bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Production of polyclonal antibodies against the DJ-1 protein associated with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Mussakhmetov A. , Baltin K. , Khassenov B.
Published: June 2022

Parkinson's disease is a slowly progressive chronic neurodegenerative disease with a global prevalence estimated at 0.3% and rising sharply with age to over 3% in people over 80 years of age. Estimates of the incidence of Parkinson's disease worldwide range from 5 to 35 new cases per 100,000 people per year. The disorder is defined by the presence of classic motor signs, including the characteristic presence of bradykinesia in all patients, tremor in most, and rigidity. One of the proteins associated with Parkinson's disease is DJ-1, also known as Parkinson disease protein 7 (PARK7). Studies have shown that DJ-1 is an antioxidant protein that plays a key role in counteracting oxidative stress in dopamine neurons. In the framework of the studies carried out in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3)-RIPL strain, the recombinant rDJ-1 protein was obtained in an amount of 3.5 mg. By immunizing a rabbit, polyclonal anti-rDJ-1 antibodies were isolated, which, in enzyme immunoassay and Western blotting, showed high sensitivity to the DJ-1 protein at a dilution of up to 1: 512,000. The resulting polyclonal antibodies showed the required informativeness when studying the expression of DJ-1 in the cell lines HEK293 (wild type) and HEK293park- (with knocked-out park gene). The resulting antibodies can be used in studies to assess the expression level of DJ-1 in immunological tests to detect and quantify the target protein: flow cytometry, ELISA, Western blotting, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, immunoelectrophoresis.
Auditory detection probability of propeller noise in hover flight in presence of ambient soundscape
Authors: Stalnov Oksana , Faran Michael , Koral Yonatan , Furst Miriam
Published: June 2022

Unmanned aerial vehicles are rapidly advancing and becoming ubiquitous in an unlimited number of applications, from parcel delivery to people transportation. As unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) markets expand, the increased acoustic nuisance on population becomes a more acute problem. Previous aircraft noise assessments have highlighted the necessity of a psychoacoustic metric for quantification of human audio perception. This study presents a framework for estimating propeller-based UAV auditory detection probability on the ground for a listener in a real-life scenario. The detection probability is derived by using its free-field measured acoustic background and estimating the UAV threshold according to a physiological model of the auditory pathway. The method is presented via results of an exemplar measurement in an anechoic environment with a single two- and five-bladed propeller. It was found that the auditory detection probability is primarily affected by the background noise level, whereas the number of blades is a less significant parameter. The significance of the proposed method lies in providing a quantitative evaluation of auditory detection probability of the UAV on the ground in the presence of a given soundscape. The results of this work are of practical significance since the method can aid anyone who plans a hovering flight mode.
Transient dynamics of soft particle glasses in startup shear flow. Part II: Memory and aging
Authors: Di Dio Bruno Flavio , Khabaz Fardin , Bonnecaze Roger T. , Cloitre Michel
Published: June 2022

We explore the rheology during a startup flow of well-characterized polyelectrolyte microgel suspensions, which form soft glasses above the jamming concentration. We present and discuss results measured using different mechanical histories focusing on the variations of the static yield stress and yield strain. The behavior of the shear stress growth function is affected by long-lived residual stresses and strains that imprint a slowly decaying mechanical memory inside the materials. The startup flow response is not reversible upon flow reversal and the amplitude of the static yield stress increases with the time elapsed after rejuvenation. We propose an experimental protocol that minimizes the directional memory and we analyze the effect of aging. The static yield strain γp and the reduced static yield stress σp/σy, where σy is the dynamic yield stress measured from steady flow measurements, are in good agreement with our previous simulations [Khabaz et al., “Transient dynamics of soft particle glasses in startup shear flow. Part I: Microstructure and time scales,” J. Rheol. 65, 241 (2021)]. Our results demonstrate the need to consider memory and aging effects in transient measurements on soft particle glasses.
Differential Ratings of Perceived Exertion: Relationships With External Intensity and Load in Elite Men’s Football
Authors: Houtmeyers Kobe C. , Robberechts Pieter , Jaspers Arne , McLaren Shaun J. , Brink Michel S. , Vanrenterghem Jos , Davis Jesse J. , Helsen Werner F.
Published: June 2022

Purpose: To examine the utility of differential ratings of perceived exertion (dRPE) for monitoring internal intensity and load in association football. Methods: Data were collected from 2 elite senior male football teams during 1 season (N = 55). External intensity and load data (duration × intensity) were collected during each training and match session using electronic performance and tracking systems. After each session, players rated their perceived breathlessness and leg-muscle exertion. Descriptive statistics were calculated to quantify how often players rated the 2 types of rating of perceived exertion differently (dRPEDIFF). In addition, the association between dRPEDIFF and external intensity and load was examined. First, the associations between single external variables and dRPEDIFF were analyzed using a mixed-effects logistic regression model. Second, the link between dRPEDIFF and session types with distinctive external profiles was examined using the Pearson chi-square test of independence. Results: On average, players rated their session perceived breathlessness and leg-muscle exertion differently in 22% of the sessions (range: 0%–64%). Confidence limits for the effect of single external variables on dRPEDIFF spanned across largely positive and negative values for all variables, indicating no conclusive findings. The analysis based on session type indicated that players differentiated more often in matches and intense training sessions, but there was no pattern in the direction of differentiation. Conclusions: The findings of this study provide no evidence supporting the utility of dRPE for monitoring internal intensity and load in football.
Patched 1 regulates Smoothened by controlling sterol binding to its extracellular cysteine-rich domain
Authors: Kinnebrew Maia , Woolley Rachel E. , Ansell T. Bertie , Byrne Eamon F. X. , Frigui Sara , Luchetti Giovanni , Sircar Ria , Nachtergaele Sigrid , Mydock-McGrane Laurel , Krishnan Kathiresan , Newstead Simon , Sansom Mark S. P. , Covey Douglas F. , Siebold Christian , Rohatgi Rajat
Published: June 2022

Smoothened (SMO) transduces the Hedgehog (Hh) signal across the plasma membrane in response to accessible cholesterol. Cholesterol binds SMO at two sites: one in the extracellular cysteine-rich domain (CRD) and a second in the transmembrane domain (TMD). How these two sterol-binding sites mediate SMO activation in response to the ligand Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) remains unknown. We find that mutations in the CRD (but not the TMD) reduce the fold increase in SMO activity triggered by SHH. SHH also promotes the photocrosslinking of a sterol analog to the CRD in intact cells. In contrast, sterol binding to the TMD site boosts SMO activity regardless of SHH exposure. Mutational and computational analyses show that these sites are in allosteric communication despite being 45 angstroms apart. Hence, sterols function as both SHH-regulated orthosteric ligands at the CRD and allosteric ligands at the TMD to regulate SMO activity and Hh signaling.
Microfluidic particle dam for direct visualization of SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels in COVID-19 vaccinees
Authors: Wu Minghui , Wu Siying , Wang Gaobo , Liu Wengang , Chu Lok Ting , Jiang Tianyi , Kwong Hoi Kwan , Chow Hiu Lam , Li Iris Wai Sum , Chen Ting-Hsuan
Published: June 2022

Various COVID-19 vaccines are currently deployed, but their immunization varies and decays with time. Antibody level is a potent correlate to immune protection, but its quantitation relies on intensive laboratory techniques. Here, we report a decentralized, instrument-free microfluidic device that directly visualizes SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels. Magnetic microparticles (MMPs) and polystyrene microparticles (PMPs) can bind to SARS-CoV-2 antibodies simultaneously. In a microfluidic chip, this binding reduces the incidence of free PMPs escaping from magnetic separation and shortens PMP accumulation length at a particle dam. This visual quantitative result enables use in either sensitive mode [limit of detection (LOD): 13.3 ng/ml; sample-to-answer time: 70 min] or rapid mode (LOD: 57.8 ng/ml; sample-to-answer time: 20 min) and closely agrees with the gold standard enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Trials on 91 vaccinees revealed higher antibody levels in mRNA vaccinees than in inactivated vaccinees and their decay in 45 days, demonstrating the need for point-of-care devices to monitor immune protection.
ILC2s—Bipartisan politicians in cancer
Authors: Zebboudj Abderezak , Amisaki Masataka , Balachandran Vinod P.
Published: June 2022

Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) are lymphocytes that both promote and suppress antitumor immunity. Jou and colleagues now report in colorectal tumorigenesis that the cytokine interleukin-25 activates ILC2s to induce myeloid cells that suppress antitumor immunity.
The Fluorescence-Activating and Absorption-Shifting Tag (FAST) Enables Live-Cell Fluorescence Imaging of Methanococcus maripaludis
Authors: Hernandez Eric , Costa Kyle C.
Published: June 2022

Methanogenic archaea are important members of anaerobic microbial communities where they catalyze essential reactions in the degradation of organic matter. Developing additional tools for studying the cell biology of these organisms is essential to understanding them at a mechanistic level.
Hopanoids Confer Robustness to Physicochemical Variability in the Niche of the Plant Symbiont Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens
Authors: Tookmanian Elise , Junghans Lisa , Kulkarni Gargi , Ledermann Raphael , Saenz James , Newman Dianne K.
Published: June 2022

Rhizobia, such as
B. diazoefficiens
, play an important role in the nitrogen cycle by making nitrogen gas bioavailable through symbiosis with legume plants. As climate change threatens soil health, this symbiosis has received increased attention as a more sustainable source of soil nitrogen than the energy-intensive Haber-Bosch process.
A randomised controlled trial of fluoxetine versus naltrexone in compulsive sexual behaviour disorder: presentation of the study protocol
Authors: Savard Josephine , Görts Öberg Katarina , Dhejne Cecilia , Jokinen Jussi
Published: June 2022

Background

Compulsive sexual behaviour disorder is a new disorder in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), and is associated with negative consequences in different areas of life. Evidence for pharmacological treatment of compulsive sexual behaviour disorder is weak and treatment options are limited. This proposed study will be the largest and the first randomised controlled trial comparing the efficacy and tolerability of two active drugs in compulsive sexual behaviour disorder.

Methods and analysis

Eighty adult participants with compulsive sexual behaviour disorder according to ICD-11 will be randomised to receive either naltrexone 25–50 mg or fluoxetine 20–40 mg for 8 weeks, followed by 6 weeks without treatment. The study will be conducted in a subspecialised outpatient sexual medicine unit at Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. The study is financed by grants and entirely independent of the manufacturers.

Exclusion criteria include severe psychiatric or psychical illness, changes to concurrent medication and non-compatible factors contraindicating the use of either drug. The primary outcome measure is the Hypersexual Disorder: Current Assessment Scale (HD: CAS), and tolerability will be assessed by the Udvalg for Kliniske Undersogelser side effect rating scale (UKU), drug accountability, adherence to treatment and drop-out rate. Participants will complete questionnaires at regular intervals, with the main endpoint for efficacy after 8 weeks (end of treatment) and after 14 weeks (follow-up). Blood chemistry will be repeatedly collected as a safety precaution and for research purposes. The results will be analysed using an appropriate analysis of variance model or a mixed model, depending on the distribution of HD: CAS and the extent of missing data.

Ethics and dissemination

The Swedish Ethical Review Authority and the Swedish Medical Products Agency have approved the study on 27 May 2020 and 4 June 2020, respectively (ref. no. 2020-02069 and ref. no. 5.1-2020-48282). Findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at relevant conferences.

Trial registration number

2019-004255-36
Protocol for a qualitative study exploring haemodialysis dependent patients’ arteriovenous fistula experience, values and concerns in Sydney, Australia
Authors: Stavert Bethany Miriam , Monaro Susan , Tienstra Lisa , Naganathan Vasi , Aitken Sarah Joy
Published: June 2022

Introduction

The experiences of patients from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, with chronic mental illness, disabilities or who identify as sexual or religious minorities are under-represented in clinical research on arteriovenous fistula (AVF) for haemodialysis access. A greater understanding of the experiences, values and concerns of these diverse patient groups are needed to provide haemodialysis access care that addresses the needs of all haemodialysis-dependent patients. This study seeks to describe a broad range of patient experiences related to the creation, care and surveillance of AVFs, including interactions with healthcare teams.

Methods and analysis

This qualitative study will use semistructured interviews with individual patients purposefully selected to provide a diverse patient population. A deliberate strategy will be used to recruit a demographically broad range of participants. Thematic analysis of interview transcripts, using a constant comparative methodology, will generate themes that describe patient experiences, values and concerns. Findings from this study will give a nuanced insight into the experiences of patients on haemodialysis with respect to their AVF.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval for this study was provided by the Sydney Local Health District Human Research Ethics Committee (REGIS identifier: 2021/ETH00362, CH reference number: CH62/6/2021-033). Results will be made available to the participants, local health district, funders and other researchers through various hospital and academic forums. Data will also be published in peer-reviewed journals and be part of a larger body of work looking into patient-reported outcome measures for patients with AVF.
How to increase value and reduce waste in research: initial experiences of applying Lean thinking and visual management in research leadership
Authors: Hildebrandt Malene Grubbe , Kidholm Kristian , Pedersen Jørgen Ejler , Naghavi-Behzad Mohammad , Knudsen Torben , Krag Aleksander , Ryg Jesper , Gerke Oke , Lassen Annmarie Touborg , Ellingsen Torkell , Ditzel Henrik J , Andersen Vibeke , Langhoff Annette , Nielsen Gert , Masud Tahir , Münster Anna-Marie Bloch , Kyvik Kirsten , Brixen Kim
Published: June 2022

Waste in research has been well documented, but initiatives to reduce it are scarce. Here, we share our initial experiences of implementing Lean thinking and visual management into hospital research units in the Region of Southern Denmark. A Transformation Guiding Team (TGT) anchored in the top management was established with participation from leaders, researchers and patient representatives. The role of the TGT was to implement Lean methods, considering patients as primary end-users of the research results. This is in line with an explicit decision on setting patient values first in clinical settings at participating hospitals. The leaders of the research units were instructed in Lean thinking and Lean methods during a five-module course focusing on increasing value and reducing waste in research production. Initial experiences were that Lean tools could create a patient-centred vision that through visual management could identify waste in work processes. Concerns were lack of evidence for using Lean methods in research leadership and that the model itself could be a time consumer. Some lessons learnt were that adding Lean tools in research leadership should not just provide increased research productivity, but also improve other important key performance indicators such as quality of research and patient-relevant results. We intend to evaluate the value of the initiative by follow-up research and publish the outcome of key behavioural and key performance indicators.
Rationale and design of a prospective study evaluating population pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of rivaroxaban in Chinese patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation
Authors: Liu Xiao-Qin , Zhang Yu-Fei , Ding Hong-Yan , Yan Ming-Ming , Zhong Ming-Kang , Ma Chun-Lai
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Rivaroxaban is one of the most commonly used non-vitamin K antagonists for stroke prevention in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). Different individual exposures exist for Asian and non-Asian populations, and dose selection is different for Japanese and non-Japanese subjects. Few studies have investigated the pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of rivaroxaban in Chinese patients and provided a solid reference for dose selection and individualised therapy.

Methods and analysis

This is a single-centre prospective study. Rivaroxaban-treated Chinese NVAF patients will be recruited according to predetermined inclusion criteria. Blood samples will be collected from both outpatients and inpatients with different sampling strategies at steady state. Rivaroxaban plasma concentration, factor Xa activity, prothrombin time and single-nucleotide polymorphisms of candidate genes will be evaluated. Follow-up will be conducted following 3 and 6 months after enrolment to collect information about the safety and efficacy outcomes. A nonlinear mixed-effects modelling strategy will be used to develop a population PK-PD model of rivaroxaban.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of Huashan Hospital, Fudan University (KY2020-016). The study findings will be submitted to peer-reviewed journals and shared with public health authorities.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2100046685.
Association of functional health literacy and cognitive ability with self-reported diabetes in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Fawns-Ritchie Chloe , Price Jackie , Deary Ian J
Published: June 2022

Objectives

We investigated whether functional health literacy and cognitive ability were associated with self-reported diabetes.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Data were from waves 2 (2004–2005) to 7 (2014–2015) of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA), a cohort study designed to be representative of adults aged 50 years and older living in England.

Participants

8669 ELSA participants (mean age=66.7, SD=9.7) who completed a brief functional health literacy test assessing health-related reading comprehension, and 4 cognitive tests assessing declarative memory, processing speed and executive function at wave 2.

Primary outcome measure

Self-reported doctor diagnosis of diabetes.

Results

Logistic regression was used to examine cross-sectional (wave 2) associations of functional health literacy and cognitive ability with diabetes status. Adequate (compared with limited) functional health literacy (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.61 to 0.84) and higher cognitive ability (OR per 1 SD=0.73, 95% CI 0.67 to 0.80) were associated with lower odds of self-reporting diabetes at wave 2. Cox regression was used to test the associations of functional health literacy and cognitive ability measured at wave 2 with self-reporting diabetes over a median of 9.5 years follow-up (n=6961). Adequate functional health literacy (HR 0.64; 95% CI 0.53 to 0.77) and higher cognitive ability (HR 0.77, 95% CI 0.69 to 0.85) at wave 2 were associated with lower risk of self-reporting diabetes during follow-up. When both functional health literacy and cognitive ability were added to the same model, these associations were slightly attenuated. Additionally adjusting for health behaviours and body mass index fully attenuated cross-sectional associations between functional health literacy and cognitive ability with diabetes status, and partly attenuated associations between functional health literacy and cognitive ability with self-reporting diabetes during follow-up.

Conclusions

Adequate functional health literacy and better cognitive ability were independently associated with lower likelihood of reporting diabetes.
High HDL-C and high LDL-C are risk factors of pterygium in a population-based cross-sectional study in Southern China: the Dongguan Eye Study
Authors: Zang Siwen , Chen Yanlei , Guo Haike , Zhang Min , Zhang Guanrong , Zhang Lixin , Zhang Liang , Liu Qingyang , Zeng Jin , Lo Chun-Han , Cui Ying , Meng Qianli
Published: June 2022

Objectives

To investigate the relationship between serum lipids and pterygium in a large-scale rural population aged 40 years or older from Southern China.

Study design

The Dongguan Eye Study was a cross-sectional population-based study from September 2011 to February 2012.

Setting

The area was set in the rural area of Dongguan, Southern China.

Participants

Adult rural population aged 40 or older.

Methods

Participants underwent physical, haematological and ophthalmic examinations.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The frequency and risk factors of pterygium.

Results

A total of 11 357 participants were eligible for inclusion and 8952 (78.8%) participants were enrolled for the systemic and ophthalmic examinations. The prevalence of pterygium was 17.3% after adjusting the sex and age distribution, 22.0% in participants with hypercholesterolaemia (total cholesterol ≥6.22 mmol/L (240 mg/dL)) and 21.8% in those with low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) ≥4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL), respectively. After adjusting for multiple confounding factors, higher level of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) (OR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.06 to 1.41) and LDL-C (OR: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.06 to 1.20) were positively associated with the risk of pterygium. The ORs for HDL-C or LDL-C with pterygium were significantly greater in participants aged 40–49 years than those aged 50 years or above (P for interaction <0.001). Furthermore, increased HDL-C showed greater association with pterygium in normal body mass index (BMI) group compared with overweight group (P for interaction=0.002).

Conclusion

Increased HDL-C and LDL-C are risk factors of pterygium, especially in people <50 years or those with normal BMI level. Strict control of HDL-C and LDL-C may be a new prevention method in reducing the risk of pterygium.
Mapping mad maps and recovery tools developed by mental health service users and survivors of psychiatry: a scoping review
Authors: Sampietro Hernán María , Carmona Viviana R , Rojo J Emilio , Gómez-Benito J
Published: June 2022

Background

Since 1997, several tools based on the experiences of users and survivors of psychiatry have been developed with the goal of promoting self-determination in recovery, empowerment and well-being.

Objectives

The aims of this study were to identify these tools and their distinctive features, and to know how they were created, implemented and evaluated.

Method

This work was conducted in accordance with a published Scoping Review protocol, following the Arksey and O’Malley approach and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews. Five search strategies were used, including contact with user and survivor networks, academic database searching (Cochrane, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, SCOPUS, PubMed and Web of Science), grey literature searching, Google Scholar searching and reference harvesting. We focused on tools, elaborated by users and survivors, and studies reporting the main applications of them. The searches were performed between 21 July and 22 September 2022. Two approaches were used to display the data: descriptive analysis and thematic analysis.

Results

Six tools and 35 studies were identified, most of them originating in the USA and UK. Thematic analysis identified six goals of the tools: improving wellness, navigating crisis, promoting recovery, promoting empowerment, facilitating mutual support and coping with oppression. Of the 35 studies identified, 34 corresponded to applications of the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP). All of them, but one, evaluated group workshops implementations. The most common objective was to evaluate symptom improvement. Only eight studies included users and survivors as part of the research team.

Conclusions

Only the WRAP has been widely disseminated and investigated. Despite the tools were designed to be implemented by peers, it seems they have been usually implemented without them as trainers. Even when these tools are not aimed to promote clinical recovery, in practice the most disseminated recovery tool is being used in this way.
Endothelin antagonism reduces hemoglobin A1c in patients with pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Stapel Jennifer R. , Speed Joshua S. , Clemmer John S.
Published: June 2022

Our lab recently reported that the blockade of endothelin-1 (ET-1) receptors attenuates insulin resistance in obese mice; therefore, we hypothesized that patients taking ET-1 receptor antagonists (ERAs) will have improved glycemic control. University of Mississippi Medical Center (2013–2020) electronic health record (EPIC) data were extracted from patients ≥18 years old with a clinical diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension (Food and Drug Administration indication for ERA use) and at least two clinical visits within 2 years. Patients prescribed ERAs ( n = 11) were similar in age (61 ± 14 years vs. 60 ± 14 years), body mass index (BMI) (34 ± 8 kg/m 2 vs. 35 ± 11 kg/m2), diabetes prevalence (73% vs. 80%, p = 0.59), and follow-up time (209 ± 74 days vs. 283 ± 180 days) compared with patients not taking ERAs ( n = 137). There was a small but similar decrease in BMI at follow-up in the ERA (−1.9 ± 3 kg/m2) and control patients (−1.6 ± 5 kg/m2). At follow-up, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) significantly decreased −12% ± 11% of baseline in patients taking ERAs, while this did not occur in the control patients (2% ± 20% increase in HbA1c). In the whole population, baseline HbA1c and ERA prescription predicted the fall in HbA1c, while there was no significant association with demographics, diabetes prevalence, and diabetic treatment. These data suggest a potential role of ET-1 in promoting insulin resistance and warrant further investigation into using these drugs for glycemic control.
Lepton flavor violating Z and Higgs decays in the scotogenic model
Authors: Hundi Raghavendra Srikanth
Published: June 2022

In this work, we have studied lepton flavor violating (LFV) decays ofZgauge boson and Higgs boson (H) in the scotogenic model. We have computed branching ratios for the decays$$Z\rightarrow \ell _\alpha \ell _\beta $$Z→ℓαℓβand$$H\rightarrow \ell _\alpha \ell _\beta $$H→ℓαℓβin this model. Here,$$\ell _\alpha $$ℓαand$$\ell _\beta $$ℓβare different charged lepton fields. After fitting to the neutrino oscillation observables in the scotogenic model, we have found that the branching ratios for the LFV decays ofZandHcan be as large as$$\sim 10^{-8}$$∼10-8and$$\sim 10^{-3}$$∼10-3respectively. However, after satisfying the constraints due to non-observation of$$\ell _\alpha \rightarrow \ell _\beta \gamma $$ℓα→ℓβγdecays, the above mentioned branching ratio results are found to be suppressed by a factor of$$\sim 10^{-7}$$∼10-7.
A Case Study of Energy-Saving and Frost Heave Control Scheme in Artificial Ground Freezing Project
Authors: Zhang Song , Zhou Xiao-min , Zhang Jiwei , Sun Tiecheng , Ma Wenzhu , Liu Yong , Yang Ning
Published: June 2022

In large-scale shallow buried artificial ground freezing (AGF) engineering, frost heave control and energy-saving have always been the most critical problems. By the research and analysis, this manuscript points out the applicability and superiority of intermittent freezing in large-scale shallow buried freezing projects and conducts in situ tests for the freezing project of a metro entrance. The test results show that intermittent freezing can effectively control the surface frost heave, but it has a certain hysteresis. The freezing wall thickness, average temperature, and optimization scheme during the freezing process are discussed. The results show the following: (1) Intermittent freezing would degrade the thickness of the freezing wall and the average temperature together. (2) The stop freezing scheme in intermittent freezing is not fit to frost heave control during the excavation stage. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a freezing cycle scheme with precise temperature control to control the frost heave to ensure the bearing capacity. Based on the above conclusions, a dual-circuit liquid supply scheme, the specific brine temperature control scheme, and its application method were proposed. Through this method, the development process of the freezing front can be effectively controlled, and the goal of being precise and controllable can be achieved. This research can provide practical technical guidance for frost heave control of similar AGF projects.
Considering the Carbon Penalty Rates to Optimize the Urban Distribution Model in Time‐Varying Network
Authors: Ji Yuanyuan , Ji Shoufeng , Ji Tingting
Published: June 2022

The existing urban distribution model does not consider both the environmental influence and time‐varying factors. This paper studies the urban distribution optimization model considering both time‐varying network factors and carbon emission factors and constructs the single period time‐varying network urban distribution optimization model and cross‐period time‐varying network urban distribution optimization model. In this paper, the time‐varying network in urban distribution is mathematically described and calculated. By considering the carbon penalty rate, the distribution optimization model is analyzed to formulate the optimal urban distribution scheme for enterprises. An improved variable neighborhood search (VNS) heuristic algorithm is designed to solve the model. The numerical example demonstrates that the higher the carbon emission cost, the greater the carbon penalty rate. When the carbon emission cost increases by 50%, the total cost of the distribution scheme considering carbon emission is saved by 1.21%. The numerical analysis also finds that only when the unit carbon emission cost is higher than 2.937, the carbon penalty rate will stimulate enterprises to reduce emissions.
On Extended Neoteric Ranked Set Sampling Plan: Likelihood Function Derivation and Parameter Estimation
Authors: Riad Fathy H. , Sabry Mohamed A. , Almetwally Ehab M. , Aldallal Ramy , Alharbi Randa , Hossain Md. Moyazzem
Published: June 2022

The extended neoteric ranked set sampling (ENRSS) plan proposed by Taconeli and Cabral has proven to outperform many one stages and two stages ranked set sampling plans when estimating the mean and the variance for different populations. Therefore, in this paper, the likelihood function based on ENRSS is proposed and used for estimation of the parameters of the inverted Nadarajah–Haghighi distribution. An extensive Monte Carlo simulation study is conducted to assess the performance of the proposed likelihood function, and the efficiency of the estimated parameters based on ENRSS is compared with the well‐known ranked set sampling (RSS) plan and some of its modifications. These modifications include the extended ranked set sampling (ERSS) plan and the neoteric ranked set sampling (NRSS) plan. The results as foreseeable were very satisfactory and gave similar results to Taconeli and Cabral’s 2019 results.
The Adoption of Enterprise Resource Planning and Business Intelligence Systems in Small and Medium Enterprises: A Conceptual Framework
Authors: Zheng Jiehui , Khalid Haliyana
Published: June 2022

The widespread globalism of services and the fast technological progress brought about by IT have made organizations today competitive in offering new products and services. One of the highlighted innovations is the enterprise resource planning and business intelligence system (ERPB), which has captivated the interest of industry analysts and policymakers due to its potential to provide more intellectual information for decision making and ensure its continuity. Firms must use ERPBI appropriately to flourish, as its misuse leads to failure. Even though research has focused on the factors influencing ERPBI adoption, most studies have ignored many factors that influenced the behavioral intention to adopt variable that significantly affects the adoption and use of technology. Ensuring the proper adoption of ERPBI is critical to corporate success. If ERPBI is misused, this will not serve its objective. Although a few studies have studied factors affecting the success of ERPBI adoption, the majority have failed to discover drivers of continuity and sustainability. This article proposed a conceptual framework for ERPBI adoption using the TOE and UTAUT models. Four main hypotheses were formulated for the three dimensions of technology, organization, and environment. The proposed framework is vital in adopting the ERPBI and could shape the direction in successfully adopting new technologies in SMEs. This study could fill in the gap in ERPBI research because previous studies have not focused on ERPBI adoption factors, ERPBI adoption, and business continuity.
Application of the BP Neural Network Model in the Coordinated Development of Tourism Economic Networks in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area
Authors: Ren Yuguang , Chen Wendong , Chen Xiaolei
Published: June 2022

In the present era, people are facing enough challenges, either personally or technically, and some people do suffer from having to keep up with the current technological improvements. The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GHKMGBA) is one of the areas that has been highly managed for tourism with economic networks in it. Here, the exploitation results in underground spacing management automate the alleviation process using various methods. Apart from the characterization, it is one such mandatory consideration to create a master plan with the rise of utilization and urban underground spacing planned to be placed among large cities for tourism is considered. This paper focuses on the strategy to understand the concepts and popularisation of urban underground spacing. This matter is followed by a complementary approach with a supportive technical system. This research focuses on economic development in the cities of GHKMGBA, and the analysis is carried out with the implementation of the backpropagation neural network (BPNN).
Research on Rural Landscape Spatial Information Recording and Protection Based on 3D Point Cloud Technology under the Background of Internet of Things
Authors: Yue Li , Yadong Zhang , Jinjin Chen
Published: June 2022

The village with historical and cultural accumulation not only is the witness of the interaction between human activities and natural environment but also contains a lot of intangible cultural heritage. It is an important research object in the history of human social development and has great reference value for the construction of modern Humayun settlements. With the continuous change of modern rural landscape, the traditional engineering drawing cannot meet the needs of people for spatial information measurement. There are some problems such as slow drawing, low precision, and poor benefit, so computer drawing must be used. Therefore, this paper puts forward the research on rural landscape spatial information recording and protection based on 3D point cloud technology under the background of Internet of Things and realizes the recording of rural landscape spatial information through the construction of 3D point cloud spatial information recording model. The experimental results show that the improved unit point cloud spatial information recording model has better feature extraction effect and feature point extraction efficiency, and can classify the point cloud more carefully. At the same time, the scene 3D point cloud classification method based on conditional random field can better deal with the interference factors in the outdoor landscape and show a better classification effect.
The Application of Wireless Network-Based Artificial Intelligence Robots in Badminton Teaching and Training
Authors: Gao Shouling
Published: June 2022

Artificial intelligence technology has already set its foot in various industries, including sports, to train athletes. In this research article, people will study the application of wireless networks based on artificial intelligence robots in badminton teaching and training. People propose a system that deploys intelligent robots to teach badminton to athletes. The robots will train the players with various moves and techniques required for the game. The wireless networking system allows the robot to connect to the network. Various sets of plays and players’ movements were preprogrammed for the robot. The trainer has to select essential factors such as training mode and set height required for a particular player in the robot—these are the complexities in badminton training. Moreover, in the case of effective and efficient training, people need a robot that will aid in different training modes. The changing variables, such as speed, frequency, angle, height, and change in coordinates, are utilised in the training and teaching of robots, which are more efficient than the traditional training methods given by people. The decision tree algorithm (DTA) is used in this research and is compared with the existing sports motion segmentation method (SMSM). From the results, it is observed that the proposed DTA has given improved accuracy of 93% compared with the SMSM.
On Interpolative Prešić‐Type Set‐Valued Contractions
Authors: Alansari Monairah , Basendwah Ghada Ali , Ali Muhammad Usman
Published: June 2022

This study aims to present the notions of interpolative Prešić‐type set‐valued contractions for the set‐valued operators defined on product spaces. With the help of these notions, we have studied the existence of fixed points for such set‐valued operators. An application of the obtained results is also discussed with the help of graph theory.
Metformin Ameliorates Senescence of Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Attenuates Osteoarthritis Progression via the AMPK-Dependent Autophagy Pathway
Authors: Li Zheng , Liu Lin , Yang Yanni , Zheng Haishi , Cai Yongsong , Ma Yao , Gu Ruiying , Xu Ke , Zhang Rui , Xu Peng
Published: June 2022

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most serious age-related diseases worldwide that drastically affects the quality of life of patients. Despite advancements in the treatment of arthritis, especially with adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs), senescence-induced alterations in ADSCs negatively affect the treatment outcomes. This study was aimed at mechanistically exploring whether metformin could ameliorate the senescence of ADSCs and at exploring the effect of metformin-preconditioned ADSCs in an experimental OA mouse model. In this study, an H2O2-induced mouse ADSC senescent model was established. Cell proliferation, senescence, and autophagy were investigated in vitro. Moreover, the effects of intra-articular injection of metformin-preconditioned ADSCs were investigated in vivo. Metformin could promote autophagy and activate the AMPK/mTOR pathway in ADSCs. The metformin-enhanced autophagy could improve the survival and reduce the senescence of ADSCs. The protective effects of metformin against senescence were partially blocked by 3-methyladenine and compound C. Injection of metformin-preconditioned ADSCs slowed OA progression and reduced OA pain in mice. The results suggest that metformin activates the AMPK/mTOR-dependent autophagy pathway in ADSCs against H2O2-induced senescence, while metformin-preconditioned ADSCs can potentially inhibit OA progression.
Rehabilitation Treatment and Monitoring of Ankle Achilles Tendon Ligament Injury in Athletes Repaired by Nanomaterials
Authors: Li Fanghui , Liu Ping , Lou Yijun , Yi Shumei
Published: June 2022

During sports, athletes’ incorrect technical movements and direct physical confrontation can easily cause ankle injuries. Joint ligament injury is a common injury in sports. A ligament injury is an injury to the ligaments in a part of the body caused by varying degrees of injury. Clinical manifestations include localized swelling, pressure pain or joint instability, and pain that increases when pulled in the direction of violence. In order to further investigate the rehabilitation methods of nanomaterials for repairing the ankle Achilles tendon ligament injury in athletes, nanomaterials are materials in which at least one dimension in three‐dimensional space is at the nanometer size (1‐100 nm) or consists of them as the basic unit, which is approximately equivalent to the scale of 10 to 1000 atoms closely aligned together. In this paper, we found that the healing rate of patients was over 90% by the dynamic balance system combined with surface electromyography, surgical treatment, and extracorporeal shock wave. It can be seen that the dynamic balance system combined with surface electromyography (SEMG), surgical treatment, rehabilitation therapy of Taijiquan exercise, and extracorporeal shock wave therapy have significant effects on the rehabilitation of athletes’ ankle and Achilles tendon ligament injuries and can effectively alleviate and resolve athletes’ ankle Achilles tendon ligament injury.
Analysis of Thermal Environment and Its Influencing Factors in Deep Stope of Metal Mine
Authors: You Shuang , Sun Jincui , Ji Hongguang , Feng Qixing
Published: June 2022

In order to scientifically evaluate the thermal environment of the deep stope and its influencing factors, research was conducted on the thermal environment in Sanshandao Gold Mine, the theoretical calculations and structural analysis of heat release from 8 types of heat sources in the three sub-levels of -930 m, -945 m, and -960 m were carried out, and quantitative characterization was made on the influential degree of comprehensive heat release on the thermal environment, and it was clear that the heat release from the surrounding rock and mechanical and electrical equipment were the main parts at the deep mining site and the proportion of heat release from other heat sources is basically stable. Then, through the analysis of the influence factors of heat sources in the mining site, 17 evaluation indexes of the influence factors of the mining site thermal environment were sorted out, and the indexes’ weight was calculated based on the entropy weighting method, and it was learned that the largest weight of the influence on the thermal environment factors in a single excavation working face was the water gushing in the roadway. The TOPSIS method was used to comprehensively analyze and rank the thermal damage degree in the three middle sections. The results show that the degree of thermal damage in the -960 m is more severe than that in the -930 m and -945 m. This will provide some basic basis for the evaluation and prevention of thermal damage in deep mining projects, and is of great significance for improving mine production efficiency.
Potential Structural Damage Characterization through Remote Sensing Data: A Nondestructive Experimental Case Study
Authors: Terrados-Cristos Marta , Ortega-Fernández Francisco , Díaz-Piloneta Marina , Montequín Vicente Rodríguez , González Javier García
Published: June 2022

Atmospheric corrosion, especially in coastal environments, is a major structural problem affecting metallic structures in various sectors. Structural health monitoring systems based on satellite information can help to ensure the proper behavior of civil structures and are an interesting alternative for remote locations. The aim of this case study is to relate remote sensing information to the results of experimental studies for potential structural damage characterization. The ultimate idea is to characterize any environment without long testing periods or sampling costs. Comparative nondestructive experimental tests involving different locations, sampling techniques, and study periods are performed. The results obtained are analyzed and compared with meteorological satellite data characterization at each site. The experimental test results show sufficient statistical significance (p < 0.05), confirming that the areas potentially most susceptible to corrosion can be identified using information from remote sensing satellites based on orientation, wind conditions, and wind origin. This can be used to facilitate the remote design and monitoring of structures more accurately with a stability guarantee.
Genetic Variations in Nucleotide Excision Repair Pathway Genes and Risk of Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Liu Wenlong , Zeng Qingxiang , Zeng Yinhui , Tang Yiquan , Luo Renzhong
Published: June 2022

Background. Allergic rhinitis (AR) is the most frequent inflammatory disorder in the nasal mucosa that remains unclear etiology. Mounting studies suggested that genetic instability could trigger and worsen the inflammatory response. The nucleotide excision repair (NER) system is an important pathway in maintaining the stability of the genome. Therefore, the genetic variations in NER pathway genes may have potential effects on AR risk. Methods. We evaluated the correlation between 19 candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in NER pathway genes and AR susceptibility by a case-control study in a Chinese population, which contains 508 AR cases and 526 controls. Results. Three independent SNPs were identified as significantly associated with AR susceptibility, including ERCC1 rs2298881

C
>
A

(recessive model: adjusted odds ratios

OR

=
0.30

,

95
%
confidence
 
interval
 

CI

=
0.18
–
0.50

,

P
<
0.0001

), ERCC1 rs11615

G
>
A

(dominant model:

adjusted
 
OR
=
1.44

,

95
%
CI
=
1.04
–
2.01

,

P
=
0.030

), and XPC rs2228001

A
>
C

(dominant model:

adjusted
 
OR
=
0.68

,

95
%
CI
=
0.49
–
0.95

,

P
=
0.024

). Stratified analysis showed that ERCC1 rs2298881 AA genotype was correlated with a lower risk of AR among all the subgroups compared with rs2298881 CC/CA genotype. XPC rs2228001 AC/CC genotype reduced AR risk among the following subgroups:

age
>
60

months, clinical stage I and III. Conclusion. Our finding showed that genetic variations in NER pathway genes: ERCC1 and XPC may affect the risk of AR, which will provide new insights into the genetics of AR from the perspective of DNA damage repair.