bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strain Incremental Adjustment Method of Cable Force of Composite Saddle Anchor Span of Single-Tower Single-Span Ground-Anchored Suspension Bridge
Authors: Yu Long , Xu Wei , Zhang Da-bing , Ma Xu-ming , Wu Yong-hong
Published: November 2021

To improve the efficiency of cable force adjustment of composite saddle anchor span of single-tower single-span ground-anchored suspension bridge, a strain incremental adjustment method is proposed. The analytical calculation model is established according to the relative spatial position of the cable strand and the saddle groove of the composite saddle, and the target cable force of the cable strands is calculated by the target position of the composite saddle in the cable-stayed bridge and construction phases. Considering the coupling relationship between the cable strand and the composite saddle, the calculation formula of the change in main span main cable force and anchor span cable force after the adjustment of a single cable strand is derived. Based on the condition of equilibrium of forces along the slip surface of the composite saddle, the slip amount of composite saddle after a round of cable strand adjustment is obtained, then the adjustment amount of actual construction of the cable strands is also obtained through the strain incremental adjustment method. With the help of a numerical simulation platform, the calculation program of the cable force adjustment of composite saddle anchor span is established by an iterative solution method. In this paper, taking the Jinsha River Bridge at Hutiao Gorge as a research object, the adjustment of cable force of composite saddle anchor span is analyzed and calculated. The research results indicate that the calculated cable force is obtained by the strain incremental adjustment method, and it is similar to the measured cable force. The cable strand adjustment and optimization method avoids excessive repeated stretching and relaxation of a single cable strand in the process of multiple rounds of cable strand adjustment and reduces the amount of construction adjustment. This method can effectively reduce the times of cable strand adjustment and improve the efficiency of adjusting the anchor span cable force.
The Vibration Characteristics of Ground of Rock Blasting in Silt‐Rock Strata
Authors: Yin Tao , Zhou Chuanbo , Zheng Changqing , Fu Jugen , Guo Ziru
Published: November 2021

As the shield section passes through the silt‐rock strata, the rock stratum of the tunnel section has to be blasted into blocks in advance, and the diameter of the blocks should be less than 30 cm after breaking, and then, the blocks could smoothly enter the soil cabin through the opening of the tunnel boring machine (TBM) cutter head and finally be discharged through the screw machine. The geology of rock blasting in silt‐rock strata is complex, and the vibrations caused by blasting threaten the safety of buildings around the blasting area. According to the measured data of blasting vibrations at the sites, the waveform duration of vibration acceleration and the distribution characteristics of dominant frequency of vibration velocity were analyzed, the energy characteristics of vibration velocity were researched by wavelet analysis, and the attenuation laws of vibration velocity were studied by dimensional analysis (DA). The dominant frequency bands of vibration energy of ground are in the range of 0–15.625 Hz, and the distribution characteristics of frequency bands of vibration energy in different directions of the ground are similar to each other, but the energy magnitude is different from each other. The research results could provide a reference for the safe blasting distance of buildings under similar geological conditions.
Multiscale Research on Pore Structure Characteristics and Permeability Prediction of Sandstone
Authors: Shi-Jia M. A. , Yuan-Jian L. I. N. , Jiang-Feng L. I. U. , Judith Kundwa Marie , Hubert Ishimwe , Pei-lin W. A. N. G.
Published: November 2021

The random existence of many irregular pore structures in geotechnical materials has a decisive influence on its permeability and other macroscopic properties. The analysis and characterization of the micropore structure of the material and its permeability are of great significance for geotechnical engineering. In this study, digital images with different magnifications were used to examine the pore structure and permeability of sandstone samples. The image processing method is used to obtain binary images, and then, the pore size distribution method is used to calculate the pore size distribution. Therefore, based on the Hagen-Poiseuille formula, we get the prediction value of material’s permeability and compare it with the value obtained from mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP). It is found that different microscopic images with different magnification and various statistical methods of pore size have a specific influence on the characterization of pore structure and permeability prediction. The porosity of different magnifications is not the same, and the results obtained at higher magnifications are more consistent with the results obtained with MIP. With the increase of magnification, we can observe more pores in large sizes. The effect of CPSD (continuous pore size distribution) in pore size statistics is better than that of DPSD (discrete pore size distribution). In permeability prediction, the prediction result of higher magnification images are closer to the instrument test value, and the value of DPSD is more significant than that of CPSD. In future research, an appropriate method should be selected to obtain a reasonable prediction of the permeability of the target material.
Automated Detection of Brain Tumor through Magnetic Resonance Images Using Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Gull Sahar , Akbar Shahzad , Khan Habib Ullah
Published: November 2021

Brain tumor is a fatal disease, caused by the growth of abnormal cells in the brain tissues. Therefore, early and accurate detection of this disease can save patient’s life. This paper proposes a novel framework for the detection of brain tumor using magnetic resonance (MR) images. The framework is based on the fully convolutional neural network (FCNN) and transfer learning techniques. The proposed framework has five stages which are preprocessing, skull stripping, CNN‐based tumor segmentation, postprocessing, and transfer learning‐based brain tumor binary classification. In preprocessing, the MR images are filtered to eliminate the noise and are improve the contrast. For segmentation of brain tumor images, the proposed CNN architecture is used, and for postprocessing, the global threshold technique is utilized to eliminate small nontumor regions that enhanced segmentation results. In classification, GoogleNet model is employed on three publicly available datasets. The experimental results depict that the proposed method is achieved average accuracies of 96.50%, 97.50%, and 98% for segmentation and 96.49%, 97.31%, and 98.79% for classification of brain tumor on BRATS2018, BRATS2019, and BRATS2020 datasets, respectively. The outcomes demonstrate that the proposed framework is effective and efficient that attained high performance on BRATS2020 dataset than the other two datasets. According to the experimentation results, the proposed framework outperforms other recent studies in the literature. In addition, this research will uphold doctors and clinicians for automatic diagnosis of brain tumor disease.
A Protein from Dioscorea polystachya (Chinese Yam) Improves Hydrocortisone‐Induced Testicular Dysfunction by Alleviating Leydig Cell Injury via Upregulation of the Nrf2 Pathway
Authors: Yu Shiting , Han Bing , Xing Xin , Li Yixuan , Zhao Daqing , Liu Meichen , Wang Siming
Published: November 2021

Leydig cell injury has been described as a primary driver of testicular dysfunction and is affected by oxidative stress. Dioscorea polystachya (Chinese yam) is used to improve testicular dysfunction in clinical and pharmacological research via its antioxidative activity, but the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effect of Chinese yam on testicular dysfunction and its suppression of Leydig cell oxidative damage remain unclear. In this study, we obtained a Chinese yam protein (DP1) and explored its effectiveness and possible mechanism in improving testicular dysfunction in vivo and in vitro. We established a testicular dysfunction model in rats using hydrocortisone (HCT). DP1 increased body weight and organ index, improved the deterioration in testicular morphology (including increasing the diameter of seminiferous tubules and thickness of germinal cell layers, inhibiting testicular cell apoptosis by increasing the Bcl‐2/Bax ratio, and impeding collagen leakage by downregulating TGF‐β1 and p‐SMAD2/3 expression), and restored the testosterone content. In addition, DP1 enhanced the number of Leydig cells in rats and H2O2‐induced TM3 Leydig cells, and the effect of DP1 on the apoptosis, fibrosis, and testosterone content of TM3 cells was similar to that observed in vivo. These changes were dependent on the regulation of oxidative stress, including significantly reduced intracellular 8‐hydroxy‐2‐deoxyguanosine levels, enhanced superoxide dismutase activities, and decreased superoxide anion levels, which were confirmed via a superoxide overexpression system. Furthermore, we observed that DP1 promoted Nrf2 nuclear import and upregulated antioxidant factor expression in vivo and in vitro. However, Nrf2 silencing eliminated the ability of DP1 to increase the Bcl‐2/Bax ratio, reduce the expression levels of TGF‐β1 and p‐SMAD2/3, and increase testosterone contents in H2O2‐induced TM3 cells. In conclusion, DP1 reversed the HCT‐induced testicular apoptosis and fibrosis and decreased testosterone contents by alleviating Leydig cell oxidative damage via upregulation of the Nrf2 pathway.
Modeling Adoption Behavior of Prefabricated Building with Multiagent Interaction: System Dynamics Analysis Based on Data of Jiangsu Province
Authors: Li Zhen , Zhang Shaowen , Meng Qingfeng
Published: November 2021

In recent years, the development of prefabricated building (PB) mode in China has gradually attracted the attention of stakeholders. It is of great significance to explore the adoption behavior of PB mode by Chinese construction enterprises. Using the method of combining evolutionary game theory with system dynamics and considering the multiagent interaction of the government, construction enterprises, and consumers, as well as the influence of multiple factors, this paper constructs a model of construction enterprises′ adoption behavior of PB mode. The purpose is to clarify the mechanism of Chinese construction enterprises′ adoption behavior of PB mode and the evolution law of market share. The research results show the following. Firstly, government subsidy plays an important role in promoting the maturity of PB market, but it plays a relatively small role in the more mature and stable market. Secondly, the higher the initial acceptance probability of the construction enterprise, the greater the peak of the PB market share and the greater the volatility, but it has no differential impact on the balance of the PB market in the later stage. Thirdly, price factors and quality factors, respectively, have an important impact on the increase of the PB market share in the early and late stages of the formation of the PB market, but the delivery waiting time factor has no significant impact on the PB market share.
[Retracted] Clinical Effect of Clarithromycin Combined with Tinidazole on Helicobacter pylori‐Related Gastritis and Its Influence on COX‐2 Expression
Authors: He Chenxi , Kong Fanting , Zhu Xinying , Kong Fanlei , Zhao Wei , Liu Yanling , Wang Kuixiang
Published: November 2021

Studies have shown that COX‐2 expression is upregulated in gastric cancer (GC) as well as in precancerous lesions and in Helicobacter pylori‐induced inflammation, suggesting that cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) may play an important role in gastric carcinogenesis. We attempted to investigate the role of clarithromycin with tinidazole on Helicobacter pylori‐related gastritis from the aspects of clinical effect and COX‐2 expression. From January 2016 to January 2019, 130 patients with Helicobacter pylori‐related chronic gastritis were collected and grouped into the observation group (OG) and the control group (CG). Altogether, 80 patients in the OG were treated with clarithromycin with tinidazole, while 50 patients in the CG were treated with amoxicillin with metronidazole. Clinical symptom improvement time, content of COX‐2 and B cell lymphoma‐2 (BCL‐2), content of inflammatory factors interleukin‐1 (IL‐1), IL‐4, and C‐reactive protein (CRP), expression level of nutritional indicators serum albumin (ALB), realbumin (PA), and transferrin (TF), clearance of Helicobacter pylori, total effective rate, and incidence of adverse reactions were detected. Compared with the CG, the OG had shorter clinical symptom improvement time, lower COX‐2 and Bcl‐2, lower expression of inflammatory factors IL‐1, IL‐4, and CRP, higher expression of nutritional indicators ALB, TF, and PA, higher clearance rate of Helicobacter pylori, higher total effective rate, and lower incidence of adverse reactions. Clarithromycin combined with tinidazole can effectively improve the clinical effect of Helicobacter pylori‐related gastritis and reduce the expression level of COX‐2.
Digital Forensics Use Case for Glaucoma Detection Using Transfer Learning Based on Deep Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Latif Jahanzaib , Tu Shanshan , Xiao Chuangbai , Rehman Sadaqat Ur , Sadiq Mazhar , Farhan Muhammad
Published: November 2021

In parallel with the development of various emerging fields such as computer vision and related technologies, e.g., iris identification and glaucoma detection, criminals are developing their methods. It is the foremost reason for the blindness of human beings that affects the eye’s optic nerve. Fundus photography is carried out to examine this eye disease. Medical experts evaluate fundus photographs, which is a time-consuming visual inspection. Most current systems for automated glaucoma detection in fundus images rely on segmentation-based features nuanced by the underlying segmentation methods. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are powerful tools for solving image classification tasks, as they can learn highly discriminative features from raw pixel intensities. However, their applicability to medical image analysis is limited by the nonavailability of large sets of annotated data required for training. In this work, we aim to accelerate this process using a computer-aided diagnosis of this severe disease with the help of transfer learning based on deep convolutional neural networks. We have suggested the Inception V-3 approach for image classification based on convolution neural networks. Our developed model has the potential to address this CNN model’s problem of classification accuracy, and with imaging data, our proposed method outperforms recent state-of-the-art approaches. The case study for digital forensics is an essential component of emerging technologies, and hence glaucoma detection plays a vital role in it.
Prevalence of Bovine Trypanosomosis and Its Associated Risk Factor in Hawa Galan District, Kelem Wollega Zone of Ethiopia
Authors: Tsegaye Girma , Abebe Belay , Haile Geremew
Published: November 2021

An analytical cross-sectional study was performed between November 2015 and April 2016 at Hawa Galan woreda, Kelem Wollega Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia, to estimate the proportion of cattle with trypanosomosis and to evaluate the elements associated with the prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis. A haemoparasitological examination of the Buffy coat method was implemented to determine the proportion of trypanosomosis-positive cattle. A study population of 428 bovines was randomly selected from three peasant associations (PAs) and tested for the presence of the disease. Findings of the laboratory results indicate that among all animals tested at the study time, 26 (6%) animals were positive for the disease. Among the positive results, the proportion of trypanosome species was Trypanosoma congolense 18 (69.3%) and Trypanosoma vivax 8 (30.7%). The prevalence at the selected PAs was 12.5%, 3.8%, and 3% for Lemlem, Madawalkituma, and Ifajiru, respectively. From this finding, the relationship has a statistically significant variation (

P

 < 0.05) among peasant associations and body condition state, and the proportion was significantly greater (

P

 < 0.05) in animals categorized under poor body condition score. The relationships between age and sex of cattle show no statistically significant variation among them (

P

 > 0.05). This study indicates that the proportion of trypanosomosis was greater in anemic (PCV<24%) cattle than nonanemic (PCV≥24%). Therefore, based on this finding, the proportion of bovine trypanosomosis is evident that can cause a major effect on the health of cattle in the study population in the study area. So, effective control methods could be applied to decrease the disease and its related economic loss.
Art Visual Image Transmission Method Based on Cartesian Genetic Programming
Authors: Zhao Jing
Published: November 2021

Because most of the traditional artistic visual image communication methods use the form of modeling and calculation, there are some problems such as long image processing time, low success rate of image visual communication, and poor visual effect. An artistic visual image communication method based on Cartesian genetic programming is proposed. The visual expression sensitivity difference method is introduced to process the image data, the neural network is used to identify the characteristics of the artistic visual image, the midpoint displacement method is used to remove the folds of the artistic visual image, and the processed image is formed under the above three links. The Cartesian genetic programming algorithm is used to encode the preprocessed image, improve the fitness function, select the algorithm to improve the operation, design the image rendering platform, input the processed image to the platform, and complete the artistic visual image transmission. The analysis of the experimental results shows that the image processing time of this method is short, the success rate of visual communication is high, and the image visual effect is good, which can obtain the image processing results satisfactory to users.
VLSI Implementation of Green Computing Control Unit on Zynq FPGA for Green Communication
Authors: Shrivastava Anurag , Rizwan Ali , Kumar Neelam Sanjeev , Saravanakumar R. , Dhanoa Inderjit Singh , Bhambri Pankaj , Singh Bhupesh Kumar
Published: November 2021

The issue of the energy shortage is affecting the entire planet. This is occurring because of massive population and industry growth around the world. As a result, the entire world is attempting to implement green networking systems and manufacture the power/energy efficient products. This research work discusses the green networking system technologies. This work introduces a power‐efficient control unit (CU) design and implemented on the Zynq SoC (System on Chip) ultrascale field programmable gate array (FPGA). The VIVADO HLx Design Suite is used to simulate and analyze the CU model which is considered as one of the key components of central processing unit (CPU), used for data communication purposes. The CU is made suitable for the green communication by making it power‐efficient. Therefore, the power consumption of the CU is analyzed for the various set frequency value ranging between 100 MHz and 5 GHz, and it is discovered that as the clock frequency rises up, the total power consumption also tends to get increased. The total power of the proposed model is reduced by 77.42%, 21.29%, and 17.93% from three models, respectively, being compared in the present paper. Final results shows that the CU is better suited to run at low frequencies to optimize power consumption.
Green Synthesis of Iron Nanoparticles from Spinach Leaf and Banana Peel Aqueous Extracts and Evaluation of Antibacterial Potential
Authors: Tyagi Pankaj Kumar , Gupta Samridhi , Tyagi Shruti , Kumar Manoj , Pandiselvam R. , Daştan Sevgi Durna , Sharifi-Rad Javad , Gola Deepak , Arya Arvind
Published: November 2021

Spinacia oleracea (spinach) and Musa acuminata (banana) were chosen for the study, and aqueous extracts of spinach leaf extract (SLE) and banana peel extract (BPE) were prepared for the synthesis of iron nanoparticles (FeNPs), and their antibacterial potential against pathogenic bacteria Bacillus subtilis (MTTC 1133) and Escherichia coli (MTTC 62) was evaluated. In 10 minutes at 60°C, the color of the mixture (FeCl3+SLE) changed from light green to dark blackish-brown, and the color of the mix (FeCl3+BPE) changed from transparent yellow to dark black, confirming the synthesis of FeNPs from SLE and BPE, respectively. The UV-Vis spectra of spinach- and banana-derived FeNPs revealed two peaks ranging from 240 to 430 nm and multiple peaks at 240, 270, and 395 nm, respectively. FTIR spectroscopy was used to show different functional groups on BPE and SLE, and their role in FeNP synthesis was predicted. TEM micrographs showed that the particles were in nanoscale, ranging in size from 20 to 50 nm for BPE-derived FeNPs and 10 to 70 nm for SLE-derived FeNPs. The FeNP (BPE and SLE) XRD analysis revealed amorphism, with a weak iron characteristic peak, indicating noncrystallinity. The antibacterial potential of BPE- and SLE-FeNPs was investigated, and inhibition zones (mm) against B. subtilis (

22.70
±
0.4

) and E. coli (

20.45
±
1.66

) were observed, as well as SLE-FeNPs against B. subtilis (

23.56
±
1.00

) and E. coli (

20.33
±
0.58

). There were no significant differences in antibacterial activities between BPE-FeNPs and SLE-FeNPs. Positive controls were tetracycline and gentamicin, both standard antibiotics, at 5 μg/disk. SLE- and BPE-derived green FeNPs were also analysed in vivo of D. melanogaster life history traits, i.e., fecundity, hatchability, viability, and duration of development for toxicity evaluation. SLE- and BPE-derived green FeNPs at a concentration of 10 mg/L were fed flies compared to normal diet-fed flies (control sample), and no significant differences were observed between them. The findings suggest that FeNPs have a high antibacterial potential and could be used as antibacterial agents against pathogenic bacteria while being nontoxic in nature.
The Use of Machine Learning to Create a Risk Score to Predict Survival in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A TCGA Cohort Analysis
Authors: Tohme Samer , Yazdani Hamza O , Rahman Amaan , Handu Sanah , Khan Sidrah , Wilson Tanner , Geller David A , Simmons Richard L , Molinari Michele , Kaltenmeier Christof
Published: November 2021

Introduction. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for approximately 90% of primary liver malignancies and is currently the fourth most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Due to varying underlying etiologies, the prognosis of HCC differs greatly among patients. It is important to develop ways to help stratify patients upon initial diagnosis to provide optimal treatment modalities and follow-up plans. The current study uses Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and Classification Tree Analysis (CTA) to create a gene signature score that can help predict survival in patients with HCC. Methods. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA-LIHC) was analyzed for differentially expressed genes. Clinicopathological data were obtained from cBioPortal. ANN analysis of the 75 most significant genes predicting disease-free survival (DFS) was performed. Next, CTA results were used for creation of the scoring system. Cox regression was performed to identify the prognostic value of the scoring system. Results. 363 patients diagnosed with HCC were analyzed in this study. ANN provided 15 genes with normalized importance >50%. CTA resulted in a set of three genes (NRM, STAG3, and SNHG20). Patients were then divided in to 4 groups based on the CTA tree cutoff values. The Kaplan–Meier analysis showed significantly reduced DFS in groups 1, 2, and 3 (median DFS: 29.7 months, 16.1 months, and 11.7 months, p < 0.01) compared to group 0 (median not reached). Similar results were observed when overall survival (OS) was analyzed. On multivariate Cox regression, higher scores were associated with significantly shorter DFS (1 point: HR 2.57 (1.38–4.80), 2 points: 3.91 (2.11–7.24), and 3 points: 5.09 (2.70–9.58), p < 0.01). Conclusion. Long-term outcomes of patients with HCC can be predicted using a simplified scoring system based on tumor mRNA gene expression levels. This tool could assist clinicians and researchers in identifying patients at increased risks for recurrence to tailor specific treatment and follow-up strategies for individual patients.
Exploring the Therapeutic Mechanisms of Huzhang–Shanzha Herb Pair against Coronary Heart Disease by Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking
Authors: Li Dan , Liu Longtao , Yang Shengjie , Xing Yanwei , Pan Limin , Zhao Ran , Zhao Yixi , Huang Guirui , Wu Min
Published: November 2021

Background. Coronary heart disease (CHD) seriously affects human health, and its pathogenesis is closely related to atherosclerosis. The Huzhang (the root of Polygonum cuspidatum)–Shanzha (the fruit of Crataegus sp.), a classic herb pair, has been widely used for the treatment of CHD. In recent years, Huzhang–Shanzha herb pair (HSHP) was found to have a wide range of effects in CHD; however, its therapeutic specific mechanisms remain to be further explored. The aim of this study was to elucidate the molecular mechanism of HSHP in the treatment of CHD using a network pharmacology analysis approach. Methods. The Batman-TCM database was used to explore bioactive compounds and corresponding targets of HSHP. CHD disease targets were extracted from Genecards, OMIM, PharmGkb, TTD, and DrugBank databases. Then, the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the STRING web platform and Cytoscape software. GO functional and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses were carried out on the Metascape web platform. Finally, molecular docking of the active components was assessed to verify the potential targets of HSHP to treat CHD by the AutoDock Vina and PyMOL software. Results. Totally, 243 active components and 2459 corresponding targets of LDP were screened out. Eighty-five common targets of HSHP and CHD were identified. The results of the network analysis showed that resveratrol, anthranone, emodin, and ursolic acid could be defined as four therapeutic components. TNF, ESR1, NFКB1, PPARG, INS, TP53, NFКBIA, AR, PIK3R1, PIK3CA, PTGS2, and NR3C1 might be the 12 key targets. These targets were mainly involved in the regulation of biological processes, such as inflammatory responses and lipid metabolism. Enrichment analysis showed that the identified genes were mainly involved in fluid shear force, insulin resistance (IR), inflammation, and lipid metabolism pathways to contribute to CHD. This suggests that resveratrol, anthranone, emodin, and ursolic acid from HSHP can be the main therapeutic components of atherosclerosis. Conclusion. Using network pharmacology, we provide new clues on the potential mechanism of action of HSHP in the treatment of CHD, which may be closely related to the fluid shear force, lipid metabolism, and inflammatory response.
Knowledge, Attitude, and Associated Factors towards Nonpharmacological Pain Management among Nurses Working at Amhara Region Comprehensive Specialized Hospitals, Ethiopia
Authors: Tekletsadik Esayas Alemshet , Desta Abebaw Alemayehu , Workneh Belayneh Shetie
Published: November 2021

Background. Nonpharmacological pain management refers to providing pain management intervention that does not involve the use of drugs. Effective management of a patient’s pain is a vital nursing activity, and it needs a nurse’s adequate pain-related knowledge and a favorable attitude. Globally, many studies stated that the lack of knowledge and unfavorable attitude of nurses towards nonpharmacological pain management was the prevailing persistent challenge. Objective. To assess knowledge, attitude, and associated factors towards nonpharmacological pain management among nurses working in Amhara region Comprehensive Specialized Hospitals, Ethiopia, 2021. Method. An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April to May 30, 2021. A total of 845 nurses were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected by using a pretested self-administered structured questionnaire. Then, data were checked, coded, and entered into Epi Info version 7.0 and exported to SPSS version 25.0 software for analysis. Results. A total of 775 nurses participated in this study, with a response rate of 91.8%. Of the total participants, 54.2% (95% CI: 50.6–57.9) and 49.8% (95% CI: 46.1–53.2) of nurses had adequate knowledge and a favorable attitude, respectively. The study revealed that educational status (AOR = 3.51 (95% CI: 1.37, 8.99)), years of experience (AOR = 5.59 (95% CI: 2.86, 10.94)), working unit (AOR = 5.61 (95% CI: 2.25, 13.96)), nurse-to-patient ratio (AOR = 2.33 (95% CI: 1.44, 3.78)), and working hours (AOR = 2.15 (95% CI: 1.27, 3.62)) were significantly associated. This finding also revealed that monthly income (AOR = 4.38 (95% CI: 1.64, 11.69)), nurse-to-patient ratio (AOR = 1.89 (95% CI: 1.19, 3.01)), and nurses’ adequate knowledge (AOR = 4.26 (95% CI: 2.91, 6.24)) were significantly associated with the attitude of nurses. Conclusion and Recommendations. More than half and nearly half of the nurses had adequate knowledge and a favorable attitude towards nonpharmacological pain management, respectively. Educational qualification, years of experience, working unit, nurse-to-patient ratio, and prolonged working hours per day were significantly associated with nurse’s adequate knowledge. Monthly income, nurse-to-patient ratio, and nurse’s knowledge were significantly associated with the attitudes of nurses. It is better to give attention to reviewing the nursing curriculum, achieving a standardized nurse-to-patient ratio, recruiting additional nurses, training, and upgrading nurses with continuing education.
Effect of Garlic Organic Sulfides on Gene Expression Profiling in HepG2 Cells and Its Biological Function Analysis by Ingenuity Pathway Analysis System and Bio-Plex-Based Assays
Authors: Lv Chenghao , Wang Caiqiong , Li Ping , Huang Yiwen , Lu Xiangyang , Shi Meng , Zeng Chaoxi , Qin Si
Published: November 2021

Garlic organic sulfides are dietary bioactive components with multiple biofunctions to prevent chronic diseases/inflammation and promote human health. DADS (diallyl disulfide), DATS (diallyl trisulfide), and DTS (diallyl tetrasulfide) are typical organic sulfides with similar structures from garlic. However, the structure-activity relationship of garlic organic sulfides remained unknown. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of DADS, DATS, and DTS on the gene expression profiling of human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2) by application of microarray and specialized analysis software, GO, Bio-Plex-based cytokines assay and IPA and analyze their structure-activity relationship according to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic-related properties. According to the microarray data, with the increase of S atom in garlic organic sulfides, its biological activity was gradually enhanced. In the general catalog of GO, garlic organic sulfides mainly affect biological process, molecular function, and cellular component. RT-qPCR results indicated that the microarray data is trustworthy, and the structure-activity analysis data found that more sulfur atoms have more powerful properties; thus, microarray data of DTS was preceded to the subsequent IPA analysis. The results of IPA analysis showed that the top 5 signaling pathways and molecular functions were disturbed by DTS; the molecular functions with the highest scores affected by DTS are cancer, cell apoptosis, and cell proliferation, which imply that the occurrence or metabolism of these diseases is related to the differential expression of the above-mentioned related genes and the activation of signaling channels, and the core of the most significant molecular network is inflammation. Finally, the results found that the secretions of 6 cytokines in macrophages were significantly inhibited by DTS treatment. This is the first study that analyzed the structure-activity relationship of garlic organic sulfides, which will provide useful genetic information for its multi-biofunction and promote their clinical application in the near future.
Study on the Effect and Mechanism of Antibacterial Adhesive Hydrogel on Wound Healing
Authors: Wang Xiaodong , Pan Xuehong , Zhao Nana , Chen Defang
Published: November 2021

Bleeding and infection can cause significant increases in mortalities. Hydrogel sealants have attracted extensive attention for their ability to control bleeding. In this study, the adjuvant treatment with antibacterial adhesive hydrogel dressings was applied to patients with deep second-degree burns/scalds. The traditional medical dressing was regarded as control adjuvant treatment. The results indicated that the total positive rate of bacteria in wound secretions and the pain during dressing change in patients who used antibacterial adhesive hydrogel dressings were significantly reduced. The number of fibroblasts and new capillaries in the granulation tissue of the wound increased, and the patient’s wound healing is accelerated. The overall clinical effectiveness has been significantly improved. It is proven that the antibacterial adhesive hydrogel dressing has a significant effect on wound healing.
[Retracted] Prediction of the Least Principal Stresses Using Drilling Data: A Machine Learning Application
Authors: Gowida Ahmed , Ibrahim Ahmed Farid , Elkatatny Salaheldin , Ali Abdulwahab
Published: November 2021

The least principal stresses of downhole formations include minimum horizontal stress (σmin) and maximum horizontal stress (σmax). σmin and σmax are substantial parameters that significantly affect the design and optimization of the drilling process. These stresses can be estimated using theoretical equations in addition to some field tests, i.e., leak‐off test to include the effect of tectonic stress. This approach is associated with many technical and financial issues. Therefore, the objective of this study is to provide a novel machine learning‐based solution to estimate these stresses while drilling. First, new models were developed using artificial neural network (ANN) to directly predict σmin and σmax from the drilling data; which are injection rate (Q), standpipe pressure (SPP), weight on bit (WOB), torque (T), and rate of penetration (ROP). Such data are always available while drilling, and hence, no additional cost is required. Actual data from a Middle Eastern field were collected, statistically analyzed, and fed to the models. First, the models’ predictions showed a significant match with the actual stress values with a correlation coefficient (R‐value) exceeding 0.90 and a mean absolute average error (MAPE) of 0.75% as a maximum. Second, new empirical equations were generated based on the developed ANN‐based models. The new equations were then validated using another unseen dataset from the same field. The predictions had an R‐value of 0.98 and 0.93 in addition to MAPE of 0.36% and 0.96% for σmin and σmax models, respectively. The results demonstrated the outperformance of the developed ANN‐based equations to estimate the least principal stresses from the drilling data with high accuracy in a timely and economically effective way.
Research on Pose Recognition Algorithm for Sports Players Based on Machine Learning of Sensor Data
Authors: Zhang Chunlong , He Hongtao
Published: November 2021

The existing motion recognition system has a low athlete tracking recognition accuracy due to the poor processing effect of recognition algorithm for edge detection. A machine vision-based gymnast pose-tracking recognition system is designed for the above problem. The software part mainly optimizes the tracking recognition algorithm and uses the spatiotemporal graph convolution algorithm to construct the sequence graph structure of human joints, completes the strategy of label subset division, and completes the pose tracking according to the change of information dimension. The results of the system performance test show that the designed machine vision-based gymnast posture tracking recognition system can enhance the accuracy of tracking recognition and reduce the convergence time compared with the original system.
Interactions between Genetic, Prenatal, Cortisol, and Parenting Influences on Adolescent Substance Use and Frequency: A TRAILS Study
Authors: Marceau Kristine , Brick Leslie A. , Pasman Joëlle A. , Knopik Valerie S. , Reijneveld Sijmen A.
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Dynamic relations between genetic, hormone, and pre- and postnatal environments are theorized as critically important for adolescent substance use but are rarely tested in multifactorial models. This study assessed the impact of interactions of genetic risk and cortisol reactivity with prenatal and parenting influences on both any and frequency of adolescent substance use. Methods: Data are from the TRacking Adolescents’ Individual Lives Survey (TRAILS), a prospective longitudinal, multi-rater study of 2,230 Dutch adolescents. Genetic risk was assessed via 3 substance-specific polygenic scores. Mothers retrospectively reported prenatal risk when adolescents were 11 years old. Adolescents rated their parents’ warmth and hostility at age 11. Salivary cortisol reactivity was measured in response to a social stress task at age 16. Adolescents’ self-reported cigarette, alcohol, and cannabis use frequency at age 16. Results: A multivariate hurdle regression model showed that polygenic risk for smoking, alcohol, and cannabis predicted any use of each substance, respectively, but predicted more frequent use only for smoking. Blunted cortisol reactivity predicted any use and more frequent use for all 3 outcomes. There were 2 interactions: blunted cortisol reactivity exacerbated the association of polygenic risk with any smoking and the association of prenatal risk with any alcohol use. Conclusion: Polygenic risk seems of importance for early use but less so for frequency of use, whereas blunted cortisol reactivity was correlated with both. Blunted cortisol reactivity may also catalyze early risks for substance use, though to a limited degree. Gene-environment interactions play no role in the context of this multifactorial model.
Combination of Brachytherapy and Intravitreal Chemotherapy in the Treatment of Retinoblastoma with Vitreous Seeding
Authors: Schlüter Sabrina , Bornfeld Norbert , Valiyev Elbrus , Flühs Dirk , Stuschke Martin , Bechrakis Nikolaos E. , Kiefer Tobias , Ketteler Petra , Göricke Sophia , Biewald Eva M.
Published: November 2021

Purpose: The aim of this study was to report the efficacy of combined intravitreal chemotherapy (IVC) and ruthenium-106 brachytherapy in retinoblastoma, either as first-line or second-line treatment, following systemic chemoreduction or intra-arterial chemotherapy. Methods: Retrospective data of 18 eyes from 18 patients treated with IVC and brachytherapy from August 2014 to December 2019 were collected. Results: The method described was our first-line therapy in 6 patients, whereas it was used as second-line treatment after chemoreduction in the remaining 12 patients. The eyes showed the following classification at initial presentation: 2 group B eyes, 3 group C eyes, and 13 group D eyes. The mean follow-up was 19.5 months (range 2–53 months). The mean patient age at brachytherapy was 34.0 months (range 15–83 months). The median prescribed dose at the tumour base and apex was 574.5 ± 306.7 Gy and 88.5 ± 12.2 Gy, respectively. The ocular retention rate was 66.7%. Six eyes had to be enucleated due to uncontrollable subretinal and recurrent vitreous seeding, tumour relapse, recurrence of a solid tumour elsewhere in the eye, and persistent vitreous bleeding with loss of tumour control. The mean number of intravitreal injections of melphalan was 5.0. Two patients received a simultaneous injection of topotecan for insufficient therapeutic response. With regard to radiogenic complications, we could observe temporary retinal and vitreous bleeding (27.8%), serous retinal detachment (44.4%), and radiogenic maculopathy and retinopathy (11.1%). None of the children showed metastatic disease during follow-up. Conclusion: Ruthenium-106 plaque therapy in combination with IVC is an effective local therapy with good tumour control rates even in advanced eyes. Overall, the analysed therapeutic approach shows an acceptable side-effect profile, especially when considering that external-beam radiation therapy and systemic polychemotherapy or at least the number of cycles needed, with their increased incidence of adverse events, can thus be avoided.
ОПТИЧНІ БІОСЕНСОРИ НА ОСНОВІ ГІБРИДНИХ НАНОСТРУКТУР І МЕТАМАТЕРІАЛІВ
Authors: Костюкевич К. В. , Крючина Є. А. , Крючин А. А. , Костюкевич С. О.
Published: November 2021

Роботу присвячено дослідженню методів удосконалення оптичних біосенсорних приладів на основі поверхневого плазмонного резонансу та поверхнево-посиленому комбінаційному розсіюванні (SERS) при застосуванні гібридних наноструктур і метаматеріалів. Розглянуто схеми використання гібридних магнітно-плазмонних наночастинок, біметалевих і діелектричних багатошарових плівок, дифракційних структур, CD дисків і Фано-резонансних метаматеріалів.
The Power of Bipartisan Mobilization: The Success of Tunisia’s Feminist Movement During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Authors: Youssef Maro , Yerkes Sarah
Published: November 2021

The Tunisian government, which is deeply divided, especially along ideological lines, responded to growing concerns over increased violence against women during the Coronavirus pandemic by establishing a new domestic violence shelter and 24/7 hotline. This article asks: Why did the state respond to gender-based violence(gbv) concerns during the Coronavirus pandemic in Tunisia, despite ideological and political divisions? We argue that the state addressed some concerns around violence during the pandemic because combatting gbv has bipartisan support in Tunisia. Tunisian Islamist and secularist women’s rights organizations succeeded in building a bipartisan coalition of support on this issue because they worked either together in a short-lived coalition or in tandem with similar goals over the past decade during the democratic transition in Tunisia. Building on the existing coalition literature, we show that feminist coalition formation before a pandemic has implications for feminists’ success in times of crisis.
Umbrian ⟨rs⟩ and ⟨rf⟩
Authors: Onishi Teigo
Published: November 2021

This paper examines two different outcomes of reconstructed *rs sequences in Umbrian. While the sequence *rs which goes back to Proto-Sabellic is continued as ⟨rs⟩,secondary *rs that developed from *rVs by syncope or from *rtt by assibilation and degemination is written as ⟨rf⟩.A synchronic and diachronic analysis of these different outcomes is provided.It is argued that the key conditioning factor for the different outcomes is not whether *rs was diachronically original, but whether *s in *rs formed a simple onset.
Development of a Field-Based Chemistry Experiment Teaching Model to Strengthen Pre-Service Teachers’ Competence for Teaching Chemistry Experiments
Authors: Bae Sung Woo , Lee Jae Hwan , Park Jongseok
Published: November 2021

The FCE (field-based chemistry experiment) model was developed to cultivate pre-service science teachers’ ability to teach chemistry experiments in secondary classrooms. We describe the process of developing the FCE model and student activities via feedback from experts and analysis of the implemented program. This study evaluated the effectiveness of implementing the FCE model with 58 pre-service science teachers to examine how this model impacts on the role of the instructor and students. Implementation impact was examined by analyzing qualitative data from surveys and observations of student activities. The FCE model minimized the role of the instructor by using flipped learning and cooperative learning, which enabled learners to construct class contents by themselves with topics aligned to the secondary science curriculum. Findings suggest the FCE model supports pre-service science teachers to acquire both knowledge and practical skills related to conducting and teaching experiments. Implications for pre-service science teacher preparation are discussed.
Pre-contractual relational governance for public–private partnerships: how can ex-ante relational governance help formal contracting in smart city outsourcing projects?
Authors: Mu Rui , Wu Peiyi , Haershan Maidina
Published: November 2021

In the literature on relational governance, it is often assumed that relational governance emerges primarily after formal contracting and acts as a functional supplement to a formal contract. In this article, we show that especially facing deep uncertainties, relational governance can emerge before the start of formal partnerships, in the form of trust-building, exchanging resources, and fostering flexibility. Based on a case study of a smart city outsourcing project, this article introduces a forward-extended framework of relational governance that captures the pre-contractual dimensions of relationship cultivation and their role in facilitating formal contracting. The study finds that pre-contractual relational governance facilitates formal contracting by reducing substantive, evaluative, technological, and procedural uncertainties in the project and helps the partners to design an elaborative contract, undergo an easy negotiation, adopt short-term contracts, and use simple monitoring and evaluation methods. The article thus argues that only understanding post-contractual relational governance is insufficient for exploring the relation between formal contracting and relational governance; facing deep uncertainties, it is necessary to understand how public and private parties develop their pre-contractual relationship and reduce the uncertainties before a formal contract can be signed.

Points for practitioners

Practitioners should realize that there is much room for relational governance in the pre-contractual phase of PPP projects when the projects are rife with various uncertainties. Public and private parties can take measures to build trust, foster flexibility, and create interdependence before a formal contract is signed. These ex-ante relational governance measures can facilitate formal contracting by reducing the various uncertainties, making a formal contract designable, making negotiation smooth and easy, and reducing the need for contract supervision.