bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Study on the Impact of Digital Finance on Regional Productivity Growth Based on Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Li Jia , Sun Fangcheng , Li Meng
Published: June 2022

The relationship between financial development and economic growth has become a hot topic in recent years and for China, which is undergoing financial liberalisation and policy reform, the efficiency of the use of digital finance and the deepening of the balance between quality and quantity in financial development are particularly important for economic growth. This paper investigates the utility of digital finance and financial development on total factor productivity in China using interprovincial panel data decomposing financial development into financial scale and financial efficiency; an interprovincial panel data model is used to explore the utility of digital finance on total factor productivity. This involves the collection and preprocessing of financial data, including feature engineering, and the development of an optimised predictive model. We preprocess the original dataset to remove anomalous information and improve data quality. This work uses feature engineering to select relevant features for fitting and training the model. In this process, the random forest algorithm is used to effectively avoid overfitting problems and to facilitate the dimensionality reduction of the relevant features. In determining the model to be used, the random forest regression model was chosen for training. The empirical results show that digital finance has contributed to productivity growth but is not efficiently utilised; China should give high priority to improving financial efficiency while promoting financial expansion; rapid expansion of finance without a focus on financial efficiency will not be conducive to productivity growth.
The Opposition-Based Learning Parameter Adjusting Harmony Search Algorithm Research on Radars Optimal Deployment
Authors: Cui Yujuan , He Hang , Dong Wenhan , Liu Liguo , Liu Haibo
Published: June 2022

In order to solve the problem of maximizing the utilization of resources through reasonable deployment under limited resources, this paper studies from two aspects: one is to establish the mathematical model of maximum coverage of space detection, and the other is to improve the harmony algorithm. The exploration performance and convergence performance of the harmony search algorithm are analyzed theoretically, and the more general formulas of exploration performance and convergence performance are proved. Based on theoretical analysis, the algorithm called opposition-based learning parameter adjusting harmony search is proposed. By using the algorithm to test the functions of different properties, the value range of key control parameters of the algorithm are given. The proposed algorithm is applied to optimize the problem of radar deployment. This paper takes a certain area of the Shandong Peninsula as the deployment scope. The simulation results show that the proposed algorithm is effective and practical. Although there is a large amount of calculation, it provides ideas and ways for other problems, such as the site selection of new observation and communication post, the deployment of maneuvering radar stations, and the track planning of fleet.
Risk Factors of Early Liver Metastasis for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma after Radical Resection
Authors: Tong Jingshu , Wu Shengdong , Lu Changjiang , Yang Yong , Mao Shuqi , Lu Caide
Published: June 2022

Background. Liver metastasis arises in many postoperative patients with PDAC, occurring in the early stage appears to lead to a very poor prognosis. Objective. We aimed to analyze the risk factors for early liver metastasis after radical resection for patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and to indicate the poor prognosis of early liver metastasis. Methods. Patients who underwent pancreatectomy for PDAC at the Ningbo Medical Centre Lihuili Hospital between January 2015 and June 2021 were included. The exclusion criteria were death within 30 days after the operation, complications with other malignancies, and a positive final resection margin (R1). Liver metastasis and its occurrence time were recorded, and risk factors for early (≤6 months) liver metastasis were analyzed by logistic regression models. The prognosis of patients with early liver metastasis and different recurrence patterns was analyzed by Kaplan–Meier curves and the log-rank test. Results. From the identified cohort of 184 patients, 172 patients were included for further analysis. 55 patients developed early liver metastasis within 6 months after the operation. Univariate analysis showed that

CA
125
≥
30
 
IU
/
ml

,

tumor
 
size
≥
4
 
cm

, poor tumor differentiation, and portal vein/superior mesenteric vein (PV/SMV) reconstruction were risk factors, and multivariate analysis showed that poor tumor differentiation and PV/SMV reconstruction were independent risk factors for early liver metastasis. The prognosis of liver metastasis was the worst among the different recurrence patterns. Early liver metastasis indicates a poor prognosis in patients with PDAC. Conclusions. Poor differentiation and PV/SMV reconstruction are independent risk factors for early liver metastasis in patients with PDAC, and early liver metastasis indicates a poor prognosis.
Exploring the Integration Model of Industry Chain Information System Based on Energy Internet and Its Key Technologies
Authors: Qi Anxun
Published: June 2022

Many enterprises have elevated industrial chain management to an important strategic factor for successful operation in a competitive market environment. There are many reasons for the low success rate of enterprise information construction, one of which is that in the process of information construction, only the research of information technology and the construction of information systems are emphasized, but not the integrated management of information resources, and the strategy, mode and method of information resource management are not studied. As a solution for sustainable energy development in the future, the energy Internet has become a hot topic of research in academia and industry today. Integrated innovation, at the enterprise level, is the key to improving core competitiveness and maintaining a sustainable competitive advantage. In order to achieve a deep integration of information technology and energy technology, the energy Internet must be supported by a corresponding system, i.e., an energy information system. In this paper, we propose an information system integration model based on the nature of the industry chain, describe its functional components, and analyze the key technologies of integration. The results show that the integrated model achieves the highest value of each output solution in the time period of 4h, and the calculated transmission capacity of the line is 0.7pu The integrated model of the information system is optimal for the adaptation of the energy environment of each distributed power source in the energy Internet. Therefore, this study provides theoretical support and practical reference for further research on the construction and mechanism of the integrated energy Internet in China's theoretical and business communities, and provides important insights into the construction of the mechanism and countermeasures for the integration of the industrial chain in energy Internet enterprises.
Relaxing the

W

′

Constraint on Compact Extradimension
Authors: Arun Mathew Thomas
Published: June 2022

In this paper, we study the constraint on brane tension and compactification scale for models with brane fluctuations using the results from the direct search of

W

′

at 13 TeV LHC, with an integrated luminosity of

36.1
f

b

−
1

, in the case for which branon forms the entire cold dark matter. The inclusion of these brane fluctuations suppresses the KK-mode couplings to brane localised matter fields. Unlike the rigid brane scenario, where the compactification scale gets constrained to

1
/
R

>
5.2

 TeV, here we show that compactification scales as small as

~
1

 TeV are allowed for brane tensions of similar strength.
Financial Risk Management of Listed Companies Based on Mobile Edge Computing
Authors: Liu Chunhua , Zhang Lijun
Published: June 2022

As more and more listed companies have more and more operating experience, they are all paying more attention to the importance of financial risks, and they all hope to detect financial risks in a timely manner and intervene in the company’s operation process. However, the existing business risk management cannot fully identify the more and more hidden risks in modern times. Based on this, the purpose of this article is to assess the financial risk of publicly traded corporations and summarizes a suitable risk evaluation model. For the identification of financial risks, this study presents a mobile edge computing-based financial risk evaluation approach for publicly traded corporations. The evaluation indicators are stratified into three levels, and mobile edge computing is used to optimize the weights. The download calculation for mobile edge computing is also optimized and analyzed. Experiments show that the indicators selected in this paper are very suitable for the study of financial risk management of listed companies. The three-year comprehensive index scores of Company X are 0.60, 0.42, and 0.42, respectively. It can be seen that the index is more suitable for the actual risk. It can be considered that the financial risk evaluation model of listed companies in this paper has better performance.
Comparative Study on Mechanical Properties of Concrete Blended with Costus englerianus Bagasse Ash and Bagasse Fibre as Partial Replacement for Lime and Cement
Authors: Bheel Naraindas , Kennedy Charles , Awoyera Paul , Sohu Samiullah , Abbasi Suhail Ahmed
Published: June 2022

Nowadays, researchers have been on the lookout for eco‐sustainable additives such as agro/industrial waste in concrete in order to offset the carbon footprint created by cement manufacturing. However, it has been said that the use of agro/industrial‐waste‐based cementitious materials in concrete improves its quality. However, this study compared the performance of hydrated lime and cement concrete replaced with 5% and 10% Costus englerianus bagasse ash and bagasse fibre for determining the mechanical properties (compressive and flexural strength). Moreover, compressive strength was evaluated on cubical specimens and flexural strength was evaluated on beam samples at 7, 14, and 28 days, respectively. Results showed that the compressive strength and flexural strength of the concretes increased with an increase in the curing age. Also, the compressive and flexural strengths of cement concrete were recorded by 65.38 MPa and 10.86 MPa at 0% bagasse ash or fibre, which performed better than concrete replaced with 5% and 10% bagasse ash and fibre at 28 days, respectively. Besides, the compressive strength of concrete was noted by 53.85 MPa and 48.92 MPa at 10% bagasse ash and 10% bagasse fibre, respectively, while the flexural strength was calculated by 6.86 MPa and 5.54 MPa at 10% bagasse ash and 10% bagasse fibre, respectively, which were higher than that of concrete produced with hydrated lime alone at 28 days. Thus, bagasse ash performed better than bagasse fibre ash as a partial replacement of cement or hydrated lime in concrete production. Therefore, Costus englerianus bagasse ash or bagasse fibre improved the performance of hydrated lime concrete at 5–10% replacement, but higher concrete strength would be obtained in cement replacement than hydrated lime.
Deep Learning Regression-Based Retinal Layer Segmentation Process for Early Diagnosis of Retinal Anamolies and Secure Data Transmission through ThingSpeak
Authors: Arvind Siddapuram , Sahay Prasad Puja , Saraswathi R. Vijaya , Vijayalata Y. , Tasneem Zarin , Ashlin Deepa R. N. , Ramadevi Y.
Published: June 2022

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a progressive type of problem that affects diabetic people. In general, this condition is asymptomatic in its early stages. When the condition progresses, it can cause hazy and unclear vision of objects. As a result, it is necessary to develop a framework for early diagnosis in order to prevent visual morbidity. The suggested method entails acquiring fundus and OCT images of the retina. To acquire the lesions, techniques such as preprocessing, sophisticated Chan–Vese segmentation, and object clustering are used. Furthermore, regression-based neural network (RNN) categorization is used to achieve expected results that help foretell retinal diseases. The methodology is implemented using the MATLAB technical computing language, together with the necessary toolboxes and blocksets. The proposed system requires two steps. In the first stage, the detection of diabetic retinopathy via the proposed deep learning technique is carried out. The data collected from the MATLAB are transmitted to the approved PC via the IoT module known as ThingSpeak in the second stage. To validate the robustness of the proposed approach, comparisons with regard to plots of confusion matrices, mean square error (MSE) plots, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) plots are performed.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging under Image Enhancement Algorithm to Analyze the Clinical Value of Placement of Drainage Tube on Incision Healing after Hepatobiliary Surgery
Authors: Yang Shihai , Wu Qihua , Wang Qi , Lv Fajin
Published: June 2022

This study was aimed at exploring the application value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) based on image enhancement algorithm in analyzing the placement of drainage tubes in the healing of incisions after hepatobiliary surgery. A total of 70 patients with liver cancer undergoing laparoscopic hepatobiliary surgery were selected, including 34 males and 36 females. According to the detection method of postoperative recovery, they were divided into a group A (conventional MRI detection) and a group B (MRI detection based on Retinex algorithm). Patients were divided into two groups according to whether subcutaneous drainage tubes were placed: group C (no subcutaneous drainage tubes were placed) and group D (subcutaneous drainage tubes were placed), with 35 patients in each group. The results showed that there was no significant difference between group A and group B in tumor residual or recurrence. The detection rate of tumor capsule in group B was significantly higher than that in group A (

P
<
0.05

). The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of group A for the detection of recurrent lesions were 63.40%, 86.90%, and 78.60%, respectively; those in group B were 82.70%, 98.50%, and 93.20%, respectively. Therefore, the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (

P
<
0.05

). The incidence of poor wound healing and infection in group C were significantly lower than those in group D (

P
<
0.05

). Therefore, the effect of MRI detection based on image enhancement algorithm was more conducive to the evaluation of postoperative recovery due to the traditional MRI detection. In addition, the drainage tube was helpful to the postoperative wound healing and showed high clinical value.
Design and Implementation of an Underwater Information Acquisition System Prototype Based on Optical Fiber Communication
Authors: Zhao Mengke , Hao Yi , Lu Chunqiang , Li Suyi
Published: June 2022

Ocean observation plays an important role in many areas, such as marine scientific research, environmental expedition, and resource exploitation. Traditional observation generally acquires periodical marine information and lacks real-time performances. To realize underwater observation of multi-information in real-time, an information acquisition system is designed in this study based on optical fiber communication. A multichannel interface between the diverse sensors and the slave computer is designed. It shields discrepancies of different sensor data and allows collecting information of various types, including conductivity, temperature, depth (CTD), attitudes, and images. At the same time, the full communication link is designed by constructing an optical fiber channel in collaboration with RS485 and USB. It provides a higher-rate link for real-time data transmission from underwater to overwater. Then, software procedures are, respectively, developed for the slave computer and the master computer based on the designed communication protocol. Additionally, a PC-based user interface is designed to realize data receipt, file saving, information display, and image restoration. Finally, an acquisition prototype is developed, and an underwater experiment is conducted to evaluate its performance. The results show that the underwater CTD, attitudes, and images can be collected and transmitted in real time. From its higher transmission rate and lower packet loss rate, the accuracy and the stability of the prototype are verified. The implementation of the acquisition prototype follows the trends of laying and networking submarine optical fiber cables. Therefore, its application can be expanded for ocean observation in information collecting, transmitting, and processing.
Evaluation Model for Spatial Allocation Efficiency of Modern Educational Campus Building Using Big Data
Authors: Zhou Lan , Lu Yang
Published: June 2022

With the continuous development and improvement of university education, providing students with refined and comprehensive learning environment has come to be a problem of great importance and significance to the people. The state carries out quality-oriented education through a series of measures of education reform. These measures and standards not only help to improve the overall quality of students, but also put forward higher requirements for planning and architectural design of university campuses. In fact, the development of university campuses has been severely restricted by serious contradictions between the shortage of urban construction land and the expansion of middle school campuses. Therefore, in the case of limited construction land resources, how to integrate and optimize the building space and function of campus, improve the utilization rate of building space, make full use of the limited construction land, and create a rich and diverse space environment are difficult problems that are faced in the design of today’s universities. In this paper, we discuss the integration strategy of main entrance space of university campus city through empirical research and put forward 4 value evaluation dimensions and 24 value evaluation factors. Moreover, we construct a numerical and geometric evaluation model, i.e., “CPCC,” to complete the evaluation and optimization of the integration strategy. The purpose is to provide reference for the research object and same type of space on the interface of university campus city. We observed that the proposed CPCC model can effectively promote the historical process of the integration and symbiosis between the university campus and city.
A Physically Inspired Implementation of Xenakis's Stochastic Synthesis: Diffusion Dynamic Stochastic Synthesis
Authors: Rojas Emilio L. , Cádiz Rodrigo F.
Published: June 2022

This article presents an extension of Iannis Xenakis's Dynamic Stochastic Synthesis (DSS) called Diffusion Dynamic Stochastic Synthesis (DDSS). This extension solves a diffusion equation whose solutions can be used to map particle positions to amplitude values of several breakpoints in a waveform, following traditional concepts of DSS by directly shaping the waveform of a sound. One significant difference between DSS and DDSS is that the latter includes a drift in the Brownian trajectories that each breakpoint experiences through time. Diffusion Dynamic Stochastic Synthesis can also be used in other ways, such as to control the amplitude values of an oscillator bank using additive synthesis, shaping in this case the spectrum, not the waveform. This second modality goes against Xenakis's original desire to depart from classical Fourier synthesis. The results of spectral analyses of the DDSS waveform approach, implemented using the software environment Max, are discussed and compared with the results of a simplified version of DSS to which, despite the similarity in the overall form of the frequency spectrum, noticeable differences are found. In addition to the Max implementation of the basic DDSS algorithm, a MIDI-controlled synthesizer is also presented here. With DDSS we introduce a real physical process, in this case diffusion, into traditional stochastic synthesis. This sort of sonification can suggest models of sound synthesis that are more complex and grounded in physical concepts.
Children as Human Rights Activists?
Authors: Rosenberg Anette Ringen
Published: June 2022

This article focuses on human rights education (hre) situated in early childhood education and care (ecec). hre intends for children to become rights conscious subjects grounded in situations familiar to the child. Using critical discourse analysis of hre learning materials, I show how non-and intergovernmental organisations (ngo/igo s) include specific understandings of children as rights-subjects into their hre. I investigate what subject positions learning materials from three ngo/igo s offer children and how these positions inform hre for ecec. The findings demonstrate that the materials present a dichotomous image where societies are either compliant or non-compliant with human rights. This notion leads to the positioning of the activist and actionist rights subjects. The latter further positions some children as goals of the actionist´s actions. This has implications for the theory and practice of hre in ecec, as the positions of rights subjects guide hre in certain directions and legitimises these over other practices.
Review of Australian Cylapinae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Miridae) with key to genera and descriptions of new species
Authors: Namyatova Anna A. , Cassis Gerasimos
Published: June 2022

We summarize the knowledge on Australian Cylapinae and review all recorded genera. Two species, Lygaeoscytus carnarvon sp. nov. and Phyllofulvius tarkine sp. nov., are described as new to science. Schizopteromiris Schuh, S. lordhowensis Schuh, S. montheithi Schuh, S. queenslandensis Schuh, Howefulvius Schmitz & Stys, H. elytratus Schmitz & Stys, Lygaeoscytus Reuter, Lygaeoscytus cimicoides Reuter, Phyllofulvius Carvalho and Phyllofulvius australianus Carvalho are redescribed. Rhinomiriella Gorczyca is synonymised with Ceratofulvius Reuter. Cylapofulvius listeri Izzard is transferred to Micanitropis Namyatova & Cassis. Peritropisca Carvalho & Lorenzato is recorded from Australia for the first time. The identification key to Australian genera, images of some holotypes, diagnoses, digital habitus images, scanning electron micrographs, illustration of genitalia and distribution maps are provided for new species and some other taxa. Considering the results of this work, 23 genera and 48 species of Cylapinae are currently recorded from Australia. The distribution and collection techniques are discussed.
The Rise of Wedding Churches
Authors: LeFebvre Jesse R.
Published: June 2022

The popularity of Christian weddings represents the new widespread acceptance and popularity of a religious ceremony that sits at the intersection the familial, social, commercial, political, and religious. These rites challenge established preconceptions concerning both Christianity and Japanese identity. The postwar history of Christian wedding ceremonies is best understood in light of the efforts made by traditional Christian churches and the bridal industry to meet the religious demands of Japan’s largely “nonreligious” constituency. In responding to the needs and desires of nonreligious Japanese, commercial and religious institutions not only cooperate to produce and provide Christian weddings, but also compete to satisfy expectations for religious authenticity. There are no better examples of this than the efforts made by Christian churches to open their doors to individuals with no espoused Christian faith and the production of the bridal industry’s fleet of “wedding churches.” As such, Japan’s massive nonreligious constituency has contributed to the creation of a unique form of Christianity particular to Japan.
Introduction
Authors: Whitt Jacqueline E.
Published: June 2022

While lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people have always served in militaries, military organizations and leaders have managed the presence of sexual gender minorities in the ranks in complicated ways that were influenced by regulation, military culture, social and cultural norms, and perceptions of military effectiveness. The history of lgbt soldiers in modern western military history reveals important ways that various military organizations have addressed the question and challenges of open service by lgbt people. While many states have incorporated lgbt people into their organizations, it is not the case globally, and policies continue to change. The five essays in this collection explore various aspects of lgbt military history in West Germany, Australia, the Netherlands, the United States, and Israel and explore themes including the importance of comparative history; the differences between de jure and de facto integration; the effects of both regulation and culture on lgbtq inclusion; and the experience of lgbt people in uniform.
The Royal Australian Navy and Courts Martial for Homosexuality
Authors: Riseman Noah
Published: June 2022

Until November 1992 the Australian military had longstanding rules against the presence of lesbian, gay and bisexual (lgb) service members. The policies and practices for dealing with lgb people varied across time and services, but one commonality is that rarely did cases go to court martial and were generally dealt with through administrative and other disciplinary processes. Yet, the rare cases which did go to court martial leave a hitherto overlooked archival trail that provides insight into how the Australian armed forces conceptualised and policed homosexuality within its ranks. This article examines data from courts martial in the Royal Australian Navy (ran), focusing especially on cases from the period after the Second World War. Exploring three case studies, it shows how courts martial were not so much about policing homosexuality, but rather prosecuting unsolicited advances and incidents which breached the unspoken bounds of discretion.
Effects of Liquid Nano-Carbon Bio-Fertilizer on the Growth of Spinach
Authors: Zhao Ying , Zhao Ping , Tian Li , Tian Zhenji
Published: June 2022

In order to compare the effects of liquid biological nano-carbon fertilizer, humic acid and urea on the growth of Spinach, a field plot experiment was conducted to study the effects of five different treatments on root length, yield and quality of annual Spinach. Fertilizer had a significant
effect on root length of annual Spinach. The order of root length was T3 > T5 > T4 > T2 > T1. The growth rates of roots were 21.69%, 18.94%, 14.26%, 3.76% and 0.0%, respectively. Fertilizer significantly increased the yield of annual Spinach. The order of yield increase was T5
> T3 > T4 > T2 > T1. The yields were increased by 16.66%, 14.71%, 10.55%, 6.44% and 0.0%, respectively. Potato liquid nano-carbon bio-fertilizer has a significant effect on maintaining the growth and increasing yield of Spinach.
Identification, Biological Characteristics of Pestalotiopsis diospyri and Its Sensitivity to Fungicides
Authors: Zhang Yiming , Jiang Yifan , He Yonghong
Published: June 2022

Persimmon canker disease on stems caused by pathogens affects its growth and yield, leads to economic losses, thus it is important to investigate the pathogen in detail to find an effective control method. In this paper, samples from diseased persimmon trees in Yunnan were collected
to isolate and purify the pathogen, and its biological characteristics were studied. In detail, its morphology was observed and molecular identified. The effects of different carbon and nitrogen sources, temperature, pH and light condition on its growth were analyzed, and the toxicities of
6 fungicides to the pathogen were compared. In the results, the pathogens were identified as Pestalotiopsis diospyri, the optimum conditions for its mycelium growth were on persimmon stem decoction medium, temperature 30 °C, light illumination for 24 h and pH at 4. The most suitable
carbon and nitrogen sources were glucose and sodium nitrate, respectively. The sensitivity test of six fungicides to P. diospyri showed different degrees, the EC50 values of tebuconazole, azoxystrobin, chlorothalonil, difenoconazole, prochloraz, and carbendazim were 0.212,
0.313, 4.921, 0.552, 0.035 and 6.175 μg/mL, respectively, revealing that P. diospyri was the most sensitive to prochloraz. In conclusion, P. diospyri grow fastest in acidic and well-lit environments, and prochloraz can be used as a protential fungicide for the treatment
and prevention of the disease. This paper provides a theoretical basis for further research and field experiment.
Photosynthetic Properties and Structure of Leaves of Licorice Seedlings in Response to Drought Stress
Authors: Zhang Dong , Song Xiaoqing , Yang Zhongren , Liu Meicen , Qi Yue , Liu Yan
Published: June 2022

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch.) is a perennial herb that has high drought resistance, and is widely used in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries. Understanding the response mechanism of licorice leaves to drought stress can help to develop drought-tolerant medicinal
crops. In this experiment, the changes of photosynthetic parameters and structure of licorice leaves under drought stress were investigated. After 10 days of treatment with different soil containing water of 80, 65, 50 and 35%, the photosynthetic indexes, leaf surface stomata, glands morphology,
leaf structure and chloroplast structure of licorice seedlings were measured respectively. The results showed that under light stress (LS), licorice adapted to drought stress by adjusting stomatal number, morphology and gland density, while severe stress (SS) inhibited the electron transfer
between photosystems, leading to inactivation of the oxygen emitting complex, destruction of chloroplast structure and insufficient CO2 supply, resulting in the decrease of photosynthesis. This paper explains the response mechanism of licorice leaves to drought stress, which provides
a foundation for further exploring its mechanism and improving the yield.
Humus Transformation and Compost Maturity Indexes in High-Temperature Composting of Livestock and Poultry Manure
Authors: Zhen Xiaofei , Tan Chuanxi , Li Zhenggui , Lin Zhimin , Zhang Yongheng , Kang Jian
Published: June 2022

Based on the variations of total humus, humic acid (HA), and fulvic acid (FA) during the manure composting process, the transformation of substances in humus was analyzed, and the compost maturity indexes were constructed by using the TC-TN ratio (C/N), ratio of total humus and total
organic carbon (TOC), and humification index (HI). The results showed that: (1) The total humus content in the compost heap decreased firstly and then increased. When compost finished, the total humus content of R1, R2, and R3 was 8.33±0.31, 7.56±0.21, and 7.14±0.35%,
respectively; (2) The changes of humic acid (HA) and fulvic acid (FA) concentrations in the three kinds of manure were basically consistent with the changes in total humic acid, which decreased first and then increased; (3) When experiments finished, the ratio of total humus and TOC decreased
firstly and then increased. At the end of day 30, HI index was 1.25, 1.15, and 1.01, respectively, increasing by 48.8, 45.56, and 31.16%, respectively.
Multidecadal Changes in Zonal Displacement of Tropical Pacific MJO Variability Modulated by North Atlantic SST
Authors: Fu Zhen , Hsu Pang-Chi , Li Juan , Cao Jian , Yang Young-Min , Liu Fei
Published: June 2022

The Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) exhibits the most vigorous activity over the Indo-Pacific warm pool during the boreal winter. In this study, we find the interbasin connection between the tropical Pacific MJO activity and North Atlantic sea surface temperature at the interdecadal time scale. Accompanied with the negative phase of the Atlantic multidecadal oscillation (AMO), the enhanced MJO variability (i.e., larger amplitude of 20–90-day convection) tends to extend eastward into the central tropical Pacific (20°S–0°, 170°E–150°W), while the vigorous MJO variability is confined to the Indo-Pacific warm pool during the positive phase of AMO. The eastward displacement of MJO convection into the central tropical Pacific during the negative AMO phase is supported by the increased moist static energy and low-level moisture tendencies there when the low-frequency background (>90 days) westerly transports the moisture perturbation [] and the MJO-associated easterly perturbation transports the background moisture [] toward the central tropical Pacific. This suggests that the interdecadal changes in zonal displacement of MJO activity over the tropical Pacific are closely linked with the impacts of AMO on the background flow and moisture condition over the central tropical Pacific. The results of coupled model sensitivity experiments and preindustrial simulations of phase 6 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6) support the observational findings.
The Impact of Incorporating the Air–Lake Interaction on Quantitative Precipitation Forecasts over Southern Ontario, Canada
Authors: Cao Zuohao , Bélair Stéphane , Zhang Da-Lin
Published: June 2022

A short-range regional, two-way coupled atmosphere–ocean–ice model has been recently developed in an attempt to improve, among other things, quantitative precipitation forecasts (QPFs) over southern Ontario, Canada, by incorporating air–lake interaction over the Great Lakes region. Here, we attempt to 1) assess the impact of the air–lake coupling on daily QPFs, as verified against the Canadian Precipitation Analysis and independent observations, over southern Ontario during the period of June 2016–May 2017; and 2) diagnose major physical processes governing the QPF differences between the coupled and uncoupled models by relating precipitation to those processes at the air–water interface and above. Results indicate that the coupled model tends to reduce the area-averaged and monthly averaged daily QPF biases and standard deviations in 5 months of October, November, and December 2016, and April and May 2017, but increase and deteriorate precipitation biases during the summer months. Most of the deteriorations occur during the daytime, while improvements are observed during the nighttime (in 7 of 12 months). During the daytime, slight improvements appear in 2 months. A further diagnosis indicates that the daily QPF differences between the two models are highly correlated with the differences of their sensible and latent heat fluxes. The maximum (minimum) difference of sensible (latent) heat flux in August 2016 (December 2016) is in phase with the maximum (minimum) difference of the two-model daily QPFs. The daily QPF differences in the other months are also controlled by the differences of vertically integrated water vapor flux convergence, and surface temperature.
Vibration analysis of the continuous beam bridge considering the action of jump impacting
Authors: Liu Yang , Yan Wanli , Yin Xinfeng , Wang Lei , Han Yan
Published: June 2022

In the existing vehicle-bridge coupling vibration analysis, the vehicle model was mostly coupled with the bridge node by interpolation methodology, therefore, it was difficult to accurately consider the bridge vibration response under the condition of vehicle-bridge separation. In order to further study the effect of vehicle jumping impact on the vehicle-bridge coupling vibration system, a model which can describe the vehicle jumping impact process is established based on a designed integrated simulation platform with the interface contact algorithm. The effects of jumping impact on wheel contact force and bridge vibration displacement response were studied under two parameters including jumping height and vehicle speed. The simulation results show that the vehicle-bridge coupling vibration considering the action of the vehicle jump impacting can be effectively analyzed and the wheel contact forces/displacements are significantly affected by the jumping height.
Imaging the inflammatory phenotype in migraine
Authors: Christensen Rune Häckert , Gollion Cédric , Amin Faisal Mohammad , Moskowitz Michael A. , Hadjikhani Nouchine , Ashina Messoud
Published: June 2022

Several preclinical and clinical lines of evidence suggest a role of neuroinflammation in migraine. Neuroimaging offers the possibility to investigate and localize neuroinflammationin vivoin patients with migraine, and to characterize specific inflammatory constituents, such as vascular permeability, and macrophage or microglia activity. Despite all imaging data accumulated on neuroinflammation across the past three decades, an overview of the imaging evidence of neuroinflammation in migraine is still missing.

We conducted a systematic review in the Pubmed and Embase databases to evaluate existing imaging data on inflammation in migraine, and to identify gaps in the literature. We included 20 studies investigating migraine without aura (N= 4), migraine with aura (N= 8), both migraine with and without aura (N= 3), or hemiplegic migraine (N= 5).

In migraine without aura, macrophage activation was not evident. In migraine with aura, imaging evidence suggested microglial and parameningeal inflammatory activity. Increased vascular permeability was mostly found in hemiplegic migraine, and was atypical in migraine with and without aura. Based on the weight of existing and emerging data, we show that most studies have concentrated on demonstrating increased vascular permeability as a marker of neuroinflammation, with tools that may not have been optimal. In the future, novel, more sensitive techniques, as well as imaging tracers delineating specific inflammatory pathways may further bridge the gap between preclinical and clinical findings.
A randomized placebo-controlled double-blind study of dexmedetomidine on postoperative sleep quality in patients with endoscopic sinus surgery
Authors: Wu Yu , Miao Yuhua , Chen Xuzhen , Wan Xiaojian
Published: June 2022

Background

Postoperative sleep disorder is common and may cause aggravated postoperative pain, delirium, and poor prognosis. We accessed the effect of intraoperative intravenous dexmedetomidine on postoperative sleep quality in patients with endoscopic sinus surgery. 

Methods

This single-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial enrolled a total of 110 participants aged 18 years to 65 years who were scheduled to receive endoscopic sinus surgery. Placebo (normal saline) or dexmedetomidine infusion (load dose 0.5 μg kg−1 over 10 min, followed by maintenance dose 0.2 ug kg−1 h−1) during surgery. The primary outcome was postoperative sleep quality. Secondary outcomes were postoperative Ramsay sedation scores, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores, serum cortisol, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and hypocretin, delirium, and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV).

Results

Among enrolled 110 patients, 55 were randomized to administer intraoperative dexmedetomidine and placebo. In total, 14 patients (7 in each group) were excluded because of protocol deviations, and 96 patients (48 in each group) were included in the per-protocol analysis. The dexmedetomidine group had a significantly higher sleep efficiency index(SEI) (66.85[3.00] vs 65.38[3.58]), the ratio of rapid eye movement sleep to total sleep(REM)(13.63[1.45] vs 12.38[2.11]) and lower arousal index (AI) (7.20[1.00] vs 8.07[1.29]), higher Ramsay sedation score at post-operation 1 h, 12 h point, lower VAS scores at post-operation 1 h, 12 h, 24 h point, lower cortisol, higher 5-HT and hypocretin in serum than the placebo group.

Conclusion

In this randomized clinical trial, dexmedetomidine can improve the sleep quality of patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery. These results suggest that this therapy may be a viable strategy to enhance postoperative sleep quality in patients with endoscopic sinus surgery.

Trial registration

The study was approved by the Bethune International Peace Hospital Ethics Committee (2021-KY-129) and registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx, 28/09/2021).
Plasma repressor element 1-silencing transcription factor levels are decreased in patients with Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Wei Mingqing , Ni Jingnian , Shi Jing , Li Ting , Xu Xiaoqing , Li Chenmeng , Qin Bin , Fan Dongsheng , Xie Hengge , Wang Zhong , Wang Yongyan , Lu Tao , Tian Jinzhou
Published: June 2022

Background

Repressor element 1-silencing transcription (REST)/neuron-restrictive silencer factor is considered a new therapeutic target for neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, the relationship between AD and REST remains unclear. This study aimed to 1) examine plasma REST levels and REST gene levels in AD patients and 2) further explore the pathological relationships between REST protein levels and cognitive decline in clinical conditions, including medial temporal lobe atrophy.

Methods

Participants (n = 252, mean age 68.95 ± 8.78 years) were recruited in Beijing, China, and then divided into a normal cognition (NC) group (n = 89), an amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) group (n = 79), and an AD dementia group (n = 84) according to diagnostic criteria. All participants underwent neuropsychological assessments, laboratory tests, and neuroimaging scans (magnetic resonance imaging) at baseline. Plasma REST protein levels and the distribution of REST single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were compared among the three groups. Correlations between cognitive function, neuro-imaging results, and REST levels were determined by a multivariate linear regression analysis.

Results

The plasma REST levels in both the NC group (430.30 ± 303.43)pg/ml and aMCI group (414.27 ± 263.39)pg/ml were significantly higher than that in the AD dementia group (NC vs AD dementia group, p = 0.034; aMCI vs AD dementia group, p = 0.033). There was no significant difference between the NC and aMCI groups (p = 0.948). No significant difference was found among the three groups regarding the genotype distribution (rs2227902 and rs3976529 SNPs) of the REST gene. The REST level was correlated with the left medial temporal lobe atrophy index (r = 0.306, p = 0.023). After 6 months of follow-up, the REST level in the NC group was positively correlated with the change in the Mini-Mental State Examination score (r = 0.289, p = 0.02).

Conclusion

The plasma REST protein level is decreased in AD dementia patients, which is associated with memory impairment and left temporal lobe atrophy and may have potential value for clinical diagnosis of AD dementia.
Birth prevalence of neural tube defects in eastern Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ssentongo Paddy , Heilbrunn Emily S. , Ssentongo Anna E. , Ssenyonga Lydia V. N. , Lekoubou Alain
Published: June 2022

Background

Neural tube defects (NTDs) are associated with high rates of neonatal mortality and morbidity worldwide. The promotion of folic acid fortification and supplementation in pregnant women by the Food and Drug Administration significantly decreased the incidence of NTDs in the United States. This practice is not widely adopted in Eastern Africa countries. We hypothesized that these countries experience a higher burden of NTDs than countries that promote the use of folic acid. We aimed to estimate the birth prevalence of NTDs in the United Nations (UN) Eastern African region.

Methods

PubMed (Medline), Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched from inception to December 17, 2021. We included randomized controlled trials or observational studies that reported the prevalence estimates of NTDs in Eastern Africa. Random effects model was used to pool the effect estimates. The GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) approach was used to assess the certainty of the evidence. Outcome measures were overall and specific (spina bifida, anencephaly, encephalocele) rates of NTDs per 10,000 births, including live and stillborn cases.

Results

The meta-analysis included 20 studies consisting of 752,936 individuals. The pooled prevalence of all NTDs per 10,000 births in Eastern Africa was 33.30 (95% CI: 21.58 to 51.34). Between-study heterogeneity was high (I2 = 97%, p < 0.0001), The rate was highest in Ethiopia (60 per 10,000). Birth prevalence of spina bifida (20 per 10,000) was higher than anencephaly (9 per 10,000) and encephalocele (2.33 per 10,000). No studies on NTDs were identified in 70% of the UN Eastern Africa region. Birth prevalence increased by 4% per year from 1983 to 2018. The level of evidence as qualified with GRADE was moderate.

Conclusion

The birth prevalence of NTDs in the United Nations region of Eastern Africa is 5 times as high as observed in Western countries with mandatory folic acid supplementation in place. Therefore, mandatory folic acid supplementation of stable foods may decrease the risk of NTDs in Eastern Africa.
Reflections on workplace adjustments for pregnant employees: a qualitative study of the experiences of pregnant employees and their managers
Authors: Andersen Dorte Raaby , Momsen Anne-Mette Hedeager , Pedersen Pernille , Maimburg Rikke Damkjær
Published: June 2022

Background

The European Union directive requires employers to assess and ensure safety measures for pregnant women in the workplace. Despite this, the rate of sick leave among pregnant Scandinavian women is relatively high. This study aims to provide insight into how pregnant employees and their managers experience and address pregnancy at the workplace, to identify preconditions for successful workplace adjustments for pregnant women.

Methods

We carried out a qualitative study that involved semi-structured interviews with seventeen participants: eight pregnant women and nine managers from occupations whose employees demonstrate an increased likelihood of taking sick leave during pregnancy. The interviews were thematically coded and organized into main themes and subthemes.

Results

Based on semi-structured interviews with the seventeen participants (eight pregnant employees and nine managers), we identified preconditions for successful workplace adjustments. According to the pregnant employees, these included, “The managers' concern, understanding, and acknowledgment,” “support and acceptance from colleagues,” and “pregnant employees’ acceptance of their need for adjustments.” According to the managers, the preconditions for successful workplace adjustments included “an open and honest dialogue” and “a systematic approach.”

Conclusion

Implementing workplace adjustments for pregnant employees is a complex process that comprises various initiatives, and their success may depend on several factors. This study’s findings suggest that the success of workplace interventions depends on 1) management, colleagues, and the pregnant employee recognizing and accepting pregnant women’s needs, 2) an organizational culture that supports women and pregnancy without compromising the occupational health of other employees, and 3) professional guidance that supports both women and managers when dealing with pregnancy-related concerns. We suggest that this study’s findings may be used to improve the implementation of workplace adjustments for pregnant women.