bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on the Therapeutic Effect of Azithromycin Combined with Glucocorticoid on Pulmonary Function and Inflammatory Response in Children with Pneumonia
Authors: Zhao Qingchun , Yang Junbo , Sheng Yongmei , Zhuang Min , Qi Min
Published: March 2022

Objective. The objective is to explore the efficacy of azithromycin combined with glucocorticoids in the treatment of children with pneumonia and its effect on the inflammatory response. Methods. A total of 86 children with pneumonia were divided into the experimental group (EG) and the control group (CG). Both groups received conventional treatment, the CG was treated with azithromycin and the EG was additionally treated with glucocorticoid methylprednisolone. The therapeutic effect, disappearance time of clinical symptoms, pulmonary function, inflammatory factors, immune function, quality of life, and adverse reactions were measured in the two groups. Results. After treatment, compared with CG, the total effective rate was significantly elevated, the disappearance time of various clinical symptoms was earlier, and various pulmonary function indexes were increased in the EG. The interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), C reactive protein (CRP), and CD8+ levels were reduced, and CD3+ and CD4+ levels were increased in the EG. The quality-of-life scores were upregulated in the EG. Moreover, there was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups. Conclusion. The combined use of azithromycin and glucocorticoids in the treatment of children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection has a good curative effect, can significantly improve lung function, restore pulmonary inflammatory indexes to normal, and enhance patients’ immune function and improve their quality of life, with fewer adverse reactions and safety.
Identification of Key Drug Targets and Molecular Mechanisms of Curcumae Rhizoma Acting on HBV-Related HCC: Weighted Correlation Network and Network Pharmacological Analyses
Authors: Zhao Mengyuan , Fu Yun , Liu Lili , Hou Yong , Shi Mei , Zhou Hao , Zhang Guoliang
Published: March 2022

Background. Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has poor prognosis and high mortality rate. Curcumae Rhizoma, a classic Chinese medicinal herb, is often used to treat tumors. Methods. Active ingredients of Curcumae Rhizoma were extracted from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) database, and potential targets were predicted by the TCMSP database and Swiss Target Prediction database. The key drug targets were filtered by intersecting predicted targets, DEGs, and genes in important modules from WGCNA. Besides, the key drug targets were used to construct a network of “herb-active ingredient-target-disease” interactions and subjected to enrichment analysis and protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis. The hub targets based on PPI analysis was evaluated by the KMplotter database. Results. Three active ingredients of Curcumae Rhizoma were collected with OB ≥ 30% and DL ≥ 0.18, including hederagenin, wenjine, and bisdemethoxycurcumin. The key drug targets were mainly enriched in cell cycle checkpoint, DNA integrity checkpoint, and peptidyl-serine modification. Besides, Curcumae Rhizoma treatment of HBV-related HCC mainly involved the p53 signaling pathway and arachidonic acid metabolism. Finally, ESR1 and PTGS2 were identified as hub targets from PPI analysis. ESR1 was found to be correlated with survival in liver cancer patients with hepatitis. Conclusion. Based on WGCNA and network pharmacological analysis, our results illustrated that Curcumae Rhizoma might work through regulating multitargets and multipathways in HBV-related HCC.
A Derivative-Free Affine Scaling LP Algorithm Based on Probabilistic Models for Linear Inequality Constrained Optimization
Authors: Zhao Jingbo , Wang Peng , Zhu Detong
Published: March 2022

In this paper, a derivative-free affine scaling linear programming algorithm based on probabilistic models is considered for solving linear inequality constrainted optimization problems. The proposed algorithm is designed to build probabilistic linear polynomial interpolation models using only n + 1 interpolation points for the objective function and reduce the computation cost for building interpolation function. We build the affine scaling linear programming methods which use probabilistic or random models and affine matrix within a classical linear programming framework. The backtracking line search technique can guarantee monotone descent of the objective function, and by using this technique, the new iterative points are located within the feasible region. Under some reasonable conditions, the global and local fast convergence of the algorithm is shown, and the results of numerical experiments are reported to show the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Effect of Pretreatment and High Hydrostatic Pressure on Soluble Dietary Fiber in Lotus Root Residues
Authors: Gu Yanyang , Niu Liying , Song Jiangfeng , Liu Chunju , Zhang Zhongyuan , Liu Chunquan , Li Dajing , Xiao Lixia
Published: March 2022

High hydrostatic pressure (HHP) can enhance the physicochemical properties of soluble dietary fiber (SDF) from fruit and vegetable residues including hydration properties, emulsibility, and rheological properties, while the pretreatment methods such as solid-water suspension status are ignored all along. Here, three groups of lotus root residue (LRR) for HHP treatment (400 MPa, 15 min) were prepared: the fresh lotus root residue (FLRR), FLRR mixed with water (FLRR + W), and dried FLRR suspended in water at the same solid/water level with FLRR + W (DLRR + W). As a control, non-HHP-treated FLRR was tested. Results showed that FLRR + W obtained the highest SDF yield and presented a honeycomb structure which was not observed in other LRR samples. In addition, properties of SDF extract from FLRR + W changed most significantly, including not only the enhancement of SDF yield, the improvement of hydration properties, and the reduction of molecular weight but also the increase of thermal and rheological stability. Principal component analysis (PCA) profile illustrated that the difference of LRR-water system contributed 27.6% to the SDF physicochemical changes, and SDF from DLRR + W distinguished it from the other samples with mannose, ribose, and glucuronic acid, indicating that the drying procedure also played a role in the HHP treatment focusing on the sugar constitution. Therefore, the solid-water suspension status is a noteworthy issue before HHP treatment aiming at SDF modification.
Sildenafil for Primary Prevention of Anthracycline-Induced Cardiac Toxicity: A Phase I/II Randomized Clinical Trial, SILDAT-TAHA6 Trial
Authors: Attar Armin , Heydari Masoumeh , Abtahi Firoozeh , Rezvani Alireza , Haghighat Shirin , Vojdani Reza , Ramzi Mani , Dehghani Mehdi , Karimi Mojtaba , Kasaei Mohammad , Khosropanah Shahdad , Tabandeh Mahmood
Published: March 2022

Background. Previous animal studies have shown a protective effect of 5-phosphodiesterase inhibitors on cancer therapeutics-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD) of anthracyclines. Aim. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical effect of sildenafil on the primary prevention of CTRCD in human. Materials and Methods. In this randomized double-blind clinical trial, the primary end point was efficacy in preventing the reduction of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). The intervention group patients received sildenafil at a dose of 25 milligrams twice a day before starting the chemotherapeutic regimen, and the control group received placebo. All the patients at baseline and after the 6-month follow-up underwent 4D and speckle-tracking echocardiography and cardiac MRI, accompanied by hs-troponin I and NT-Pro-BNP measurement. Results. Sixty patients were enrolled in this study, and data from 52 patients (24 patients in the intervention group and 28 patients in the control group) were used in the final analysis. Our findings showed that in the intervention and control groups, LVEF was dropped from 61.28 ± 7.36 to 51.57 ± 7.67 (difference (D) = −9.71 ± 11.95,

p
=
0.003

) and from 57.9 ± 7.29 to 50.2 ± 7.02% (D = −7.7 ± 5.93;

p
=
0.001

), respectively (between-group difference = −2.01%,

p
=
0.26

). CTRCD was detected in 11 patients in the control group (42.8%) and 10 in the intervention group (41.6%,

p
=
0.51

). Conclusion. Consumption of sildenafil for primary prevention of anthracycline-induced cardiac toxicity seems to be unbeneficial. This trial is registered with IRCT20180506039554N1.
Design of Nonsmooth Groove Tire Bioinspired by Shark-Skin Riblet Structure
Authors: Liu Congzhen , Meng Hui , Lu Shicheng , Li Aiqiang , Xu Chengwei , Sun Yunfen , Wang Guolin
Published: March 2022

As one of the major causes of traffic accidents on wet roads, hydroplaning is prone to occur when the traveling speed of a vehicle rises so high that the hydrodynamic pressure between pavement and tires equals inflation pressure. In this condition, the vehicle nearly loses braking and steering capacity. Inspired by the superior drag reduction function of shark-skin riblet, the purpose of this study is to arrange bionic nonsmooth structures at the bottom of longitudinal grooves to promote the hydroplaning performance without affecting other tire performances. A finite element model of 185/60R15 tire was employed and its accuracy was verified by loading tests with CSS-88100 electronic testing instrument. Meanwhile, a fluid domain model was founded by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method. The simulated critical hydroplaning speed was in accord with that obtained by the NASA empirical formula. Inspired by shark-skin riblet, three kinds of nonsmooth surfaces were exploited. In addition, the drag reduction rate, shear stress, and flow velocity distribution were compared for different grooves. Then, the optimized nonsmooth structure with the best drag reduction effect among three nonsmooth surfaces was arranged at the bottom of longitudinal grooves for bionic tire. Simulation results demonstrated that the bionic tire obviously decreased hydrodynamic lift and increased flow velocities. With these improvements, the critical hydroplaning speed was effectively improved for the bionic tire. These research results can be applied to the promotion of hydroplaning performance without degrading other tire performances.
Cryptomarkets’ Phenomenon: A Conceptualization Approach
Authors: Basheer Randa
Published: March 2022

In the last two decades, the Dark Web has become the perfect resort for various illicit activities. Cryptomarkets are widespread platforms in the cyberspace of the Dark Web where participants trade for illegal gaining. In this article, we present a conceptualization approach of cryptomarkets based on several recent studies on the phenomenon. We attempt to conceptualize cryptomarkets in technical and social aspects to introduce an understanding of their operating mechanisms and the robustness of their communities. We demonstrate the concept of the Satisfaction Factor that attracts individuals to cryptomarkets. Furthermore, we discuss the importance of forums to members of cryptomarkets as technical and social supportive platforms. The article also includes a comparison of cryptomarkets and conventional trading networks and discusses the efforts of law enforcement agencies and their effects in disrupting cryptomarkets. Moreover, we discuss the need for further researches.
Evaluation of Effect of Honey Sugars Analogue Therapy against Breast Cancer Induced by 1-Methyl-1-nitrosourea in In Vivo Breast Cancer Model
Authors: Ahmed Sarfraz , Nawaz Sadia , Murtey Mogana Das , Ibrahim Muhammad , Ahmad Waqas , Idrees Muhammad Asif , Che Jalil Nur Asyilla , Othman Nor Hayati
Published: March 2022

The use of honey as a complementary and alternative medicine is associated with vast range of therapeutic promises. It is established that it exhibits potential innumerable medicinal effects which is attributed to it phenolic, flavonoids, and other diverse compounds profile. However, the effect of honey sugars analogue as its major constituent has not been investigated. This study examined the effect of honey sugars analogue (HSA) namely fructose, glucose, maltose, and sucrose in breast cancer-induced albino Sprague–Dawley (SD) rat models. The treatment was administered when first palpable tumour reached 10–12 mm in size by dividing nulliparous rats (n = 30) into following groups: Group 0 (negative control, n = 10), Group 1 (positive control, n = 10), and Group 2 (received 1.0 g/kg body HSA, n = 10) over a period of 120 days. The effect of treatment against breast cancer was observed with a slower tumour progression, a lower median tumour size, multiplicity, and weight (

p
<
0.05

). The anticancer effect was through amelioration of tumour growth, tumour grading, and haematological parameters. Data also show that HSA administration induces an increased susceptibility of expression of proapoptotic proteins such as Apaf-1, caspase-9, IFN-γ, IFNGR1, and p53, and a reduced expression of antiapoptotic proteins such as E2, ESR1, TNF-α, COX-2, and Bcl-xL 1 in their mechanisms of action. HSA behaves akin to honey. Thus, HSA may modulate breast cancer as an analogue or major profile of honey.
Brown Rice Germ Integrity Identification Based on Deep Learning Network
Authors: Li Shuofeng , Li Bing , Li Jin , Liu Bin
Published: March 2022

For the quality inspection of brown rice, the segmentation of connected brown rice and the identification of germ integrity are very important. However, there is no better traditional algorithm to achieve better segmentation and recognition results. This paper improves the brown rice (BR) segmentation algorithm based on background skeleton. The candidate matching points are obtained by the background skeleton method, and the optimal matching points are found by the ant colony algorithm. Experimental results show that the proposed segmentation algorithm achieves 96% accuracy, indicating that it can effectively suppress the interference from the endosperm surface. After segmentation is complete, identification of embryo integrity is performed. Firstly, a convolutional neural network (CNN) is built to identify the germ direction; then, the germ direction is normalized; finally, an improved Inception-v3 network is built to identify the germ integrity. On the basis of the Inception-v3 network, additional branches are added to improve the detection accuracy of small objects. In addition, mutual-channel loss and mlpconv are added to enable the model to better approximate the abstraction of the latent space. The experimental results show that the comprehensive recognition accuracy of the proposed algorithm is as high as 94.83%, which is significantly higher than the current mainstream recognition algorithms.
Parameter Estimation of Non-Gaussian Signals for Polarization-Sensitive Augmented Coprime Array: Fourth-Order Cumulant Reduced-Dimensional Capon Algorithm
Authors: Yang Meng , Zeng Haowei , Zhang Xiaofei
Published: March 2022

In this paper, we investigate the problem of direction of arrival (DOA) and polarization estimation for non-Gaussian signal in polarization-sensitive augmented coprime array. Instead of the second-order cumulant statistics, the fourth-order cumulant statistics of the received signals are used for parameter estimation because they can detect more information of the non-Gaussian signal. First, polarization-sensitive augmented coprime array is designed, where each sensor element is equipped with a pair of orthogonal electric dipoles. Furthermore, a low-complexity reduced-dimensional Capon algorithm which uses the fourth-order cumulant of the received array signal is proposed for DOA and polarization estimation. Only one-dimensional peak search is required by reconstructing peak search function. Theoretical analysis has proven the effectiveness of the algorithm, and simulation results demonstrate that the proposed fourth-order cumulant reduced-dimensional Capon algorithm outperforms the other algorithms.
Searching for Cryptographically Significant Rotation Symmetric Boolean Functions by Designing Heuristic Algorithms
Authors: Wang Yongjuan , Gao Guangpu , Yuan Qingjun
Published: March 2022

It has been proved that the set of rotation symmetric Boolean functions (RSBFs) is abundant in cryptographically strong functions with multiple criteria. In this study, we design two genetic algorithms and apply them to search for balanced RSBFs with high nonlinearity. The experimental results show that our methods can generate cryptographically strong Boolean functions with high nonlinearity, 1-resilient functions, and optimal algebraic immunity. It shows that these functions have superiority from the view point of practical application in cryptosystems compared with known ones which are obtained by other heuristics.
Updated Pharmacological Effects of Total Phenolic Acid on the Meningeal Microcirculation in Mice
Authors: Zhao Hui , Jia Jiaojiao , Bai Ming , Miao Mingsan
Published: March 2022

Objective. To investigate the effects of total phenolic acid on meningeal microcirculation in mice. Methods. A total of 84 healthy mice were randomly divided into the blank group, the model group, the positive control Western medicine group, the positive control Chinese medicine group, and the large, medium, and small doses of the total phenolic acid group, with 12 rats in each group. The corresponding drug was given to the group once a day for one week, and the litter was changed at 9 : 00 on the 6th day, and the water fasted. On the 7th day, the groups continued to be administered and weighed. After 1 h, the percentage of decrease in the perfusion of the mice was measured. Results. Compared with the blank group, the percentage of perfusion decreased significantly in the model group, indicating that the model was successful. Compared with the model group, the nimodipine group, the Naoluotong group, and the high-dose succulent total phenolic acid group were perfused. The percentage of decrease was significantly decreased (

P
<
0.01

), and the percentage of perfusion decreased in the middle and small doses of the total phenolic acid group (

P
<
0.05

), indicating that the percentage of mice perfused decreased by the administration of each group. Conclusion. Total phenolic acid can reduce the percentage of mean perfusion of microcirculation in animals and reduce brain damage.
An Intelligent Scheduling Model of Computer Human Resources in Complex Scenarios Based on Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Zhang Dong , Pan Jiayue
Published: March 2022

Human resource allocation in any organization is still a challenging process as the candidate should meet the requirement of the organization’s needs and skills. During the traditional period of human resource allocation, the employer is able to meet the candidate and perform communication directly to analyze the candidature. Though this process is preferred by most organizations, the organizations were facing difficulties during the complex scenarios. In those circumstances, human resource allocation can be overcome by implementing artificial intelligence with the support of terrestrial wireless sensor network. The combination of these two technologies will make the easy communication among the employers and the employee, as like the traditional system. In this study, Fordful Carson Method (FCM) is implemented for the human resource allocation schedule by using intelligent networking system. The proposed model is compared with the existing Adam model for the resource scheduling and observed that the proposed model has obtained 99.12% of accuracy in resource scheduling.
Research on Simulation Analysis of Physical Training Based on Deep Learning Algorithm
Authors: Hui Zhao , Jing Chen , Taining Wang
Published: March 2022

Aging is the trend of the global population in the 21st century. Physical degradation of the elderly and related care is a major challenge in the face of an aging society. Exercise can delay physiological aging and promote the metabolism of body functions. Although aging is an irreversible natural law, proper physical training can help prevent aging. Therefore, relevant personnel attach great importance to the training of physical fitness. To this end, a 12-week elderly functional fitness training experiment was conducted with elderly residents in a village in Nanjing. In the detection process, the gait analysis system is mainly used for the subject’s motion detection and recording and records the data into the gait analysis software system based on the improved deep learning algorithm for sports training simulation analysis. After completing the physical training simulation experiment, the RTM model is used for simulation analysis. The results were evaluated. The evaluation data show that the homogeneity test results of the designed physical training simulation experiment are very reasonable. Since the result is much larger than 0.10, it can be inferred that the results of the physical training simulation analysis have been expected and also meet the national GB/T 31054–2014 standard requirements.
Preparation of Oil-Based Foam Gel with Nano-SiO2 as Foam Stabilizer and Evaluation of Its Performance as a Plugging Agent for Fractured Shale
Authors: Li Daqi , Li Fan , Deng Song , Liu Jinhua , Huang Yahong , Yang Shuo
Published: March 2022

The development of natural fracture will lead to lost circulation, which will be likely to cause economic losses and reduce drilling efficiency. In order to solve this problem, an oil-based pressure-bearing foam gel plugging agent for fractured shale was developed. The basic components such as foaming agent, foam stabilizer, and cross-linking agent were optimized and compounded, and the basic formula of the oil-based foam gel system was

0.6
%
DSFA
 
foaming
 
agent
+
0.3
%
BPMO
 
foaming
 
agent
+
0.5
%
EPDM
+
1.5
%
SBS
+
0.05
%
rigid
 
cross
−
linking
 
agent
 

DB

+
0.02
%
modified
 
Si

O

2

 
nanoparticles

. Then, the performance of the oil-based foam gel plugging agent was evaluated through core plugging experiments, and the results showed that the prepared plugging agent had good stability and plugging performance with a plugging rate of about 90%.
Description of new genus Baikalozercon (Acari: Mesostigmata: Zerconidae) with two new species from South Siberia Mountains (Russia)
Authors: MARCHENKO IRINA I.
Published: March 2022

This paper describes a new genus and two new species of mites in the family Zerconidae collected from litter and soil in the South Siberia Mountains. Baikalozercon gen. nov. is described to accommodate two new species B. dracunculus sp. nov. and B. irbis sp. nov. on the basis of adults specimens and immature stages. The new genus is characterised by unique characters such as very large size of idiosoma (900–1000 µm length); long peritremes in adults reaching to coxae I; sexual dimorphism of male gnathosomal structures; modified fixed digit of chelicerae with extended apical edge and large apical outgrowth; a pair of massive subcapitular denticles located between h3 and pc setae in B. dracunculus sp. nov.; and modified setae on legs II.
Mystus irulu, a new species of bagrid catfish from the Western Ghats of Karnataka, India (Teleostei: Bagridae)
Authors: VIJAYAKRISHNAN BALAJI , PRAVEENRAJ JAYASIMHAN
Published: March 2022

Mystus irulu, new species, is described from the Netravathi River system from the Western Ghats of Karnataka. It differs all South Asian congeners in having a uniformly black colour pattern, a long-based adipose fin reaching the base of the last dorsal-fin ray anteriorly, dorsal fin with convex dorsoposterior margin, and the following combination of characters: body depth at anus 19.9–22.3 % SL, dorsal-fin spine length 17.5–18.7 % SL, adipose-fin base 34.2–38.4 % SL, caudal peduncle depth 10.6–11.9 % SL and eye diameter 27.2–37.1 % HL.
Two new species of geckos of the genus Phyllopezus Peters, 1878 (Squamata: Gekkota: Phyllodactylidae) from northeastern Brazil
Authors: DUBEUX MARCOS J. M. , GONÇALVES UBIRATAN , PALMEIRA CRISTIANE N. S. , NUNES PEDRO M. S. , CASSIMIRO JOSÉ , GAMBLE TONY , WERNECK FERNANDA P. , RODRIGUES MIGUEL T. , MOTT TAMÍ
Published: March 2022

We describe two new species of Brazilian geckos of the genus Phyllopezus based on morphological and molecular data. The first species is currently known from a relictual Cerrado enclave—“campos rupestres”, in the mountains of the Serra do Espinhaço in the state of Bahia. The second species is known from northeastern Atlantic Forest and transitional areas with Caatinga biome in the state of Alagoas. The two new species are sister taxa and together are the sister clade to the remaining species in the Phyllopezus pollicaris species complex. These new species can be morphologically distinguished from their congeners by meristic and morphometric characters, in addition to color pattern and genetic differentiation.
Genus Eteoryctis Kumata & Kuroko, 1988 (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) in Korea with description of a new species
Authors: KIM DA-SOM , BYUN BONG-KYU
Published: March 2022

In this study, three species of the genus Eteoryctis Kumata & Kuroko, 1988 are recognized from Korea. Among them, E. minimus sp. nov. is described as new to science. Also, one species, E. picrasmae Kumata & Kuroko, 1988 is reported for the first time from Korea. Adults and genitalia of all species are described and illustrated. Also, a key to the species of Eteoryctis in Korea is presented.
Report of deep-sea epibiont ciliates (Ciliophora) from more than 1000 m depth of the Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean
Authors: CHATTERJEE TAPAS , SAUTYA SABYASACHI , DOVGAL IGOR , GAIKWAD SANTOSH , CHOUDHURY AMITA
Published: March 2022

The present article deals with the report of 7 suctorian epibiont species viz. Thecacineta calix, Actinocyathula homari, Loricophrya bosporica, L. cf. stresemanni, Acinetides gruberi, Trematosoma rotunda and Brachyosoma sp. on benthic meiofauna collected from the deep Arabian Sea (> 1000 m). The data on the distribution and host prevalence of found species are discussed. The finds of other deep-sea ciliate species are also mentioned.
Active and Passive Controls of Nanoparticles in Bioconvection Nanofluid Flow Containing Gyrotactic Microorganisms
Authors: Sarkar Amit , Kundu Prabir Kumar
Published: March 2022

The present work deals with an investigation for the bioconvective flow of nanofluid containing gyrotactic microorganisms over a permeable stretching surface embedded in a non-Darcy porous medium. Two varied cases of controlling nanoparticles say active and passive control have been
studied. By introducing a similarity transformation, the governing boundary layer equations are converted into non-linear ordinary equations with pertinent boundary conditions and then solved numerically by a powerful programming MAPLE-18 which includes RK-4 method accompanied by shooting
criteria. It is remarkably observed that the fluid velocity is decreased for the increasing value of the porosity parameter while it increases the fluid temperature for both types of control. Also, the present results divulge that the rate of heat transfer in the passive control model is remarkably
higher than the active control model whereas the mass flux at the wall for the passive control model is lesser than the active control model.
Review on Nano-Fluids Applications and Heat Transfer Enhancement Techniques in Different Enclosures
Authors: Mebarek-Oudina F. , Chabani I.
Published: March 2022

Nano-fluid applications span such a broad range of topics in the practical field that they demand their own review articles. In this review paper, the use of magnetic fields, porous media, and Nano-fluids in different heat transfer applications is discussed mainly in the solar thermal
field. It has been proven that the employment of these techniques provides significant enhancement results for convective flows especially when they are combined, also the mathematical equations used to model this type of flow are summarized. In addition, different studies reported that the
geometrical parameters of the enclosures can also effect the flow. In this context, recently scholars maintained many investigations on complex shaped cavities and their impact on heat transfer. These studies showed promising results for the use of this type of geometries especially for the
trapezoidal ones. As reviewed in this paper, trapezoidal geometries and their properties strongly effect the convective flow in a great way leading to considerable enhancement. Overall, this review aims to present an insightful vision on different heat transfer improvement techniques and values
the use of these methods in trapezoidal geometries for solar heat transfer applications.
Numerical Simulation for Nanofluid Flow in a Wall Driven Cavity with Solid Hindrance: Impact of Thermal Conductivity Ratio and Heat Generation
Authors: Parvin Salma , Siddiqua Ayesha , Hasanuzzaman Md.
Published: March 2022

The current work performs the heatline revelation for combined convection of nanofluid within an enclosure with two moving walls at several thermal conductivity ratios plus heat generation parameter. A solid obstacle that produces uniform heat q per unit area is positioned at the middle
of the domain. Sliding lids are assigned to the opposite side walls. Two cases: (I) vertical lids are moving in the same directions and (II) horizontal lids are moving in the opposite directions are analyzed. The computational fluid throughout the enclosed space is water-alumina nanofluid.
The Finite Element Method of Galerkin’s weighted residual technique is used to solve the governing nonlinear partial differential equations. Numerical estimations are conducted for a wide range of solid fluid thermal conductivity ratio (0.2 ≤ K ≤ 50) and heat generation parameter
(1 ≤ Q ≤ 4) for both cases. Outcomes are obtained as streamlines, isothermal lines, heatlines, heat transfer rate and average heat flow. The results show that the heat flux magnitude is higher for case II than case I but the rate of heat transfer stays nearly same for both cases which
increase for the increment of Q and decrement of K. Finally, correlations have been established between the heatfunction with parameters K and Q. There exist strong correlations between the variables which measured from the R-squared values.
Sacramental Homiletic Formation: Blessing and Breaking the Practices of Preaching
Authors: Neal Jerusha Matsen
Published: March 2022

This article uses three touchstones of Calvin's understanding of the Spirit in sacramental practice to reflect on homiletic pedagogy. It describes practices of hospitality, dependence and discernment in an exegetical “field journal” for the purpose of forming preachers in postures of Spirit-empowered faith. The field journal on which this article reflects can be accessed at: https://www.academia.edu/49222052/A_Textual_Field_Journal_for_Preaching .
Health Promotion, Health Literacy and Vaccine Hesitancy: The Role of Humanoid Robots
Authors: McIntosh Christine , Elvin Anne , Smyth Wendy , Birks Melanie , Nagle Cate
Published: March 2022

The use of humanoid robot technologies within global healthcare settings is rapidly evolving; however, the potential of robots in health promotion and health education is not established. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of a social humanoid robot on individuals’ knowledge of influenza (flu) prevention and attitudes towards influenza vaccination. A multi-methods approach involving pre and post-test questions and interviews was used. The study was undertaken in a publicly funded tertiary level hospital in northern Queensland, Australia. Of the 995 participants, the majority were visitors (53.07%). The mean age of the participants was 42.25 (SD=19.54) years. Based on the three knowledge questions that were posed at the two-point interactions of participants with the humanoid robot ‘Pepper’, the results showed that there was a significant difference in the correct responses pre- and post-test regarding the best way to avoid getting the flu (Exact McNemar significance probability <.0001), how long the flu virus can live outside the human body ( p <.0001) and the length of time for handwashing to be effective against spreading germs ( p <.0001). The results also showed that there was a significant difference in attitudes associated with influenza vaccination when pre-test was compared to post-test ( p=.0019). Interaction of the participants with the humanoid robot demonstrated immediate knowledge gains and attitudinal change that suggests that humanoid robots may be an important intervention for health promotion in prevention of influenza and other respiratory viruses.
Health-Related Quality of Life and Associated Factors: Regional Differences Among Oldest-Old in Brazil
Authors: Freitas Javanna L. G. da S. , Silva Jaíza M. M. , Nóbrega Júlia Cristina L. , Simões Raisa F. M. , Medeiros Juliana B. , Alves Ricardo O. , Santos Jair L. F. , Duarte Yeda Aparecida O. , Zatz Mayana , Matheson David , Menezes Tarciana N. de , Santos Silvana
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The aim of this research was to investigate the extent to which socioeconomic and regional differences in Brazil may influence the quality of life. To this end, we examined factors associated with health-related quality of life in two populations of oldest-old people, aged 80 and over: one from the Northeast of Brazil and the other from the Southeast.

Methods

417 participants aged 80 and over were interviewed face-to-face, 179 from Brejo dos Santos, one of the poorest regions in the Northeast; and 238 from São Paulo, one of the largest urban metropolises in Southeast Brazil. Data, which included socioeconomic and demographic factors, health status, and health-related quality of life, were collected using a structured questionnaire. The dependent variable was determined by the completion rate of the 12-item Short Form Survey and analyzed using multiple logistic regression.

Results

Although the population of São Paulo had four times as many long-lived women than men, had better literacy levels, used more medications, and presented a greater prevalence of symptoms suggestive of depression in comparison to the Northeast’s population, no difference was observed in the proportion of good physical components among the two populations, 54.3% in Brejo dos Santos’ oldest-old and 50.4% in São Paulo’s ( P = .6272). Quality and quantity of sleep were factors that most affected the health-related quality of life among the oldest-old of Northeast.

Conclusion

Factors associated with health-related quality of life were different among the oldest-old people of the two locations, thereby corroborating the heterogeneous nature of the longevous population.
State Preemption of Municipal Laws and Policies that Protect Immigrant Communities: Impact on Latine Health and Well-Being in North Carolina
Authors: Mann-Jackson Lilli , Simán Florence M. , Hall Mark A. , Alonzo Jorge , Linton Julie M. , Rhodes Scott D.
Published: March 2022

Background

Some U.S. municipalities have proclaimed themselves “sanctuary cities” and/or adopted laws and policies limiting local involvement in enforcement of federal immigration policies. Several states, however, have adopted laws that preempt municipal laws and policies designed to protect immigrants. We explored the consequences of House Bill (H.B.) 318, one such preemption law in North Carolina (NC), on the health and well-being of Latine immigrants.

Methods

We conducted focus groups with Latine immigrants (n=49) and in-depth interviews with representatives from health, social service, and immigrant-serving organizations and local government (including law enforcement) (n=21) in NC municipalities that, before HB 318, adopted laws and policies supporting immigrants. Data were analyzed using constant comparison.

Results

Twelve themes emerged, including the positive impacts of municipal sanctuary laws and policies are limited by preemption and other state and federal actions; laws and policies like HB 318 are confusing, have a chilling effect on health services use, and make life harder overall for Latine communities; intensified federal immigration enforcement has increased fear among Latine communities; Trump administration policies worsened anti-immigrant climates; and use of community identification cards and greater information dissemination and inter-organization coordination can lessen the consequences of preemption and other restrictive laws and policies.

Conclusion

State preemption of protective municipal laws and policies negatively and profoundly affects immigrant health and well-being. However, creative strategies have been implemented to respond to preemption. These findings provide critical data for decision-makers and community leaders regarding the detrimental impacts of preemption laws and mitigation of these impacts.
Ambient loop district heating and cooling networks with integrated mobility, power and interseasonal storage
Authors: Revesz Akos , Jones Phil , Dunham Chris , Riddle Anthony , Gatensby Norman , Maidment Graeme
Published: March 2022

This paper describes a heat pump investigation for GreenSCIES (GS), a fifth Generation district heating and cooling (5DHC) network in Islington, London. The paper describes the GreenSCIES concept integrating Mobility, Power and Heat into a Smart Local Energy System (SLES). At the heart of the system is an ultra-low temperature ambient loop network, which permits bi-directional flow within the pipes to allow energy exchange between heating and cooling customers at different times and in different locations, depending on where demand is at any given time. An existing data centre provides the primary source of waste heat for the scheme. Heat pumps in distributed energy centres are utilised to amplify the temperature of the ambient loop to deliver heat in connected buildings. The energy centres integrate heat pumps with building-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and electric vehicle (EV) charging points. The paper provides an overview of the integrated SLES concept, focussing on the heat pump selection and the short and long-term thermal storage options designed for the scheme. The results show that even the smaller constructible ‘New River’ scheme will save 5,000 tons of CO2e annually. This will tend to 100% as the grid decarbonise further. Therefore, the GS SLES concept applied to urban areas could deliver significant carbon emission savings in the UK and elsewhere.

Practical application: Project GreenSCIES, is a detailed design study to develop a Smart, Local Energy System (SLES) for a large community in the London Borough of Islington. Our consortium have developed an innovative SLES concept, centred around a fifth generation district heating and cooling network. The GS ambient loop systems have negligible losses and much greater efficiencies than traditional district heat networks. As recognised by the UK Government’s Heat and Buildings Strategy, ambient loop systems should be considered where large-scale neighbourhood regeneration occurs. The proposed SLES concept applied to wider urban areas could deliver significant carbon emission savings in the UK.
Tracheobronchial chondritis as an immune-related adverse event occurring during the administration of nivolumab for recurrent hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Someya Miwako , Kondo Takahito , Okimura Akira , Nakatsugawa Munehide , Okubo Mitsuru , Yunaiyama Daisuke , Takeda Atsuo , Kishida Takuma , Yoshida Shigekazu , Yonekura Minami , Ogawa Yasuo , Tsukahara Kiyoaki
Published: March 2022

Tracheobronchial chondritis is a rare immune-related adverse event (irAE) associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. We report a case wherein tracheobronchial chondritis occurred while administering nivolumab for recurrent hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in a man diagnosed with T2N3bM0 stage IVB hypopharyngeal SCC. After treatment with cisplatin and radiotherapy followed by left and right neck dissection, local recurrence was observed in the hypopharynx. Because of the difficulty of salvage surgery, we administered 240 mg/body of nivolumab. After 9 cycles of nivolumab, the patient was judged to have complete response. After 10 cycles, he had cough and sputum, for which prompting us to perform imaging tests. Computed tomography (CT) showed edematous thickening around the trachea and bilateral bronchi and elevated amounts of adjacent subcutaneous fat tissue. Positron emission tomography-CT showed diffuse fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in the trachea and bilateral bronchi, bronchial endoscopy showed redness and swelling throughout the bronchi, and biopsy showed partial mucosal erosion, inflammatory cell (lymphocyte) infiltration, interstitial edema, and desmoplasia. The patient was diagnosed with tracheobronchial chondritis as an irAE resulting from administering anti-programmed death-1 monoclonal antibody. After four-day prednisolone treatment, his cough and sputum disappeared; after two weeks, tracheobronchial chondritis no longer appeared on CT.
A Case Study of Country Ownership Over Donor Aid: The Global Fund and the Ghanaian Country Coordinating Mechanism
Authors: Onokwai John Chukwuemeka , Matthews Sally
Published: March 2022

Country ownership ostensibly gives aid-recipient countries more control over donor-funded programs. However, there is much debate both over the utility of the concept and its implementation. This article examines the operation of the Ghanaian Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) to determine to what extent the CCM enables country ownership. The CCM is a governance instrument designed to promote country ownership in relation to donor aid from the Global Fund, a key donor to the Ghanaian health sector. This case study shows that the operation of the Ghanaian CCM is reflective of conditional ownership, which limits recipient countries’ exercise of control over donor-funded programs.
The Choice of Contract-enforcement Institutions: A Review
Authors: Singh Indervir
Published: March 2022

All public- and private-order institutions have strengths and weaknesses when it comes to the enforcement of contracts. In general, the availability of a low-cost legal system and multilateral reputation institutions is found to be more important for the long-term development of a country than bilateral reputation and private enforcement. The efficiency and cost of institutions differ considerably from place to place. The studies have observed that the cost of using private-order institutions is often lower than public-order institutions in underdeveloped economies. While the existing literature has substantially added to our understanding of contract-enforcement institutions, the issue of complementarity among these institutions has only recently received attention. Investigating this issue may considerably enhance our understanding of enforcement institutions and their economic impact.

JEL: K12, K42
Modification of protocol with one extra drop of endovascular cyanoacrylate improved closure rates in incompetent great saphenous veins
Authors: Chan Yiu Che , Cheung Grace C , Ting Albert C , Cheng Stephen W
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Great saphenous vein diameter (GSV) of >8 mm was predictor of recanalization following Venaseal cyanoacrylate treatment. The aim of this study was to report our modified protocol with a single extra-drop for treatment for GSV>8 mm, and comparative duplex results in closure rates.

Methods

Patients in our single-centre registry treated with Venaseal were followed up by serial duplex examinations at week 1 and month(s)- 1, 6, 12, 18, 24, and then annually. The primary endpoint was successful obliteration of the GSV, secondary endpoints were closure distance from Saphenofemoral junction (SFJ), presence of endovenous glue-induced thrombosis (EGIT) or deep vein thrombosis.

Results

A total of 243 legs in 123 consecutive patients with duplex-proven SFJ/GSV incompetence were included in this study between September 2014 and October 2020. The median duplex follow-up period of this cohort of patients was 24 (range 0.2–58) months. Comparing closure rates in GSV diameter ≥8 mm treated with normal protocol, the ‘extra-drop protocol’ significantly improved closure rates ( p = .034). However, the closure rates of ≥8 mm GSV treated with ‘extra-drop protocol’ was still not as good as GSV <8 mm ( p < .001). There were no statistically significant differences in the stump distance between the three groups and no difference in the occurrence of EGIT. There were no deep vein thrombosis.

Conclusion

Our experience showed that VenaSeal cyanoacrylate worked best in GSV<8 mm diameter. Even in GSV diameter of ≥8 mm which has a higher recanalization rate on follow-up duplex, our modified extra-drop protocol significantly improved the closure rates, and did not predispose to development of EGIT.
Long-Term Healthcare Cost Savings of a Pediatric Nephrotoxic Medication-Associated Acute Kidney Injury Reduction Program in a Simulated Sample
Authors: Dynan Linda , Lazear Danielle , Goldstein Stuart L.
Published: March 2022

Background: Nephrotoxic medication exposure is a common cause of acute kidney injury (AKI) in hospitalized children and is associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The pharmacist-reliant NINJA program reduced nephrotoxic medication exposure and associated AKI. Objectives: We assess potential healthcare cost savings from reduced CKD by preventing AKI with the NINJA program for a pediatric population through age 21. Methods: We simulated a cohort of 1000 hospitalized non-critically ill children. From the published literature, 310 develop AKI, 267 survive to 6 months, and 10-70% develop CKD, and NINJA implementation reduced AKI by 23.8%. Allowing for varying CKD rates, we estimated a range of NINJA’s savings. We assumed an annual GFR decline of 1.2 (noHTN) ml/min/1.73 m2 for half the sample and 1.7 (HTN) ml/min/1.73 m2 for the other half to account for CKD progression without and with hypertension (HTN). We model attributable costs including CKD stage-related medications and outpatient visits/tests in 2018 dollars discounted at 3%. We subtract the cost of NINJA screening (daily serum creatinine and pharmacist time) from net savings. We exclude end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and hospitalization costs. Results: No intervention estimated CKD related costs are $761,852 to $5,735,027. Post-NINJA cost decreases to $616,086 to $4,312,183 (net savings: $145,766 to $1,422 183). Total savings, accounting for NINJA screening ($256,680) are -$110,914 to $1,1 165 503. The breakeven AKI to CKD conversion rate is 13-14% with growth hormone cost included, and 64-65% without. Conclusion: The NINJA program is likely cost beneficial, with greater savings into adulthood by avoiding/delaying ESRD and its costs.
Global identification and compensation of nonlinear variable load for an electrohydraulic system
Authors: Sun Weiqi , Sang Yong , Duan Fuhai , Hu Wei
Published: March 2022

In an electrohydraulic system, the load is an external factor that cannot obtain similar results by repetitive experiments compared with other internal factors. It can work a great change in an extremely short time determined by the characteristics of the loaded object, which is more difficult to be identified timely and compensated precisely. This paper first built the mathematic model of the electrohydraulic system containing load characteristics and illustrated most kinds of basic loads that possibly occur in it. Then, a practice nonlinear variable load composed of these basic loads is presented, and the corresponding effect to the electrohydraulic system is analyzed. Based on the summary of load, a nonlinear variable load compensation controller (NVLCC) with neural networks is proposed to identify the mathematic model of the electrohydraulic system. The nonlinear variable load is considered as a part of the model to be globally identified, and an adaptive sliding mode control method is combined to quickly converge the errors of system state variables. The compensation effectiveness is demonstrated by both rigid step response and dynamic sine response in the simulations, and the actual improvements are verified with the experiments using three different typical linear loaded objects and a representative nonlinear loaded object.