An evaluation of harvesting costs in present and planned operations: case study—Waston District of Mazandaran Wood and Paper Industries

Amongst all forest utilization phases, harvesting plays a key role as the beginning phase of the utilization cycle and has a significant effect on the following phases.In this research, in order to examine the reduction of costs with respect to present and planned operations, the starting time of the harvesting or cutting phase and work flow were recorded. The starting time of each phase of the entire operation was recorded as well. Before harvesting the marked tree, the appropriate felling direction was determined and the azimuth of the correct direction was taken.The results indicate that there was not a meaningful relationship between the differences in direction of a leaning tree compared with the felling direction. However, there was a significant relationship between the difference of the defined and felling direction and the difference in tree leaning and defined direction. The same trend was observed between tree leaning and felling directions and tree leaning and defined directions. On the other hand,there was no significant relationship between tree leaning and felling directions and the defined and tree felling directions. In addition, this research shows that with an increase in tree volume, the time for tree cutting rose.Furthermore, when the difference of tree leaning and felling direction decreased, the time to cut the tree declined.The regression equation is Y = 168.9–0.14（the difference between tree leaning and felling direction） ＋ 0.7（volume）.

Clinician Utilization of Best Practices for HIV Care and Status Disclosure: A Cross-Sectional Study

Determining the baseline utilization of best practices among clinicians, with regard to HIV care and disclosure of status to at-risk partners, is critical to addressing HIV prevention issues and disease transmission. In this study, we examined clinicians' utilization of best practices for HIV/AIDS care and the disclosure of HIV status to sexual and needle-sharing partners (HSSNSP). We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 100 clinicians to assess knowledge, attitude, and behavior towards best practices for HIV care and disclosure of HSSNSP. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine factors associated with the utilization of clinical best practices for HIV care and disclosure of HSSNSP. Forty eight percent of the participants revealed poor behaviors. Fifty six percent showed less positive attitudes towards clinical best practices for HIV care and disclosure of status. Less than half (32%) of the participants had earned at least 1 HIV/AIDS CME credit in the past two years. Our study showed strong associations between the utilization of best practices for HIV care and the disclosure of status, and clinician attitudes and knowledge levels. Further research that aims to improve knowledge and attitudes on clinical best practices for providing HIV/AIDS care and the disclosure of status is needed. This improvement may lead to increase in the utilization of best practices for HIV care and disclosure of status, and contribute to decreases in disease transmission rates.

Pedestrian Crash Prediction Models and Validation of Effective Factors on Their Safety (Case Study: Tehran Signalized Intersections)

The quantity and severity of traffic accidents have increased with the development of machinery life and traffic growth in cities and roads in the past 50 years. Among the road users, pedestrians are the most vulnerable groups to be exposed to high risks. Vehicle crashes with pedestrian are almost inevitable and cause injury or death to pedestrian. Crash investigation and statistical studies indicate that percentage of pedestrian deaths caused by vehicle accidents are much more than all deaths. A considerable amount of accidents occur at signalized and urban intersections which are the intensive crash places. Therefore in this paper appropriate models that could specify safety indicators have been indicated with existing information by characterized parametric and nonparametric variables for twenty signalized intersections. Categories and correlations of variables also have been investigated. Three models including Regression, Poisson, and Negative binomial with defined variables have been determined. T and chi square tests, calibration and comparison of variables have been done by curve fitting. The role of each parameter was specified in pedestrian crashes. Validating models had the following outcomes: Pedestrian crash prediction models were based on none linear relations at intersections. Predictable variables, developing extended linear models and also pedestrian crash prediction are on the basis of Negative binomial distribution which is used due to more data dispersion. As observed, the Negative binomial regression because of its more R2 correlation factor has more validity among other regression models such as linear regression and Poisson. Calibrated models are put into sensitivity analysis to study the effect of each previously mentioned parameter in overall performance. Hence much better perception of future transportation plans can be achieved by development of safety models at planning levels.

The Impact of Delays during the Pandemic Months on Survival of Lung Cancer Patients in Canada in 2020

Background and Purpose: Most cancer deaths in the world are due to lung cancer and diagnosis and treatment delays sharply reduce survival in lung cancer patients. This study examined the impact of delays during the early months of the pandemic on the survival of newly identified lung cancer patients in Canada in 2020. Method: This was a secondary data analysis from published literature and openly available data sources. Cancer Statistics from existing literature were used as a proxy for the month-wise distribution of lung cancer cases in Canada. The incidence of lung cancer, using population statistics from Statistics Canada and incidence rates from the Canadian Cancer Statistics in 2020, was estimated. The population-based Excel model employed compounded cuts on the incidence to arrive at the outcomes. Plotdigitzer.com tool was used to digitize the survival versus time curves for each stage from secondary sources. Stage-wise incidences for each sex were calculated for each age group for each month of 2020. Using delay impact on each stage the final results were calculated. Results: A total of 5004 life years would have been lost due to 448 deaths in the long term (40 months) attributed to the delays caused during March, April, May and June in Canada. The estimated incidence for all stages of lung cancer for these months was 9801 although the observed incidence was expected to be 6571 due to reduced screenings. Hence, it was within the missing 3231 cases that delays would occur. Over the short term (10 months) there are expected to be 151 early deaths and 273 deaths in the intermediate-term (20 months). Conclusions: This study using a mathematical model showed that in 2020, the COVID epidemic resulted in higher mortality and fewer lung cancer diagnoses in Canada. As a result of the delays in assessment, screening, and treatment that accompanied the pandemic lockdowns, there has been a rise in total life years lost due to lung cancer, demonstrating the pandemic’s huge impact on lung cancer patients.

Analysis of uterine artery and sex hormones in treating diminished ovarian reserve with tiaojing decoction

Objective: To observe the effect of tiaojing decoction and climen on diminished ovarian reserve patients with de ficiency of Kidney-Yin by sex hormone and uterine artery blood flow parameters. To verify the e ffectiveness of tiaojing decoction on diminished ovarian reserve and uterine artery blood flow parameters, explore the correlation between uterine artery blood flow parameters and sex hormones. Methods: Total 60 diminished ovarian reserve patients with deficiency of Kidney-Yin were randomly divided into the experimental group (n=30, taking tiaojing decoction and climen) and the control group (n=30, taking climen) and they were treated in 3 months. Observe bFSH, bE2, uterine artery PSV, EDV, S/D, RI before and after the treatment in the 2-4 day of menstruation. Results: After treatment, serum sex hormone levels and uterine artery blood flow parameters of the two groups were significantly different (P < 0.05), and the experimental group was significantly better than the control group. There was a linear correlation between PSV and FSH, PSV and E2, FSH and E2. Conclusion: Tiaojing decoction combined with climen has significant effect on diminished ovarian reserve patients with deficiency of Kidney-Yin. Uterine artery blood flow parameters can reflect the sex hormone levels.

Bystanders'behaviours and associated factors in cyberbullying

Background Cyberbullying is presently an alarming problem worldwide due to its impact on the emotions,behaviour and psychological well-being of not only the victims,but the bullies themselves and also bystanders.Aim This study aims to investigate bystanders'behaviours in cyberbullying and associated factors.Methods This research is a cross-sectional study of 578 secondary school students in Bangkok,Thailand.Simple random sampling was used to select four secondary schools.Data were collected through online questionnaires which included four sections:(1)demographic data,(2)bystanders'behaviour in cyberbullying(cyberbullying experience and attitude towards cyberbullying were included in this section),(3)parental attachment(nventory of Parent Attachment-Revised),and(4)self-esteem(Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale-Revised).Results It was found that most occurrences of bystanders'behaviour were:(a)willing to intervene or help victims(34.6%),(b)ignoring the cyberbullying(28%)or(c)partaking in cberbulling(263%).Participants who either were victims of cyberbullying or knew of cyberbullying happening to friends or relatives and had high parental attachment would intervene more than those Who never had such experiences.Participants Who knew of cyberbullying happening to the general public had tendencies towards ignoring the cyberbulying.Participants who indicated they were bullies and had positive atitude towards joining in tended to partake in the cyberbullying more than those who were not.Conclusion Factors relating to the behaviours of bystanders in cyberbullying should be further explored to provide support in the discouragement of ignoring and averting participation in cyberbullying.Secure parental attachment is one important factor that should be instilled during childhood years.

Infection Control Measures among Healthcare Workers: Knowledge, Attitude and Practice

Background: Nosocomial infections are some of public health problems globally and continue to be increased regardless of the hospital’s efforts on infection control measures and are contributing significantly to morbidity, mortality and cost. The absence of infection control policies, guidelines and trained professionals also contributes to the magnitude of the problem. The aim of this study was to assess the Knowledge, attitude and practices towards infection control measures among healthcare workers at Old Mutare Hospital. Methods: A cross-sectional survey design was used to acquire information. A purposive sampling method was used to select 22 nurses, 15 nurse Aids and 2 laboratory technicians (Lab Tech). A self-administered questionnaire with four components addressing demographic data, knowledge, attitudes and practices was used to collect data that was completed by a checklist. Results: The study findings revealed a poor knowledge of infection control measures among the nurse’s aide. The attitude and practices among participants were impartially good in all variables. The participants had scored over 50% towards their attitude and their practices on infection control. A significant statistical difference was found between the professional status of the participants and the ability to explain how one can get Hospital Acquired Infections (HAIs) and awareness of infection control programs in their hospital (rs = 0.640, 0.645) with P < 0.05 (0.01, 0.01) respectively. Conclusion: Despite of having a fair attitude and practice towards infection control, the participants had presented poor knowledge;therefore, it had been recommended that in service training and workshop should be planned by the administration to update their knowledge and attain full compliance towards their practice.

High resolution melting real-time PCR detect and identify filarial parasites in domestic cats

Objective: To detect and identify filarial parasites in dried blood spots(DBS) collected from domestic cats using high resolution melting real-time PCR(HRM RT-PCR). Methods: A total of 208 DBS were collected from domestic cats in a brugian filariasis endemic areas in Surat Thani Province, southern Thailand. Microfilariae were found in 9 blood slides using Giemsa-stained thick blood film. The extracted DNA from blood spot volumes of 10 and 20 μL DBS with positive filarial parasites in cats were performed using HRM RT-PCR method. The primers were designed based on the partial mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene for identifying Brugia malayi, Brugia pahangi, Dirofilaria immitis. All purified samples were then detected. Results: Using different volumes of 10 μL and 20 μL DBS could easily distinguish filarial parasites and showed similar results. PCR amplicons of Brugia malayi, Brugia pahangi and Dirofilaria immitis were determined at melting peak(temperature) of 75.70℃, 77.46 ℃, and 73.56 ℃, respectively. All 9 positive DBS samples showed positive Brugia pahangi and similar nucleotide sequences. Conclusions: This HRM RT-PCR method is able to diagnose, identify and discriminate filarial parasites collected from DBS, which is simple and inexpensive compared with other probe-based genotyping methods. Furthermore, this method is useful to survey, prevent and control filariasis.

Establishing Normative Values for the Barnett Balance Assessment-Sit (BBA-SIT)

The purpose of this descriptive study was to collect quantitative, normative data for the Barnett Balance Assessment-Sitting (BBA-SIT), a newly-developed dynamic sitting balance assessment tool based on the Barnett Balance Assessment (BBA). The BBA-SIT was administered to a total of 180 participants (30 people in each of the following age categories: 18 - 29, 30 - 39, 40 - 49, 50 - 59, 60 - 69, and 70+) who did not have any current balance deficits. A review of normative data collected indicated no variation in the total assessment scores within and between groups. Future research on the BBA-SIT is needed with balance-impaired populations to determine if the BBA-SIT is sensitive enough to identify subtle differences in dynamic sitting balance in individuals with various levels of balance impairment.

Experimental Vehicles Program Aides in Innovative Hands-on Learning Experiences

The EVP （experimental vehicles program） was created in 2004 as an umbrella program for five different undergraduate experimental vehicle design teams. These projects consist of the Solar Vehicle, Moonbuggy, Baja SAE （sina app engine）, Formula SAE and Solar Boat. The goal of the EVP is to foster undergraduate student development through hands-on construction of experimental vehicles with the guidance of faculty mentors and partnerships with both national and international industry leaders. Each EVP project performs a vital function in the professional development of students. The projects provide a forgiving environment in which students can test their classroom knowledge in a real-world setting and learn important skills such as leadership, effective communication and working as a team member. Furthermore, the students in the EVP develop highly versatile and qualified skill sets that will allow them to fill various positions within the workplace. In the past, 90% of EVP graduates have been able to obtain highly regarded national and international positions upon graduation due to their real-world experience gained throughout their involvement in the EVP. Each year the EVP sponsors up to 60 interdisciplinary students that come together in peer-led teams to combine and expand upon their classroom knowledge in building innovative vehicles. The successes of the MTSU （Middle Tennessee State University） EVP have been recognized by becoming the national model for hands-on engineering education; helping engineering students take classroom knowledge and apply it to real-world situations. Students work to design, construct, and test novel vehicle designs for participation in national and international competitions. Due to the competitive nature of each of the events, students must use cutting edge technology and design methods in order to create the best entries possible. Often times, this means creating partnerships with industry leaders who help mentor the students from the design conception, the fabrication through the manufacturing of each vehicle.

Climate Change Management Strategies to Handle and Cope with Extreme Weather and Climate Events

Increasing the concentration of greenhouse gases causes rising in globalwarming and carbon dioxide emissions. With further efforts to reducecarbon dioxide, it is possible to prevent the warming of the earth, but theeffects of climate change that we have already created can not be reduced.Recent observed and predicted alterations in the global climate require adouble policy to react to the decline in climate alteration and its adjustment(coexistence) to explain the key factors and their effects. Measuresto reduce climate alteration through decreasing greenhouse gas releasesor removing them from the atmosphere are possible. Execution of morereduction measures at the present time will require less adaptation in thefuture. Meanwhile, inadequate measures to curb climate change presentlyincrease the risk of catastrophic consequences, so that adjustment costs willrise unreasonably and adaptive capacity will face further constraints. Climatechange adaptation measures concentrate in increasing our capabilityto deal with or prevent damaging effects or the use of new circumstances.Increasing temperature and changes visible today due to climate changemean that adaptation strategies should be applied. In this paper, strategiesfor reducing climate change and adaptation are reviewed and various strategiesare presented. Meanwhile, this paper looks at the economies affectedby climate change, our involvement to climate alteration, and the ways inwhich the economy has influenced climate change and the ways in which itcan provide logical options.

Requirements Quality Online Courses

Every day on the Internet appear online courses (good, bad, free, expensive, legal, illegal, ...). They can be of great benefit, especially to people who, because of a lack of free time can not attend face-to-face teaching, and have a duty of continuous professional development. In this great offer, it is really difficult to choose the right one that will fully meet the strict criteria. In this paper, we point to the conditions and requirements that may significantly facilitate students making their final decision regarding the selection of different forms of online training.

作为产品制造过程的整合部分的可靠性过程——保证成熟水平的贡献

汽车和供应方工业中的可靠性过程包括产品制造过程的所有阶段。可靠性过程主要任务的目标是满足客户、当局和法律的要求。因此可靠性过程为符合产品制造过程的,稳定且不受干扰的生产开始提供高度预备的保证。

The Impact of COVID-19 on Adolescent Suicide Deaths in the State of Maryland

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization officially declared the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19) a worldwide pandemic. As of December 2021, there have been over 278 million cases and 5.4 million deaths reported. One area of concern regarding the pandemic was its potential impact on mental health, and it was feared that the onset of such a devastating pandemic would lead to increased suicide risks among the general population. With suicide being a leading cause of death in adolescents, it is important to assess the potential mental health consequences that the COVID-19 pandemic may impose. Aim: The aim of the study was to analyze the impact of COVID-19 on suicide deaths among adolescents in the state of Maryland from 2019 to 2021. Subjects and Methods: This was a retrospective study of adolescent suicide victims, aged 10-19 years, from January 2019 to December 2021 in the state of Maryland. De-identified data were collected from the statewide medical examiner’s office which is responsible for the medicolegal death investigation in Maryland. Results: A total of 102 adolescent suicide deaths were investigated statewide by the Maryland Office of the Chief Medical Examiner during these 3 years. The number of adolescent suicide cases stayed relatively stable during the COVID-19 pandemic, with slightly more cases during the pre-COVID-19 pandemic period (2019: n = 37;2020: n = 31;and 2022: n = 34). Looking at months of incidence, less cases were reported in March-May 2020 (n = 5), which marks the beginning of the pandemic when compared to the same period in 2019 (n = 13). The number was higher for August-November 2020 (n = 15) than for that of 2019 (n = 8) and 2021 (n = 8). The male-to-female suicide ratio was 3.7:1 (n = 80/22). However, the data exhibited a significant increase in the number of female adolescent suicides, from 8.11% in 2019 (n = 3) to 25.81% in 2020 (n = 8) and 32.35% in 2021 (n = 11). Of the cases examined, more than 50% were white and approximately 27% were African-Americans. The two leading causes of death were hanging (47%) and firearm injuries (29%). Maryland consists of 23 countries and Baltimore City. The majority of adolescent suicides occurred in county residents with only 8.8% of cases in Baltimore City.

Artificial intelligence for cancer detection in upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, current status, and future aspirations

This minireview discusses the benefits and pitfalls of machine learning,and artificial intelligence in upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for the detection and characterization of neoplasms.We have reviewed the literature for relevant publications on the topic using PubMed,IEEE,Science Direct,and Google Scholar databases.We discussed the phases of machine learning and the importance of advanced imaging techniques in upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and its association with artificial intelligence.

The transformation of agriculture in Argentina through soil conservation

The adoption of no till was a major turning point in the transformation of agriculture in Argentina.This paper describes the process of adoption of no till,and the impacts of this on agricultural production.Whereas previously,soil erosion was so extreme and pervasive as to threaten the economic viability and survival of the industry,today with the majority of production under no till,Argentina produces more than ever in the past.The paper also illustrates how,after first focusing on technology adoption(no-till),the system in Argentina has now broadened to include the concepts of Conservation Agriculture(CA)and Sustainable Land Management(SLM).These strategic moves have contributed to an agricultural industry in Argentina that is more economically and environmentally sustainable than that of the past.

Evaluation of Pedestrian–Train Fatalities in the State of Maryland: A 5‑Year Retrospective Study

Few studies have been done on the incidences of train-related pedestrian fatalities throughout the United States,with no previous studies reported in the State of Maryland.A retrospective study was conducted at the statewide medical examiner’s office in Maryland to evaluate the characteristics of train-related pedestrian fatalities from 2014 to 2018.The aim of the study was to analyze circumstances of deaths through the medicolegal death investigation and postmortem examination findings,including toxicological study,to help identify epidemiological characteristics of pedestrian–train‑related fatalities.A total of 48 pedestrian-train deaths were identified.Of the 48 cases identified,21 deaths(43.75%)were determined to be accident,20 deaths(41.67%)were suicide,and 7 deaths(14.58%)whose manner of death could not be determined.Of the 21 accidental victims,17 were male and 4 were female(M:F ratio=4.3:1),11(52.38%)were white,6(28.57%)African American,and 4 Hispanic(19.05%),with age ranging from 16 to 58 years(mean age=35).Of the 20 suicide victims,17 were males and 3 females(M:F ratio=5.7:1),16(80%)were white,2(10%)African American,and 2(10%)Hispanic,with age ranging from 22 to 60 years(mean age=40).The majority of accidents occurred during weekday evening rush hours between 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm,while the suicides showed no specific time frames.No specific peak for seasons of year was found in suicides or accidents.Postmortem toxicological studies showed that 52.38%(11/21 cases)of accidental victims were positive for alcohol and 30%(6/20 cases)of suicide victims were positive for alcohol.Manner of death could not be determined in 7 cases because of unclear circumstances of death.Thorough death scene investigation and complete postmortem examination,including comprehensive toxicological testing,is very important in all train-related pedestrian fatalities.Determining the manner of death can directly affect the outcome of civil ligation and dispersal of insurance benefits.The characteristic profiles of train‑related pedestrian fatalities can also assist effective preventive measures on railway suicides and accidents.

Surveillance of Multidrug-Resistant Bacterial Infections in Non-Adult Patients-Zhejiang Province,China,2014-2019

ABSTRACT Introduction:Antimicrobial resistance has become a major public health threat globally.The prevalence of multidrug-resistant(MDR)bacterial infections increased substantially among inpatients under 18 years of age in recent years.In Zhejiang Province,China,the trends of drug-resistance in non-adult patients from 2014 to 2019 were monitored,aiming to determine the variation patterns and epidemiological features of MDR strains.