bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prehospital shock index outperforms hypotension alone in predicting significant injury in trauma patients
Authors: Kheirbek Tareq , Martin Thomas J , Cao Jessica , Hall Benjamin M , Lueckel Stephanie , Adams Charles A
Published: April 2021

Background

The American College of Surgeons Resources for Optimal Care of the Injured Patient recommends using hypotension, defined as systolic blood pressure ≤90 mm Hg, as an indicator of a full team trauma activation. We hypothesized that an elevated shock index (SI) predicts significant traumatic injuries better than hypotension alone.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study analyzing full team trauma activations between February 2018 and January 2020, excluding transfers and those who had missing values for prehospital blood pressure or heart rate. We reviewed patients’ demographics, prehospital and emergency department vitals, injury pattern, need for operation, and clinical outcomes. The primary outcome was rate of significant injury defined as identified injured liver, spleen, or kidney, pelvis fracture, long bone fracture, significant extremity soft tissue damage, hemothorax, or pneumothorax.

Results

Among 544 patients, 82 (15.1%) had prehospital hypotension and 492 had normal blood pressure. Of the patients with prehospital hypotension, 34 (41.5%) had a significant injury. There was no difference in age, gender, medical history, or injury pattern between the two groups. There was no difference between the two groups in rate of serious injury (41.5% vs. 46.1%, NS), need for emergent operation (31.7% vs. 28.1%, NS) or death (20.7% vs. 18.8%, NS). On the other hand, SI ≥1 was associated with increased rate of serious injury (54.6% vs. 43.4%, p=0.04). On a logistic regression analysis, prehospital hypotension was not associated with significant injury or need for emergent operation (OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.51 to 1.33 and OR 1.32, 95% CI 0.79 to 2.25, respectively). SI ≥1 was associated with both increased odds of significant injury and need for emergent operation (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.01 to 2.44 and OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.01 to 2.66).

Discussion

SI was a better indicator and could replace hypotension to better categorize and triage patients in need of higher level of care.

Level of evidence

Prognostic and epidemiologic, level III.
The influence of age, sex and cardiorespiratory fitness on maximal fat oxidation rate
Authors: Frandsen J. , Amaro-Gahete F.J. , Landgrebe A. , Dela F. , Ruiz J.R. , Helge J.W. , Larsen S.
Published: April 2021

Fat oxidation decreases with age, yet no studies have previously investigated if aging affects the maximal fat oxidation rate (MFO) during exercise in men and women differently. We hypothesized that increased age would be associated with a decline in MFO and this would be more pronounced in women due to menopause, compared with men. In this cross-sectional study design, 435 (247/188, male/female) subjects of varying ages performed a DXA scan, a submaximal graded exercise test and a maximal oxygen uptake test, to measure MFO and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) by indirect calorimetry. Subjects were stratified into 12 groups according to sex (male/female), age (<45, 45–55 and >55 years), CRF (below average and above average). Women aged <45 years had a higher MFO relative to fat free mass (FFM) (mg/min/kg) compared with men, regardless of CRF. However, there were no differences in MFO (mg/min/kg FFM) between men and women, in the groups aged between 45–55 and >55 years. In summary, we found that women aged <45 years display a higher MFO (mg/min/kg FFM) compared with men and that this sexual divergence is abolished after the age of 45 years.

Novelty: Maximal fat oxidation rate is higher in young women compared with men. This sex-related difference is attenuated after the age of 45 years. Cardiorespiratory fitness does not influence this sex-related difference.
Digitalization Opportunities Road Mapping Tool (DORMT©): A framework to assess digitalization opportunities in construction organizations
Authors: Gebretekle Yisshak Tadesse , Kamau Daniel Waweru , Raoufi Mohammad , Fayek Aminah Robinson
Published: April 2021

The construction industry is entering the digital age, which offers innovative digitalization opportunities (DOs) regarding cost efficiency, project management, and improved client experience. In their early efforts to implement DOs, construction organizations have had varying degrees of success, and the results prompted organizations to question whether they have the appropriate digital strategy and capabilities. Hence, construction organizations need a framework to systematically evaluate the potential benefits of implementing DOs and factors influencing their successful implementation. This paper presents a framework that supports decision makers in construction organizations to assess DOs based on experts’ judgement of the factors influencing their successful implementation. The framework incorporates fuzzy arithmetic and linguistic evaluation to capture experts’ subjective assessments and is implemented in the Digitalization Opportunities Road Mapping Tool (DORMT©). DORMT©, which allows organizations to evaluate individual DOs, rank multiple DOs, and identify the best options for implementing digitalization within their organization.
Using single and multiple unmanned aerial vehicles for microscopic driver behaviour data collection at freeway interchange ramps
Authors: Alamry Fayez , Hassan Yasser
Published: April 2021

This paper presents a detailed methodological framework for collecting microscopic driver and vehicle behaviour data over a long road segment with an application to the entire stretch of a freeway ramp segment using single and multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The methodology allows users to collect reliable and complete trajectories of traffic movements in areas with challenging physical characteristics (long road segment, horizontal curvature, changing elevation, and presence of shadow), challenging traffic characteristics (high traffic volume, high speeds, and high-speed changes), and restrictive regulations (UAVs prohibited from hovering over the freeway or the right-of-way). Different UAV setups are recommended and can be used depending on the site conditions. Specific commercial software and procedures used to complete the data collection are explained. The methodology was applied at two ramps and verified with speed data acquired from differential GPS receivers using three different error metrics. The results showed good performance of the proposed methodology, including when aerial videos were taken from oblique angles.
Persistent impact of conventional seismic lines on boreal vegetation structure following wildfire
Authors: Barber Quinn E. , Bater Christopher W. , Dabros Anna , Pinzon Jaime , Nielsen Scott E. , Parisien Marc-André
Published: April 2021

Linear disturbances from geological exploration (i.e., seismic lines) have an extensive footprint across much of Canada’s western boreal forest; however, how seismic lines interact with subsequent wildfire remains poorly understood. We assessed whether wildfires effectively mitigate the footprint of seismic lines by promoting forest recovery. We evaluated the forest structure of legacy seismic lines burned in 2001 and 2002 by comparing them against adjacent unburned control plots, using metrics derived from airborne laser scanning (ALS) data collected between 2007 and 2009. ALS metrics identified persistent differences in vegetation height and structure between seismic lines and adjacent forest controls, 7–9 years post-fire. Median canopy height was 2.90 m lower on upland seismic lines and 1.94 m lower on lowland seismic lines than on adjacent controls, corresponding to a 21% and 25% height reduction, respectively. Field surveys revealed greater graminoid and nonvascular plant cover, and lower tall-tree cover and dead vegetative matter, on seismic lines, in comparison with controls. Our results show that tree recovery remains significantly delayed on most upland and lowland burned seismic lines in our study area, and that additional management efforts or longer timescales may be required to restore these fragmented landscapes.
Leaf litter dynamics in Western Black Sea mountainous forest ecosystems
Authors: Sarginci Murat , Yildiz Oktay , Tolunay Doğanay , Toprak Bülent , Temür Şule
Published: April 2021

This study aimed to estimate leaf litter decomposition rates in eastern beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) and sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) mixed stands in Akçakoca in the province of Düzce, located in the Western Black Sea region of Turkey. The sampling areas represent four different elevations and two aspects at each elevation. Amounts of annual beech and chestnut litterfall were estimated at 5.19 and 4.61 Mg·ha−1, respectively. Litter decomposition was examined over five time periods (0.25, 0.50, 1.25, 2.25, and 4.25 years) by using the litterbag method. The mass of remaining beech leaf litter was found to be 1.1, 1.2, 1.2, 1.4, and 1.3 times greater than the mass of chestnut leaf litter, respectively. However, estimated values for the decomposition rate constant (k) of chestnut for all time periods were found to be approximately 1.5 times greater than those of beech leaf litter. Litter in beech stands decomposed more rapidly at higher elevations during the first year but at lower elevations during the second year, likely due to increased temperature and precipitation for the corresponding years. Leaf litter in chestnut stands decomposed more rapidly at lower elevations in the second and fourth years, reflecting higher precipitation for those years.
Root physiological responses can explain the effects of short-term plant–plant interactions on growth of two subalpine coniferous species
Authors: Hu Xuefeng , Li Wanting , Liu Qinghua , Yin Chunying
Published: April 2021

The functional traits of roots play an important role in nutrient acquisition in plants, which affects the outcome of plant–plant interactions. However, few studies have comprehensively investigated the plastic responses of plant root traits to plant–plant interactions. A pot experiment was conducted to quantify the effects of intraspecific and interspecific interactions on seedling growth and on multiple root traits of two coniferous species, Picea asperata Mast. and Abies faxoniana Rehd. et Wils. The results showed that plant–plant interactions changed the root physiology of these two species but had no effect on the morphological, architectural, and biotic traits of their root system. Intraspecific interaction resulted in lower root nitrogen content and stronger resource competition than interspecific interaction. Under intraspecific interaction, P. asperata had lower root vigor and nitrate reductase activity, which impeded the acquisition and utilization of the limited resources, and thus resulted in marginally decreased total biomass, where the total biomass for A. faxoniana was not significantly affected. Under interspecific interaction, the high total biomass of A. faxoniana could be explained by rhizosphere interactive effects and reduced metabolic (carbon and nitrogen) costs due to lower root exudative outputs. Our results demonstrate that root physiological responses can explain the effects of short-term plant–plant interactions on plant growth.
Next generation sequencing, insect microbiomes, and the confounding effect of Wolbachia: a case study using Drosophila suzukii Matsumura (Diptera: Drosophilidae)
Authors: Wilches Diana , Coghlin Paul , Floate Kevin
Published: April 2021

Next generation sequencing (NGS) increasingly is being used to characterize the gut microbiome of insects to provide insights into the ecology and biology of the host, but results may be confounded by co-occurring infections of Wolbachia bacteria in the cells of the host. We illustrate this issue using spotted winged drosophila (SWD), Drosophila suzukii Matsumura, 1931 (Diptera: Drosophilidae) as an example. With a polymerase chain reaction based assay, we detected Wolbachia in 20 percent of flies collected from sites in British Columbia, Alberta, and Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. With NGS, we determined that the total microbiome of infected flies was dominated by Wolbachia (ave. of 98.8%) with average values of bacterial richness and diversity 1.4- and 22-fold lower than that of co-occurring, uninfected flies (ave. of 0.6% Wolbachia). We review options available to address the confounding factor of Wolbachia, which vary with the presence of infections in the population, the prevalence of infected individuals in the population, and the titre of Wolbachia in infected individuals. Understanding this issue and how it can be resolved is of broad importance, given that an estimated 40 percent of terrestrial arthropod species harbour Wolbachia infections.
Zeros of amplitude in the associated production of photon and leptoquark at $$\varvec{e}$$-$$\varvec{p}$$ collider
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Priyotosh , Dutta Saunak , Karan Anirban
Published: April 2021

Though various extensions of the Standard Model with higher gauge group predict the existence of leptoquarks, none of them has been observed yet at any of the colliders. In this paper, we study the prospect of several past and future $$e$$
e
-$$p$$
p
colliders like HERA, LHeC and FCC-he to detect them through radiation amplitude zero. We find that the leptoquarks showing zeros in the tree-level single-photon amplitudes at $$e$$
e
-$$p$$
p
collider lie within the complementary set of those exhibiting zeros at e-$$\gamma $$
γ
collider. We present a PYTHIA-based analysis for HERA, LHeC and FCC-he (run II) to detect the leptoquarks with masses 70 GeV, 900 GeV and 1.5 TeV (2.0 TeV) respectively through radiation amplitude zero.
Roots of quantum computing supremacy: superposition, entanglement, or complementarity?
Authors: Khrennikov Andrei
Published: April 2021

The recent claim of Google to have brought forth a breakthrough in quantum computing represents a major impetus to further analyze the foundations for any claims of superiority regarding quantum algorithms. This note attempts to present a conceptual step in this direction. I start with a critical analysis of what is commonly referred to as entanglement and quantum nonlocality and whether or not these concepts may be the basis of quantum superiority. Bell-type experiments are then interpreted as statistical tests of Bohr’s principle of complementarity (PCOM), which is, thus, given a foothold within the area of quantum informatics and computation. PCOM implies (by its connection to probability) that probabilistic algorithms may proceed without the knowledge of joint probability distributions (jpds). The computation of jpds is exponentially time consuming. Consequently, classical probabilistic algorithms, involving the computation of jpds for n random variables, can be outperformed by quantum algorithms (for large values of n). Quantum probability theory (QPT) modifies the classical formula for the total probability (FTP). Inference based on the quantum version of FTP leads to a constructive interference that increases the probability of some events and reduces that of others. The physical realization of this probabilistic advantage is based on the discreteness of quantum phenomena (as opposed to the continuity of classical phenomena).
The cryogenic control system of BEPCII
Authors: Li Gang , Ye Rui , Sang Mingjing , Li Shaopeng , Zhang Zhuo , Zhang Jiehao , Han Ruixiong , Lei Ge , Ge Rui
Published: April 2021

The BEPCII project is for upgrading the Beijing Electron Positron Collider to reach a higher luminosity. The cryogenic system has been firstly designed and deployed in BEPCII, which provides cooling capacity for SRF cavities, SCQ and SSM. The cryogenic control system consists of Siemens PLC for the refrigerator control and “PLC + IOC” for superconducting device control. The BEPCII machine commissioning with beam started in October 2006. This paper describes the design and the development of the cryogenic control system.
Joule heating, activation energy and modified diffusion analysis for 3D slip flow of tangent hyperbolic nanofluid with gyrotactic microorganisms
Authors: Chu Yu-Ming , Waqas Hassan , Hussain Sajjad , Yasmein Sumeira , Khan Sami Ullah , Khan M. Ijaz , Kadry S.
Published: April 2021

Current communication aims to examine the novel thermal consequences of thermal radiation, Joule heating and activation energy in bioconvection flow of tangent hyperbolic nanofluid. The flow is developed by a three-dimensional (3D) extending surface in presence of porous space. The heat and mass transfer inspection in non-Newtonian fluid flow is inspected in laws of modified flux relations. The Brownian movement and thermophoresis diffusions are also accounted for current analysis. The governing formulated frameworks are simplified by appropriate similarity transformations. A familiar shooting scheme for obtaining the numerical outcomes to the nonlinear system is carried out. The graphical results are obtained with the aid of shooting technique. Flow of fluid, thermal field, concentration of species and microorganism’s field are conducted for tangent hyperbolic fluid. Furthermore, the significance of various noteworthy variables on velocity field, thermal field, solutal field of nanomaterials, microorganisms’ profile, local skin friction coefficients, local heat flux rate, local Sherwood number and local microorganisms density number is scrutinized in graphical and tabular structure. The importance of current model is in the field of nanotechnology and bioengineering.
The reduction of the q-Wronskian solutions of the q-deformed modified KP hierarchy to its constrained case
Authors: Yi Ge , Wang Wei , Tian Kelei , Xu Ying
Published: April 2021

By using the eigenfunction symmetry constraints of the [Formula: see text]-deformed modified Kadomtsev–Petviashvili ([Formula: see text]-mKP) hierarchy, we show a necessary and sufficient condition to reduce [Formula: see text]-Wronskian solutions of the [Formula: see text]-mKP hierarchy to the [Formula: see text]-cmKP ([Formula: see text]-deformed constrained modified Kadomtsev–Petviashvili) hierarchy defined by setting the Lax operator as [Formula: see text]. Then an illustrative example is given.
Effect of weak ties on degree and H-index in link prediction of complex network
Authors: Jia Jianlin , Chen Yanyan , Li Yongxing , Li Tongfei , Chen Ning , Zhu Xuzhen
Published: April 2021

Link prediction of complex network intends to estimate the probability of existence of links between two nodes. In order to improve link prediction accuracy and fully exploit the potentialities of nodes, many studies focus more on the influence of degree on nodes but less on the hybrid influence of degree and H-index. The nodes with a larger degree have more neighbors, and the nodes with larger H-index have more neighbors of neighbors. Meanwhile, weak ties consisting of neighbors with a small degree have powerful strength of intermediary ability and a high probability of passing similarity. A novel link prediction model is proposed considering the hybrid influence of degree and H-index and weak ties, which is called Hybrid Weak Influence, marked as HWI. After experimenting with nine real datasets, the results show that this method can significantly improve the link prediction accuracy, compared with the empirical methods: Common Neighbors (CN), Resource-Allocation (RA) and Adamic/Adar (AA). Meanwhile, the computation complexity is less than the long path algorithm of LP, SRW, PCEN.
A high-sensitivity dual-sample synchronous detection photonic crystal fiber sensor
Authors: Bing Pibin , Wu Guifang , Li Zhongyang , Yuan Sheng , Zhang Hongtao , Xu Jua , Yao Jianquan
Published: April 2021

The photonic crystal fiber (PCF) sensor based on surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technology has flexibility in birefringence, negative dispersion, effective area and nonlinearity and has become a widely studied new fiber. However, there are many problems in the practical application of the sensor, such as complex structure design, not easy to prepare, the low sensitivity of sensing detection, narrow range of refractive index detection of analytes, which greatly limits the application range and functions of PCF sensors. To solve the above problems, this paper adopts a structure with a longer vertical distance between the D-shaped large air hole channel and the core. The energy of the core conduction mode is better limited by the cladding to transmit in the core, and the plasma mode is enhanced, which can effectively increase the wavelength sensitivity. In this paper, the hexagonal double-clad air hole structure and the D-type structure are combined to ensure a simple structure and facilitate manufacturing and production, while the wavelength sensitivity is also greatly improved. The wavelength sensitivity of the dual sample channel can reach up to 16200 nm/RIU and 15800 nm/RIU, which has broad application prospects in the field of high-sensitivity detection.
Fractal nature analysis in porous structured bio-ceramics
Authors: Mitić Vojislav V. , Chen Po-Yu , Chou Yueh-Ying , Ilić Ivana D. , Marković Bojana , Lazović Goran
Published: April 2021

Hydroxyapatite scaffold is a type of bio-ceramic. Its cellular design has similarities with the morphologies in nature. Therefore, it is very important to control the structure, especially the porosity, as one of the main features for bio-ceramics applications. According to some literature, freeze casting can form the shape of dendrites and remain a foam structure after ice sublimation. Ice nucleation became more heterogeneous with the aid of printing materials during freeze casting. This procedure can even improve the issue of crack formation. In this paper, we studied the mechanical properties of hydroxyapatite scaffold. We also analyzed the porosity by fractal nature characterization, and successfully reconstructed pore shape, which is important for predicting ceramic morphology. We applied SEM analysis on bio-ceramic samples, at four different magnifications for the same pore structure. This is important for fractal analysis and pores reconstruction. We calculated the fractal dimensions based on measurements. In this way, we completed the fractal characterization of porosity and confirmed possibilities for successful porous shapes reconstruction. In this paper, we confirmed, for the first time, that fractal nature can be successfully applied in the area of porous bio-ceramics.
Efficiency at maximum power of quantum-mechanical Carnot engine enhanced by energy quantization
Authors: Zhu Shou-Bao , Jiao Guang-Qian , Wang Jian-Hui
Published: April 2021

In an adiabatic process, the change in energies of select states may be inhomogenously scaled due to energy quantization. To illustrate this, we introduce a [Formula: see text] barrier turning up (turning down) in an adiabatic expansion (compression). We consider a quantum-mechanical Carnot engine employing a single particle confined in an infinite potential, assuming only the lowest two energy levels to be occupied. This cyclic engine model consists of two isoenergetic strokes where the system is alternatively coupled to two energy baths, and two adiabatic processes where the potential is adiabatically deformed with turning up or down a [Formula: see text] barrier. Having obtained the work output and efficiency, we analyze the efficiency at maximum power under the assumption that the potential moves at a very slow speed. We show that the efficiency at maximum power can be enhanced by energy quantization.
Ribbonlength and crossing number for folded ribbon knots
Authors: Denne Elizabeth
Published: April 2021

We study Kauffman’s model of folded ribbon knots: knots made of a thin strip of paper folded flat in the plane. The ribbonlength is the length to width ratio of such a folded ribbon knot. We show for any knot or link type that there exist constants [Formula: see text] such that the ribbonlength is bounded above by [Formula: see text], and also by [Formula: see text]. We use a different method for each bound. The constant [Formula: see text] is quite small in comparison to [Formula: see text], and the first bound is lower than the second for knots and links with [Formula: see text] 12,748.
Canonical fragments of the strong reflection principle
Authors: Fuchs Gunter
Published: April 2021

For an arbitrary forcing class [Formula: see text], the [Formula: see text]-fragment of Todorčević’s strong reflection principle [Formula: see text]is isolated in such a way that (1) the forcing axiom for [Formula: see text] implies the [Formula: see text]-fragment of [Formula: see text], (2) the stationary set preserving fragment of [Formula: see text]is the full principle [Formula: see text], and (3) the subcomplete fragment of [Formula: see text]implies the major consequences of the subcomplete forcing axiom. This fragment of [Formula: see text]is consistent with [Formula: see text], and even with Jensen’s principle [Formula: see text]. Along the way, some hitherto unknown effects of (the subcomplete fragment of) [Formula: see text]on mutual stationarity are explored, and some limitations to the extent to which fragments of [Formula: see text]may capture the effects of their corresponding forcing axioms are established.
Differential pulse code modulation and motion aligned optimal reconstruction for block-based compressive video sensing using conditional autoregressive-salp swarm algorithm
Authors: Sekar R. , Ravi G.
Published: April 2021

Compressive Video Sensing (CVS) is the video coding framework that uses compressive sensing (CS) theory into video codec to reduce the burden of encoding. Various existing methods are developed for CVS, but enhancing reconstruction speed and reconstruction quality remains a great challenge in video compression. Hence, an optimal method is developed using the proposed Differential Pulse Code Modulation+Conditional Autoregressive-Salp Swarm (DPCM+CA-SS) model for CVS system by considering the characteristics of CVS frame. The spatial redundancy of video frames is explored by partitioning the video frames into several blocks such that each block is measured using the measurement matrix. The measurement vectors are quantized using DPCM. The key frames are compressed into bits using Huffman coding, and the packet is transmitted to the decoder side. The temporal redundancy of CVS model is explored by encoding the frames using CA-SS-based prediction model to achieve Motion Aligned (MA) optimal reconstruction. However, the proposed CA-SS is designed by the integration of Conditional Autoregressive Value at Risk (CAViaR) and Salp Swarm Algorithm (SSA), respectively. However, the proposed DPCM+CA-SS obtained maximum PSNR and SSIM of 39.6649 db and 0.9120, and the minimum total time of 4.9523 s, respectively.
Fibonacci wavelet method for solving Pennes bioheat transfer equation
Authors: Irfan Mohd , Shah Firdous A. , Nisar Kottakkaran S.
Published: April 2021

In this paper, we develop an efficient wavelet method based on the Fibonacci polynomials for solving the Pennes bioheat transfer equation. The formulation of the proposed technique is started with the construction of Fibonacci wavelets by using Fibonacci polynomials and then applying spectral collocation technique to transform the given problem into a system of an algebraic equation, that can be solved using the Newton method. Some results related to error estimate and convergence analysis of the proposed scheme are also investigated. The applicability and accuracy of the present technique are elucidated by a comparison with the exact solution and those of the other methods found in the recent literature. The obtained results show that the proposed technique is an effective tool for solving Pennes bioheat transfer equations and can also be used for solving similar types of various partial differential equations numerically.
Low-slope Lefschetz fibrations
Authors: Çengel Adalet , Korkmaz Mustafa
Published: April 2021

For any [Formula: see text], we construct genus-[Formula: see text] Lefschetz fibrations over the two-sphere whose slopes are arbitrarily close to [Formula: see text]. The total spaces of the Lefschetz fibrations can be chosen to be minimal and simply connected. It is also shown that the infimum and the supremum of slopes of all Lefschetz fibrations over the two-sphere are not realized as slopes.
Simulating Outcomes of Cataract Surgery: Important Advances in Ophthalmology
Authors: Marcos Susana , Martinez-Enriquez Eduardo , Vinas Maria , de Castro Alberto , Dorronsoro Carlos , Bang Seung Pil , Yoon Geunyoung , Artal Pablo
Published: April 2021

As the human eye ages, the crystalline lens stiffens (presbyopia) and opacifies (cataract), requiring its replacement with an artificial lens [intraocular lens (IOL)]. Cataract surgery is the most frequently performed surgical procedure in the world. The increase in IOL designs has not been paralleled in practice by a sophistication in IOL selection methods, which rely on limited anatomical measurements of the eye and the surgeon's interpretation of the patient's needs and expectations. We propose that the future of IOL selection will be guided by 3D quantitative imaging of the crystalline lens to map lens opacities, anticipate IOL position, and develop fully customized eye models for ray-tracing-based IOL selection. Conversely, visual simulators (in which IOL designs are programmed in active elements) allow patients to experience prospective vision before surgery and to make more informed decisions about which IOL to choose. Quantitative imaging and optical and visual simulations of postsurgery outcomes will allow optimal treatments to be selected for a patient undergoing modern cataract surgery.
Materials Strategies for Organic Neuromorphic Devices
Authors: Gumyusenge Aristide , Melianas Armantas , Keene Scott T. , Salleo Alberto
Published: April 2021

Neuromorphic computing is becoming increasingly prominent as artificial intelligence (AI) facilitates progressively seamless interaction between humans and machines. The conventional von Neumann architecture and complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor transistor scaling are unable to meet the highly demanding computational density and energy efficiency requirements of AI. Neuromorphic computing aims to address these challenges by using brain-like computing architectures and novel synaptic memories that coallocate information storage and computation, thereby enabling low latency at high energy efficiency and high memory density. Though various emerging memory devices have been extensively studied to emulate the functionality of biological synapses, there is currently no material/device system that encompasses both the needed metrics for high-performance neuromorphic computing and the required biocompatibility for potential body-computer integration. In this review, we aim to equip the reader with general design principles and materials requirements for realizing high-performance organic neuromorphic devices. We use instructive examples from recent literature to discuss each requirement, illustrating the challenges as well as future research opportunities. Though organic devices still face many challenges to become major players in neuromorphic computing, mostly due to their lack of compliance with back-end-of-line processes required for integration with digital logic, we propose that their biocompatibility and mechanical conformability give them an advantage for creating adaptive biointerfaces, brain-machine interfaces, and biology-inspired prosthetics.
Long Persistent Luminescence: A Road Map Toward Promising Future Developments in Energy and Environmental Science
Authors: Chiatti Chiara , Fabiani Claudia , Pisello Anna Laura
Published: April 2021

In recent decades, research on persistent luminescence has led to new phosphors and promising performances. Efforts to improve the quality of phosphors’ afterglow have paved the way toward innovative solutions for many disciplines. However, there are few examples of the implementation of luminescent materials. In addition to providing a general background on persistent luminescence, the techniques used for its analysis, and its multidisciplinary potential in energy and environmental science, this article aims to explain the existing gap between the physical-chemical approach and the effective implementation of luminescent materials in larger-scale applications. It investigates engineering solutions in terms of the possible benefits of luminescence in lighting energy savings and passive cooling of urban surfaces. Finally, this article aims to reduce the abovementioned gap by suggesting what is most needed for the successful application of luminescent materials in the built environment.
Determination of Voriconazole Plasma Concentration by HPLC Technique and Evaluating Its Association with Clinical Outcome and Adverse Effects in Patients with Invasive Aspergillosis
Authors: Yousefian Sahar , Dastan Farzaneh , Marjani Majid , Tabarsi Payam , Barati Saghar , Shahsavari Nahid , Kobarfard Farzad
Published: April 2021

Purpose. Invasive aspergillosis is a prevalent fungal disease, especially in Asian countries with a high mortality rate. Voriconazole (VRZ) is the first choice for invasive aspergillosis treatment. Plasma concentration of this drug is unpredictable and varies among individuals. This variability is influenced by many factors leading to clinical implication. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) may have a crucial role in the patients’ treatment process. The HPLC method provides sufficient specificity and sensitivity for plasma VRZ concentration determination for TDM purposes of this drug. Methods. Patients who initiated oral or intravenous VRZ for invasive aspergillosis were enrolled in this study. Demographic characteristics and clinical data, outcome, and adverse effects were documented. For each patient, the plasma sample was collected under steady-state condition and analyzed using a validated HPLC method. Results. A total of 22 measurements were performed. Fifty percent of patients were out of the therapeutic range. From them, 27.27% and 22.73% were in subtherapeutic and supratherapeutic ranges (<1 μg/mL and >5.5 μg/mL), respectively. There was a significant correlation between VRZ plasma concentration and treatment outcomes (

P
=
0.022

). Treatment failure was five times higher than treatment success in those in the subtherapeutic range. Adverse effects were observed more frequently in patients with supratherapeutic concentrations compared to those with non-supratherapeutic levels. Furthermore, the mortality rate in patients experiencing treatment failure was 2.17 times higher than those with treatment success. Conclusions. TDM of VRZ plays an important role in better evaluation of efficacy and toxicity during treatment. Therefore, determination of the drug level may be of clinical significance.
A Tripled Fixed Point Theorem in

C

∗

-Algebra-Valued Metric Spaces and Application in Integral Equations
Authors: Parvaneh Vahid , Bonab Samira Hadi , Hosseinzadeh Hasan , Aydi Hassen
Published: April 2021

Our aim is to establish a tripled fixed and coincidence point result on generalized

C

∗

-algebra-valued metric spaces. We present an example on matrices. At the end, we give an application on integral equations.
Structural Optimization Design of Ship Lock Heads on Soft Soil considering Time-Varying Effects of the Structure and Foundation
Authors: Bai Jiawei , Su Chao , Zhang Heng , Hu Shaopei
Published: April 2021

Over time, the uneven settlements of the structure and foundation are prominent in constructing ship lock heads on soft soil. These deformations endanger the safety of ship lock heads during construction. This research aimed to establish the ship lock head’s structural optimization procedure on soft soil, considering the time-varying effects of the structure and foundation. By comprehensively considering the linear viscoelastic creep of concrete and the elastoplastic consolidation characteristic of soft soil, a perfect time-dependent analysis method for the lock head on soft soil was proposed. Furthermore, a hybrid particle swarm optimization, enhanced whale optimization, and differential evolution (PSO-EWOA-DE) algorithm was proposed to optimize thirty-four design variables of a lock head. With the minimal volume of the lock head as the optimization objective, the finite element model was established. In the optimization process, three types of constraints were evaluated. The result showed that the optimized design could reduce 10.45% of structure volume. Through comparing and analysing the maximum principle stresses and vertical displacements of the lock head before and after optimization, some conclusions were drawn. The optimization procedure proposed in this paper provides a new perspective for the structural optimization of hydraulic structures on soft soil.
Prevention and Nursing Research of PICC Catheter-Related Complications in Patients with Digestive System Malignant Tumor Based on Smart Medical Block Chain
Authors: Huang Ruxian , Jiang Yan , Le Xiaoyun
Published: April 2021

Malignant tumors of digestive system mainly include gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, and esophageal cancer, which generally need chemotherapy. PICC refers to peripherally inserted central venous catheter, which plays an important role in the treatment of malignant tumor patients with chemotherapy, and it has the characteristics of high success rate of puncture and reducing the pain of patients. Its principle is to use PICC catheter for drug delivery, which can effectively reduce the pain of tumor patients for multiple puncture, and also can avoid drug extravasation or local stimulation of drugs. However, PICC catheter-related complications cannot be ignored, to some extent, directly affect the treatment effect of patients, and increase the pain and burden of patients. Therefore, this paper proposes a study of PICC catheter-related complications and protective nursing for patients with digestive system cancer based on smart medical block chain. First of all, using the method of literature, this paper deeply studied the combination of smart medicine and block chain and further strengthened the research on PICC catheter-related complications. Based on this, we designed a study on the prevention and nursing of PICC catheter-related complications in patients with digestive system cancer. Before the implementation of nursing, the incidence of complications in patients with digestive system cancer was 17.35%; after the implementation of nursing, the incidence of complications decreased to 4.08%. The purpose of this study is to analyze the causes through clinical research and put forward the protective nursing measures of related diseases, so as to reduce the incidence of PICC-related complications.
Forecasting Civil Aviation Incident Rate in China Using a Combined Prediction Model
Authors: Sun Yixiang , Geng Nana
Published: April 2021

With the rapid development of air transportation, the complexity, importance, and severity of civil aviation safety have gradually become prominent. It is essential to use various data to analyze and predict the level of aviation safety. This paper used a combined prediction model based on Induced Ordered Weighted Averaging (IOWA) operator to forecast the civil aviation incident rate. We compiled and calculated civil aviation incident data and total flight hours from 2008 to 2019 in China and took the civil aviation incident rate (incident numbers per ten thousand flight hours) as the prediction object. First, this paper used the nonlinear regression model, Grey Verhulst model, and Holt-Winters exponential smoothing model to forecast the civil aviation incident rate individually. Then, it used the smallest sum of squared errors as the principle to use a combined prediction model based on the IOWA operator. It can be seen from the experimental results that the prediction accuracy of the combined model is better than single models. Finally, this paper forecasted the civil aviation incident rate in 2020 and 2021. The results showed that the predicted rates are 0.524 and 0.551. Most notably the incident rate will increase significantly compared with 2019.
Analysis of Financing Risk and Innovation Motivation Mechanism of Financial Service Industry Based on Internet of Things
Authors: Li Luya , Li Hongxun
Published: April 2021

It is of practical significance to introduce the Internet of Things technology into the financial service industry and find the driving factors and mechanisms of financial innovation to accelerate the promotion of financial innovation. This article starts from the perspective of banks and other supply chain financial institutions, takes mainstream trading products in the commodity trading market as the research object, uses the LA‐VAR model, and fully considers the market price fluctuations and liquidity factors of supply chain financial inventory products. It analyzes the theoretical basis of the continuous innovation of rural financial products. On the basis of analyzing the basic characteristics and types of rural financial product innovation, we explore the connotation of sustainable innovation of rural financial products, clarify the evaluation criteria, and lay a theoretical foundation for continuous dynamic evaluation. Based on technical innovation evaluation theoretical models such as Schumpeter’s innovation model, technical specifications‐technological track model, and NR relationship model market, we analyze the innovation elements of rural financial products from the external and internal aspects of innovation and discuss the relationship between the factors. The interaction mechanism of rural financial products has established a dynamic mechanism model for the continuous innovation of rural financial products. A fuzzy comprehensive evaluation was made on the continuous innovation power of financial service industry products in a certain area. Using a combination of remote surveys and on‐site visits, a questionnaire survey was conducted on financial service industry institutions in a certain region’s financial system. Each survey object was required to conduct 120 × 1067 index comparisons and use the data after processing the arithmetic average Matlab carries out the objective processing of programming. The results show that the LA‐VAR model with liquidity indicators can measure the liquidity risk well and more comprehensively evaluate the risk of the inventory pledge financing model. According to the index weights determined by AHP, the development of the financial service industry will be promoted in a targeted manner from the internal construction of financial institutions and the optimization of the external innovation environment.
Detection of COVID‐19 from CT Lung Scans Using Transfer Learning
Authors: Lawton Sahil , Viriri Serestina
Published: April 2021

This paper aims to investigate the use of transfer learning architectures in the detection of COVID‐19 from CT lung scans. The study evaluates the performances of various transfer learning architectures, as well as the effects of the standard Histogram Equalization and Contrast Limited Adaptive Histogram Equalization. The findings of this study suggest that transfer learning‐based frameworks are an alternative to the contemporary methods used to detect the presence of the virus in patients. The highest performing model, the VGG‐19 implemented with the Contrast Limited Adaptive Histogram Equalization, on a SARS‐CoV‐2 dataset, achieved an accuracy and recall of 95.75% and 97.13%, respectively.
Serum Interleukin‐37 Increases in Patients after Ischemic Stroke and Is Associated with Stroke Recurrence
Authors: Zhang Ying , Xu Chengbi , Wang Haitao , Nan Shanji
Published: April 2021

Background. This study seeks to assess interleukin‐37 (IL‐37) serum level in acute ischemic stroke and the value of predicting 3‐month stroke recurrence and functional outcome in acute ischemic stroke. Methods. From January 1, 2018, to June 30, 2019, all consecutive first‐ever acute ischemic stroke patients from our hospital, China, were included. Serum samples, clinical information, and stroke severity (defined by the National Institute of Health stroke scale (NIHSS) score) were collected at baseline. Serum IL‐37 level was measured by the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Functional impairment (defined by the modified Rankin scale (mRS)) and recurrent stroke were assessed 3 months after admission. The relation of IL‐37 with either clinical severity at baseline, unfavorable functional outcome, or stroke recurrence at follow‐up was evaluated by logistic regression analysis, and the results were presented as odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results. Three hundred and ten stroke patients were included. The median IL‐37 serum level in those patients was 344.1 pg/ml (interquartile range (IQR), 284.4‐405.3 vs. control cases: 122.3 pg/ml (IQR, 104.4‐1444.0); P < 0.001). At 3 months, a total of 36 (11.6%) patients had a stroke recurrence. IL‐37 serum levels in those patients were higher than in those patients without stroke recurrence (417.0 pg/ml (IQR, 359.3‐436.1) vs. 333.3 pg/ml (279.0‐391.0)). In a logistic model adjusted for other factors, IL‐37 in the highest quartile (>405.3 pg/ml) was still associated with recurrent stroke (OR = 3.32; 95%CI = 2.03–6.13; P < 0.001). IL‐37 could promote the NIHSS score (area under the curve (AUC) of the IL‐37/NIHSS, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.67–0.83; P < 0.001), corresponding to a difference of 0.085 (0.005). Serum IL‐37 increases in patients with poor outcome, and an IL‐37 in the highest quartile is related to poor outcome (OR = 4.85; 95%CI = 3.11 − 8.22; P < 0.001). Conclusion. Serum IL‐37 increased in patients after ischemic stroke and was associated with stroke recurrence events and poor stroke outcomes. Large randomized controlled trials should be carried out to confirm whether IL‐37 lowering treatment improves stroke prognosis.
Reverse Logistics Vehicle Routing Optimization Problem Based on Multivehicle Recycling
Authors: Gao Zhaohui , Ye Caiyun
Published: April 2021

In the reverse logistics recycling process, considering the diversity of recycling types, a variety of vehicle models are used to meet the reverse logistics recycling requirements. Therefore, this paper considers the fixed costs, transportation costs, carbon emission costs during driving, and time penalty costs in the reverse logistics process under multiple constraints such as multiple vehicle types and time windows in the recycling center. The recovery point is the recovery model, and an improved genetic algorithm is used to solve it. Drawing lessons from the idea of greed, the superiority of the initial population is improved; the entry matrix and the exit matrix of the iterative population are constructed, and the crossover operator is improved based on this, and the forward insertion method is introduced to design the hybrid crossover operation to speed up the population. At the same time, the improvement of the mutation operator is proposed to increase the diversity of the population. The experimental results show that the multivehicle mixed delivery mode can reduce costs more effectively than single-vehicle models, and the improved genetic algorithm has better convergence and stability.