bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Psychological Hotwash on Resilience of Emergency Medical Services Personnel
Authors: Ebrahimian Abbasali , Esmaeili Seyed-Mahdi , Seidabadi Arash , Fakhr-Movahedi Ali
Published: August 2021

Introduction. Emergency medical services (EMS) personnel are exposed to stress. Job stress in EMS personnel can reduce their resilience and have adverse effects on their clinical performance and mental health, thus reducing the quality of their work. The present research was performed to determine the effect of psychological hotwash on resilience of emergency medical services personnel. Methods. This study was a quasiexperimental. Sixty-four EMS personnel were randomly divided into two groups of hotwash and control. The psychological hotwash program was performed in the intervention group for a month based on the protocol; however, the control group continued their usual work and received no intervention. A day and six weeks after the psychological hotwash in the intervention group, the resilience of the EMS personnel was remeasured in both groups. Results. Before the intervention, the participants’ mean resilience score was 138.37 ± 7.04 in the intervention group and 137.34 ± 8.48 in the control group. There was a statistically significant difference between the mean scores of resilience in the intervention and control groups a day after the intervention (

P
=
0.003

). There was no statistically significant difference between the mean scores of resilience in the intervention and control groups 6 weeks after the intervention (

P
=
0.102

). Conclusion. The EMS personnel’s attendance at psychological hotwash sessions could increase their resilience. Nevertheless, the sessions should not be interrupted because the 6-week interruption of the sessions caused the nonsignificant scores of resilience in the hotwash and control groups. Hence, it is recommended to continue the investigation of the effects of hotwash on resilience, stress reduction, and job burnout reduction in EMS personnel by other researchers in different settings.
A Case of Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis with Various Breast Lesions as the Initial Symptoms: A Case-Based Review
Authors: Kawataka Masatoshi , Kido Toshiki , Tsuda Reina , Onose Takafumi , Asano Ryoko , Yamazaki Miho , Sugishita Naonori , Hounoki Hiroyuki , Kakiuchi Toshiko , Shinoda Koichiro , Tobe Kazuyuki
Published: August 2021

A 44-year-old woman presenting with pus-like discharge from the nipples visited our hospital for scleritis. Subcutaneous induration and ulceration were found on her breast. She was diagnosed with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) considering scleritis, sinusitis, cutaneous granuloma formation, and antiproteinase 3-antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies and was successfully treated with glucocorticoids. Fifteen months later, she developed pulmonary consolidation and a right breast nodule. Biopsies of the breast nodule showed granulomatous vasculitis, and she was treated with rituximab. While breast involvement in GPA is rare, unilateral breast mass is a typical clinical feature; thus, GPA should be considered in such cases.
An In Vitro Assessment of the Acid Resistance Characteristics of Nanohydroxyapatite/Silica Biocomposite Synthesized Using Mechanochemistry
Authors: Mkhize Sandile Cromwell , Onwubu Stanley Chibuzor , Mlambo Mbuso , Mdluli Phumlane Selby
Published: August 2021

This paper reports on the in vitro assessment of the acid resistance characteristics of mesoporous silica/nanohydroxyapatite (MSN@nHAp) biocomposite synthesized through the mechanochemical method. Bovine enamel models were used to study the acid resistance characteristics of the composite (n=5). X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used to characterize the surface morphology of the MSN@nHAp. The XRD and FTIR results confirmed the successful syntheses and surface modification of nanohydroxyapatite with silica. The MSN@nHAp exhibits superior acid resistance characteristics. The salient aspect of this study suggests that mechanochemistry is a useful technique in the synthesis and surface modification of valuable biomaterials. The study concludes that the MSN@nHAp composite could be utilised in toothpaste formulation for oral healthcare management due to its acid resistance properties.
Caputo Time Fractional Model Based on Generalized Fourier’s and Fick’s Laws for Jeffrey Nanofluid: Applications in Automobiles
Authors: Ahmad Jawad , Ali Farhad , Murtaza Saqib , Khan Ilyas
Published: August 2021

This article aims to examine Jeffery nanofluid with joint effects of mass and heat transfer in a horizontal channel. The classical model is transferred to the Caputo fractional model by using the generalized Fourier’s and Fick’s laws. The nanofluids are formed by dispersing two different nanoparticles, silver and copper, into a based fluid. A novel transformation has been applied to the mass and energy equation and then solved by using the sine Fourier and the Laplace transformation jointly. The exact solution is given in terms of a special function, that is, the Mittag-Leffler function. The Sherwood number and Nusselt number are calculated and displayed in the tabular form. The effect of embedded parameters on the velocity, concentration, and temperature profile is discussed graphically. It is noted that the heat transfer rate of EO is improved by 28.24% when the volume fraction of Ag nanoparticles is raised from 0.00 to 0.04.
Undrained Cyclic Response and Resistance of Saturated Calcareous Sand considering Initial Static Shear Effect
Authors: Li Baojian , Guo Panpan , Zhou Gaoyun , Wang Zhe , Lei Gang , Gong Xiaonan
Published: August 2021

Sand elements in the natural or manmade field have often undergone initial static shear stresses before suffering cyclic loading. To explore the effect of static shear stress, a series of undrained cyclic triaxial tests were performed on dense and loose calcareous sand under different initial and cyclic shear stresses. The triaxial test results are used to describe the effect of static shear stress on the cyclic response of the calcareous sand with different relative density. Cyclic mobility, flow deformation, and residual deformation accumulation are the three main failure modes under varying static and cyclic shear stress levels. The cyclic resistance of dense sand is greater than that of loose sand, but the initial static stress has different effects on the cyclic resistance of the two kinds of sand. The dense sand owns a higher cyclic resistance with SSR increasing, while for the loose sand, 0.12 is the critical SSR corresponding to the lowest value of the cyclic resistance. The dense sand has more fast accumulation of dissipated energy, compared with loose sand. Additionally, an exponential relationship is established between static shear stress, relative density, and normalized energy density.
Compatibility of Composite Biomaterials in Sports Injury Repair
Authors: Xing Mo
Published: August 2021

With the rapid development of sports, sports injuries have become an inevitable problem in sports. Repairing sports injuries has always been the focus of attention in the field of sports and medicine. The wide application of biomedical materials leads to the innovation and development of medical technology. It is of great significance to use them to repair sports injuries, but the current research results are not ideal. In this paper, the biocompatibility of composite biomaterials used to repair sports injuries was studied. First, the rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were cultured to prepare a cell suspension. Then, the tricalcium phosphate‐gelatin composite scaffold material and the collagen material were scraped into powder to make the material extract, which are, respectively, the experimental group and the control group. An apoptosis detection kit and a flow cytometer were used to detect apoptosis rate and survival rate of all samples, and a CKK‐8 kit was used to detect cytotoxicity and calculate cell proliferation activity. The absorbance value was read with a microplate reader, and the coagulation performance and hemolysis rate of different groups were calculated. The experimental results showed that the cell survival rate of the experimental group was 91.41%, the early apoptosis rate was 2.81%, the stem cell proliferation activity was 0.83, and the anticoagulant performance and hemolysis rate were 64.8% and 0.28%, respectively. This indicates that although the anticoagulant performance of the tricalcium phosphate‐gelatin composite scaffold is weak, its cell proliferation activity is strong, which is more suitable for cell adhesion and proliferation, and the cell apoptosis and hemolysis rate are lower. Therefore, it has better biocompatibility than a single collagen material.
Assessing Fracture Resistance of Restored Premolars with Novel Composite Materials: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Al-Ibraheemi Zahraa Abdulaali , Abdullah Huda Abbas , Jawad Nada Abdlameer , Haider Julfikar
Published: August 2021

During restorative treatment, premolars restored with resin filling materials using the conventional incremental-fill technique take longer restoration time and undermine the integrity of the tooth. The aim of this study was to assess fracture resistance of premolars restored by various types of novel bulk-fill composite resin materials. Forty-eight (n = 48) freshly extracted sound maxillary first premolars were used in this in vitro study. The teeth were divided into six groups, each having 8 specimens. Group A (positive control) was allocated for the intact teeth. For specimens in Groups B to F, a large cavity (Class-II MOD) was prepared with a standardized dimension of cavity (3 mm depth on the pulpal floor, 4 mm at the gingival seat, and 3 mm cavity width). Group B represented prepared teeth without any restoration. Group C, Group D, Group E, and Group F were restored with Tetric EvoCeram® incremental-fill (conventional), Beautifil bulk-fill, Filtek posterior bulk-fill, and SonicFill 2 bulk-fill restorative materials, respectively. All samples were finished and polished with an enhanced finishing kit and stored in distilled water for a month before the fracture resistance testing. All the samples were exposed to the axial loading (the speed of crosshead was 1 mm/min) in a computer-controlled universal testing machine (LARYEE, China) via a steel bar (6 mm in diameter) and the maximum applied force in Newton was recorded as the fracture resistance. One-way analysis of variance (SPSS 21) was used to compare the fracture resistance within the groups, and Tukey’s post hoc test was used to determine the difference between the groups. The lowest value of fracture resistance was recorded for Group B, and the highest value was recorded for Group A followed by the values of Group D, Group C, Group F, and Group E. One-way ANOVA revealed a statistically significant difference between the groups (

P
<
0.05

). Nonsignificant difference was found between the premolars restored by bulk-fill and conventional composites. Among the bulk-fill restored specimens, Beautifil restorative demonstrated significantly higher fracture resistance in comparison with the other two bulk-fill restored specimen groups (SonicFill 2 and Filtek). Bulk-fill composite such as Beautifil could be an alternative option to conventional incremental-fill composite for premolar restoration.
Influence of Sodium Alginate Concentration on Microcapsules Properties Foreseeing the Protection and Controlled Release of Bioactive Substances
Authors: Essifi Kamal , Brahmi Mohamed , Berraaouan Doha , Ed-Daoui Abderrahim , El Bachiri Ali , Fauconnier Marie-Laure , Tahani Abdesselam
Published: August 2021

To understand the abilities of Ca-alginate microcapsules and their specific applications in different fields, it is necessary to determine the physicochemical and structural properties of those formulated microcapsules. In this work, we aimed to study the effect of alginate concentration in the improvement of the encapsulation efficiency (EE) and on the release of phenolic and flavonoid substances. The relationship between the structure of the encapsulated bioactive substance and Ca-alginate network and their effect on the EE and release kinetics have been investigated. The incorporation, structure, morphology, and phase properties of all elaborated materials were characterized by UV-spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (DRX). The results indicate that increasing the polymer concentration increases the EE and decreases the loading capacity (LC), whereas the effect of alginate polymer concentration on the release was not observed. The release study of bioactive substances showed that the release kinetics is relatively dependent on the structure and the physicochemical characteristics of the bioactive substance, which became clear when the encapsulated compounds were released from the core of calcium alginate microcapsules. Thus, it could be concluded that the pores size of the Ca-alginate network is smaller than the volume of the crocin molecule (2794.926 Å3) and higher than the volume of the gallic acid molecule (527.659 Å3). For the same microcapsules system, the release mechanism is affected by the structure and physicochemical properties of the encapsulated molecules.
Hemoadsorption Treatment with CytoSorb® in Probable Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis: A Role as Adjunctive Therapy?
Authors: Ceruti Samuele , Glotta Andrea , Adamson Harriet , Mauri Romano , Molnar Zsolt
Published: August 2021

Acute hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a life-threatening disease, with an annual incidence of 1 : 800,000 people. The disease is characterized by a cytokine storm, with concomitant macrophage and natural killer (NK) cell activation; death can occur from multiple organ failure or complications such as bleeding diathesis. Therefore, HLH treatment remains a challenging one. We hereby present a case of a 76-year-old man with severe HLH in whom hemoadsorption was successfully applied. Due to the failure of the immunomodulatory therapy , continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration therapy with the CytoSorb® adsorber was successfully applied for 48 hours. Upon therapy discontinuation, the biological and clinical condition reverted, unfortunately evolving towards the patient’s death.
Research on the Capability Maturity Evaluation of Intelligent Manufacturing Based on Firefly Algorithm, Sparrow Search Algorithm, and BP Neural Network
Authors: Shi Li , Ding Xuehong , Li Min , Liu Yuan
Published: August 2021

Intelligent manufacturing capability evaluation is the key for enterprises to scientifically formulate the implementation path and continuously improve the level of intelligent manufacturing. To help manufacturing enterprises diagnose the level of intelligent manufacturing capability, this paper conducts research on intelligent manufacturing capability maturity evaluation based on maturity theory. The evaluation problem is a complex nonlinear problem, and BP neural network is particularly suitable for solving such complex mapping problems. Aiming at the problem that the BP neural network is sensitive to initial weights and thresholds, the sparrow search algorithm (SSA) is used to optimize the initial weights and thresholds of the BP neural network. In order to overcome the shortcoming of SSA that it is easy to fall into the local optimum, the firefly disturbance strategy is introduced to improve it, a new sparrow search algorithm (FASSA) is proposed, and on this basis, an intelligent manufacturing capability maturity evaluation model based on the FASSA‐BP algorithm is constructed. Finally, a large battery manufacturing enterprise in China is selected for empirical research, and the comparison experiments are carried out on the FASSA‐BP model, BP model, SSA‐BP model, and PSO‐BP model in terms of accuracy, stability, etc. The results show that the evaluation of intelligent manufacturing capability maturity through this model can effectively help companies diagnose problems in the construction of intelligent manufacturing and provide a reference for companies to accurately improve their intelligent manufacturing capabilities.
Taxifolin Targets PI3K and mTOR and Inhibits Glioblastoma Multiforme
Authors: Yao Weiqi , Gong Hongyun , Mei Heng , Shi Lei , Yu Jinming , Hu Yu
Published: August 2021

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most common malignant primary brain tumor, has a very poor prognosis. With increasing knowledge of tumor molecular biology, targeted therapies are becoming increasingly integral to comprehensive GBM treatment strategies. mTOR is a key downstream molecule of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, integrating input signals from growth factors, nutrients, and energy sources to regulate cell growth and cell proliferation through multiple cellular responses. mTOR/PI3K dual-targeted therapy has shown promise in managing various cancers. Here, we report that taxifolin, a flavanone commonly found in milk thistle, inhibited mTOR/PI3K, promoted autophagy, and suppressed lipid synthesis in GBM. In silico analysis showed that taxifolin can bind to the rapamycin binding site of mTOR and the catalytic site of PI3K (p110α). In in vitro experiments, taxifolin inhibited mTOR and PI3K activity in five different glioma cell lines. Lastly, we showed that taxifolin suppressed tumors in mice; stimulated expression of autophagy-related genes LC3B-II, Atg7, atg12, and Beclin-1; and inhibited expression of fatty acid synthesis-related genes C/EBPα, PPARγ, FABP4, and FAS. Our observations suggest that taxifolin is potentially a valuable drug for treating GBM.
Diabetes Mellitus Prediction and Severity Level Estimation Using OWDANN Algorithm
Authors: R Annamalai , R Nedunchelian
Published: August 2021

Today, diabetes is one of the most prevalent, chronic, and deadly diseases in the world owing to some complications. If accurate early diagnosis is feasible, the risk factor and incidence of diabetes may be greatly decreased. Diabetes prediction is stable and reliable, since there are only minimal labelling evidence and outliers found in the datasets of diabetes. Numerous works coped with diabetes disease prediction and provided the solution. But the existing methods proffered low accuracy detection and consumed more training time. So, this paper proposed an OWDANN algorithm for diabetes mellitus disease prediction and severity level estimation. The proposed system mainly consists of two phases, namely, disease prediction and severity level estimation phase. In the disease prediction phase, the preprocessing is performed for the Pima dataset. Then, the features are extracted from the preprocessed data, and finally, the classification step is performed by using OWDANN. In the severity level estimation phase, the diabetes positive dataset is preprocessed first. Then, the features are extracted, and lastly, the severity level is predicted using GDHC. The extensive experimental results showed that the proposed system outperforms with 98.97% accuracy, 94.98% sensitivity, 95.62% specificity, 97.02% precision, 93.84% recall, 9404% f‐measure, 0.094% FDR, and 0.023% FPR compared with the state‐of‐the‐art methods.
Postpartum Family Planning Use and Its Determinants among Women of the Reproductive Age Group in Low-Income Countries of Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yemane Tesfalem Tilahun , Bogale Getahun Gebre , Egata Gudina , Tefera Tilahun Kassa
Published: August 2021

Background. Postpartum family planning is the initiation and use of family planning services within the first 12 months following childbirth. Postpartum contraceptives reduce maternal and infant mortality by preventing unplanned and unwanted pregnancies and by spacing pregnancies at least two years after the previous birth. Thus, it is usually designed as an integral part of reproductive and maternal and child health programs. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to estimate the pooled prevalence of postpartum modern contraceptive use and identify its determinants in low-income countries of sub-Saharan Africa. Methods. A systematic review and meta-analysis of published and unpublished studies were used. PubMed, HINARI, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, Wiley Library, ETH Library, and Google Scholar were used to search all articles. STATA 14 software was used for data analysis. Funnel plots and Egger’s test were used to examine the risk of publication bias. Heterogeneity was checked by using Cochran’s

Q

test and

I

2

test. A random effect model was computed to estimate the pooled prevalence. Results. A total of 33 articles were included. The pooled prevalence of postpartum contraceptive use in low-income countries of sub-Saharan Africa was 37.41%, 95% CI: (31.35, 43.48%). Secondary and above level of education (AOR 2.09, 95% CI: (1.52, 2.86)), discussion with husband (AOR 3.68, 95% CI: (1.96, 6.89)), resumption of menses (AOR: 3.98, 95% CI: (2.62, 6.03)), ANC follow-up (AOR; 5.10, 95% CI: (3.57, 7.29)), knowledge of modern family planning (AOR: 5.65, 95% CI: 3.58, 8.93)), and family planning counseling during ANC (AOR =5.92, 95% CI: (2.54, 13.79)) were found to be determinants of postpartum contraceptive utilization. Conclusion. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the prevalence of postpartum modern contraceptive use was found to be low compared to the existing global recommendations. Therefore, empowering maternal education, delivering adequate counseling, and strengthening existing integrated maternal and child health services are highly recommended to increase postpartum contraceptive use. This trial is registered with CRD42020160612.
Personality Trait Detection Based on ASM Localization and Deep Learning
Authors: Fu JinFeng , Zhang Hongli
Published: August 2021

Global competition is the competition of human resources, the social demand for high-quality talents is increasing, and the demand for all kinds of talents is increasing. Therefore, how to scientifically and efficiently complete the preliminary screening of college students’ mental health, so as to provide services for them, has become an important task. In order to solve the above problems, by combining the relevant professional knowledge of psychology, statistics, image processing, and artificial intelligence technology, a personality trait detection method based on active shape model (ASM) localization and deep learning is proposed. Firstly, the traditional ASM algorithm is improved and applied to facial feature point location, which provides training basis for further deep learning. It mainly includes three aspects of improvement: (1) 2D texture model based on Gabor wavelet and gradient features; (2) new multiresolution pyramid decomposition method; and (3) improved multiresolution pyramid search strategy. Secondly, the deep belief network model is used to train and classify the students’ four personality traits and facial features, so as to dig out the relationship between the four personality traits and facial features. The experimental results show that the localization effect of the improved ASM algorithm is obviously better than that of the traditional algorithm, and the classifier after learning and training has a good effect in analyzing the four personality traits.
Repair of Osteoporotic Bone Defects Using Adipose-Derived Stromal Cells and Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells Seeded in Chitosan/Nanohydroxyapatite-P24 Nanocomposite Scaffolds
Authors: Fang Yifei , Gong Yong , Yang Zhijian , Chen Yan
Published: August 2021

Background. The cell regeneration and blood supply of bone defect lesions are restricted under osteoporotic pathological conditions, which make the healing of bone defect of osteoporosis still a great challenge. The current therapeutic strategies that mainly inhibit bone resorption are not always satisfactory for osteoporotic bone defects, which make the development of new therapies an urgent need. Methods. Previously, we prepared chitosan/nanohydroxyapatite (CS/nHA) biomimetic nanocomposite scaffolds for controlled delivery of bone morphogenetic protein 2-derived peptide (P24). In this study, we determined the effect of coculturing adipose-derived stromal cells (ADSCs) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with the CS-P24/nHA nanocomposite scaffolds on osteoporotic bone defect healing. In vitro mixed coculture models were employed to assess the direct effects of coculture. Results. ADSCs cocultured with HUVECs showed significantly greater osteogenic differentiation and mineralization compared with ADSCs or HUVECs alone. The CS-P24/nHA scaffold cocultured with ADSCs and HUVECs was more effective in inducing osteoporotic bone repair, as demonstrated by micro-computed tomography and histology of critical-sized calvariae defects in ovariectomized rats. Calvariae defects treated with the CS-P24/nHA nanocomposite scaffold plus ADSC/HUVEC coculture had a greater area of repair and better reconstitution of osseous structures compared with defects treated with the scaffold plus ADSCs or the scaffold plus HUVECs after 4 and 8 weeks. Conclusion. Taken together, coculture of ADSCs and HUVECs with the CS-P24/nHA nanocomposite scaffold is an effective combination to repair osteoporotic bone defects.
Experimental Investigations on Leakages in Positive Displacement Machines
Authors: Patel Hitesh H. , Lakhera Vikas J.
Published: August 2021

The clearance gaps in positive displacement machines such as compressors, pumps, expanders, and turbines are critical for their performance and reliability. The leakage flow through these clearances influences the volumetric and adiabatic efficiencies of the machines. The extent of the leakage flow depends on the size and shape of clearance paths and pressure differences across these paths. Usually, the mass flow through the gaps is estimated using the isentropic nozzle equation with the flow coefficients applied to correct for the real flow conditions. However, the flow coefficients applied generally do not take into account the shape and size of these leakage paths. For that reason, a proper understanding of the relationship between flow coefficients and shape parameters is crucial for an accurate prediction of leakage flows. The present study investigates the influence of the various dimensionless parameters such as Reynolds number, Mach number, and pressure ratio on the flow coefficients for circular and rectangular clearance shapes. The flow coefficients are determined by comparing the experimental values obtained in an experimental test rig and the flow rates obtained from the isentropic nozzle equation. It is observed that in the case of circular clearances, the mean deviation of the experimental leakage results (in comparison to the analytical results using isotropic nozzle equations) is +9.1%, which is significantly lower than the mean deviation (+20.5%) in the case of rectangular clearance leakages. The study indicates that the isentropic nozzle equation method is more suitable for predicting the leakages through the circular clearances and needs modifications for consideration of the rectangular clearances. Using regression analysis, empirical correlations are developed to predict the flow coefficient in terms of Reynolds number, Mach number, pressure ratio, aspect ratio, and β ratio, which are found to match within ±6.4 percent of the numerical results for the rectangular clearance and within the range of -3.6 percent to +5.1 percent of the numerical result for the circular clearance. The empirical relationships presented in this study can be extended to evaluate the flow coefficients in a positive displacement machine.
Changes in Humans' Autonomic Nervous System under Dynamic Lighting Environment During A Short Rest
Authors: Chen Chien-Yu , Wu Pei-Jung , Hsiao Yu-Jen , Tai Yu-Wen
Published: August 2021

Overloaded work and life stress often result in excessive fatigue and stresses in people, further leading to psychological burden and physiological disease. In this case, good rest is important in busy life. Good rest could result in good quality of life and work efficiency. In order to assist people in getting into deep rest to obtain a restorative state after fatigue, a dynamic lighting system with low-frequency change for assisting users in effective relaxation is proposed in this study. Heart rate variability analysis is used for discussing the change in the autonomic nervous system of the subjects under dynamic lighting environment, and a self-report questionnaire is applied to understand the subjects’ psychological feeling. The research results indicate that the subjects significantly showed enhancement in the activities of parasympathetic nervous system within 25 minutes in the dynamic lighting process, in comparison with the steady lighting system. The questionnaire survey results also reveal that the subjects receive higher quality of rest, after the dynamic and low-illuminance lighting stimuli, with good feeling.
Diagnosis Model of Volleyball Skills and Tactics Based on Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Jiang Wei , Zhao Kai , Jin Xinlong
Published: August 2021

With the development of China’s sports industry, the technical and tactical level of the team is required to be higher and higher. This study mainly discusses the diagnostic model of volleyball technique and tactics based on artificial neural network. With the help of the correlation function in Matlab neural network toolbox, in the training process of volleyball technical and tactical evaluation neural network, the sample data of volleyball technical evaluation index is repeatedly simulated and studied, and finally the network parameters with the minimum error and the highest accuracy are saved as the network model for subsequent verification and evaluation. The middle layer is the hidden layer, which makes the network approach the result of volleyball experts’ evaluation of the technology by adjusting the weights of neurons. The last layer is the output layer, which outputs the actual evaluation results of volleyball experts on the technology. Through repeated training and comparison of input samples, the maximum number of training times of BP network for volleyball technical and tactical evaluation is determined to be 32. Some common experience of estimating hidden node number is provided by trial-and-error method. On this basis, the number of hidden nodes to minimize the network error is finally determined to be 4 through repeated training and comparison. In the process of network diagnosis, the average difference between the evaluation score of network output and the score of actual experts is less than 1%, which reaches a very high precision. It shows that the volleyball skill evaluation model based on BP neural network is feasible in technology and the result is relatively reliable.
Physicochemical Properties and Antioxidant Potential of Tateishi Kazu Vegetable Soup
Authors: Kalsoom Kalsoom , Hamayun Muhammad , Khan Muhammad Aaqil , Park Yong-Sung , Kim Il-Doo , Shin Dong-Hyun , Iqbal Amjad
Published: August 2021

Many industrialized areas of the world demand for the nutraceuticals due to rapidly growing health risks linked with higher consumption of processed foods. Tateishi Kazu vegetable soup or miracle soup is widely consumed around the world because of its nutraceutical properties. In the current research, the Tateishi Kazu vegetable soup was made from both organic and nonorganic sources, such as carrot, burdock root, shiitake mushroom, daikon radish, and radish leaves. We analyzed colour, antioxidant properties, cell viability, and mineral and free amino acid contents of both soups. The L∗a∗b and pH values revealed no drastic changes in the colour of the organic soup stored for 96 hours. The essential amino acids were present in higher amounts in an organic soup compared to the nonorganic soup. Similarly, the total mineral contents of the organic soup were higher than the nonorganic soup; however, potassium was the major mineral in both soups. Higher phenolic contents with elevated 2,2-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were noticed in organic soup. Moreover, both soups showed considerable reduction in cell viability of HepG2 cells tested through the MTT assay. From the present study, we concluded that the organic Tateishi Kazu vegetable soup can be of great importance to food industry due to the presence of viable nutrients and pharmacological properties.
Model-Free Adaptive Control for Tank Truck Rollover Stabilization
Authors: Li Xian-Sheng , Ren Yuan-Yuan , Zheng Xue-Lian
Published: August 2021

Influenced by lateral liquid sloshing in partially filled tanks, tank vehicles are apt to encounter with rollover accidents. Due to its strong nonlinearity and loading state uncertainty, it has great challenges in tank vehicle active control. Based on the model-free adaptive control (MFAC) theory, the roll stability control problem of tank trucks with different tank shapes and liquid fill percentages is explored. First, tank trucks equipped with cylinder or elliptical cylinder tanks are modelled, and vehicle dynamics is analyzed. This dynamic model is used to provide I/O data in the controlled system. Next, the control objective of tank vehicle rollover stabilization is analyzed and the controlled variable is selected. Subsequently, differential braking and active front steering controller are designed by MFAC algorithm. Finally, the effectiveness of the designed controllers is verified by simulation, and difference between the controllers is analyzed. The controller designed by MFAC algorithm is proven to be adaptive to vehicle loading and driving states. The controlled system has great robustness.
The RIG-I Signal Pathway Mediated Panax notoginseng Saponin Anti-Inflammatory Effect in Ischemia Stroke
Authors: Zhang Chujun , Zhang Sai , Wang Lanxiang , Kang Soyeon , Ma Jiabao , Liu Shihao , Hu Yanhong , Zhang Fan , Sun Tianshi , Dong Yixin , Li Tenghui , Li Weihong , Du Qinghong
Published: August 2021

Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS), the main bioactive constituents of a traditional Chinese herb Panax notoginseng, were commonly used for ischemic stroke in China. However, the associated cellular and molecular mechanisms of PNS have not been well examined. This study aimed to decipher the underlying molecular target of PNS in the treatment of cerebral ischemia. The oxygen-glucose-deprived (OGD) model of rat brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) was used in this study. The alteration of gene expression in rat BMECs after PNS treatment was measured by microarray and indicated that there were 38 signaling pathways regulated by PNS. Among them, RIG-I receptor and related signaling molecules TNF receptor-associated factor 2 (Traf2) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) were significantly suppressed by PNS, which was verified again in OGD-induced BMECs measured by FQ-PCR and western blotting and in middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) rats measured by immunohistochemistry. The levels of TNF-α, IL-8, and the downstream cytokines regulated by RIG-I receptor pathway were also decreased by PNS. Meanwhile, the neurological evaluation, hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, and Evans blue staining were conducted to evaluate the effect of PNS in MCAO rats. Results showed PNS significantly improved functional outcome and cerebral vascular leakage. Flow cytometry showed the number of the inflammatory cells infiltrated in brain tissue was decreased in PNS treatment. Our results identified that RIG-I signaling pathway mediated anti-inflammatory properties of PNS in cerebral ischemia, which provided the novel insights of PNS application in clinics.
Combining K-Means Clustering and Random Forest to Evaluate the Gas Content of Coalbed Bed Methane Reservoirs
Authors: Yu Jie , Zhu Linqi , Qin Ruibao , Zhang Zhansong , Li Li , Huang Tao
Published: August 2021

The accurate calculation of the gas content of coalbed bed methane (CBM) reservoirs is of great significance. However, due to the weak correlation between the logging response of coalbed methane reservoirs and the gas content parameters and strong nonlinear characteristics, it is difficult for conventional gas content calculation algorithms to obtain more reliable results. This paper proposes a CBM reservoir gas content assessment method combining K-means clustering and random forest. The K-means clustering is used to divide the reservoirs and distinguish the types to establish a random forest model. Judging from the evaluation effect of the research block, the prediction accuracy of the new method is significantly higher than that of the original method, and more accurate gas content prediction values can be obtained for different types of reservoirs. Studies have shown that this method can help the gas content evaluation of CBM reservoirs, improve the accuracy of gas content evaluation, and better support the exploration and development of CBM reservoirs. The results of this study show that the random forest method based on clustering can effectively distinguish the relationship between different logging responses and gas content. On this basis, the random forest algorithm modeling can effectively characterize the complex relationship between gas content and logging curve response. In the case of poor correlation between gas content and logging curve, the gas content of the reservoir can also be accurately calculated.
Limiting Spectral Distribution of Large-Dimensional Sample Covariance Matrices Generated by the Periodic Autoregressive Model
Authors: Zou Jin , Han Dong
Published: August 2021

The explicit representation for the limiting spectral moments of sample covariance matrices generated by the periodic autoregressive model (PAR) is established. We propose to use the moment-constrained maximum entropy method to estimate the spectral density function. The experiments show that the maximum entropy spectral density function curve obtained based on the fourth-order limiting spectral moment can match histograms of the eigenvalues of the covariance matrices very well.
Numerical Simulation and Computational Flow Characterization Analyses of Centrifugal Pump Operating as Turbine
Authors: Jianguo Du , Chang Guanghui , Adu Daniel , Darko Ransford , Khan Muhammad A. S. , Antwi Eric O.
Published: August 2021

Using a pump in reverse mode as a hydraulic turbine remains an alternative for hydropower generation in meeting energy needs, especially for the provision of electricity to remote and rural settlements. The primary challenge with small hydroelectric systems is attributed to the high price of smaller size hydraulic turbines. A specific commercial pump model, with a flow rate of 12.5 m3/h, head 32 m, pressure side diameter of 50 mm, impeller out, and inlet diameters of 160 mm and 6 mm, respectively, was chosen for this research. This research aimed to investigate a pump’s flow characteristics as a turbine to help select a suitable pump to be used as a turbine for micro‐ or small hydropower construction. Numerical methodologies have been adopted to contribute to the thoughtful knowledge of pressure and velocity distribution in the pump turbine performance. In this study, the unsteady flow relations amongst the rotating impeller and stationary volute of the centrifugal pump made up four blades and four splitters. Intermittent simulation results of pressure and velocity flow characteristics were studied considering diverse impeller suction angles. The study was conducted by considering a wide range of rotational speeds starting from 750 rpm to 3250 rpm. From the results, it was found that PAT operation was improved when operated at low speeds compared to high‐speed operation. Thus, speeds between 1500 rpm and 2000 rpm were suitable for PAT performance. This research helps to realize the unsteady flow physiognomies, which provide information for future research on PAT. This study makes useful facts available which could be helpful for the pump turbine development. Future studies should focus on cost analysis and emission generation in energy generation.
Application of Multivariate Optimization for Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidants Extraction from Moroccan Cannabis sativa Waste
Authors: Aazza Smail
Published: August 2021

A statistical simplex centroid design methodology was applied to determine the effects of different solvents and their mixtures on the yield, total polyphenol content, 2′2-dipheny-l-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) of extracts from the waste of Cannabis sativa. The different extractor solvents (ethanol, methanol, water, and hexane) and their binary and ternary combinations were evaluated. The experimental results and their response surface models showed that the highest TPC yield values occur with the binary interaction between water and ethanol around the proportion of (ethanol, 70%; water, 30%). The desirability function showed that the optimal conditions were for TPC extraction ternary mixtures which consisted of 75% ethanol, 12.5% methanol, and 12.5% water. Ternary mixtures including water and binary mixture (ethanol 50% to 75%) yielded extracts with the best DPPH antioxidant activity, whereas pure methanol was the best solvent for extracting molecules with FRAP antioxidant capacity. The desirability function including all responses showed that the optimal solvent mixture consisted of 25% ethanol and 75% methanol.
Relationship between Trunk Position Sense and Trunk Control in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Monica Shilpa , Nayak Akshatha , Joshua Abraham M. , Mithra Prasanna , Amaravadi Sampath Kumar , Misri Zulkifli , Unnikrishnan Bhaskaran
Published: August 2021

Background and Aim. Children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP) have impaired trunk control. Joint position sense, a component of proprioception, plays a crucial role in maintaining spinal mobility and stability. The current study is aimed at analysing the relationship between trunk control and trunk position sense in children with spastic CP. Methods. In this study, 24 children with spastic CP aged between 8 and 15 years were recruited. They were classified based on their functional performance using Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). Trunk control and trunk position sense were assessed using the trunk control measurement scale (TCMS) and digital goniometer, respectively. The correlation between these variables was tested using Spearman’s correlation coefficient. Results. Significant negative correlation was found between trunk position sense and TCMS score. Similarly, a significant moderate correlation was found between trunk position sense and GMFCS. A strong negative correlation was also found between GMFCS and TCMS. Conclusion. Children with spastic CP with better trunk position sense had better trunk control. Similarly, children with higher functional performance had better trunk control and lesser error in trunk position sense. The current findings imply the relevance of proprioceptive training of the trunk for enhancing trunk motor control in children with spastic CP.
The Challenges of ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction in COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Bae Ju Young , Hussein Khalil Ian , Howes Christopher John , Setaro John Francis
Published: August 2021

By July 2021, the United States had over 34.4 million confirmed COVID-19 cases. Various cardiovascular manifestations of COVID-19 have been reported including ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), and there is concern that SARS-CoV-2 may be associated with a higher thrombus burden. We performed a retrospective chart review of 535 adult patients with COVID-19 admitted at Yale-New Haven Health Greenwich Hospital from February 1, 2020, to May 13, 2020. All admitted patients had undergone testing for serum troponin I and various inflammatory markers, and we identified three patients who were diagnosed with acute STEMI. Data was collected via manual chart review and included patient demographics, comorbidities, laboratory tests, electrocardiogram (ECG) results, echocardiography results, diagnoses during hospitalization, inpatient therapies, and outcomes including length of hospital stay, revascularization results, and mortality. Three of our patients had obstructive coronary artery disease confirmed via angiography. One subject was noted to display vasospasm in addition to coronary atherosclerotic obstruction and refractory thrombus formation. Among our patients with COVID-19 and STEMI, presentations were variable in terms of timing of onset of ECG changes, age, gender, race, comorbidities, symptomology, and outcomes.
Effects of a Chlorogenic Acid-Containing Herbal Medicine (LASNB) on Colon Cancer
Authors: Li Yanchu , Pu Rong , Zhou Lu , Wang Dan , Li Xianyong
Published: August 2021

Background. Plant polyphenols, which contain phenolic acids such as chlorogenic acid (CGA), can be used for the treatment of gastrointestinal cancer and have gained increasing attention in recent years. In this study, we explored a novel CGA-containing herbal medicine named LASNB, which was extracted from Lonicera japonica Thunb., Agrimonia eupatoria L., and Scutellaria barbata D.Don. Methods. CGA in LASNB was analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The biological functions and molecular mechanisms of LASNB were investigated in colon cancer cell lines (HCT116, HCT15, and CT26), a normal colon cell line (NCM460), and a CT26 xenograft model. To assess safety, hematological toxicity and pathology of the liver, kidney, and lung were evaluated. Results. LASNB suppressed HCT116, HCT15, and CT26 colon cancer progression by inhibiting proliferation capacity, promoting cell apoptosis, and suppressing cell migration both in vitro and in vivo. Investigation into the underlying molecular mechanism indicated that LASNB suppressed the activation of receptor tyrosine kinase- (RTK-) MEK-ERK and NF-κB pathways. With regard to safety, slight interstitial vascular congestion in the lung was observed, but no severe pathological or hematological toxicity was detected. Conclusions. We found that LASNB suppressed the progression of colon cancer via the RTK-MEK-ERK and NF-κB pathways, with no severe toxicity observed. Therefore, LASNB has the potential to be used as a supplementary herbal medicine for the treatment of colon cancer.
A Combined Simulation Approach to Evaluate Overtaking Behaviour on Two-Lane Two-Way Rural Roads
Authors: Branzi Valentina , Meocci Monica , Domenichini Lorenzo , Calcinai Margherita
Published: August 2021

A significant percentage of road fatalities and injuries occur in the nonmotorway rural road network. One of the main causes of accidents on these roads is represented by overtaking, as, by its nature, it involves a risk of a head-on collision with oncoming traffic. The paper describes a combined simulation approach (driving simulator and traffic microsimulation) designed to examine the influence of different traffic conditions on passing manoeuvres on two-lane two-way rural roads. The main focus was the evaluation of the end of the passing manoeuvre because it reflects the risk of a head-on collision. In addition, the study aimed to assess the usefulness of the proposed combined approach in the ability to proactively and quickly diagnose traffic safety problems and consequently to evaluate appropriate solutions. The data collected with an interactive driving simulator on a sample of 54 participants have been used to adjust some input data of the traffic microsimulation software. A specific situation consisting of a stationary heavy vehicle obstructing the entire lane was repeated in both experiments. The analyses focused on time-to-collision (TTC), defined as the remaining gap between the passing vehicle and the oncoming vehicle at the end of the passing manoeuvre. The results showed that the type of manoeuvre performed is significantly influenced by the traffic condition. Furthermore, the manoeuvre is influenced by the gap between two successive vehicles in the opposite lanes. Focusing on the end of the manoeuvre, it was found how a traffic increase leads to a significant reduction of the TTC values. Furthermore, the comparative analysis conducted between the data recorded following the combined approach and those obtained using exclusively the input data of the microsimulation software supports the usefulness of the proposed methodology for conducting road safety analyses, especially in complex traffic environments where drivers’ behaviour plays a decisive role.