bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulation of thermal behavior of nanoparticles due to appearance of MHD
Authors: Rothan Yahya Ali
Published: June 2021

To illustrate the role of Lorentz force on migration of nanopowders, CVFEM simulation has been reported in current research. The chamber contains hybrid nanomaterial and made up form porous media. Momentum equations have been modified for present paper with adding new source terms. The mentioned method works based on FEM in generation of mesh and calculation of gradient of scalars while it uses FVM approach for employing source terms. Testing with benchmark article shows the nice accuracy. Increase of permeability can enhance the speed of nanopowders and iso-temperature lines shapes become complicated. Impose of MHD creates new force against buoyancy and declines the velocity of the nanomaterial. Also, complication of isotherms declines with rise of Ha. With growth of Da, value of [Formula: see text] increases about 111% and 64.2% when [Formula: see text] and 20, respectively. Also, augment of Ha results in reduction of velocity about 30% and 47.6% when [Formula: see text] and 100. Given [Formula: see text], Nu for [Formula: see text] is 6.83 times bigger than case with [Formula: see text]. Nu decreases to about 67.28% with increase of Ha when [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]. As Da increases, Nu rises about 62% when [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text].
Applications of a novel detector for pencil beam scanning proton therapy beam quality assurance
Authors: Yang Pei-Ying , Hsieh Yang-Wei , Kang Chen-Lin , Tseng Chin-Dar , Lin Chih-Hsueh , Shieh Chin-Shiuh , Chao Pei-Ju , Lee Tsair-Fwu
Published: June 2021

This study utilized a new type of detector, the CROSS II (Liverage Biomedical Inc., Taiwan), to perform a beam quality assurance (QA) procedure on a Sumitomo (Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Inc., Japan) pencil beam linear scanning proton therapy machine. The Cross II can monitor proton Pristine Bragg peak range, beam width, beam size, beam position, and scanning speed. All the data presented here were collected during a time span of over one year. The accuracy of the QA program could be verified if all the QA items were tested stably and within the programmed tolerances. Our results showed that the proton range remained within the [Formula: see text] mm tolerance, with the majority of measurements within [Formula: see text] mm, [Formula: see text] mm for spot size, 1.5 mm for spot position, and [Formula: see text]% for scanning speed. We found that the CROSS II detector is in high precise and steady state with highly efficient. Our proton therapy system was also proven to be in an accurate and reliable condition according to our QA results.
A three-dimensional bioconvection Williamson nanofluid flow over bidirectional accelerated surface with activation energy and heat generation
Authors: Aziz Samaira , Ahmad Iftikhar , Khan Sami Ullah , Ali Nasir
Published: June 2021

The main focus of this research is to explore the consequences of motile gyrotactic microorganisms for unsteady Williamson nanofluid induced by bidirectional periodically accelerated surface. The combined features of magnetic and buoyancy forces with association of nanoparticles and swimming microorganisms developed the nanofluid bioconvection. Thermal radiation and heat generation aspects are considered to analyze the heat transportation phenomenon. The consequences of activation energy and chemical reaction are further explored for physical relevance. Appropriate transformations have been employed to transmute the formulated nonlinear equations into dimensionless form, and then analytically elucidated by homotopic technique. The effect of diverse dominant parameters on velocities, concentration, temperature, motile microorganisms as well as skin friction coefficients are deliberated through various graphs while the deviation in local Sherwood, Nusselt and motile density numbers have been deliberated by numerical data in tabular form. It is noticed that both velocity components periodically drop for augmentation in Williamson parameter. Current investigation accentuated that higher reaction rate leads to decay in concentration distribution, but impact of activation energy parameter is rather conflicting. Furthermore, the profile of motile microorganism leads to be intensified for higher magnetic parameter, while opposite trend is perceived for bioconvected Peclet and Lewis numbers.
A Multi-Feature Convolution Neural Network for Automatic Flower Recognition
Authors: Ran Juan , Shi Yu , Yu Jinhao , Li Delong
Published: June 2021

This paper discusses how to efficiently recognize flowers based on a convolutional neural network (CNN) using multiple features. Our proposed work consists of three phases including segmentation by Otsu thresholding with particle swarm optimization algorithms, feature extraction of color, shape, texture and recognition with the LeNet-5 neural network. In the feature extraction, an improved H component with the definition of WGB value is applied to extract the color feature, and a new algorithm based on local binary pattern (LBP) is proposed to enhance the accuracy of texture extraction. Besides this, we replace ReLU with Mish as activation function in the network design, and therefore increase the accuracy by 8% accuracy according to our comparison. The Oxford-102 and Oxford-17 datasets are adopted for benchmarking. The experimental results show that the combination of color features and texture features generates the highest recognition accuracy as 92.56% on Oxford-102 and 93% on Oxford-17.
On the relation between torsion submodule and Fitting ideals
Authors: Hadjirezaei S.
Published: June 2021

Let [Formula: see text] be a commutative ring and let [Formula: see text] be a submodule of [Formula: see text] which consists of columns of a matrix [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] for all [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is an index set. For every [Formula: see text], let I[Formula: see text] be the ideal generated by subdeterminants of size [Formula: see text] of the matrix [Formula: see text]. Let [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we obtain a constructive description of T([Formula: see text]) and we show that when [Formula: see text] is a local ring, [Formula: see text]/T([Formula: see text]) is free of rank [Formula: see text] if and only if I[Formula: see text] is a principal regular ideal, for some [Formula: see text]. This improves a lemma of Lipman which asserts that, if I([Formula: see text]) is the [Formula: see text]th Fitting ideal of [Formula: see text] then I([Formula: see text]) is a regular principal ideal if and only if [Formula: see text] is finitely generated free and [Formula: see text]/T([Formula: see text]) is free of rank [Formula: see text]
An Insider’s Perspective of Knowledge Sharing in Software Development Projects
Authors: Khoza Lucas Thulani , Bwalya Kelvin Joseph
Published: June 2021

In order to achieve agility in software development, there is a need to ensure that the knowledge generated is seamlessly shared among the teams involved. Different contexts face unique contextual motivators and challenges towards achieving efficient knowledge sharing in software development firms. Overcoming these challenges starts from understanding the contextual nuances at play in the environment, in which knowledge sharing is desired. With increased need for ubiquitous and on-the-go information needs in agile software development projects, understanding the need for effective knowledge sharing platforms is important. The general scarcity of empirical studies has culminated into lack of in-depth global or local insights on knowledge sharing. This research investigates the different contours of knowledge sharing in a software development context in South Africa. Quantitative data collected using a questionnaire with closed-ended questions were analysed using an interpretive and deductive approach. Findings of this research reveal that job security, motivation, time constraints, psychological factors, communication, resistance to change, and rewards are core factors for knowledge sharing in software development projects. Compared with the global context, this research is aligned with other findings with new additions on the grouping of factors influencing knowledge sharing in software development projects. The study discusses the types of knowledge considered useful to share, presents appropriate ways of sharing such useful knowledge and articulates how different types of knowledge are shared in the South African context. This research contributes to the current debate on challenges in knowledge sharing within software development projects in developing world contexts and discusses how software development companies may ensure that triple constraints (time, cost and scope) are overcome.
A Simplified Throughput Model for a Unit-Load AS/RS Considering Dynamics Principles
Authors: İç Yusuf Tansel
Published: June 2021

This paper presents a unit-load automated storage and retrieval system’s (AS/RS) throughput analysis that uses an S/R machine for diagonal aisle transportation and a structure for both vertical and horizontal transportations. Although many methods are available to compute the AS/RS throughput rate, the method recommended by the Material Handling Institute (MHI) is more suitable for real or practical cases. This method assumes (i) randomized storage with constant vertical and horizontal speeds of the S/R machine, and (ii) simultaneous travel in both directions. We consider a new simplified and more efficient approach for MHI’s method to predict the throughput performance of the AS/RS.
Feasibility of Inducing Superhydrophobicity on Laser-Textured Surfaces: Development of Mathematical Model and Experimental Investigations
Authors: Nikam Manoj , Roy Tribeni , Mastud Sachin
Published: June 2021

Hydrophobicity is a prominent characteristic of a surface that governs its applications in domains such as wear reduction by lubrication retention, self-cleaning surfaces, fluid drag reduction, viscosity testing, development of oleophobic coatings, etc. A superhydrophobic surface exhibits a water contact angle (CA) of 150∘ or larger. High surface energy of nontextured surface limits its wettability. Texturing of a surface imparts low surface energy which proves to be favorable for enhancing the overall surface hydrophobicity. Research and analysis done to fathom an optimum method by which surfaces accomplish superhydrophobicity is still miniscule. It is challenging to fabricate superhydrophobic surfaces by micro-machining due to the expansive range of the features involved. To minimize the exorbitant costs incurred due to trial-and-error-based experimentation, a mathematical model with [Formula: see text]90% accuracy has been developed in this study, which would help determine the closest ranges of values of parameters like micro-dimple diameter and areal density responsible for inducing superhydrophobic properties on a micro-dimpled specimen. The exceptionality of this study lies in the fact that though mathematical models are available for textures like micro-grooves and micro-pillars, but miniscule research is available for micro-dimpled surfaces with hardness greater than 55 HRC.
Flight Simulation of Water Rocket
Authors: Asao Shinichi , Yamakawa Masashi , Sawanoi Kento , Takeuchi Seiichi
Published: June 2021

The flight of a water rocket involves complicated flows such as a gas–liquid two-phase flow in a pressure tank and a jet flow in an ejection hole. It can be applied to various phenomena by developing a method of reproducing and analyzing complicated phenomena. We simulated the flight of a calculation model of a water rocket by computational fluid dynamics. We conducted the simulation to estimate the thrust data of the calculation model and fluid–structure interaction. The simulated flight trajectory qualitatively matched that obtained from a previous experiment. In addition, it was possible to confirm changes in the attitude of the water rocket and vortices generated around it by simulating the pressure distribution on the surface of it and the flow around it. Therefore, it was possible to simulate the flow around a flying water rocket, which cannot be obtained through conventional theoretical calculations and experiments.
Cosmological models in R2 gravity with hybrid expansion law
Authors: Debnath Partha Sarathi , Paul Bikash Chandra
Published: June 2021

In this paper, evolution of a Friedmann–Robertson–Walker universe is studied in a higher derivative theory of gravity. The relativistic solutions admitting hybrid expansion law of the universe are explored here. Hybrid expansion law is a general form of scale factor from which one can recover both the power-law expansion and exponential expansion as a special case. The hybrid expansion law is interesting as it addresses the early deceleration phase and presents accelerating phase satisfactorily. It is found that an inflationary scenario with hybrid expansion law is permitted in the [Formula: see text] gravity fairly well. We consider universe filled with cosmic fluid that describes by an equation of state (EoS) parameter which varies with time. Consequently, we analyze the time variation of energy density parameter, cosmic pressure, equation of state parameter, deceleration parameter and jerk parameter in the cosmological model. The constraints of the model parameters imposed by the cosmological observational data set are determined. The present value of the deceleration parameter [Formula: see text], EoS parameter and the epoch at which the transition of decelerated phase to accelerated phase are estimated. In the higher derivative theory, we obtain some new and interesting cosmological solutions relevant for building cosmological models.
Fold bifurcation entangled surfaces for one-dimensional Kitaev lattice model
Authors: Momeni Davood , Channuie Phongpichit
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we investigate a feasible holography with the Kitaev model using dilatonic gravity in AdS2. We propose a generic dual theory of gravity in the AdS2 and suggest that this bulk action is a suitable toy model in studying quantum mechanics in Kitaev model using gauge/gravity duality. This gives a possible equivalent description for the Kitaev model in the dual gravity bulk. Scalar and tensor perturbations are investigated in details. In the case of near AdS perturbation, we show that the geometry still “freezes” as is AdS, while the dilation perturbation decays at the AdS boundary safely. The time-dependent part of the perturbation is an oscillatory model. We discover that the dual gravity induces an effective and renormalizable quantum action. The entanglement entropy for bulk theory is computed using extremal surfaces. We prove that these surfaces have a fold bifurcation regime of criticality.
3D Helmholtz resonator with two close point-like windows: Regularisation for Dirichlet case
Authors: Belolipetskaya Anna G. , Boitsev Anton A. , Fassari Silvestro , Popov Igor Y.
Published: June 2021

In this paper, a model of 3D Helmholtz resonator with two close point-like windows is considered. The Dirichlet condition is assumed at the boundary. The model is based on the theory of self-adjoint extensions of symmetric operators in Pontryagin space. The model is explicitly solvable and allows one to obtain the equation for resonances (quasi-eigenvalues) in an explicit form. A proper choice of the model parameter leads to the coincidence of the model solution with the main term of the asymptotics (in the window width) of the realistic solution, corresponding to small windows. A regularization is suggested to obtain a realistic limiting result for two merging windows.
Quasinormal modes of dS and AdS black holes: Feedforward neural network method
Authors: Övgün Ali , Sakallı İzzet , Mutuk Halil
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we show how the quasinormal modes (QNMs) arise from the perturbations of massive scalar fields propagating in the curved background by using the artificial neural networks. To this end, we architect a special algorithm for the feedforward neural network method (FNNM) to compute the QNMs complying with the certain types of boundary conditions. To test the reliability of the method, we consider two black hole spacetimes whose QNMs are well known: [Formula: see text] pure de Sitter (dS) and five-dimensional Schwarzschild anti-de Sitter (AdS) black holes. Using the FNNM, the QNMs of are computed numerically. It is shown that the obtained QNMs via the FNNM are in good agreement with their former QNM results resulting from the other methods. Therefore, our method of finding the QNMs can be used for other curved spacetimes that obey the same boundary conditions.
Surface decorated magnetic nanoparticles with Mn-porphyrin as an effective catalyst for oxidation of sulfides
Authors: Shokoohi Saeedeh , Rayati Saeed
Published: June 2021

Mn-porphyrin complex was anchored coordinatively to silica-coated surface of magnetic nanoparticles (SMNP). Afterward, a heterogeneous nanocatalyst (Fe3O4@SiO2-MnTCPP) has been characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and transmission electron microscope (TEM). A thermal stability up to around 350[Formula: see text]C was verified for prepared nanocatalyst based on thermogravimetric analysis. Finally, the catalytic performance of magnetically recoverable Mn-catalyst was exploited in the green oxidation of different sulfides with urea hydrogen peroxide (UHP) in the presence of imidazole as co-catalyst in ethanol under heterogeneous conditions. The eco-friendly property of ethanol strongly induced us to employ it as the reaction solvent in this oxidation system. Complete conversion ([Formula: see text]99) of sulfides to the corresponding sulfoxide or sulfones was obtained for ethyl phenyl sulfide, phenyl vinyl sulfide, diallyl sulfide, thiocyanatoethane, 2-ethyl mercaptoethanol and tetrahydrothiophene. Moreover, the recovered catalysts keep constant conversion yield up to at least three cycles.
Efficient dinitrogen fixation on porous covalent organic framework/carbon nanotubes hybrid at low overpotential
Authors: Yu Qiming , Wang Hongming
Published: June 2021

Electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction under ambient conditions is a promising approach for ammonia synthesis, but it is challenging to develop highly efficient electrocatalysts. In this work, a hybrid of covalent organic framework (COF) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are developed for efficient nitrogen electroreduction with a high faradaic efficiency (FE) of 12.7% at 0.0 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) and a remarkable production rate of ammonia up to 8.56 [Formula: see text]g h[Formula: see text] mg[Formula: see text] at –0.2 V versus RHE. Experiments and theoretical calculations reveal that Ni centers are active sites for NH3synthesis, while the [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] stacking between COF-366-Ni and conductive CNTs scaffold results in the rapid interfacial charge transfer. This investigation provides new insights on the rational design of organic–inorganic porous hybrids for efficient nitrogen conversion and ammonia synthesis at ambient conditions.
Few-layered g-C3N4-derived core–shell isotype heterojunction photocatalysts for efficient environmental remediation
Authors: Huang Xu , Zhang Yiwen , Liang Zhi , Zhao Yingfeng , Yuan Huiwen , Li Mingyang , Peng Fengping , Wang Wei
Published: June 2021

In this paper, a series of isotype heterojunction photocatalysts with urea-derived g-C3N4 (CNU) as the core and cyanamide-derived g-C3N4 (CNC) as the shell are reported. A much thinner CNC shell which can protect the CNU core from thermal etching and determines the light absorption is beneficial to improve the photocarrier transfer and separation efficiency, pore volume, and the overall crystalline degree of the most active CNU/CNC2 core–shell isotype heterojunction photocatalyst for rhodamine B (RhB) degradation. Contrast experiments confirm that the electron-derived oxidant species (⋅O[Formula: see text] play key roles in driving the RhB degradation.
Periodontitis: Clinical Aspects, Pathophysiology, Experimental Approaches and Emerging Therapies
Authors: Kang Yoon H. , Berthiaume Francois
Published: June 2021

This review paper presents an overview of periodontal disease, beginning with clinical aspects including prevalence, etiology, disease progression mechanisms and implications for general health, followed by current diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. We then describe experimental models used for in vitro and in vivo investigations of periodontal disease, and emerging therapeutic approaches based on biomedical and tissue engineering concepts, nanotechnology, gene and stem cell therapies. We aim to provide bioengineers, tissue engineers and nanotechnology researchers an overall understanding of the state-of-the-art of periodontal disease to foster technological innovation based on interdisciplinary research and collaboration between physical and medical scientists.
Dielectric, impedance, modulus spectroscopy and AC conductivity studies on novel organic ferroelectric diisopropylammonium chloride (dipaCl)
Authors: Khatun Mamataj , Kabir Ekramul
Published: June 2021

Organic molecular ferroelectric diisopropylammonium chloride (dipaCl) was successfully synthesized using diisopropylamine, hydrochloric acid (57%) and methanol solution. Dielectric permittivity, impedance, modulus spectroscopy and conductivity were systematically studied by Capacitance–Conductance ([Formula: see text] – [Formula: see text] measurements in the temperature range of 373–445 K. Dielectric property tests clearly show that the organic molecular ferroelectric dipaCl obeys Curies–Weiss law 1/[Formula: see text] = ([Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text]/[Formula: see text]. The real ([Formula: see text] and imaginary ([Formula: see text]) parts of the electrical modulus were calculated from the various values of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. It is shown that AC conductivity satisfies the relation [Formula: see text], where the power exponent [Formula: see text] depends on temperature and frequency. From Arrhenius equation, the activation energies [Formula: see text]and [Formula: see text] are also calculated which describes the complete conduction mechanism of dipaCl.
Features of the electrophysical and mechanical properties of n-component ferroactive solid solutions of composition PZT–PZN–PMN
Authors: Andryushin K. P. , Andryushina I. N. , Cherpakov A. V. , Popov A. V. , Verbenko I. A. , Reznichenko L. A.
Published: June 2021

Study of the fatigue endurance and mechanical strength of solid solutions of the PZT–PZN–PMN system, modified with Ba and Sr, corresponding to the formula (Pb[Formula: see text]Sr[Formula: see text]Ba[Formula: see text] [[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]([Formula: see text][Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]]O3, with [Formula: see text] = 0.02 ÷ 0.12; [Formula: see text] = 0.02, [Formula: see text] = 0.0036 ÷ 0.073; [Formula: see text]= 0.385 ÷ 0.430, [Formula: see text]= 0.402 ÷ 0.447 is presented. It is shown that the evolution of the polarization characteristics with an increase in the number of repolarization cycles, [Formula: see text], is characterized by two sections: slow fatigue and logarithmic evolution. It was found that an increase in the strontium content shifts the beginning of the logarithmic stage towards to the large [Formula: see text]. It is shown that an increase in the average grain size decreases the mechanical strength. A conclusion is made about the expediency of using the obtained data in the development of devices operating in power modes.
Comparative analysis of forming limit diagram of Al 5052-H32 and Al 6063 T5
Authors: Mahesh B. R. , Satheesh J.
Published: June 2021

Formability of a material is found to be one of the important characteristic of a sheet metal to know the variation of the major and minor strain of a sheet metal, using this value one can predict the forming limit diagram of sheet metal, forming limit diagram gives the behavior of sheet metals under various loads and also helps in the prediction of breakage or necking of the material under specific load and velocity of the punch. Current study is mainly focused on obtaining the forming limit diagram of two different aluminium alloys like Al-5052 H32 and Al-6063 T5 using numerical analysis software PAMSTAMP and the results obtained are validated by conducting experiments, there is a good agreement of results between the experimental and numerical values. The forming limit diagram of the mentioned alloys helps in manufacturing of automobile and electric vehicle parts.
Price Transmission in Agricultural Markets
Authors: von Cramon-Taubadel Stephan , Goodwin Barry K.
Published: June 2021

We review recent developments in the analysis of price transmission in agricultural markets. Markets may be separated in time, form, and space (as well as in combinations of such factors). Transactions and storage costs as well as production and marketing factors delineate these markets. We show that much of the research on spatial market linkages has reflected methodological advances that have led to increasingly nonlinear time-series models. Advances in the theoretical and empirical literature over the last few decades have demonstrated that price relationships in the food chain are highly context specific. Improvements in marketing, information, and transportation technology have strengthened the links between prices in the food system, but at the same time links in the food chain are increasingly subject to vertical coordination and, thus, less visible to outside observers, including researchers.
Deep Learning Techniques for Spanish Sign Language Interpretation
Authors: Martinez-Martin Ester , Morillas-Espejo Francisco
Published: June 2021

Around 5% of the world population suffers from hearing impairment. One of its main barriers is communication with others since it could lead to their social exclusion and frustration. To overcome this issue, this paper presents a system to interpret the Spanish sign language alphabet which makes the communication possible in those cases, where it is necessary to sign proper nouns such as names, streets, or trademarks. For this, firstly, we have generated an image dataset of the signed 30 letters composing the Spanish alphabet. Then, given that there are static and in‐motion letters, two different kinds of neural networks have been tested and compared: convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and recurrent neural networks (RNNs). A comparative analysis of the experimental results highlights the importance of the spatial dimension with respect to the temporal dimension in sign interpretation. So, CNNs obtain a much better accuracy, with 96.42% being the maximum value.
Pulmonary Function and Respiratory Muscle Strength in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Westerdahl Elisabeth , Gunnarsson Martin , Wittrin Anna , Nilsagård Ylva
Published: June 2021

Background. In patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), there is a decline in muscle strength and physical capacity due to demyelination and axonal loss in the central nervous system. In patients with advanced MS or in a later stage of the disease, also respiratory impairment may occur. The degree of pulmonary dysfunction in the earlier stages of MS has not been thoroughly described. Therefore, the primary aims of this study are to describe pulmonary function and respiratory muscle strength in patients with a moderate disease course and to identify associations between respiratory muscle strength and functional capacity. Methods. A sample of 48 patients with a diagnosis of MS and mean age

56
±
11

years was studied using a descriptive cross-sectional design. The patients had a disease duration of

24
±
11

years and a median Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score of 4.5 (interquartile range 4.0-6.5). Pulmonary function assessed by spirometry, respiratory muscle strength, peak cough flow and peripheral oxygen saturation, subjective breathing and coughing ability, and physical capacity measured using the 6MWT were evaluated. Results. The patients had normal pulmonary function with no significant abnormalities in dynamic spirometry (vital capacity

103
±
16
%

predicted, forced expiratory volume in 1 second

95
±
15
%

predicted). Peak expiratory flow rate

89
±
17
%

predicted was in the lower limit of normal. Respiratory muscle strength, determined by maximal inspiratory (MIP) and expiratory (MEP) static pressures, was normal but with large differences between individuals. MIP ranged from 26 to 143 cmH2O (

98
±
31
%

predicted); the MEP values ranged from 43 to 166 cmH2O (

104
±
29
%

predicted), with two patients having values below the lower limit of normal. Significant positive associations between MIP as well as MEP were found in several pulmonary function variables. A significant negative association was found between EDSS score and MEP (

r
=
−
0.312

,

p
=
0.031

). Mean peak cough flow was

389
±
70

 L/min, which is comparable with the values reported for healthy adults. The patients did not experience a severely decreased ability to take deep breaths or cough. There was a moderate correlation between MEP and physical capacity, as assessed by the 6MWT (

r
=
0.399

,

p
=
0.010

) and between peak expiratory flow (PEF) and the 6MWT (

r
=
0.311

,

p
=
0.048

). Conclusion. Respiratory muscle strength, pulmonary function assessed by spirometry, and peak cough flow were normal in patients with mild to moderate MS; however, there were large individual differences demonstrating low respiratory muscle strength in some patients. Significant associations between MEP and functional capacity and between MEP and disease severity were found, indicating that patients with impaired respiratory muscle strength have lower functional capacity and more severe disease.
[Retracted] Machine Learning‐Based Offloading Strategy for Lightweight User Mobile Edge Computing Tasks
Authors: Zhou Shuchen , Jadoon Waqas , Shuja Junaid
Published: June 2021

This paper presents an in‐depth study and analysis of offloading strategies for lightweight user mobile edge computing tasks using a machine learning approach. Firstly, a scheme for multiuser frequency division multiplexing approach in mobile edge computing offloading is proposed, and a mixed‐integer nonlinear optimization model for energy consumption minimization is developed. Then, based on the analysis of the concave‐convex properties of this optimization model, this paper uses variable relaxation and nonconvex optimization theory to transform the problem into a convex optimization problem. Subsequently, two optimization algorithms are designed: for the relaxation optimization problem, an iterative optimization algorithm based on the Lagrange dual method is designed; based on the branch‐and‐bound integer programming method, the iterative optimization algorithm is used as the basic algorithm for each step of the operation, and a global optimization algorithm is designed for transmitting power allocation, computational offloading strategy, dynamic adjustment of local computing power, and receiving energy channel selection strategy. Finally, the simulation results verify that the scheduling strategy of the frequency division technique proposed in this paper has good energy consumption minimization performance in mobile edge computation offloading. Our model is highly efficient and has a high degree of accuracy. The anomaly detection method based on a decision tree combined with deep learning proposed in this paper, unlike traditional IoT attack detection methods, overcomes the drawbacks of rule‐based security detection methods and enables them to adapt to both established and unknown hostile environments. Experimental results show that the attack detection system based on the model achieves good detection results in the detection of multiple attacks.
Response of Sorghum to Cold Stress at Early Developmental Stage
Authors: Rutayisire Amandin , Lubadde Geoffrey , Mukayiranga Alice , Edema Richard
Published: June 2021

Native and adapted to the semiarid tropical regions of Africa, sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) is generally sensitive to cold temperatures, especially during the early developmental stages. However, there is genetic variability within the existing germplasm in terms of tolerance to low temperatures. The highland regions of Africa possess important sources of germplasm with adaptation to cold stress, since they tend to be cooler than the low land regions. The goals of the study were to evaluate and identify sorghum lines with tolerance to cold temperature stress and make recommendations on varieties that may be planted in the East African highland regions or used in plant breeding programs for cold tolerance. Forty sorghum genotypes were evaluated for emergence, shoot, and root development at seedling stage under controlled environment in growth chambers and in the field. Significant genotypic differences were detected for all evaluated traits. Correlation between controlled environment experiments and field trial results was mostly significant, suggesting that the growth chambers can be used to predict and identify cold-tolerant genotypes. Results showed that emergence and vigor are the best surrogate traits for selecting cold-tolerant genotypes. Using rank summation index, we were able to identify the best cold-tolerant sorghum genotypes (IS 25557, IS 25558, IS 25546, BM6, BM 29, IESV 90042LT, and Cytanobe) that can be used in future breeding programs and enhance adaptation and expansion of sorghum production further into the highland regions of Africa.
Energy Analysis Method for Uniaxial Compression Test of Sandstone under Static and Quasi‐Dynamic Loading Rates
Authors: Liu Zhixi , Zhao Guangming , Meng Xiangrui , Zhang Ruofei , Chunliang Dong , Xu Wensong
Published: June 2021

To investigate the energy evolution characteristics of sandstone under static‐quasi‐dynamic loading rates (1.0 × 10−3, 5.0 × 10−3, 1.0 × 10−2, 5.0 × 10−2, and 1.0 × 10−1 mm/s), the uniaxial compression tests, the uniaxial cyclic loading‐unloading tests, and the uniaxial incrementally cyclic loading‐unloading tests were conducted under five different loading rates. Through analysis of the elastic energy of the uniaxial cyclic loading‐unloading test and the uniaxial incremental cyclic loading‐unloading test, show that the impact of the loading rate and the cycle numbers on the elastic energy is less. Hence, we can deem that when the loads of the uniaxial incremental cyclic loading‐unloading test and the uniaxial compression test are equal, the elastic energy of the two also equals. The energy in the uniaxial compression tests analyzed by the uniaxial incrementally cyclic loading‐unloading test show that elastic energy increased linearly when the input energy increased under different loading rates. Through the linear energy storage law and the uniaxial incremental cyclic loading and unloading test, it is possible to analyze the energy in the uniaxial compression test at any loading rates. The results show that the greater the loading rate, the greater the peak elastic energy and peak input energy. But when the load is equal, the greater the loading rate, the smaller the input energy and elastic energy. Compared with traditional methods, the new energy analysis method is accurate and simple. Meanwhile, based on energy dissipation, the damage of rock during uniaxial compression tests was studied.
Hypopyon after Primary Cryopreserved Amniotic Membrane Transplantation for Sterile Corneal Ulceration: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Boboridis Kostas G. , Mikropoulos Dimitrios G. , Georgiadis Nick S.
Published: June 2021

Purpose. To report the acute development of hypopyon after primary cryopreserved amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) for persistent corneal epithelial defect and sterile ulceration. Case Presentation. A selected case report of a 71-year-old male who underwent primary cryopreserved AMT for the management of long-standing corneal epithelial defects and stroma thinning. The patient developed 2 mm sterile hypopyon within 48 hours after AMT for corneal surface reconstruction. He responded well to the intensified routine postoperative topical treatment of steroid and antibiotic eye drops with the hypopyon resolving completely one week later. Five weeks after surgery, the corneal surface was smooth and epithelialized with no anterior chamber reaction or recurrence of hypopyon. Discussion. Hypopyon may develop as a rare complication of primary cryopreserved AMT for sterile corneal defects. It may be attributed to immunologic or hypersensitivity reaction and should be differentiated from active ocular infection as it resolves spontaneously with the routine postoperative topical treatment of steroid and antibiotic drops.
Long Noncoding RNA GAS5 Targeting miR-221-3p/Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor 2B Axis Regulates Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma Cell Cycle and Proliferation
Authors: Liu Yuan , Li Yi-Fang , Liu Jia , Deng Zhi-Gang , Zeng Li , Zhou Wei-Bing
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) is more aggressive than the most common papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). However, the current research on FTC is less than PTC. Here, we investigated the effects of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) GAS5 and miR-221-3p in FTC. Methods: Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was employed to detect GAS5 and miR-221-3p expression in the FTC tissues and cells. Cell proliferation was assessed by CCK8 and EdU assays. Flow cytometry was performed to determine the cell cycle. The dual-luciferase reporter assay was employed to validate the binding relationship of GAS5/miR-221-3p and miR-221-3p/cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2B (CDKN2B). Western blot was conducted to measure the protein level of CDKN2B. Results: Our results displayed that GAS5 was downregulated, while miR-221-3p was upregulated in FTC tissues and cells. What’s more, overexpression of GAS5 or miR-221-3p inhibition induced G0/G1 phase arrest and inhibited cell proliferation of FTC cells. GAS5 acted as a sponge of miR-221-3p, and CDKN2B was a target gene of miR-221-3p. Additionally, GAS5 inhibited cell cycle and proliferation of FTC cells via reducing miR-221-3p expression to enhance CDKN2B expression. Conclusion: GAS5 induced G0/G1 phase arrest and inhibited cell proliferation via targeting miR-221-3p/CDKN2B axis in FTC. Thus, GAS5 may be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of FTC.
New SHH and Known SIX3 Variants in a Series of Latin American Patients with Holoprosencephaly
Authors: de Castro Viviane Freitas , Mattos Daniel , de Carvalho Flavia Martinez , Cavalcanti Denise Pontes , Duenas-Roque Milagros M. , Llerena Jr Juan , Cosentino Viviana Raquel , Honjo Rachel Sayuri , Leite Julio Cesar Loguercio , Sanseverino Maria Teresa , de Souza Márcia Pereira Alves , Bernardi Pricila , Bolognese Ana Maria , Santana da Silva Luiz Carlos , Barbero Pablo , Correia Patricia Santana , Bueno Larissa Souza Mario , Savastano Clarice Pagani , Orioli Iêda Maria
Published: June 2021

Holoprosencephaly (HPE) is the failure of the embryonic forebrain to develop into 2 hemispheres promoting midline cerebral and facial defects. The wide phenotypic variability and causal heterogeneity make genetic counseling difficult. Heterozygous variants with incomplete penetrance and variable expressivity in the SHH, SIX3, ZIC2, and TGIF1 genes explain ∼25% of the known causes of nonchromosomal HPE. We studied these 4 genes and clinically described 27 Latin American families presenting with nonchromosomal HPE. Three new SHH variants and a third known SIX3 likely pathogenic variant found by Sanger sequencing explained 15% of our cases. Genotype-phenotype correlation in these 4 families and published families with identical or similar driver gene, mutated domain, conservation of residue in other species, and the type of variant explain the pathogenicity but not the phenotypic variability. Nine patients, including 2 with SHH pathogenic variants, presented benign variants of the SHH, SIX3, ZIC2, and TGIF1 genes with potential alteration of splicing, a causal proposition in need of further studies. Finding more families with the same SIX3 variant may allow further identification of genetic or environmental modifiers explaining its variable phenotypic expression.
Real-Life Clinical Data of Cabozantinib for Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Tovoli Francesco , Dadduzio Vincenzo , De Lorenzo Stefania , Rimassa Lorenza , Masi Gianluca , Iavarone Massimo , Marra Fabio , Garajova Ingrid , Brizzi Maria Pia , Daniele Bruno , Trevisani Franco , Messina Carlo , Di Clemente Francesco , Pini Sara , Cabibbo Giuseppe , Granito Alessandro , Rizzato Mario Domenico , Zagonel Vittorina , Brandi Giovanni , Pressiani Tiziana , Federico Piera , Vivaldi Caterina , Bergna Irene , Campani Claudia , Piscaglia Fabio
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Cabozantinib has been approved by the European Medicine Agency (EMA) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) previously treated with sorafenib. Cabozantinib is also being tested in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors in the frontline setting. Real-life clinical data of cabozantinib for HCC are still lacking. Moreover, the prognostic factors for HCC treated with cabozantinib have not been investigated. Methods: We evaluated clinical data and outcome of HCC patients who received cabozantinib in the legal context of named patient use in Italy. Results: Ninety-six patients from 15 centres received cabozantinib. All patients had preserved liver function (Child-Pugh A), mostly with an advanced HCC (77.1%) in a third-line setting (75.0%). The prevalence of performance status (PS) > 0, macrovascular invasion (MVI), extrahepatic spread, and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) >400 ng/mL was 50.0, 30.2, 67.7, and 44.8%, respectively. Median overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival were 12.1 (95% confidence interval 9.4–14.8) and 5.1 (3.3–6.9) months, respectively. Most common treatment-related adverse events (AEs) were fatigue (67.7%), diarrhoea (54.2%), anorexia (45.8%), HFSR (43.8%), weight loss (24.0%), and hypertension (24.0%). Most common treatment-related Grade 3–4 AEs were fatigue (6.3%), HFSR (6.3%), and increased aminotransferases (6.3%). MVI, ECOG-PS > 0, and AFP >400 ng/mL predicted a worse OS. Discontinuation for intolerance and no new extrahepatic lesions at the progression were associated with better outcomes. Conclusions: In a real-life Western scenario (mostly in a third-line setting), cabozantinib efficacy and safety data were comparable with those reported in its registration trial. Data regarding the prognostic factors might help in patient selection and design of clinical trials.
Clinical Efficacy of Ponatinib in Philadelphia-Positive T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia with Extramedullary Involvement
Authors: Cristiano Gianluca , Nanni Jacopo , Sartor Chiara , Parisi Sarah , Marconi Giovanni , Barbato Francesco , Arpinati Mario , Bonifazi Francesca , Curti Antonio , Cavo Michele , Paolini Stefania , Papayannidis Cristina
Published: June 2021

T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is a rare entity in the adult acute leukemia setting. Translocation (9;22)(q34;q11) and BCR-ABL1 rearrangement are occasionally found in T-ALL and have been reported in no more than 100 cases in the literature (most of which are chronic myeloid leukemia blast crisis). Here, we report the remarkable effectiveness of third-generation tyrosine-kinase inhibitor ponatinib in obtaining hematological and metabolic remission, in a patient with Philadelphia chromosome-positive de novo T-ALL and outcomes of a therapeutic strategy containing chemotherapy intensification, nelarabine, and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
Novas tecnologias e excelência na unidade de emergência
Authors: Accorsi Tarso Augusto Duenhas , Cardoso Ricardo Galesso , Paixão Milena R. , Amicis Karine De , Köhler Karen Francine , Souza Junior José Leão
Published: June 2021

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Anticonvulsant Primary and Secondary Prophylaxis for Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients: A Decision Analysis
Authors: Jones Felipe J.S. , Sanches Paula R. , Smith Jason R. , Zafar Sahar F. , Hernandez-Diaz Sonia , Blacker Deborah , Hsu John , Schwamm Lee H. , Westover Michael B. , Moura Lidia M.V.R.
Published: June 2021

Background and Purpose:

We examined the impact of 3 anticonvulsant prophylaxis strategies on quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) among patients with an incident acute ischemic stroke.

Methods:

We created a decision tree to evaluate 3 strategies: (1) long-term primary prophylaxis; (2) short-term secondary prophylaxis after an early seizure with lifetime prophylaxis if persistent or late seizures (LSs) developed; and (3) long-term secondary prophylaxis if either early, late, or persistent seizures developed. The outcome was quality-adjusted life expectancy (QALY). We created 4 base cases to simulate common clinical scenarios: (1) female patient aged 40 years with a 2% or 11% lifetime risk of an LS and a 33% lifetime risk of an adverse drug reaction (ADR); (2) male patient aged 65 years with a 6% or 29% LS risk and 60% ADR risk; (3) male patient aged 50 years with an 18% or 65% LS risk and 33% ADR risk; and (4) female patient aged 80 years with a 29% or 83% LS risk and 80% ADR risk. In sensitivity analyses, we altered the parameters and assumptions.

Results:

Across all 4 base cases, primary prophylaxis yielded the fewest QALYs when compared with secondary prophylaxis. For example, under scenario 1, strategies 2 and 3 resulted in 7.17 QALYs each, but strategy 1 yielded only 6.91 QALYs. Under scenario 4, strategies 2 and 3 yielded 2.85 QALYs compared with 1.40 QALYs for strategy 1. Under scenarios in which patients had higher ADR risks, strategy 2 led to the most QALYs.

Conclusions:

Short-term therapy with continued anticonvulsant prophylaxis only after postischemic stroke seizures arise dominates lifetime primary prophylaxis in all scenarios examined. Our findings reinforce the necessity of close follow-up and discontinuation of anticonvulsant seizure prophylaxis started during acute ischemic stroke hospitalization.
Light microscopy of wood using sanded surface instead of slides
Authors: Kitin Peter , Hermanson John C. , Abe Hisashi , Nakaba Satoshi , Funada Ryo
Published: June 2021

Xylem anatomy is fundamental in studies of the evolution of terrestrial plants, tree ecophysiology, forestry, and wood science. Traditional xylem anatomical studies by light microscopy utilize wood sections. However, the procedures are laborious, and high-quality histological sections have been particularly challenging to achieve from recalcitrant wood species and dry wood material. Modern microscopy offers opportunities for speeding up the xylem anatomical preparations. In this regard, the merits of using a sanded surface for wood anatomical research have been largely overlooked. Sanding of wood surfaces is practiced in dendrochronology and wood identification studies exclusively for the investigation of macro features, such as tree rings, wood porosity, or parenchyma patterns. We conducted microscopic level investigations of sanded surfaces of difficult-to-section high-density woods such as Dalbergia and Quercus species by reflected white light and epifluorescence microscopy. Reflected white light or combinations of reflected light and fluorescence could clearly show xylem micro-features in sanded wood surfaces. The resolution of cell types after sanding with 1000-grit was similar to the resolution obtained by transmitted light microscopy in histological slides. The advantages of sanded wood surfaces compared to traditional wood sections can be summarized as cost- and time-effective sample preparation, large sample area, intact cell walls and tissue structure, preservation of chemical content and extractives, and even focus of the field of view. A simple procedure of wood sanding instead of microscopic slides can be used for xylem microscopy and automatic image analysis of xylem structure.