bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research Progress on the GIP/GLP-1 Receptor Coagonist Tirzepatide, a Rising Star in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Ma Zijun , Jin Kaiqin , Yue Mengmeng , Chen Xin , Chen Jun
Published: April 2023

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic progressive metabolic disease that has become a growing health problem worldwide, and the dangers of hyperglycemia and its chronic complications have long been considered a goal of diabetes treatment. In recent years, tirzepatide has become the first dual GIP/GLP-1R agonist approved for the treatment of diabetes mellitus in the United States as a new hypoglycemic medicine. Its hypoglycaemic and weight loss effects have been demonstrated in several large clinical trials, and there is also evidence that it has great potential for cardiovascular protection. In addition, the very concept of synthetic peptides opens up many unknown possibilities for tirzepatide. Ongoing trials (NCT04166773) and evidence suggest that it appears to be a promising drug in the areas of NAFLD, renal, and neuroprotection. Based on preclinical studies and clinical trials, the aim of this article is to discuss the latest clinical developments in tirzepatide, to focus on its differences with other incretin therapies, and to suggest future possibilities and mechanisms of tirzepatide therapy.
Measurements and Analyses of 4G/5G Mobile Broadband Networks: An Overview and a Case Study
Authors: El-Saleh Ayman A. , Al Jahdhami Majan Abdullah , Alhammadi Abdulraqeb , Shamsan Zaid Ahmed , Shayea Ibraheem , Hassan Wan Haslina
Published: April 2023

Mobile data has become an integral part of everyday life, making Internet trends more and more profound and deeply embedded in life and the future. Mobile broadband (MBB) is one of the main aims of fifth-generation (5G) networks due to unprecedented growth in data demand. However, 5G networks are not yet deployed in many countries, whereas existing MBB networks, such as third generation (3G) and fourth generation (4G), are available in most world countries. As a result, there is a need to monitor and troubleshoot end-to-end network performance and ensure a better user experience. This paper provides an overview of MBB networks in terms of deployment environments, performance metrics, and implementation scenarios. It highlights the most important criteria for assessing MBB performance and the applications and measurement methods utilized, such as external and internal measurements and the classification of geographical areas. In addition, it provides measurement-based performance analyses of two existing mobile network operators (MNOs) (Omantel and Ooredoo) in the Sultanate of Oman. This performance analysis uses data measurements in various indoor and outdoor environments in five cities (Muscat, Ibra, Sur, Bahla, and Al kamil Wal Wafi). Several performance metrics are considered, such as signal level and quality, throughput, ping rate, and handover. Experimental results demonstrate that the 4G networks were the dominant networks in all measured locations for indoor and outdoor scenarios. Moreover, 5G data measurements are also recorded in the capital city of Oman, Muscat. The results of the 5G measurements show that both MNOs achieved a higher data rate with a lower ping rate.
Prevalence, Contamination Level, and Associated Factors of Methicillin‐Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Raw Cow Milk at Selected Districts of Gamo Zone, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Alembo Edget Abayneh , Tonjo Torka Tomas
Published: April 2023

Staphylococcus aureus is pathogenic bacterium contaminating milk and milk products causing bacterial food poisoning. In the current study sites, there is no information on methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Thus, the current study sought to assess the risk factors that contribute to the contamination of raw cow milk, the bacterial load, and the prevalence of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aurous. A cross‐sectional study was conducted, January to December, 2021, on randomly selected 140 milk samples from selling point of Arba Minch Zuria and Chencha districts. Fresh milk samples were processed and tested for bacterial load, bacterial isolation, and methicillin susceptibility patterns. Questionnaire survey was conducted on 140 producers and collectors to assess hygienic factors attributed to contamination of raw cow milk with Staphylococcus aureus. The overall prevalence of S. aureus was 42.1% (59/140) (95% confidence interval (CI): 34.80–51.40%). About 15.6% (22/140) of the milk samples assessed had the viable count and total S. aureus count higher than 5log cfu/mL with 5.3 + 1.68 and 1.36 + 1.7log cfu/ml−1 bacterial loads, respectively. The rate of isolation of S. aureus was significantly high in milk from highland than lowland (p = 0.030). The multivariable logistic regression revealed that educational status (OR: 6.00; 95% CI: 4.01–8.07), picking one’s nose while working on milk (OR: 1.41; 95% CI: 0.54–2.25), cleaning the milk can (OR: 4.5; 95% CI: 2.61–5.17), hand washing activities (OR: 3.4; 95% CI: 1.670–6.987), check for abnormal milk (OR: 2; 95% CI: 1.55–2.75), and container for milk (OR: 3; 95% CI: 0.12–0.67) were risk factors significantly associated with the occurrence of S. aureus in milk. In conclusion, the highest rate of resistance was observed to ampicillin (84.7%) and cefoxitin (76.3%). All isolates are resistant to at least two types of antimicrobial drugs, while 65.0% of the isolates were found to be multidrug‐resistant. The higher prevalence, high load, and antimicrobial resistance of S. aureus indicate the higher public health risk due to the widespread consumption of raw milk in the area. Furthermore, consumers in the study area should be aware of the risks associated with consuming raw milk.
Optical Solitons and Single Traveling Wave Solutions for the Fiber Bragg Gratings with Generalized Anticubic Nonlinearity
Authors: Chen Dan , Li Zhao
Published: April 2023

This paper retrieves the vector-coupled version of the generalized anticubic nonlinearity model in fiber Bragg gratings. With the help of the trial equation approach and the complete discriminant system for polynomial, nine families of the optical solitons solutions and single traveling wave solutions for the fiber Bragg gratings with generalized anticubic nonlinearity are obtained. Under specific parameter values, three-dimensional diagrams, two-dimensional diagrams, density plots, and contour plots of the obtained solutions are displayed. Moreover, the solutions obtained in the paper further demonstrated their accurate physical behaviors.
Research on Flexible Resource Dynamic Interactive Regulation Technology for Microgrids with High Permeable New Energy
Authors: Chen Songsong , Zhang Lutao , Zhou Ying , Chen Ke , Wang Zhongdong , Xie Lihui
Published: April 2023

The efficiency of on-site consumption of new energy and the economy of dispatching strategy for that in modern microgrids are increasingly concerning, which are closely related to the microgrid control model with source-load uncertainty. To this end, this paper proposes the multiagent hierarchical IQ (λ)-HDQC regulation strategy to realize the source-load-storage-charging collaborative control of the microgrid model with high-permeable new energy. The first layer adopts the IQ (λ) strategy, which avoids the overestimation and underestimation problems of traditional reinforcement learning by the coupled estimation method. The second layer adopts the HDQC allocation strategy, which solves the problem of low utilization of new energy in the proportional allocation method and improves the adaptability of the regulation strategy in the complex stochastic environment. The interaction of the two-layer strategies realizes the source-network-load-storage-charge global dynamic interactive regulation of microgrids. Indicators of energy efficiency are constructed in this paper to measure the simulation results. And the superiority of the proposed strategy is verified through the simulation results of the microgrid system.
High-Flow Nasal Cannula versus Noninvasive Ventilation in AECOPD Patients with Respiratory Acidosis: A Retrospective Propensity Score-Matched Study
Authors: Wang Meng , Zhao Feifan , Sun Lina , Liang Ying , Yan Wei , Sun Xiaoyan , Zhou Qingtao , He Bei
Published: April 2023

Background. Limited data are available about the clinical outcomes of AECOPD patients with respiratory acidosis treated with HFNC versus NIV. Methods. We conducted a retrospective study to compare the efficacy of HFNC with NIV as initial ventilation support strategy in AECOPD patients with respiratory acidosis. Propensity score matching (PSM) was implemented to increase between-group comparability. Kaplan–Meier analysis was utilized to evaluate differences between the HFNC success, HFNC failure, and NIV groups. Univariate analysis was performed to identify the features that differed significantly between the HFNC success and HFNC failure groups. Results. After screening 2219 hospitalization records, 44 patients from the HFNC group and 44 from the NIV group were successfully matched after PSM. The 30-day mortality (4.5% versus 6.8%,

p
=
0.645

) and 90-day mortality (4.5% versus 11.4%,

p
=
0.237

) did not differ between the HFNC and NIV groups. Length of ICU stay (median: 11 versus 18 days,

p
=
0.001

), length of hospital stay (median: 14 versus 20 days,

p
=
0.001

), and hospital cost (median: 4392 versus 8403 $USD,

p
=
0.001

) were significantly lower in the HFNC group compared with NIV group. The treatment failure rate was much higher in the HFNC group than in the NIV group (38.6% versus 11.4%,

p
=
0.003

). However, patients who experienced HFNC failure and switched to NIV showed similar clinical outcomes to those who first received NIV. Univariate analysis showed that log NT-proBNP was an important factor for HFNC failure (

p
=
0.007

). Conclusions. Compared with NIV, HFNC followed by NIV as rescue therapy may be a viable initial ventilation support strategy for AECOPD patients with respiratory acidosis. NT-proBNP may be an important factor for HFNC failure in these patients. Further well-designed randomized controlled trials are needed for more accurate and reliable results.
Secure Control Using Homomorphic Encryption and Efficiency Analysis
Authors: Pan Jingshan , Sui Tongtong , Liu Wen , Wang Jizhi , Kong Lingrui , Zhao Yue
Published: April 2023

In order to enhance the cyber-security of networked control systems, Kogiso and Fujita (2015) proposed a concept of controller encryption using homomorphic encryption for the first time. Encrypted linear controllers using a homomorphic encryption scheme could conceal the information processed inside the controller device and maintain the original functions of controllers. In this paper, we propose a scheme to encrypt the linear controller using the BGN encryption, which supports homomorphic addition and multiplication. We also compare the efficiency of this scheme with the scheme with an encrypted controller using RSA encryption and Paillier encryption.
Recovery of Palladium from Acidic Solution Using Polyethylenimine-Crosslinked Calcium Silicate Hydrate Derived from Oyster Shell Waste: Adsorption and Mechanisms
Authors: Kang Su Bin , Wang Zhuo , Won Sung Wook
Published: April 2023

In this work, a new adsorbent with effective Pd(II) adsorption ability was synthesized using an oyster shell and fumed silica as the matrix materials and polyethyleneimine as the functional ligand. The adsorption performance of the developed adsorbent was evaluated for the recovery of palladium chloride ions (Pd(II)) from strong acid solutions. To understand the characteristics of the materials used in the study, samples were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and zeta potential analysis. Zeta potential analysis revealed that the isoelectric point of polyethylenimine-crosslinked calcium silicate hydrate (PEI-CSH) was 9.85. Isotherm experiments revealed that the maximum Pd(II) uptake estimated by the Langmuir model was 156.03 mg/g, which was 22.4 and 35.6 times higher than that of the oyster shell powder (OSP) and calcium silicate hydrate (CSH), respectively. The Pd(II) adsorption equilibrium was established in 180 minutes, according to kinetic experiments. These results suggested the possibility of Pd(II) recovery from oyster shell-based adsorbent. Through five adsorption and desorption cycles, the reusability of PEI-CSH was confirmed. PEI-CSH can therefore be considered a potential adsorbent for Pd(II) recovery.
A TDOA/AOA Hybrid Positioning Based on Improved Sparrow Search Algorithm for Mobile Position Estimation
Authors: Hu Zhongyi , Lu Dongwan , Xu Minghai , Tong Yinsheng , Ma Hanjie , Yue Yinggao
Published: April 2023

To address the difficulty in calculating the nonlinear equation of time difference of arrival (TDOA) positioning, as well as the problem of measurement error in the hybrid time difference of arrival/angle of arrival (TDOA/AOA) positioning algorithm, an improved sparrow search algorithm is proposed to optimize positioning, and the optimization mechanism is retained on the basis of improving the performance of the original algorithm. The maximum likelihood estimation method is used to calculate the objective function, and then, the estimated function of the mobile station is used as the fitness function to generate the initial population of sparrows. Then, using particle swarm optimization, optimize the sparrow search algorithm and obtain the population’s optimal solution in order to obtain the optimal position. The simulation results show that, when compared to the existing algorithm, increasing the number of base stations increases the average accuracy of the sparrow search algorithm (SSA) positioning method by 18.54% and 4.5%, respectively, and, when compared to the proposed particle swarm optimization (PSO) positioning method, by 13.79% and 11.6% as the radius increases. The SSA hybrid positioning algorithm performs better in terms of positioning accuracy, convergence speed, and robustness.
Biological Image Processing Algorithm Based on Attention Mechanism and Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Ou Lisong
Published: April 2023

This paper proposes a model algorithm based on convolutional neural network combined with attention mechanism to realize fast and accurate identification of biological image. Firstly, deformable convolution is used to extract features in the horizontal and vertical directions, respectively. Secondly, attention modules are used to capture remote dependencies in one spatial direction, while accurate position information is retained in another spatial direction, so that information in both vertical and horizontal directions can be retained; after a series of transformations, the attention vector is obtained and multiplied back to the original feature vector as a weight factor. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm can effectively improve the image quality, improve the image clarity, avoid color distortion, and achieve good results in both synthetic and real low-illumination images, and the subjective and objective evaluation indicators are better than the contrast algorithm.
Considerations on the Obstacles That Lead to Slow Recruitment in a Pain Management Clinical Trial: Experiences from the Belgian PELICAN (PrEgabalin Lidocaine Capsaicin Neuropathic Pain) Pragmatic Study
Authors: Hans Guy H. , Almeshal Dima , Vanlommel Lotte , Roelant Ella , Verhaegen Iris , Smits Elke , Van Boxem Koen , Fontaine Robert , Investigators Team The PELICAN
Published: April 2023

Background. A qualitative evaluation study of the prematurely terminated PrEgabalin Lidocaine Capsaicin Neuropathic Pain (PELICAN) study was performed. The PELICAN study aimed to examine pain management for localized neuropathic pain (LNP), as epidemiological figures have shown a high percentage of LNP patients in Belgium. The study compared systemic and topical medications according to pain relief, adverse effects, and several measures of quality of life. Objective. Achieving better study patient recruitment through qualitative research. To investigate and determine the causes of the observed recruitment problems in the PELICAN study, pain centers involved in the study as well as nonrecruiting pain centers were included. Furthermore, it aimed to highlight the positive and negative lessons learned from the conducted study and the number of obstacles the team had to overcome. Methods. A qualitative study, using a mixed methods approach, was performed. Multiple pain centers in Belgium completed an online survey, after which a structured interview was conducted to elaborate the responses in more detail. The broad topics of these meetings were feedback about the study, reviewing survey answers, and actions undertaken to enhance recruitment. Results. Different factors contributed to the low recruitment rate in the PELICAN study, such as limited and late referral from the general practitioners to the Belgian pain centers, insufficient internal referrals from nonpain specialists, lack of specific expertise on LNP in some centers, scarcity of staff, limited reimbursement to administer complex analgesic schemes, overestimation of the patient population, and the reluctance of patients to participate in pain research. Additionally, shortcomings in the implemented study design and the need for more logistical investments were identified. Conclusion. The findings of the qualitative study demonstrate the need for further, more varied LNP research in Belgium, not limited to pharmacological studies. It also sheds important light on the recruitment obstacles that may be faced during these studies. Future studies could support this research by offering better proposals for feasibility and recruitment, for instance, by designing and conducting a compelling pilot study or applying social media during the recruitment phase. Clinical Trials. This trial is registered with NCT03348735. EUDRACT number 2018-003617-17.
Design of Cross‐Coupled Nonlinear PID Controller Using Single‐Objective Evolutionary Algorithms
Authors: Sivadasan J. , Iruthayarajan M. Willjuice , Stonier Albert Alexander , Raymon A.
Published: April 2023

The effectiveness of evolutionary algorithms (EAs) such as differential search algorithm (DSA), Real‐Coded genetic algorithm with simulated binary crossover (RGA‐SBX), particle swarm optimization (PSO), and chaotic gravitational search algorithm (CGSA) on the optimal design of cross‐coupled nonlinear PID controllers is compared in this paper. A cross‐coupled multivariable PID controller structure for the binary distillation column was developed with two inputs and two outputs. EA simulations are run to lower IAE using two stopping criteria, namely, maximum number of functional evaluations (Fevalmax) and Fevalmax plus PID parameter and IAE tolerance. Over 20 separate trials were used to compare the performances of several EAs using statistical measures such as best, mean, standard deviation of outcomes, and average calculation time. This article presents the design of a cross‐coupled nonlinear PID controller using single‐objective evolutionary algorithms. Using evolutionary algorithms (EAs) with a multicrossover strategy, the results achieved by various EAs are compared to previously reported results. The results of a multivariable cross‐coupled system clearly show that a single‐objective nonlinear PID controller performs better. Simulations further show that all four techniques evaluated are suitable for PID controller tweaking off‐line. However, only the single‐objective evolutionary algorithms are acceptable for online PID tuning due to their higher consistency and shorter computation time.
A Three-Dimensional Display Technology of Reflected Acoustic Logging and Its Application Example
Authors: Dan Li
Published: April 2023

Reflection acoustic logging is a new technology for identifying geological structures around the well. It can be used to describe the geological structure, such as formation interface, fracture, and limestone cave. Based on the acoustic logging tool composed of the source and array receiver, the method can be used to image the geological structure around the well. Through migration imaging, the section crossing the well can be obtained in any azimuth. In the current three-dimensional (3D) display technology of reflection acoustic logging, the reflection plane around the well is always displayed as a reflection arc. The arc surface correction method can correct the arc surface in 3D imaging into a plane. According to the similarity criterion in a physical experiment and the need for practical research, we designed a scale model well experiment of dipole reflection acoustic logging. We obtained the 3D display of the reflection structure around the well by the experiment and realized the arc surface correction of the 3D display in reflection acoustic logging. The application shows the method can qualitatively describe the lateral extension length of the geological structure around the well. After the arc surface correction, the geological structure can be more accurately described.
HIV Care Preferences among Young People Living with HIV in Lesotho: A Secondary Data Analysis of the PEBRA Cluster Randomized Trial
Authors: Seiler Olivia , Kopo Mathebe , Kao Mpho , Lejone Thabo Ishmael , Tschumi Nadine , Glass Tracy Renée , Brown Jennifer Anne , Labhardt Niklaus Daniel , Amstutz Alain
Published: April 2023

Introduction. Sub-Saharan Africa is home to 89% of all young people living with HIV, a key population with specific challenges and needs. In-depth knowledge of service demands is needed to tailor and differentiate service delivery for this group. We evaluated HIV care preferences among young people living with HIV who were part of the PEBRA (Peer Educator Based Refill of ART) cluster-randomized trial. Methods. The PEBRA trial evaluated a novel model of care at 20 health facilities in Lesotho, Southern Africa. In the PEBRA model, a peer educator regularly assessed participant preferences regarding antiretroviral therapy (ART) refill location, SMS notifications (for adherence, drug refill, viral load), and general care support options and delivered services accordingly over a 12-month period. We present these preferences and their changes over time. Results. At enrolment, 41 of 123 (33.3%) chose ART refill outside the health facility, compared to 8 of 123 (6.5%) after 12 months. Among those selecting clinic-based ART refill, many preferred collecting ART during the peer educator led Saturday clinic club, 45 of 123 (36.5%) at the beginning and 55 of 123 (44.7%) at the end. SMS reminders for treatment adherence and ART refill visits were chosen by 51 of 123 (41.5%) at enrolment and 54 of 123 (44.7%) at the last assessment. Support by the peer educator was popular at the beginning (110 of 123 (89.4%)) and lower but still high at the end (85 of 123 (69.1%)). Thirteen of 123 (10.6%) participants chose support by the nurse, without the involvement of any peer educator, at the first and 21 of 123 (17.1%) at the last assessment. Conclusion. Our longitudinal preference assessment among young people living with HIV in Lesotho showed a sustained interest in SMS notifications for adherence and refill visits as well as in additional support by a peer educator. ART refill outside the health facility was not as popular as expected; instead, medication pick-up at the facility, especially during Saturday clinic clubs, was favoured. The PEBRA trial was registered with clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03969030. Registered on 31 May 2019)
Comparison of In Vitro Biofilm Formation on Titanium and Zirconia Implants
Authors: Chiou Lan-Lin , Panariello Beatriz H. D. , Hamada Yusuke , Gregory Richard L. , Blanchard Steven , Duarte Simone
Published: April 2023

Background. Peri‐implant diseases are emerging issues in contemporary implant dentistry. As biofilms play a critical role in peri‐implant diseases, the characteristic of resisting bacterial adhesion would be ideal for dental implants. The aims of the study were to compare titanium (Ti) and zirconia (Zr) implants regarding the amount of biofilm formation at different time frames and assess the distribution of biofilm on different aspects of dental implants. Methods. Biofilm was developed on Ti and Zr dental implants with a peri‐implant‐related multispecies model with Streptococcus oralis, Actinomyces naeslundii, Veillonella dispar, and Porphyromonas gingivalis, for 3 and 14 days. Quantitative assessment was performed with the measurement of total bacterial viability (colony forming units, CFU/mg). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to evaluate biofilm formation on different aspects of the implants. Results. Three‐day‐old biofilm on Ti implants was significantly higher than that on Zr implants (p < 0.001). The Ti and Zr groups were not significantly different for 14‐day‐old biofilm. SEM images demonstrated that 3‐day‐old biofilm on Zr implants was sparse while biofilm growth was more pronounced for 3‐day‐old biofilm on Ti implants and 14‐day‐old biofilm groups. It appeared that less biofilm formed on the valley compared to the thread top for 3‐day‐old biofilm on Zr implants. Differences between the valley and the thread top became indistinguishable with the development of mature biofilm. Conclusion. While early formed biofilms show greater accumulation on Ti implants compared to Zr implants, older biofilms between the two groups are comparable. The distribution of biofilms was not uniform on different areas of implant threads during early biofilm development.
Flavonoids as Strong Inhibitors of MAPK3: A Computational Drug Discovery Approach
Authors: Taherkhani Amir , Khodadadi Parita , Samie Lida , Azadian Zahra , Bayat Zeynab
Published: April 2023

Background. Mitogen-activated protein kinase 3 (MAPK3) mediates the onset, progression, metastasis, drug resistance, and poor prognosis in various malignancies, including glioma, liver, ovarian, thyroid, lung, breast, gastric, and oral cancers. Negative regulation of MAPK3 expression using miRNAs has led to therapeutic effects in cancer. Objectives. The present study performed molecular docking and dynamics simulation to identify potential MAPK3 inhibitors from natural flavonoids, possibly leading to drug development in cancer therapy. Methods. A computational drug discovery approach was performed using the AutoDock tool to identify potential MAPK3 inhibitors from 46 plant-based flavonoids. A cross-validation study was executed using the Schrödinger Maestro docking tool. Molecular dynamics (MD) was executed to evaluate the stability of docked poses between the top-ranked compounds and the MAPK3 catalytic domain. Interactions among the most potent MAPK3 inhibitors and residues within the receptor’s active site were studied using the BIOVIA Discovery Studio Visualizer before and after 100 ns MD simulations. Results. Kaempferol 3-rutinoside-4′-glucoside, kaempferol 3-rutinoside-7-sophoroside, rutin, and vicenin-2 exhibited a magnificent binding affinity to the receptor’s active site. In addition, the stability of the docked poses of these compounds seemed to be stable after ∼45 ns computer simulations. Conclusion. The present study suggests that kaempferol 3-rutinoside-4′-glucoside, kaempferol 3-rutinoside-7-sophoroside, rutin, and vicenin-2 could strongly bind to the MAPK3 catalytic site and could be assigned as a potent inhibitor for MAPK3. These findings may be helpful in the treatment of various cancers. However, further validation experiments are needed.
Porcine Astrovirus 4 Detection in Lesions of Epitheliotropic Viral Infection in the Porcine Respiratory Tract
Authors: Rahe Michael C. , Michael Alyona , Piñeyro Pablo Enrique , Groeltz-Thrush Jennifer , Derscheid Rachel J.
Published: April 2023

Astroviruses infect mammals and birds resulting in either gastroenteritis, neurologic disease, or asymptomatic infection. Porcine astrovirus 4 (PoAstV4) has previously been detected in the upper respiratory tract of pigs with clinical respiratory disease; however, proof of respiratory tract infection and association of the virus with respiratory pathology have not been shown. In this retrospective study of young pigs with clinical respiratory disease of unknown etiology, PoAstV4 was detected with RNA in situ hybridization in lesions consistent with epitheliotropic viral infection in 85 of 117 pigs. This is the first report associating an astrovirus with respiratory pathology.
Finite Element Model Updating of Steel Arch Bridge Based on First-Order Mode Test Data
Authors: Luo Shuai , Zhang Yingming , Shen Jibao , Li Zhike
Published: April 2023

In order to obtain an accurate finite element model of a steel arch bridge, a first-order modal finite element model updating method is proposed by using the measured first-order modal data of the bridge. Using the measured acceleration time history data under random excitation and the first-order mode updating method, the stiffness matrix of the finite element model is updated, and the first-order frequencies and first-order mode shapes before and after updating of the model are compared and analyzed. The state space method is used to compare and analyze the dynamic response and the reliability of the structure before and after the updating of the model. The results show that the difference of the first-order frequencies between the updated finite element model and the measured result is about 0.001, and the difference of the first-order mode shapes is less than 0.197, which meets the needs of engineering. Dynamic response values of the updated structural model are much larger than those of the structural model before updating. The theoretical model is different from the dynamic response of actual structure, so it is necessary to update the theoretical model. The finite element model updating method can provide a reliable analytical way for bridge structural health monitoring, state evaluation, and damage identification.
Incidence and Predictors of Pressure Ulcers among Adult Patients in Intensive Care Units at Arba Minch and Jinka Hospitals, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Digesa Lankamo Ena , Baru Ararso , Shanko Alemayehu , Kassa Mekidim , Aschalew Zeleke , Moga Fikre , Beyene Bereket , Mulatu Tegegn
Published: April 2023

Introduction. The incidence of a pressure ulcer in intensive care units (ICU) is significantly higher than in noncritical care settings. The patients in the ICU are the most vulnerable group to disruption of the skin’s integrity. Prior studies in Ethiopia failed to evaluate pressure ulcers in intensive care units and were limited to general wards. The purpose of this study was to identify the incidence and predictors of pressure ulcers in adult patients admitted to intensive care units in Southern Ethiopia. Methods. A single‐arm prospective open cohort of 216 patients was used to determine the presence of a pressure ulcer in the intensive care units from June 2021 to April 2022. A consecutive sampling was used until the sample size was reached. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using Stata 14. A cumulative incidence of a pressure ulcer was computed. The life table was used to estimate the cumulative survival. A multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression was used to identify independent predictors of a pressure ulcer. An adjusted hazard ratio with a 95% CI was used to measure the degree of association; a P value ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. Results. Twenty‐five patients developed a pressure ulcer (PU), making a cumulative incidence of 11.57%. Out of 25 incident cases of pressure ulcers, four‐fifths (80%) of the study patients developed PU within 6 days of their admission to the ICUs. The incidence rate was 32.98 PU per 1000 person‐days of ICU stay. Pressure ulcers were most commonly found on the sacrum, followed by the shoulder. Among the incident cases, 52% were stage 2 ulcers. The presence of friction or shearing forces, as well as being 40 years of age or older, was independently associated with pressure ulcers. Conclusion. The overall cumulative incidence of the pressure ulcer was lower than that in other studies but occurred at a faster rate. Age (40 years of age or older) and the presence of friction or shearing forces were the main predictors of pressure ulcers in the intensive care units. Therefore, nurses working in ICUs should continually anticipate the risk of a pressure ulcer. Moreover, special attention should be given to patients of advanced ages. Furthermore, monitoring the installation of a mattress, keeping bed linens unwrinkled, and keeping patients in a proper position on a bed to prevent or reduce friction or shearing forces are very crucial in the prevention of pressure ulcers.
Experimental Investigation on Self-Healing Efficiency of Mortar with Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus cereus
Authors: Zamba Duresa Dubale , Mohammed Tesfaye Alemu , Getu Yiglet Mebrat , Tufa Dereje Hailu , Demiss Belachew Asteray
Published: April 2023

With the development of cracks on their surfaces, mortar’s service life dramatically shortens. Self-healing concrete by Microbiologically Induced Calcite Precipitation (MICP) is one of the high-tech concretes being used to address these issues. This type of mortar can start biological processes to repair itself and deal with its cracks. The self-healing effectiveness of two different bacteria, in this paper, Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus cereus, added to the mortar is examined experimentally. In order to conduct this investigation, artificial cracks were made in the mortar. A 3D optical microscope was used to take repeated pictures of the cracked mortar. The mechanical and durability tests conducted on the bacterial mortar were used to gauge the efficacy of self-healing. Mortar samples were left for 7, 14, and 28 days to cure. Compressive strength, flexural strength, water absorption, and sorptivity were measured during various times of the curing process. The test results showed that the mortar with bacteria had an increase in strength and durability compared to the control mix. In the sample of mortar containing bacteria, Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus cereus a maximum increase of 17.29% and 11.31% in flexural strength, 17.77% and 12.84% in compressive strength were observed and a 34.48% and 26.43% decrease in water absorption in the mortar sample containing bacteria, Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus cereus at 28 days, respectively. The results of the mortar absorption test showed that the addition of bacteria to the mortar matrix significantly reduced the primary and secondary absorption rates of bacterial mortars B-M-1 and B-M-2. Using a 3D light microscope, the cracks in the bacterial mortar showed that larger amounts of white crystal precipitates were generated that nearly filled the surface of the crack. Overall, Bacillus subtilis appeared to be superior to Bacillus cereus based on the results of mechanical and mortar durability tests because calcium carbonate precipitates more rapidly.
Process Optimisation of Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Oligosaccharides from Coconut Husk
Authors: Tang Shie-Lih , Hii Siew-Ling , Koh Chen-Chung
Published: April 2023

A fractional factorial design was used to investigate the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of oligosaccharides from coconut husk, an agroindustry by-product. The effects of five key influencing parameters (X1, incubation temperature; X2, extraction duration; X3, ultrasonicator power; X4, NaOH concentration; X5, solid-to-liquid ratio) were studied. Total carbohydrate content (TC), total reducing sugar (TRS), and degree of polymerisation (DP) were the dependent variables. The optimal extraction condition was attained when oligosaccharides with a desired DP of 3.72 were extracted when the coconut husk in a liquid-to-solid ratio of 127 mL/g was treated with 1.05 percent (w/v) of NaOH solution at an incubation temperature of 30.4°C for 5 min using an ultrasonicator power of 248 W. The optimised parameters for oligosaccharide extraction from coconut husk reported in this study could be useful for the effective isolation of these compounds for prebiotic research.
Adaptive Fractional‐Order Super‐Twisting Sliding Mode Controller for Lower Limb Rehabilitation Exoskeleton in Constraint Circumstances Based on the Grey Wolf Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Faraj Mohammad A. , Maalej Boutheina , Derbel Nabil , Naifar Omar
Published: April 2023

In this work, a lower limb exoskeleton with uncertainties and external disturbances under constrained motion has been controlled by developing a model‐free adaptive optimal fractional‐ordersuper‐twisting sliding mode (AOFSTSM) controller. Contrary to popular existing modeling methods, the modeling of the lower limb exoskeleton has been accomplished in the case of contact with the ground. A fractional‐order operator and super‐twisting sliding mode control have been combined to achieve an excellent tracking performance, chatter‐free control inputs, and robustness to external disturbances and uncertainties. The controller structure is model‐independent which has been derived without needing to know the dynamics of the system. An adaptive control strategy has been adopted as an approximating method to evaluate the uncertain dynamics of the system without the necessity for knowing the prior knowledge of the upper bounds. A grey wolf optimization technique has been used to find the optimal values of controller parameters. The stability of the overall system has been investigated and derived from the Lyapunov stability criterion. To validate the effectiveness of our proposed controller structure, a series of comparative simulations have been conducted with optimal fractional‐order super‐twisting sliding mode (OFSTSM) controller and fractional‐order super‐twisting sliding mode (FSTSM) controller. The comparative simulations have been also carried out with other types of recently existing control methods and recently existing optimization algorithms. The results of numerical simulations indicate the superiority of the AOFSTSM controller over other types of recently existing optimization algorithms and controllers in terms of tracking error and robustness towards the uncertainties and external disturbances.
Study on the Safety Evaluation Method of Life-Saving Passage in Building Ruins under the Action of Aftershock
Authors: Defeng Xu , Junwu Dai , Limei Chen , Yongqiang Yang , Agyare Richard
Published: April 2023

It is essential to evaluate the safety of the life-saving passage in building ruins and to ensure the “double safety” of rescuers and trapped people during the earthquake rescue; however, there are few studies on the safety evaluation method of life-saving passage. In this paper, the vertical displacement of wood shoring is proposed as an evaluation indicator of the saving-life passage considering the characteristics of building ruins and the size of the living space of the trapped. Taking life-saving passage of the pancake-type building ruins as research object, the evaluation of the safety of the life-saving passage was investigated under the action of aftershock. The vertical bearing capacity test of wood shoring is performed in order to obtain the evaluation indicator of saving-life passage. The restart function of ANSYS/LS-DYNA program is used to re-edit the numerical model of the building ruins to construct the life-saving passage, then, the safety evaluation of life-saving passage of the pancake-type building ruins is investigated under the action of aftershock. The results show that the constructed life-saving passage passed the safety evaluation under the actions of different aftershocks. The possibility of the secondary collapse of the life-saving passage increases exponentially with the increase of rescue time within “72-hour gold rescue,” and the growth is slow after 72 hours when the magnitude of the main earthquake reaches above 7.4; the safety factor K should be increased appropriately if wood shoring is used to construct a life-saving passage when the main earthquake’s magnitude is greater than or equal to 7.5. The safety evaluation method of life-saving passage can provide effective reference for earthquake rescue.
Silver Nanoparticle Incorporated Human Amniotic Membrane Gel Accelerates Second‐Degree Burn Wound Healing in Wister Rat
Authors: Jhumi Israt Jahan , Arafat Tusher-Al- , Karmakar Polash Chandra , Arifuzzaman Md. , Hossain Md. Sharif , Akhtar Naznin , Asaduzzaman S. M.
Published: April 2023

Burn has terrible consequences for the affected patients, making them vulnerable to wound infections and septicemia, which results in physical and mental disability and death, necessitating superior treatment options. Human amniotic membrane (HAM) has been utilized in burn wounds for decades for its low immunogenicity, angiogenic, anti‐inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties and for promoting epithelialization. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), on the other hand, have antimicrobial properties and promote fibroblast migration. This study aimed to determine the burn wound healing potential of HAM + AgNPs. The gel was prepared using HAM (1% and 2%), AgNPs, carbopol 934, acrylic acid, glycerine, and triethanolamine, and different physical properties (pH, water absorption, swelling variation, spreadability, etc.) of the gel were determined; nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, antibacterial activity, brine shrimp lethality test, and histopathological observation were conducted. In vivo studies with Wistar rats demonstrated better healing capabilities than individual components of the gel. Wound contraction percentage after 20 days was 96.1 ± 0.27% which was highly significant (p < 0.0001), and the epithelialization period was 23.67 ± 2.05 days (p < 0.01) for HAM + AgNPs which was preferable to the positive control, AgNPs, HAM, and negative control; also, the histopathologic observation using hematoxylin and eosin, and Masson’s trichrome staining were showed the better healing progress for HAM + AgNPs. Both HAM and AgNPs had antibacterial activities against gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria. These results indicated that the formulated HAM + AgNPs gel had remarkable effectiveness in burn wound healing compared to others. Further studies will be conducted to determine the molecular mechanism behind wound healing.
Application and Analysis of Remote Sensing Image Processing Technology in Robotic Power Inspection
Authors: Chen Jie , Yang Hemeng , Xu Rui
Published: April 2023

Along with the increase of electricity consumption in society, it means that the quality of power inspection gives higher requirements. The traditional manual inspection method is difficult to ensure the stability of checking quality. Without the popularization of manned distribution stations and smart grid methods, replacing manual inspection with electric power inspection robots can improve the inspection quality and inspection efficiency to a certain extent. Along with theimage processing process which is widely used in the robot system, visual impact is not only an effective way for us to obtain information but also the key reflection of the robot system intelligence. Unmanned aircraft as an extremely important robot has long been widely used in all walks of life. Power inspection is the most common use of unmanned aircraft robot inspection. However, due to extreme criteria such as bad weather, relative motion, and shaking of imaging equipment, inspection images are obtained ambiguously. The quality of the inspection image is related to the timely understanding, analysis, and judgment of the power engineering quality inspection database. In the paper, the unmanned aircraft power inspection robot as a scientific research foothold, according to explore the key technology of anti-internet technology to clear the image ambiguity, proposed a complete disambiguation optimization calculation method. The image denoising optimization calculation method based on the directional characteristics of time-frequency analysis and edge maintenance is selected to carry out the finding of the image, which reasonably solves the image resolution bottleneck problem of GIS in unmanned aircraft robot line inspection. Meanwhile, with the emergence of nanorobots in the 21st century, the application and analysis of remote sensing image processing technology in the field of robotic power inspection in this paper will also bring new vitality and vigor to the research of nanopower inspection robots and solve the problem of unclear images existing in nanorobots.
Examining the Relationship between Nighttime Glucose Values in Youth with Type 1 Diabetes and Parent Fear of Nighttime Hypoglycemia
Authors: Monzon Alexandra D. , McDonough Ryan , Cushing Christopher C. , Clements Mark , Patton Susana R.
Published: April 2023

Objective. Youth with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) are at risk for experiencing nighttime hypoglycemia, and many parents report significant anxiety at night regarding glucose management. Limited data exist examining continuous nighttime glucose levels as a predictor of parent fear of nighttime hypoglycemia. The present study aimed to examine the relationship between parent fear of nighttime hypoglycemia and nighttime blood glucose levels as measured by continuous glucose monitors (CGMs). Methods. A sample of 136 parents/caregivers of youth with T1D completed a one-time survey and youth provided 14 days of CGM data. We conducted regression models with mean nighttime glucose value, glycemic variability, and the percent of nighttime glucose values in the hypoglycemic, target, and hyperglycemic range as the independent variable and parents’ fear of nighttime hypoglycemia as the dependent variable. Results. Overnight hypoglycemia measured via CGM did not predict parents’ fear of nighttime hypoglycemia; however, average youth nighttime glucose levels and nighttime glycemic variability were significant predictors of parents’ fear of nighttime hypoglycemia. Conclusions. The results of the present study indicate that parents of youth with T1D may report higher fear of hypoglycemia if they observe increased fluctuations in their child’s nighttime glucose levels, regardless of how often their child’s glucose levels are in the hypoglycemic range. The results suggest that clinicians may consider screening for parent fear of nighttime hypoglycemia in families of youth who present with large variability in their glucose values overnight.