bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design of Damping Treatments for Plates
Authors: Stevens K. K.
Published: April 2021

A series of aids and rules for the design or analysis of complete or partial free-layer viscoelastic damping treatments for plates and panels are presented. Attention is restricted to damping treatments whose flexural rigidity is much less than that of the underlying structure — a condition satisfied by many damping treatments encountered in practice. The underlying theory is described. Use of the aids is illustrated via examples. Results presented are for edge-fixed and simply-supported rectangular plates. Results for other cases can be generated using the procedures described.
Effect of Shear Deformation on Free Flexural Vibration of Clamped Rectangular Plates
Authors: Cleghorn W. L. , Yu S. D.
Published: April 2021

Reissner’s theory on shear-deformable plates is applied to analyze free flexural vibration of clamped rectangular plates. Accurate analytical solutions are obtained using the method of supeiposition. The first six eigenvalues with four digits of accuracy are presented for plates with three thickness ratios and six plate aspect ratios.
Dynamic Characteristics of Scraper-Discharge Material Centrifuge
Authors: Weirong Hong , Baotang Zhou , Shizheng Hu , Kamala V. , Sankar T. S.
Published: April 2021

This paper deals with the dynamic characteristics of scraper-discharge material centrifuge. The bowl center of gravity and the critical speed of rotor system have been calculated. Both One- and Two-plane field dynamic balancing methods suitable for this type of centrifuge are nalyzing. The design of isolator used with this type of centrifuge is also discussed since severe vibrations have developed during the operation. In traditional isolator design, transmissibility is obtained by extracting root of the differential equation for the multi-degree freedom system which is an elaborate method. In this paper, the transmissibility is obtained by the impedeance analysis method. The calculations are simple and agree well with the experimental results.
Displacement Time Histories by Direct Numerical Integration of Acceleration Data
Authors: Wang M. L. , Subia S. R.
Published: April 2021

Acceleration measurements often provide the engineer with a means by which to determine the forces within dynamic structural systems. However for certain problems, information about the structural motion, the displacement-time history, may also be of interest. One such application deals with the evaluation of stiffness in reinforced concrete structures during seismic events. Scaled model tests of these events suggest that the stiffness of these structures often degrades drastically. The displacement response of these seismic events are required both for the development and evaluation of postulated structural stiffness models. This paper discusses the processing of acceleration data from scaled model tests to obtain displacement-time histories for low aspect shear walls subject to simulated seismic loadings. Displacement histories obtained in the time domain are compared with those produced using a frequency domain system identification analysis.
Random Response of a Sluice Gate Support
Authors: Feng W. Q. , Huang T. C. , Liu W. J. , Dong G. X.
Published: April 2021

By the use of the extended finite element method the analysis of the random response of a linear structure to a continuous excitation field, random in time and space, is presented in this paper. The extended finite element method includes the formulation for obtaining the equivalent node force power spectrum. The corresponding computer program has been produced. A random response analysis of a sluice gate support shows satisfactory agreement with the experiment results.
Stability of a Simple Rotor With Nonlinear Internal Damping
Authors: Medgyesi Erik
Published: April 2021

The paper contains a stability analysis of the assumed inplane motion of a simple rotor with nonlinear damping, the form of which can approximate different hysteresis loop shapes. The analysis is carried so far as possible without resorting to numerical methods.
The Effect of an Electromagnetic Damper on Vibrations in Rotating Machinery
Authors: Kasarda M. E. F. , Allaire P. E. , Humphris R. R. , Gunter E. J.
Published: April 2021

Compressors, turbines and other rotating machines often have long thin shafts which may cause vibration problems. An electromagnetic damper placed on the rotor of a machine represents one method of controlling high levels of vibrations. This paper discusses experimental results of an electromagnetic damper placed on a small three mass test rotor. Experimental data was taken for cases with the damper at three different locations on the highly unbalanced rotor to study the effectiveness of the damper in controlling vibrations at the first and second rotor bending modes and at a pedestal response mode. Reductions of vibrations up to 88%, 40%, and 19% were achieved for the first critical speed, second critical speed, and pedestal response mode, respectively. Values of magnetic damper stiffness and damping used to obtain these reductions were only a small fraction of the fluid film bearing damping and stiffness properties.
Modification of Stiffness for Shifting Natural Frequencies of Damped Mechanical Systems
Authors: Yee Eric K. L. , Tsuei Y. G.
Published: April 2021

A method for shifting the natural frequency of a damped mechanical system to a desired value is discussed. The solution is derived from the force response equation of the original system. The final equation contains only the degrees of freedom connected to the modifying parameter. Iterations are required but the solution converges rapidly. Modal coupling effects and sensitivity for shifting a frequency are also derived. Modification of stiffness is used as an example for shifting the natural frequency. Numerical results indicate that the method is effective for system dynamics modification.
Sliding Mode Control of a Rigid Rotor via Magnetic Bearings
Authors: Sinha A. , Mease K. L. , Wang K. W.
Published: April 2021

This paper deals with the sliding mode control of a rigid rotor supported by radial magnetic bearings. First, the control law is developed to be robust to external forces caused by the rotor unbalance and transient disturbances. This control law is then discretized for its implementation on a digital computer. Three methods are presented to determine the required coil current for each magnet. Next, an analytical technique has been developed to calculate the steady state amplitudes of the digital closed-loop system. Lastly, results from this analytical technique and numerical simulations are presented for the rotor operating at 30,000 rpm.
Dual Active and Passive Control of Large Flexible Structures
Authors: Pan T. S. , Rao S. S. , Venkayya V. B.
Published: April 2021

A unified passive damping design algorithm, using active control design techniques and least squares method, is developed to improve the stability and performance of closed-loop controlled structures. To achieve the stringent requirements of large flexible structures (LFS), dual active/passive control using interacting substructure decentralized control and unified passive damping design method is introduced. Physical coordinates are used in modeling; since no modal data is used, no modal errors are involved in the modeling process. Examples are presented to illustrate the design procedures and their effectiveness.
Experimental Determination of Dynamic Characteristics of a Full Size Gas Turbine Tilting-Pad Journal Bearing by an Impact Test Method
Authors: Chan S. H. , White M. F.
Published: April 2021

Measurements have been taken on an experimental rotor-bearing test rig which consists of a full size gas turbine shaft supported by two five-pad tilting-pad journal bearings. The impact test method was applied by exciting one end of the shaft in-situ by means of a hammer blow. Impact forces and response displacements were collected and analysed with suitable corrections for runout effect. Averaged frequency response spectra thus obtained were used in a parameter estimation procedure to calculate the dynamic coefficients of the tested tilting-pad journal bearing. An analytical single degree-of-freedom model was employed and one of the input parameters in the mechanical model, the effective mass, was found to significantly influence the estimated results. The measured stiffness and damping coefficients are compared with results predicted by a bearing design program. Possible sources of discrepancies between experimental and theoretical results are discussed.
Investigation of Avionics Module Connector Wear
Authors: Winslow David T.
Published: April 2021

The methodology for reducing excessive wear on the connector of a module in an avionics system in vibration is presented in this paper. Because of space limitations and time constraints, we designed special test fixtures and techniques to monitor the module system. Traditional differential accelerometers were unsuccessful in determining the relative displacement between the male and female halves of the connector. As an alternative, we implemented an optical probe. The probe measures distance directly through the amount of light reflected off a surface. The data obtained using the optical probe enabled a determination that the maximum allowable displacement to reduce the connector wear was 0.0003 inch rms. Based on these results, we designed and tested hardware modifications, which resulted in the avionics unit surviving the vibration environment.
Case Study Approach for Information-Integration of Material Handling
Authors: Chadha Bipin , Fulton R. E. , Calhoun J. C.
Published: April 2021

Information-Integration is vital for keeping manufacturing operations competitive. A case study approach has been adopted to better understand the role of information in integrated manufacturing. Information is now considered a corporate asset. Creation, processing, movement, and security of information is therefore as important as that of the products/services of an enterprise. The case studies have helped in identifying the issues involved in developing an information system and supporting software framework for a manufacturing enterprise. The case studies have helped in refining an integration model, and identifying the characteristics desirable in modeling methodologies and tools. This paper describes a case study dealing with integrated manufacture of optical fiber products. A phased development and implementation approach was adopted where a small, manageable slice of the system is considered for the case study followed by functional modeling (IDEF0) and data flow modeling (Data Flow Diagrams). This identifies the pieces of information of interest. The information relationships are modeled using Extended Entity Relationship (EER) diagrams which are then mapped on to a relational model. The relational tables thus obtained were implemented on a commercial Database Management System. The functional constraints and application interfaces were then built using SQL and commercial application interface tools. The sections in the paper describe the functional models, data flow diagrams, EER diagrams, relational database design, and user/application interfaces developed for the system. Implementation experiences and observations are discussed followed by plans for the next phase of the system.
An Appraisal of Modeling Tools and Methodologies for Integrated Manufacturing Information Systems
Authors: Chadha Bipin , Jazbutis Gintas , Wang Ching-Yang , Fulton R. E.
Published: April 2021

Information systems are increasingly playing a pivotal role towards the integration of manufacturing functions. Several tools and modeling methodologies have been developed to facilitate the design and implementation of information systems for complex manufacturing environments. However, none of the methodologies or tools provide a comprehensive environment that can be used for the information system design from start to finish. The methodologies and tools are incomplete, and are inconsistent with each other. The IDEF (Integrated Computer Aided Manufacturing Definition) provides a set of methodologies that cover activity modeling, relationship modeling, and dynamic modeling that are consistent to each other, but still operate essentially in a stand alone fashion. Several CASE (Computer Aided Software Engineering) tools have been developed to implement these methodologies. The complexity and size of the manufacturing systems warrant the use of these tools. These tools can significantly increase the productivity of information system designers, but are still lacking in many respects as discussed in this paper. This study attempts to review the current state of the art in modeling methodologies and tools; to compare the existing data models; to explore the functionalities they offer; and to define a set of characteristics that are desirable in a modeling methodology for integrated information system design. The results are from a manufacturing point of view and were derived through case studies in manufacturing environments.
Scour Effects on the Structural Integrity of Offshore Wind Turbine Monopiles
Authors: Varelis George E. , Ai Jun , Kane Prasad , Ragheb Hossam , Dib Elie
Published: April 2021

Large diameter monopiles are widely used for the installation of offshore wind turbines in relatively shallow water depth applications. Monopiles are considered as a cost and time-efficient foundation solution, taking advantage of the experience gained from the Oil&Gas industry. Due to their relatively large diameter, monopiles are susceptible to scour effects that threaten their structural integrity and necessitate the application of high-cost mitigation measures. The mitigation measures are also associated with heavy environmental impact at the local subsea environment, as well as increased CO2 emissions for their application.

The present work examines the effect of scour on the structural integrity of monopiles using integrated simulation models that combine advanced finite element analysis (FEA) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) techniques. A typical monopile geometry and North Sea representative metocean data are used in a case study. In this example analysis emphasis is given on the structural integrity deterioration resulting from the scour development over time. Advanced techniques are employed to simulate the soil-pile interaction. Furthermore, fluid-structure interaction effects due to the water flow around the monopile are examined using CFD techniques. Finally, fatigue life predictions of sensitive areas are conducted based on the “S-N methodology” and are enhanced by employing crack-growth analyses based on linear elastic fracture mechanics principles.
Improvement of the Bioavailability and Anti-hepatic Alveolar Echinococcosis Effect of Albendazole-Isethionate/Hypromellose Acetate Succinate (HPMC-AS) Complex
Authors: Hu Chunhui , Zhang Fabin , Fan Haining
Published: April 2021

Maximizing the pharmacodynamics of albendazole (ABZ), which is used to treat echinococcoses, is essential for the long-term treatment of echinococcosis patients. ABZ is a weak base whose solubility depends on the pH value of the solvent.
Ferric iron triggers greenalite formation in simulated Archean seawater
Authors: Hinz Isaac L. , Nims Christine , Theuer Samantha , Templeton Alexis S. , Johnson Jena E.
Published: April 2021

Sedimentary rock deposits provide the best records of (bio)geochemical cycles in the ancient ocean. Studies of these sedimentary archives show that greenalite, an Fe(II) silicate with low levels of Fe(III), was an early chemical precipitate from the Archean ocean. To better understand the formation of greenalite, we explored controls on iron silicate precipitation through experiments in simulated Archean seawater under exclusively ferrous conditions or supplemented with low Fe(III). Our results confirm a pH-driven process promoting the precipitation of iron-rich silicate phases, and they also reveal an important mechanism in which minor concentrations of Fe(III) promote the precipitation of well-ordered greenalite among other phases. This discovery of an Fe(III)-triggering iron silicate formation process suggests that Archean greenalite could represent signals of iron oxidation reactions, potentially mediated by life, in circumneutral ancient seawater.
Supplemental Material: ‘Taters versus Sliders: Evidence for a Long-Lived History of Strike-Slip Displacement along the Canadian Arctic Transform System (CATS)
Authors: McClelland William C. , al. et
Published: April 2021

Probability plots, Shepard plot, and sources of U/Pb data in Figure 2A.
Protocol for a mixed-method study to inform the feasibility of undertaking a large-scale multicentre study comparing the clinical and patient-reported outcomes of oncoplastic breast conservation as an alternative to mastectomy with or without immediate breast reconstruction in women unsuitable for standard breast-conserving surgery (the ANTHEM Feasibility Study)
Authors: Davies Charlotte , Holcombe Christopher , Skillman Joanna , Whisker Lisa , Hollingworth William , Conefrey Carmel , Mills Nicola , White Paul , Comins Charles , Macmillan Douglas , Fairbrother Patricia , Potter Shelley
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Approximately 40% of the 55 000 women diagnosed with breast cancer each year in the UK undergo mastectomy because they are considered unsuitable for standard breast-conserving surgery (BCS) due to tumour size or multiple tumour foci. Mastectomy can significantly impact women’s quality of life, and only one in four women currently undergo immediate breast reconstruction (IBR).

Level 2 oncoplastic breast-conserving surgery (OPBCS) combines removing the cancer with a range of plastic surgical volume replacement (eg, local perforator flaps) and volume displacement techniques (eg, therapeutic mammaplasty) that can extend the role of BCS and may allow some women not suitable for standard BCS to avoid mastectomy. High-quality research to determine whether OPBCS offers a safe and effective alternative to mastectomy±IBR is currently lacking. Preliminary work is needed to ensure a future large-scale study is feasible and well designed and addresses questions important to patients and the National Health Service.

Methods and analysis

Mixed methods will be used to inform feasibility and design of a future large-scale study comparing the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of OPBCS and mastectomy±IBR. It will have four parts: (1) a National Practice Questionnaire to determine current practice and provision of oncoplastic breast and reconstructive surgery in the UK; (2) a pilot multicentre prospective cohort study to explore the proportion of patients choosing OPBCS versus mastectomy, the proportion in OPBCS is successful and clinical and patient-reported outcomes of different techniques at 3 and 12 months postsurgery; (3) a qualitative interview study to explore patients’ attitudes to different procedures, rationale for decision-making and perceptions of outcomes; and (4) design of the future study.

All centres offering OPBCS and mastectomy in the UK will be invited to participate. Recruitment is planned to commence winter 2020 and continue for 12 months.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has ethical approval from the Wales Research Ethics Committee 6 National Research Ethics Service (REC Ref 20/WA/0225). Results will be presented at national and international meetings and published in peer-reviewed journals. We will work with patients to develop lay summaries and share these through patient groups and breast cancer charities.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN18238549.
Dynamics of sugars, endogenous hormones, and oil content during the development of Camellia oleifera fruit
Authors: Song Qiling , Ji Ke , Mo Wenjuan , Wang Linkai , Chen Le , Gao Ling , Gong Wenfang , Yuan Deyi
Published: April 2021

Camellia oleifera Abel (‘Huashuo’) is an important woody oil species with high economic value. Low yield is the main factor restricting the rapid development of the tea-oil industry. The dynamics of sugars, oil, endogenous hormones, and the genes involved in these pathways, as well as the correlation with oil synthesis-related factors in Huashuo, were investigated. The results showed that oil content was positively correlated with sucrose and starch content but was negatively correlated with reducing sugar content. Pyruvate kinase (PK) and fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase (FBA) of the glycolysis pathway could be beneficial for oil biosynthesis. Higher levels of acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACC), stearoyl-ACP desaturase (SAD), and WRINKLED1 (WRI1), as well as lower levels of omega-6 fatty acid desaturase 2 (FAD2) and lipoxygenase 5 (LOX5) could be responsible for the oil production. The higher expression of gibberellin 20 oxidase (GA20ox), lower expression of gibberellic acid insensitive (GAI), and the increase in 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase (NCED) at the mRNA level could contribute to oil accumulation. The results of this study could provide a reference for increasing the yield of plants related to Huashuo.
Response of annual canarygrass (Phalaris canariensis L.) to nitrogen fertilizer and fungicide applications
Authors: May William E. , Train Joseph C. , Greidanus Lindsey
Published: April 2021

Annual canarygrass (Phalaris canariensis L.) is a specialty crop grown in Canada and the harvested grain is primarily used to feed wild and domesticated bird species. A field experiment was conducted at 5 locations in both 2012 and 2013 to study the response of annual canarygrass development and grain yield to the combined effects of fungicide (propiconazole + trifloxystrobin) and nitrogen (N) fertilizer, and to determine the minimum number of site years required to detect these effects. The experimental design was a split plot with fungicide application (none or fungicide) as the main plot and N application rate as the sub plot (10, 20, 30, 50, 70, 90 kg N·ha−1). There was a linear increase of 14.5% in grain yield as the rate of N fertilizer increased. The fungicide application increased the grain yield 8.5% by increasing kernel density from 15 197 kernels m−2 to 16 288 kernels m−2. There was no interaction between the N rate and fungicide application. The application of a fungicide did not increase the responsiveness of annual canarygrass to N fertilizer. The lack of an interaction between N and fungicide application indicates that these two practices can be managed independently by annual canarygrass producers. To optimize grain yield producers should apply 50 kg N·ha−1 and apply a fungicide to increase grain yield especially in regions where septoria leaf mottle is prevalent. The number of site years needed to consistently detect the impact of N and fungicide on the grain yield were 4 and 5 site years, respectively.
Gravitational waves in Brans–Dicke theory with a cosmological constant
Authors: Özer Hatice , Delice Özgür
Published: April 2021

Weak field gravitational wave solutions are investigated in Brans–Dicke (BD) theory in the presence of a cosmological constant. In this setting the background geometry is not flat but asymptotically de-Sitter. We investigate the linearised field equations, and their gravitational wave solutions in a certain gauge choice. We will show that this theory leads to massless scalar waves as in original BD theory and in contrast to massive BD theory. The effects of these waves on free particles and their polarization properties are studied extensively and effects of the cosmological constant is analyzed in these phenomena in detail. The energy flux of these waves are also discussed in this background. By analyzing this flux, we obtain a critical distance where the waves cannot propagate further, which extends Cosmic no Hair Conjecture (CNC) to BD theory with a cosmological constant.
GW170817 event rules out general relativity in favor of vector gravity
Authors: Svidzinsky Anatoly A. , Hilborn Robert C.
Published: April 2021

The observation of gravitational waves by the three LIGO-Virgo interferometers allows the examination of the polarization of gravitational waves. Here, we analyze the binary neutron star event GW170817, whose source location and distance are determined precisely by concurrent electromagnetic observations. We apply a signal accumulation procedure to the LIGO-Virgo strain data and find that the measured LIGO-Livingston signal is substantially reduced in certain frequency intervals due to real-time noise subtraction. We obtain ratios of the signals detected by the three interferometers excluding these “depleted” regions from the data analysis. We find that the signal ratios are inconsistent with the tensor polarization predictions of general relativity and Einstein’s theory is ruled out at 99% confidence level. Moreover, we find that the signal ratios and distance to the source are consistent with the vector theory of gravity (Phys Scr 92:125001, 2017) and that vector GW polarization is favored over tensor polarization and scalar polarization with exponentially large Bayes factors. If, however, we erroneously include in the data analysis the frequency regions in which the Livingston signal is depleted by noise filtering, we reproduce the result of the LIGO-Virgo collaboration favoring tensor GW polarization over vector polarization with an exponentially large Bayes factor.
The Purpose of Play
Authors: Spiel Katta , Gerling Kathrin
Published: April 2021

Play presents a popular pastime for all humans, though not all humans play alike. Subsequently, Human–Computer Interaction Games research is increasingly concerned with the development of games that serve neurodivergent1players. In a critical review of 66 publications informed by Disability Studies and Self-Determination Theory, we analyse whichpopulations,researchmethods, kinds ofplayand overallpurposegoals existing games address. We find that games are largely developed for children, in a top-down approach. They tend to focus on educational and medical settings and are driven by factors extrinsic to neurodivergent interests. Existing work predominantly follows a medical model of disability, which fails to support self-determination of neurodivergent players and marginalises their opportunities for immersion. Our contribution comprises a large-scale investigation into a budding area of research gaining traction with the intent to capture a status quo and identify opportunities for future work attending to differences without articulating them as deficit.
Access Control Mechanisms in Named Data Networks
Authors: Nour Boubakr , Khelifi Hakima , Hussain Rasheed , Mastorakis Spyridon , Moungla Hassine
Published: April 2021

Information-Centric Networking (ICN) has recently emerged as a prominent candidate for the Future Internet Architecture (FIA) that addresses existing issues with the host-centric communication model of the current TCP/IP-based Internet. Named Data Networking (NDN) is one of the most recent and active ICN architectures that provides a clean-slate approach for Internet communication. NDN provides intrinsic content security where security is directly provided to the content instead of communication channel. Among other security aspects, Access Control (AC) rules specify the privileges for the entities that can access the content. In TCP/IP-based AC systems, due to the client-server communication model, the servers control which client can access a particular content. In contrast, ICN-based networks use content names to drive communication and decouple the content from its original location. This phenomenon leads to the loss of control over the content, causing different challenges for the realization of efficient AC mechanisms. To date, considerable efforts have been made to develop various AC mechanisms in NDN. In this article, we provide a detailed and comprehensive survey of the AC mechanisms in NDN. We follow a holistic approach towards AC in NDN where we first summarize the ICN paradigm, describe the changes from channel-based security to content-based security, and highlight different cryptographic algorithms and security protocols in NDN. We then classify the existing AC mechanisms into two main categories:
Encryption-based AC
and
Encryption-independent AC
. Each category has different classes based on the working principle of AC (e.g., Attribute-based AC, Name-based AC, Identity-based AC). Finally, we present the lessons learned from the existing AC mechanisms and identify the challenges of NDN-based AC at large, highlighting future research directions for the community.
Embracing Four Tensions in Human-Computer Interaction Research with Marginalized People
Authors: Liang Calvin A. , Munson Sean A. , Kientz Julie A.
Published: April 2021

Human-computer interaction has a long history of working with marginalized people. We sought to understand how HCI researchers navigate work that engages with marginalized people and considerations researchers might work through to expand benefits and mitigate potential harms. In total, 24 HCI researchers, located primarily in the United States, participated in an interview, survey, or both. Through a reflexive thematic analysis, we identified four tensions—exploitation, membership, disclosure, and allyship. We explore the complexity involved in each, demonstrating that an equitable endpoint may not be possible, but this work is still worth pursuing when researchers make certain considerations. We emphasize that researchers who work with marginalized people should account for each tension in their research approaches to move forward. Finally, we propose an allyship-oriented approach to research that draws inspiration from discourse occurring in tangential fields and activist spaces and pushes the field into a new paradigm of research with marginalized people.
Blockchain-empowered Data-driven Networks
Authors: Li Xi , Wang Zehua , Leung Victor C. M. , Ji Hong , Liu Yiming , Zhang Heli
Published: April 2021

The paths leading to future networks are pointing towards a data-driven paradigm to better cater to the explosive growth of mobile services as well as the increasing heterogeneity of mobile devices, many of which generate and consume large volumes and variety of data. These paths are also hampered by significant challenges in terms of security, privacy, services provisioning, and network management. Blockchain, which is a technology for building distributed ledgers that provide an immutable log of transactions recorded in a distributed network, has become prominent recently as the underlying technology of cryptocurrencies and is revolutionizing data storage and processing in computer network systems. For future data-driven networks (DDNs), blockchain is considered as a promising solution to enable the secure storage, sharing, and analytics of data, privacy protection for users, robust, trustworthy network control, and decentralized routing and resource managements. However, many important challenges and open issues remain to be addressed before blockchain can be deployed widely to enable future DDNs. In this article, we present a survey on the existing research works on the application of blockchain technologies in computer networks and identify challenges and potential solutions in the applications of blockchains in future DDNs. We identify application scenarios in which future blockchain-empowered DDNs could improve the efficiency and security, and generally the effectiveness of network services.
Research on the Rheological Properties of the Plant Oil Pitch
Authors: Ji Weishuai , He Dongpo , Wu Di , Kargar Razi Maryam
Published: April 2021

In the analysis of the rheological properties of the plant oil pitch, the original analysis method has a narrow range of analysis indicators, which affects the reliability of the analysis results. In this study, a new analytical method for the rheological properties of the plant oil pitch was designed. The microstructure characteristics of the plant oil pitch were obtained using a high-power microscope, the viscosity of the plant oil pitch was measured, and the ductility of the plant oil pitch was analyzed by setting the analysis index. The above parts are integrated, and the dynamic shear tester is used to complete the analysis of pitch rheological properties. So far, the analysis method for the rheological properties of the plant oil pitch has been designed. It can be seen from the comparison of the experimental links that this analysis method is better than the original analysis method in terms of the scope of analysis indicators. In conclusion, the analytical method of the rheological properties of the plant oil pitch is more reliable.
[Retracted] Pancancer Analysis of Neurovascular‐Related NRP Family Genes as Potential Prognostic Biomarkers of Bladder Urothelial Carcinoma
Authors: Deng Chao , Guo Hang , Yan Dongliang , Liang Tao , Ye Xuxiao , Li Zuowei
Published: April 2021

Background. Neurovascular‐related genes have been implicated in the development of cancer. Studies have shown that a high expression of neuropilins (NRPs) promotes tumourigenesis and tumour malignancy. Method. A multidimensional bioinformatics analysis was performed to examine the relationship between NRP genes and prognostic and pathological features, tumour mutational burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI), and immunological features based on public databases and find the potential prognostic value of NRPs in pancancer. Results. Survival analysis revealed that a low NRP1 expression in adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC), cervical squamous cell carcinoma and endocervical adenocarcinoma (CESC), low‐grade glioma (LGG), and stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) was associated with poor prognosis. A high NRP2 expression in bladder urothelial carcinoma (BLCA), kidney renal papillary cell carcinoma (KIRP), and mesothelioma (MESO) was associated with poor prognosis. Moreover, NRP1 and NRP2 were associated with TMB and MSI. Subsequent analyses showed that NRP1 and NRP2 were correlated with immune infiltration and immune checkpoints. Genome‐wide association analysis revealed that the NRP1 expression was strongly associated with kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC), whereas the NRP2 expression was closely associated with BLCA. Ultimately, NRP2 was found to be involved in the development of BLCA. Conclusions. Neurovascular‐related NRP family genes are significantly correlated with cancer prognosis, TME, and immune infiltration, particularly in BLCA.
Effect of Ammonia Fumigation Treatment on Wood Color and Chemical Composition
Authors: Zhang Weigang , Bao Minzhen , Sun Weisheng , Huang Lei , Cheng Liang
Published: April 2021

Betula alnoides was used as a test material to study the effect of ammonia fumigation treatment on wood color and chemical composition. The effects of concentration, temperature, and duration of ammonia fumigation on wood color were studied. The properties of the material were studied using contact angle measurements, X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and dynamic thermomechanical analysis. In general, the color difference of the wood increased with the concentration of ammonia used in the fumigation process, treatment temperature, and treatment duration. After ammonia fumigation treatment, the chemical composition of hydroxyl and carboxyl groups in the wood was reduced. We concluded that ammonia fumigation treatment decreased material wettability and dynamic mechanical rigidity and increased the degree of crystallinity in wood.
A Common Fixed Point Theorem for Generalised
F
-Kannan Mapping in Metric Space with Applications
Authors: Wangwe Lucas , Kumar Santosh
Published: April 2021

This paper is aimed at proving a common fixed point theorem for

F

-Kannan mappings in metric spaces with an application to integral equations. The main result of the paper will extend and generalise the recent existing fixed point results in the literature. We also provided illustrative examples and some applications to integral equation, nonlinear fractional differential equation, and ordinary differential equation for damped forced oscillations to support the results.
Successful Management of a Patient with Intraoperative Bleeding of More than 80,000 mL and Usefulness of QTc Monitoring for Calcium Correction
Authors: Sugiyama Yuki , Aiba Kazuma , Arai Nariaki , Ito Mariko , Urasawa Masatoshi , Hirose Chie , Murakami Ikuko , Tanaka Ryusuke , Yamada Tomokatsu , Iida Keisuke , Nakamura Hiroyuki , Kawamata Mikito
Published: April 2021

Intraoperative massive bleeding is associated with high rates of mortality and anesthetic management of massive bleeding is challenging because it is necessary to achieve volume resuscitation and electrolyte correction simultaneously during massive transfusion. We report a case of life-threatening bleeding of more than 80,000 mL during liver transplantation in which real-time QTc monitoring was useful for an extremely large amount of calcium administration for treatment of hypocalcemia. A 47-year-old female with a giant liver due to polycystic liver disease was scheduled to undergo liver transplantation. During surgery, life-threatening massive bleeding occurred. The maximum rate of blood loss was approximately 15,000 mL/hr and the total amount of estimated blood loss was 81,600 mL. It was extremely difficult to maintain blood pressure and a risk of cardiac arrest continued due to hypotension. In addition, even though administration of insulin and calcium was performed, electrolyte disturbances of hyperkalemia and hypocalcemia with prolongation of QTc interval occurred. At that time, we visually noticed that the QT interval was shortened in response to bolus calcium administration, and we used the change of real-time QTc interval as a supportive indicator for calcium correction. This monitoring allowed for us to administer calcium at an unusually high rate, by which progression of hypocalcemia was prevented. Levels of hemoglobin and coagulation factors were preserved both by restriction of crystalloid infusion and by a massive transfusion protocol. The patient was extubated without pulmonary edema or cardiac overload and was finally discharged without any sequelae. Intensive and cooperative management for massive transfusion and electrolyte correction using QTc monitoring was considered to be a key for successful management.
Addition of Nimotuzumab to Standard TPF Regimen in Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer: A Single Institutional Study
Authors: Koramati Samuel Luke , Sarathy Vinu , Varayathu Hrishi , Thomas Beulah Elsa , Naik Radheshyam
Published: April 2021

Background. Induction docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil (TPF) chemotherapy followed by definitive concurrent chemoradiation remains the standard of care in locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck cancers despite which the survival remains low. So, we analyzed the efficacy and adverse effect profile of the addition of nimotuzumab to standard TPF induction chemotherapy. Methods. We included 20 patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Patients were administered with induction chemotherapy with nimotuzumab plus docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil (TPF + N) followed by definitive concurrent chemoradiation with carboplatin. Treatment responses were assessed by PET-CT following induction chemotherapy and concurrent chemoradiation. Response rates, survival, and adverse effects data were tabulated and analyzed using the Kaplan Meier method. Results. At a minimum follow-up of two years, the median progression-free survival (PFS) and median overall survival (OS) were 16 months and 38 months, respectively. PFS and OS were not reached (NR) in patients who showed a complete radiological response (CR). Median PFS and OS in patients who had partial response were 17.6 and 34.5 months, respectively. All subsites of primary including oral cavity, hypopharynx, and oropharynx showed similar response rates and survival. Overall the treatment was well tolerated with predominantly grade 1/2 toxicities. Conclusions. Patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer could possibly have a better response and survival with nimotuzumab added to the standard TPF regimen. A complete response may serve as a good surrogate for survival irrespective of the primary site of head and neck cancer.
Moxibustion Protects Dopaminergic Neurons in Parkinson’s Disease through Antiferroptosis
Authors: Huang Zifeng , Si Wenwen , Li Xinrong , Ye Shanyu , Liu Xuelei , Ji Yichun , Hao Xiaoqian , Chen Dongfeng , Zhu Meiling
Published: April 2021

Ferroptosis is associated with neural degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, how to control the level of ferroptosis in PD remains unclear. Clinically, moxibustion has been used to treat PD and has an apparent therapeutic effect on improving the motor symptoms of PD. In the present study, the PD rat model was constructed by two-point stereotactic 6-hydroxydopamine injection. Then, moxibustion was used to treat the PD rats. The expression of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and Ferritin Heavy Chain 1 (FTH1), the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the morphology of mitochondrial were detected to evaluate the level of ferroptosis. The results showed that moxibustion treatment of Shi’s moxa sticks could reduce the behavioral score, alleviate the level of ferroptosis, decrease mitochondrial damage, and improve dopaminergic neuron survival. In conclusion, the present study results indicated that Shi’s moxa sticks could effectively suppress the level of ferroptosis, thereby improving the survival of dopaminergic neurons in the SNpc of PD rats, which may provide a promising complementary and alternative therapy for PD patients.
The Use of Fullerene C60 to Preserve Testicular Tissue after Cryopreservation
Authors: Volkova Nataliia , Yukhta Mariia , Goltsev Anatoliy
Published: April 2021

Autologous transplantation of cryopreserved fragments of an immature testis is an actively developing approach to save fertility in patients facing a gonadotoxic therapy. The use of bioavailable fullerene C60 as a powerful antioxidant opens up a new potential for the prevention and correction of ischemic-reperfusion pathological processes in tissues including those associated with freezing-thawing procedure. In this work, we aimed to study the antioxidant status, apoptotic/necrotic processes, and morphological characteristics of cryopreserved fragments of the seminiferous tubules of testis (CrFSTT) of immature rats after incubation in media with different concentrations of fullerene C60 (10, 15, and 20 μg/mL). Our results indicated that the addition of C60 in a concentration of 15 μg/mL decreased ROS production, cytochrom C release, and degree of histological damage of spermatogenic epithelium as well as increased the activity of the mitochondria, antioxidant defense system, and cell density in histological sections of CrFSTT compared to the control. Fullerene C60 at investigated concentrations did not impact significantly on apoptosis in cells of CrFSTT but, after incubation with 15 μg/mL C60, a percentage of living cells was 1.2-fold higher and a value of necrotic ones in this group was 1.6-fold lower than the control samples (

p
<
0.05

). Relative amount of cells of the spermatogonia germ layer did not differ between the studied concentrations. The general analysis of obtained data showed that the C60 addition in the concentration of 15 μg/mL was the most optimal for the rehabilitation of CrFSTT. The results can be used for the development of an effective rehabilitation medium for the cryopreserved testicular tissue.
[Retracted] Data Analysis Method of Intelligent Analysis Platform for Big Data of Film and Television
Authors: Ma Youwen , Wan Yi
Published: April 2021

Based on cloud computing and statistics theory, this paper proposes a reasonable analysis method for big data of film and television. The method selects Hadoop open source cloud platform as the basis, combines the MapReduce distributed programming model and HDFS distributed file storage system and other key cloud computing technologies. In order to cope with different data processing needs of film and television industry, association analysis, cluster analysis, factor analysis, and K‐mean + association analysis algorithm training model were applied to model, process, and analyze the full data of film and TV series. According to the film type, producer, production region, investment, box office, audience rating, network score, audience group, and other factors, the film and television data in recent years are analyzed and studied. Based on the study of the impact of each attribute of film and television drama on film box office and TV audience rating, it is committed to the prediction of film and television industry and constantly verifies and improves the algorithm model.
Grasp Actually: An Evolutionist Argument for Enactivist Mathematics Education
Authors: Abrahamson Dor
Published: April 2021

What evolutionary account explains our capacity to reason mathematically? Identifying the biological provenance of mathematical thinking would bear on education, because we could then design learning environments that simulate ecologically authentic conditions for leveraging this universal phylogenetic inclination. The ancient mechanism coopted for mathematical activity, I propose, is our fundamental organismic capacity to improve our sensorimotor engagement with the environment by detecting, generating, and maintaining goal-oriented perceptual structures regulating action, whether actual or imaginary. As such, the phenomenology of grasping a mathematical notion is literally that – gripping the environment in a new way that promotes interaction. To argue for the plausibility of my thesis, I first survey embodiment literature to implicate cognition as constituted in perceptuomotor engagement. Then, I summarize findings from a design-based research project investigating relations between learning to move in new ways and learning to reason mathematically about these conceptual choreographies. As such, the project proposes educational implications of enactivist evolutionary biology.
Taxonomic, distributional and biological study of the genus Agrilus (Coleoptera: Buprestidae). Part III
Authors: JENDEK EDUARD , NAKLÁDAL OTO
Published: April 2021

Two hundred and eighteen taxa of the genus Agrilus (Coleoptera, Buprestidae) mostly from the Palaearctic and Oriental regions are studied and their taxonomic, nomenclatural, distributional or biological data are updated. For some species, the biological information is supplemented by images from the field, or distributional data by maps showing the whole range of the species. The synonymy of following Agrilus is updated: A. blairi Bourgoin, 1925 (A. telawensis Fisher, 1935 syn. nov.); A. lancifer Deyrolle, 1864 (A. perakianus Kerremans, 1900 syn. nov.); A. lestagei Théry, 1930 (A. collartianus Descarpentries & Villiers, 1963 syn. nov.); A. lugubris Kerremans, 1914 (A. achilleus Obenberger, 1935 syn. nov.); A. ocularis Deyrolle, 1864 (A. capitatus Deyrolle, 1864 syn. nov.), A. bidentellus Obenberger, 1924 syn. nov.) and Agrilus velatus Kerremans, 1912 (A. kuchingensis Tôyama, 1987 syn. nov.). The invalid synonyms A. myrmido Kerremans, 1912; A. myrmidonius Obenberger, 1936 and A. miwai Théry, 1936 are moved from the synonymy of A. achilleus Obenberger, 1935 to synonymy of A. lugubris Kerremans, 1914. A. massanensis Schaefer, 1955 is downgraded to subspecies A. pratensis massanensis Schaefer, 1955 status nov. The specific name samyi Baudon, 1968 is resurrected from the synonymy of A. suturaalba Deyrolle, 1864 and revalidated as Agrilus samyi Baudon, 1968 (nomen revalidatum).