Case Analysis Research Articles

Assessment of two-year survival rate after acute myocardial infarction in patients with impaired carbohydrate metabolism during novel coronavirus infection pandemic

Relevance. There are limited data on the long-term outcomes of patients with myocardial infarction (MI) and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) during the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic in 2020.
 Objective. To assess the 24-month survival rate among patients with IGT and previous myocardial infarction in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the same period in 2019.
 Materials and methods. We assessed the two-year survival rate of patients with MI and IGT from 10/1/2020 to12/10/2020 during the indirect influence of the pandemic compared to the same period in pre-pandemic 2019. The study was single-center, retrospective.
 Results. 179 persons in 2020 and 261 persons in 2019 with MI and IGT applied to a regional center to perform percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI center). There was an increase in mortality from MI and IGT from 4.1 % in 2019 to 9.9 % (p = 0.04) in the “pandemic” year of 2020. The relapse-free survival of patients was analyzed using the Kaplan – Meier curve method. By the end of the first year in 2020, 82.1 % of patients remained from the original, and in 2019 – 88.1 %, (p = 0.001), at the end of the 24-month observation period – 78.2 % among patients with MI in 2020 and 83.5 % in 2019, (p = 0.0015).
 Conclusions. A retrospective analysis of cases with MI and IGT during a pandemic in Russia showed the worst prognoses for the two-year survival rate among patients, more severe heart attacks with increased number of complications.

Two-stage greedy algorithm based on crowd sensing for tour route recommendation

Currently, the demand for tourism is increasing, but traditional tour group routes have been unable to meet individual needs. This paper proposes a novel personalized recommendation method for tour routes based on crowd sensing. First, we utilize ArcMap to model a real road network. We then propose a novel scoring mechanism for points of interest, including an interest label matching score and crowd sensing score, and implement a user-personalized multi-constraint interest model. Based on whether a user has must-see scenic spots, we propose a variable neighborhood greedy tour recommendation algorithm for users with no must-see scenic spots and a single-multiple point of interest two-stage greedy tour route recommendation algorithm for users with must-see scenic spots. We collected real data regarding 200 attractions, 881 restaurants, 570 hotels and 28 mature travel routes in Beijing from Ctrip, Dianping and Tuniu. We perform case analysis on Beijing dataset and comparative experiments on Beijing and public datasets with the existing algorithms. The experimental results demonstrate that our algorithm has superior rationality and efficiency.

Information security failures identified and measured – ISO/IEC 27001:2013 controls ranked based on GDPR penalty case analysis

ABSTRACT This paper identifies the failures and impacts of information security, as well as the most effective controls to mitigate information security risks in organizations. Root cause analysis was conducted on all year 2020 GDPR penalty cases (n = 81) based on misconduct as defined in GDPR article 32: “security of processing.” ISO/IEC 27001 controls were used as failure identifiers in the analysis. As a result, this study presents both the most frequent and most expensive information security failures and correspondingly ranks and presents the correlation of the controls observed in the analysis. From a theoretical perspective, our study contributes by bridging the gap between regulation and information security and introduces a statistical method to analyze the GDPR penalty cases, and provides previously unreported findings about information security failures and their respective solutions. From a practical perspective, the results of our study are useful for organizations which aspire to manage information security more effectively in order to prevent the most typical and expensive information security failures. Organizations, as well as auditors implementing and assuring the ISO 27001, may use our results as a guideline whereby controls should be applied and verified first in sequential order based on their impact and interdependence.

Multiple imputation strategies for missing event times in a multi-state model analysis.

In clinical studies, multi-state model (MSM) analysis is often used to describe the sequence of events that patients experience, enabling better understanding of disease progression. A complicating factor in many MSM studies is that the exact event times may not be known. Motivated by a real dataset of patients who received stem cell transplants, we considered the setting in which some event times were exactly observed and some were missing. In our setting, there was little information about the time intervals in which the missing event times occurred and missingness depended on the event type, given the analysis model covariates. These additional challenges limited the usefulness of some missing data methods (maximum likelihood, complete case analysis, and inverse probability weighting). We show that multiple imputation (MI) of event times can perform well in this setting. MI is a flexible method that can be used with any complete data analysis model. Through an extensive simulation study, we show that MI by predictive mean matching (PMM), in which sampling is from a set of observed times without reliance on a specific parametric distribution, has little bias when event times are missing at random, conditional on the observed data. Applying PMM separately for each sub-group of patients with a different pathway through the MSM tends to further reduce bias and improve precision. We recommend MI using PMM methods when performing MSM analysis with Markov models and partially observed event times.

A Comprehensive Analysis of 5G Technology: Advancements, Challenges, and Implications

The advent of 5G technology marks a transformative era in telecommunications, promising unparalleled connectivity and unlocking a myriad of opportunities across various industries. This research report delves into the significance of 5G technology, exploring its potential impact on communication, industries, and society as a whole. The scope of this research encompasses a comprehensive examination of the key components, advancements, challenges, and global deployment of 5G networks. Through an in-depth analysis of use cases, applications, and emerging trends, this report aims to provide valuable insights into the future of 5G technology. The key findings of this research shed light on the revolutionary advancements in data transfer rates, low- latency communication, and the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Furthermore, the report addresses the challenges and limitations associated with 5G deployment, offering a balanced perspective on the regulatory, security, and infrastructure considerations. By exploring the implications of 5G on society, industry, and emerging technologies, this research aims to contribute to a holistic understanding of the profound changes brought forth by the fifth generation of mobile networks.

Neurological outcomes in traffic accidents: A propensity score matching analysis of medical and non-medical origin cases of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest

AimThis study aimed to comprehensively compare the characteristics of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) with medical and non-medical origins attributed to traffic accidents and explore the potential association between the cases with a medical origin and neurologically favorable outcomes. MethodsIn this retrospective nationwide population-based study, baseline data were collected between January 2018 and December 2020. We analyzed 5091 OHCA associated with traffic accidents on the road scene. Only those encounters involving treatment or transport by prehospital emergency medical technicians were included. The characteristics of OHCA incidents and their outcomes were analyzed by categorizing patients into “medical origin” and “non-medical origin” groups. ResultsMedical-origin cases exhibited several distinct characteristics, including higher frequencies of occurrence during the daytime (79.3% [706/890] vs. 68.9% [2895/4201], p < 0.001), a higher prevalence among male (77.8% [692/890] vs. 68.3% [2871/4201], p < 0.001) and younger patients (median [25–75%]: 63 years [42–77] vs. 66 years [50–76], p = 0.003), a higher proportion of shockable initial rhythms(10.5% [93/890] vs. 1.1% [45/4201], p < 0.001), an increased number of cases requiring advanced airway management (33.8% [301/890] vs. 28.5% [1199/4201], p = 0.002) and adrenaline administration by emergency medical teams (26.9% [239/890] vs. 21.7% [910/4201], p < 0.001), and shorter transport times (55.3% [492/890] vs. 60.9% [2558/4201], p = 0.002) compared to non-medical-origin cases. However, medical-origin cases also had lower witness rates (42.8% [381/890] vs. 27.2% [1142/4201], p < 0.001) and were less likely to be transported to higher-level hospitals (55.3% [492/890] vs. 60.9% [2558/4201], p = 0.002). Propensity score matching analysis identified factors associated with favorable neurological outcomes in medical-origin traffic accidents. The adjusted odds ratios were as follows: 8.46 (3.47–20.61) for cases with shockable initial rhythms, 2.36 (1.01–5.52) for cases involving traffic accidents due to medical origin, and 0.09 (0.01–0.67) for cases where advanced airway management was provided. ConclusionIn this retrospective study, the occurrence of OHCAs of medical origin involving traffic accidents were associated with favorable neurological outcomes. These cases more frequently demonstrated favorable factors for survival compared to those classified as of non-medical origin. The findings have important implications for public health and EMS professionals, they will guide future research aimed at optimizing prehospital care strategies and improving survival rates for similar cases.

The Use of Digital Game Currency as a Way to Legalize the Proceeds of Crime

At the current level of development of the legal system of the Russian Federation, one of the most pressing problems is combating money laundering and its subsequent use for illegal purposes. Information technology creates an opportunity to improve the criminal technology of committing crimes and their concealment. One of the newest ways of money laundering is the use of digital game currency. The use of digital gambling currency is a relevant tool for money laundering, disguising cash transactions and their further sale. Such currency can be used to buy and sell virtual goods in various online communities, including social networks, online and offline games. Such currency can then be exchanged for fiat or decentralised funds, which in turn facilitates novel money laundering schemes. The purpose of this paper is to investigate in-game currency, the ways it can be used for money laundering, and to develop possible measures to counteract this unlawful act. To achieve the set goal of the study we used dialectical, comparative legal, formal-legal, system-structural and other methods; the analysis of criminal cases for the period from 2018 to 2023 was carried out, media materials were reviewed and analysed. As a result of the conducted research the use of digital game currency as a method of money laundering was considered, the main categories of in-game currencies used for laundering of proceeds of crime were identified, and a possible way to counteract the use of digital game currency for the purpose of laundering of criminal proceeds was proposed.

Research on the Status Quo of Psychological Crisis Among College Students in Ethnic Areas

The article discusses the significance of the research, and outlines the concepts of psychological crisis, its intervention, and psychological crisis among college students, as well as relevant theories on psychological crisis. The research mainly adopts case study and interview methods. Through scientific analysis of psychological crisis cases in four grades of X College in ethnic regions, it summarizes the current situation of crisis psychology among X College students, hoping to provide some first-hand data and research ideas for relevant researchers.

New developments and trends in extended continental shelf delineation practices—An analysis of China's participation and response strategies

Rights and interests concerning the continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles (extended continental shelf, ECS) are related to important aspects of a nation's marine utilization such as marine resource development, marine technological innovation, and the construction of marine ecological civilization. China is a country with a long coastline and has the right to delineate large areas of ECS according to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). However, the process of confirming China's ECS rights under international law is particularly complicated owing to the complex maritime delineation disputes between China and its neighboring countries. From the perspective of international law, this study uses the method of historical analysis and case analysis to retrospectively explore the evolution of the international legal frameworks governing ECS and analyze its current characteristics and trends in practice. On this basis, the paper evaluates the major challenges of China's national practice in ECS delineation and puts forward suggested countermeasures for safeguarding its legitimate rights and interests related to ECS.

Optimizing Corporate Interests: A Comprehensive Study on Tax Planning Strategies for Company a Under the Framework of Enterprise Income Tax Law

In terms of taxation, as one of the main sources, corporate income tax is 20% according to the newest financial reports. Therefore, conducting tax planning and developing a series of corporate income tax planning plans is crucial for maximizing corporate interests. This paper is based on the Enterprise Income Tax Law, with Company A as the research object. In response to the development of the company in the past three years, literature review and case analysis methods are used to plan for enterprise income tax payment of the company, in order to reduce taxes and increase profits. This article introduces the company's overview, financial situation, and existing problems, such as not fully utilizing tax preferential policies Failure to reasonably distinguish or plan expenses, resulting in exceeding tax amounts and failing to recognize revenue methods for various sales, has led to corresponding planning plans to reduce risks while reducing expenses, which not only reduces the taxable amount of corporate income tax but also increases profits.

Research on renewable energy power demand forecasting method based on IWOA-SA-BILSTM modeling

This paper introduces a novel coupling method to enhance the precision of short- and medium-term renewable energy power load demand forecasting. Firstly, the Tent chaotic mapping incorporates the standard WOA and modifies its internal convergence factor to a nonlinear convergence mode, resulting in an improved IWOA. It is used for the weight optimization part of BILSTM. Then, the SA is introduced to optimize the learning rate, the number of nodes in hidden layers 1 and 2, and the number of iterations of BILSTM, constructing an IWOA-SA-BILSTM prediction model. Finally, through case analysis, the prediction model proposed in this paper has the highest improvement of 76.7%, 74.5%, and 45.9% in terms of Mean Absolute Error, Root Mean Square Error, and R2, respectively, compared to other optimal benchmark models, proving the effectiveness of the model.

Forensic psychiatric examination of terrorist-related criminal cases: clinical and social characteristics of the sub-experts, analysis of the expert case

In recent years, due to changes in the socio-political situation, including at the international level, the number of terrorism-related criminal cases has increased, and, therefore, the number of forensic psychiatric examinations conducted in this category of cases has risen. To date, there is a lack of any scientific studies or analytical reviews devoted to the problem of forensic examination of suspects and the accused involved in such criminal cases. The article presents the results of a review of cases of outpatient complex forensic psychological and psychiatric examinations in terrorism-related criminal cases conducted on the basis of the Department of Forensic Psychiatric Examination, Psychiatric Clinical Hospital in Moscow, from 2020 to 2023. In total, 25 cases were described and analyzed, clinical and social characteristics were studied, and an overview of expert solutions was given. An analysis of one expert case was carried out. During the examinations, 56 % of the examinees did not show symptoms of mental illness when committing the incriminated criminal act, while 36 % of the examinees in the sample were diagnosed with a mental disorder. The diagnoses included mild cognitive disorder, various types of personality disorders (emotionally unstable, schizoid, with mixed features), alcohol abuse, as well as paranoid and undifferentiated forms of schizophrenia. Based on the conducted research, it is concluded that no confessional model of religious or other consciousness in itself is a source of terrorism, including its political form. Predisposition to terrorist manifestations is a multi-level phenomenon and enters an active phase due to certain «triggers» that operate at the individual, group or mass level, which depends, among other things, on psychopathological factors.

Defense Industrial Base and Network Structure: Measurement, Analysis and Public Policies for the Brazilian Case

ABSTRACT This work aims to identify sectors of the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) that have the potential to generate productive and technological spillovers. We selected companies that sold to the Ministry of Defense (MD) between 2001 and 2019 from the Brazilian Federal Government’s public procurement database (ComprasNet). These companies were chosen based on their sectoral relevance according to relevant theoretical works. Our contribution lies in using economic activity co-occurrence reported by companies, using microdata in an unprecedented exercise in the field of defense studies. The main findings show that dominant sectors with higher technological intensity tend to have a closer relationship and greater diversity of relationships within the DIB compared to other sectors. By defining sectors with high potential for technological interaction based on relevant characteristics such as centrality, technological intensity, and MD budget share, we were able to identify the existence of sectoral clusters that can generate greater productive and technological spillovers, with particular emphasis on aircraft manufacture and ICT-related industrial sectors.

Is Preoperative Type and Screen High-value Care? A Cost-effectiveness Analysis of Performing Preoperative Type and Screen Prior to Urogynecological Surgery.

Routine preoperative type and screen (T&S) is often ordered prior to urogynecological surgery but is rarely used. We aimed to assess the cost effectiveness of routine preoperative T&S and determine transfusion and transfusion reaction rates that make universal preoperative T&S cost effective. A decision tree model from the health care sector perspective compared costs (2020 US dollars) and effectiveness (quality-adjusted life-years, QALYs) of universal preoperative T&S (cross-matched blood) vs no T&S (O negative blood). Our primary outcome was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). Input parameters included transfusion rates, transfusion reaction incidence, transfusion reaction severity rates, and costs of management. The base case included a transfusion probability of 1.26%; a transfusion reaction probability of 0.0013% with or 0.4% without T&S; and with a transfusion reaction, a 50% probability of inpatient management and 0.0042 annual disutility. Costs were estimated from Medicare national reimbursement schedules. The time horizon was surgery/admission. We assumed a willingness-to-pay threshold of $150,000/QALY. One- and two-way sensitivity analyses were performed. The base case and one-way sensitivity analyses demonstrated that routine preoperative T&S is not cost effective, with an ICER of $63,721,632/QALY. The optimal strategy did not change when base case cost, transfusion probability, or transfusion reaction disutility were varied. Threshold analysis revealed that if transfusion reaction probability without T&S is >12%, routine T&S becomes cost effective. Scenarios identified as cost effective in the threshold and sensitivity analyses fell outside reported rates for urogynecological surgery. Within broad ranges, preoperative T&S is not cost effective, which supports re-evaluating routine T&S prior to urogynecological surgery.

Predictors of fetal death, neonatal survival and neurological outcomes in severe twin-twin transfusion syndrome treated by laser ablation of placental vessels.

To identify predictors of outcomes in severe twin oligo-polyhydramnios sequence (TOPS) with or without twin anemia-polycythemia sequence (TAPS) and/or selective fetal growth restriction (SFGR) treated by laser ablation of placental vessels (LAPV). Analysis of cases treated from 2011 to 2022. Variables evaluated Prenatal predictors: stages of TOPS, presence of TAPS and/or SFGR; pre-LAPV fetal ultrasound parameters; peri-LAPV variables. Perinatal predictors: GA at birth; birthweight; Apgar scores; transfontanellar ultrasonography (TFUS). fetal death, neonatal survival, infant's neurodevelopment. Binary logistic regression analyses were performed to detect predictors of outcomes. 265 cases were included. Predictors of post-LAPV donor fetus' death were delta EFW (p:0.045) and absent/reverse end-diastolic flow in the umbilical artery (AREDF-UA) (p<0.001). The predictor of post-LAPV recipient fetus' death was hydrops (p:0.009). Predictors of neonatal survival were GA at birth and Apgar scores. Predictors of infant's neurodevelopment were TFUS and pre-LAPV middle cerebral artery Doppler (MCAD) for the donor twin; and pre-LAPV ductus venosus' flow and MCAD for the recipient twin. Prediction of fetal death, neonatal survival and infant's neurodevelopment is possible in cases of TOPS associated or not with SFGR and/or TAPS that were treated by LAPV.

Defining the Post-Operative Progression of Degenerative Scoliosis: An Analysis of Cases without Instrument Failure

ObjectiveThe expected post-operative changes in radiographic alignment over time remain poorly defined in patients surgically treated for degenerative scoliosis without instrument failure. Here we aim to describe the optimal natural progression of radiographic degenerative scoliosis at multiple timepoints in patients treated with a transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF). MethodsWe identified an initial retrospective cohort of 114 patients treated with a TLIF for degenerative scoliosis between 2018 and 2022, with 39 patients ultimately meeting the imaging inclusion criteria. Patients who completed a primary or revision procedure with no evidence of instrument failure, proximal junctional kyphosis, or proximal junctional failure at last follow-up were included. Radiographic measurements of spinopelvic alignment were manually extracted from X-Ray scoliosis films. ResultsThirty-nine patients (mean age 62.6 ± 8.7, mean follow-up 2.9 years), of which 23 underwent a primary TLIF (Primary) and 16 a revision procedure (Revision), were analyzed. Patients in the Primary group experienced a durable improvement in Thoracolumbar Cobb angle (-25° ± 15°), Thoracic Kyphosis (10° ± 13°), and Pelvic Incidence/lumbar lordosis mismatch (PI/LL) (-19° ± 19°) through the first year of follow-up. In the Revision group, at one year follow-up, all measures of spinopelvic alignment except PI/LL mismatch had reverted to pre-operative levels. Thoracolumbar Cobb angle decreased to a significantly greater degree in the Primary group compared to the Revision group. ConclusionPrimary TLIF operations without instrument failure consistently improve radiographic outcomes in three key measures through the first year. For revision procedures, there appears to be modest radiographic benefit at follow-up.

Empowerment of Artificial Intelligence in Teaching Reform of Ideological and Political Courses in Universities

The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology has brought new opportunities and challenges to the field of education. As an important link in cultivating students’ comprehensive quality and socialist core values, it is necessary to carry out continuous teaching reform and innovation in ideological and political courses in colleges and universities. Based on the concept of AI empowering the teaching reform of ideological and political courses, this study aims to explore how to use artificial intelligence technology to improve the teaching effect and learning experience of ideological and political courses. The research first analyzes the application status of artificial intelligence technology in education, and then discusses the application potential of artificial intelligence in ideological and political courses. Subsequently, the teaching reform strategy of ideological and political courses based on artificial intelligence is proposed, including the use of virtual reality technology, the application of intelligent auxiliary teaching tools to enhance personalized teaching, and the construction of an intelligent learning management system. Lastly, a case analysis is conducted to explore the implementation effect of the teaching reform of ideological and political courses in universities. The results showed that the application of artificial intelligence technology can effectively improve the teaching effect and learning experience of ideological and political courses, and provide new ideas and methods for the teaching reform of ideological and political courses in universities.

Warning signs of advanced Islamic radicalization

The article analyzes the primary cognitive and behavioral indicators observable following the manifestation of the Islamic radicalization process, specifically the advanced stage of radicalization. The research scope is also related to identifying signals of Islamic radicalization by utilizing a methodology based on the analysis of cases of radicalization among Romanian citizens.As the research aims to analyze the main signals indicating the advanced stage of individual radicalization, these indicators are valuable for early warning, both from the perspective of practitioners and competent authorities in preventing and combating radicalization. They are also beneficial for civil society to increase awareness regarding the identification of radical discourse encountered in the online environment.

Prevalence, isolation and molecular characterization of Bovine Ephemeral Fever Virus in south and southeast regions of Turkey in the outbreak of 2020

The aim of this study is to investigate the presence of BEF disease in the blood, sera and tissue samples sent to the Viral Diagnosis Laboratory of Adana Veterinary Control Institute with suspected BEF in 2020 from different provinces of Turkey as well as to perform characterization and phylogenetic analysis of cases tested positive with molecular methods. For this purpose, 79 defibrinated blood and 2 tissue samples as well as 168 sera samples obtained from cattle varying in breed, age, and sex, were examined by using Real Time RT-PCR and Blocking ELISA, respectively. Two new degenerate primers amplifying 956 bp of the protein G (AVKEF_AATGTTCCNGTGAATTGTGGAG and AVKER_TGCATAATCYCTTCCTGGTCT) were designed and the phylogenetic analysis of the samples tested positive with RT-PCR was performed. As a result of the examinations conducted, 64.20% (52/81) of the defibrinated blood and tissue samples, and 69.04% (116/168) of the sera samples were diagnosed as positive. Through VERO cell culture, the virus was isolated from the tissue samples of 2 animals in Adana and Sanliurfa provinces, which were positive. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that the virus circulated in Turkey during the 2020 pandemic belongs to the Middle East lineage. We concluded that monitoring the disease and identifying the lineages of the virus that have caused pandemic are significant in the selection of the proper vaccine and the disease control.

The Constitutional Relevance of the ECHR in Domestic Law: The Kosovo Perspective

Abstract This article examines the status and importance of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) Jurisprudence in the national legal system of the Republic of Kosovo. This will be accomplished by pursuing two main paths: first, by a doctrinal analysis of the constitutional status of the ECHR and the Jurisprudence of the ECtHR in Kosovo and, second, through a closer examination and analysis of specific cases as to the level of their (non) implementation by the Constitutional Court and regular courts of Kosovo. Even though Kosovo is not a member of the Council of Europe and has not ratified the ECHR, the ECHR has a specific and privileged place in the legal system of Kosovo and is part of its constitution. This makes Kosovo a very special case regarding the technique chosen for the incorporation of international instruments for human rights in its internal legal order. Public authorities in Kosovo agree to the obligation that the scope and meaning of fundamental rights should always be determined based on the standards established in Strasbourg. However, implementing these Strasbourg-derived standards is not simple or easy. Some of the elements identified for the application of these standards in internal judicial practice include the degree and measure of implementation, the methodology of choosing cases, the methods of interpretation, and local legal culture. This article, explains these elements by analyzing statistical data and specific court cases.