bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Virtual communities of practice to improve clinical outcomes in healthcare: protocol for a 10-year scoping review
Authors: Shaw Louise , Jazayeri Dana , Kiegaldie Debra , Morris Meg
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Virtual communities of practice (VCoPs) use a common online platform to provide healthcare professionals with the opportunity to access highly specialised knowledge, build a professional support network and promote the translation of research evidence into practice. There is limited reporting of how best to design and administer VCoPs within healthcare organisations. The primary aim of this scoping review is to identify the best methods used to establish and maintain VCoPs. Findings shall be used to develop a flexible framework to guide the establishment and facilitation of a VCoP for healthcare professionals to ensure the translation of falls prevention clinical guidelines into practice.

Methods and analysis

A five-stage scoping review process will be followed based on Arksey and O’Malley’s framework and refined by the Joanna Briggs Institute Methodology. An initial limited search of PubMed and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature will identify relevant studies and assist with search term development. This will be followed by a search of five online databases to identify papers published from January 2010 until November 2020. Papers will be independently screened by two reviewers, and data extracted and analysed using a reporting framework. Qualitative data will be analysed thematically and numerical synthesis of the data will be conducted.

Results and dissemination

The results of this scoping review will highlight the best ways to design and manage VCoPs in healthcare organisations. The findings will be presented at relevant stakeholder workshops, conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals.
Last Year of Life Study-Cologne (LYOL-C) (Part II): study protocol of a prospective interventional mixed-methods study in acute hospitals to analyse the implementation of a trigger question and patient question prompt sheets to optimise patient-centred care
Authors: Strupp Julia , Kasdorf Alina , Dust Gloria , Hower Kira Isabel , Seibert Melissa , Werner Belinda , Kuntz Ludwig , Schulz-Nieswandt Frank , Meyer Ingo , Pfaff Holger , Hellmich Martin , Voltz Raymond
Published: July 2021

Introduction

The Last Year of Life Study-Cologne Part I (LYOL-C I) has identified general hospital units as the most important checkpoints for transitions in the last year of life of patients. Yet, satisfaction with hospitals, as reported by bereaved relatives, is the lowest of all health service providers. Thus, the LYOL-C Part II (LYOL-C II) focuses on optimising patient-centred care in acute hospitals for patients identified to be in their last year of life. LYOL-C II aims to test an intervention for hospitals by using a two-sided (healthcare professionals (HCPs) and patients) trigger question-based intervention to ‘shake’ the system in a minimally invasive manner.

Methods and analysis

Prospective interventional mixed-methods study following a two-phase approach: phase I, individual interviews with HCPs and patient representatives to design the intervention to maximise ease of implementation and phase II, exploratory study with two arms and a prepost design with patients in their last year of life. The intervention will consist of the Surprise Question and the German version of the Supportive and Palliative Care Indicators Tool (SPICT-DE) for HCPs to identify patients and provide patient-centred care, plus question prompt sheets for patients, encouraging them to initiate discussions with their HCPs. Data on transitions, changes in therapy, quality of care, palliative care integration and death of patients will be analysed. Furthermore, a staff survey (pre/post) and guided interviews with staff, patients and relatives (post) will be conducted. Finally, a formative socioeconomic impact assessment to provide evidence regarding the sustainability of the intervention will be performed.

Ethics and dissemination

The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Cologne (#20-1431). Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at national and international conferences.

Trial registration number

DRKS00022378.
Foreign body ingestion during the COVID-19 pandemic: a retrospective single centre review
Authors: Festa Naomi Tyne , Thakkar Hemanshoo , Hewitt Richard , Dhaiban Manal , Muthialu Nagarajan , Cross Kate , De Coppi Paolo
Published: July 2021

Introduction

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, there were many changes in the provision of healthcare as well as home and educational environments for children. We noted an apparent increase in the number of children presenting with ingested foreign bodies and due to the potential impact of injury from this, further investigated this phenomenon.

Method

Using a prospective electronic record, data were retrospectively collected for patients referred to our institution with foreign body ingestion from March 2020 to September 2020 and compared with the same period the year prior as a control.

Results

During the 6-month pandemic period of review, it was observed that 2.5 times more children were referred with foreign body ingestion (n=25) in comparison to the control period (n=10). There was also a significant increase in the proportion of button battery and magnet ingestions during the COVID-19 pandemic (p 0.04).

Conclusion

These findings raise concerns of both increased frequency of foreign body ingestion during the COVID-19 pandemic and the nature of ingested foreign bodies linked with significant morbidity. This may relate to the disruption of home and work environments and carries implications for ongoing restrictions. Further awareness of the danger of foreign body ingestion, especially batteries and magnets, is necessary (project ID: 2956).
Efficacy and safety of bridging thrombolysis initiated before transfer in a drip-and-ship stroke service
Authors: Purrucker Jan Christoph , Heyse Miriam , Nagel Simon , Gumbinger Christoph , Seker Fatih , Möhlenbruch Markus , Ringleb Peter Arthur
Published: July 2021

Objective

Data regarding the efficacy and safety of bridging thrombolysis (BT) initiated before transfer for evaluation of endovascular therapy is heterogeneous. We, therefore, analyse efficacy and safety of BT in patients treated within a drip-and-ship stroke service.

Methods

Consecutive adult patients suffering from acute ischaemic stroke and large-vessel occlusions (LVO) transferred to our comprehensive stroke centre for evaluation of endovascular therapy in 2017–2020 were identified from a local prospective stroke database and categorised according to BT and no-BT. BT was defined as intravenous thrombolysis initiated before transfer. LVO was assessed before and after transfer. Functional outcome before stroke and at 3 months using the modified Rankin scale (mRS) was determined. Excellent outcome was defined as mRS 0–1 or return to prestroke mRS. For safety analysis, intracranial haemorrhages and mortality at 3 months were analysed. Main analysis was limited to patients with anterior circulation stroke.

Results

Of N=714 patients, n=394 (55.2%) received BT. More patients in the BT group with documented LVO before transfer recanalised without endovascular therapy (n=46, 11.7%) than patients who did not receive BT before transfer (n=4, 1.3%, p<0.001). In multivariate analysis, BT was the strongest independent predictor of early recanalisation (adjusted OR 10.9, 95% CI 3.8 to 31.1, p<0.001). BT tended to be an independent predictor of an excellent outcome at 3 months (adjusted OR 1.38, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.96, p=0.077). There were no differences in safety between the BT and no-BT groups.

Conclusions

BT initiated before transfer was a strong independent predictor of early recanalisation.
Combinatorial methods in advanced battery materials design
Authors: McCalla Eric , Parmaklis Matthew , Rehman Sarish , Anderson Ethan , Jia Shipeng , Hebert Alex , Potts Karlie , Jonderian Antranik , Adhikari Tham , Adamič Michel
Published: July 2021

In the search for better performing battery materials, researchers have increasingly ventured into complex composition spaces, including numerous pseudo-quaternaries, with further substitutions being either explored experimentally or proposed based on computation. Given the vast composition spaces that need exploring, experimental combinatorial science can play an important role in accelerating the development of advanced battery materials and is arguably the best means to obtain a sufficiently large data set to truly bring a high degree of precision to advanced computational techniques such as machine-learning. Herein, we present a robust high-throughput synthesis platform that is currently being used in the McCalla lab at McGill University to study Li-ion cathodes, anodes, and solid electrolytes, as well as Na-ion cathodes. The synthesis methods used are presented in detail, as are the high-throughput characterization techniques we utilize regularly (X-ray diffraction, electrochemical testing, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy). We quantitatively determine the high precision and reproducibility achieved by this combinatorial system and also demonstrate its versatility by presenting for the first time combinatorial data for two high-power anodes for Li-ion batteries (TiNb2O7 and W3Nb14O44), as well as solid state electrolyte Li7La3Zr2O12. Our methods reproduce accurately the results from the literature for bulk samples, indicating that the high-throughput methodology utilizing small milligram-scale samples scales up extremely well to the larger sample sizes typically used in both the literature and industry. The throughput of this combinatorial infrastructure has a current limit of 896 XRD patterns and 896 EIS patterns a week and 448 cyclic voltammograms running simultaneously.
Inhibition of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 averts free fatty acids deposition in the hearts of oral estrogen–progestin contraceptive-induced hyperinsulinemic female rats
Authors: Adegoke Tolulope Eniola , Sabinari Isaiah Woru , Areola Emmanuel Damilare , Ajao Folasade , Asafa Olayinka Olawale , Soluoku Talha Kolade , Bello Abdullahi , Adesanmi Adejoke Mosunmade , Yusuf Shukurat Olaide , Omoleye AyokunleOlusuyi , Ayinla Mariam Tayo , Olatunji Lawrence Aderemi
Published: July 2021

Free fatty acid (FFA) deposition in non-adipose tissues such as the heart is a characteristic of insulin resistant states which feature hyperinsulinemia and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) activation. Estrogen–progestin oral contraceptives (OC) treatment reportedly increased DPP-4 activity in rat tissue, and DPP-4 inhibitors have anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aims to investigate the effects of DPP-4 inhibition on cardiac FFA deposition in estrogen–progestin-treated female rats. From our data, estrogen–progestin OC exposure in female rats led to elevated plasma insulin, cardiac DPP-4 activity, FFA and triglyceride (TG) accumulation, TG/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratio, adenosine deaminase/xanthine oxidase/uric acid pathway (ADA/XO/UA), lipid peroxidation, glycogen synthase activity, and alanine phosphatase; whereas cardiac glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, Na+/K+-ATPase and nitric oxide (NO) were decreased. However, DPP-4 inhibition resulted in decreased plasma insulin, cardiac DPP-4 activity, FFA, TG, TG/HDL-C ratio, and alkaline phosphatase. These were accompanied by reduced ADA/XO/UA pathway, lipid peroxidation, and augmented NO and Na+/K+-ATPase in estrogen–progestin OC-treated rats. DPP-4 inhibition attenuated cardiac lipid deposition accompanied by reduced activity in the ADA/XO/UA pathway in estrogen–progestin OC-treated female rats. DPP-4 is therefore a plausible therapeutic target in cardiometabolic disorders.
Holographic QCD and magnetic fields
Authors: Gürsoy Umut
Published: July 2021

We review the holographic approach to electromagnetic phenomena in large N QCD. After a brief discussion of earlier holographic models, we concentrate on the improved holographic QCD model extended to involve magnetically induced phenomena. We explore the influence of magnetic fields on the QCD ground state, focusing on (inverse) magnetic catalysis of chiral condensate, investigate the phase diagram of the theory as a function of magnetic field, temperature and quark chemical potential, and, finally discuss effects of magnetic fields on the quark–anti-quark potential, shear viscosity, speed of sound and magnetization.
Arbitrary Scale Super-Resolution for Medical Images
Authors: Zhu Jin , Tan Chuan , Yang Junwei , Yang Guang , Lio’ Pietro
Published: July 2021

Single image super-resolution (SISR) aims to obtain a high-resolution output from one low-resolution image. Currently, deep learning-based SISR approaches have been widely discussed in medical image processing, because of their potential to achieve high-quality, high spatial resolution images without the cost of additional scans. However, most existing methods are designed for scale-specific SR tasks and are unable to generalize over magnification scales. In this paper, we propose an approach for medical image arbitrary-scale super-resolution (MIASSR), in which we couple meta-learning with generative adversarial networks (GANs) to super-resolve medical images at any scale of magnification in [Formula: see text]. Compared to state-of-the-art SISR algorithms on single-modal magnetic resonance (MR) brain images (OASIS-brains) and multi-modal MR brain images (BraTS), MIASSR achieves comparable fidelity performance and the best perceptual quality with the smallest model size. We also employ transfer learning to enable MIASSR to tackle SR tasks of new medical modalities, such as cardiac MR images (ACDC) and chest computed tomography images (COVID-CT). The source code of our work is also public. Thus, MIASSR has the potential to become a new foundational pre-/post-processing step in clinical image analysis tasks such as reconstruction, image quality enhancement, and segmentation.
Static Privacy Analysis by Flow Reconstruction of Tainted Data
Authors: Ferrara Pietro , Olivieri Luca , Spoto Fausto
Published: July 2021

Software security vulnerabilities and leakages of private information are two of the main issues in modern software systems. Several different approaches, ranging from design techniques to run-time monitoring, have been applied to prevent, detect and isolate such vulnerabilities. Static taint analysis has been particularly successful in detecting injection vulnerabilities at compile time. However, its extension to detect leakages of sensitive data has been only partially investigated. In this paper, we introduce BackFlow, a backward flow reconstructor that, starting from the results of a generic taint analysis engine, reconstructs the flow of tainted data. If successful, BackFlow provides full information about the flow that such data (e.g. private information or user input) traversed inside the program before reaching a sensitive point (e.g. Internet communication or execution of an SQL query). Such information is needed to extend taint analysis to privacy analyses, since in such a scenario it is important to know which exact type of sensitive data flows to what type of communication channels. BackFlow has been implemented in Julia (an industrial static analyzer for Java, Android and .NET programs), and applied to WebGoat and different benchmarks to detect both injections and privacy issues. The experimental results prove that BackFlow is able to reconstruct the flow of tainted data for most of the true positives, it scales up to industrial applications, and it can be effectively applied to privacy analysis, such as the detection of sensitive data leaks or compliance with a data regulation.
Matrix Resolving Function in the Nonstationary Linear Group Pursuit Problem Concepting Multiple Capture
Authors: Petrov N. N.
Published: July 2021

In finite-dimensional Euclidean space, an analysis is made of the problem of pursuit of a single evader by a group of pursuers, which is described by a system of the form [Formula: see text] The goal of the group of pursuers is the capture of the evader by no less than [Formula: see text] different pursuers (the instants of capture may or may not coincide). Matrix resolving functions, which are a generalization of scalar resolving functions, are used as a mathematical basis of this study. Sufficient conditions are obtained for multiple capture of a single evader in the class of quasi-strategies. Examples illustrating the results obtained are given.
In praise of the disassembler
Authors: Neville-Neil George V.
Published: July 2021

There is much to be learned from the lower-level details of hardware.
The unionization of technology companies
Authors: Kugler Logan
Published: July 2021

New unions could change how tech giants engage with their employees.
Optimal auctions through deep learning
Authors: Dütting Paul , Feng Zhe , Narasimhan Harikrishna , Parkes David C. , Ravindranath Sai S.
Published: July 2021

Designing an incentive compatible auction that maximizes expected revenue is an intricate task. The single-item case was resolved in a seminal piece of work by Myerson in 1981. Even after 30--40 years of intense research, the problem remains unsolved for settings with two or more items. We overview recent research results that show how tools from deep learning are shaping up to become a powerful tool for the automated design of near-optimal auctions auctions. In this approach, an auction is modeled as a multilayer neural network, with optimal auction design framed as a constrained learning problem that can be addressed with standard machine learning pipelines. Through this approach, it is possible to recover to a high degree of accuracy essentially all known analytically derived solutions for multi-item settings and obtain novel mechanisms for settings in which the optimal mechanism is unknown.
The dogged pursuit of bug-free C programs
Authors: Baudin Patrick , Bobot François , Bühler David , Correnson Loïc , Kirchner Florent , Kosmatov Nikolai , Maroneze André , Perrelle Valentin , Prevosto Virgile , Signoles Julien , Williams Nicky
Published: July 2021

A panoramic view of a popular platform for C program analysis and verification.
Science needs to engage with society
Authors: Ghezzi Carlo
Published: July 2021

Recent experiences toward communicating science to the general public.
Precipitate Shearing, Fault Energies, and Solute Segregation to Planar Faults in Ni-, CoNi-, and Co-Base Superalloys
Authors: Eggeler Y.M. , Vamsi K.V. , Pollock T.M.
Published: July 2021

The mechanical properties of superalloys are strongly governed by the resistance to shearing of ordered precipitates by dislocations. In the operating environments of superalloys, the stresses and temperatures present during thermomechanical loading influence the dislocation shearing dynamics, which involve diffusion and segregation processes that result in a diverse array of planar defects in the ordered L12γ′ precipitate phase. This review discusses the current understanding of high-temperature deformation mechanisms of γ′ precipitates in two-phase Ni-, Co-, and CoNi-base superalloys. The sensitivity of planar fault energies to chemical composition results in a variety of unique deformation mechanisms, and methods to determine fault energies are therefore reviewed. The degree of chemical segregation in the vicinity of planar defects reveals an apparent phase transformation within the parent γ′ phase. The kinetics of segregation to linear and planar defects play a significant role in high-temperature properties. Understanding and controlling fault energies and the associated dislocation dynamics provide a new pathway for the design of superalloys with exceptional properties.
Antisynthetase Syndrome with Severe Interstitial Lung Disease in Pregnancy
Authors: Dumitrascu Catalina I. , Olsen David A. , Arendt Katherine W. , Rose Carl H. , Sharpe Emily E.
Published: July 2021

Antisynthetase syndrome is a rare multisystem autoimmune disorder which clinically manifests with myositis, arthritis, interstitial lung disease, Raynaud phenomenon, and skin hyperkeratosis. Lung involvement represents the most severe form of disease and has rarely been reported in pregnancy. We present the case of a 22-year-old woman with antisynthetase syndrome and severe restrictive pulmonary disease who experienced a successful pregnancy and delivery. We discuss anesthetic considerations and highlight the importance of a multidisciplinary team approach in caring for parturients with multifactorial medical conditions.
Using the Internet of Things E‐Government Platform to Optimize the Administrative Management Mode
Authors: Qi Min , Wang Junshu
Published: July 2021

This paper builds an intelligent E‐Government platform based on the Internet of Things. It adopts a three‐layer architecture model, including the government collection layer, the government network layer, and the government application layer. By making full use of data technology and information technology, government services can be realized in real‐time perception, efficient operation, scientific decision‐making, active service, and intelligent supervision and can be open and collaborative, so as to provide the public with better quality and more efficient and more responsive government services. In addition, this paper has realized optimization in the aspects of government service mode, Internet of Things application mode, and database structure. Through the use of big data technology, the government service information will be digitized and integrated, and through the data sharing and exchange platform, the government information resources will be intercommunicated and shared across departments, levels, and regions. The application mode has been upgraded. Compared with the traditional E‐Government, the government has made a qualitative leap in the degree of automation of control, the intelligence of service and decision, the remote support ability, and the space‐time scope that government can control. The distributed management mode of the SQL Server is adopted to realize the exchange of requested data and process the data content, which can greatly improve the working efficiency of the system. Finally, through testing, the government affairs management system has good stability; there is no congestion and delay when multiple users access the system, so the response speed and efficiency of the system basically meet the requirements.
Abnormal Wear Mechanism and Improvement of High‐Speed Cylindrical Roller Bearing
Authors: Zhang Wenhu , Deng Sier , Zhang Song , Wang Jian , Zheng Jintao
Published: July 2021

This paper presents the dynamic differential equations of cylindrical roller bearing, considering the dynamic unbalance mass of roller and the contact between the roller end face and the inner ring rib. The influence of bearing working condition and structural parameters on the PV value of roller end face and the slip speed of roller working surface were analysed. The theoretical analysis and experimental results both show that the large amount of roller’s dynamic unbalance mass due to the difference in chamfering size on both sides of the roller and the deviation of the bearing axial clearance are the main causes of abnormal wear on the roller working surface and end face.
Optimal Fixed Route for Multimodal Transportation of Vehicle Logistics in Context of Soft Time Windows
Authors: Zhao Wanying
Published: July 2021

In order to improve customer satisfaction and reduce the cost of vehicle logistics transportation, this paper adopts the mixed-integer programming model to analyze the delivery routes of vehicle logistics and make simulation and analysis based on the real delivery case. The results show that, compared with a single transportation scheme, the vehicle logistics optimization scheme based on the mixed-integer programming model is able to produce the optimal multimodal transportation plan, which can reduce the transportation costs, improve the service of transportation enterprises, and enhance their core competitiveness.
Optimization and Simulation of Labor Resource Management Information Platform Based on Internet of Things
Authors: Liang Gaoyang , Cao Peng , Liu Yang
Published: July 2021

This paper conducts an in‐depth analysis and research on the optimization of the labor resource management information platform through the Internet of Things (IoT) technology; through the collection, classification, and data search functions of this application system, it meets the supply and demand of professional talents within a certain enterprise. At the same time, it also realizes the curriculum training application on improving the skills and literacy of the employees of a certain enterprise, and it can learn the enterprise curriculum training from the comments of the employees on the enterprise curriculum. The effect of the enterprise course training can be learned from the comments of the employees on the enterprise course, providing an important reference basis for the future revision of the enterprise course training content. The performance of the participants in the training also has objective data for reference, so that the situation will not be disconnected from reality, and the interaction between enterprise management and employees can achieve a balanced effect. The goal of this workforce resource management system is to create a systematic workforce resource management platform for professional talents and help enterprises achieve the goal of speeding up and increasing efficiency. The system interface provided by the third party is used for horizontal data expansion to realize the sharing of basic information or video data as well as system expansion to realize real‐time monitoring and management of project works. The cloud platform realizes efficient management and scientific application of construction site projects by construction management departments, which better solves the current problem of lack of supervision at construction sites.
The Relationship between Serum Trace Elements and Oxidative Stress of Patients with Different Types of Cancer
Authors: Yang Yu-wei , Dai Chun-mei , Chen Xiao-hong , Feng Jia-fu
Published: July 2021

Objective. Many studies have identified causal and promotive roles of oxidative stress (OxS) and oxidative damage caused by OxS in the occurrence and progression of cancer. Many biomarkers in the blood circulation of patients may change correspondingly with the development of tumors. This study is aimed at investigating the correlation between OxS and serum trace element (TE) levels of patients with different types of cancer. Methods. 1143 different types of cancer patients and 178 healthy controls from Mar. 2018 to Aug. 2020 in Mianyang Central Hospital were involved in this study. Their levels of OxS parameters (including total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), and oxidant stress index (OSI)) and the concentrations of serum TEs (including Cu, Zn, Fe, and Se) were determined. Results. Compared with healthy controls, all types of cancer patients had higher TOS level (all Padj < 0.001) and OSI level (z = 6.228 ~ 9.909, all Padj < 0.001) and lower TAS level (all Padj < 0.001). Compared with healthy controls, the changes of four TE levels in serum were different in different types of cancer patients, among which Cu increased in all groups, but there was no statistical difference in gastric and brain cancer; Se decreased in all groups, but there was no statistical difference in gastric, colorectal, esophageal, and other cancer; Zn was significantly decreased in breast cancer patients (Padj < 0.001); there was no statistical difference in the change of Fe in liver, kidney, and other cancer. Spearman correlation showed that the change of Cu concentration was most closely related to the three OxS parameters and was strongly correlated in the observed several types of tumors (rs > 0.6). Multinomial logistic regression showed that the risks of different tumors are related to the level change of multiple TEs and OxS parameters (ORTOS = 1.19 ~ 2.82, OROSI = 2.56 ~ 4.70, ORTAS = 0.20 ~ 0.46, ORCu = 0.73 ~ 1.44, ORZn = 0.81 ~ 0.91, ORFe = 0.68 ~ 1.18, and ORSe = 0.22 ~ 0.45, all P < 0.006). Conclusions. The OxS exists in the occurrence and development of cancer, which may be related to the changes of certain trace elements. In order to evaluate OxS correctly, it is necessary to detect TAS and TOS and at the same time, their ratio OSI should be detected. Assessment of markers representing the overall level of OxS and TEs may guarantee improved the monitoring of disease occurrence and development risk in cancer patients.
Residual Life Prediction of Metro Traction Motor Bearing Based on Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Xu Yanwei , Cai Weiwei , Xie Tancheng , Zhao Pengfei
Published: July 2021

In order to solve the problem that a single type of sensor cannot fully reflect the bearing life information in the process of bearing residual life prediction of metro traction motor, a bearing residual life prediction method based on multi‐information fusion and convolutional neural network is proposed. Firstly, the vibration sensor and acoustic emission sensor are used to collect the bearing life signals on the bearing fatigue life test bench. Secondly, wavelet packet decomposition is used to denoise the collected bearing life signal and extract multiple eigenvalues. On this basis, the multiple eigenvalues are normalized, and the bearing degradation trend is analyzed. Finally, the collected bearing life is divided into five stages, and the processed multiple eigenvalues are fused and input into convolutional neural network for training and recognition. The results show that the probability of predicting the stage of bearing life based on multiple eigenvalues and convolutional neural network is more than 98%.
Synchronous Vibration Parameters Identification of Variable Rotating Speed Blades Based on New Improved Two‐Parameter Method without OPR Sensor
Authors: Zhang Liang , Yuan Huiqun , Li Xin
Published: July 2021

Blade tip‐timing is one of the most effective methods for blade vibration parameters identification of turbomachinery. Once‐per revolution (OPR) sensor is usually used to determine the rotating speed and as a time reference. However, the OPR sensor leads to a large measurement error or even failure, or it is difficult to install. A new improved two‐parameter method without the OPR sensor is proposed to identify the synchronous vibration parameters of variable rotating speed blades. Three eddy current sensors are required to identify the excitation order, vibration amplitude, resonance rotating speed frequency, resonance frequency, and the initial phase of the blades. Numerical simulation of blade synchronous vibration parameters identification is presented, and the identification error of the method is investigated. The simulation results show that the identification accuracy of this method is better than that of the traditional two‐parameter method and the improved method in reference, especially in the identification of the vibration initial phase. Experiments are conducted based on the blade tip‐timing vibration measurement system. The results indicate that the standard errors of vibration parameter identification results between the new method and the method in reference are smaller, except for the initial phase. It is consistent with the results of the simulation identification. The synchronous vibration parameter identification of variable rotating speed blades without the OPR sensor is achieved based on the new improved two‐parameter method.
Dual‐Channel Reasoning Model for Complex Question Answering
Authors: Cao Xing , Liu Yun , Hu Bo , Zhang Yu
Published: July 2021

Multihop question answering has attracted extensive studies in recent years because of the emergence of human annotated datasets and associated leaderboards. Recent studies have revealed that question answering systems learn to exploit annotation artifacts and other biases in current datasets. Therefore, a model with strong interpretability should not only predict the final answer, but more importantly find the supporting facts’ sentences necessary to answer complex questions, also known as evidence sentences. Most existing methods predict the final answer and evidence sentences in sequence or simultaneously, which inhibits the ability of models to predict the path of reasoning. In this paper, we propose a dual‐channel reasoning architecture, where two reasoning channels predict the final answer and supporting facts’ sentences, respectively, while sharing the contextual embedding layer. The two reasoning channels can simply use the same reasoning structure without additional network designs. Through experimental analysis based on public question answering datasets, we demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed method
Danggui Buxue Tang Ameliorates Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis by Suppressing the TLR4/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway in Rats
Authors: Wang Jiepeng , Wang Hao , Fang Fang , Fang Chaoyi , Wang Shaoxian , Lu Chenxi , Liu Na
Published: July 2021

Objective. To investigate the effects of Danggui Buxue Tang (DBT) on rats with pulmonary fibrosis (PF) and the underlying mechanism. Methods. Sixty specific pathogen-free (SPF) male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: control, PF, prednisone treatment, and DBT treatment. Intratracheal instillation of bleomycin (BLM) was performed to establish a PF rat model. DBT was administered to PF rats concurrently for 2 weeks. Lung samples were then collected for HE and Masson staining after pulmonary function testing, and semiquantitative analysis for the degree of alveolitis and fibrosis was performed using the Szapiel and Ashcroft score systems. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, hydroxyproline (HYP), hyaluronic acid (HA), and inflammatory cytokine content were measured. Western blotting was performed to detect fibrotic marker and TLR4/NLRP3 signaling pathway changes. Results. Oral administration of DBT attenuated weight loss, survival rate, and pulmonary index. Lung histopathologic lesions were also reduced. DBT inhibited PF by decreasing the secretion of inflammatory cytokines and collagen deposition. Specifically, DBT reduced tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), IL-6, HYP, alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen I, and collagen III levels. Corollary experiments identified a potential mechanism involving suppression of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway activation and the NLRP3/ASC/caspase-1 axis, the downstream regulatory pathway. Conclusion. DBT exhibited a potent effect on BLM-induced PF rats by inhibiting the TLR4/NLRP3 signaling pathway. Thus, DBT alleviates pulmonary inflammation to inhibit fibrotic pathology and should be considered as a candidate for the clinical treatment of PF.
Comparison of the Effect of Different Local Analgesia Administration Techniques in Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Retrospective Comparative Cohort Study
Authors: Hashimoto Akira , Sonohata Motoki , Kawaguchi Atsushi , Kii Sakumo , Hirata Hirohito , Mawatari Masaaki
Published: July 2021

Objective. To improve postoperative pain management, several authors have described the use of periarticular injection (PAI) or intra-articular injection (IAI) following total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, no comparative studies examining the results between PAI and IAI following THA have been published. This study aimed to evaluate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of PAI and IAI following THA. Methods. This single-center, retrospective cohort study enrolled patients who underwent unilateral primary THA. A total of 278 patients (281 hips) were included in the final analyses, with 112 patients (113 hips) in the control group, 85 patients (87 hips) in the PAI group, and 81 patients (81 hips) in the IAI group. Numeric rating scale (NRS) scores and laboratory data were assessed preoperatively and on postoperative days (POD) 1 and 7. Results. NRS scores, creatine phosphokinase, and C-reactive protein levels in the PAI and IAI groups were significantly lower than those in the control group on POD 1 and 7. D-dimer levels were significantly lower in the PAI and IAI groups than in the control group on POD 7. The white blood cell count was significantly higher in the PAI and IAI groups than in the control group on POD 1 and 7. Aspartate transaminase, alanine aminotransferase, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine levels were within the reference ranges in all three groups at all time points. NRS scores and laboratory data showed no significant differences between the PAI and IAI groups at all time points. Conclusion. PAI and IAI have equivalent analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Considering the technical challenges of PAI, IAI may be preferable because of its simplicity in the case of using a closed suction drain.
The Improving Effect and Safety of Probiotic Supplements on Patients with Osteoporosis and Osteopenia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 10 Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Zeng Liuting , Yu Ganpeng , Yang Kailin , Hao Wensa , Chen Hua
Published: July 2021

Aim. Probiotics are considered to be bone metabolism regulators, and their efficacy as an adjuvant treatment option for osteoporosis is still controversial. The purpose of this study is to compare the available data from randomized controlled trials (RCT) of probiotics in the treatment of osteoporosis and osteopenia. Methods. As of June 2021, databases such as Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and Central Cochrane Library have been used for English-language literature searches and CNKI and China Biomedical Database have been used for Chinese-language literature searches. RevMan 5.3 was used for bias risk assessment, heterogeneity detection, and meta-analysis. This research has been registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020085934). Results. This systematic review and meta-analysis included 10 RCTs involving 1156. Compared with the placebo, the absolute value of lumbar spine’s BMD was not statistically significant (WMD 0.04 (−0.00, 0.09),

P
=
0.07

, random effect model), while the percentage of lumbar spine’s BMD was higher (SMD 1.16 (0.21, 2.12),

P
=
0.02

, random effect model). Compared with the control group, the percentage of total hip’s BMD was not statistically significant (SMD 0.52 (−0.69, 1.73),

P
=
0.40

, random effect model). The safety analysis showed that, compared with control group, the adverse events in the experimental group were not statistically significant (RR 1.02 (0.92, 1.12),

P
=
0.70

, fixed effect model). Conclusion. Probiotics may be safety supplements to improve the lumbar spine’s BMD of patients with osteoporosis and osteopenia. More large-sample, random-controlled, high-quality RCTs are needed to further verify the effectiveness and safety of probiotics in intervening osteoporosis or osteopenia.
A Network Pharmacology Approach to Investigate the Mechanism of Erjing Prescription in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Wang Jiexin , Chu Haiqing , Li Hangying , Yang Wenqian , Zhao Yu , Shen Tong , Cary John , Zhang Liming
Published: July 2021

Erjing prescription (EJP) was an ancient formula that was recorded in the General Medical Collection of Royal Benevolence of the Song Dynasty. It has been frequently used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in the long history of China. The formula consists of Lycium barbarum L. and Polygonatum sibiricum F. Delaroche with a ratio of 1 : 1. This study aimed to identify the potential effects and mechanisms of EJP treatment T2DM. The target proteins and possible pathways of EJP in T2DM treatment were investigated by the approach of network pharmacology and real-time PCR (RT-PCR). 99 diabetes-related proteins were regulated by 56 bioactive constituents in EJP in 26 signal pathways by Cytoscape determination. According to GO analysis, 606 genes entries have been enriched. The PPI network suggested that AKT1, EGF, EGFR, MAPK1, and GSK3β proteins were core genes. Among the 26 signal pathways, the PI3K-AKT signal pathway was tested by the RT-PCR. The expression level of PI3K p85, AKT1, GSK3β, and Myc mRNA of this pathway was regulated by EJP. The study based on network pharmacology and RT-PCR analysis revealed that the blood sugar level was regulated by EJP via regulating the PI3K-AKT signal pathway. Plenty of new treatment methods for T2DM using EJP were provided by network pharmacology analysis.
Rational Supplier Selection Based on Two-Phase Deep Analysis considering Fuzzy QFD and Game Theory
Authors: Li Feng , Luo Senhao , Wang Yi , Wu Chia-Huei
Published: July 2021

Viewing from the perspective of a traditional manufacturing enterprise, the paper proposes a fuzzy comprehensive evaluation system model, which selects the most suitable supplier or suppliers to undertake the supply tasks and to achieve the purposes of reducing procurement costs and improving the supply quality and reliability, so as to fully meet customer demands. Based on decision-makers’ preferences and suppliers’ supply capabilities, subjective and objective weight of criteria are both developed for supplier selection with the corresponding weighting method, namely, quality function deployment (QFD) and entropy weight. Specially, the two-phase fuzzy QFD method combined with the trapezoidal fuzzy number (TFN) is creatively applied to realize the complicated conversion process. Furthermore, the game theory is employed to combine the advantages of the subjective and objective weighting method, by which the comprehensive weight can be determined. A numerical example is given to demonstrate the proposed modeling process. Through programming drawing images for comparative analysis and sensitivity analysis, study image trends, and draw conclusions, the proposed model effectively alleviates the weight deviation and has higher rationality and extensibility in supplier selection.
A Wireless Network Communication Capacity Control Technology Based on Fuzzy Wavelet Neural Network
Authors: Zheng Bing , Yun Dawei
Published: July 2021

The communication capacity control of the computer wireless network is the basis for realizing the efficient communication of massive data. In order to study the communication capacity control technology of the computer wireless network, improve the control effect of a large amount of data communication, and calculate the capacity of the wireless network in real time, this paper uses the fuzzy wavelet neural network to predict the wireless network channel. After the interference‐free channel is obtained, the load balancing strategy of the ant colony optimization algorithm is used to filter the channel, and the channel allocation sequence with the most balanced load distribution is obtained, and a priority selection list is generated. After discretizing the channels in the largest discretization selection list, the channel sequence is allocated to the pair of nodes with communication requests according to the greedy coloring algorithm, so as to realize the communication capacity control of the computer wireless network. The test results show that the technology can guarantee good communication performance in both static and dynamic networks and can effectively complete network communication of massive data, and the communication capacity control effect is good.
Exploring the relationships between shear zones and granites: field and microstructural data for contrasting case studies of the Borborema Province (NE Brazil)
Authors: Santos Lauro Cézar Montefalco de Lira , Viegas Luís Gustavo Ferreira
Published: July 2021

We discuss meso- and microstructural features of granites closely related to strike-slip shear zones in the Borborema Province, NE Brazil. The Riacho do Icó stock is an en-cornue intrusion aged at ca. 607 Ma. Magmatic fabric is recorded in the core of the granite, whilst increasing deformation is marked by the development of mylonitic fabrics towards the Afogados da Ingazeira shear zone, including magmatic foliation and lineation rotation. Early recrystallization of quartz and K-feldspar crystals is widespread as a fabric with well-developed granoblastic polygonal textures and lobate subgrain boundaries, heterogeneously deformed lenses and ameboid quartz ribbons, typical of igneous rocks submitted to deformation in deep crustal levels. On the other hand, the Espinho Branco-Santa Luzia leucogranitic belt is hosted along the Patos Lineament, aged between the ca. 575 – 565 Ma interval. These rocks show discordant relationships with the host migmatites and the main deformational fabric is characterized by a dominant magmatic foliation that is locally overprinted by structures that are typical of solid-state flow. Quartz melt pockets and interstitial quartz grains filling fractures in feldspar clasts are common. Such characteristics are compatible with granites that were injected in the continental crust along planar anisotropies (i.e., shear zones) formed during the late-stage partial melting events that originated the migmatites of the area. The case studies are proxies in the understanding of different episodes of magma emplacement along shear zones in this part of West Gondwana.
Os escritos episcopais e monásticos enquanto vestígios das movimentações políticas e sociais de Folcuíno de Lobbes (935-990) e Ratério de Verona (890-974)
Authors: Boldrini Vitor
Published: July 2021

A temática central do presente artigo é a discussão sobre as formas dos indivíduos ligados à Igreja se situarem politicamente ao longo do século X, período este marcado pelo desmembramento do Império Carolíngio. Para tanto, elegemos algumas obras do monge Folcuíno de Lobbes e do abade e bispo Ratério de Verona. Compartilhando por vezes experiências em comum, ambos estiveram diretamente envolvidos em disputas relativas à construção da autoridade sobre locais muito prestigiosos, como bispados e monastérios. Consideramos que os textos nos permitem elaborar hipóteses a respeito dos modos pelos quais eles procuraram defender seus respectivos interesses políticos. Assim, ao estabelecer uma estreita conexão entre os documentos e os momentos particulares das trajetórias dos seus autores, é possível observar como a edificação dos poderes no período dependia muito mais de relações interpessoais, pautadas por alianças políticas multifacetadas e redes de fidelidade mútuas, do que de papéis desempenhados em instituições centralizadas. Os caminhos trilhados por Folcuíno e Ratério revelam, enfim, algumas das atribuições de dois eclesiásticos, que recorriam a estratégias discursivas na defesa de valores sociais específicos.
Monarquias cristãs na Escandinávia medieval: as relações de poder na Óláfs saga Tryggvasonar de Oddr Snorrason
Authors: Balau Guilherme Tavares Lopes , Kmiecik Rodrigo
Published: July 2021

O objetivo deste trabalho é analisar a formação das monarquias cristãs e as relações de poder na Escandinávia medieval, especificamente na Noruega e na Islândia. Para tal propósito, utilizamos como fonte a Saga de Olaf Tryggvason (Óláfs saga Tryggvasonar), escrita pelo monge islandês Oddr Snorrason ao final do século XII. A abordagem é norteada pela Vorstellungsgeschichte (história das concepções), metodologia desenvolvida pelo historiador alemão Hans-Werner Goetz. Deste modo, buscamos compreender a percepção do passado que Oddr Snorrason demonstra na saga, suas noções de poder político e religioso, bem como a construção de Olaf Tryggvason como um modelo régio. Assim, demonstramos como essas relações de poder foram  percebidas, significadas e registradas na Idade Média.