bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Hidden Words Game on the EFL Students' Vocabulary Mastery
Authors: Mirta Intan Panca , Suryani Fitri Budi , Nuraeningsih Nuraeningsih
Published: May 2021

Teaching vocabulary to EFL students in this era can be a challenging task regarding their characteristic as the millenial generation. That’s why, the proper choice of media to teach is needed that will enable EFL students to learn vocabulary effectively. This study aims to find out if hidden words game application can increase English vocabulary mastery of the EFL students. The design of the research was quasi experimental using a single group model of pre-test and post-test. The population of the study was the seventh grade students of SMPN 2 Kudus with class D as the sample consisting of 32 students. The instrument of the research was multiple choice test. The research finding revealed that hidden words game application can increase the English vocabulary mastery of seventh graders.
USA at the Stage of Catch-Up Development
Authors: El’yanov A.
Published: May 2021

The author deals with the lessons of the period of the so-called catch-up development in the United States of America (XVIII – the beginning of XX century). The overall thrust of the social and economic progress of this relatively young nation was then determined by the aspiration to adopt technological, organizational and managerial achievements of more advanced economies of the Old World. The author stresses that without resorting to this period of the American history it is difficult to understand the reasons for the extraordinary economic and social take-off of the USA. The author examines the origins of the industrial recovery, the role of the government and the main directions of development policies at that stage. A conclusion is made that the United States succeeded in prudently managing the nation’s resources and the available incomes. By ensuring favorable conditions for life and business procedures the government greatly facilitated the creative forces and rapid economic progress.
Britain of David Cameron
Authors: Terentiev A.
Published: May 2021

A year ago the era of the Laborist’s ruling has ended in Britain. As a result of the one of the most intensive campaign over the past decade in Downing Street residence was the leader of the Conservative party. David Cameron's Britain is seen the author as the antipode to Brown’s one. According to experts, the two politicians are opposite directions of British political culture: an epicurean and puritanical. The author analyses the determinants of the coming to power of the Conservatives, the personal qualities of the new leader, the main directions of his domestic and foreign policies, including the prospects of relations with Russia.
Nuclear Arms: Blind Alley or Pause?
Authors: Arbatov A.
Published: May 2021

Signing and ratification of the new Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) by the U.S. and Russia in 2010–2011 inspired the adherents of interaction between two nations on arms reduction in both states, as well as in Western Europe and the rest of the world. Due to the new Treaty, in 2010 the summit of the leading states on nuclear materials and technologies security took place; a regular conference on the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NNPT) scrutiny went successfully. Many a one thought that after 10 years of stagnation it set the wheels in motion, and the world free from nuclear arms that the Presidents of both countries called for became a closer reality. But by the end of 2011, the optimism gradually gave place to a growing pessimism. During the ratification of the Treaty of Prague in Winter 2010–2011, both Parliaments raised reservation clauses as requirements for execution of the Treaty – almost diametrically opposed, and incompatible with the prolongation of negotiations on arms reduction. In the present article, the attempt is made to sort out the reasons of such drastic strategic "volte-face", and to suggest both ways out of deadlocks and ways to restore progressive advance in the matter of arms control, which is a binding condition for non-proliferation regimes enhancement.
USA AMD – Trust Undermining Potential
Authors: Anin A.
Published: May 2021

The article is devoted to an in-depth consideration of principal trends of the US AMD’s development. The author shows the cyclical nature of this process that exerts a substantial impact on the Russian-US relationships in the sphere of AMD, as well on other aspects of the arms’ control. The pendency of the problem of eventual structure of the US AMD system is extremely serious as long as it inhibits the search of the Russian response to the US preparations in the sphere of AMD.
Social Protests in Latin America in the Focus of Regional Internet Media and Social Networks
Authors: Kosevich E.
Published: May 2021

Received 10.03.2020. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the information on current social protests, which was published in the leading Latin American news websites and actively discussed on the social media platforms to identify the main causes of public discontent and the main problems discussed by Latin Americans. The first part of the paper provides an overview of the materials on the social movements of the fall of 2019, which were published in the news websites, which are the most popular in Latin America, and have the greatest influence, and the biggest Internet traffic volume. The second part is devoted to an overview of hashtags on the topic of mass protests that have gained huge popularity among Latin American users on the biggest social media platforms. A review of informational articles on the autumn social movements, which were published in the leading Latin American newspapers, revealed the main points of view on the factors and causes of these events, and the main problems discussed by Latin Americans. An appeal to various sources, both the countries in which the protests took place and the states that have passed such a crisis, will help readers to see the current socio-political situation in a new way. Acknowledgements. Support from the Individual Research Program of the School of World economy and International Affairs at National Research University – Higher School of Economics is gratefully acknowledged.
Building-Level Wastewater Monitoring for COVID-19 Using Tampon Swabs and RT-LAMP for Rapid SARS-Cov-2 RNA Detection
Authors: Bivins Aaron , Lott Megan , Shaffer Marlee , Wu Zhenyu , North Devin , Lipp Erin , Bibby Kyle
Published: May 2021

Community-level wastewater monitoring for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA has demonstrated useful correlation with both coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) case numbers and clinical testing positivity. Wastewater monitoring on college campuses has demonstrated promising predictive capacity for the presence and absence of COVID-19 cases. However, to date, such monitoring has largely relied upon composite or grab samples and reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) techniques, which limits the accessibility and scalability of wastewater monitoring. In this study, we piloted a workflow that uses tampons as passive swabs for collection and reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) to detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater. Results for the developed workflow were available same day, with a time to result following tampon swab collection of approximately three hours. The RT-LAMP 95% limit of detection (76 gene copies reaction-1) was greater than RT-droplet digital PCR (ddPCR; 3.3 gene copies reaction-1). Nonetheless, during a building-level wastewater monitoring campaign conducted in the midst of weekly clinical testing of all students, the workflow demonstrated a same-day positive predictive value (PPV) of 33% and negative predictive value (NPV) of 80% for incident COVID-19 cases. The NPV is comparable to that reported by wastewater monitoring using RT-qPCR. These observations suggest that even with lower analytical sensitivity the tampon swab and RT-LAMP workflow offers a cost-effective and rapid approach that could be leveraged for scalable same-day building-level wastewater monitoring for COVID-19.
Two-Dimensional Mathematical Model of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Transport in Concrete Carbonation Proses
Authors: -Hidayat Muhammad Nur , Kusuma Jeffry , Aris Naimah
Published: May 2021

A new two-dimensional mathematical model was developed to describe the transport phenomena of carbon dioxide in concrete structures. By treating transport phenomena as a concrete carbonation process, a two-dimensional linear partial differential equation was derived based on the principle of mass balance and convective-dispersive Equation. It was found the analytical solution by the separation of variables method combined with some substitution approaches. The numerical results are presented to illustrate the practical application of this model.
Analyzing The Effect of BI 7-Days Repo Rate on The Jakarta Composite Index Using Nonparametric Regression Approaches Based on Least Square Spline Estimator
Authors: Andreas Christopher , Harianto Feevrinna Yohannes , Safitri Elfhira Juli , Chamidah Nur
Published: May 2021

During the Covid-19 pandemic, the Indonesia stock market was under great pressure, so that the value of the Jakarta Composite Index (JCI) fluctuated greatly. To maintain economic stability, Bank Indonesia has regulated monetary policy such as setting the BI 7-Days Repo Rate. Analysis of this effect is important to formulate the right policy. This study aims to design the best model in describing the relationship between JCI value and BI 7-Days Repo Rate. The analysis was carried out by using parametric regression approach based on the ordinary least square method and nonparametric regression approach based on least square spline estimator. The results showed that the parametric regression models failed to meet the classical assumptions. Meanwhile, nonparametric regression can produce an optimal model with high accurate prediction, with an overall mean absolute percentage error value of 3.16%. Furthermore, mean square error, coefficient of determination, and mean absolute deviation also show good results. Thus, the effect of the BI 7-Days Repo Rate on the JCI value forms a quadratic pattern, in which a positive relationship is formed when the BI 7-Days Repo Rate is set at more than 4.25% and vice versa for a negative relationship.
The Estimation of Residual Variance in Nonparametric Regression
Authors: Wahab Abdul , Budiantara I Nyoman , Fitriasari Kartika
Published: May 2021

Given a nonparametric regression model

Yi = g(xi) + ei,    i = 1, 2, …, n,

where Y is a dependent variable, x is an independent variable, g is an unknown function and e is an error assumed to be an independent, identical, and is distributed with mean 0 and variance σ2. In this research Rice estimator is used to determine the biased value of a residual variance estimator. The Rice estimator is given as follows:

.

The biased value of residual variance estimator of the Rice method is:

, where  and.

Using the Rice estimator, the Tong-Wang residual variance estimator is obtained, that is:

,

Where   , , ,

, ,  k = 1, 2, … , m.

Based upon the data simulation by considering the exponential, arithmetical, and trigonometrical models, it is found that the MSE value of the Tong-Wang estimator tends to be less compared to those of the Rice estimator as well as the GSJ (Gasser, Sroka, and Jennen) estimator.
Optimum Complementary Control for Stable Systems of the Positive Linear Time Invariant
Authors: Putri Nurweni , Rina Iswan
Published: May 2021

The optimal control problem is defined as a problem in selecting a controller u(t) in a continuous linear system, so that it can provide the optimum value for a given objective function. The u(t) controller is expected to control the system so that it produces the desired output. In this research, it will be studied about how to select and construct the optimal controller u(t) in the Linear Time Invariant MIMO system positive stable, so that the given system will remain positive when given constant disturbance
Creating a Disaster Chain Diagram from Japanese Newspaper Articles Using Mechanical Methods
Authors: Sakahira Fumihiro , Hiroi U ,   IoE Business Department, KOZO KEIKAKU ENGINEERING Inc. 4-38-13 Hon-cho, Nakano-ku, Tokyo 164-0012, Japan,   Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
Published: May 2021

A new method for creating a chain diagram of events that occur during disasters by extracting causal knowledge from Japanese newspaper articles and designing a causal network is proposed herein. Machine learning discriminant models were created for both conventional cue phrases and succession expressions with causation to extract causal sentences. We found that causal sentences can be extracted with a certain degree of accuracy from disaster articles. We were also able to create a causal network using sentences as nodes and links. The chain diagram using our new method extracted events and causal knowledge that were unavailable in a disaster chain diagram designed using conventional methods.
Asymptotic Stabilization for a Class of Linear Fractional-Order Composite Systems
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Ushio Toshimitsu , Zhang Jing , Liu Feng , Ding Can ,   College of Electrical and Information Engineering, Hunan University  Changsha, Hunan 410082, China,   Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University 1-3 Machikaneyama, Toyonaka, Osaka 560-8531, Japan,   School of Automation, China University of Geosciences 388 Lumo Road, Hongshan District, Wuhan 430074, China
Published: May 2021

In this paper, we present the design for a decentralized control method comprising a series of local state feedback controllers for a class of linear fractional composite systems. In addition, the corresponding asymptotic stabilization criterion is derived. First, we design the local state feedback controllers for each subsystem of the linear fractional composite system. Then, based on the vector Lyapunov function, we combine these local state feedback controllers into a single decentralized controller through which the asymptotic stabilization criterion is proposed for the class of linear fractional composite system. Finally, numerical simulation of a class of linear fractional composite systems is used to verify the accuracy and effectiveness of the decentralized control method.
Analog Realization of Fractional-Order Capacitor and Inductor via the Caputo–Fabrizio Derivative
Authors: Ran Manjie ,   Automation Department, Beijing Institute of Technology No.5 South Street, Zhongguancun, Haidian District, Beijing 100081, China, Liao Xiaozhong , Lin Da , Yang Ruocen
Published: May 2021

Capacitors and inductors have been proven to exhibit fractional-order characteristics. Therefore, the establishment of fractional-order models for circuits containing such components is of great significance in practical circuit analysis. This study establishes the impedance models of fractional-order capacitors and inductors based on the Caputo–Fabrizio derivative and performs the analog realization of fractional-order electronic components. The mathematical models of fractional RC, RL, and RLC electrical circuits are deduced and verified via a comparison between the numerical simulation and the corresponding circuit simulation. The electrical characteristics of the fractional circuits are analyzed. This study not only enriches the models of fractional capacitors and inductors, but can also be applied to the description of circuit characteristics to obtain more accurate results.
Single-Phase Photovoltaic Grid-Connected Inverter Based on Fuzzy Neural Network
Authors: Xiao Shenping , Ou Zhouquan , Peng Junming , Zhang Yang , Zhang Xiaohu ,   College of Electrical and Information Engineering, Hunan University of Technology 88 Taishan Road, Tianyuan District, Zhuzhou City, Hunan 412007, China,   Key Laboratory for Electric Drive Control and Intelligent Equipment of Hunan Province 88 Taishan Road, Tianyuan District, Zhuzhou City, Hunan 412007, China
Published: May 2021

Based on a single-phase photovoltaic grid-connected inverter, a control strategy combining traditional proportional–integral–derivative (PID) control and a dynamic optimal control algorithm with a fuzzy neural network was proposed to improve the dynamic characteristics of grid-connected inverter systems effectively. A fuzzy inference rule was established after analyzing the proportional, integral, and differential coefficients of the PID controller. A fuzzy neural network was applied to adjust the parameters of the PID controller automatically. Accordingly, the proposed dynamic optimization algorithm was deduced in theory. The simulation and experimental results showed that the method was effective in making the system more robust to external disruption owing to its excellent steady-state adaptivity and self-learning ability.
Layered Literacies: Booktubing: Reader Response Meets 21st Century Literacies
Authors: Semingson Peggy , Mora Raúl Alberto , Chiquito Tatiana
Published: May 2021

The theme of this issue of The ALAN Review is focused globally on the world of young adult literature. As with previous Layered Literacies columns, our aim is to share emerging and excit-ing ways that youth are meaningfully engaging with digital tools and young adult novels. In this column, two of us from Medellín, Colombia (Raúl and Ta-tiana) and one of us from Texas in the United States (Peggy, the Layered Literacies column editor) share our mutual interest in booktubing. We provide an overview of booktubing, describe the characteristics of this medium of video-based expression, illustrate several cases of booktubing in global contexts, and of-fer concrete ways in which educators, librarians, and youth themselves can get started with and engage in this practice.
The Effect of Plasmonic Nanoparticles and the Thickness of Anode Interface Layer on the Efficiency Enhancement of Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Ahmadi Neda
Published: May 2021

We investigate the effect of nanoparticles (NPs) position on the optical parameters of organic solar cells (OSCs). We change the position of NPs inside the anode
interface layer (AIL) and active layer and study the role of NPs position in light
transmission, power absorption, short-circuit current density (Jsc), and maximum
generation rate. We also use silver (Ag) nanoparticles inside the anode interface
layer and investigate the optical parameters. Moreover, we study the role of AIL
thickness in light transmission and power absorption. We use finite-different timedomain (FDTD) method for all simulations. This study can be useful for new
perspectives and light management in organic solar cells.
A Formative Quality Improvement Implementation Study To Improve Care Transitions Through Information Capture Upon Admission To An Acute Mental Health Ward
Authors: Tyler Natasha , Wright Nicola , Gregoriou Kyriakos , Waring Justin
Published: May 2021

Background: Many interventions have been developed that aim to improve the transition from ward to community at the time of discharge, with varying success. Guidelines suggest that discharge planning should begin at admission, but in reality this is ideal rather than standard practice. This quality improvement aims to develop a novel intervention that improves mental health care transitions by providing a framework for capturing relevant information at admission that facilitates and accelerates discharge. Methods: A formative implementation study to co-design, implement and evaluate a novel tool that improves information capture upon admission to acute mental health wards within a single English National Health Service (NHS) trust. Two cycles of PDSA were completed which included two workshops based on the principles of co-design. During implementation the tool was piloted on three wards. Ethnographic observations (145 hours) and interviews (45) were used to evaluate the implementation of the tool across the three wards. The consolidated framework for implementation research was used to analyse and categorise the qualitative data generated. Results: The tool developed considerably as the process evolved. The finished product is a list of 10 information categories that should be captured from external agencies upon admission to facilitate discharge planning. The most reported advantages of the tool were: 1) facilitating confidence in junior staff to legitimately question the suitability of a patient for an acute ward 2) collecting and storing essential information in a single accessible place that can be used throughout the care pathway and 3) collecting information from the services/agencies that patients will eventually be discharged to. The consolidated framework analysis highlighted multiple barriers to implementation from both an outer and inner setting perspective. Conclusions: The results suggest that improving the quality of information captured upon admission has the potential to facilitate and accelerate discharge. The novel tool provides a framework for capturing this information that can be incorporated into existing information systems.
Anthropometry Study Using Adult Pelvic 3D CT for Determining Sexes at Dr. Soetomo General Hospital, Indonesia
Authors: Setiawati Rosy , Ruriana Ika , Priyambodo  , Guglielmi Giuseppe
Published: May 2021

Pelvic bones are the most reliable indicator of sex in adults because of its sexual dimorphism. Medical imaging modalities e.g. Computed Tomography (CT) provide data sources to examine modern human variation quantitatively. This study aims to determine pelvic anthropometry characteristics and logistic regression formula for adult sex identification obtained from pelvic 3D CT. This study was an observational analytical study with retrospective regression and cross-sectional approach. The population was all patients in Radiology Installation of Dr. Soetomo General Hospital, Surabaya, Indonesia, from September to December 2019 who underwent pelvic 3D CT examination. Then, age distribution and pelvic measurements data were obtained. In this case, statistical analysis was conducted for all the data obtained. A number of 204 samples were included in this study. Mean age of the patients was 50.23 ± 14.36 years. All radiologic components were also significantly different between sexes (p < 0.05) except for transverse diameter of sacral segment (p = 0.180). Moreover, eta test was performed and found that APOD, CPID, LIH, TPO, and SPA had the strongest correlation. Those variables were used for making statistical models with logistic regression as sex = (0,125 x CPID) – (0,180 x LIH) + (0,078 x SPA) + 8,912. The calculation result > 0 is a prediction for female while < 0 is a prediction for male. From logistic regression model calculation, a high validity value (91.05%) was found with 100% sensitivity to identify male sex and 81.1% specificity to identify female sex. There were differences on radiometric variable characteristics in pelvic anthropometric study. The regression formula for sex determination in adults using 3D-CT pelvic provides a pelvic model sex determination with higher validity and sensitivity for male identification, as well as higher a specificity for female identification
Study and Computer-aided Design of Flux-cored Wire Rolling in Round Gauges
Authors: Gribkov Eduard P. , Malyhin Serhii O. , Hurkovskaya Svetlana S. , Berezshnaya Elena V. , Merezhko Dmytro V.
Published: May 2021

The mathematical model of the stress-strain state during flux-cored wire rolling in round gauges has been developed. Simulation was based on dividing the deformation zone into elementary volumes and simultaneous solution of the plasticity condition for porous materials and power static equilibrium equation inside the elementary volume. A distinctive feature of this model is taking into account the porous medium strain in the deformation zone. The experiments have confirmed the validity of the mathematical model for predicting the powder density and the energy-power characteristics of the process. Based on the developed mathematical model, the criteria and conditions for optimization were formulated, and the algorithm was developed for the automated design of technology for flux-cored wire rolling in round gauges. As an example of the obtained solutions implementation, the calculation of sintered copper flux-cored wire rolling technology was given.
Economy and Pollution by CO2 Emissions - Kuznets Environmental Curve in Asia Pacific Countries
Authors: Ortiz-Paniagua Carlos Francisco , Mata Mario Nuno , Gómes Mario , Martins José Moleiro , González-Garcia Juan , Dantas Rui Miguel
Published: May 2021

The economies of the Asia Pacific region (APEC) are among the most dynamic, with the highest levels of commercial activity and environmental degradation in the world. One way to study trends in the relationship between the economy and pollution is the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC). This perspective assumed that in the long-term, higher levels of wealth would be achieve lower pollution levels. The aim was analyze whether the EKC behavior occurs for the APEC economies. The method used was an econometric model for carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and GDP. The results showed stationary unit root in first differences, this suggest the presence of EKC behavior was explained with a high probability level that the GDP coefficient would reach an inflection point to become negative and significant.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Contrast Transthoracic Echocardiography, Contrast Transcranial Doppler and Transesophageal Echocardiography in Patients Undergoing Patent Foramen Ovale Closure
Authors: Wang Kaijing , Ni Xianda , Wu Yuxin , Chen Chen
Published: May 2021

Purpose: To compare diagnostic accuracy of cTTE, cTCD and TEE in patients undergoing patent foramen ovale closure (PFO) so as to provide evidence for clinical decision-making.Methods: The clinical data of 140 patients with cerebral infarction or migraine who successfully underwent PFO closure or whose right cardiac catheterization results showed no PFO in our hospital were analyzed retrospectively, including clinical baseline, data of cTTE, cTCD and TEE.Results: Patients who successfully underwent PFO closure or whose right cardiac catheterization results showed no PFO were divided into group A and group B, respectively. The differences of the shunt in cTTE and cTCD, the diameter of PFO in TEE and the appearance of bubbles in cTTE were compared. The results showed that the proportion of medium-large shunt in group A was significantly higher than group B in resting cTCD, post-Valsalva cTCD and total cTCD respectively (67.35% VS 42.86%，P=0.004；100% VS 71.42%，P=0.0003；81.63% VS 51.43%，P=0.002). The proportion of medium-large shunt in group A was higher than group B in cTCD (75.90% VS 19.35%，P＜0.001). The diameters of PFO of group A were larger than group B in TEE (2.18±0.78 VS 1.19±0.78，P＜0.001). Take the successful PFO closure as the state variable. The ROC curves of cTTE, cTCD and TEE were made, and the results showed that cTCD and TEE had better sensitivity and specificity. The proportion of appearance of bubbles within 5 cardiac cycles in cTTE in group A was significantly higher than group B (73.47% VS 42.86%，P=0.005).Conclusions: For the patients with PFO to be occluded, the success rate of operation could be improved by selecting patients with larger shunt, larger diameter of foramen ovale and shorter interval in the appearance of bubbles. Otherwise, there was perhaps no PFO. cTCD and TEE had better diagnostic value for PFO closure than that of cTTE.
Dietary quality indices modify the effects of apolipoprotein B polymorphisms on cardio-metabolic risk factors in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Karimi Elmira , Sotoudeh Gity , Rafiee Masoumeh , Koohdani Fariba
Published: May 2021

We tried to identify the interaction between dietary quality indices and apolipoprotein B Ins/Del and EcoR1 polymorphisms on cardio-metabolic risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This cross-sectional study recruited 700 adults with T2DM in Tehran. The genotypes of Ins/Del and EcoR1 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) were explored via polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Dietary quality index-international (DQI-I), healthy eating index-2015 (HEI-2015) and dietary phytochemical index (DPI) were calculated by semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). In both crude and adjusted model for confounding factors, we observed significant interactions between DQI-I and Ins/Del SNP on leptin in and 8-iso-prostaglandin F2 α (8-iso-PGF2α), DPI and EcoR1 SNP on total cholesterol (TC) and between Ins/Del SNP and HEI-2015 on interleukin-18 (IL-18). Furthermore, in crude model there were close to meaningful interactions between EcoR1 SNP and DQI-I on total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and between EcoR1 SNP and HEI-2015 on serum leptin and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels. Our finding indicated that the association between DQI-I, HEI-2015 and DPI with IL-18, TC, leptin and 8-iso-PGF2α in patients with T2DM might be dependent on Ins/Del and EcoR1 variants in ApoB gene.
Cardiac Involvement in Patients Recovered From COVID-19 Identified Using Left Ventricular Longitudinal Strain
Authors: Caiado Luiz Darcy Cortez , de Azevedo Nathalia Caiado , Azevedo Rafael R. C. , Caiado Brasil R.
Published: May 2021

Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) has been associated with subclinical myocardial dysfunction during its acute phase and a recurring pattern of reduced basal left ventricular longitudinal strain on speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) in hospitalized patients. But a question still remains unanswered: speckle tracking echocardiography might also be suitable to detect residual myocardial involvement after acute stage of COVID-19? Methods and results: We studied 100 patients recovered from COVID-19 with STE to evaluate global (GLS) and segmentar longitudinal strain (LS) and compared with a control group of 100 healthy individuals. STE was performed at a median of 130.35 +/- 76.06 days after COVID-19 diagnostic. Demographic and echocardiographic parameters are similar in both groups. Left ventricular ejection faction (LVEF) and GLS were normal in COVID-19 patients (66.20 +/- 1.98% and -19.51 +/- 2.87%, respectively). A reduction in mean LS for the basal segments was found in COVID-19 (16.48 +/- 5.41%) when compared to control group (19.09 +/- 4.31%) (p<0.001). Conclusion: The present study suggests that COVID-19 induced cardiac involvement could persist after recovery of the disease and may be detected by deformation abnormalities using STE. COVID-19 induced myocardial involvement often shows specific LV deformation patterns due to pronounced edema and/or myocardial damage in basal LV segments.
The Dynamic Amplification Effect of A Site with Earth Fissures: A Case Study in the Taiyuan Basin, China
Authors: Chang Jiang , Deng Yahong , Cao Ge , Xuan You , He Nainan , Zhao Xunchang , Mu Huangdong
Published: May 2021

As a widespread geological hazard, the disaster development process of earth fissures is irreversible and difficult to control, which seriously affects the construction and safe operation of engineering facilities. However, few clear conclusions and special regulations have been given regarding the influence of earth fissures on the dynamic response characteristics of a site and earthquake prevention and disaster reduction measures. Therefore, the microtremor was used instead of earthquake motions to reveal the dynamic response of a site with fissures. The earth fissures in the Taiyuan Basin, which exhibit a large amount of activity, were used as examples. In order to reveal the dynamic response from several aspects, four methods, including the Fourier spectrum, the horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio (HVSR), the response acceleration, and the Arias intensity, were employed. The results show that the spectrum peaks increase sharply at an earth fissure and return to a stable value approximately 20–25 m away from the fissure, indicating that the earth fissures have an amplification effect on the dynamic response of the site. Additionally, a greater amplification occurs on the hanging wall of the earth fissure. The influence range of the dynamic response of site can be divided into four areas. Suggestions on the seismic fortification intensity and setback distances were also proposed. The amplification mechanism was summarized as the coupling of the changes in the soil properties caused by earth fissure activity, the catadioptric effect of the earth fissure interface, and the multiple amplifications caused by secondary fissures.
Clean Air Act mitigate the cognitive deterioration in older adults
Authors: Yao Yao , Lv Xiaozhen , Qiu Chengxuan , Li Jiajianghui , Wu Xiao , Zhang Hao , Yue Dahai , Eshak Ehab , Anstey Kaarin , Livingston Gill , Xue Tao , Zhang Jim , Wang Huali , Zeng Yi
Published: May 2021

Air pollution may accelerate cognitive aging, it is unclear whether large-scale interventions by Clean Air Act can mitigate the cognitive deterioration. Here, we conducted a difference-in-differences analysis based on Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey during 2014 and 2018. Intervention group came from where the government set a strict target of reducing air pollution, whereas control group lived in areas without reduction target. Global cognitive functions were measured using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). We found the intervention group with implementing Clean Air Act had a significantly smaller decline in MMSE score compared to the control group. Interquartile increases in PM2.5 and SO2 concentrations were significantly associated with a faster decline of MMSE score by 1.78 and 0.92 points, respectively. Implementing stringent clean air policies, especially in low- and middle-income countries may mitigate the risk of cognitive aging in older people.
WITHDRAWN: Few-shot Learning on the Diagnosis of Lymphatic Metastasis of Lung Carcinoma
Authors: Teng Haohua , Zhang Weidong , Wei Jinzhi , Lv Lei , Tang Licheng , Fu Chi-Cheng , Cai Yumeng , Qin Gang , Ye Min , Fang Qu , Han Yuchen
Published: May 2021

Background：Lymph node metastasis of lung cancer plays an important part in lung cancer diagnosis since its close relationship with patients’ prognosis and subsequent treatment, however, diagnosis of lymph node metastases often was tedious and takes too much time for pathologists. Automatized classification with few-shot learning algorithms is required for clinical situations that only unbalanced and small datasets can be collected. We developed a few-shot learning algorithms for automatized classification of lymphatic metastasis of lung carcinoma from Whole Slide Images (WSIs) through a deep convolutional neural network (DCNN).Material and methods: Lymph node slides of patients with lung cancer collected from July to December 2018 were reviewed and used for model development retrospectively. A total of 1701 lymph node slides from 453 lung cancer patients with different histological types were enrolled. Each slide could provide a different number of patches, in which 6, 8, 10, 20, and 30 positive patches and 12, 16, 20, 40, and 60 negative patches for training and validation, respectively. A total of 1577 WSIs were used. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis of the model was performed for estimating the performance and compared to the traditional deep learning approach Resnet34.Results: Deep learning methods, when trained with very few shots (6 positive/12 negative, 8 positive/16 negative, and 10 positive/20 negative patches), the traditional deep learning approach Resnet34 was outperformed by our Aitrox model. When the dataset was raised to 20 positive/40 negative patches, similar performance was achieved with AUC 0.5895 (95% CI, 0.5833-0.5910) for Resnet34 and 0.6124 (95% CI, 0.6077-0.6147) for our Aitrox model. Resnet34 over-performed our Aitrox model (AUC=0.6450 [95%CI, 0.6397-0.6470]) with an AUC of 0.7481 (95%CI, 0.7120-0.7485) when the training and validation dataset was raised to 30 positive/60 negative patches.Conclusions: This proposed few-shot method may address AI approaches to the diagnosis of lymphatic metastasis of lung carcinoma and other kinds of carcinoma in the future.
Effects of Proton Pump Inhibitor on Gastroesophageal Varices of Cirrhosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Chen Xiaoning , Zhou Tao , Zhou Ting , Li Yueyue , Sun Xin , Cheng Baoquan , Zhong Ning , Lu Xuefeng , Gao Yanjing
Published: May 2021

BackgroundThe use of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) for gastroesophageal varices in patients with cirrhosis after endoscopic therapy remains controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of PPI on gastroesophageal varices in patients with cirrhosis after endoscopic therapy, including variceal bleeding and adverse events.MethodsBetween May 2017 and June 2019, cirrhotic patients with gastroesophageal varices confirmed by endoscopy were considered for enrollment in this study. Eligible subjects were randomized into two groups: one group received PPI for 14 days and the other group did not undergo PPI treatment. Patients were followed up for 8 weeks.ResultsDuring the follow-up period, three patients (3/53, 5.66%) in the PPI group experienced variceal bleeding on day 9, 16, and 25 after endoscopic therapy, including one patient with primary prophylaxis and two with acute bleeding. In the non-PPI group, three patients (3/56, 5.66%) suffered from variceal bleeding on day 7, 42, and 56 after endoscopic therapy, including two patients with secondary prophylaxis and one with acute bleeding (P>0.99). The rate of adverse events was similar between the two groups (38% vs. 28%, P=0.30). Furthermore, the average hospitalization expense of patients in the PPI group was higher than that of patients in the non-PPI group ($2305 vs. $3096, P<0.001).ConclusionsPPI does not appear to reduce variceal bleeding and adverse events in patients with cirrhosis after endoscopic therapy.Trial registration: This trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT 03175731, 05/06/2017).
In Vitro Study of the Effect of HBV Infection on Early Embryonic Development
Authors: Ye Feng , Cui Zixin , Kong Ying , Shi Lei , Li Jianzhou , Zhang Xi , Yang Xueliang , Liu Xiaojing , Lin Shumei , Chen Yunru
Published: May 2021

Objective: This study aimed to clarify the infection state of early embryos by HBV and the effect of HBV infection on embryo development. Methods: In vitro culture was carried out on the fresh surplus embryos from infertile couples on the third day (D3) who received routine in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) treatment. The embryo cells were infected in vitro by the serum of HBV infected patients with different viral loads. HBsAg quantity in the supernatant secreted by embryo and HBV mRNA in embryo cells were detected. The development of embryo cells after HBV infection was evaluated by embryo morphological parameter score and fragment score in embryo cells. Results: From May 2013 to July 2015, 238 cases of D3 fresh surplus embryos from 120 infertile couples and 128 samples of embryo culture supernatant were collected. The HBsAg positive rate in the supernatant of embryos in the high viral load infection group was significantly higher than that in the low viral load infection group (40.0% vs.15.6%, p<0.05). HBV mRNA was detected in 2 of 17 HBsAg positive embryos. The scores of embryos in the high load HBV culture solution group were higher than those in the low load group (p=0.04). There was one formed blastocyst in low load HBV culture group, but there was no blastocyst formation in all embryo cells of high load group (p<0.001).Conclusion: The results suggest that embryo cells can be directly infected by HBV in vitro. HBV infection affects the development of embryos.
Radiographer-led Discharge for Emergency Care Patients, Requiring Projection Radiography of Minor Musculoskeletal Injuries: a Scoping Review
Authors: Shepherd Jenny , Lourida Ilianna , Meertens Robert M.
Published: May 2021

BackgroundPressure on emergency departments (ED) from increased attendance for minor injuries has been recognised in the United Kingdom. Radiographer-led discharge (RLD) has potential for improving efficiency, through radiographers trained to discharge patients or refer them for treatment at the point of image assessment. This review aims to scope all RLD literature and identify research assessing the merits of RLD and requirements to enable implementation.MethodsWe conducted a scoping review of studies relating to RLD of emergency care patients requiring projection radiography of minor musculoskeletal injuries. MEDLINE, Embase and CINAHL, relevant radiography journals and grey literature were searched. Articles were reviewed and the full texts of selected studies were screened against eligibility criteria. The data were extracted, collated and a narrative synthesis completed. ResultsNine studies with varying study designs were included in the review. The small number of studies was possibly due to a generally low research uptake in radiography. The main outcome for five studies was reduced length of stay in ED, with recall and re-attendance to ED a primary outcome in one study and secondary outcome for three other studies. The potential for increased capacity for ED staff was recognised. Radiographers identified a concern regarding the risk of litigation and incentive of increased salary when considering RLD. The studies were broadly radiographer focussed, despite RLD spanning ED and Radiology.ConclusionThere were a low number of RLD active radiographers, likely to be motivated individuals. However, RLD has potential for generalisability with protocol variations evident, all producing similar positive outcomes. Understanding radiography and ED culture could clarify facilitators for RLD to be utilised more sustainably into the future. Cost effectiveness studies, action research within ED, and cluster randomised controlled trial with process evaluation are needed to fully understand the potential for RLD. The cost effectiveness of RLD may provide financial support for training radiographers and increasing their salary, with potential future benefit of reduction in workload within ED. RLD implementation would require an inter-professional approach achieved by understanding ED staff and patient perspectives and ensuring these views are central to RLD implementation.
Translation and Cross-cultural Adaptation of the Orbach & Mikulincer Mental Pain Scale Among Patients With Depression in China
Authors: Cheng Yin , Chen Shuyan , Zhao Weiwei , Wang Tingting , Zhang Ge , Wang Zhaoqin , Zhang Yanhong
Published: May 2021

Background Orbach & Mikulincer Mental Pain Scale assessment will be useful in identifying psychological pain level and in evaluating suicide risk. Due to the lack of a psychometrically valid tool in China, this study aims to translate the Orbach & Mikulincer Mental Pain Scale into Chinese and transculturally adapt the scale for the assessment of psychological pain of patients with depression.Methods Translators converted English version of the instrument into Chinese according to the Brislin translation model. A two-round Delphi survey with seven experts in psychiatry, psychology and psychiatric nursing established a consensus on the Chinese version of the Orbach & Mikulincer Mental Pain Scale. Reconciled version was pretested in interviews with thirty depressed patients before finalization.Results The prefinal Chinese version of the Orbach & Mikulincer Mental Pain Scale consisted of nine dimensions and 44 items. Effective recovery rates of two rounds of Delphi survey were both 100% and the authority coefficients were 0.871, 0.836, respectively. For the content validity, I-CVI, S-CVI/Ave in this study were 0.86-1, 0.97, respectively. During the translation, approximately 22.73% of all items were considered to be difficult to translate and 83.33% of all participants thought that these items were important. A total of thirty participants who were recruited from psychiatric department and medical psychological department of one tertiary psychiatric hospital in China took part in cognitive interviews. Most participants (n=26, 86.67%) reported that the items were easy understanding.Conclusion Chinese version of the Orbach & Mikulincer Mental Pain Scale was translated and transculturally adapted for use in clinical setting. This is an available instrument to evaluate psychological pain level and it is highly meaningful to include the psychological pain instrument for suicide risk.
Computational Exploration of Spectroscopic and Hydrogen Bonding Analysis of Direct Orange 26 Dye in Combination with Experimental and TD-DFT Calculations.
Authors: Zayed Mohamed A. , Noamaan Mahmoud A , Abo-Ayad Zahraa A.M
Published: May 2021

The importance of this study stems from, it concentrates on new approach applying both practical and theoretical aspects to study structure of Direct orange dye 26 (DO-26) as an important dye widely used for dyeing of cotton or viscose for red orange direct printing. It also can be used for silk, wool, polyvinyl alcohol, polyamide fiber fabric and pulp dyeing. It proficiently compare practical with theoretical results of structural identification of the given important dye, via carful inspection of various phenomena detected in its two symmetrical arms around urea center. Direct orange dye 26 (DO-26) structure has been studied applying both practical spectroscopic and theoretical investigations. DFT-B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) calculations are performed to investigate its structure, and the electronic vibrational properties. Correlation is found between experimental and calculated data. An intra-molecular hydrogen bonding interaction had been detected and characterized in dye skeleton using Atoms-in-molecule analysis employment. The hydrogen bonding present in the dye structure affecting its vibrational properties had been discussed. Natural population analysis like HOMO and LUMO and high quality molecular electrostatic potential plots along with various electronics had been presented at the same level of theory. Chemical reactivity descriptors from conceptual density functional theory point of view, structure activity relationship descriptor were obtained. The experimental UV/Visible and FT-IR spectral data of the dye DO-26 (D1) had been presented. These data had been supported by TD-DFT calculations to simulate the experimental spectra with computing the natural transition orbitals (NTO) and the orbital composition. The variation of charge transfer length (Δr) and variation in its dipole moment with respect to ground state (ΔmCT) had been computed in order to study the charge redistribution due to the excitations. Actually there is a problem that, degradation of this dye in wastewater by different techniques leads to various unknown fragments but on using theoretical possibilities it can be expected what happened in practical work.
Simulation and Experimental Research on the Cooling Medium of Diamond Single Particles and Beads Cutting Reinforced Concrete
Authors: Zhang Lan , Pang Yongyin , Liu Ming , Wang Liquan , Sha Xianbin , Xiao Yue
Published: May 2021

Diamond wire saw is the first choice for the demolition of reinforced concrete walls and is expected to work from top to bottom for a couple of weeks. However, the service life of the machine is greatly affected by dry operating conditions. What’s more, the thick and high walls make the effective cooling of working diamond wire saws even harder. To tackle the cooling problem in the work, not only was the cutting heat generated during the cutting process calculated to provide a theoretical basis for the simulation and experiments, but the FEM software AdvantEdge was used to simulate the cutting process. By applying four different cooling media and comparing the temperature change of the cutting zone as well as the force of the diamond particles, the best cooling scheme was obtained. What’s more, the effectiveness of the cooling medium in the simulation process was experimentally verified. In the end, microscopic wear of the diamond particles was observed by Scanning Electron Microscope to study the impact of different cooling media. The proposed cooling scheme is of major significance for the dismantling of decommissioned nuclear facilities with diamond wire saws.