System Analysis Software Research Articles

Vitamin D receptor deficiency increases systolic blood pressure by upregulating the renin-angiotensin system and autophagy.

The vitamin D receptor (VDR) may regulate blood pressure via multiple pathways. The present study investigated the underlying mechanism by which VDR deficiency increases blood pressure. A total of 16 8-week-old male littermate mice were randomly divided into the VDR knockout and wild-type groups (VDR-/- and VDR+/+, respectively). Blood pressure was measured using a four-channel PowerLab data acquisition and ADI software analysis system. After euthanasia, vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were isolated from the VDR-/- and VDR+/+ mice. Oxidative stress, renin-angiotensin system (RAS) activation and autophagy markers were measured in the isolated VSMCs using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), western blotting and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) assays. Mean systolic pressure was significantly higher in the VDR-/- mice compared with the VDR+/+ mice. RT-qPCR and western blotting analyses indicated that RAS markers (angiotensin II and II type 1 receptor) were significantly upregulated, oxidative stress was increased (evidenced by reduced superoxide dismutase and peroxiredoxin-4) and autophagy was activated (upregulation of autophagy related protein 7, Beclin 1 and microtubule-associated proteins 1A/1B light chain 3A) in the VDR-/- VSMCs compared with the VDR+/+ VSMCs. TEM demonstrated that there were more autophagy bodies in the VDR-/- VSMCs compared with the VDR+/+ VSMCs. In conclusion, VDR deficiency was associated with high blood pressure. The mechanism underlying the increase in blood pressure caused by VDR deficiency may involve activation of the RAS, as well as increased oxidative stress and autophagy of VSMCs.

Effect of blending ratio of wheat, orange fleshed sweet potato and haricot bean flour on proximate compositions, β-carotene, physicochemical properties and sensory acceptability of biscuits’

Background: Protein-energy malnutrition and vitamin A deficiency (VAD) are the most important public health issues, and a food-based strategy is crucial to combat those health problems among the vulnerable group of people. Methods: Composite biscuits were made with 100:0:0, 90:5:5, 80:10:10, 70:15:15, 60:20:20, and 50:25:25 percent wheat, haricot bean, and orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) flours.Standard methods were used to evaluate the proximate compositions, β-carotene, physical properties, functional properties, and sensory acceptability. A one-way analysis of variance model was used to statistically evaluate the data using the statistical analysis system software package, version 9.0 standard methods. Results: The results showed that partially replacing wheat with haricot beans and OFSP increased the β-carotene and proximate compositions significantly. When wheat was replaced with haricot beans and OFSP, the physical characteristics of the biscuits did not vary significantly from those of biscuits made entirely of wheat flour. Sensory acceptability (appearance, color, flavor, taste and overall acceptability) was higher in the composite biscuits with up to 40% wheat substitution than in the 100% wheat flour biscuits. Conclusion: Based on the findings of this report, replacing wheat with OFSP and haricot beans in biscuit formulation appears to be promising in improving nutritional quality, sensory acceptability, and beta carotene. It is proposed that these products can mitigate food insecurity and deficiency of vitamin A.

Abstract P1-07-04: Potential role of the antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP) in tumors achieving pCR in NRG Oncology/NSABP B-52

Abstract Background: The NRG Oncology/NSABP B-52 neoadjuvant clinical trial was conducted to test if the addition of estrogen deprivation (ED) would improve the pCR rate in HER2+/ER+ breast cancer patients (pts) treated with docetaxel, carboplatin, trastuzumab, and pertuzumab (TCHP). A numerical increase in pCR rate was observed with ED (46.1% v 40.9%), but the difference was not statistically significant. We have previously quantitated T cells (CD8, FOXP3), macrophages (CD68), and immune checkpoint proteins (PD-1, PD-L1) with multiplex immunofluorescence in B-52 and shown that CD68 and FOXP3 cells were associated with pCR but not CD8 cells. Our purpose was to determine the associations of FCGR genotypes and immune cells with pCR. Methods: A single baseline, pre-treatment FFFPE tissue section per case (N=181) was used to perform a 7-plex multiplex immunofluorescence procedure using opal fluorophores for staining. The Vectra Pathology System and inForm analysis software (Akoya Biosciences) was used for imaging and quantitation of CD8, CD68, FOXP3, PD-1, and PD-L1 cells in both the tumoral and stromal regions. Stromal data is reported here. Favorable- and unfavorable- FcGγR genotypes for FCGR2A-131H/R and FCGR3A-158V/F alleles were determined via the Sequenom MassARRAY iPLEX platform. Rates of pCR with pts with 1 or 2 favorable alleles was compared to pts who were homozygous for the unfavorable allele. Within each genotype, Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to test the association of markers with pCR and within each treatment. Results: No significant association of FCGR2A and 3A alleles with pCR was detected in the entire B-52 cohort, however, among pts with favorable FCGR genotypes (FCGR2A-131-HH, or H/R, FCGR3A-158- VV, or VF HR) the median value of the % CD68 cells was significantly higher in tumors that achieved pCR v those that did not (p=0.0004, p=0.0006), respectively. In pts who were homozygous for the FCGR2A or FCGR3A unfavorable alleles, there was no significant difference in the median values of the % of CD68 cells between pCR and no-pCR tumors. Further stratification of tumors by treatment showed that pts with an FCGR2A or FCGR3A favorable genotype and whose tumors achieved pCR had a higher median value of CD68 only in the TCHP + ED arm (p=0.0007, p=0.0003), respectively and not in the TCHP arm (p=0.059; p=0.21). Higher levels of PD-L1 were associated with pCR in pts with FCGR3A- favorable genotypes, but higher levels of FOXP3 were associated with pCR regardless of genotype. In contrast to the other cell types, higher PD-1 or CD8 cells showed no association with genotypes. Conclusions: This is an exploratory study examining the potential role of ADCP in HER2+/ER+ breast cancer and supports the notion that ADCP may be one mechanism that promotes the elimination of tumor cells in a subset of pts in the neoadjuvant setting. Tumors that achieve pCR have higher % of CD68 cells, in pts with favorable FCGR2A and 3A genotypes than pts who do not. However, in pts with unfavorable FCGR3A or FCGR2A genotypes there was no difference in the median CD68 levels in pCR v no-pCR tumors. When tumors were further stratified by CD68 levels, FCGR3A genotypes, and treatment, the association of pCR in tumors with high CD68 and FCGR3A favorable genotypes was seen only in the TCHP+ED arm. This may indicate that ED may improve pCR rates in some tumors with more macrophages and favorable genotypes. Macrophages are known to have estrogen receptors, and estrogen has been shown to promote the alternative activation of macrophages, potentially dampening down the immune response. Thus, one could speculate that ED may block the estrogen-induced alternative activation of macrophages, allowing the classically activated macrophages to phagocytize tumor cells. Support: BCRF, U10CA180868 & Admin Sup, U24CA196067, Genentech, NSABP Foun. Citation Format: Katherine L Pogue-Geile, Ying Wang, Huichen Feng, Corey Lipchick, Patrick Gavin, Rim S Kim, Reena S Cecchini, Samuel A Jacobs, Ashok Srinivasan, Sandra M Swain, Eleftherios Mamounas, Charles E Geyer, Jr, Priya Rastogi, Peter C Lucas, C. Kent Osborne, Soonmyung Paik, Norman Wolmark, Mothaffar F Rimawi. Potential role of the antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP) in tumors achieving pCR in NRG Oncology/NSABP B-52 [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2021 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2021 Dec 7-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-07-04.

PEMBERIAN PUPUK ORGANIK SEBAGAI CAMPURAN MEDIA TUMBUH BABY KAILAN (Brassica oleracea L.) SECARA VERTIKULTUR

The research aims to determine the effect of the addition of some organic fertilizers as a mixed growing medium for growth and yield of baby kailan and to get the best type of organic fertilizer to support the growth and yield of baby kailan plants in viticulture. The research was carried out at the the Experimental farm of the Agriculture Faculty, Riau University. The research took time four months, starting from February to May 2019 and the experiment, which consisted of four treatments and arranged using a completely randomized block design (RBD) of organic fertilizer, consisted of Cow manure, Goat manure, Chicken manure, and Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunches (OPEFB) compost. The observed parameters were plant height (cm), number of leaves (strands), fresh weight per plant (g), plant weight for consumption per plant (g), and root volume (ml). The observational data were analysed using the Statistical Analysis System (SAS) program. The results showed that the OPEFB compost treatment provided the best for the growth and yield of baby kailan. OPEFB compost gave the best results for all parameters.

Abstract TP236: Brain And Infarct Temperature Changes With Active Conductive Head Cooling: A Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Imaging Study

Background and Purpose: Active conductive head cooling (HC) is a simple and non-invasive intervention that may potentially slow infarct growth in patients with stroke. Using magnetic resonance spectroscopy imaging (MRSI), we investigated the effect of HC on brain and systemic temperatures. Methods: A cooling cap (WElkins Temperature Regulation System, 2nd Gen) was used to administer HC for 80 minutes to healthy volunteers and patients at least 6 months following a large vessel occlusion stroke. Serial MRSI scans were obtained before and during HC. Brain temperature was estimated using the Metabolite Imaging and Data Analysis System software package, which allows voxel-level temperature calculations using the chemical shift difference between metabolite (N-acetylaspartate, creatine, choline) and water resonances. Rectal temperature, the 11-point Numerical Pain Rating Scale score, heart rate, and blood pressure were measured. The primary outcome was the mean difference in brain temperature before and after HC. Results: Eleven participants (6 healthy volunteers, and 5 post-stroke) had a total of 66 MRSI scans performed over 80±5 minutes of HC. An average absolute temperature of -1.3±0.5°C was delivered via the cooling cap to the scalp of the participants. Following HC, significant reductions in brain temperature (ΔT = -0.9±0.7°C, P =0.002), and to a lesser extent, rectal temperature (ΔT = -0.3±0.1°C, P =0.03) were observed. Linear regression analysis of all 66 MRSI scans showed a brain temperature-by-time gradient of -0.53°C per hour ( P =0.001). In the stroke patients, the temperature-by-time gradient within the infarct was -0.60°C per hour ( P =0.01). HC was well-tolerated, heart rate and blood pressure remained stable, the median (IQR) Numerical Pain Rating Scale score was 2.5 (1-3) at 80 minutes, and none developed shivering. Conclusions: HC was well-tolerated and resulted in potentially clinically meaningful reductions in brain and infarct temperature, with only slight reduction in systemic temperature. Future research should investigate the feasibility of HC as a potential neuroprotective strategy in patients being considered for acute stroke therapies such as mechanical thrombectomy.

A balanced watershed decomposition method for rain-on-grid simulations in HEC-RAS

Abstract Rain-on-grid simulations for the modeling of 2D unsteady flows in response to precipitation input are implemented in Hydrologic Engineering Center's River Analysis System (HEC-RAS) software by means of a finite volume method and a sparse parallel linear solver running on a unique processor. Obviously, this may fail due to memory shortage when the discretization yields too large linear systems. Such simulations are good candidates for the design of partition and domain decomposition methods for the modeling of very large catchments by means of hydrological sub-units. Thinking in load-balanced computations, the proposed area-balanced partition method is based on the flow accumulation information. Implemented in HEC-RAS, the domain decomposition method comprises 2D–1D models combining 2D sub-unit meshes to 1D channels for extracting outflow data from upstream units and passing the information to downstream units. The workflow is automated using the HEC-RAS Controller. As a case study, we consider the French Saar catchment (1,747 km2). The new partition methods demonstrate a better equilibrium for sub-basin areas and the computational load for the sub-problems. The total computational time is substantially reduced. Domain decomposition is required for carrying rain-on-grid simulations over the Saar watershed (2,800,000 elements). The resulting discharge and flood maps show very good agreements with available data.

Интеграционный подход в исследовании сосудов плаценты при преэклампсии

Introduction. Preeclampsia is key in obstetric pathology, which is one of the causes of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. It is due to the difficulties of diagnosis, variable clinical picture, severity, and high risk of an unfavorable outcome. This problem requires special attention not only from obstetricians and gynecologists, but also from pathologists who make intravital morphological diagnosis ofplacenta in women with preeclampsia. The purpose of the study was to perform amorphological, morphometric, and immunohistochemical analysis of obliterative angiopathy in the vessels of placental stem villi with preeclampsia of varying severity. Materials and methods.We studied 60 placentas, 40 of which were from women having preeclampsia of varying severity, as well as 20 healthy placentas (the comparison group). For morphometric studies, an automated histological analysis system Leica Application Suite hardware and software module based on a Leica DM4000B microscope was used. The immunohistochemical study was carried out with markers CD34, VEGF-A, and endothelial NOS. Results. We established a directly proportional relationship between the degree of preeclampsia and the severity of arteriole lumen obliteration of the stem villi, and accordingly the degree of placental insufficiency. The most pronounced disorders of fetoplacental circulation were observed in combined severe preeclampsia and extragenital pathology. Conclusion. The data obtained allow us to confirm the significance of obliterative angiopathy in preeclamptic placentas as an integral component. Prevention of ischemic changes in the placenta, where obliterative angiopathy of the villus vessels plays a leading role, is an urgent medical problem that requires an objective approach to predict the condition of the newborn. Keywords: preeclampsia, placenta, obliterative angiopathy, morphometric, immunohistochemical study

Voltage Profile Enhancement and Power Loss Reduction with Economic Feasibility Using Small Capacity Distribution Transformers

Usually, rural areas can be electrified via three-phase distribution transformers with relatively large capacities. In such areas, low voltage lines are used for long distances, which cause power losses and voltage drop for different types of consumers. Reducing losses and improving voltage profiles in rural distribution networks are significant challenges for electricity distribution companies. However different solutions were proposed in the literature to overcome these challenges, most of them face difficulties when applied in the conventional distribution network. To address the above issues, an applicable solution is proposed in this paper by installing a number of small-capacity distribution transformers instead of every single large-capacity transformer in rural areas. The proposed approach is implemented in the branch network of Al-Hoqool village, which belongs to the Nineveh distribution network. The network has been inspected on-site, drawn, and analyzed using the electrical systems analysis program (ETAP). The analysis showed that using the single-phase pole-mounted transformers can improve the voltage in the network’s end by 29% and enhance the voltage profile for all consumers. The analysis has also demonstrated that the modification can reduce the total power losses by 78% compared to the existing network. Concerning the economic aspect, the payback period for the proposed network is assigned to be 20 months.

Fenotipska procena deset genotipova šećerne trske (Saccharum officinarum L.) u Finča Sugar Estate, Etiopija

The aim of the study was to evaluate ten introduced sugarcane genotypes for yield and juice quality in three successive crop cycles at Finchaa Sugar Estate, Ethiopia. Eight sugarcane genotypes were grown from December 2016 to May 2020 laid in a CRBD with three replications. Data were collected for number of internodes, millable stalk, plant height, stalk girth, single cane weight, cane yield, brix percent juice, pol percent, and sugar recovery percentage and sugar yield. The collected data was subjected to analysis of variance with the help of statistical analysis system software and treatment means were separated using least significance difference method at 5% level of significance. Analysis of variance for the three crop cycles indicated the existence of variation between genotypes in all quantitative traits. In the mean comparisons of traits for the three crop cycles, the genotype CP 96 12 52 had the highest number of millable stalks and VMC 96 273 and MPT 96 035 produced the highest cane thickness and single stalk weights. Considering sugar yield the best sugarcane genotypes were N 14, CP 96 1252, CPCL 02 926 and VMC 96 89 respectively. N 14 was the highest performed variety in cane and sugar yield, but its sugar recovery percent performance was very low (10.32%). However, CP 96 1252, CPCL 02 926 and VMC 96 89 had the highest sugar recovery percentage 12.93%, 14% and 12.15% respectively and had been recommended for timely seed increase for verification in large plots at Finchaa Sugar Estate.

Evaluation: Screening, Analysis, and Countermeasures for Bridge Scour for AL-Manshia Bridge

This paper aims to study scouring and the recommended countermeasures for Al Manshiya Bridge, which is located in the Blue Nile in Khartoum city. The bridge was constructed in the year 2006, but in 2015; the east embankment approach of the bridge was exposed to scour causing failure of the approach deck slab. The paper follows the general procedure outlined by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for stream stability, evaluating scour at bridges and countermeasures in order to have hydraulically safe bridge. Geomorphic and hydraulic factors affect the stream were studied; a scour analysis was made using Hydrologic Engineering Center - River Analysis System (HEC-RAS) software. To account for long-term, contraction, and local scour potential for the Peak flow event, HEC RAS model was used to construct quasi- unsteady sediment model. In order to protect the bridge, countermeasures for the bridge east abutment and channel adjacent to the bridge are studied, riprap around abutment and spur dikes were considered as the most suitable countermeasures.

Availability and Suitability of Digital Health Tools in Africa for Pandemic Control: Scoping Review and Cluster Analysis.

BackgroundGaining oversight into the rapidly growing number of mobile health tools for surveillance or outbreak management in Africa has become a challenge.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to map the functional portfolio of mobile health tools used for surveillance or outbreak management of communicable diseases in Africa.MethodsWe conducted a scoping review by combining data from a systematic review of the literature and a telephone survey of experts. We applied the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines by searching for articles published between January 2010 and December 2020. In addition, we used the respondent-driven sampling method and conducted a telephone survey from October 2019 to February 2020 among representatives from national public health institutes from all African countries. We combined the findings and used a hierarchical clustering method to group the tools based on their functionalities (attributes).ResultsWe identified 30 tools from 1914 publications and 45 responses from 52% (28/54) of African countries. Approximately 13% of the tools (4/30; Surveillance Outbreak Response Management and Analysis System, Go.Data, CommCare, and District Health Information Software 2) covered 93% (14/15) of the identified attributes. Of the 30 tools, 17 (59%) tools managed health event data, 20 (67%) managed case-based data, and 28 (97%) offered a dashboard. Clustering identified 2 exceptional attributes for outbreak management, namely contact follow-up (offered by 8/30, 27%, of the tools) and transmission network visualization (offered by Surveillance Outbreak Response Management and Analysis System and Go.Data).ConclusionsThere is a large range of tools in use; however, most of them do not offer a comprehensive set of attributes, resulting in the need for public health workers having to use multiple tools in parallel. Only 13% (4/30) of the tools cover most of the attributes, including those most relevant for response to the COVID-19 pandemic, such as laboratory interface, contact follow-up, and transmission network visualization.

Development and application of 3D pool-type sodium cooled fast reactor system analysis program

Sodium cooled fast reactor (SFR) is the most comprehensively studied and the most extensively operated reactor-type in the 4th generation of nuclear power plants. One of the key points of the transient analysis in pool-type SFR is refined analysis of the transient thermal-hydraulic characteristics of the 3D sodium pool. In this paper, according to the characteristics of pool-type SFR, a three-dimensional (3D) system analysis model is developed. The difficulties involved: establishment of the basic 3D mathematical model, method for processing 3D momentum convection terms, accurate simulation of the position 1D pipe and 3D space. On this basis, the 3D transient analysis program NUSOL-LMR-3D for pool-type SFR is independently developed. Then, the 3D system model is fully verified with the MONJU thermal stratification experiment and the EBR-II transient experiment. Subsequently, NUSOL-LMR-3D program was applied to the 3D transient safety analysis of the TBO accident of (CEFR). The results show that NUSOL-LMR-3D program can accurately simulate the accident process, and it is pointed out that there is obvious thermal stratification in the hot sodium pool around 50s after the accident. The temperature gradient on the thermal interface is relatively large, which may result in a large thermal stress on the internal structure of the pool. Besides, the location with maximum temperature gradient of the inner barrel wall and central measuring column were suggested through analyzing the temperature field of the inner hot pool. The most attention should be paid to the area of the inner barrel wall axial position of 0.45 m–0.65 m and the central measuring column axial position of 0.65 m–0.95 m. This study provides an in-depth analysis of the three-dimensional transient thermal-hydraulic characteristics of the pool-type SFR, which solves the problem of rapid and refined analysis of the 3D sodium pool and provides a reference basis for the design of fast reactor systems.

Natural and manmade impact on Rosetta eastern shoreline using satellite Image processing technique

This research studied the coastal changes along the region between Rosetta promontory to El Burullus fishing port with approximate length 58 km at Nile Delta Mediterranean coast, Egypt. Rosetta seawall was successfully built to protect the city from high erosion rate (-121 m/y), however erosion translocated eastward for 3 km with rate −64 m/y. So, a protection system of five groins was built eastward of the seawall. This has decreased the rate of erosion in the area to −45 m/y. After 2016, Ghalyon fish farm (GFF) manmade structures affected the balance of the coastline. So, a new groin protection system was built. This study aims to evaluate shoreline change pattern before and after the construction of GFF structures and to assess the gain and loss in land area. This was accomplished through the delineation of the shorelines from satellite imagery. The shoreline change statistics were calculated by the Digital Shoreline Analysis System software (DSAS). The research studied also the predicted shoreline and the impact of the GFF jetties’ lengths on the down drift side using 1-D model (LITPACK). The results revealed that by changing the length of the jetties, no notable change occurred in the eroded area.

Shaping Ability of Three Ni-Ti Rotary Systems in Curved Root Canals of Extracted Teeth

Aims. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of 3 different rotary Ni-Ti instruments used to prepare curved root canals on the root canal curvature by using Digora system. Methods. Mesiobuccal canals of 30 mandibular first molars with curvature between 20-40 degrees were divided into 3 equal groups according to Ni-Ti rotary system need for root canal preparation: Alpha, RaCe and ProTaper system. Root canal curvatures from both buccal and proximal view were measured before and after instrumentation by using Digora system and image analysis software according Schneider's technique. Results. The result indicated that ProTaper system showed significantly greater decrease in curvature in the mesio-distal view and in the bucco-lingual view (p<.05). Conclusion. The current study concluded that the rotary Ni-Ti RaCe system better maintained the original root canal curvature than the rotary Ni-Ti Alpha System and ProTaper Universal Systems. It may be better to use the rotary Ni-Ti RaCe system to prepared curved canal in order to maintained the original root canal curvature.

Characteristics of Pore Structure and Gas Content of the Lower Paleozoic Shale from the Upper Yangtze Plate, South China

This study is predominantly about the differences in shale pore structure and the controlling factors of shale gas content between Lower Silurian and Lower Cambrian from the upper Yangtze plate, which are of great significance to the occurrence mechanism of shale gas. The field emission scanning electron microscopy combined with Particles (Pores) and Cracks Analysis System software, CO2/N2 adsorption and the high-pressure mercury injection porosimetry, and methane adsorption were used to investigate characteristics of overall shale pore structure and organic matter pore, heterogeneity and gas content of the Lower Paleozoic in southern Sichuan Basin and northern Guizhou province from the upper Yangtze plate. Results show that porosity and the development of organic matter pores of the Lower Silurian are better than that of the Lower Cambrian, and there are four main types of pore, including interparticle pore, intraparticle pore, organic matter pore and micro-fracture. The micropores of the Lower Cambrian shale provide major pore volume and specific surface areas. In the Lower Silurian shale, there are mesopores besides micropores. Fractal dimensions representing pore structure complexity and heterogeneity gradually increase with the increase in pore volume and specific surface areas. There is a significant positive linear relationship between total organic carbon content and micropores volume and specific surface areas of the Lower Paleozoic shale, and the correlation of the Lower Silurian is more obvious than that of the Lower Cambrian. The plane porosity of organic matter increases with the increase in total organic carbon when it is less than 5%. The plane porosity of organic matter pores is positively correlated with clay minerals content and negatively correlated with brittle minerals content. The adsorption gas content of Lower Silurian and Lower Cambrian shale are 1.51–3.86 m3/t (average, 2.31 m3/t) and 0.35–2.38 m3/t (average, 1.36 m3/t). Total organic carbon, clay minerals and porosity are the main controlling factors for the differences in shale gas content between Lower Cambrian and Lower Silurian from the upper Yangtze plate. Probability entropy and organic matter plane porosity of the Lower Silurian are higher than those of Lower Cambrian shale, but form factor and roundness is smaller.

The Effect Of Labor Force, Investment, Labor Absorption On Gross Regional Domestic Products Of North Sumatra Province Agriculture

Economic growth can also be interpreted as a process of continuous change towards better conditions in a country/region. The rate of economic growth in the province of North Sumatra has increased. The increase in economic growth is indicated by the value of the Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP). The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of the investment workforce, employment in the agricultural sector on the Gross Regional Domestic Product of North Sumatra Province. This study uses Time Series data with a time span of 2000-2020. Parameters are estimated using the 2 SLS (Two Stage Least Squares) method. Data processing using the Statistical Analysis System (SAS) Program version 9.2. The results of the study explain that (1) the population of North Sumatra is increased by 10 units, it will encourage an increase in the North Sumatran Workforce by 1.84 units per year. An increase in the number of employed by 10 units will increase the labor force in the agricultural sector by 4.4 units, an increase in labor absorption by 10 units has an impact on increasing the labor force by 2.9 units per year, and if the labor force in the agricultural sector last year increased by 10 units, it will increase the labor force in the sector. agriculture by 2.0 units, (2) North Sumatra Regional minimum wage is increased by 10 units it will encourage a decrease in labor absorption by 8.0 units per year. An increase in investment in the agricultural sector by 10 units will have an impact on increasing employment by 0.031 units. An increase in the number of undergraduate education by 10 units has an impact on increasing labor absorption by 19.7 units, for last year's employment in the agricultural sector by 10 units, it will result in an increase in employment in the agricultural sector by 0.3 units, (3) If interest rates are increased by 10 units will reduce investment in the agricultural sector by 9.3197 units. An increase in inflation of 10 units has an impact on an increase in investment of 2,640,178 units per year. An increase in Gross Regional Domestic Product in the agricultural sector by 10 units will have an impact on an increase in investment in the agricultural sector by 160.58 units per year, an increase in the total number of employees working over 15 years of age by 10 units, it will have an impact on an increase in investment in the agricultural sector by 35.96 units, and an increase in investment. last year by 10 units will have an impact on increasing investment by 1.5 units. (4) local taxes are increased by 10 units, it will increase the gross regional domestic product of the agricultural sector by 203.5407 units. The increase in domestic investors by 10 units has an impact on the increase in gross regional domestic product in the agricultural sector of North Sumatra by 0.19 units per year. An increase in foreign investors by 10 units will have an impact on an increase in gross regional domestic product in the agricultural sector by 0.82 units per year. will increase the Gross Regional Domestic Product of the agricultural sector by 6.0 units.

Demand Side Management Techniques for Home Energy Management Systems for Smart Cities

In this paper, three distinct distributed energy resources (DERs) modules have been built based on demand side management (DSM), and their use in power management of dwelling in future smart cities has been investigated. The investigated modules for DERs system are: incorporation of load shedding, reduction of grid penetration with renewable energy systems (RES), and implementation of home energy management systems (HEMS). The suggested approaches offer new potential for improving demand side efficiency and helping to minimize energy demand during peak hours. The main aim of this work was to investigate and explore how a specific DSM strategy for DER may assist in reducing energy usage while increasing efficiency by utilizing new developing technology. The Electrical Power System Analysis (ETAP) software was used to model and assess the integration of distributed generation, such as RES, in order to use local power storage. An energy management system has been used to evaluate a PV system with an individual household load, which proved beneficial when evaluating its potential to generate about 20–25% of the total domestic load. In this study, we have investigated how smart home appliances’ energy consumption may be minimized and explained why a management system is required to optimally utilize a PV system. Furthermore, the effect of integration of wind turbines to power networks to reduce the load on the main power grid has also been studied. The study revealed that smart grids improve energy efficiency, security, and management whilst creating environmental awareness for consumers with regards to power usage.

290 Quality of Clinical Practice Guidelines for Laparoscopic Surgery: Systematic Review

Abstract Aim Guidelines on laparoscopic surgery are essential for providing guidance to achieve safe and effective treatments. In this systematic review, we investigated the true extent of the grades of recommendation which were supported by evidence in the guidelines and whether this extent depended upon the quality of the guidelines. Method We searched PUBMED and EMBASE for laparoscopic surgical guidelines published between 1st March 2016 and 1st March 2019.To determine the extent of the grades of recommendation supported by evidence, we determined the disagreement in the grading between the guideline author and independent evaluation. We used the AGREE-II Tool ‘rigour of development’ and ‘clarity of presentation’ domains to assess the quality of guidelines. We performed a mixed effects generalised linear regression modelling using binary distribution and logit link in the GLIMMIX procedure of Statistical Analysis System (SAS) software. Results We analysed 1905 guideline statements from the 63 guidelines retrieved. The median of the scores for the ‘rigour of development’, ‘clarity of presentation’, the ‘editorial independence’ domains in the guidelines were 0.43, 0.72 and 0.63. The interquartile ranges were 0.094, 0.25 and 0.38. The ‘rigour of development’ domain was the only determinant of disagreement in the grades of recommendation guideline statements between the guideline authors and independent evaluation. Conclusions There is variation in the grades of recommendation in the guidelines. The ‘rigour of development’ domain can be used to predict quality of the guidelines. Guideline users should use the ‘rigour of development’ domain to assess the quality of the laparoscopic guidelines before developing local clinical policies.

Improving the Heat Transfer Rate of Air Conditioning Condenser by Material Optimization

Air conditioning systems have condensers that remove unwanted heat from the refrigerant and transfer the heat outdoors. The optimization of the global exploit of heat exchanging devices is still a burdensome task due to different design parameters involved. There is need for more and substantial research into bettering cooling channel materials so as to ensure elevated performance, better efficiency, greater accuracy, long lasting and low cost heat exchanging. The aim of this research work is to improve the heat transfer rate of air conditioning condenser by optimizing materials for different tube diameters. Simulations using thermal analysis and Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) analysis were carried out to determine the better material and fluid respectively. The analysis was done using Analysis System software. Different parameters were calculated from the results obtained and graphs are plotted between various parameters such as heat flux, static pressure, velocity, mass flow rate and total heat transfer. The materials used for CFD analysis are R12 and R22, and for thermal analysis are copper and aluminium. From the CFD analysis, the result shows that R22 has more static pressure, velocity, mass flow rate and total heat transfer than R12 at condenser tube diameter 6 mm. In thermal investigation, the heat flux is more for copper material at condenser tube diameter 6 mm. Copper offers maximum heat flux. Also, refrigerant R22 scores maximum for the heat transfer criteria, but cannot be recommended due to toxicity

Efficacy of erzhu jiedu recipe on hepatitis B cirrhosis with hyperalphafetoproteinemia: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Hepatitis B cirrhosis with hyperalphafetoproteinemia is the intermediate stage of liver cirrhosis progressing to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), there is no effective way to treat precancerous lesions of liver in modern medicine. In recent decades, clinical and experimental evidence shows that Chinese medicine (CM) has a certain beneficial effect on Hepatitis B Cirrhosis. Therefore, this trial aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a CM erzhu jiedu recipe (EZJDR) for the treatment of Hepatitis B Cirrhosis with Hyperalphafetoproteinemia. We designed a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. A total of 72 patients of Hepatitis B Cirrhosis with hyperalphafetoproteinemia were randomized in 2 parallel groups. Patients in the control group received placebo granules similar to the EZJDR. In the EZJDR group, patients received EZJDR twice a day, after meals, for 48 weeks. The primary efficacy measures were changes in serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and alpha-fetoprotein alloplasm (AFP-L3); The secondary indicators of efficacy are changes in liver function indicators, HBV-DNA level; Liver stiffness measurement (LSM); Hepatic portal vein diameter; T lymphocyte subgroup indexes during treatment. All data will be recorded in case report forms and analyzed by Statistical Analysis System software. Adverse events will also be evaluated. The results showed that EZJDR can significantly inhibit the levels of AFP and AFP-L3 in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis and hyperalphafetoproteinemia and have good security. The study protocol was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Shuguang Hospital, affiliated with University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai (NO.2018-579-08-01). This trial was registered on Chinese Clinical Trial Center (NO.ChiCTR1800017165).