bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hyperechogenic intimal lesions and wall thickness of the temporal and facial arteries in elderly patients with arterial occlusions of the eye
Authors: Czihal Michael , Köhler Anton , Prearo Ilaria , Hoffmann Ulrich , Schulze-Koops Hendrik , Dechant Claudia , Priglinger Siegfried G , Mackert Marc J , Lottspeich Christian
Published: September 2021

Objective

To determine the association of arteriosclerosis, characterised by hyperechogenic intimal lesions (HIL), with wall thickness of the temporal and facial arteries in elderly patients with ocular arterial occlusions.

Methods

Patients suffering from non-arteritic ocular perfusion disorders were included. High-resolution compression sonography (18 MHz) images of the temporal arteries (frontal and parietal branch at the upper margin of the auricle) and facial arteries (at the crossing point of the artery over the mandible) were analysed for the presence of HIL (grade 0: absent; grade 1: moderate; grade 2: severe). Characteristics of patients with and without evidence of HIL >grade 1 were compared.

Results

In total, 330 cranial artery segments of 55 patients were analysed. HIL ≥grade 1 was present in 13.0% of all artery segments and in 38.1% of all patients. Patients with HIL ≥grade 1 in at least one arterial segment displayed significantly increased maximum wall thickness of the temporal arteries (0.62±0.23 mm vs 0.50±0.13 mm; p<0.01) and facial arteries (0.71±0.20 mm vs 0.54±0.19 mm; p=0.01). Patients with at least one temporal or facial artery segment with HIL were older, more often male and more frequently suffered from diabetes mellitus.

Conclusion

The presence of HIL goes along with a significantly increased wall thickness of the temporal and facial arteries. These findings should be considered when interpreting the results of sonography of the cranial arteries in the diagnostic workup of suspected giant cell arteritis.
Ligustrum luciduminvasion decreases abundance and relative contribution of soil fauna to litter decomposition but increases decomposition rate in a subtropical montane forest of northwestern Argentina
Authors: Fernandez Romina D. , Moreno María L. , Aragón Roxana , Harguindeguy Natalia Pérez
Published: September 2021

Invasive plant species can alter litter decomposition rates through changes in litter quality, environment conditions, and decomposer organisms (microflora and soil fauna), but limited research has examined their direct impact on soil fauna. We assessed the abundance and relative contribution of soil meso- and macrofauna to litter decomposition in a forest invaded by Ligustrum lucidum W.T. Aiton and in a noninvaded forest in a subtropical mountain forest in northwestern Argentina, using litterbags (0.01, 2, and 6 mm mesh size). Additionally, we analyzed the litter quality and soil properties of both forest types. Soil fauna abundance was lower in the invaded forest than in the noninvaded forest. The contribution of soil macrofauna to litter decomposition was important in both forest types, but soil mesofauna contribution was significant only in noninvaded forest. Litter decomposition was significantly faster in the invaded forest, consistent with its higher quality litter compared with the uninvaded forest. Invaded forest had significantly lower litter accumulation, lower soil moisture, and greater soil pH than noninvaded forest. Our results showed that although soil fauna was less abundant and played a less pronounced role in litter decomposition in invaded forest, these changes did not translate into a reduced litter decomposition rate due to the higher quality of litter produced in the invaded forest.
Radioactive decay of $$\mathrm {{}^{90}Sr}$$ in cement: a non-equilibrium first-principles investigation
Authors: Kohanoff Jorge , Correa Alfredo A. , Gribakin Gleb , Johnston Conrad , Saúl Andrés
Published: September 2021

Cement is an inexpensive and relatively easily manageable material that is used as a last barrier for nuclear waste disposal. Under these conditions, the cement is in contact with low radiation doses, but there is a distinct possibility of being contaminated with radioactive products. Of particular concern is the medium lived half-life product $$\mathrm {{}^{90}Sr}$$

90

Sr

(28.8 years) due to its ability to replace Ca. $$\mathrm {{}^{90}Sr}$$

90

Sr

undergoes $$\beta $$
β
-decay to $$\mathrm {{}^{90}Y}$$

90

Y

which, in turn, $$\beta $$
β
-decays to stable $$\mathrm {{}^{90}Zr}$$

90

Zr

. In this work, we discuss systematically the chain of non-equilibrium processes that result as a consequence of $$\beta $$
β
-decay events in cement. We first use density functional-based methods to study the consequences of the sudden increase of the nuclear charge from $$Z$$
Z
to $$Z+1$$

Z
+
1

, a possible induced ionization and the perturbation of the surrounding electronic charge. Secondly, we use molecular dynamics simulations to study the recoil of the daughter nucleus. Finally, we discuss the damage caused by the ionization cascade produced during the propagation of the $$\beta $$
β
-electron and the resulting chemical and structural perturbation.

Graphic Abstract
External-memory Dictionaries in the Affine and PDAM Models
Authors: Bender Michael A. , Conway Alex , Farach-Colton Martín , Jannen William , Jiao Yizheng , Johnson Rob , Knorr Eric , Mcallister Sara , Mukherjee Nirjhar , Pandey Prashant , Porter Donald E. , Yuan Jun , Zhan Yang
Published: September 2021

Storage devices have complex performance profiles, including costs to initiate IOs (e.g., seek times in hard drives), parallelism and bank conflicts (in SSDs), costs to transfer data, and firmware-internal operations.

The Disk-access Machine (DAM) model simplifies reality by assuming that storage devices transfer data in blocks of size
B
and that all transfers have unit cost. Despite its simplifications, the DAM model is reasonably accurate. In fact, if
B
is set to the half-bandwidth point, where the latency and bandwidth of the hardware are equal, then the DAM approximates the IO cost on any hardware to within a factor of 2.

Furthermore, the DAM model explains the popularity of B-trees in the 1970s and the current popularity of B
ɛ
-trees and log-structured merge trees. But it fails to explain why some B-trees use small nodes, whereas all B
ɛ
-trees use large nodes. In a DAM, all IOs, and hence all nodes, are the same size.

In this article, we show that the affine and PDAM models, which are small refinements of the DAM model, yield a surprisingly large improvement in predictability without sacrificing ease of use. We present benchmarks on a large collection of storage devices showing that the affine and PDAM models give good approximations of the performance characteristics of hard drives and SSDs, respectively.

We show that the affine model explains node-size choices in B-trees and B
ɛ
-trees. Furthermore, the models predict that B-trees are highly sensitive to variations in the node size, whereas B
ɛ
-trees are much less sensitive. These predictions are born out empirically.

Finally, we show that in both the affine and PDAM models, it pays to organize data structures to exploit varying IO size. In the affine model, B
ɛ
-trees can be optimized so that all operations are simultaneously optimal, even up to lower-order terms. In the PDAM model, B
ɛ
-trees (or B-trees) can be organized so that both sequential and concurrent workloads are handled efficiently.

We conclude that the DAM model is useful as a first cut when designing or analyzing an algorithm or data structure but the affine and PDAM models enable the algorithm designer to optimize parameter choices and fill in design details.
Effect of Dry Thermal Oxidation on Bulk GaN Substrates Grown by HVPE during CMP
Authors: Kang Hyo Sang , Lee Joo Hyung , Lee Hee Ae , Lee Seung Hoon , Park Won Il , Lee Seong Kuk , Park Jae Hwa , Yi Sung Chul
Published: September 2021

Chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) of bulk GaN substrates via dry thermal oxidation is investigated in this paper. In this work, we study the effects of oxidation with respect to different thermal treatments, change in morphology and thickness on bulk GaN substrates. The results of the study show that a defect-free surface with roughness average (Ra) and material removal rate (MRR) of 0.377 nm and 51 μm/h respectively is achievable by CMP after thermal treatment at 800°C. However, for thermal treatments above 900°C, several pits and defects are observed with significant deformation of the surface likely due to the domination of diffusion-controlled reaction over interfacial reaction-controlled. The molar fractions of the chemical components remained on the polished GaN surfaces are characterized via X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It is found that the conversion rate from GaN to Ga2O3 is dependent on the real contact area between CMP pad and GaN substrate surface during the CMP.
Rho GTPase signaling in cancer progression and dissemination
Authors: Crosas-Molist Eva , Samain Remi , Kohlhammer Leonie , Orgaz Jose L. , George Samantha L. , Maiques Oscar , Barcelo Jaume , Sanz-Moreno Victoria
Published: September 2021

Rho GTPases are a family of small G proteins that regulate a wide array of cellular processes related to their key roles controlling the cytoskeleton. Cancer is a multistep disease caused by the accumulation of genetic mutations and epigenetic alterations, from the initial stages of cancer development when cells in normal tissues undergo transformation, to the acquisition of invasive and metastatic traits, responsible for a large number of cancer related deaths. In this review, we discuss the role of Rho GTPase signaling in cancer in every step of disease progression. Rho GTPases contribute to tumor initiation and progression, by regulating proliferation and apoptosis, but also metabolism, senescence, and cancer cell stemness. Rho GTPases play a major role in cell migration and in the metastatic process. They are also involved in interactions with the tumor microenvironment and regulate inflammation, contributing to cancer progression. After years of intensive research, we highlight the importance of relevant models in the Rho GTPase field, and we reflect on the therapeutic opportunities arising for cancer patients.
The Correction of Multiscale Stochastic Volatility to American Put Option: An Asymptotic Approximation and Finite Difference Approach
Authors: Zhou Yanli , Liu Shican , Li Shuang , Ge Xiangyu
Published: September 2021

It has been found that the surface of implied volatility has appeared in financial market embrace volatility “Smile” and volatility “Smirk” through the long-term observation. Compared to the conventional Black-Scholes option pricing models, it has been proved to provide more accurate results by stochastic volatility model in terms of the implied volatility, while the classic stochastic volatility model fails to capture the term structure phenomenon of volatility “Smirk.” More attempts have been made to correct for American put option price with incorporating a fast-scale stochastic volatility and a slow-scale stochastic volatility in this paper. Given that the combination in the process of multiscale volatility may lead to a high-dimensional differential equation, an asymptotic approximation method is employed to reduce the dimension in this paper. The numerical results of finite difference show that the multiscale volatility model can offer accurate explanations of the behavior of American put option price.
Evaluation of Soil Quality in Arid Western Fringes of the Nile Delta for Sustainable Agriculture
Authors: Saleh Ahmed M. , Elsharkawy Mohamed M. , AbdelRahman Mohamed A. E. , Arafat Sayed M.
Published: September 2021

Egypt is currently witnessing an extensive desert greening plan with a target of adding one and a half million feddans to the agricultural area. The present study evaluates the soil quality in the western desert fringes of the Nile Delta using three indicator datasets, which involve the total dataset (TDS), the minimum dataset (MDS), and the expert dataset (EDS). Three quality index models are included: the Additive Soil Quality Index (SQI-A), the Weighted Additive Soil Quality Index (SQI-W), and the Nemoro Soil Quality Index (SQI-N). Linear and nonlinear scoring functions are evaluated for scoring soil and terrain indicators. Thirteen soil quality indicators and three terrain indicators were measured in 397 sampling sites for soil quality evaluation. Factor analyses determined five soil and terrain indicators for the minimum dataset and their associated weights. The linear scoring functions reflected the soil system functions more than nonlinear scoring functions. Soil quality estimation by the minimum dataset (MDS) and Weighted Additive Soil Quality Index (SQI-W) is more sensitive than that by SQI-A and SQI-N quality models to explain soil quality indicators. The moderate soil quality grade is the largest quality grade in the studied area. The minimum dataset of soil quality indicators could assist in reducing time and cost of evaluating soil quality and monitoring the temporal changes in soil quality of the region due to the increased agricultural development.
Investigating the Relationship between Capability and Motivation of Crowd Worker to Get Better Performance: A Mathematical Approach
Authors: Karim Shakir , Asif Zaheeruddin
Published: September 2021

The quality of tasks performed by a crowd worker is questionable. Most of the workers are lost if their first work is of low quality, which may influence them to acquire future work in crowdsourcing. Research has highlighted that workers either lack motivation or capability. However, the integrative perspective of capability and motivation in current crowdsourcing research is scarce. There is a need to investigate the relationship of capability and motivation of crowd worker to understand the phenomenon of getting better performance, which ultimately produces a quality outcome. This research aims toward understanding such relationship with mathematical perspective. The traditional renowned and well-accepted theories related to job performance are used for the quantification of motivation, capability, and performance for crowd workers to investigate the impact of capability in relation to the motivation on the performance of crowd worker. Experimental results suggest that formulae will benefit the requester to evaluate the performance of a crowd worker before providing him/her the task and benefit in reducing unemployment in the situation of COVID-19 pandemic.
Research on Calculation Method for Maximum Mean Acceleration in Longitudinal Train Collision
Authors: Zhang Jingke , Wang Xiaorui , Zhu Tao , Yang Bing , Xiao Shoune , Yang Guangwu , Liu Yanwen , Li Benhuai
Published: September 2021

A large number of numerical simulations are required to design an energy absorption scheme for train crashworthiness, leading to low design efficiency in the early stage. Based on train collision dynamics theory and the finite element method, a dynamic finite element model of longitudinal train collision is established. According to the model, we studied the acceleration time‐history characteristics during the train collision process, obtained the mean‐peak ratio coefficient, and determined the calculation formula for the maximum mean acceleration of a longitudinal train collision. Through characteristic analysis of the vehicle acceleration, interface force, and other parameters during a longitudinal train collision, the calculation method of the mean acceleration was improved. The analysis shows that the maximum mean acceleration depends on two stages in the collision process: (1) the coupler action of the head vehicle: the mean‐peak ratio coefficient of the head vehicle is 0.7 in this stage, and the mean‐peak ratio coefficient of other vehicles is 0.43; (2) the coupler of the collision interface is cut off, and the energy absorption devices of the head vehicle or intermediate vehicle absorb energy; the mean‐peak ratio coefficient of the vehicle is 0.93 in this stage. On this basis, a mathematical function is established describing the mean acceleration of the vehicle and the average crushing force of the coupler collapse tube and the energy‐absorbing device. The calculation formula is obtained for the maximum mean acceleration of the longitudinal train collision, and the results are compared with the mean acceleration obtained by numerical simulation. The Kruskal–Wallis ANOVA multisample independent nonparametric test was conducted to verify the reliability of the calculation results in the 95% confidence interval. The calculation formula can be used to calculate the maximum mean acceleration in the energy allocation stage of train crashworthiness design to effectively improve the efficiency of train collision energy allocation.
Comparative Assessment of Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Prickly Pear Seed Oil from Opuntia ficus-indica and Opuntia megacantha Varieties
Authors: Ettalibi Fatima , El Antari Abderraouf , Hamouda Allal , Gadhi Chemseddoha , Harrak Hasnaâ
Published: September 2021

The prickly pear (Opuntia spp.) is an important plant in the economies of arid and semiarid areas, considering its low agronomic requirements and high water use efficiency. Characterizing the chemical composition of this plant will open new avenues for food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic applications. In this context, this study examined the physical and chemical parameters of fruit seed oils of two prickly pear species from Rhamna area located in the center of Morocco: Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI), represented by the varieties “Safra” and “Aakria,” and Opuntia megacantha (OM), represented by the variety “Derbana.” The evaluated parameters included oil content, free acidity, specific extinction coefficients (K232 and K270), pigment content, fatty acid, and triglyceride composition. The seed oil contents of the three varieties “Safra,” “Aakria,” and “Derbana” were 8.09%, 8.74%, and 8.04%, respectively. OM (“Derbana”) seed oil was the most stable. The three studied varieties had higher contents of α-pheophytin and carotenoids than that of chlorophyll. Oil from the “Aakria” variety was distinguished by having the highest contents of α-pheophytin and chlorophyll. Significant differences in some fatty acid and triglyceride contents were noted. The major fatty acids of the three varieties were linoleic acid (60.55%–63.46%), followed by oleic acid (18.88%–21.81%) and palmitic acid (13.03%–13.75%). Furthermore, the chromatographic profiles of the triglycerides have shown the dominance of trilinolein (LLL, 24.33%–26.49%) and oleoyl-dilinoleoyl-glycerol (OLL, 20.92%–21.92%). Some triglycerides could be considered species markers, especially OLL, dipalmitoyl-linoleoyl-glycerol (PPL), oleoyl-linoleoyl-linolenoyl-glycerol and palmitoyl-oleoyl-dilinoleoyl-glycerol fraction (OLLn + PoLL), and stearoyl-dioleoyl-glycerol (SOO). This study provides a basis for qualitatively evaluating the therapeutic and cosmetic potential of prickly pear derivatives and for establishing quality standards of seed oil derived from the two species studied.
Research on Distribution and Inventory Cooperation of Agricultural Means Supply Chain
Authors: Zhu Yanxin , Wang Jiajing , Liu Lixian
Published: September 2021

This paper constructed a biobjective model based on the total cost and time satisfaction to provide a desirable solution to the distribution and inventory cooperation of agricultural means supply chain. The model simulated how the distribution center and retailers collaborate to meet the needs of the order customer in the random lead time and out-of-stock loss costs. By the features of the model, the biobjective genetic algorithm was improved based on elitism selection, aiming to improve the quality of noninferior solution in biobjective model. Finally, the influence degree of the lead time of delivery, unit inventory cost, and unit transport cost on the total cost of the system was quantified through the analysis of examples and sensitivity of model parameters. This research has provided valuable new insights into the distribution and inventory coordination of supply chain.
Sliding Mode Matrix-Projective Synchronization for Fractional-Order Neural Networks
Authors: He Jinman , Lei Tengfei , Jiang Limin
Published: September 2021

This work generalizes the projection scaling factor to a general constant matrix and proposes the matrix-projection synchronization (MPS) for fractional-order neural networks (FNNs) based on sliding mode control firstly. This kind of scaling factor is far more complex than the constant scaling factor, and it is highly variable and difficult to predict in the process of realizing the synchronization for the driving and response systems, which can ensure high security and strong confidentiality. Then, the fractional-order integral sliding surface and sliding mode controller for FNNs are designed. Furthermore, the criterion for realizing MPS is proved, and the reachability and stability of the synchronization error system are analyzed, so that the global MPS is realized for FNNs. Finally, a numerical application is given to demonstrate the feasibility of theory analysis. MPS is more general, so it is reduced to antisynchronization, complete synchronization, projective synchronization (PS), and modified PS when selecting different projective matrices. This work will enrich the synchronization theory of FNNs and provide a feasible method to study the MPS of other fractional-order dynamical models.
Nonlinear Elastic Foundation Plate Model Study on Overlying Strata Movement in Working Face with Solid Backfilling Mining
Authors: An Baifu , Li Nailu , Yi Qiaomei , Zhang Dong , Wang Hailong
Published: September 2021

Although solid backfilling materials are featured with obvious nonlinear stress‐strain properties, for a long time, they have been usually simplified as linear elastic materials for approximate calculation in mechanical analysis, so it is difficult to accurately reflect their deformation process. Based on test results of solid backfilling materials’ compaction characteristics, this paper provides a solution method to generate their elastic foundation coefficient. One multiparameter elastic foundation has been used to reflect stress‐strain characteristics of solid backfilling material. In addition, the paper establishes a thin plate on a nonlinear elastic foundation model by adopting semianalytical and seminumerical method and obtains the relational expression between roof deflection, roof stress, and backfilling material’s compressive deformation. In combination with geological conditions in a specific mine, the paper probes into what influence both backfilling material’s particle size and the initial compaction force that the backfilling material bears could exert on roof subsidence and stress. Finally, the proposed model has been verified with measured data from industrial tests.
Long-Term Impact of Hepatitis C Virus Eradication on Liver Stiffness in Egyptian Patients
Authors: Zakareya Talaat , Elhelbawy Mostafa , Elzohry Hassan , Eltabbakh Mohamed , Deif Mohamed , Abbasy Mohamed
Published: September 2021

Background/Objectives. Liver fibrosis is the inevitable end result of chronic hepatitis C (HCV) infection and is responsible for almost all liver-related complications. After the big advancement in therapeutics of HCV, liver fibrosis would expectedly improve after viral clearance. Many studies showed significant improvement of liver fibrosis shortly after successful treatment with direct acting antiviral agents (DAAs); however, the long-term changes have been scarcely addressed in the literature. We aimed to trace dynamical changes in liver stiffness 1, 3, and 5 years after HCV eradication. Methods. Liver stiffness measurements (LSM) have been serially assessed 1, 3, and 5 years after HCV clearance in 655 patients who have been treated with DAAs. Results. The mean age was 51.44 ± 10 years. 73% of patients were males. 48% were cirrhotics. In noncirrhotics, the mean LSM was significantly decreased from 8.29 ± 2.3 kPa to 4.03 ± 1.0 kPa

p
<
0.0001

at the end of the follow-up. Likewise, LSM decreased in cirrhotics from 29.66 ± 14.25 kPa to 22.50 ± 11.16 kPa

p
<
0.0001

. The proportions of F1, F2, F3, and F4 patients at the baseline were 17.7%, 17.9%, 16.6%, and 47.8%, which became 56.5%, 4.1%, 4.9%, and 34.5%, respectively, with a substantial reversal of cirrhosis in 87 patients (27.7%) at the end of follow-up. Conclusions. There was an overall significant regression of liver stiffness in all patients after sustained HCV eradication. Liver stiffness reflecting mild fibrosis (F0–F2) usually improves shortly after treatment, while measurements reflecting advanced fibrosis (F3–F4) take a longer time to regress to lower fibrosis stages.
Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) from Synthesis to Functionalized (CNTs) Using Conventional and New Chemical Approaches
Authors: Salah Lakhdar Sidi , Ouslimani Nassira , Bousba Dalila , Huynen Isabelle , Danlée Yann , Aksas Hammouche
Published: September 2021

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have emerged worldwide because of their remarkable properties enlarging their field of applications. Functionalization of CNTs is a convenient strategy to tackle low dispersion and solubilization of CNTs in many solvents or polymers. It can be done by covalent or noncovalent surface functionalization that is briefly discussed regarding the current literature. Endohedral and exohedral are conventional methods based on covalent and van der Waals bonding forces that are created through CNT functionalization by various materials. In this paper, a review of new approaches and mechanisms of functionalization of CNTs is proposed, including amidation, fluorination, bromination, chlorination, hydrogenation, and electrophilic addition. Our analysis is supported by several characterization methods highlighting recent improvements hence extending the range of applicability of CNTs.
Regularized Weighted Nonparametric Likelihood Approach for High-Dimension Sparse Subdistribution Hazards Model for Competing Risk Data
Authors: Tapak Leili , Kosorok Michael R. , Sadeghifar Majid , Hamidi Omid , Afshar Saeid , Doosti Hassan
Published: September 2021

Variable selection and penalized regression models in high-dimension settings have become an increasingly important topic in many disciplines. For instance, omics data are generated in biomedical researches that may be associated with survival of patients and suggest insights into disease dynamics to identify patients with worse prognosis and to improve the therapy. Analysis of high-dimensional time-to-event data in the presence of competing risks requires special modeling techniques. So far, some attempts have been made to variable selection in low- and high-dimension competing risk setting using partial likelihood-based procedures. In this paper, a weighted likelihood-based penalized approach is extended for direct variable selection under the subdistribution hazards model for high-dimensional competing risk data. The proposed method which considers a larger class of semiparametric regression models for the subdistribution allows for taking into account time-varying effects and is of particular importance, because the proportional hazards assumption may not be valid in general, especially in the high-dimension setting. Also, this model relaxes from the constraint of the ability to simultaneously model multiple cumulative incidence functions using the Fine and Gray approach. The performance/effectiveness of several penalties including minimax concave penalty (MCP); adaptive LASSO and smoothly clipped absolute deviation (SCAD) as well as their L2 counterparts were investigated through simulation studies in terms of sensitivity/specificity. The results revealed that sensitivity of all penalties were comparable, but the MCP and MCP-L2 penalties outperformed the other methods in term of selecting less noninformative variables. The practical use of the model was investigated through the analysis of genomic competing risk data obtained from patients with bladder cancer and six genes of CDC20, NCF2, SMARCAD1, RTN4, ETFDH, and SON were identified using all the methods and were significantly correlated with the subdistribution.
Mycobacterial Lineages Associated with Drug Resistance in Patients with Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Diriba Getu , Kebede Abebaw , Tola Habteyes Hailu , Alemu Ayinalem , Yenew Bazezew , Moga Shewki , Addise Desalegn , Mohammed Zemedu , Getahun Muluwork , Fantahun Mengistu , Tadesse Mengistu , Dagne Biniyam , Amare Misikir , Assefa Gebeyehu , Abera Dessie , Desta Kassu
Published: September 2021

Background. In Ethiopia, tuberculosis (TB) is one of the most common causes of illness and death. However, there is limited information available on lineages associated with drug resistance among extrapulmonary tuberculosis patients in Ethiopia. In this study, researchers looked into Mycobacterium tuberculosis lineages linked to drug resistance in patients with extrapulmonary tuberculosis in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods. On 151 Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates, a cross-sectional analysis was performed. Spoligotyping was used to characterize mycobacterial lineages, while a phenotypic drug susceptibility test was performed to determine the drug resistance pattern. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23. Results. Among 151 Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) genotyped isolates, four lineages (L1–L4), and Mycobacterium bovis were identified. The predominantly identified lineage was Euro-American (73.5%) followed by East-African-Indian (19.2%). Any drug resistance (RR) and multidrug-resistant (MDR) tuberculosis was identified among 16.2% and 7.2% of the Euro-American lineage, respectively, while it was 30.8% and 15.4% among the East-African-Indian lineages. Among all three preextensively drug-resistance (pre-XDR) cases identified, two isolates belong to T3-ETH, and the other one strain was not defined by the database. There was no statistically significant association between any type of drug resistance and either lineage or sublineages of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Conclusion. A higher proportion of any type of drug resistance and MDR was detected among the East-African-Indian lineage compared to others. However, there was no statistically significant association between any type of drug resistance and either lineages or sublineages. Thus, the authors recommend a large-scale study.
[Retracted] Research on Recognition Method of Basketball Goals Based on Image Analysis of Computer Vision
Authors: Zhang Weini
Published: September 2021

Moving target detection is involved in many engineering applications, but basketball has some difficulties because of the time‐varying speed and uncertain path. The purpose of this paper is to use computer vision image analysis to identify the path and speed of a basketball goal, so as to meet the needs of recognition and achieve trajectory prediction. This research mainly discusses the basketball goal recognition method based on computer vision. In the research process, Kalman filter is used to improve the KCF tracking algorithm to track the basketball path. The algorithm of this research is based on MATLAB, so it can avoid the mixed programming of MATLAB and other languages and reduce the difficulty of interface design software. In the aspect of data acquisition, the extended EPROM is used to store user programs, and parallel interface chips (such as 8255A) can be configured in the system to output switch control signals and display and print operations. The automatic basketball bowling counter based on 8031 microprocessor is used as the host computer. After the level conversion by MAX232, it is connected with the RS232C serial port of PC, and the collected data is sent to the workstation recording the results. In order to consider the convenience of user operation, the GUI design of MATLAB is used to facilitate the exchange of information between users and computers so that users can see the competition results intuitively. The processing frame rate of the tested video image can reach 60 frames/second, more than 25 frames/second, which meet the real‐time requirements of the system. The results show that the basketball goal recognition method used in this study has strong anti‐interference ability and stable performance.
Seroprevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Leptospira interrogans Serogroup Sejroe Serovar Hardjo in Dairy Farms in and around Jimma Town, Southwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Desa Garoma , Deneke Yosef , Begna Feyissa , Tolosa Tadele
Published: September 2021

A cross-sectional study was conducted on selected dairy farms in and around Jimma town, Oromia, southwestern Ethiopia from November 2019 to May 2020 to determine the seroprevalence of Leptospira interrogans serogroup Sejroe serovar Hardjo (L. hardjo). Furthermore, information was gathered on individual animal and herd level by using pretested semistructured questionnaire to assess associated risk factors. A stratified and simple random sampling procedure was used for the selection of dairy farms and individual animal’s, respectively. Indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (I-ELISA) was used in this study to detect antibody against L. hardjo. Out of 384 animal’s sera, 94 animals were seropositive against L. hardjo antibodies. From 77 dairy farms selected for the study, 57 of them were distinguished as positive for L. hardjo. The overall seroprevalence of leptospirosis caused by L. hardjo was 24.48% (95% CI: 20.18%–28.78%) and 74.03% (95% CI: 64.23%–83.82%) at individual animal and farm level, respectively. The result of multilogistic regression analysis revealed that management system (p < 0.05; OR = 4.25 (95% CI: 2.31–7.82)), hygienic status of the farm (p < 0.05; OR = 0.35 (95% CI: 0.20–0.61)), age of animals (p < 0.05; OR = 8.30 (95% CI: 1.87–36.89)), history of abortion (p < 0.05; OR = 8.37 (95% CI: 1.73–40.42)), herd size (p < 0.05; OR = 2.32 (95% CI: 1.17–4.61)), and access of rodents to the farm (p < 0.05; OR = 0.17 (95% CI: 0.03–0.86)) were significantly associated with the occurrence of L. hardjo infection. However, breed, parity, and introduction of new animals to the farm were insignificantly associated (p > 0.05). Management system of the animal, hygienic status of the farm, herd size, age of animals, previous history of abortion, and access of rodents to the farm were identified as potential risk factors of L. hardjo disease occurrence. Thus, limiting rodents contact with cattle and their feed and water as well as good sanitary practices and husbandry management should be undertaken.
Network Pharmacology Integrated with Molecular Docking Explores the Mechanisms of Naringin against Osteoporotic Fracture by Regulating Oxidative Stress
Authors: Yu Xiang , Zhang Peng , Tang Kai , Shen Gengyang , Chen Honglin , Zhang Zhida , Zhao Wenhua , Shang Qi , Zhu Guangye , Tan Riwei , Gan Yanchi , Zhang You , Liang De , Ren Hui , Jiang Xiaobing , Zhou Bengen
Published: September 2021

Naringin (NG), as the most abundant component of Drynariae Rhizoma (Chinese name: Gusuibu), has been proved to be an antioxidant flavonoid on promoting osteoporotic fracture (OF) healing, but relevant research is scanty on the underlying mechanisms. We adopted target prediction, protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis, Gene Ontology (GO) analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis, and molecular docking to establish a system pharmacology database of NG against OF. Totally 105 targets of naringin were obtained, including 26 common targets with OF. A total of 415 entries were obtained through GO Biological Process enrichment analysis (

P
<
0.05

), and 37 entries were obtained through KEGG pathway enrichment analysis with seven signaling pathways included (

P
<
0.05

), which were primarily concerned with p53, IL-17, TNF, estrogen, and PPAR signaling pathways. According to the results of molecular docking, naringin is all bound in the active pockets of the core targets with 3–9 hydrogen bonds through some connections such as hydrophobic interactions, Pi-Pi stacked interactions, and salt bridge, demonstrating that naringin binds tightly to the core targets. In general, naringin may treat OF through multiple targets and multiple pathways via regulating oxidative stress, etc. Notably, it is first reported that NG may regulate osteoclast differentiation and oxidative stress through the expression of the core targets so as to treat OF.
Study on Vibration Damping Mechanism of Shoe Sole with Alternating Lattice Structure Using Vibration Level Difference
Authors: Wang Chongning , Liu Xiaoying , Yue Yong , Huang Jiazan , Huang Xianwei , Liu Bin
Published: September 2021

As one of the media of the ground and feet, the design of footwear products has lately received great attention, and the cushioning performance of the sole has become a key factor for the comfort and sportiness of the foot. In this paper, a new type of middle sole sports shoes with an alternating gradient lattice structure was proposed. The dynamic response of the structure was analyzed by ABAQUS software, and the model was validated by modal analysis. The effects of different kinds of alternating lattice and uniform lattice sole models on vibration isolation were analyzed by using the vibration level difference as the evaluation index of vibration characteristics. The analysis results are as follows: (a) We found that the mean of the vibration level difference of the alternating gradient structure is higher than that of the uniform lattice structure, which confirms the feasibility of the alternating gradient arrangement and its excellent buffering performance. (b) Two kinds of vibration stage drop values of the 24-series alternating lattice structure model are analyzed, and “C-G-X″ structure has the highest vibration stage drop value. In addition, the comprehensive analysis of the alternating gradient lattice structure of the soles shows that the four types of structures have good cushioning performance, and the C-series structure in the frequency range of 0–140 Hz vibration level difference value is higher than other series. The results show that the evaluation index of vibration level difference based on mechanical vibration characteristics can accurately analyze the response of different structure soles to vibration, which also provides a method for the future design of vibration reduction and exploration of the biomechanics of footwear.
Relationship between Work-Related Quality of Life and Job Satisfaction in Iranian Occupational Therapists
Authors: Rostami Hamid Reza , Akbarfahimi Malahat , Ghaffari Amin , Kamali Mohammad , Rassafiani Mehdi
Published: September 2021

Objective. This study is aimed at exploring the relationship between the work-related quality of life and job satisfaction among Iranian occupational therapists. Methods. In an analytical-descriptive, cross-sectional study, 322 occupational therapists were recruited through a convenient sampling. Inclusion criteria consisted of age between 22 and 50 years, at least one-year work experience, 24 hours of working per week as an occupational therapist, and membership of Iranian Occupation Therapy Association. After signing the informed consent and completing demographic information, each participant completed the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire- Short Form (MSQ-SF) and work-related quality of life scale. Results. The highest quality of working life belonged to occupational therapists who were female, married, with an annual salary of more than 40000$ (compared to below 20000 $), and those with work experience between 5 and 12 years. There was a positive and significant relationship between work-related quality of life and job satisfaction. Work-related quality of life scores could significantly predict MSQ-SF scores (

β
1
=
0.54

,

p
<
.001

). Conclusions. The significantly positive relationship between work-related quality of life and job satisfaction suggests the importance of organizational programs for enhancing factors of work-related quality of life in order to improve job satisfaction and quality of life among Iranian occupational therapists.
Security Analysis of Image Scrambling Cipher Based on Compound Chaotic Equation
Authors: Feng Luoyin
Published: September 2021

As digital image has become one of the most important forms of expression in multimedia information, the security of digital image has become a concern. Because of its large amount of data and high redundancy, there are many security hidden dangers in ordinary image encryption methods. Aiming at the problems of low flexibility and poor anti-interference of traditional image scrambling technology, this paper proposes to select the scrambling diffusion encryption structure in the process of chaotic digital image encryption, which can produce relatively better encryption performance than single scrambling and diffusion scrambling. The composite chaotic operation used in this paper masks the distribution characteristics of chaotic subsequences. Based on the composite chaotic mapping model, the image scrambling password under the two-dimensional chaotic equation is established by scrambling the image in space and frequency domain. Several rounds of experiments show that the algorithm has a large scrambling scheme, further expands the key space of Arnold algorithm, and effectively resists the common computer brute force attack cracking and image decryption cracking methods such as exhaustive, differential attack and known plaintext attack. The improved encryption algorithm can realize the key avalanche effect, is very sensitive to the initial key and has high key security performance, and solves the security problem in the process of image transmission. Several performance syntheses show that the algorithm has high security performance and is suitable for image encryption scheme.
Paramacular Acute Middle Maculopathy Associated with Glyceryl Trinitrate
Authors: Rotsos Tryfon , Giachos Ioannis , Tyrlis Konstantinos , Symeonidis Chrysanthos , Mani Ekaterini , Georgalas Ilias
Published: September 2021

An unusual case of nitroglycerin-induced Paracentral Acute Middle Maculopathy (PAMM) is presented. A 50-year-old patient with sudden vision loss and scotoma was followed up with swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT), optical coherence tomography-angiography (OCT-A), and fluorescein angiography (FA). An anal fissure treated with glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) 0.2% ointment with headache and dizziness after application was reported. Fundoscopy OS revealed mild retinal venous dilatation and tortuosity with scattered blot hemorrhages and subtle, parafoveal, whitish lesions in the outer retina. SS-OCT revealed diffuse, hyperreflective lesions in the inner plexiform (IPL), inner nuclear (INL), and outer plexiform layers (OPL). OCT-A revealed focal dropout in the deep capillary plexus. FA showed masking due to blot hemorrhages and early punctuate leakage in the inner retina. This entity was identified as nitroglycerin-induced PAMM. Over the following 8 months, after discontinuation of the ointment application, the patient was symptom-free with stable visual acuity. OCT revealed INL/OPL thinning and confirmed complete lesion resolution. This first report of retinal vascular abnormalities due to nitrite ointment provides an insight into an unknown side effect of nitroglycerin ointment use. A dose-dependent correlation between GTN application and retinal vascular abnormalities remains to be confirmed.
Identification and Prevalence of Ixodid Ticks of Cattle in case of Haramaya Eastern Hararghe, Ethiopia
Authors: Wondimu Anteneh , Bayu Yehualashet
Published: September 2021

A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2017 to April 2018 to determine the prevalence and identify major species of ixodid ticks of cattle and tick burden of different sex, age, breed, and body condition of cattle. Standard physical and direct stereomicroscopy techniques were employed for identification of tick species. During the study period, a total of 353 cattle were examined for presence of ticks and around 447 ticks were collected. The study showed that 34.3% cattle were infested with one or more tick species. The study reported different species of ticks in the order of their prevalence: A. variegatum (46.3%), Rh. decoloratus (20.1%), A. cohaerens (15.7%), A. gemma (11.9%), and Rh. pulchellus (6.04%), respectively. The prevalence of tick infestation between different risk factors such as sex, age, and body condition of cattle was statistically significant (

p
<
0.05

). The overall male-to-female ratio of ticks was 2.29 : 1. Also, it was reported that, in A. variegatum, A. cohaerens, and A. gemma, the number of male exceeded that of female, but female number exceeded male number in case of Rh. decoloratus. The result also reported difference in attachment site preference, for example, Amblyomma genus was attached mostly to the scrotum/udder and axial and Rh. pulchellus was specified on the ear and perianal area, while Rh. decoloratus was non site selective. In conclusion, findings of this study suggest that ticks were the most important problems of cattle of the study areas. Therefore, the increasing threat of ticks warrants urgent strategic control including application of acaricides and creation of awareness among livestock owners about the veterinary importance of ticks for the integrated tick control.
Neurotransmitters and Electrophysiological Changes Might Work as Biomarkers for Diagnosing Affective Disorders
Authors: Liang Fei , Feng Rou , Gu Simeng , Jiang Shan , Zhang Xia , Li Naling , Xu Minghong , Tang Yiyuan , Wang Fushun
Published: September 2021

Affective disorders are the leading causes of human disability worldwide; however, the diagnosis is still hard to define, because emotion is the least study subjects in psychology. Recent emotional studies suggest that human emotions are developed from basic emotions, which are evolved for fundamental human lives. Even though most psychologists agree upon the idea that there are some basic emotions, there is little agreement on how many emotions are basic, which emotions are basic, and why they are basic. In our previous papers, we suggested that there are three basic emotions: joy, fear, and disgust. These basic emotions depend on the peptides and monoamines: dopamine-joy (peptides-reward), norepinephrine-fear (anger), and serotonin-disgust (sadness). Further tests with event-related potentials (ERP) found that joy, fear, and disgust showed the fastest response compared with other emotions, suggesting that they are fast automatic responses, which confirmed that these three emotions are prototypical emotions. Other basic emotions, anger and sadness, are due to object induced behaviors instead of sensation of object, so they developed secondary to prototypical emotions. Thus, we concluded that only joy, fear, and disgust are prototypical emotions, which can mix into other emotions, like the primary colors. In all, the neural substrates for all emotions, including the affections, are possibly monoamine neuromodulators: joy-dopamine (peptides), fear (anger)–norepinephrine, and disgust-serotonin. We hope these basic emotional studies will offer some neural mechanisms for emotional processing and shed lights on the diagnosis of affective disorders.
On Some Fixed Point Results in
E
−
Fuzzy Metric Spaces
Authors: Mecheraoui Rachid , Mitrović Zoran D. , Parvaneh Vahid , Aydi Hassen , Saleem Naeem
Published: September 2021

In the existing literature, Banach contraction theorem as well as Meir-Keeler fixed point theorem were extended to fuzzy metric spaces. However, the existing extensions require strong additional assumptions. The purpose of this paper is to determine a class of fuzzy metric spaces in which both theorems remain true without the need of any additional condition. We demonstrate the wide validity of the new class.