bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epimacular brachytherapy for previously treated neovascular age-related macular degeneration: month 36 results of the MERLOT randomised controlled trial
Authors: Jackson Timothy L , Soare Cristina , Petrarca Caroline , Simpson Andrew , Neffendorf James E , Petrarca Robert , Muldrew Katherine Alyson , Peto Tunde , Chakravarthy Usha , Membrey Luke , Haynes Richard , Costen Mark , Steel David H W , Desai Riti
Published: February 2022

Background/aim

To assess the long-term safety and efficacy of epimacular brachytherapy (EMB) for chronic, active, neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD).

Methods

This pivotal, randomised, controlled surgical device trial recruited patients with chronic nAMD receiving intravitreal ranibizumab from 24 UK hospitals. Participants were randomised to either pars plana vitrectomy with 24 Gray EMB andpro re nata(PRN) ranibizumab (n=224) or PRN ranibizumab monotherapy (n=119). Although masking was not possible, masked clinicians assessed best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and imaging. After month 24, participants reverted to standard care, with either ranibizumab or aflibercept, returning for a month 36 study visit.

Results

Of 363 participants, 309 (85.1%) completed month 36. The number of injections was 12.1±8.1 in the EMB group versus 11.4±6.1 in the ranibizumab group (difference 0.7, 95% CI of difference −0.9 to 2.3, p=0.41) between months 1 and 36, and 3.6±3.3 (n=200) versus 3.9±2.7 (n=102) (difference −0.3, 95% CI of difference −1.0 to 0.4, p=0.43) between months 25 and 36 (standard care). Over 36 months, BCVA change was −19.7±18.5 letters in the EMB group and −4.8±12.5 in the ranibizumab group (difference −14.9, 95% CI of difference −18.5 to −11.2, p<0.0001). The month 36 BCVA of 20 EMB-treated participants with microvascular abnormalities (MVAs) at month 24 was similar to EMB-treated participants without MVAs (−21.8 vs −19.4 letters, p=0.65).

Conclusion

EMB does not reduce the number of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections, either within or outside of a trial setting, and is associated with worse BCVA than anti-VEGF monotherapy.

Trial registration number

NCT01006538.
Contribution of the elevated thrombosis risk of males to the excess male mortality observed in COVID-19: an observational study
Authors: Cohen Kenneth Roy , Anderson David , Ren Sheng , Cook David J
Published: February 2022

Background

The mortality rate of COVID-19 is elevated in males compared with females.

Objective

Determine the extent that the elevated thrombotic risk in males relative to females contributes to excess COVID-19 mortality in males.

Design

Observational study.

Setting

Data sourced from electronic medical records from over 200 US hospital systems.

Participants

60 877 patients aged 18 years and older hospitalised with COVID-19.

Exposure

Exposure variable: biological sex; key variable of interest: thrombosis.

Primary outcome measures

Primary outcome was COVID-19 mortality. We measured: (1) mortality rate of males relative to females, (2) rate of thrombotic diagnoses occurring during hospitalisation for COVID-19 in both sexes and (3) mortality rate when evidence of thrombosis was present.

Results

The COVID-19 mortality rate of males was 29.9% higher than that of females. Males had a 35.8% higher rate of receiving a thrombotic diagnosis compared with females. The mortality rate of all patients with a thrombotic diagnosis was 40.0%—over twice that of patients with COVID-19 without a thrombotic diagnosis (adjusted OR 2.50 (2.37 to 2.64), p<0.001). When defining thrombosis as either a documented thrombotic diagnosis or a D-dimer level ≥3.0 µg/mL, 16.4% of the excess mortality in male patients could be explained by increased thrombotic risk.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest the higher COVID-19 mortality rate in males may be significantly accounted for by the elevated risk of thrombosis among males. Understanding the mechanisms that underlie increased male thrombotic risk may allow for the advancement of effective anticoagulation strategies that reduce COVID-19 mortality in males.
Qualitative interview study exploring the patient experience of living with axial spondyloarthritis and fatigue: difficult, demanding and draining
Authors: Pearson Nathan Ashley , Tutton Elizabeth , Martindale J , Strickland George , Thompson Jean , Packham Jonathan C , Creamer Paul , Haywood Kirstie
Published: February 2022

Objective

To explore patients’ lived experiences of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and fatigue.

Design

Interpretative phenomenological analysis (lived experience) was used as the study design. Analysis drew together codes with similar meaning to create superordinate and subordinate themes.

Setting

Rheumatology departments in three National Health Service Foundation Trusts in the north, midlands and south of England.

Participants

A purposive sample of seventeen axSpA patients were recruited. The age range was 22–72 years (median age 46), nine were male and eight, female.

Results

A central concept of achieving balance was identified as the active process of integrating axSpA symptoms and fatigue into daily life, working with and not against their condition to lead a fulfilled life. This was conveyed through three superordinate themes: struggling to find energy, engaging in everyday life and persevering through difficulties. Struggling to find energy was the challenge of retaining enough stamina to do things in daily life. Engaging in everyday life highlighted dedication to being active and organised, learning through experience and acceptance of a changed way of being. Persevering through difficulties identified the physical and emotional effort required to keep moving forward and the importance of feeling supported.

Conclusion

Achieving balance through finding energy, engaging and persevering everyday was fundamental to having the best possible life. The experience of energy emerged as a distinct but related component of fatigue. However, while energy could be maintained or replenished, fatigue was more difficult to overcome and required greater effort. Energy may be a useful indicator of an individual’s current state and ability to sustain activities that supports their well-being, such as exercise. Awareness of the elements of achieving balance in axSpA may enable patients and clinicians to work together to tailor treatments to individual patient need.
Factors influencing COVID-19 vaccination uptake among community members in Hong Kong: a cross-sectional online survey
Authors: Wong Cho Lee , Leung Alice W Y , Chung Oscar Man Hon , Chien Wai Tong
Published: February 2022

Objective

Vaccination is recognised as the most effective approach to contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in the long run. However, the global vaccination uptake is still suboptimal. Although a considerable number of studies have focused on factors influencing intention or acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination, few explore the factors that affect actual vaccination uptake. This study aimed to explore the factors influencing COVID-19 vaccination uptake among the general public in a developed country.

Design

A cross-sectional online survey was conducted between June and August 2021.

Setting and participants

Community members in Hong Kong were recruited through convenient and snowball sampling to complete an anonymous online survey.

Outcome measures

The outcomes of this study included participants’ sociodemographic characteristics, vaccination status and perceived impact of COVID-19, and their attitudes towards COVID-19.

Results

A total of 358 valid questionnaires were received. The results showed that 50.8% of the participants received two doses of the vaccine. Multivariable logistic regression analysis suggested that the participants’ vaccination uptake was associated with their jobs affected by COVID-19, had an income source, perceived good/excellent physical health status, perceived COVID-19 exposure, perceived good/excellent knowledge of COVID-19, learnt about the vaccine from printed materials and perceived that their family members were at risk of contracting COVID-19.

Conclusions

This is one of the first few cross-sectional studies that explored factors associated with the actual vaccination uptake of the general public during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results can provide insights for formulating strategies to increase COVID-19 vaccination rates in developed countries.
Influence of tumor mutational burden, inflammatory gene expression profile, and PD-L1 expression on response to pembrolizumab in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Haddad Robert I , Seiwert Tanguy Y , Chow Laura Q M , Gupta Shilpa , Weiss Jared , Gluck Iris , Eder Joseph P , Burtness Barbara , Tahara Makoto , Keam Bhumsuk , Kang Hyunseok , Muro Kei , Albright Andrew , Mogg Robin , Ayers Mark , Huang Lingkang , Lunceford Jared , Cristescu Razvan , Cheng Jonathan , Mehra Ranee
Published: February 2022

Background

To characterize genomic determinants of response to pembrolizumab in recurrent/metastatic (R/M) head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in the KEYNOTE-012 study.

Methods

Associations between biomarkers (tumor mutational burden (TMB), neoantigen load (NL), 18-gene T-cell-inflamed gene expression profile (TcellinfGEP), and PD-L1 combined positive score (CPS)) and clinical outcomes with pembrolizumab were assessed in patients with R/M HNSCC (n=192). Tumor human papillomavirus (HPV) status was also evaluated with the use of p16 immunohistochemistry and whole exome sequencing (WES; HPV+, mapping >20 HPV reads) in pretreatment tumor samples (n=106).

Results

TMB, clonality-weighted TMB, and TcellinfGEP were significantly associated with objective response (p=0.0276, p=0.0201, and p=0.006, respectively), and a positive trend was observed between NL and PD-L1 CPS and clinical response (p=0.0550 and p=0.0682, respectively). No correlation was observed between TMB and TcellinfGEP (Spearman ρ=–0.026) or TMB and PD-L1 (Spearman ρ=0.009); a correlation was observed between TcellinfGEP and PD-L1 (Spearman ρ=0.511). HPV status by WES and p16 immunohistochemistry showed concordance (84% ҡ=0.573) among patients whose HPV results were available using both methods.

Conclusions

TMB and inflammatory biomarkers (TcellinfGEP and PD-L1) may represent distinct and complementary biomarkers predicting response to anti-programmed death 1 therapies in HNSCC; further study of these relationships in randomized clinical trials is needed.

Trial registration number

NCT01848834.
How low can you go? Justified hesitancy and the ethics of childhood vaccination against COVID-19
Authors: John Stephen David
Published: February 2022

This paper explores some of the ethical issues around offering COVID-19 vaccines to children. My main conclusion is rather paradoxical: the younger we go, the stronger the grounds for justified parental hesitancy and, as such, the stronger the arguments for enforcing vaccination. I suggest that this is not thereductio ad absurdumit appears, but does point to difficult questions about the nature of parental authority in vaccination cases. The first section sketches the disagreement over vaccinating teenagers, arguing that the UK policy was permissible. The second section outlines a problem for this policy, that it faces justified vaccine hesitancy. The third section discusses three strategies for responding to this problem, arguing that there may be no simple way of overcoming parents’ reasons to resist vaccinations.
Nicotine pouch product awareness, interest and ever use among US adults who smoke, 2021
Authors: Hrywna Mary , Gonsalves Nishi J , Delnevo Cristine D , Wackowski Olivia A
Published: February 2022

Background

Tobacco-free nicotine pouches are one of the fastest growing tobacco product categories in the US market. However, data on awareness, appeal or ever use of these products in the USA are limited.

Methods

We surveyed a population-based sample of US adults who smoked (n=1018) between January and February 2021 about awareness, ever use of or interest in nicotine pouches. Multivariable logistic regression models explored the relationship between nicotine pouch variables and demographic and tobacco use characteristics.

Results

In early 2021, 29.2% of adults who smoked had ever seen or heard of nicotine pouches, 5.6% had ever tried pouches and 16.8% reported interest in using pouches in the next 6 months. Adults who smoked aged 18–44 years and those who had ever used smokeless tobacco (SLT) were more likely to be aware of nicotine pouches. Interest in using nicotine pouches was more prevalent among adult smokers who planned to quit within 6 months, attempted to quit before using counselling or another tobacco product and had ever used pouches. Among adults who smoked, those with more education had lower odds of ever using nicotine pouches while those who had attempted to quit before using traditional methods or ever used SLT had higher odds of ever use.

Conclusion

Levels of awareness, appeal and trial of nicotine pouches among US adults who smoke were modest, with variation by age, education, quit plans and quit attempt methods. Continued surveillance is warranted, including among naïve users and users of other tobacco and nicotine products.
Effect of sod-seeding bloat-free legumes on pasture productivity, steer performance, and production economics
Authors: Kelln B.M. , Penner G.B. , Acharya S.N. , McAllister T.A. , Larson K. , McKinnon J.J. , Biligetu B. , Lardner H.A.
Published: February 2022

A 5 yr experiment evaluated the effects of sod-seeding sainfoin and cicer milkvetch into monoculture grass (Lanigan, SK) or legume (Lethbridge, AB) stands on pasture productivity, steer performance, and economics. At Lanigan, sainfoin decreased (treatment × year P = 0.01) from 13% in year 1 to 2% in year 2 (% plant population) and did not differ thereafter, whereas cicer milkvetch maintained a proportion of 16% in the stand. Forage yield was greater (treatment × year; P < 0.01) in year 1 in the sainfoin and cicer milkvetch treatments compared with control. Dry matter intake of steers was greater only in year 5 and average daily gain was greater (P < 0.01) in sainfoin and cicer milkvetch treatments compared with control. At Lethbridge, sainfoin decreased (treatment × year; P = 0.01) from 46% to 17% (% dry matter yield), whereas cicer milkvetch maintained its proportion at 11%. Forage yield increased (treatment × year; P < 0.01) only in years 2 and 3 of sainfoin, compared with cicer milkvetch or control. Average daily gain gain was not affected by treatment. At Lanigan, sainfoin and cicer milkvetch generated greater gross returns compared with control; however, once establishment costs were applied, there were no differences in the present value of net returns.
Pelleted manure compost improves mine spoil properties enhancing plant growth and phyto-stabilization of potentially toxic metals
Authors: Indraratne Srimathie P. , Pierzynski Gary M. , Baker Lucas R. , Prasad P.V. Vara , Pitumpe Arachchige Pavithra S.
Published: February 2022

Feedlot manure is rich in plant nutrients and can immobilize potentially toxic metals. However, pelleted manure compost as an amendment material in mine spoils (chat) is not well studied. This study was conducted to investigate the impact of pelleted cattle manure on improving chat properties facilitating phyto-stabilization and the establishment of grasses. A greenhouse pot experiment was conducted with unamended and amended chat (lime treated) with pelleted manure at three rates (60, 120, and 180 Mg ha−1) with and without bentonite (B), using two native grasses, switchgrass ( Panicum virgatum L.) and wheatgrass ( Pascopyrum smithii (Rydb.) A. Löve). Leachates from pots were collected periodically until harvest. Nutrients and metal concentrations were measured in chat treatments, and metal concentrations were measured in plant tissues and leachates. Manure-amended chat reduced leachate Cd and Zn on average by >75% and >80%, respectively. Above-ground dry matter yield increased by >2.5-fold and >4-fold, respectively, in switchgrass and wheatgrass with the increase of 3-fold manure rate. The manure rate at 180 Mg ha−1 reduced plant Cd and Zn by 50% and 20%, respectively, in wheatgrass, and 30% and no reduction, respectively, in switchgrass, compared to the 60 Mg ha−1 manure rate. Overall, pelleted manure compost significantly increased available nutrients and decreased available metals in amended chat, with no significant effect of B. This study indicated that pelleted manure, preferably at 180 Mg ha−1 rate with lime, can be used in acidic metal-contaminated chat to facilitate the establishment of perennial native grasses and reduce the potentially toxic metal availability.
Global portraits of nonminimal inflation
Authors: Järv Laur , Toporensky Alexey
Published: February 2022

We reconsider the dynamical systems approach to analyze inflationary universe in the Jordan frame models of scalar field nonminimally coupled to curvature. The adopted set of variables allows us to clearly distinguish between different asymptotic states in the phase space, including the kinetic and inflationary regimes. Inflation is realized as a heteroclinic trajectory originating either at infinity from a nonhyperbolic asymptotic de Sitter point or from a regular saddle de Sitter point. We also present a comprehensive picture of possible initial conditions leading to sufficient inflationary expansion and show their extent on the phase diagrams. In addition we comment on the slow roll conditions applicable in the Jordan frame and show how they approximate the leading inflationary “attractor solution”. As particular examples we portrait quadratic and quartic potential models and note that increasing the nonminimal coupling diminishes the range of good initial conditions in the quadratic case, but enlarges is in the quartic case.
Dynamic self-organization of migrating cells under constraints by spatial confinement and epithelial integrity
Authors: Hiraiwa Tetsuya
Published: February 2022

Understanding how migrating cells can establish both dynamic structures and coherent dynamics may provide mechanistic insights to study how living systems acquire complex structures and functions. Recent studies revealed that intercellular contact communication plays a crucial role for establishing cellular dynamic self-organization (DSO) and provided a theoretical model of DSO for migrating solitary cells in a free space. However, to apply those understanding to situations in living organisms, we need to know the role of cell–cell communication for tissue dynamics under spatial confinements and epithelial integrity. Here, we expand the previous numerical studies on DSO to migrating cells subjected spatial confinement and/or epithelial integrity. An epithelial monolayer is simulated by combining the model of cellular DSO and the cellular vertex model in two dimensions for apical integrity. Under confinement to a small space, theoretical models of both solitary and epithelial cells exhibit characteristic coherent dynamics, including apparent swirling. We also find that such coherent dynamics can allow the cells to overcome the strong constraint due to spatial confinement and epithelial integrity. Furthermore, we demonstrate how epithelial cell clusters behave without spatial confinement and find various cluster dynamics, including spinning, migration and elongation.

Graphical abstract
Presupernova strongly screening electron capture of iron group nuclei
Authors: Liu Jing-Jing , Hao Liang-Huan , Liu Dong-Mei
Published: February 2022

The influence of strong electron screening (SES) on electron capture (EC) plays a key role in supernovae explosions. We investigate the influence of SES on EC of iron group nuclei by the linear response theory model (LRTM) and the plasma sphere theory model (PSTM). The corrections of the Q-value, the electron chemical potential, electron energy, the Coulomb wave correction factor, and nuclear blinding energy by SES are considered. The screening rates even decrease by [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] by PSTM and LRTM, respectively. We compare our screening results with those of Fuller et al. (FFN), Aufderheide et al. (AUFD), Nabi et al. (NKK), and Martinez-Pinedo et al. (MLD). Our screening rates can be lowered about by [Formula: see text], 2, and 1 orders of magnitude than those of AUFD (FFN), NKK, and MLD, respectively.
Multipliers and unicentral diassociative algebras
Authors: Mainellis Erik
Published: February 2022

This paper details the diassociative analogue of results concerning the Schur multiplier and other extension-theoretic concepts that originate in group theory. We first prove that covers of diassociative algebras are unique. Second, we show that the multiplier of a diassociative algebra is characterized by the second cohomology group with coefficients in the field. Third, we establish criteria for when the center of a cover maps onto the center of the algebra. Along the way, we obtain a collection of exact sequences, characterizations, and a brief theory of unicentral diassociative algebras and stem extensions. This paper is part of an ongoing project to advance extension theory in the context of several Loday algebras.
Anisotropic spheres via embedding approach in f(R) gravity
Authors: Malik Adnan , Ashraf Asifa , Naqvi Uzma , Zhang Zhiyue
Published: February 2022

This study explores the anisotropic stellar structures in the background of f(R) modified gravity, where R is a Ricci scalar. To complete this analysis, we use the spherically symmetric space-time. Further, an anisotropic source of matter is used to investigate the stability of stellar structures. The embedded class-I approach is used to demonstrate the behavior of stellar structures. Schwarzschild space-time is taken as exterior space-time to calculate the values of involved parameters. The observational data of three different stars, like LMC X-4, Cen X-3, and EXO 1785-248, are taken for the current analysis. For this study, we used Starobinsky-like model f(R) = R + βR2 for f(R) modified gravity. The stability analysis is discussed via the equation of state (EoS) parameters, Tolman–Oppenheimer–Volkoff (TOV) equation, anisotropy, etc. Graphical and analytical results are provided as viable results in f(R) gravity.
What the facebook files tell us about racial capitalism
Authors: Amrute Sareeta
Published: February 2022

Being watched means much more than being seen. This forum investigates information flows of sensing culled from sources as diverse as temperature check and iris scans to sound and movement sensors across terrains. After Veillance discusses how these systems distribute risk unevenly and shape the lives of populations across the globe.
--- Sareeta Amrute, Editor
Traversing the insider's path toward equitable research practices for migrants
Authors: Dankwa Nana Kesewaa
Published: February 2022

In this forum we explore different perspectives for how to apply intersectionality as a critical framework for design across multiple contexts.
--- Yolanda A. Rankin and Jakita O. Thomas, Editors
Data excellence for AI
Authors: Aroyo Lora , Lease Matthew , Paritosh Praveen , Schaekermann Mike
Published: February 2022

This forum provides a space to engage with the challenges of designing for intelligent algorithmic experiences. We invite articles that tackle the tensions between research and practice when integrating AI and UX design. We welcome interdisciplinary debate, artful critique, forward-looking research, case studies of AI in practice, and speculative design explorations.
--- Juho Kim and Henriette Cramer, Editors
Isothermal Oxidation of Ti3Al0.6Ga0.4C2 MAX Phase Solid Solution in Air at 1000 °C to 1300 °C
Authors: ElMeligy Tarek A. , Epifano Enrica , Sokol Maxim , Hug Gilles , Hans Marcus , Schneider Jochen M. , Barsoum Michel W.
Published: February 2022

The atomically laminated Ti2AlC, Ti3AlC2 and Cr2AlC MAX phases, with A = Al, form adherent, passivating α-alumina, Al2O3, oxide scales when heated in air. The effect of solid solutions on the A layers in affecting the oxidation kinetics remains a subject of open research. Herein we synthesize a dense bulk polycrystalline Ti3Al1−xGaxC2 (x ≈ 0.4) solid-solution and investigate its isothermal oxidation in ambient air, in the 1000 °C–1300 °C temperature range, for times varying between 15 and 300 h. At 1000 °C, a passivating dense Al2O3 layer ( ≈ 1–2.6 μm thick) with near cubic kinetics and an overall weight gain that is slightly less than either Ti3AlC2 or Ti2AlC is formed. At 1200 °C, the Al2O3 layer thickens (3.5–12 μm thick) with some scale delamination on the corners initiating at 15 h. At 1300 °C, the Al2O3 layer (7.6–20.7 μm thick) wrinkles and Al2TiO5 forms. Though the Al2O3 grains coarsen at 1200 °C and 1300 °C, the weight gain is higher than that for Ti3AlC2 or Ti2AlC. At around 7 at. %, this is one of the lowest, if not lowest, Al mole fraction in a Ti-based alloy/compound that forms an Al2O3 passivating layer. We further provide compelling microstructural evidence, in the form of a duplex oxide, that at 1000 °C, the outward Al flux, JAl, and the inward O flux, JO, are related such that 2 JAl = 3 JO. A fraction of these fluxes combine, at the duplex oxide interface, to nucleate small grains
The Influence of Current Density on Transport of Vanadium Acetylacetonate through a Cation-Exchange Membrane
Authors: Darling Robert M. , Saraidaridis James D. , Shovlin Christopher , Fortin Michael
Published: February 2022

Fluxes of negatively charged, neutral, and positively charged vanadium acetylacetonates through the cation-exchange membrane Nafion® 211 were measured as functions of current density. Fluxes increase in order V(C5H7O2)3
− < V(C5H7O2)3
0 < V(C5H7O2)3
+ as expected for a membrane with fixed negative charges. Furthermore, the dependence of these fluxes on current density is quantitatively consistent with predictions made using independently measured conductivities in Nernst-Planck-Einstein transport equations. However, differences between the three fluxes are smaller than predicted by Donnan equilibrium calculations for Nafion 211 immersed in V(C5H7O2)3 solutions. Specific interactions between sorbed species appear to be responsible for the relatively rapid transport of V(C5H7O2)3
− compared to V(C5H7O2)3
+.
Deep Reinforcement Learning-Based Joint Satellite Scheduling and Resource Allocation in Satellite-Terrestrial Integrated Networks
Authors: Yin Yabo , Huang Chuanhe , Wu Dong-Fang , Huang Shidong , Ashraf M. Wasim Abbas , Guo Qianqian , Zhang Lin
Published: February 2022

Satellite-terrestrial integrated networks (STINs) are considered to be a new paradigm for the next generation of global communication because of its distinctive merits, such as wide coverage, high reliability, and flexibility. When the satellite associates with different base stations (BSs) and adopts different channels for communication, the utility of offloading data to BSs is different. In our work, we study how to jointly associate satellites with appropriate BSs and allocate channels to satellites. Our purpose is to maximize the utility of the data offloaded from satellites to BSs while considering the load balance of BSs. However, some satellites are often unable to connect to BSs because of their periodic flight characteristic, which makes the joint satellite-BS association and channel allocation more challenging. To solve the problem that satellites sometimes cannot connect to BSs, we abstract the communication model between satellites and BSs into a bipartite graph and add a virtual BS to ensure that all satellites can connect to at least one BS. Then, in the constructed joint optimization problem, we solve the assignment of satellites and channels simultaneously. Considering that the joint optimization problem is nonconvex, we use double deep Q-Network (DDQN) for achieving the optimal strategy of satellite association and channel allocation. Furthermore, the reward value in most state transition information generated by satellites is 0, which leads to the low learning efficiency of DDQN. Aiming at enhancing the learning efficiency of DDQN, the priority sampling-based DDQN (PSDDQN) algorithm is proposed. Experimental results demonstrate that PSDDQN gets better utility and achieves the load balance of BSs compared with other algorithms.
Fine Complex Geological Structure Interpretation Based on Multiscale Seismic Dip Constraint
Authors: Zhang Zhenhua , Yao Zhenan , Wang Pan
Published: February 2022

With the development of seismic exploration technology, geological structure interpretation has become more and more refined, whereas random noise interference, subsalt weak seismic reflection signals, and other issues are also gradually emerged at the same time, which resulted in traditional geological structure interpretation accuracy reduction only relying on single seismic data. A novel technical process integrated time-frequency decomposition of seismic data, seismic dip constraints, and geological structure interpretation is proposed in this paper which is named multiscale seismic dip constraint geological structure interpretation. The technical process contains five steps which first use the basis tracking spectrum decomposition technology to convert the seismic data into the time-frequency domain and then decompose the raw seismic data into coarse scale, fine scale, and deliberate scale through window and threshold methods. Subsequently, execute local layer dip calculation with Hilbert transform and geological structure interpretation on seismic data of different scale, respectively. At last, perform geological structure attribute fusion to obtain fine geological structure interpretation. Synthetic data test and field data test show that through multiscale time-frequency decomposition, high-frequency noise interference can be removed and the subsalt seismic weak signal can be enhanced, and then, high-precision fine complex geological structure interpretation can be obtained with seismic dip constraint. Therefore, the technical process proposed in this paper is effective and can be widely applied in the interpretation of field seismic data.
Analysis of the Need for Postoperative Drainage Application for Hip Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yang Min , Yan Chunwen , Niu Nasha , Lu Yingzi , Yue Wei , Pan Li
Published: February 2022

Objective. To synthesize the evidence regarding the effect and safety of drainage after the hip arthroplasty in randomized control trials. Background. Although the standard of hip replacement has matured in recent years, the need for postoperative drainage is still controversial which also is a clinical problem that needs to be addressed. Design. A systematic review and meta-analysis based on the Cochrane methods and Prisma guideline. Data Resources. A systematic search of the Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Ovid, Wan Fang database, CNKI, and CBM database was carried out from January 1, 2000, to December, 2021. Review Methods. The quality of included randomized controlled trials was assessed individually by two reviewers independently using criteria recommended in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions 5.1.0. Results. Nineteen randomized control trials involving 3354 participants were included in this analysis. From the above analysis, we can know that compared with nondrainage, there was a statistically significant difference in VAS score on the postoperative first day (

SD
=
−
0.6

; 95% CI: -0.79, -0.41) and second day (

SD
=
−
0.38

, 95% CI: -0.58, -0.18), hematocrit reduction (MD =2.89; 95% CI: 1.3, 4.48), blood transfusion rate (OR =1.47; 95% CI: 1.12, 1.92), change of thigh circumstance (

SMD
=
−
0.48

; 95% CI: -0.66, -0.31), and hospital stay (

MD
=
1.06

; 95% CI: 0.73, 1.39) in drainage. However, there were no statistically significant differences in hemoglobin and hematocrit level, hip function, total blood loss, transfusion volume, dressing use, and complications between them. Conclusion. Drainage after hip arthroplasty can reduce swelling in the thigh and relieve pain while no drainage can bring down hematocrit reduction, decrease dressing uses, and shorten the hospital stay which promotes rapid recovery. This review provides a detailed theoretical reference for the proper clinical application of drains and improves the efficient use of resources.
Microbial Contamination and Occurrence of Aflatoxins in Processed Baobab Products in Kenya
Authors: James Margaret , Owino Willis , Imathiu Samuel
Published: February 2022

Baobab fruit demand has been on the rise in the recent past, and in an attempt to match the demand, farmers and middlemen are forced to harvest immature fruits which are not fully dried. To ensure an acceptable moisture content, baobab fruits are subjected to solar drying, which is a slow process and often carried out in open and unhygienic conditions raising safety concerns. This study was conducted to investigate the microbial and aflatoxin contamination levels in ready-to-eat baobab products from selected formal and informal processors in specific counties of Kenya. Selected processed baobab products were sampled randomly from formal and informal processors and analyzed for the total aerobic count, Enterobacteriaceae, yeast and molds, ergosterol, aflatoxins, moisture, and water activity. The moisture and water activity of baobab pulp and candies from formal processors ranged between 7.73% and 15.06% and 0.532 and 0.740 compared to those from informal processors which ranged from 10.50% to 23.47% and 0.532 to 0.751, respectively. In this study, baobab pulp from formal processors had significantly (

p
=
0.0008

, 0.0006) lower Enterobacteriaceae and yeast and molds loads (

0.7
±
0.29

and

3.1
±
0.38

log 10 CFU/g, respectively) than pulp from informal processors (

3.1
±
0.70

and

5.3
±
0.11

log 10 CFU/g, respectively). Similarly, the Enterobacteriaceae counts of candies from formal processors (nondetectable) were considerably lower (

p
=
0.015

) than those from informal processors (

1.8
±
0.56

log 10 CFU/g). The ergosterol content in these baobab product samples ranged between 0.46 and 1.92 mg/100 g while the aflatoxin content ranged between 3.93 and

11.09
×
103
 
μ
g
/
kg

, respectively. Fungal and aflatoxin contamination was detected in 25% and 5% of pulp from formal and informal processors, respectively, and in 5% of candies from informal processors. Microbial contamination in processed baobab products shows an unhygienic processing environment while the fungal and aflatoxin contamination may indicate poor postharvest handling, transport, and storage conditions of baobab fruits along the baobab value chain.
Control and Implementation of Positioning System with Symmetrical Topology for Precision Manufacturing
Authors: Truong Quang Vinh , Thinh Ngo Ha Quang
Published: February 2022

In recent years, the needs of modularized controller for the multiaxes servo system increase significantly since traditional controller still exists many drawbacks such as limited control axes, low speed data acquisition, or heavy weight. In this paper, we present the design and implementation of both hardware and software for real-time express-based motion controller. This controller can meet the demand for high-speed motion control and high performance which conventional fieldbus controllers cannot realize. With modular design, the controller brings many benefits such as low-cost, expandable ability, multiaxes control, or small physical size. Experimental results for an industrial motion system indicate that the proposed modular controller can perform well in time critical data transmission and is feasible and applicable in various fields.
Somewhat Homomorphic Encryption: Ring Learning with Error Algorithm for Faster Encryption of IoT Sensor Signal-Based Edge Devices
Authors: Subramaniyaswamy V. , Jagadeeswari V. , Indragandhi V. , Jhaveri Rutvij H. , Vijayakumar V. , Kotecha Ketan , Ravi Logesh
Published: February 2022

In recent years, Homomorphic Encryption (HE) has shown the possibility of securely running a computation arbitrarily without performing the data decryption. Many authors have shown Somewhat Homomorphic Encryption (SHE) or Fully Homomorphic Encryption (FHE) schemes implemented practically on both the addition and multiplication operations for SHE. The recent methods for implementing the FHE methods completely depend on arbitrarily reducing the time taken to perform the encrypted multiplication operation to increase the computation power required by SHE methods. This paper aims to accelerate the encryption primitives in an integer-based SHE based on the duration between each data transmission from the sensor and data packaging method. If the number of sensors increases exponentially in an edge device environment, the signals have to be encrypted faster in a packed mode in the edge environment and transferred to the cloud without a loss in data. The presented SHE method reduces the time taken for encryption based on the input number from the sensor and invariably increases the performance of the edge device. This advantage also helps the deploying healthcare application obtain end-to-end privacy in transmitting sensitive patient data.
Antioxidant Properties and Characterization of Heterotrigona itama Honey from Various Botanical Origins according to Their Polyphenol Compounds
Authors: Shamsudin Sharina , Selamat Jinap , Abdul Shomad Mukramah , Ab Aziz Muhamad Faris , Haque Akanda Md. Jahurul
Published: February 2022

Stingless bee honey is a good source of antioxidants, which is attributed to the phenolic compounds. The type and concentration of phenolic compounds in honey can be affected by botanical origin. Therefore, in this study, Heterotrigona itama honey from three botanical origins (gelam, acacia, and starfruit) was evaluated for its antioxidant activity and profile of phenolic compounds. Apis mellifera honey was used as a comparison. Antioxidant activity and profile of phenolic compounds in honey were determined using spectrophotometric and chromatographic methods, respectively. The total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoids content (TFC), free radical scavenging activity (IC50), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) of H. itama were ranged between 52.64 and 74.72 mg GAE/100 g honey, 10.70–25.71 mg QE/100 g honey, 11.27–24.09 mg/mL, and 77.88–164.88 µmol FeSO4.7H2O/100 g honey, respectively. The findings showed that the antioxidant activity and phenolic and flavonoid contents in H. itama honey were significantly higher than Apis honey. Benzoic acid and taxifolin were found as the predominant phenolic acid and flavonoid in all samples. However, chrysin was significantly highest in Apis honey than stingless bee honey. This result suggested that chrysin can be used as a chemical marker to distinguish Apis honey from stingless bee honey. Gallic acid and ellagic acid were found as the chemical marker for gelam honey, salicylic acid, benzoic acid, and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid for starfruit honey while ferulic acid for acacia honey.
The Design and Application of College English-Aided Teaching System Based on Web
Authors: Chen Rui
Published: February 2022

With the rapid advancement of information technology, the Internet and the web have become the central technology tools for information sharing in education and teaching. Modern education combines teaching with information technology and gives full play to the role of information technology in education and teaching. To improve the resource sharing and scheduling level a web-based college English-assisted teaching system is presented in this study. Using the JavaScript object notation syntax (JSON) as the data communication format between the intelligent terminal and the server, the system is implemented using a web server and mobile Android terminal, and a web-based data integration module is designed. Statistical data mining and fuzzy feature detection are employed to implement the decision-making scheduling and self-adaptive optimization of English teaching resources in a web aided English teaching system. The fusion particle swarm optimization algorithm is used to integrate English teaching resources and implement adaptive scheduling. To verify the application performance of the designed system, a simulation experiment is designed. The experimental results show that the proposed English-assisted instruction system has good convergence and high accuracy of learning information, optimal allocation, and scheduling.
CAFC-Net: A Critical and Align Feature Constructing Network for Oriented Ship Detection in Aerial Images
Authors: Zhang Dongdong , Wang Chunping , Fu Qiang
Published: February 2022

Ship detection is one of the fundamental tasks in computer vision. In recent years, the methods based on convolutional neural networks have made great progress. However, improvement of ship detection in aerial images is limited by large-scale variation, aspect ratio, and dense distribution. In this paper, a Critical and Align Feature Constructing Network (CAFC-Net) which is an end-to-end single-stage rotation detector is proposed to improve ship detection accuracy. The framework is formed by three modules: a Biased Attention Module (BAM), a Feature Alignment Module (FAM), and a Distinctive Detection Module (DDM). Specifically, the BAM extracts biased critical features for classification and regression. With the extracted biased regression features, the FAM generates high-quality anchor boxes. Through a novel Alignment Convolution, convolutional features can be aligned according to anchor boxes. The DDM produces orientation-sensitive feature and reconstructs orientation-invariant features to alleviate inconsistency between classification and localization accuracy. Extensive experiments on two remote sensing datasets HRS2016 and self-built ship datasets show the state-of-the-art performance of our detector.
Gray-Related Support Vector Machine Optimization Strategy and Its Implementation in Forecasting Photovoltaic Output Power
Authors: Xiao Bo , Zhu Hai , Zhang Sujun , OuYang Zi , Wang Tandong , Sarvazizi Saeed
Published: February 2022

Reliable and accurate photovoltaic (PV) output power projection is critical for power grid security, stability, and economic operation. However, because of the indirectness, unpredictability, and solar energy volatility, predicting precise and reliable photovoltaic output power is a complicated subject. The photovoltaic output power variable is evaluated in this study using a powerful machine learning approach called the support vector machine model based on gray-wolf optimization. A vast dataset of previously published papers was compiled for this purpose. Several studies were carried out to assess the suggested model. The statistical evaluation revealed that this model predicts absolute values with reasonable accuracy, including

R

2

and RMSE values of 0.908 and 74.6584, respectively. The practical input data were also subjected to sensitivity analysis. The results of this analysis showed that the air temperature parameter has a greater effect on the target parameter than the solar irradiance intensity parameter (relevancy factor equal to 0.75 compared to 0.49, respectively). The leverage approach was also used to test the accuracy of actual data, and the findings revealed that the vast majority of data is accurate. This basic but accurate model may be quite effective in predicting target values and could be a viable substitute for laboratory data.
[Retracted] Research on the Construction of Crossborder e‐Commerce Logistics Service System Based on Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Xu Jinbo , Mu Shibiao
Published: February 2022

Based on machine learning algorithms, this paper designs a crossborder e‐commerce logistics service system recommendation algorithm. First, we introduce the meaning of query recommendation, analyze the mechanism of e‐commerce platform shopping search, redesign the query recommendation process on this basis, establish a Markov decision process model for the problem, and solve the optimal recommendation strategy through deep machine learning algorithms. Second, we design a simple calculation example, use Python programming through a simulated shopping environment, give the solution process of the optimal recommendation strategy in the whole process, and prove the feasibility of the algorithm. The sentiment synthesis word vector is used as the input data structure of the text, the convolutional neural network model and the recurrent neural network model in machine learning are independently designed and constructed, and a shunt is proposed. The rule (shunt) realizes the operation of judging the data and inputting the two machine learning networks. The shunt fully realizes the combination of the advantages of the local feature characterization of the convolutional neural network and the timing characteristics of the recurrent neural network and achieves a more efficient and accurate electrical system. Finally, through simulation experiments, a series of data processing work such as data outlier cleaning, sliding window construction features of data variables, and training set and test set division are designed to convert regression prediction problems into classification problems to predict commodity demand. At the same time, it also compared the effect of the time series model, random forest model, GBDT, single Xgboost model, and the model used in this topic and analyzed the reasons for this difference and the application of each model.
Quality of Evidence Supporting the Role of Supplement Curcumin for the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis: An Overview of Systematic Reviews
Authors: Shi Hongshuo , Wang Dan , Chen Wenqiang , Li Yinghao , Si Guomin , Yang Tiantian
Published: February 2022

Objectives. Curcumin is a potential complementary treatment for ulcerative colitis (UC). This overview systematically summarizes and evaluates the existing evidence of curcumin in the treatment of UC. Methods. Two researchers searched seven databases for systematic reviews (SRs)/meta-analyses (MAs) which are about randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on curcumin for UC. Two researchers use the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR-2), the Risk of Bias in Systematic Reviews (ROBIS) scale, the list of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system to assess the included SRs/MAs. Results. Seven published SRs/MAs were included in our study. According to the results of the AMSTAR-2 assessment, all SRs/MAs are considered to be of very low quality. According to the ROBIS evaluation results, no SR/MA has been assessed as a low risk of bias. According to the results of the PRISMA checklist assessment, no SR/MA has been fully reported on the PRISMA checklist. According to GRADE, a total of 19 outcome indicators extracted from the included SRs/MAs were evaluated. The quality of evidence was 10 moderate, 6 low, and 3 very low. Conclusions. Curcumin may be an effective and safe complementary treatment for UC. However, further standard and comprehensive SRs/MAs and RCTs are needed to provide an evidence-based medical rationale for this.