bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Science Mapping Analysis of Sixty-Seven Years of Scientific Evolution about the Transgender Population
Authors: Sott Bender Mariluza , Kremer Sott Michele , Merten Fernandes Vitória , München Mikaela Aline Bade , Gonçalves Isadora Ferretti , Areosa Silvia Virginia Coutinho , Bragazzi Nicola Luigi
Published: July 2021

Gender and identity issues permeate society as a whole. Therefore, the matters involving transgender individuals should be analised in order to understand the difficulties experienced by this population and the social practices implemented. In this sense, the objective of this study was to investigate the strategic themes and their evolution in relation to the theme. For this, a bibliometric performance and network analysis (BPNA) was carried out with the existing data in the Web of Science database between 1954 and march 2021. Twenty-three thousand and four hundred and seventy-one (23,471) articles were identified, which were included in the SciMAT software to perform a bibliometric analysis, resulting in the graph of the thematic evolution structure and the strategic diagram, in which 8 motor themes and a cross-cutting theme of great magnitude are highlighted, which are discussed in depth. The results show the relation between the transgender theme and gender, identity, sexual orientation, hormone therapy and gender-affirming surgery. It is concluded that, despite the large number of associated researches, some areas of study are still incipient, such as the inclusion of transgender people in the formal labor market and in the prison context, thus opening field for further studies.
Combination of Acoustic Emission and Vibratory Measurements to Characterize an Ultrasonic Vibration Assisted Ball Burnishing Tool for a Lathe
Authors: Fernández-Osete Ismael , Estevez-Urra Aida , Velázquez-Corral Eric , Valentin David , Llumà Jordi , Jerez-Mesa Ramón , Travieso-Rodriguez J. Antonio
Published: July 2021

In this paper, a resonant system that produces a movement of low amplitude and ultrasonic frequency is used to achieve the vibration assistance in a ball-burnishing process. A full vibration characterization of this process performed in a lathe was done. It is carried out by a new tool designed in the research group of the authors. Its purpose is to demonstrate that the machine and the tool do not have any resonance problem during the process and to prevent possible failures. The analysis of this dynamic behaviour permits to validate the suitability of the tool when it is anchored to a numerical control lathe. This is very important for its future industrial implementation. It is also intended to confirm that the system adequately transmits vibrations through the material. To do this, a methodology to validate the dynamic tool behaviour was developed. Several techniques that combine the usual and ultrasonic vibration ranges through static and dynamic measurements were merged: vibration and acoustic emission measurements. An operational deflection shape (ODS) exercise has been also performed. Results show the suitability of the tool used to transmit the assistance vibrations, and that no damage is produced in the material in any case.
Serenoa repens (Saw Palmetto) for Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS): The Evidence for Efficacy and Safety of Lipidosterolic Extracts. Part II
Authors: Strum Stephen Bruce
Published: July 2021

Part I of this 3-part series provided the groundwork for understanding the role of a standardized lipidosterolic extract of Serenoa repens (LSESr) in the treatment of LUTS. It documented that a treatment having a high therapeutic index (i.e., a ratio of benefit to adverse reactions) is a critical need in the demographic context of a rapidly growing elder population. Part I described the clinical symptomatology of LUTS and how it is quantified. A critique of the reports from four authoritative bodies: the European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy (ESCOP), Cochrane 2012, the European Medicines Agency (EMA), and the AUA (American Urological Association) was presented. The foundation above then fine-tuned our search to require (a) consistent evaluability criteria, (b) the quantification of clinical findings, (c) the need to focus on studies employing a standardized LSESr product meeting the fatty acid profile set forth by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the US Pharmacopeia and (d) a global assessment of scientific investigations published in all languages and not limited to only English. Part II details the following “new” findings when LSESr vs. LUTS is examined with the above constraints.
Effect of Controlled Drainage on the Migration of Water, Nutrients, and Salts in Soil and the Yield of Oilseed Sunflower in Hetao Irrigation District
Authors: Dou Xu , Shi Haibin , Li Ruiping , Miao Qingfeng , Tian Feng , Yu Dandan , Zhou Liying , Wang Bo
Published: July 2021

Controlled drainage (CD) is an important agricultural measure for maintaining soil moisture and nutrients, controlling groundwater level, and increasing crop yield. In arid regions, CD can be used to improve the water supply in agriculture and reduce environmental pollution. In this study, we investigated the effect of CD, including a drainage depth of 40 cm (CWT1) and 70 cm (CWT2) during the plant growth period, free drainage (FD), and open ditch drainage (OD) on the migration of water, nutrients, and salts in the soil; the dynamics of groundwater level; the loss of soil nitrogen; and the growth of oilseed sunflower plants. Compared with FD, CD increased the water and nutrient content in the soil, reduced nitrogen loss, and enhanced the ability of the soil to continuously supply nitrogen to the oilseed sunflower plants, which benefited plant growth at later growth stages and reduced environmental pollution. During the period between irrigation at the budding stage and harvest stage, the average soil water content in the 0–20 cm soil layer in CWT1 increased by 3.67%, 4.78%, and 0.55%, respectively, compared with that in CWT2, FD, and OD. The soil mineral content in CWT1 was 25.17%, 35.05%, and 17.78% higher than that in CWT2, FD, and OD, respectively, indicating that higher soil salinity occurred at the later stage of plant growth in CWT1, which actually had little effect on the plants due to their enhanced salt tolerance and increased need for water and nutrients at that stage. In addition, CD delayed the decline in groundwater level, which allowed the plants to use groundwater at later growth stages, and as a result the yield and water use efficiency were improved. CWT1 significantly increased oilseed sunflower yield by 4.52–11.14% and increased water use efficiency by 1.16–10.8%. Moreover, CWT1 also increased the survival rate of the oilseed sunflower plants by 2.62–2.92%, and the plants demonstrated good growth. Therefore, under CD conditions, plants used soil water and nitrogen more efficiently and, as a result, their productivity was increased, and the water quality was improved.
Sleep Depth and Patterns of In-Flight Sleep Behavior Across Time During Global Pandemic Conditions
Authors: Devine Jaime K. , Choynowski Jake , Garcia Caio R. , Simoes Audrey S. , Guelere Marina R. , Godoy Bruno de , Silva Diego S. , Pacheco Philipe , Hursh Steven R.
Published: July 2021

Fatigue risk to commercial pilots operating under global pandemic conditions had not been in-vestigated prior to COVID-19. Examining how pilots slept during COVID-19 pandemic-specific flights can provide a precedent for estimating fatigue risk for future public health emergencies. Twenty (n=20) pilots flying across five COVID-19 humanitarian missions between Brazil and China wore a sleep-tracking device (the Zulu watch), which has been validated for the estimation of sleep timing (sleep onset and offset), duration, efficiency, and sleep depth (Wake, Interrupted, Light, or Deep Sleep) throughout the mission period. Pilots also reported sleep timing, duration and subjective quality of their in-flight rest periods using a sleep diary. To our knowledge, this is the first report of commercial pilot sleep behavior during ultra-long-range operations under COVID-19 pandemic conditions. Moreover, these analyses provide an estimate of sleep depth during in-flight sleep, which has not been reported previously in the literature.
Copper, Iron, and Aluminium Electrochemical Corrosion Rates and Intrinsic Diffusivitives Dependence on Temperature Investigations
Authors: Yarmolenko Mykhaylo Viktorovych
Published: July 2021

Our investigations show that electrochemical corrosion of copper is faster than electrochemical corrosion of aluminium at temperatures below 100oC. Literature data analysis shows that the Al atoms diffuse faster than the Cu atoms at temperatures higher than 475oC, Al rich intermetallic compounds (IMCs) are formed faster in the Cu-Al system, and the Kirkendall plane shifts toward Al side. Electrochemical corrosion occurs due to electric current and due to diffusion. An electronic devise working time, for example, depends on initial copper cover thickness on aluminium wire, connected to the electronic devise, temperature, and volume and dislocation pipe diffusion coefficients, so copper, iron, and aluminium electrochemical corrosion rates are investigated experimentally at room temperature and at temperature 100oC. Intrinsic diffusivities ratios of copper and aluminium at different temperatures and diffusion activation energies in the Cu-Al system are calculated by proposed here methods using literature experimental data. Dislocation pipe and volume diffusion activation energies of pure iron are calculated separately by earlier proposed method using literature experimental data. Aluminium dissolved into NaCl solution as the Al3+ ions at room temperature and at temperature 100oC, iron dissolved into NaCl solution as the Fe2+ (not Fe3+) ions at room temperature and at temperature 100oC, copper dissolved into NaCl solution as the Cu+ ions at room temperature and as the Cu+ and the Cu2+ ions at temperature 100oC. It is founded experimentally that copper corrosion is higher than aluminium corrosion, and ratio of electrochemical corrosion rates, kCu/kAl>1, decreases with temperature increasing, although iron electrochemical corrosion rate doesn’t depend on temperature below 100oC. It is obvious, because melting point of iron is more higher then melting point of copper or aluminium. It is calculated that copper electrochemical corrosion rate is approximately equal to aluminium electrochemical corrosion at temperature about 300oC, so copper can dissolve into NaCl solution mostly as the Cu2+ ions at temperature about 300oC. Ratio of intrinsic diffusivities, DCu/DAl <1, increases with temperature increasing, and intrinsic diffusivity of aluminium could be approximately equal to intrinsic diffusivity of copper at temperature about 460oC.
A micromagnetic study: lateral size dependence of the macroscopic properties of rectangular parallelepiped Cobalt-ferrite nanoferromagnetic
Authors: Wibowo Nur Aji , Pranoto Susatyo , Riyanto Cucun Alep , Setiawan Andreas
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this study is to provide systematic information through micromagnetic simulations related to the impact of particle size on the magnetic characteristics of Cobalt-ferrite MNP. The micromagnetic computations performed were based on LLG equation. The MNPs sample was simulated in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped with a thickness of 20 nm and square surface with lateral length varies from 10 to 80 nm at an interval of 10 nm. The results of this study indicate that the size changes in Cobalt-ferrite MNP have a significant impact on various magnetic properties, such as the magnitude of the barrier energy, coercive and nucleation fields, magnetization rate, magnetization curve profile, and magnetization mode.Cobalt-ferrite MNP with a size of 10 nm shows a single domain with a relatively short magnetization reversal time and high coercive field.
The effect of housing volume of a converting loudspeaker on the output electric power of a loudspeaker-based acoustic energy harvester
Authors: Setiawan Ikhsan
Published: July 2021

Acoustic energy harvester is a device that converts sound or acoustic energy into electrical energy. Generally, the main components of this instrument are an acoustic transducer and an acoustic resonator. In this study, the transducer used was a 4-inch woofer loudspeaker, without acoustic resonator but equipped with a cylindrical housing with a fixed cross-sectional area and a length that can be varied from 6 cm until 25 cm by using a piston. Experimental results for various housing volumes showed a similar pattern of the dependence of the generated electric power on the incoming sound frequencies. In addition, it was found that (within the range of the volume variations) the output electric power increased significantly when the volume of the housing was increased. The highest root-mean-square (rms) electric power obtained was 1.72 mW resulting from sound with a sound pressure level (SPL) of 105 dB and a frequency of 84 Hz and by using a length of the housing cylinder of 25 cm (housing volume of 3243.7 cm3)
An Extensive Review of Health and Economy of Bangladesh Amid Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Mohiuddin Abdul Kader
Published: July 2021

COVID-19 has affected 213 countries around the world, killing around 390,000 and infecting close to 6.6 million by June 04, 2020 (worldometer.info). Bangladesh, a South Asian low-middle-income economy, has experienced a demographic and epidemiological transition with rapid urbanization and a gradual increase in life expectancy. It is the seventh most populous country in the world and population of the country is expected to be nearly double by 2050. The increasing burden of communicable diseases in Bangladesh can be attributable to rapid urbanization and nearly 50% of all slum dwellers of the country live in Dhaka division. In 2017, National Rapid Response Team of IEDCR investigated 26 incidents of disease outbreak. The joint survey of the Power and Participation Research Centre and BRAC Institute of Governance and Development reveals that per capita daily income of urban slum and rural poor drops by 80% due to present countrywide shutdown enforced by the government to halt the spread of Covid-19. 40%-50% of these population took loans to meet the daily expenses. However, the country has just 127,000 hospital beds, 91,000 of them in government-run hospitals. Researchers say, the country’s economy is losing BDT 33 billion every day from its service and agriculture sectors during the nationwide shutdown.
Comparison of machine learning techniques for SoC and SoH evaluation from impedance data of an aged lithium ion battery
Authors: Aloisio Davide , Campobello Giuseppe , Leonardi Salvatore Gianluca , Sergi Francesco , Brunaccini Giovanni , Ferraro Marco , Antonucci Vincenzo , Segreto Antonino , Donato Nicola
Published: July 2021

State of charge estimation and ageing evolution of lithium ion (Li-Ion) batteries are key points for their massive applications in the market. However, the battery behavior is very complex to understand because many parameters act in determining their ageing evolution. Therefore, traditional analytical models employed for this purpose are often affected by inaccuracy. In this context, machine learning techniques can provide a viable alternative to traditional models and a useful tool to characterize the batteries behavior.

In this work, different machine learning techniques were applied to model the impedance evolution over time of an aged cobalt based Li-Ion battery, cycled under a stationary frequency regulation profile for grid application. The different ML techniques were compared in terms of accuracy to determine the state of charge and the state of health over the battery ageing phenomena. Experimental results showed that ML based on Random Forest algorithm can be profitably used for this purpose.
Solar energy harvesting for LoRaWAN-based pervasive environmental monitoring
Authors: Addabbo Tommaso , Fort Ada , Intravaia Matteo , Mugnaini Marco , Parri Lorenzo , Pozzebon Alessandro , Vignoli Valerio
Published: July 2021

The aim of this paper is to discuss the characterisation of a solar energy harvesting system to be integrated in a wireless sensor node, to be deployed on means of transport to pervasively collect measurements of Particulate Matter (PM) concentration in urban areas. The sensor node is based on the use of low-cost PM sensors and exploits LoRaWAN connectivity to remotely transfer the collected data. The node also integrates GPS localisation features, that allow to associate the measured values with the geographical coordinates of the sampling site. In particular, the system is provided with an innovative, small-scale, solar-based powering solution that allows its energy self-sufficiency and then its functioning without the need for a connection to the power grid. Tests concerning the energy production of the solar cell were performed in order to optimise the functioning of the sensor node: satisfactory results were achieved in terms of number of samplings per hour. Finally, field tests were carried out with the integrated environmental monitoring device proving its effectiveness.
Experimental study on SAR reduction from cell phones
Authors: Ursachianu Marius-Vasile , Bejenaru Ovidiu , Lazarescu Catalin , Salceanu Alexandru
Published: July 2021

The actual problem of the human exposure to different types of electromagnetic field sources is a challenging one and should be considered an up to date issue due to one major actual trend: the increasingly intensive penetration of various wireless communication technologies in virtually all places and times that make up our daily lives. The here presented paper presents an experimental study focused on measurements for three types of mobile phones, belonging to different generations, operating at the two characteristic frequencies of the GSM bandwidth. We have been used a SATIMO-COMOSAR evaluation dosimetry system, provided by the LICETER laboratory of ANCOM Romania. The determined values of the absorbed incident energy by the tissue of a mannequin (phantom) model for the human head, which is part of the dosimetry system, have been also compared with those obtained in the case when the mobile phones are protected by multilayer cases, aiming to study their possible limiting effect. The influence that ”touch” or ”tilt” positions might have on absorbed (by the human head model) incident energy values has also been investigated. The comparative processing of the obtained results allowed the formulation of recommendations on reducing the exposure to electromagnetic radiation associated with the use of the mobile phone. This paper is an extended and improved version of the original contribution to the IMEKO TC 4 2020 virtual conference.
СОВРЕМЕННЫЕ ПОДХОДЫ В УПРАВЛЕНИИ, ПОВЫШАЮЩИЕ ИНВЕСТИЦИОННУЮ ПРИВЛЕКАТЕЛЬНОСТЬ ПРЕДПРИНИМАТЕЛЬСКОЙ ДЕЯТЕЛЬНОСТИ В СФЕРЕ УСЛУГ
Authors: ЛЕЛЯВИНА Т. , ЛЕЛЯВИН П.
Published: July 2021

Повышение инвестиционной привлекательности предпринимательской деятельности в сфере услуг — это многоэтапный процесс, зависящий от множества факторов. Грамотное использование современных методов и подходов в управлении предпринимательской деятельностью, т. е. совершенствование системы управления с целью повышения эффективности ее функционирования и формирования инвестиционной привлекательности предприятия, посредством проведения комплекса мероприятий, включающих совершенствование экономического механизма, организационных форм и структур управления, использование современных информационных технологий, совершенствование системы подготовки и повышения квалификации управленческих кадров, стиля и методов руководства и т. д., это способ решения многих задач.
ИНСТИТУЦИОНАЛЬНЫЕ АСПЕКТЫ ИННОВАЦИОННОГО РАЗВИТИЯ НАЦИОНАЛЬНОЙ ЭКОНОМИКИ В УСЛОВИЯХ ГЛОБАЛИЗАЦИИ
Authors: ДОРИНА Е.
Published: July 2021

В статье рассматриваются актуальные вопросы институционализации национальной экономики Республики Беларусь с учетом глобализационных процессов и инновационного развития. Рассмотрены институциональные аспекты экономических отношений во взаимосвязи с глобализацией мировой
экономики и инновационным развитием. Сделаны выводы о том, что институционализация — это замена спонтанного поведения на предсказуемое, которое ожидается, моделируется, регулируется в процессе институционального проектирования. Особую актуальность приобретает формирование концептуальных
направлений реализации институциональной стратегии как основы функционирования и инновационного развития национальной экономики.
Coupling vibration analysis of turbine shared support rotor-bearing system with squeeze film dampers
Authors: Han Jiaqi , Luo Guihuo , Wang Fei , Chen Wei , Liu Lulu , Zhao Zhenhua , Luo Gang
Published: July 2021

The turbine shared support structure is used widely in aeroengines, but theoretical and experimental research on a rotor-bearing system containing a shared turbine support structure is lacking. This paper reports research into the coupling vibration response of a squeeze-film-damper rotor-bearing system that has two spools with different rotation speeds and is supported by a turbine shared support structure. The problem is addressed by means of rotor-bearing system tests and the finite-element method. Based on the features of a turboshaft engine with a turbine shared support structure, a rotor-bearing test system with a shared support structure is designed, and a dynamic model of the test system is built based on Timoshenko beam elements. The experimental and simulation results indicate that the unbalanced response of the rotor-bearing system with a shared support structure may involve either the sum or difference of the fundamental frequencies of the rotors of the gas generator and power turbine. The simulations show that the imbalance of the power turbine rotor, the radial and bending stiffnesses of the shared support structure, and the radial clearances of squeeze film dampers at the rear of the rotor-bearing system all affect the coupling response. The amplitude of the coupling response can be suppressed effectively by (i) selecting reasonable parameter values for the turbine shared support structure and (ii) exerting strict control over the spool imbalance.
Microplastic pollution characteristic in surface water and freshwater fish of Gehu Lake, China
Authors: Xu Xia , Zhang Ling , Xue Yingang , Gao Yu , Wang Liping , Peng Mingguo , Jiang Shanqing , Zhang Qiuya
Published: July 2021

Much more attention has been poured into microplastic pollution in freshwater systems recently. In the present study, the pollution of microplastics (MPs) in surface water and freshwater fish (crucian carp, etc.) were investigated from Gehu Lake, which is the second largest lake in southern Jiangsu after Taihu Lake. The result manifested that the average abundance of MPs was respectively 6.33 ± 2.67 n/L for surface water and 10.7 items per individual for freshwater fish. The distribution of MPs in Gehu Lake varied from place to place, with the highest abundance of MPs was observed in the two estuaries of the eastern part of the lake. It was speculated that topographical factors and human factors were the main factors affecting the abundance and distribution of MPs. Transparent fibers were the main type of MPs in water samples, accounting for 69.70% of all detected particles. Meanwhile, most of the MPs ingested by freshwater fish were fibers, and the main colors were transparent and blue. In addition, the dominant size of the MPs was between 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm in water and fish samples. Moreover, PES, Man-made fiber, and PP were the dominant polymer types in the surface water and fish samples. The results of this investigation can provide basic data for the research and management of MPs in freshwater systems.
Monthly Streamflow Forecasting Using Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Shu Xingsheng , Ding Wei , Peng Yong , Wang Ziru , Wu Jian , Li Min
Published: July 2021

Monthly streamflow forecasting is vital for the management of water resources. Recently, numerous studies have explored and evidenced the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) models in hydrological forecasting. In the current study, the feasibility of a relatively new AI model, namely the convolutional neural network (CNN), is explored for forecasting monthly streamflow. The CNN is a method of deep learning, the unique convolution-pooling mechanism in which creates its superior attribute of automatically extracting critical features from input layers. Hydrological and large-scale atmospheric circulation variables including rainfall, streamflow, and atmospheric circulation factors (ACFs) are used to establish models and forecast streamflow for Huanren Reservoir and Xiangjiaba Hydropower Station, China. The ANN and ELM with inputs identified based on cross-correlation analysis (CC) and mutual information analysis (MI) are established for comparative analysis. The performances of these models are assessed with several statistical metrics and graphical evaluation methods. The results show that CNN performs better than ANN and ELM across all the statistical measures. Moreover, CNN shows better stability in forecasting accuracy.
Traditional Growing Rod for Early-Onset Scoliosis in High Altitude Regions: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Jiang Haijun , Hai Junrui Jonathan , Yin Peng , Su Qingjun , Zhu Shiqi , Pan Aixing , Wang Yunsheng , Hai Yong
Published: July 2021

Background：Children with early-onset scoliosis living in high-altitude areas have severe deformities and poor nutritional status.However, no reports on early-onset scoliosis treatment using traditional growing rods in such children exist. Thus, we analyzed the outcomes of traditional growing rods treatment in such patients and the effect of altitude on therapy.Methods：Between September 2007 and December 2017, 59 consecutive patients with EOS underwent systematic surgical correction using traditional growing rods.They were divided into the high-altitude and low-altitude groups, and differences in surgical efficacy and complications between the groups were analyzed pre- and postoperatively.Radiographic measurements,including the Cobb angle,thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, T1–S1and T1–T12 heights,sagittal and coronal balance, distance between C7PL and sagittal vertical axis,pelvic incidence,sacral slope, and pelvic tilt were assessed preoperatively, postoperatively, and at the last follow-up. Continuous data were analyzed using paired or independent Student’s t-tests, and they were compared preoperatively, postoperatively, and at the last follow-up using a repeated measures analysis of variance. Enumerated data were analyzed using the χ2 test.Results：The mean patient ageat the initial surgery and mean follow-up duration were 8.9±2.4(5–14) years and 51.91±25.23 months, respectively.Altogether, 234 operations were conducted for all patients with an average interval between operations of 11.4±3.0months.The average Cobb angle was similar in both groups preoperatively and at the last follow-up,it was significantly different postoperatively. TK was significantly different in all three periods.T1–S1 and T1–T12 heights were significantly different only during the preoperative period. The overall rates of complications and implant-related complications did not differ significantly between the groups.Conclutions：Deformity in patients with EOS in high-altitude areas was more severe, and treatment using TGRs yielded a satisfactory therapeutic effect.
Environmental, Ecological and Human Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Sediments at Samsun-Tekkeköy, North of Turkey
Authors: ŞIMŞEK Arife , Özkoç Hülya Böke , Bakan Gülfem
Published: July 2021

A detailed study was conducted in order to evaluate the effects of heavy metal pollution in the sediments in terms of environmental, ecological and human health. Sediment samples were collected from 5 different points in two seasons, namely summer (August 2017) and winter (December 2017), to determine the distribution of heavy metals, potential pollutants, toxic and ecological risks in the river sediments in Samsun - Tekkeköy district located in the Mid-Black Sea Region of Turkey and to evaluate the human health risk. The distribution of heavy metals at the sampling points was Fe > Al > Mn > Zn > Cu > Cr > Ni > Pb > Cd based on their averages. According to the toxic risk index (TRI) results, sampling point OIZ (Organized Industrial Zone) Channel (T3) was also found to have a moderate risk, and it was determined that the highest contribution was from Cu > Ni > Cd > Cr, respectively. Potential ecological risk (PERI) results revealed a low risk except for Cd metal at all sampling points. While the sediment enrichment factor (EF) did not show much metallization at many points, the highest enrichment was observed in Cd, Cu, and Zn metals and at sampling point T3. According to the geoaccumulation index (Igeo) and contamination factor (CF), sampling point T3 showed contamination with Cd, Cu, Cr, and Zn. Evaluation of human health risk showed that the hazard index (HI) results of carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks were higher among children than adults. The total lifetime cancer risks (TLCR) of heavy metals were within the limits determined by USEPA. However, the risk was ranked as Cr > Cd > Pb. Sediment Quality Guidelines (SQG) and pollution index results showed that heavy metal contamination was due to anthropogenic and industrial activities since the region was an industrial zone. It was determined that heavy metals posed ecological risks and that Samsun-Tekkeköy region was moderately and significantly contaminated.
Effects of Acupuncture Treatment on Postoperative Gastrointestinal Dysfunction in Colorectal Cancer: Study Protocol for Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Liu Xueyan , Wang Zhijie , Yao Hao , Yang Yanrong , Cao Huijuan , TOH Zhanhao , Ren Yi , Zheng Ruwen
Published: July 2021

Background: Postoperative Gastrointestinal Dysfunction (PGID) is a common complication arising from colorectal cancer surgery. Attributing factors such as anesthesia, surgical retraction, early intake of water, etc. can inhibit gastrointestinal motility, causing constipation, reduction or absence of bowels sounds, nausea, vomiting and other symptoms. Delayed recovery in gastrointestinal function can lead to intestinal obstructions or paralysis, anastomotic leaks and other complications, affecting the patient’s recovery and quality of life negatively. Due to its complex pathophysiology, treatment for PGID in colorectal patients has remained a challenge. Acupuncture is an alternative therapy commonly used for post-operative recovery. This study aims to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of Acupuncture on PGID. Through the complementation of Acupuncture and Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols, the advantages of acupuncture treatments could be demonstrated to promote its application in future clinical practice.Methods/design: The study design is a prospective randomized controlled trial (RCT). 160 postoperative colorectal cancer patients will be recruited from Cancer Hospital Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CICAMS). Subjects who fulfill inclusion criteria will be randomly assigned into Acupuncture group (AG)(n=80) or control group (CG)(n=80). AG will receive Acupuncture treatment and ERAS care protocols, CG will only receive ERAS care protocols. Intervention will begin on the first day post-surgery, continuing for 4 days, with a follow-up assessment in a month. Time of first postoperative flatus would be the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcome measures include time of first postoperative defecation, time of first fluid intake, time of first ambulation, postoperative hospital stay, gastrointestinal reaction score, postoperative quality of life, acupuncture sensation evaluation scale. All results are evaluated from baseline, post-treatment and upon follow-up. Discussion: The results of the study would help elucidate evidence of the therapeutic effects of acupuncture on recovery of postoperative gastrointestinal function. The objective of the study aims for the eventual inclusion of acupuncture in the ERAS protocol, allowing for wider application in clinical practice.Trial Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov: ChiCTR2000036351. Register August 22,2020.
Computation Offloading Technique for Energy Efficiency of Smart Devices
Authors: Ko Jaejun , Choi Young-June , Paul Rajib
Published: July 2021

The substantial number of wearable devices in the healthcare industry and the continuous growth of the market procreates the demand for computational offloading. Despite major development of wearable devices and offloading techniques, there are several concerns such as latency, battery power, and computation capability that requires significant development. In this paper, we focus on the fact that most smart wearable devices have Bluetooth pairing with smartphones, and Bluetooth communication is significantly energy-efficient compare to 3G/LTE or Wi-Fi. We propose a computation offloading technique that offloads from the smartphone to the cloud server considering the decision model of both wearable devices and smartphones. Mobile cloud computing can elevate the capacity of smartphones considering the battery state and efficient communications with the cloud. In our model, we increase the energy efficiency of smart devices. To accomplish this, a Dhrystone Millions of Instructions per Second (DMIPS)-based workload measurement model along with a computation offloading decision model were created. According to the performance evaluation, offloading from wearable devices to smartphones and offloading once to cloud server can reduce energy consumption significantly
RNA Sequencing of LX-2 Cells Treated with TGF-β1 Identifies Genes Associated with Early Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation.
Authors: Carson Jack , Robinson Mark , Ramm Grant , Gobert Geoffrey
Published: July 2021

BackgroundHepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are liver-resident myofibroblast precursors responsible for the production of collagen and maintenance of the hepatic extracellular matrix (ECM). As such, they are generally associated with fibrotic liver diseases. HSCs become "activated" in response to tissue damage or pathogen invasion, a process most commonly driven by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). Despite this, the full extent of TGF-β1 signalling in these cells is poorly understood. Clarifying the range and diversity of this signalling will further improve our understanding of the process of HSC activation.Methods and ResultsRNA sequencing was used to quantitate the transcriptomic changes induced in LX-2 cells, an activated human HSC line, following TGF-b1 treatment. In total, 5,258 genes were found to be significantly differentially expressed with a false discovery rate cut-off of < 0.1. The topmost deregulated of these genes included those with no currently characterised role in either HSC activation or fibrotic processes, including CIITA and SERPINB2. In silico analysis revealed the prominent signalling pathways downstream of TGF-β1 in LX-2 cells.ConclusionsIn this study, we describe the genes and signalling pathways significantly deregulated in LX-2 cells following TGF-β1 treatment. We identified several highly deregulated genes with no currently characterised role in HSC activation, which may represent novel mediators of fibrotic responses in HSCs or the liver macroenvironment. This work may be of use in the identification of new markers of liver fibrosis and could provide insight into prospective genes or pathways that might be targeted for the amelioration of fibrotic liver disease in the future.
Target Tracking Using Radial Distance and Lucas Cluster-Based Ridge Regression in Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: S Sheeja Rani , K Siva Sankar
Published: July 2021

Target tracking is one of the most significant concerns in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs). In a densely deployed WSN, spatial trajectories in future mission monitoring can provide comprehensive communication but with dynamically changing network, targets were lost, compromising stability. Some approaches pursue minimum overload and energy consumption occurring during tracking at the cost of tracking accuracy, while some other mechanisms aim to achieve the best tracking accuracy without consideration of energy consumption. In this paper, we present a new method called, Radial Distance and Lucas Cluster-based Ridge Regression (RD-LCRR) to detect and track the target in WSN considering both energy efficiency and accuracy. Initially, we sense the object via Radial Distance Edge Propagation Object Sensing model based on the cluster formation and then identify moving objects through additive value. Next, the object to be tracked is obtained by applying Lucas Kanade Cluster-based Ridge Regression model. Here, target detection is first initialized via Lucas Kanade and finally, the tracking of the actual target is performed through Ridge Regression. The performance of the RD-LCRR method is considered for different scenarios and experiments are performed in a simulation environment against state-of-the-art methods. Results of the experiments show that the presented target detection and tracking method enables a significant reduction in the amount of energy consumption, target tracking time with higher accuracy rate.
Brain Tumor Segmentation and Prediction using Fuzzy Neighborhood Learning Approach for 3D MRI Images
Authors: R Pitchai , P Supraja , A Razia Sulthana , T Veeramakali
Published: July 2021

Segmentation of brain tumors is a daunting process comprising the delineation of heterogeneous cancerous tissues and diffuse types in anatomical representations of the brain. Deep learning techniques have recently made important strides in the segmentation of brain tumors. However, owing to the irregularity of the tumor, most of the deep learning-based segmentation techniques are not used directly for tumor detection. Although recent studies are capable of addressing the irregularity issue and retaining permutation invariance, many approaches struggle to catch the valuable high-dimensional local features of finer resolution. Inspired by the fuzzy learning methods and an analysis of the shortcomings of existing methods, an automated fuzzy neighborhood learning-based 3D segmentation technique has been proposed for the detection of cerebrum tumors in 3D images. In this technique, the fuzzy neighborhood function is deeply integrated with the proposed network architecture. This technique has been evaluated on BRATS 2013dataset. The simulation results show that the proposed brain tumor detection technique is superior to other methods in the diagnosis of brain tumors with the dice coefficient of 0.85 and the Jaccard index of 0.74.
A Novel Approach to Reduce Energy Consumption By Clustering With Genetic Algorithm and Sleeping Time in The IoT
Authors: Babaei Negin , Hedayati Alireza
Published: July 2021

Internet of things is one of the most important technologies in the last century which covers various domains such as wireless sensor networks. Wireless sensor networks consist of a large number of sensor nodes that are scattered in an environment and collect information from the surrounding environment and send it to a central station. One of the most important problems in these networks is saving energy consumption of nodes and consequently increasing lifetime of networks. Work has been done in various fields to achieve this goal, one of which is clustering and the use of sleep timing mechanisms in wireless sensor networks. Therefore, in this article, we have examined the existing protocols in this field, especially LEACH-based clustering protocols. The proposed method tries to optimize the energy consumption of nodes by using genetic-based clustering as well as a sleep scheduling mechanism based on the colonial competition algorithm. The results of this simulation show that our proposed method has improved network life (by 18%) and average energy consumption (by 11%) and reduced latency in these networks (by 17%).
Do Bio-Insecticides Affect Only Insect Species? Behavior, Regeneration and Sexual Reproduction of A Non-Target Freshwater Planarian
Authors: Silva Laila Cristina Rezende , Dornelas Aline Silvestre Pereira , Saraiva Althiéris de Souza , Gravato Carlos , Pestana João Luís Teixeira , Soares Amadeu Mortágua Velho da Maia , Sarmento Renato Almeida
Published: July 2021

Bio-insecticides have been increasingly used worldwide as ecofriendly alternatives to pesticides, but data on their effects in non-target freshwater organisms is still scarce and limited to insects. The aim of this study was to determine the lethal and sub-lethal effects of the bio-insecticides Bac Control (based on Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki - Btk) and Boveril (based on Beauveria bassiana - Bb) on regeneration, behavioral and reproductive endpoints of the freshwater planarian Girardia tigrina. The estimated LC50 − 48h were > 800 mg a.i./L for Btk and 60.74 mg a.i./L for Bb. In addition, exposure to Btk significantly decreased locomotion and feeding activities of planarians (lowest observed effect concentration (LOEC) of 12.5 mg a.i./L Btk) and fecundity rate (LOEC = 3.12 mg a.i./L Btk), whereas exposure to Bb significantly delayed regeneration (LOEC = 0.75 mg a.i./L Bb) and decreased fecundity rate (1.5 mg a.i./L Bb) of planarians. Thus, both bio-insecticides induced deleterious sub-lethal effects on a non-insect freshwater invertebrate species. However, only Bb-based formulation affected the survival, fecundity rate and regeneration at concentrations below the maximum predicted environmental concentration (PEC = 247 mg/L). Thus, care should be taken when using such formulations as alternatives to chemical insecticides near aquatic ecosystems.
The Circular Economy and The Green Jobs Creation
Authors: Sulich Adam , Sołoducho-Pelc Letycja
Published: July 2021

The Circular Economy (CE) is a proposal for new, more sustainable and durable economy model. As consequence, of this pro-environmental economic model induces visible changes on the labor market which are Green Jobs (GJ). This paper is focused on the creation of Green Jobs in the CE. The GJ are most visible in the Environmental Goods and Services Sector (EGSS). This study aims to investigate EGSS among 28 European Union countries in years 2009–2019. The adopted method was literature research complemented by the statistical analysis of secondary data from Eurostat in the linear regression method. Then, some Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their measure were used as main indicators reflecting changes on the labor market. Results are presented as a model indicating which of the SDGs can support CE and enhance number of the ‘Green Jobs’. Presented results contribute to the science, because combine factors influencing GJ creation in EGSS, in CE perspective. This study underlines a lack of uniform methods for measuring and forecasting the effects of green jobs creation and indicate future research directions.
Least Square Support Vector Regression-Based Model for Whiteness Index of Cotton Fabric Prediction
Authors: Yeo Wan Sieng
Published: July 2021

The textile bleaching process uses a hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) solution in alkali pH associated with high temperature is the commonly used bleaching procedure in cotton fabric manufacture. The purpose of the bleaching process is to remove the natural colour from cotton to obtain a permanent white colour before dyeing or shape matching. Normally, the visual ratings of whiteness on the cotton are measured by the whiteness index (WI). Notice that lesser research study is focusing on chemical predictive modelling of the WI of cotton fabric than its experimental study. Predictive analytics using predictive modelling can forecast the outcomes that can lead to better-informed cotton quality assurance and control decisions. Up to date, limited study applying least square support vector regression (LSSVR) based model in the textile domain. Hence, the present study was aimed to develop the LSSVR-based model, namely multi-output LSSVR (MLSSVR) using bleaching process variables to predict the WI of cotton. The predictive accuracy of the MLSSVR model is measured by root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), and the coefficient of determination (R2), and its results are compared with other regression models including partial least square regression, predictive fuzzy model, locally weighted partial least square regression and locally weighted kernel partial least square regression. The results indicate that the MLSSVR model performed better than other models in predicting the WI as it has 60–1209% lower values of RMSE and MAE as well as it provided the highest R2 values which are up to 0.9985.
A Comparative Study on Probabaility Analysis of Annual Maximum Daily Streamflow Using Conventional and L-Moments
Authors: D Srinivasa Murthy , S Aruna Jyothy , P Mallikarjuna
Published: July 2021

The study aims at the probabilistic analysis of annual maximum daily streamflows at the gauging sites of Godavari upper, Godavari middle, Pranahitha, Indravathi and Godavari lower sub-basins. The daily streamflow data at Chass, Ashwi and Pachegaon of Godavari upper, Manjalegaon, Dhalegaon, Zari, GR Bridge, Purna and Yelli of Godavari middle, Gandlapet, Mancherial, Somanpally and Perur of Pranahitha, Pathagudem, Chindnar, Sonarpal, Jagdalpur and Nowrangpur of Indravathi, and, Sardaput, Injaram, Konta, Koida and Polavaram of Godavari lower sub-basins for the period varying between 1965–2011, collected from Central Water Commission (CWC), India were used in the analysis. Statistics of annual maximum daily streamflow series during the study period at the gauging sites of sub-basins indicated moderately variedand positively skewed streamflows, and flows with sharp peaks at the upstream gauging sites. Probabilistic analysis of streamflows showed that lognormal or gamma distribution with conventional moments fitted the maximum daily streamflow data at the gauging sites of Godavari sub-basins.Among 2-parameter distributions with L-moments,GPA2 followed by GAM2/LN2 fitted annual maximum daily streamflow data at most of the gauging sites.At the downstream-most gauging sites of Pranahitha, Indravathi and Godavari lower sub-basins, the data followed W2 probability distribution. Among 3-parameter distributions with L-moments, GPA3 at seven gauging sites, W3 and P3 at five gauging sites each, GLOG at four gauging sites and GEV at two gauging sites fitted the data. Based on the performance evaluation, 2 – parameter distributions using L-moments at the upstream, 3 – parameter distributions at the middle and probability distributions using conventional moments at the downstreamgauging sites performed better in the Godavari upper and middle sub-basins. Probability distributions based on conventional moments/ 3-parameter distributions using L-momentsfitted the annual maximum daily streamflow data at the gauging sites in the Pranahitha, Indravathi and Godavari lower sub-basins satisfactorily.
Finite-Time Stability of Hadamard Fractional Differential Equations in Weighted Banach Spaces
Authors: Ma Li , Wu Bowen
Published: July 2021

The main purpose of this paper is to investigate the finite-time stability of Hadamard fractional differential equations (HFDEs). Firstly, the standard definition of finite-time stability of HFDEs in compatible Banach space are proposed. In light of the method of successive approximation and Beesack inequality with weakly singular kernel, the criteria for finite-time stability of linear and nonlinear HFDEs are established, respectively. Then with regard to linear HFDEs with pure delay, a novel fractional delayed matrix function (also called delayed Mittag-Leffler matrix function) is given. Specific to nonlinear HFDEs with constant time delay, both Beesack inequality and Hölder inequality are utilized in the framework of the generalized Lipschitz condition. Finally, several indispensable simulations are implemented to verify the effectiveness and practicability of the main results.