressive motility(PC=0.032;95%CI:-0.063 to-0.001;P=0.044)and sperm concentration(PC=-0.020;95%CI:-0.036 to-0.005;P=0.012).However,no statistically significant associations were observed for total sperm count(PC=-0.038;95%CI:-0.079 to 0.003;P=0.070),seminal fluid volume(PC=-0.009;95%CI:-0.048 to-0.030;P=0.662)and sperm motility(PC=-0.17;95%CI:-0.363 to 0.022;P=0.830).In addition,the results of the subgroup analysis revealed specific variables that were associated with the decrease in relevant sperm parameters.Conclusions:This systematic review and meta-analysis provides compelling evidence supporting a consistent negative association between exposure to ambient SO2 and semen quality parameters.

Joint computation offloading and parallel scheduling to maximize delay-guarantee in cooperative MEC systems

The growing development of the Internet of Things(IoT)is accelerating the emergence and growth of new IoT services and applications,which will result in massive amounts of data being generated,transmitted and pro-cessed in wireless communication networks.Mobile Edge Computing(MEC)is a desired paradigm to timely process the data from IoT for value maximization.In MEC,a number of computing-capable devices are deployed at the network edge near data sources to support edge computing,such that the long network transmission delay in cloud computing paradigm could be avoided.Since an edge device might not always have sufficient resources to process the massive amount of data,computation offloading is significantly important considering the coop-eration among edge devices.However,the dynamic traffic characteristics and heterogeneous computing capa-bilities of edge devices challenge the offloading.In addition,different scheduling schemes might provide different computation delays to the offloaded tasks.Thus,offloading in mobile nodes and scheduling in the MEC server are coupled to determine service delay.This paper seeks to guarantee low delay for computation intensive applica-tions by jointly optimizing the offloading and scheduling in such an MEC system.We propose a Delay-Greedy Computation Offloading(DGCO)algorithm to make offloading decisions for new tasks in distributed computing-enabled mobile devices.A Reinforcement Learning-based Parallel Scheduling(RLPS)algorithm is further designed to schedule offloaded tasks in the multi-core MEC server.With an offloading delay broadcast mechanism,the DGCO and RLPS cooperate to achieve the goal of delay-guarantee-ratio maximization.Finally,the simulation results show that our proposal can bound the end-to-end delay of various tasks.Even under slightly heavy task load,the delay-guarantee-ratio given by DGCO-RLPS can still approximate 95%,while that given by benchmarked algorithms is reduced to intolerable value.The simulation results are demonstrated the effective-ness of DGCO-RLPS for delay guarantee in MEC.

Remote sensing of quality traits in cereal and arable production systems:A review

Cereal is an essential source of calories and protein for the global population.Accurately predicting cereal quality before harvest is highly desirable in order to optimise management for farmers,grading harvest and categorised storage for enterprises,future trading prices,and policy planning.The use of remote sensing data with extensive spatial coverage demonstrates some potential in predicting crop quality traits.Many studies have also proposed models and methods for predicting such traits based on multiplatform remote sensing data.In this paper,the key quality traits that are of interest to producers and consumers are introduced.The literature related to grain quality prediction was analyzed in detail,and a review was conducted on remote sensing platforms,commonly used methods,potential gaps,and future trends in crop quality prediction.This review recommends new research directions that go beyond the traditional methods and discusses grain quality retrieval and the associated challenges from the perspective of remote sensing data.

Deep learning models semi-automatic training system for quality control of transthoracic echocardiography

Objective To explore the value of deep learning(DL)models semi-automatic training system for automatic optimization of clinical image quality control of transthoracic echocardiography(TTE).Methods Totally 1250 TTE videos from 402 patients were retrospectively collected,including 490 apical four chamber(A4C),310 parasternal long axis view of left ventricle(PLAX)and 450 parasternal short axis view of great vessel(PSAX GV).The videos were divided into development set(245 A4C,155 PLAX,225 PSAX GV),semi-automated training set(98 A4C,62 PLAX,90 PSAX GV)and test set(147 A4C,93 PLAX,135 PSAX GV)at the ratio of 5∶2∶3.Based on development set and semi-automatic training set,DL model of quality control was semi-automatically iteratively optimized,and a semi-automatic training system was constructed,then the efficacy of DL models for recognizing TTE views and assessing imaging quality of TTE were verified in test set.Results After optimization,the overall accuracy,precision,recall,and F1 score of DL models for recognizing TTE views in test set improved from 97.33%,97.26%,97.26%and 97.26%to 99.73%,99.65%,99.77%and 99.71%,respectively,while the overall accuracy for assessing A4C,PLAX and PSAX GV TTE as standard views in test set improved from 89.12%,83.87%and 90.37%to 93.20%,90.32%and 93.33%,respectively.Conclusion The developed DL models semi-automatic training system could improve the efficiency of clinical imaging quality control of TTE and increase iteration speed.

A Quality Evaluation System for Dissertation Based on Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process

A dissertation is a research report or scientific paper written by an author to obtain a certain degree. It reflects postgraduates’ research achievements and the educational quality of an institute, even a country. To construct an optimized quality evaluation system for postgraduate dissertation (QESPD), we summarized the influencing factors and invited 10 experienced specialists to rate and prioritize them based on fuzzy analytic hierarchy process. Four primary indicators (innovation, integrity, scientificity and normativity) and 16 sub-indicators were selected to form the evaluation system. The order of primary indicators by weight, was innovation (0.4269), scientificity (0.2807), integrity (0.1728) and normativity (0.1196). The top five sub-dimensions were theoretical originality, scientific value, data reliability, design rationality and evidence credibility. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed system, a case study was performed. In the case study, it was demonstrated that the established two-index-hierarchy QESPD in this study was a more scientific and reasonable evaluation system worthy of promotion and application.

A Study on the Challenges of Human-Centric Cyber-Security and the Guarantee of Information Quality

Information security and quality management are often considered two different fields. However, organizations must be mindful of how software security may affect quality control. This paper examines and promotes methods through which secure software development processes can be integrated into the Systems Software Development Life-cycle (SDLC) to improve system quality. Cyber-security and quality assurance are both involved in reducing risk. Software security teams work to reduce security risks, whereas quality assurance teams work to decrease risks to quality. There is a need for clear standards, frameworks, processes, and procedures to be followed by organizations to ensure high-level quality while reducing security risks. This research uses a survey of industry professionals to help identify best practices for developing software with fewer defects from the early stages of the SDLC to improve both the quality and security of software. Results show that there is a need for better security awareness among all members of software development teams.

Quality-adjusted life years and surgical waiting list:Systematic review of the literature

BACKGROUND The quality-adjusted life year(QALY)is a metric that is increasingly used today in the field of health economics to evaluate the value of different medical treatments and procedures.Surgical waiting lists(SWLs)represent a pressing problem in public healthcare.The QALY measure has rarely been used in the context of surgery.It would be interesting to know how many QALYs are lost by patients on SWLs.AIM To investigate the relationship between QALYs and SWLs in a systematic review of the scientific literature.METHODS The study was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Statement.An unlimited search was carried out in PubMed,updated on January 19,2024.Data on the following variables were investigated and analyzed:Specialty,country of study,procedure under study,scale used to measure QALYs,the use of a theoretical or real-life model,objectives of the study and items measured,the economic value assigned to the QALY in the country in question,and the results and conclusions published.RESULTS Forty-eight articles were selected for the study.No data were found regarding QALYs lost on SWLs.The specialties in which QALYs were studied the most in relation to the waiting list were urology and general surgery,with 15 articles each.The country in which the most studies of QALYs were carried out was the United States(n=21),followed by the United Kingdom(n=9)and Canada(n=7).The most studied procedure was organ transplantation(n=39),including 15 kidney,14 liver,5 heart,4 lung,and 1 intestinal.Arthroplasty(n=4),cataract surgery(n=2),bariatric surgery(n=1),mosaicplasty(n=1),and septoplasty(n=1)completed the surgical interventions included.Thirty-nine of the models used were theoretical(the most frequently applied being the Markov model,n=34),and nine were real-life.The survey used to measure quality of life in 11 articles was the European Quality of Life-5 dimensions,but in 32 articles the survey was not specified.The willingness-to-pay per QALY gained ranged from$100000 in the United States to€20000 in Spain.CONCLUSION The relationship between QALYs and SWLs has only rarely been studied in the literature.The rate of QALYs lost on SWLs has not been determined.Future research is warranted to address this issue.

The Correlation between the Power Quality Indicators and Entropy Production Characteristics of Wind Power+Energy Storage Systems

Power quality improvements help guide and solve the problems of inefficient energy production and unstable power output in wind power systems.The purpose of this paper is mainly to explore the influence of different energy storage batteries on various power quality indicators by adding different energy storage devices to the simulated wind power system,and to explore the correlation between systementropy generation and various indicators,so as to provide a theoretical basis for directly improving power quality by reducing loss.A steady-state experiment was performed by replacing the wind wheel with an electric motor,and the output power qualities of the wind power systemwith andwithout energy storagewere compared and analyzed.Moreover,the improvement effect of different energy storage devices on various indicatorswas obtained.Then,based on the entropy theory,the loss of the internal components of the wind power system generator is simulated and explored by Ansys software.Through the analysis of power quality evaluation indicators,such as current harmonic distortion rate,frequency deviation rate,and voltage fluctuation,the correlation between entropy production and each evaluation indicator was explored to investigate effective methods to improve power quality by reducing entropy production.The results showed that the current harmonic distortion rate,voltage fluctuation,voltage deviation,and system entropy production are positively correlated in the tests and that the power factor is negatively correlated with system entropy production.In the frequency range,the frequency deviationwas not significantly correlated with the systementropy production.

China’s Energy System Development Prospect and New Quality Productive Forces

Entering the post epidemic recovery stage,China’s economic development features acceleration of industrial structure optimization and upgrading.While energy demand is increasing rigidly,energy utilization efficiency is steadily improving,with cleaner energy consumption proportion rising.The direct relationship between China’s economic growth and its emissions may be loosening.New quality productive forces as characterized by innovation,greener and smarter manufacturing,industrial integration and promotion of high-quality economic development,are highly consistent with China’s energy transformation to drive an all-round green and low-carbon development in economy and society.They are bound to play an increasing important role in achieving energy security and build China’s strength in energy.

Comparison of German and American Higher Education Accreditation Systems and Implications for Quality Management of Higher Education in China

At the present stage,China’s higher education has experienced continuous reform and enhancement,the scale of education has jumped to the forefront,and the quality of education has been continuously improved,which has made gratifying achievements.The development of China’s higher education has entered the critical node of improving quality and efficiency,and the importance of quality management as the central link in improving the quality of higher education is self-evident.Accreditation as an effective means of quality assurance,in Germany and the United States has formed a mature and perfect system and procedures.Therefore,analysing and learning from the quality management system of higher education in Germany and the United States has an important reference value for promoting the further development of quality management of higher education in China.

Construction and Application of a Quality Evaluation System for Group Elderly Care Services Based on the Internet of Things

With the continuous intensification of global aging,the issue of elderly care has become an increasingly prominent social problem.The Internet of Things(IoT)technology,as an emerging field,holds broad application prospects.This article focuses on the application of IoT technology in group elderly care services and constructs a quality evaluation system for these services based on IoT technology.Through the analysis of practical application cases,the advantages and challenges of IoT technology in group elderly care services have been examined,confirming the feasibility and effectiveness of the evaluation system.

Investigation on quality of life of hospitalized patients in China with digestive system malignancy

Background:The purpose of this study is to evaluate the quality of life(QoL)of hospitalized patients in China suffering from digestive system malignancies and to identify potential risk factors for a decrease in QoL.Methods:The European Organization for Research and Treatment Core Quality of Life questionnaire(EORTC QLQ-C30)was applied to evaluate the QoL of 23,519 patients with six digestive malignancies(esophageal cancer,gastric cancer,colorectal cancer,liver cancer,biliary tract cancer,and pancreatic cancer).A t test or analysis of variance was employed to analyze the total EORTC QLQ-C30 scale scores and domain scores of the EORTC QLQ-C30 scale among patients in different subgroups.Results:The average QoL score was 50.4±10.8.The tumor type,age,sex,and TNM stage all had an impact on QoL ratings.Colorectal cancer patients had a better total QoL score(49.3±10.3)and scores in the domains of functioning,withmilder symptoms,except for diarrhea.Patients with biliary tract cancer(54.2±12.3)and pancreatic cancer(54.2±12.3)reported a poorer QoL,significant functional impairment,and more pronounced symptoms.Patients with esophageal cancer experienced the most severe financial difficulties(35.2±27.5).Patients aged≥65 years,women,and those with TNM stage III/IV reported lower QoL.In addition,the disparities in total QoL scores and scores in specific domains were significant among patients with some types of tumors,and based on ethnicity,educational level,occupation,treatment(s)received,and place of residence.Conclusions:There is a need to focus on elderly individuals,those with low educational levels,and patients with progressivemalignant tumors and to improve routine disease monitoring and symptom management to enhance the quality of life for patients with malignancies of the digestive system.

Construction and Practice of Education and Teaching Quality Assurance Systems in Applied Colleges and Universities under the Background of Digital Intelligence

This paper discusses the optimization strategy of education and teaching quality assurance systems in applied colleges and universities under the background of digital intelligence.It first summarizes the relevant theories of digital intelligence transformation and analyzes the impact of digital intelligence transformation on higher education.Secondly,this paper puts forward the principles of constructing the quality assurance system of applied colleges,including strengthening the quality assurance consciousness,improving teachers’digital literacy,and implementing digital intelligence governance.From the practical perspective,this paper expounds on strategies such as optimizing educational teaching resource allocation,constructing a diversified evaluation system of teaching quality,strengthening the construction and training of teaching staff,and innovating teaching management methods.Specific optimization measures are put forward,such as improving policies,regulations,and system guarantees,strengthening cooperation between schools and enterprises,integrating industry,school,and research,building an educational information platform,and improving the monitoring and feedback mechanism of educational quality.

Effects of exercise by type and duration on quality of life in patients with digestive system cancers:A systematic review and network meta-analysis

Background:There is scant evidence regarding the effects of exercise type and duration on quality of life(QoL)in digestive system cancer(DSC)survivors.We aim to investigate the optimal type and duration of exercise to improve QoL for DSC survivors through a systematic review and network meta-analysis.Methods:A systematic literature search of PubMed,Embase,and Web of Science was performed.Eligibility for study inclusion was limited to studies that were randomized controlled trials involving all kinds of exercise in adult patients with DSCs,and the comparator was in standard care or other types of exercise.The primary outcome was QoL,including general health,physical health,mental health,and role function.Secondary outcomes included cancer-related symptoms such as fatigue,insomnia,depression,anxiety,and duration of hospital stay.The network meta-analyses were performed using a random-effect model.Results:The analysis included 32 eligible articles and a total of 2558 participants.Our primary outcome indicated that short-term aerobic exercise significantly enhanced general health(standardized mean difference(SMD)=0.66,95%credible intervals(Crls):0.05 to 1.30),and also contributed to a better mental health(SMD=0.38,95%CrI:-0.05 to 0.81)and role function(SMD=0.48,95%CrI:-0.27 to 1.20).Although without significant changes,short-term resistance exercise tended to increase the physical health of patients with DSCs(SM=0.69,95%CrI:-0.07 to 1.50)and effective in alleviating fatigue(SMD=-0.77,95%CrI:-1.50 to 0.01).Short-term aerobic exercise was related to a lower score of insomnia(SMD=-1.20,95%CrI:-2.40 to 0.06),depression(SMD=-0.51,95%CrI:-1.50 to 0.45),and anxiety(SMD=-0.45,95%CrI:-1.30 to 0.34).All types of exercise related to a trend of declined hospital stays(-0.87 to-5.00 day).Long-term resistance exercise,however,was negatively associated with general health(SMD=-0.33,95%CrI:-1.70 to 1.00),physical health(SMD=-0.18,95%CrI:-1.30to 0.90),and role function(SMD=-1.20,95%CrI:-2.50 to 0.11).Conclusion:This study suggests that short-term aerobic exercise,with or without resistance exercise programs,enhances QoL(especially for general health)as well as relieves cancer-related symptoms for DSC survivors,while long-term resistance exercise may have negative effects,and thus should be adopted cautiously.These results provide important evidence for the management of DSCs.

On the analysis of the construction of the quality guarantee system of web based College English teaching

With the quick development of the reform of College English teaching, web based College English teaching is used and generalized in every institution of higher education. However, more attention should be paid to the teaching quality to develop this web based College English teaching model. Therefore, the construction of the quality guarantee system is of major significance to promote the effective design of web based College English course system and improve the quality of web based College English teaching.

The impact of the Rural Minimum Living Standard Guarantee(Rural Dibao)Program on child nutrition outcomes

The Rural Minimum Living Standard Guarantee(Rural Dibao)is an important unconditional cash transfer program to alleviate poverty in rural China.Despite the importance of children’s nutrition in breaking poverty cycles,little is known about the impact of Rural Dibao on child nutrition outcomes.Using China Family Panel Studies(CFPS),this paper examines the effects of Rural Dibao on child nutrition outcomes and investigates potential pathways and heterogeneous effects.We exploit propensity score matching and difference-in-differences techniques to evaluate the effects of the Rural Dibao program on child nutrition outcomes.Our results suggest that Rural Dibao significantly impacts the nutrition outcomes of children up to 15 years of age.Specifically,our results suggest that Rural Dibao improves child height-to-age z-scores by 1.05 standard deviations and lowers the probability of stunting by 11.9 percentage points.Additional analyses suggest that increased protein intake is the main pathway through which Rural Dibao participation contributes to better nutrition outcomes.We also find that the effect of the program is more pronounced among girls,children who are non-left-behind or live with highly educated mothers,and those from low-income families and poor areas.Our findings suggest that Rural Dibao participation helps improve child nutrition outcomes through improving diet quality.

Mitochondrial dysfunction and quality control lie at the heart of subarachnoid hemorrhage

The dramatic increase in intracranial pressure after subarachnoid hemorrhage leads to a decrease in cerebral perfusion pressure and a reduction in cerebral blood flow.Mitochondria are directly affected by direct factors such as ischemia,hypoxia,excitotoxicity,and toxicity of free hemoglobin and its degradation products,which trigger mitochondrial dysfunction.Dysfunctional mitochondria release large amounts of reactive oxygen species,inflammatory mediators,and apoptotic proteins that activate apoptotic pathways,further damaging cells.In response to this array of damage,cells have adopted multiple mitochondrial quality control mechanisms through evolution,including mitochondrial protein quality control,mitochondrial dynamics,mitophagy,mitochondrial biogenesis,and intercellular mitochondrial transfer,to maintain mitochondrial homeostasis under pathological conditions.Specific interventions targeting mitochondrial quality control mechanisms have emerged as promising therapeutic strategies for subarachnoid hemorrhage.This review provides an overview of recent research advances in mitochondrial pathophysiological processes after subarachnoid hemorrhage,particularly mitochondrial quality control mechanisms.It also presents potential therapeutic strategies to target mitochondrial quality control in subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Effect of electrical parameters and slag system on macrostructure of electroslag ingot

To investigate the influence of electric parameters and slag system on the solidification quality of electroslag ingot during electroslag remelting,different power supply modes,current strengths and remelting slag systems were used to conduct electroslag remelting experiments on 304L austenitic stainless steel,and the macrostructure of electroslag ingots was analyzed.The results indicate that the depth of the metal pool decreases with the reduction of remelting frequency in the low frequency power supply mode.The effects of different power supply modes,such as low-frequency,direct current straight polarity(DCSP),and direct current reverse polarity(DCRP),on reducing the depth of the metal pool increase in that order.By reducing the remelting current strength in the same power supply mode,the depth of metal pool is reduced.When compared to the binary slag system of 70%CaF2+30%Al2O3,the ternary slag system of 60%CaF2+20%Al2O3+20%CaO is more effective in reducing the depth of the metal pool during remelting.Utilizing the 60%CaF2+20%Al2O3+20%CaO ternary slag system results in a shallower and flatter metal pool,with columnar crystal growth occurring closer to the axial crystal.This effect is observed for both low frequency and direct current(DC)power supply modes.

ISO25000-Related Metrics for Evaluating the Quality of Complex Information Systems

Evaluating complex information systems necessitates deep contextual knowledge of technology, user needs, and quality. The quality evaluation challenges increase with the system’s complexity, especially when multiple services supported by varied technological modules, are offered. Existing standards for software quality, such as the ISO25000 series, provide a broad framework for evaluation. Broadness offers initial implementation ease albeit, it often lacks specificity to cater to individual system modules. This paper maps 48 data metrics and 175 software metrics on specific system modules while aligning them with ISO standard quality traits. Using the ISO25000 series as a foundation, especially ISO25010 and 25012, this research seeks to augment the applicability of these standards to multi-faceted systems, exemplified by five distinct software modules prevalent in modern information ecosystems.

Dynamic changes of rumen microbiota and serum metabolome revealed increases in meat quality and growth performances of sheep fed bio‑fermented rice straw

Background Providing high-quality roughage is crucial for improvement of ruminant production because it is an essential component of their feed.Our previous study showed that feeding bio-fermented rice straw(BF)improved the feed intake and weight gain of sheep.However,it remains unclear why feeding BF to sheep increased their feed intake and weight gain.Therefore,the purposes of this research were to investigate how the rumen micro-biota and serum metabolome are dynamically changing after feeding BF,as well as how their changes influence the feed intake,digestibility,nutrient transport,meat quality and growth performances of sheep.Twelve growing Hu sheep were allocated into 3 groups:alfalfa hay fed group(AH:positive control),rice straw fed group(RS:negative control)and BF fed group(BF:treatment).Samples of rumen content,blood,rumen epithelium,muscle,feed offered and refusals were collected for the subsequent analysis.Results Feeding BF changed the microbial community and rumen fermentation,particularly increasing(P<0.05)relative abundance of Prevotella and propionate production,and decreasing(P<0.05)enteric methane yield.The histomorphology(height,width,area and thickness)of rumen papillae and gene expression for carbohydrate trans-port(MCT1),tight junction(claudin-1,claudin-4),and cell proliferation(CDK4,Cyclin A2,Cyclin E1)were improved(P<0.05)in sheep fed BF.Additionally,serum metabolome was also dynamically changed,which led to up-regulating(P<0.05)the primary bile acid biosynthesis and biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acid in sheep fed BF.As a result,the higher(P<0.05)feed intake,digestibility,growth rate,feed efficiency,meat quality and mono-unsaturated fatty acid concentration in muscle,and the lower(P<0.05)feed cost per kg of live weight were achieved by feeding BF.Conclusions Feeding BF improved the growth performances and meat quality of sheep and reduced their feed cost.Therefore,bio-fermentation of rice straw could be an innovative way for improving ruminant production with mini-mizing production costs.