Objective To evaluate the diagnostic value of histopathological examination of ultrasound-guided puncture biopsy samples in extrapulmonary tuberculosis(EPTB).Methods This study was conducted at the Shanghai Public Hea...Objective To evaluate the diagnostic value of histopathological examination of ultrasound-guided puncture biopsy samples in extrapulmonary tuberculosis(EPTB).Methods This study was conducted at the Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center.A total of 115patients underwent ultrasound-guided puncture biopsy,followed by MGIT 960 culture(culture),smear,Gene Xpert MTB/RIF(Xpert),and histopathological examination.These assays were performed to evaluate their effectiveness in diagnosing EPTB in comparison to two different diagnostic criteria:liquid culture and composite reference standard(CRS).Results When CRS was used as the reference standard,the sensitivity and specificity of culture,smear,Xpert,and histopathological examination were(44.83%,89.29%),(51.72%,89.29%),(70.11%,96.43%),and(85.06%,82.14%),respectively.Based on liquid culture tests,the sensitivity and specificity of smear,Xpert,and pathological examination were(66.67%,72.60%),(83.33%,63.01%),and(92.86%,45.21%),respectively.Histopathological examination showed the highest sensitivity but lowest specificity.Further,we found that the combination of Xpert and histopathological examination showed a sensitivity of 90.80%and a specificity of 89.29%.Conclusion Ultrasound-guided puncture sampling is safe and effective for the diagnosis of EPTB.Compared with culture,smear,and Xpert,histopathological examination showed higher sensitivity but lower specificity.The combination of histopathology with Xpert showed the best performance characteristics.展开更多
This paper studies a strongly convergent inertial forward-backward-forward algorithm for the variational inequality problem in Hilbert spaces.In our convergence analysis,we do not assume the on-line rule of the inerti...This paper studies a strongly convergent inertial forward-backward-forward algorithm for the variational inequality problem in Hilbert spaces.In our convergence analysis,we do not assume the on-line rule of the inertial parameters and the iterates,which have been assumed by several authors whenever a strongly convergent algorithm with an inertial extrapolation step is proposed for a variational inequality problem.Consequently,our proof arguments are different from what is obtainable in the relevant literature.Finally,we give numerical tests to confirm the theoretical analysis and show that our proposed algorithm is superior to related ones in the literature.展开更多
Objective Because of the limited number of studies and small sample sizes,whether metabolic syndrome(MS)leads to the occurrence and progression of osteoporosis and the possible underlying mechanisms require further in...Objective Because of the limited number of studies and small sample sizes,whether metabolic syndrome(MS)leads to the occurrence and progression of osteoporosis and the possible underlying mechanisms require further investigation.This study aimed to investigate the association between MS and osteoporosis,along with its influencing factors.Methods This observational cross-sectional study included 139,470 individuals aged≥18 years who underwent health examinations from September 2014 to March 2022.Based on bone mineral density(BMD)screening results,the participants were categorized into a suspected osteoporosis or non-osteoporosis group(control).Participants were further divided into those who met 0 MS criteria,1 MS criterion,2 MS criteria,and≥3 MS criteria(MS group).Participants who had undergone health examinations at least twice formed the follow-up cohort;a self-matched analysis was performed on those with follow-up periods≥5 years and unchanged MS grouping.Results Several examination indicators in the suspected osteoporosis group showed statistically significant differences compared with the control group.The proportion of suspected osteoporosis in the MS group was significantly increased compared with that in the 0 MS criteria group(odds ratio[OR]:1.215,Z=29.11,P<0.001,95%confidence interval:1.199-1.231).After adjusting for age,sex,smoking,and alcohol consumption,the 2 MS criteria group and MS group still had OR values>1(P<0.001).In the follow-up cohort,the proportion of suspected osteoporosis increased gradually with an increase in the number of MS criteria met at baseline and during each follow-up visit(P<0.05),with the highest proportion observed in the MS group.However,the proportion of suspected osteoporosis did not increase significantly over time in the different MS groups(P>0.05).In the follow-up cohort,the proportion of individuals transitioning from normal BMD to suspected osteoporosis was higher in the MS group after≥5 years of follow-up compared with the group meeting 0 MS criteria(0.08%versus 1.15%,χ^(2)=10.76,P=0.001).There was no significant difference in BMD values for the 0 MS criteria group after 5 years(P>0.05),whereas the other three groups experienced a significant decrease in BMD values after 5 years(P<0.05).Conclusion MS is an independent risk factor for osteoporosis,and the effect of risk factors related to MS on osteoporosis may exceed that of aging alone.The specific mechanisms warrant further investigation.展开更多
This editorial elaborates on the current and future applications of linear endoscopic ultrasound(EUS),a substantial diagnostic and therapeutic modality for various anatomical regions.The scope of endosonographic asses...This editorial elaborates on the current and future applications of linear endoscopic ultrasound(EUS),a substantial diagnostic and therapeutic modality for various anatomical regions.The scope of endosonographic assessment is broad and,among other factors,allows for the evaluation of the mediastinal anatomy and related pathologies,such as mediastinal lymphadenopathy and the staging of central malignant lung lesions.Moreover,EUS assessment has proven more accurate in detecting small lesions missed by standard imaging examinations,such as computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.We focus on its current uses in the mediastinum,including lung and esophageal cancer staging,as well as evaluating mediastinal lymphadenopathy and submucosal lesions.The editorial also explores future perspectives of EUS in mediastinal examination,including ultrasound-guided therapies,artificial intelligence integration,advancements in mediastinal modalities,and improved diagnostic approaches for various mediastinal lesions.展开更多
With the reform of the New National College Entrance Examination(Gaokao),the nongraded education will become an inevitable trend.In senior high school,the traditional test-oriented education is popular.The knowledge i...With the reform of the New National College Entrance Examination(Gaokao),the nongraded education will become an inevitable trend.In senior high school,the traditional test-oriented education is popular.The knowledge is mainly taught by the teachers,and the students passively absorb it.This study examines a problem-oriented Socratic experiment in nongraded English teaching in senior high school.The teachers seek output from students,who respond by interpreting questions,fostering critical thinking,and enhancing problem-solving skills.This teaching experiment indicates that the Socratic method has a significant positive effect on cultivating nongraded senior high English students’critical thinking under the New National College Entrance Examination.展开更多
Introduction: Radiology and medical imaging examinations bring together the means of acquiring and restoring images of the human body from different physical phenomena such as the absorption of X-rays, nuclear magneti...Introduction: Radiology and medical imaging examinations bring together the means of acquiring and restoring images of the human body from different physical phenomena such as the absorption of X-rays, nuclear magnetic resonance, reflection of ultrasound waves or radioactivity, with which we sometimes associate optical imaging techniques such as endoscopy. The objective of our study was to study the profile of radiological examinations in the radiology and medical imaging department of the “KALALE” medical clinic. Methodology: This was a descriptive, prospective study that took place over a period of six (6) months in the radiology and medical imaging department of the “KALALE” medical clinic and the centers of health of communes III and IV of Bamako in Mali. Data collection was carried out on a survey form. The parameters studied were sociodemographic data, clinical data, radiological data. Results: We recorded 6030 radiology examinations of which 19% of the examination frequency cases came from the “KALALE” medical clinic and 81% of the cases were referrals from the reference health centers of communes III and IV. There were 1500 X-rays or 24.9% of cases including 54% cases of bone X-rays;5% of cases of skull and face X-rays;5% of cases of Intravenous Urography (IVU);4% of cases of Hysterosalpingography (HSG);3% of cases of Retrograde Ureterocystography (UCR) and 1% of cases of X-ray of the Abdomen without preparation (ASP). We found 4530 ultrasounds or 75.1% of cases. Conclusion: Medical imaging has become essential in the study of the human body and now constitutes an essential tool for the detection and treatment of most pathologies, from simple fractures to the most serious tumors.展开更多
Currently, most public higher learning institutions in Tanzania rely on traditional in-class examinations, requiring students to register and present identification documents for examinations eligibility verification....Currently, most public higher learning institutions in Tanzania rely on traditional in-class examinations, requiring students to register and present identification documents for examinations eligibility verification. This system, however, is prone to impersonations due to security vulnerabilities in current students’ verification system. These vulnerabilities include weak authentication, lack of encryption, and inadequate anti-counterfeiting measures. Additionally, advanced printing technologies and online marketplaces which claim to produce convincing fake identification documents make it easy to create convincing fake identity documents. The Improved Mechanism for Detecting Impersonations (IMDIs) system detects impersonations in in-class exams by integrating QR codes and dynamic question generation based on student profiles. It consists of a mobile verification app, built with Flutter and communicating via RESTful APIs, and a web system, developed with Laravel using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. The two components communicate through APIs, with MySQL managing the database. The mobile app and web server interact to ensure efficient verification and security during examinations. The implemented IMDIs system was validated by a mobile application which is integrated with a QR codes scanner for capturing codes embedded in student Identity Cards and linking them to a dynamic question generation model. The QG model uses natural language processing (NLP) algorithm and Question Generation (QG) techniques to create dynamic profile questions. Results show that the IMDIs system could generate four challenging profile-based questions within two seconds, allowing the verification of 200 students in 33 minutes by one operator. The IMDIs system also tracks exam-eligible students, aiding in exam attendance and integrates with a Short Message Service (SMS) to report impersonation incidents to a dedicated security officer in real-time. The IMDIs system was tested and found to be 98% secure, 100% convenient, with a 0% false rejection rate and a 2% false acceptance rate, demonstrating its security, reliability, and high performance.展开更多
“Introduction to Language,”as the core course of the English major,mainly reveals the basic laws of language,enabling the students to have the ability to apply linguistic theories to explain language phenomena and s...“Introduction to Language,”as the core course of the English major,mainly reveals the basic laws of language,enabling the students to have the ability to apply linguistic theories to explain language phenomena and solve specific language problems.This course is highly theoretical and has a certain degree of difficulty.The evaluation of student grades has always been based on examination reform,but several problems have been encountered during the implementation process.This article analyzes the current situation of the reform and implementation of the“Introduction to Language”course examination in applied universities and puts forth suggestions and specific measures to improve the assessment of the course,aiming to enhance the teaching effectiveness of the course and scientifically and comprehensively evaluate students’abilities.展开更多
Background: The aetiology of Testicular Cancer (TC) is still unknown to researchers but many of the associated risk factors have been identified. These include family history, age, racial origin, cryptorchidism, uroge...Background: The aetiology of Testicular Cancer (TC) is still unknown to researchers but many of the associated risk factors have been identified. These include family history, age, racial origin, cryptorchidism, urogenital malformations, testicular atrophy, and infertility. Given the lack of scientific data on the causes of the disease, it has been asserted in previous studies that the promotion of awareness and early detection are prerequisites to mitigating risks of metastasis as well as improving survival. This study is to assess the awareness, practice, and intention to practice testicular self-examination among professional working males in Accra. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional design with a structured research instrument was used to collect data from respondants. The purposive and convenience sampling techniques were used to collect data from 300 men at Accra in Ghana. The study was conducted at two (2) Universities and a Senior High school at Accra in Ghana. The data was then analysed using descriptive statistics, logistic regression, multiple linear regression, and structural equation modeling. Results: From the study findings, 37% of male participants rated their knowledge of testicular self-examination and related symptoms as good, 28% of participants practised testicular self-examination monthly, while 65% of respondents expressed their intention to practice monthly testicular self-examination. The findings from logistic regression demonstrated that level of education, age, and marital status of participants had a significant influence on testicular self-examination. Additionally, the multiple linear regression results revealed knowledge and self-efficacy significantly predict testicular self-examination intention. The path coefficient results from the structural equation model are consistent with results from the regression models. Conclusion: This research is the first to investigate testicular self-examination among men in Ghana. The findings revealed awareness and practice of TSE are low among participants. Therefore, the research findings would improve the expertise of physicians and nurses in providing counsel, intervention, and support for patients at risk of testicular cancer.展开更多
[Objective] This study aimed to establish a physical examination method for artificial rainfall effect based on radar data. [Method] The radar base data of Shenyang was processed with interpolation by using the neares...[Objective] This study aimed to establish a physical examination method for artificial rainfall effect based on radar data. [Method] The radar base data of Shenyang was processed with interpolation by using the nearest neighbor in radial and oriental direction to establish corresponding response variables, and the effect of a precipitation enhancement case was analyzed. [Result] The trends of response variables showed that there was certain positive effect of the precipitation enhancement operation. [Conclusion] The analysis on a case was not sufficient enough, and statistical test should be the future direction of the study on the physical effect.展开更多
The principle and the constitution of an intelligent system for on-line and real-time montitoring tool cutting state were discussed and a synthetic sensors schedule combined a new type fluid acoustic emission sens...The principle and the constitution of an intelligent system for on-line and real-time montitoring tool cutting state were discussed and a synthetic sensors schedule combined a new type fluid acoustic emission sensor (AE) with motor current sensor was presented. The parallel communication between control system of machine tools, the monitoring intelligent system,and several decision-making systems for identifying tool cutting state was established It can auto - matically select the sensor way ,monitoring mode and identifying method in machining process- ing so as to build a successful and effective intelligent system for on -line and real-time moni- toring cutting tool states in FMS.展开更多
This paper introduces the development and industrial application of an on-line corrosion monitoring device for condenser tubes. Corrosion sensors are made up of representative condenser tubes chosen by eddy current te...This paper introduces the development and industrial application of an on-line corrosion monitoring device for condenser tubes. Corrosion sensors are made up of representative condenser tubes chosen by eddy current test, which enable the monitoring result to be consistent with the corrosion of actual condenser tubes. Localized corrosion rate of condenser tubes can be measured indirectly by a galvanic couple made up of tube segments with and without pits. Using this technology, corrosion problems can be found in time and accurately, and anticorrosive measures be made more economic and effective. Applications in two power plants showed the corrosion measurements are fast and accurate.展开更多
The effects of on-line solution, off-line solution and aging heat treatment on the microstructure and hardness of the die-cast AZ91D alloys were investigated. Brinell hardness of die-cast AZ91D alloy increases through...The effects of on-line solution, off-line solution and aging heat treatment on the microstructure and hardness of the die-cast AZ91D alloys were investigated. Brinell hardness of die-cast AZ91D alloy increases through on-line solution and off-line aging treatment but decreases after off-line solution treatment. By X-ray diffractometry, optical microscopy, differential thermal analysis, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy, it is found that the microstructures of the die-cast AZ91D magnesium alloy before and after on-line solution and off-line aging are similar, consisting of α-Mg and β-Al12Mg17. The precipitation of Al element is prevented by on-line solution so that the effect of solid solution strengthening is enhanced. The β-Al12Mg17 phases precipitate from supersaturated Mg solid solution after off-line aging treatment, and lead to microstructure refinement of AZ91D alloy, so the effect of precipitation hardening is enhanced. The β-Al12Mg17 phases dissolve in the substructure after off-line solution treatment, which leads to that the grain boundary strengthening phase is reduced significantly and the hardness of die cast AZ91D is reduced.展开更多
基金funded by the grants from the National Key Research and Development Program of China[2021YFC2301503,2022YFC2302900]the National Natural and Science Foundation of China[82171739,82171815,81873884]。
文摘Objective To evaluate the diagnostic value of histopathological examination of ultrasound-guided puncture biopsy samples in extrapulmonary tuberculosis(EPTB).Methods This study was conducted at the Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center.A total of 115patients underwent ultrasound-guided puncture biopsy,followed by MGIT 960 culture(culture),smear,Gene Xpert MTB/RIF(Xpert),and histopathological examination.These assays were performed to evaluate their effectiveness in diagnosing EPTB in comparison to two different diagnostic criteria:liquid culture and composite reference standard(CRS).Results When CRS was used as the reference standard,the sensitivity and specificity of culture,smear,Xpert,and histopathological examination were(44.83%,89.29%),(51.72%,89.29%),(70.11%,96.43%),and(85.06%,82.14%),respectively.Based on liquid culture tests,the sensitivity and specificity of smear,Xpert,and pathological examination were(66.67%,72.60%),(83.33%,63.01%),and(92.86%,45.21%),respectively.Histopathological examination showed the highest sensitivity but lowest specificity.Further,we found that the combination of Xpert and histopathological examination showed a sensitivity of 90.80%and a specificity of 89.29%.Conclusion Ultrasound-guided puncture sampling is safe and effective for the diagnosis of EPTB.Compared with culture,smear,and Xpert,histopathological examination showed higher sensitivity but lower specificity.The combination of histopathology with Xpert showed the best performance characteristics.
文摘This paper studies a strongly convergent inertial forward-backward-forward algorithm for the variational inequality problem in Hilbert spaces.In our convergence analysis,we do not assume the on-line rule of the inertial parameters and the iterates,which have been assumed by several authors whenever a strongly convergent algorithm with an inertial extrapolation step is proposed for a variational inequality problem.Consequently,our proof arguments are different from what is obtainable in the relevant literature.Finally,we give numerical tests to confirm the theoretical analysis and show that our proposed algorithm is superior to related ones in the literature.
文摘Objective Because of the limited number of studies and small sample sizes,whether metabolic syndrome(MS)leads to the occurrence and progression of osteoporosis and the possible underlying mechanisms require further investigation.This study aimed to investigate the association between MS and osteoporosis,along with its influencing factors.Methods This observational cross-sectional study included 139,470 individuals aged≥18 years who underwent health examinations from September 2014 to March 2022.Based on bone mineral density(BMD)screening results,the participants were categorized into a suspected osteoporosis or non-osteoporosis group(control).Participants were further divided into those who met 0 MS criteria,1 MS criterion,2 MS criteria,and≥3 MS criteria(MS group).Participants who had undergone health examinations at least twice formed the follow-up cohort;a self-matched analysis was performed on those with follow-up periods≥5 years and unchanged MS grouping.Results Several examination indicators in the suspected osteoporosis group showed statistically significant differences compared with the control group.The proportion of suspected osteoporosis in the MS group was significantly increased compared with that in the 0 MS criteria group(odds ratio[OR]:1.215,Z=29.11,P<0.001,95%confidence interval:1.199-1.231).After adjusting for age,sex,smoking,and alcohol consumption,the 2 MS criteria group and MS group still had OR values>1(P<0.001).In the follow-up cohort,the proportion of suspected osteoporosis increased gradually with an increase in the number of MS criteria met at baseline and during each follow-up visit(P<0.05),with the highest proportion observed in the MS group.However,the proportion of suspected osteoporosis did not increase significantly over time in the different MS groups(P>0.05).In the follow-up cohort,the proportion of individuals transitioning from normal BMD to suspected osteoporosis was higher in the MS group after≥5 years of follow-up compared with the group meeting 0 MS criteria(0.08%versus 1.15%,χ^(2)=10.76,P=0.001).There was no significant difference in BMD values for the 0 MS criteria group after 5 years(P>0.05),whereas the other three groups experienced a significant decrease in BMD values after 5 years(P<0.05).Conclusion MS is an independent risk factor for osteoporosis,and the effect of risk factors related to MS on osteoporosis may exceed that of aging alone.The specific mechanisms warrant further investigation.
文摘This editorial elaborates on the current and future applications of linear endoscopic ultrasound(EUS),a substantial diagnostic and therapeutic modality for various anatomical regions.The scope of endosonographic assessment is broad and,among other factors,allows for the evaluation of the mediastinal anatomy and related pathologies,such as mediastinal lymphadenopathy and the staging of central malignant lung lesions.Moreover,EUS assessment has proven more accurate in detecting small lesions missed by standard imaging examinations,such as computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.We focus on its current uses in the mediastinum,including lung and esophageal cancer staging,as well as evaluating mediastinal lymphadenopathy and submucosal lesions.The editorial also explores future perspectives of EUS in mediastinal examination,including ultrasound-guided therapies,artificial intelligence integration,advancements in mediastinal modalities,and improved diagnostic approaches for various mediastinal lesions.
基金This research is funded by 2021 Postgraduate Scientific Research Innovation Project of Hunan Province Key Project—Diagnosis and Evaluation of High School Students’Critical Thinking Quality in English(Project approval No.QL20210120)the 2022 Hunan Province General Higher Education Teaching Reform Research Project—Research on the Cultivation Path of English Learners’Critical Thinking Ability From the Perspective of Curriculum Ideology and Politics(Project Approval No.HNJG-2022-1299).
文摘With the reform of the New National College Entrance Examination(Gaokao),the nongraded education will become an inevitable trend.In senior high school,the traditional test-oriented education is popular.The knowledge is mainly taught by the teachers,and the students passively absorb it.This study examines a problem-oriented Socratic experiment in nongraded English teaching in senior high school.The teachers seek output from students,who respond by interpreting questions,fostering critical thinking,and enhancing problem-solving skills.This teaching experiment indicates that the Socratic method has a significant positive effect on cultivating nongraded senior high English students’critical thinking under the New National College Entrance Examination.
文摘Introduction: Radiology and medical imaging examinations bring together the means of acquiring and restoring images of the human body from different physical phenomena such as the absorption of X-rays, nuclear magnetic resonance, reflection of ultrasound waves or radioactivity, with which we sometimes associate optical imaging techniques such as endoscopy. The objective of our study was to study the profile of radiological examinations in the radiology and medical imaging department of the “KALALE” medical clinic. Methodology: This was a descriptive, prospective study that took place over a period of six (6) months in the radiology and medical imaging department of the “KALALE” medical clinic and the centers of health of communes III and IV of Bamako in Mali. Data collection was carried out on a survey form. The parameters studied were sociodemographic data, clinical data, radiological data. Results: We recorded 6030 radiology examinations of which 19% of the examination frequency cases came from the “KALALE” medical clinic and 81% of the cases were referrals from the reference health centers of communes III and IV. There were 1500 X-rays or 24.9% of cases including 54% cases of bone X-rays;5% of cases of skull and face X-rays;5% of cases of Intravenous Urography (IVU);4% of cases of Hysterosalpingography (HSG);3% of cases of Retrograde Ureterocystography (UCR) and 1% of cases of X-ray of the Abdomen without preparation (ASP). We found 4530 ultrasounds or 75.1% of cases. Conclusion: Medical imaging has become essential in the study of the human body and now constitutes an essential tool for the detection and treatment of most pathologies, from simple fractures to the most serious tumors.
文摘Currently, most public higher learning institutions in Tanzania rely on traditional in-class examinations, requiring students to register and present identification documents for examinations eligibility verification. This system, however, is prone to impersonations due to security vulnerabilities in current students’ verification system. These vulnerabilities include weak authentication, lack of encryption, and inadequate anti-counterfeiting measures. Additionally, advanced printing technologies and online marketplaces which claim to produce convincing fake identification documents make it easy to create convincing fake identity documents. The Improved Mechanism for Detecting Impersonations (IMDIs) system detects impersonations in in-class exams by integrating QR codes and dynamic question generation based on student profiles. It consists of a mobile verification app, built with Flutter and communicating via RESTful APIs, and a web system, developed with Laravel using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. The two components communicate through APIs, with MySQL managing the database. The mobile app and web server interact to ensure efficient verification and security during examinations. The implemented IMDIs system was validated by a mobile application which is integrated with a QR codes scanner for capturing codes embedded in student Identity Cards and linking them to a dynamic question generation model. The QG model uses natural language processing (NLP) algorithm and Question Generation (QG) techniques to create dynamic profile questions. Results show that the IMDIs system could generate four challenging profile-based questions within two seconds, allowing the verification of 200 students in 33 minutes by one operator. The IMDIs system also tracks exam-eligible students, aiding in exam attendance and integrates with a Short Message Service (SMS) to report impersonation incidents to a dedicated security officer in real-time. The IMDIs system was tested and found to be 98% secure, 100% convenient, with a 0% false rejection rate and a 2% false acceptance rate, demonstrating its security, reliability, and high performance.
基金Second batch of“opening bidding”Wuhan University of Bioengineering“Research on the Evaluation of the Implementation Effect of Curriculum Examination Reform:Taking the Course of Introduction to Language as an Example”(No.2023JGYB37)。
文摘“Introduction to Language,”as the core course of the English major,mainly reveals the basic laws of language,enabling the students to have the ability to apply linguistic theories to explain language phenomena and solve specific language problems.This course is highly theoretical and has a certain degree of difficulty.The evaluation of student grades has always been based on examination reform,but several problems have been encountered during the implementation process.This article analyzes the current situation of the reform and implementation of the“Introduction to Language”course examination in applied universities and puts forth suggestions and specific measures to improve the assessment of the course,aiming to enhance the teaching effectiveness of the course and scientifically and comprehensively evaluate students’abilities.
文摘Background: The aetiology of Testicular Cancer (TC) is still unknown to researchers but many of the associated risk factors have been identified. These include family history, age, racial origin, cryptorchidism, urogenital malformations, testicular atrophy, and infertility. Given the lack of scientific data on the causes of the disease, it has been asserted in previous studies that the promotion of awareness and early detection are prerequisites to mitigating risks of metastasis as well as improving survival. This study is to assess the awareness, practice, and intention to practice testicular self-examination among professional working males in Accra. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional design with a structured research instrument was used to collect data from respondants. The purposive and convenience sampling techniques were used to collect data from 300 men at Accra in Ghana. The study was conducted at two (2) Universities and a Senior High school at Accra in Ghana. The data was then analysed using descriptive statistics, logistic regression, multiple linear regression, and structural equation modeling. Results: From the study findings, 37% of male participants rated their knowledge of testicular self-examination and related symptoms as good, 28% of participants practised testicular self-examination monthly, while 65% of respondents expressed their intention to practice monthly testicular self-examination. The findings from logistic regression demonstrated that level of education, age, and marital status of participants had a significant influence on testicular self-examination. Additionally, the multiple linear regression results revealed knowledge and self-efficacy significantly predict testicular self-examination intention. The path coefficient results from the structural equation model are consistent with results from the regression models. Conclusion: This research is the first to investigate testicular self-examination among men in Ghana. The findings revealed awareness and practice of TSE are low among participants. Therefore, the research findings would improve the expertise of physicians and nurses in providing counsel, intervention, and support for patients at risk of testicular cancer.
基金Supported by the Key Scientific and Technological Project of Liaoning Province during the 12~(th) Five-Year Plan Period(201102383)~~
文摘[Objective] This study aimed to establish a physical examination method for artificial rainfall effect based on radar data. [Method] The radar base data of Shenyang was processed with interpolation by using the nearest neighbor in radial and oriental direction to establish corresponding response variables, and the effect of a precipitation enhancement case was analyzed. [Result] The trends of response variables showed that there was certain positive effect of the precipitation enhancement operation. [Conclusion] The analysis on a case was not sufficient enough, and statistical test should be the future direction of the study on the physical effect.
文摘The principle and the constitution of an intelligent system for on-line and real-time montitoring tool cutting state were discussed and a synthetic sensors schedule combined a new type fluid acoustic emission sensor (AE) with motor current sensor was presented. The parallel communication between control system of machine tools, the monitoring intelligent system,and several decision-making systems for identifying tool cutting state was established It can auto - matically select the sensor way ,monitoring mode and identifying method in machining process- ing so as to build a successful and effective intelligent system for on -line and real-time moni- toring cutting tool states in FMS.
文摘This paper introduces the development and industrial application of an on-line corrosion monitoring device for condenser tubes. Corrosion sensors are made up of representative condenser tubes chosen by eddy current test, which enable the monitoring result to be consistent with the corrosion of actual condenser tubes. Localized corrosion rate of condenser tubes can be measured indirectly by a galvanic couple made up of tube segments with and without pits. Using this technology, corrosion problems can be found in time and accurately, and anticorrosive measures be made more economic and effective. Applications in two power plants showed the corrosion measurements are fast and accurate.
基金Projects (2011BAE22B01, 2011BAE22B06) supported by the National Key Technologies R&D Program During the 12th Five-Year Plan Period of ChinaProject (2010NC018) supported by the Innovation Fund of Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, China
文摘The effects of on-line solution, off-line solution and aging heat treatment on the microstructure and hardness of the die-cast AZ91D alloys were investigated. Brinell hardness of die-cast AZ91D alloy increases through on-line solution and off-line aging treatment but decreases after off-line solution treatment. By X-ray diffractometry, optical microscopy, differential thermal analysis, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy, it is found that the microstructures of the die-cast AZ91D magnesium alloy before and after on-line solution and off-line aging are similar, consisting of α-Mg and β-Al12Mg17. The precipitation of Al element is prevented by on-line solution so that the effect of solid solution strengthening is enhanced. The β-Al12Mg17 phases precipitate from supersaturated Mg solid solution after off-line aging treatment, and lead to microstructure refinement of AZ91D alloy, so the effect of precipitation hardening is enhanced. The β-Al12Mg17 phases dissolve in the substructure after off-line solution treatment, which leads to that the grain boundary strengthening phase is reduced significantly and the hardness of die cast AZ91D is reduced.