bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time to be counted: COVID-19 and intellectual and developmental disabilities—an RSC Policy Briefing
Authors: Majnemer Annette , McGrath Patrick J. , Baumbusch Jennifer , Camden Chantal , Fallon Barbara , Lunsky Yona , Miller Steven P. , Sansone Genevieve , Stainton Tim , Sumarah John , Thomson Donna , Zwicker Jennifer
Published: August 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the lives and well-being of all people globally, with consequences being observed across all domains from physical and mental health, to education and employment outcomes, to access to community supports and services. However, the disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated public health restrictions on individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) has largely been overlooked. Not only do people with IDD have a greater risk of severe complications and death from the virus as shown in large-scale studies, but they also face significant short- and long-term consequences of COVID-related public health measures on their mental health and well-being. At a time when this vulnerable population is already feeling undervalued, ignored, and forgotten, it is imperative that the risks facing adults and children with IDD—as well as their families and caregivers—are recognized, valued, and addressed through a disability-inclusive approach to Canada’s pandemic policy response planning. This requires both a mainstreaming of disability inclusion into all COVID-19 response and recovery policies as well as disability-specific policies to address the unique barriers and challenges encountered by people with IDD during the pandemic. The recommendations in this policy briefing aim to achieve a more inclusive, accessible, and sustainable Canada for people with IDD both during and after the pandemic—an approach that will result in benefits for all of society.
The Multiplicative Base Solution to the Differential Equations in Analog Circuits
Authors: Tatlıcıoğlu Buğçe Eminağa , Bilgehan Bülent
Published: August 2021

This work focuses to solve any order of scalar differential equation involved in analog circuit representation. These types of mathematical representations have many applications in analysis and processing such as noise, filter, audio, RLC distributed interconnection (nodes) and transmission lines. Such systems are represented with scalar type differential equations and use numerical method to find a solution. One of the most successful methods is the fourth-order Runge–Kutta. This study introduced a multiplicative version of Runge–Kutta (MRK4) method. The performance analysis of the MRK4 is examined based on the error analysis method. The MRK4 method is applied to solve equations representing the linear and the nonlinear type systems. Results indicate the MRK4 to be superior with respect to the RK4 method.
Pyroelectric-controlled bending of a self-trapped optical beam in a photorefractive iron doped lithium niobate crystal
Authors: Tsarukyan Lusine , Badalyan Anahit , Devaux Fabrice , Chauvet Mathieu , Drampyan Rafael
Published: August 2021

We present the experimental demonstration of a self-trapped optical beam bending in a photorefractive Fe-doped lithium niobate (LN:Fe) crystal controlled by the pyroelectric effect. Formation of self-trapped beams with typical [Formula: see text]50[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m diameter and large bending of [Formula: see text]140[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m are depicted in a 1[Formula: see text]cm length LN:Fe crystal for a laser beam at 632.8[Formula: see text]nm wavelength and 0.5[Formula: see text]mW power with a 30∘C crystal temperature change. The self-trapped beam bending is opposite to the crystal [Formula: see text]-axis. The underlying physics is elaborated and numerical simulations are performed. The long-living waveguiding channels with controlled curvilinear trajectories are promising for optical information routing.
A STUDY ON THE CORRELATION BETWEEN THE ENDOTHELIN-1, NITRIC OXIDE FUNCTION AND THE RENAL HEMODYNAMICS IN PATIENTS WITH HYPERTENSIVE DISORDERS IN PREGNANCY IN HUBEI
Authors: LI MINGQUN , GUO HONG YAN , XI HONG LI , ZHOU SU FEN
Published: August 2021

Objective: To analyze the correlation between the vascular endothelial function (characterized by endothelin-1 and nitric oxide) and the renal hemodynamics in patients with hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDP) by color Doppler ultrasound.

Method: Depending on the severity of the disease, 76 HDP patients were divided into three groups, namely, pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) group ([Formula: see text]), mild preeclampsia (PE) group ([Formula: see text]), and severe PE group ([Formula: see text]). In the meantime, 28 healthy pregnant women were selected as controls. Color Doppler ultrasound was performed to determine the following parameters in the interlobar arteries of the kidney: Resistance index (RI), peak end-diastolic velocity (EDV), pulsatility index (PI), peak systolic velocity (PSV), and S/D ratio. The correlations of these parameters with the serum levels of ET-1 and NO were then analyzed.

Result: (1) In the interlobar arteries of the kidney, RI, S/D, PI were positively significantly correlated to the serum level of ET-1 in HDP patients (All [Formula: see text]) and negatively to the serum level of NO (All [Formula: see text]). (2) RI, S/D, PI of the mild and severe PE groups were significantly higher than those of the control group (All [Formula: see text]). However, EDV of the mild and severe PE groups was significantly lower than that of the control group (All [Formula: see text]). (3) The serum level of ET-1 was significantly higher in the HDP patients than in the control group ([Formula: see text]). However, the serum level of NO was significantly lower in the former than in the latter ([Formula: see text]). As HDP became more severe, there was an elevation in the serum level of ET-1 and a decrease in NO.

Conclusion: Indicators of renal hemodynamics measured by color Doppler ultrasound were correlated to the serum levels of ET-1 and NO characterizing the vascular endothelial function. They were sensitive indicators reflecting hemodynamic changes and renal impairment in HDP patients.
Calculation of the Fermi–Dirac Function Distribution in Two-Dimensional Semiconductor Materials at High Temperatures and Weak Magnetic Fields
Authors: Erkaboev U. I. , Gulyamov G. , Mirzaev J. I. , Rakhimov R. G. , Sayidov N. A.
Published: August 2021

This article investigated the effects of a quantizing magnetic field and temperature on Fermi energy oscillations in nanoscale semiconductor materials. It is shown that the Fermi energy of a nanoscale semiconductor material in a quantizing magnetic field is quantized. The distribution of the Fermi–Dirac function is calculated in low-dimensional semiconductors at weak magnetic fields and high temperatures. The proposed theory explains the experimental results in two-dimensional semiconductor structures with a parabolic dispersion law.
Corrective Osteotomies for Digital Overlap in Phalangeal and Metacarpal Fracture Malunion Using Wide Awake Local Anesthesia No Tourniquet (WALANT) Technique: A Technical Note
Authors: Chung Sze-Ryn , Lee Ellen Yutan , Tan David Meng Kiat
Published: August 2021

The use of wide-awake local anesthesia with no tourniquet (WALANT) in surgical procedures of the hand is well described and extends to tendon surgery, carpal tunnel release, trapeziectomy and phalangeal fracture fixation. Its use has not been described in corrective osteotomies of phalangeal or metacarpal fracture malunion. In our series of five patients who underwent phalangeal and metacarpal osteotomies under WALANT, all of the patients achieved union at a mean of 3.5 months and were satisfied with the results. All digital malrotations were corrected. There was an improvement of motion and grip strength by 24% and 29.3% respectively compared to pre-surgery. Corrective osteotomies under WALANT is a safe and effective means of achieving correction of scissoring. With the patient wide awake and cooperating, precise correction of rotational alignment can be ascertained. Concomitant tenolysis allows motion gains to be made over and above the restoration of rotational alignment.
A Double-Barreled Fibular Graft for the Reconstruction of Both Forearm Bones and Humeroradial Joint after a Tumor Resection
Authors: Matsushita Yu , Hanada Masuo , Matsumoto Yoshihiro , Kadota Hideki , Nakashima Yasuharu
Published: August 2021

A double-barreled fibular graft was used to reconstruct both forearm bones and the humeroradial joint after tumor resection. The patient had a tumor of radius that invaded the ulna and extensor groups. After a wide tumor resection, vascularized fibular autograft and soft tissue reconstruction was performed. A fibular graft were placed as a double barrel in the proximal ulnar and radial defects including the radial head and fixed using two locking plates. Simultaneously, reconstruction of the humeroradial joint and wrist dorsiflexion was performed. Two years postoperatively, the patient is satisfied with his elbow function while performing activities of daily living. Although amputation was one of the options considered during the preoperative planning in this case, the affected limb could be preserved by grafting a double-barreled fibula and tendon transfer, which could maintain the function of his upper left limb.
Ulnar Parametacarpal Flap for Small Finger Avulsion Injury
Authors: Takeda Shinsuke , Iwatsuki Katsuyuki , Mitsuya So , Mitsuya Miku , Kuwahara Yutaro , Hirata Hitoshi
Published: August 2021

In difficult cases of replantation following small finger avulsion injury, in which amputation occurs at the proximal interphalangeal joint, the ulnar parametacarpal island flap, rotated 180° (propeller flap), can be used as an alternative method for covering a skin defect of the proximal phalanx. This flap can prevent metacarpophalangeal joint dysfunction and additional finger shortening. We propose the use of an ulnar parametacarpal flap for this purpose and report the outcomes of two successful cases treated with this method and followed up for 12 months.
Inhibition of Insulin Amyloid Fibrillation by Salvianolic Acids and Calix[n]arenes: Molecular Docking Insight
Authors: Sharafdini Raziyeh , Mosaddeghi Hamid
Published: August 2021

In this study, the ability of salvianolic acids A, B, C, F, G and calix[[Formula: see text]]arenes ([Formula: see text], 5, 6 and 8) with different upper rims in the inhibition of insulin amyloid fibril formation was studied using molecular docking. The results were analyzed from a molecular point of view. All of the considering ligands interacted with significant residues of insulin, which had a crucial role in the process of insulin fibrillation. The interactions among the ligands and insulin residues could be done through hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions with good binding affinity. So, these ligands could prevent the formation of the insulin fibril. The good consistency of the docking results of [Formula: see text]-sulfonatocalix[4]arene and [Formula: see text]-sulfonatocalix[6]arene with the experimental results in the previous literature represented the capacity of the current theoretical method to supplement and interpret experimental findings. Also, in this study, salvianolic acids A, C, F and G were suggested as new inhibitors of the insulin amyloid fibril.
A Cryptographic Test of Quantumness and Certifiable Randomness from a Single Quantum Device
Authors: Brakerski Zvika , Christiano Paul , Mahadev Urmila , Vazirani Umesh , Vidick Thomas
Published: August 2021

We consider a new model for the testing of untrusted quantum devices, consisting of a single polynomial time bounded quantum device interacting with a classical polynomial time verifier. In this model, we propose solutions to two tasks—a protocol for efficient classical verification that the untrusted device is “truly quantum” and a protocol for producing certifiable randomness from a single untrusted quantum device. Our solution relies on the existence of a new cryptographic primitive for constraining the power of an untrusted quantum device: post-quantum secure trapdoor claw-free functions that must satisfy an adaptive hardcore bit property. We show how to construct this primitive based on the hardness of the learning with errors (LWE) problem.
Neural Unsupervised Semantic Role Labeling
Authors: Munir Kashif , Zhao Hai , Li Zuchao
Published: August 2021

The task of
semantic role labeling
(
SRL
) is dedicated to finding the predicate-argument structure. Previous works on SRL are mostly supervised and do not consider the difficulty in labeling each example which can be very expensive and time-consuming. In this article, we present the first neural unsupervised model for SRL. To decompose the task as two argument related subtasks, identification and clustering, we propose a pipeline that correspondingly consists of two neural modules. First, we train a neural model on two syntax-aware statistically developed rules. The neural model gets the relevance signal for each token in a sentence, to feed into a BiLSTM, and then an adversarial layer for noise-adding and classifying simultaneously, thus enabling the model to learn the semantic structure of a sentence. Then we propose another neural model for argument role clustering, which is done through clustering the learned argument embeddings biased toward their dependency relations. Experiments on the CoNLL-2009 English dataset demonstrate that our model outperforms the previous state-of-the-art baseline in terms of non-neural models for argument identification and classification.
The Reachability Problem for Two-Dimensional Vector Addition Systems with States
Authors: Blondin Michael , Englert Matthias , Finkel Alain , GÖller Stefan , Haase Christoph , Lazić Ranko , Mckenzie Pierre , Totzke Patrick
Published: August 2021

We prove that the reachability problem for two-dimensional vector addition systems with states is NL-complete or PSPACE-complete, depending on whether the numbers in the input are encoded in unary or binary. As a key underlying technical result, we show that, if a configuration is reachable, then there exists a witnessing path whose sequence of transitions is contained in a bounded language defined by a regular expression of pseudo-polynomially bounded length. This, in turn, enables us to prove that the lengths of minimal reachability witnesses are pseudo-polynomially bounded.
Multiview Common Subspace Clustering via Coupled Low Rank Representation
Authors: Abhadiomhen Stanley Ebhohimhen , Wang Zhiyang , Shen Xiangjun , Fan Jianping
Published: August 2021

Multi-view subspace clustering (MVSC) finds a shared structure in latent low-dimensional subspaces of multi-view data to enhance clustering performance. Nonetheless, we observe that most existing MVSC methods neglect the diversity in multi-view data by considering only the common knowledge to find a shared structure either directly or by merging different similarity matrices learned for each view. In the presence of noise, this predefined shared structure becomes a biased representation of the different views. Thus, in this article, we propose a MVSC method based on coupled low-rank representation to address the above limitation. Our method first obtains a low-rank representation for each view, constrained to be a linear combination of the view-specific representation and the shared representation by simultaneously encouraging the sparsity of view-specific one. Then, it uses the
k
-block diagonal regularizer to learn a manifold recovery matrix for each view through respective low-rank matrices to recover more manifold structures from them. In this way, the proposed method can find an ideal similarity matrix by approximating clustering projection matrices obtained from the recovery structures. Hence, this similarity matrix denotes our clustering structure with exactly
k
connected components by applying a rank constraint on the similarity matrix’s relaxed Laplacian matrix to avoid spectral post-processing of the low-dimensional embedding matrix. The core of our idea is such that we introduce dynamic approximation into the low-rank representation to allow the clustering structure and the shared representation to guide each other to learn cleaner low-rank matrices that would lead to a better clustering structure. Therefore, our approach is notably different from existing methods in which the local manifold structure of data is captured in advance. Extensive experiments on six benchmark datasets show that our method outperforms 10 similar state-of-the-art compared methods in six evaluation metrics.
Understanding IT Value at the Managerial Level
Authors: Roberts Nicholas , Qahri-Saremi Hamed , Vijayasarathy Leo R.
Published: August 2021

Managerial ambidexterity is an important precursor to managerial seizing ability. However, ambidexterity can impose substantial costs. Yet information systems may help reduce these costs. We develop a model that includes an inverted U-shaped relationship between managerial ambidexterity and seizing ability. We propose that a manager's effective use of management support systems will mitigate the decline in seizing ability at higher levels of ambidexterity. We test our model with data collected over two time periods from 172 managers. Our results support our model, thereby generating implications for research and practice in IT value, managerial ambidexterity, and dynamic managerial capabilities.
Just Let Me Do My Job!
Authors: Irani-Williams Feruzan , Tribble Lori , Rutner Paige S. , Campbell Constance , McKnight D. Harrison , Hardgrave Bill C.
Published: August 2021

This study seeks to broaden our understanding of the popular, yet under-researched, concept of micromanagement in the IT workforce by exploring IT professionals' trust in the competence of their supervisor as an antecedent to their perceptions of being micromanaged. The study also explores whether felt responsibility is the mechanism via which micromanagement negatively affects IT professionals' job satisfaction and organizational commitment, both proximal factors of turnover. These relationships are explored under the aegis of the Management Control Systems models, leader-member exchange theory, and the job characteristics model. Results indicate that trust in supervisor competence is a significant antecedent to IT professionals' perceptions of being micromanaged and that felt responsibility fully mediates the relationship between micromanagement and organizational commitment. The findings underscore the importance of building IT professionals' trust in their supervisor's competence and suggest that organizations proactively provide early intervention to negate the potential adverse impact on organizational outcomes.
Pseudo-Steady State of High-frequency Resistance for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell: Effect of In-Plane Heterogeneity
Authors: Shao Yangbin , Xu Liangfei , Hu Zunyan , Zhao Guanlei , Li Jianqiu , Gan Quanquan , Tang Qianqiu , Dai Wei , Ouyang Minggao
Published: August 2021

High frequency resistance (HFR) has become the most important input signal for the on-board water management of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) vehicles in practical applications, due to its close physical relation to the membrane water content. However, according to our latest experimental result, the paradox arises that HFR reaches a steady state regardless of continuous reduction in membrane water content, in other words, the pseudo-steady state of HFR is achieved. To investigate the triggering mechanism, for the first time, we combine current mapping technique with image difference technique to observe dynamic evolution of current in-plane distribution, and, furthermore, to analyze membrane water distribution. We can demonstrate that, the heterogeneity of membrane water in-plane distribution triggers the pseudo-steady HFR, and it can be distinguished by the distributed monitoring, to avoid the potential failure of water management.
Non-PGM Electrocatalysts for PEM Fuel Cells: Thermodynamic Stability of Potential ORR CoNx-C Electrocatalytic Sites
Authors: Glibin Vassili , Zhang Gaixia , Dodelet Jean-Pol , Sun Shuhui
Published: August 2021

We present here a thermodynamic assessment of the stability behavior in acidic environments at 298 and 353 K (80 °C) of several Co-based sites that may potentially be active for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) at the cathode of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells. These sites are: i) the porphyrin-like CoN4/C site located in a micropore, ii) two different 1,10-phenanthroline-like CoN(2+2)/C sites located either in a micropore or embedded into a graphene sheet, and iii) the CoN(4+2)/C site having (at its center) the structural motif of the hexa-aza-macrocyclic complex of Co(II) embedded into a graphene sheet. The calculations of the equilibrium constants (

K

c

) for the reactions of demetallation indicate that all evaluated active sites are chemically stable in an acidic medium at both 298 and 353 K. At 298 K,

K

c

values for CoN4/C and for the two examples of CoN(2+2)/C sites are very similar. The same conclusion is also true at 353 K. However, the simple introduction of two supplementary nitrogen atoms in the structure of the embedded hexa-aza CoN(4+2)/C site vs that of the embedded phenanthroline-like CoN(2+2)/C site significantly affects its stability toward Co2+ demetallation, rendering CoN(4+2)/C much less likely to demetallate than CoN(2+2)/C either at 298 or 353 K.
The physiological effects of creatine supplementation in fetal sheep before, during, and after umbilical cord occlusion and global hypoxia
Authors: Tran Nhi Thao , Muccini Anna M. , Snow Rod J. , Nitsos Ilias , Hale Nadia , Walker David W. , Ellery Stacey J.
Published: August 2021

Direct fetal creatine supplementation increased plasma and cerebral creatine concentrations but did not alter fetal body weight, basal cardiovascular output, or blood chemistry. Creatine-treated fetuses displayed changes to arterial oxygenation 24–72 h after acute global hypoxia. An increase in striatum total creatine levels following UCO was also noted and suggests that increasing creatine tissue availability may be an adaptive response against the effects of hypoxia.
Recruitment order of motor neurons promoted by epidural stimulation in individuals with spinal cord injury
Authors: Ibáñez Jaime , Angeli Claudia A. , Harkema Susan J. , Farina Dario , Rejc Enrico
Published: August 2021

After motor complete spinal cord injury, the human spinal cord receiving epidural stimulation can promote both orderly and inverse trends of motor neuron recruitment. The engagement of spinal networks involved in the generation of rhythmic activity seems to favor orderly recruitment trends.
circGLI3 Inhibits Oxidative Stress by Regulating the miR‐339‐5p/VEGFA Axis in IPEC‐J2 Cells
Authors: Li Zhi-xin , Wang Li-xue , Zhang Yu , Chen Wei , Zeng Yong-qing
Published: August 2021

As a new type of noncoding RNA, circular RNA (circRNA) is stable in cells and not easily degraded. This type of RNA can also competitively bind miRNAs to regulate the expression of their target genes. The role of circRNA in the mechanism of intestinal oxidative stress (OS) in weaned piglets is still unclear. In our research, diquat (DQ) was used to induce OS in small intestinal epithelial cells (IPEC‐J2) to construct an OS cell model. Mechanistically, dual luciferase reporter assays, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and western blotting were performed to confirm that circGLI3 directly sponged miR‐339‐5p and regulated the expression of VEGFA. Overexpression of circGLI3 promoted IPEC‐J2 cell proliferation, increased the proportion of S‐phase cells (P < 0.01), and reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation when IPEC‐J2 cells were subjected to OS. circGLI3 can increase the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) and the total antioxidant capacity (T‐AOC) in IPEC‐J2 cells and reduce the malondialdehyde (MDA) content and levels of inflammatory factors. Therefore, overexpression of circGLI3 reduced oxidative damage, whereas miR‐339‐5p mimic counteracted these effects. We identified a regulatory network composed of circGLI3, miR‐339‐5p, and VEGFA and verified that circGLI3 regulates VEGFA by directly binding miR‐339‐5p. The expression of VEGFA affects IPEC‐J2 cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, and ROS content and changes the levels of antioxidant enzymes and inflammatory factors. This study reveals the molecular mechanism by which circGLI3 inhibits OS in the intestine of piglets and provides a theoretical basis for further research on the effect of OS on intestinal function.
Artificial Intelligence Auxiliary Algorithm for Wushu Routine Competition Decision Based on Feature Fusion
Authors: Zhao Chao , Li Bing
Published: August 2021

The developments of modern science and technology have significantly promoted the progress of sports science. Advanced technological methods have been widely used in sports training, which has not only improved the scientific level of training but also promoted the continuous growth of sports technology and competition results. Competitive Wushu routine is an important part of Chinese Wushu. The development trend of competitive Wushu routine affects the development of the whole Wushu movement. To improve the training effect of the Wushu routine using artificial intelligence, this paper employed fuzzy information processing and feature extraction technology to analyze the visual features in the process of Wushu competition. The deep neural network-based region segmentation method was employed for implicit feature extraction to examine the shape, texture, and other image features of Wushu routines and improve the recognition performance. The proposed feature extraction model achieved the highest average accuracy of 93.98% accuracy as compared to other contemporary algorithms. Finally, the model was evaluated to validate the superior performance of the proposed method in improving the decision-making ability and effective instruction ability of the martial arts routine competition.
Role of Technology in Sustainable Gambling: Policy Effects of Electronic Card System and Limit Setting
Authors: Park Junhwi , Choi SeongRak , Kim Dohyeong , Boots Denise , Lee Chang Kil
Published: August 2021

With the rapid expansion of the gambling industry in Asian markets over the past decade, South Korea has implemented policies seeking to expand entertainment gambling while simultaneously seeking to reduce possible harms from problem gambling. In 2016, the mandatory electronic players’ card (EPC) system was adopted into specific Korean horse and cycling venues to discourage problem gambling behaviors since it prohibits large bets, while permitting other venues to autonomously operate EPC systems. This study compares preliminary data from mandatory versus autonomous venues to explore how EPC systems impact gambling behaviors, revenues, and policies. Overall, electronic cards were more widely adopted in mandatory venues for horse betting and in autonomous venues for cycling betting. Analyses indicate that larger bets were placed at both horse- and cycle-betting venues with autonomous card registration versus mandatory venues. While the EPC system mitigated problem gambling behaviors in horse betting, this impact was not observed for cycle betting. Such differences indicate that users across different types of sport betting exhibit somewhat distinct characteristics and behaviors in using electronic cards, which could shed light on the sustainable gambling strategy of adopting technology-driven EPC systems in sport betting not only in South Korea but also elsewhere around the world.
The Law of Fracture Evolution of Overlying Strata and Gas Emission in Goaf under the Influence of Mining
Authors: Cheng Cheng , Cheng Xiaoyu , Yu Rui , Yue Wenping , Liu Chao
Published: August 2021

Mining is associated with poor safety due to pressure relief gas emission from the goaf during the production period. The aim of this study was to explore a case study of the Wangjialing coal mine 12322 working face in Shanxi, China, through physical simulation and field observation. The mine is characterized by overlying strata fracture in goaf during the process of working face mining. A mathematical model of gas source emission from the working face and gas migration and the finite element COMSOL software were used to simulate the law of gas migration in the region with overlying strata fissures under the influence of mining. The simulation results were used to explore the law of distribution of pressure relief gas in goaf. Rational parameters of the high-level directional long borehole for the pressure relief gas extraction in goaf were designed based on experimental results. The results showed that the development of the region with overlying strata fissures is affected by mining. In addition, the “trapezoid platform structure” is formed after fracture areas are connected. The maximum height of the stope caving zone was between 26.8 m and 28.1 m, and the maximum height of the fracture zone was approximately 110 m. The gas concentration exhibited a saddle-shaped distribution on the cut surface of the direction of the strike. Furthermore, the gas concentration showed an overall upward trend from the intake airflow roadway to the return airflow roadway and gradually decreased after reaching the maximum. In the vertical direction, gas concentration increased with the increase in the layer, and the position of the highest point of gas concentration gradually shifted to the direction of the intake airflow roadway. Construction parameters of the high directional long borehole were designed through simulation results. After steady extraction and stable extraction, the maximum gas concentration in the upper corner of the working face was 0.49%, and the maximum gas concentration in return airflow was 0.34%. The findings of this study provide information on the law of fracture evolution of overlying strata and gas migration in goaf under the influence of mining. These findings provide a basis for reducing gas overlimit in the working face or return airway corner, thus improving the safety production capacity of the coal mine.
Optimization of Liquid Fuel Production from Microwave Pyrolysis of Used Tyres
Authors: Bett Ronald k. , Kumar Anil , Siagi Zachary O.
Published: August 2021

Used tyres pose a threat to the environment, especially in developing countries, since the current disposal methods lead to environmental pollution. Pyrolysis liquid from used tyres can be used as a source of fuel to replace petroleum diesel. Microwave pyrolysis is an alternative valorization process that is supposed to save energy and, therefore, is environment friendly. In the current study, microwave pyrolysis was used to produce liquid fuel. Processing variable levels for microwave were power levels of 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 80, and 100%; the reaction times were 8, 13, 18, 23, and 28 minutes; and the particle sizes were 25, 50, 100, and 200 mm2. Design-Expert 13 was used for data analysis and optimization, and GC-MS was used for chemical composition analysis, while physiochemical properties were tested using standard methods. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to study the effects of operating variables and identify the points of optimal yields. For microwave pyrolysis, the highest liquid yield of 39.1 wt. % was at 50% power, 18 min reaction time, and particle size of 25 mm2. The yield decreased as the particle size increased. RSM gave conditions for optima in agreement with the experimental results. The calorific value for liquid fuel was 48.99 MJ/kg. GC-MS analysis showed that the oil comprised complex mixtures of organic compounds with limonene, toluene, and xylene as major components. The liquid fuel properties meet the required international standards and can be used as an alternative to diesel fuel.
Self-Care Practice and Associated Factors among Hypertensive Patients in Debre Tabor Referral Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia, 2020
Authors: Gelaw Shegaw , Yenit Melaku Kindie , Nigatu Solomon Gedlu
Published: August 2021

Background. Hypertension prevalence is continuously rising and is projected to be 1.56 billion cases by the year 2025. Despite the great progress made in the treatment of hypertension, many patients still do not achieve optimal results and experience devastating complications due to uncontrolled high blood pressure. Objective. The aim of this study is to assess self-care practice and associated factors among hypertensive patients. Methods. An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Debre Tabor Referral Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia, from October to November 2020. A single population proportion formula and systematic random sampling technique was used to recruit 392 study participants. The data were entered to Epi-Info software version 7.1 and then exported to SPSS version 23 for analysis. A descriptive statistic was expressed as percentage, frequency, and mean. Finally, multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with dependent variable using a

p

value of <0.05. Results. A total 392 eligible hypertensive patients participated in the study. The self-care practice among hypertension patients was found to be 54.1%. Urban residency (AOR = 2.17; 95% CI, 1.2–3.9), social support (AOR = 2.12; 95% CI, 1.13–3.39), good knowledge (AOR = 1.83; 95% CI, 1.15–2.91), age between 40 and 64 (AOR = 3.15; 95% CI, 1.19–8.3), age ≥65 (AOR = 3.81; 95% CI, 1.35–10.7), and stress control (AOR = 1.6; 95% CI, 1.06–2.67) were predictors of hypertension self-care practice. Conclusion and Recommendation. The study revealed that almost one out of two hypertension patients had good hypertension self-care practice. Good social support, age greater than 40 years, urban residency, good basic knowledge, and having stress control were positively associated with hypertensive self-care practice.
Power Quality and Performance Analysis of Grid-Connected Solar PV System Based on Recent Grid Integration Requirements
Authors: Sharew Estifanos Abeje , Kefale Habtemariam Aberie , Werkie Yalew Gebru
Published: August 2021

The electrical energy demand is steadily growing, and hence, the integration of photovoltaic system to the distribution networks is also dramatically increasing though it has a significant effect on the network’s power quality. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the impact of solar PV integration on the power quality of distribution networks. The study is conducted using ETAP software, taking one of the radial distribution networks available in Bahir Dar city during the peak of connected loads which has the least voltage profile. Furthermore, the optimal location of the PV in the network is done using particle swarm optimization. Accordingly, the appropriate location of the PV system is determined to be the farthest end bus (bus 34). Also, the impact in terms of voltage and current harmonic distortion on the distribution feeder network is comparatively discussed by comparing the distribution system parameters with different penetration levels of solar PV system. The simulation results obtained demonstrate that high harmonic distortion level is injected correspondingly as the penetration capacity of PV system increased which indicates that the solar PV system should be integrating only up to a maximum possible capacity the network can carry. The integration of the PV system beyond this maximum penetration level causes production of high harmonic distortion which adversely affects the system performance. At the maximum penetration level which allows the acceptable harmonic distortion limit, the total voltage harmonic distortion and current demand distortion are found to be 4.97% and 14.98%, respectively.
Manufacturing of Microfluidic Sensors Utilizing 3D Printing Technologies: A Production System
Authors: Khorsandi Danial , Nodehi Mehrab , Waqar Tayyab , Shabani Majid , Kamare Behnam , Zare Ehsan Nazarzadeh , Ersoy Sezgin , Annabestani Mohsen , Çelebi Mehmet Fatih , Kafadenk Abdullah
Published: August 2021

3D integrated microfluid devices are a group of engineered microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) whereby the feature size and operating range of the components are on a microscale. These devices or systems have the ability to detect, control, activate, and create macroscale effects. On this basis, microfluidic chips are systems that enable microliters and smaller volumes of fluids to be controlled and moved within microscale-sized (one-millionth of a meter) channels. While this small scale can be compared to microfluid chips of larger applications, such as pipes or plumbing practices, their small size is commonly useful in controlling and monitoring the flow of fluid. Through such applications, microfluidic chip technology has become a popular tool for analysis in biochemistry and bioengineering with their most recent uses for artificial organ production. For this purpose, microfluidic chips can be instantly controlled by the human body, such as pulse, blood flow, blood pressure, and transmitting data such as location and the programmed agents. Despite its vast uses, the production of microfluidic chips has been mostly dependent upon conventional practices that are costly and often time consuming. More recently, however, 3D printing technology has been incorporated in rapidly prototyping microfluid chips at microscale for major uses. This state-of-the-art review highlights the recent advancements in the field of 3D printing technology for the rapid fabrication, and therefore mass production, of the microfluid chips.
Short-Term Outcomes following “Switching” to Monthly Ranibizumab in Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration Showing Insufficient Response to Bimonthly Aflibercept
Authors: Lee Jong Suk , Kang Hyun Goo , Lee Christopher Seungkyu , Woo Se Joon
Published: August 2021

Background/Objectives. To evaluate the efficacy of switching to monthly ranibizumab in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) showing an insufficient response to bimonthly aflibercept. Subjects/Methods. A total of 13 nAMD eyes showing an insufficient treatment response to three successive aflibercept injections were enrolled through a retrospective chart review. After switching, three consecutive monthly intravitreal ranibizumab injections were performed. The main outcome measurements included the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central retinal thickness (CRT), presence of intraretinal fluid (IRF), and subretinal fluid (SRF) using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and were measured every month. Results. CRT and logMAR VA were 349.62 ± 223.51 μm and 0.50 ± 0.23 at the baseline and 274.69 ± 148.77 μm and 0.46 ± 0.24, 311.54 ± 192.90 μm and 0.45 ± 0.20 at 1 month after the first and third ranibizumab injections, respectively. The CRT decrease during three ranibizumab injections was statistically significant (38.08 ± 69.52 μm,

p
=
0.033

). Change in VA was not statistically significant. The percentage of eyes with SRF was 100% at baseline and 53.8%, 76.9%, and 69.2% one month after each ranibizumab injections. The percentage of eyes with IRF was 38.5% at baseline and 23.1%, 23.1%, and 15.4%, respectively, after switching. Conclusion. Switching to monthly ranibizumab in nAMD showing an insufficient response to bimonthly aflibercept led to immediate anatomical improvement. It can be considered in countries where the healthcare insurance system limits the minimum injection interval of aflibercept.
Multiperson Interactive Activity Recognition Based on Interaction Relation Model
Authors: Tu Hongbin , Xu Renyu , Chi Rui , Peng Yuanyuan
Published: August 2021

Multiperson activity recognition is a pivotal branch as well as a challenging topic of human action recognition research. This paper adopts a hybrid learning model to the spatio-temporal relationship and occlusion relationship among multiple people. Initially, this paper builds up an active multiperson interaction relationship estimation framework model to capture interpersonal spatio-temporal relation. This model incorporates the interaction relationship estimation framework with the multiperson relationship network. On this ground, it automatically learns from the human-computer interaction dataset in an end-to-end manner and performs reasoning with standard matrix operations. Secondly, this paper proposed an adaptive occlusion state behavior recognition method derived from the semantic knowledge model to ravel out the concern of occlusion and self-occlusion in human action recognition. Then, Petri Nets are used to recognize multiperson interactive actions. This model has been through extensive experiments on the TV interaction dataset, Vlog dataset, AVA dataset, and MLB-YouTube dataset, experimental results have proved that the recognition performance of this model is superior than the other available models. This paper prospects and summarizes the estimation framework of the interaction relationship and occlusion semantic-knowledge relationship. Experimental results suggest that the proposed method in the paper could capture the discriminative relation information for multiperson interactive activity recognition, which further validates the efficiency of the hybrid learning model.
Study on Surrounding Rock Stability Mechanism of Gob‐Side Entry Retaining with Prefabricated Fracture
Authors: Wu Hao , Zhu Chuanqu , Li Qingfeng
Published: August 2021

To study the optimal layout of prefabricated roof cutting line in gob‐side entry retaining with roof cutting and pressure relief, based on the engineering geological conditions of 5249 working face in Beipingdong Coal Mine of Baoyuan Mining Company, the FLAC3D numerical simulation method was used to study the surrounding rock characteristics of gob‐side entry retaining under different layout conditions of prefabricated roof cutting line, and the optimal layout of prefabricated roof cutting line in gob‐side entry retaining with roof cutting and pressure relief was proposed. The results show that the roadway floor has a certain degree of floor heave with the mining process under different angles. The angle between the prefabricated roof cutting line and the vertical line of the roadway has little effect on the lateral displacement of the coal body in the mining process of gob‐side entry retaining. When the cutting angle is 10°, the stability of the surrounding rock of gob‐side entry retaining is more stable than that of other angles, and the plastic range is small. The stability of the surrounding rock of the roadway is more stable than that of other angles, which is conducive to the safe mining of 5249 working faces in Beipingdong Coal Mine.
Effects of Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation on Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome of Patients after Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Que Bin , Tu Qing , Shi Jinlin , Wan Zhengzuo , Li Yanan , Zhou Rong , Yu Hong , Gan Jianhui , Yu Jianming
Published: August 2021

Purpose. Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) is widely used. However, no study evaluated TEAS on systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) of patients after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). The study was to evaluate TEAS on SIRS of patients after PCNL. Methods. 67 patients were enrolled and divided into group TEAS and group sham TEAS. Data were collected from 60 participants finally. In the study, TEAS or sham TEAS on bilateral Shenshu (BL23), Yinlingquan (SP9), Hegu (LI4), and Neiguan (PC6) was performed continuously throughout the procedure. The primary outcome included the incidence of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) within 48 h after surgery. The secondary outcomes included the serum levels of inflammatory cytokines, hemodynamics changes, complications, and hospital stay after surgery. The serum levels of tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-) α and interleukin- (IL-) 6, mean arterial pressure (MAP), and heart rate (HR) at 30 min before anesthesia (T0), the time after surgery (T1), 24 h postoperation (T2), and 48 h postoperation (T3) were recorded. The consumption of analgesic during surgery was also recorded, as well as the complications and duration of hospital stay after PCNL. Results. The incidence of SIRS in group TEAS was lower than group sham TEAS (30% vs. 6.67%,

p
=
0.023

). Compared with the sham TEAS group, both levels of TNF-α and IL-6 at T1, T2, and T3 were lower in the TEAS group (

p
<
0.05

). The levels of MAP and HR in sham TEAS at T1, T2, and T3 were markedly higher than that in the TEAS group (

p
<
0.05

). The total consumption of propofol and remifentanil during surgery in group TEAS was lower than that in the sham TEAS group. The incidence of hypotension, hypertension, emergence agitation, and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) was also lower in group TEAS after PCNL (

p
<
0.05

). Conclusions. TEAS could effectively reduce the incidence of SIRS and inflammatory cytokines for patients who underwent PCNL. In addition, TEAS helped to maintain the hemodynamic stability and cut down the consumption of analgesics during PCNL, reducing the complications after PCNL.
Extended Jensen’s Functional for Diamond Integral via Hermite Polynomial
Authors: Bibi Rabia , Bibi Fazilat , Nosheen Ammara , Pečarić Josip
Published: August 2021

In this paper, with the help of Hermite interpolating polynomial, extension of Jensen’s functional for

n

-convex function is deduced from Jensen’s inequality involving diamond integrals. Special Hermite conditions, including Taylor two-point formula and Lagrange’s interpolation, are also deployed to find further extensions of Jensen’s functional. The paper also includes discussion on bounds for Grüss-type inequality, Ostrowski-type inequality, and

C
˘

ebyšev functional associated with newly defined Jensen’s functional.
Study on Major Parasitic Diseases of Adult Honeybees in Three Districts of Kaffa Zone, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Solomon Semere , Degu Tadesse , Fesseha Haben , Mathewos Mesfin
Published: August 2021

Background and Methods. Since regular and timely control of all factors that endanger honeybee life and threaten their products is needed for effective apiculture, cross-sectional research was performed in the three districts (Bonga, Chena, and Gimbo) of the Kaffa Zone to assess the prevalence of major honeybee diseases. A total of 384 honeybee samples from 15 operating apiaries were chosen from each kebele based on their ability to provide a bee sample and the apiary farm’s accessibility. From each district, 128 bee colonies were selected from different apiaries; of these, there were 209 transitional, 74 traditional, and 101 modern hives. Results. Out of 384 samples, the overall prevalence of small hive beetle, Nosema apis, and amoeba (Malpighamoeba mellificae) diseases was 39%, 45.3%, and 40.3%, respectively. The overall prevalence of these three diseases was ascertained, with a statistically significant (

p
<
0.05

) variation in the overall prevalence of N. apis disease and amoeba (M. mellificae) disease between hive type and agroecologies. Conclusion. The research indicates that N. apis, M. mellificae, and small hive beetle are the major parasites that affect honeybees in the study area. In order to classify and describe honeybee diseases and pests associated with Ethiopia’s local honeybees, several field diagnostic surveys and laboratory research works need to be performed.