bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Inter-Bristle Pressure Field in a Large-Scale Brush Seal
Authors: Bowen Joshua P. , Jenkins Matthew R. , Bowsher Aaron A. , Crudgington Peter F. , Sangan Carl M. , Scobie James A.
Published: September 2022

Brush seals promise improvements to the widely used labyrinth seal in regulating turbomachinery leakages. Enhanced resistance to the flow is provided by a static ring of densely packed fine wire bristles that are angled in the direction of rotation and flex to accommodate rotor excursions. A large-scale brush seal was constructed to study the leakage characteristics in direct relation to the pressure field within and surrounding the bristle pack for multiple clearance conditions, therefore developing the understanding of brush seal fluid dynamic behavior. The governing parameter controlling leakage behavior transitioned from pressure ratio for a large clearance, to pressure load for a line-on-line configuration. In all cases, leakage flow converged to an asymptotic value once maximum levels of bristle blow-down and pack compaction were attained. For both clearance configurations, this occurred at a pressure ratio corresponding to that at which axial distributions of pressure converged; equivalent behavior was noted for the line-on-line configuration with pressure drop. Comparatively small changes were experienced in leakage behavior and in the interbristle pressure field with increasing pressure drop for the line-on-line brush seal. This indicated that brush seal performance is more influenced by changes in bristle blow-down than bristle pack compaction.
Effect of Strong Azimuthal Swirl on Ignition and Light-Around in an Annular Combustor
Authors: Kwah Yi Hao , Agostinelli Pasquale Walter , Richard Stephane , Exilard Gorka , Pascaud Stephane , Gicquel Laurent , Dawson James R.
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we investigate the effect of strong azimuthal swirl on ignition dynamics in a laboratory-scale annular combustor. Bulk azimuthal swirl was produced by a novel angled injector configuration, producing swirling jet flames oriented downwards toward the combustor backplane and in the azimuthal direction, replicating a simplified version of the SAFRAN spinning combustor concept. To provide more realistic flow conditions, the design included rich-quench-lean (RQL) staging via a circumferential distribution of dilution ports and an effusion cooled combustor backplane. High-speed imaging and an azimuthal array of photomultipliers to measure OH* chemiluminescence were used to characterize the ignition dynamics for different injector velocities and global equivalence ratios. The mass flows through the injectors, dilution ports, and effusion cooled backplane were independently metered so that the injector equivalence ratio and global equivalence ratio could be separately controlled. The light-around times were found to have no clear correlation with the injector velocity since the rich injector equivalence ratio meant the flame burned in a nonpremixed mode even though the global equivalence ratio was lean due to the RQL staging. However, it was found that lower injector velocities extended the lean ignition limit based on the global equivalence ratio. The ignition sequence during light-around (order in which the injectors are ignited) was found to be highly repeatable, igniting each consecutive injector in the anticlockwise direction (the direction of bulk swirl). In rare cases, the ignition sequence was observed to branch in both directions. Finally, in an effort to extend the lean ignition limit, the effect of azimuthal staging was investigated. Two configurations were tested. In the first configuration, the injectors on one half of the annulus were operated at a fixed equivalence ratio whereas the other half of the annulus was operated at a different equivalence ratio. In the second configuration, every second injector had the same equivalence ratio. Both configurations extended the lean extinction limit but the first configuration was the most effective.
CARTOGRAFÍAS CORPORALES PARA EL ABORDAJE DE LAS VIOLENCIAS SEXUALES: EL CUERPO COMO HERRAMIENTA DE INVESTIGACIÓN.
Authors:   Universidad Complutense Madrid, Granda Édel
Published: September 2022

El mapeo corporal o cartografía corporal como herramienta de investigación antropológica permite ampliar las definiciones ostensivas y legales acerca de lo que es y supone la “violencia sexual”. En primer lugar, es necesario ahondar en los usos, experiencias y significaciones profesionales que trabajan en este ámbito. La violencia como experiencia desestructuradora de la realidad social apela al papel de los cuerpos como actores protagonistas. Esto no sólo permite reflexionar sobre los modos de afectación de los profesionales, sino que también cuestiona el distanciamiento teórico-práctico y las representaciones asentadas en las ciencias sociales. En segundo lugar, parece haberse erigido respecto a la violencia sexual una especie de caja negra constituyendo dicotomías en torno a los sujetos víctima/agresor o mujer/hombre que impiden complejizar el fenómeno. Los mapeos corporales recuperan el sentido relacional e itinerante del género, subjetividad, identidad y cuerpo. Apelar al giro corporal es salvaguardar el distanciamiento racional que aparta a las emociones como productoras de significado. Nos permite a la vez pensar teóricamente e investigar recuperando su sentido encarnado. Se trata de una metodología feminista que encierra un gran proyecto teórico-político de transformación social. A la vez plantea un gran reto, atreverse a poner el cuerpo y la propia vulnerabilidad en el campo teniendo en cuenta nuestro papel y reflexividad guiando estos procesos.
Educational open source kit for the evaluation of acoustic leaky wave antennas with metamaterials
Authors: Romero-Vivas Eduardo , Romero-Vivas Javier , Bustamante Omar , Leon-Lopez Braulio
Published: September 2022

There is a growing interest in the field of acoustic metamaterials. These materials use periodic structures to exhibit properties not usually found in nature, such as negative mass or negative compressibility. The physics supporting these devices might seem counterintuitive at first, necessitating additional educational resources in this area. A leaky wave antenna (LWA) is a good example of a practical device that can be implemented as a standard material and a metamaterial. As the latter, the device extends its operational range, linking concepts related to both versions. This work presents an experimental open source kit designed for teaching the basic notions, including a computational routine for testing its analytical performance. The kit shown in this work has interchangeable units to experiment with several configurations (slit, axisymmetric, periodic hole, and membrane based metamaterial) and parameters of the antenna's design. The kit provides an opportunity to get hands-on experience on the real-life performance of LWAs, thanks to the use of low-cost materials, minimal equipment, and the practical nature of the antenna.
The sensitivity of bone conduction for dental implants
Authors: Ren Fengxuan , Li Yutong , Chen Lidan , Huang Jiaqi , Tao Jianxiang
Published: September 2022

Dental implants are connected to the alveolar bone by osseointegration. Dental implants could be used as a potential bone conduction (BC) hearing assistive device in the mouth. However, the BC threshold of dental implants has not been reported. The present study aimed to examine the pure tone auditory thresholds of normal human subjects to BC stimulation of the implants. Dental implants showed a significantly lower BC threshold than natural teeth and mastoids. Mandibular dental implants had BC sensitivity similar to that of maxillary dental implants. The BC threshold of anterior dental implants was significantly lower than that of posterior dental implants. Dental implants exhibited excellent BC properties.
Evaluating effects of the structural reform of outpatient psychotherapy for patients with mental disorders in Germany: comparing patients with and without comorbid chronic physical condition – rationale and study protocol of the ES-RiP project
Authors: Kampling Hanna , Kruse Johannes , Friederich Hans-Christoph , Heuft Gereon , Christoffer Andrea , Grobe Thomas G , Marschall Ursula , Szecsenyi Joachim , Wild Beate , Hartmann Mechthild
Published: September 2022

Introduction

In 2017, in Germany, a structural reform of the outpatient psychotherapy guideline took place, aiming to reduce waiting times, to facilitate flexible low-threshold access (eg, general reachability by phone) and to lower access barriers for specific patient groups. The reform included new service elements, such as the implementation of additional psychotherapeutic consultations, acute short-term psychotherapeutic interventions and relapse prophylaxis as well as the promotion of group therapies, the facilitation of psychotherapists’ availability, and the installation of appointment service centres. The ES-RiP project aims to thoroughly evaluate the effects of the reform with a special focus on patients with a comorbidity of mental disorders and chronic physical conditions (cMPs) compared with patients with a mental disorder but no long-term physical condition (MnoP). The project aims to evaluate (a) the extent to which the reform goals were achieved in the large group of patients with cMPs compared with MnoP, (b) the barriers that might hinder the implementation of the new guideline and (c) the procedures required for further developing and improving outpatient psychotherapy.

Methods and analysis

A mixed-methods design (quantitative, qualitative) along with a multilevel approach (patients, service providers, payers) triangulating several data sources (primary and secondary data) will be applied to evaluate the reform from different perspectives.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was obtained from the coordinating committee as well as one local ethics committee, Justus Liebig University Giessen and Marburg – Faculty of Medicine (approval number: AZ 107/20) and Heidelberg (approval number: S-466/2020). The results of this study will be disseminated through expert panels, conference presentations and publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

DRKS00020344.
Timing of endoscopic intervention in patients with cirrhosis with acute variceal haemorrhage (TEACH trial): protocol for a randomised clinical trial (RCT)
Authors: Yang Zhuoxin , Xuan Ji , Yang Fengwu , Qi Ying , Yang Miaofang , Xu Huabing , Jiang Mingzuo , Shen Si , Lu Mengjie , Shi Hui , Jiang Kang , Tao Hui , Liu Yuxiu , Wang Fangyu
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Acute variceal haemorrhage (AVH) in patients with cirrhosis remains a topic of great interest. Although several guidelines recommend endoscopy within 24 hours after AVH, there is no consensus on the most appropriate time to perform this intervention. The purpose of this study is to identify whether urgent endoscopy (within 6 hours after gastroenterological consultation) is superior to non-urgent endoscopy (between 6 hours and 24 hours after gastroenterological consultation) in reducing the rebleeding rate of these patients.

Methods and analysis

This is a single-centred, prospective, randomised clinical trial. Between March 2021 and December 2023, an estimated 400 patients will be randomised in a 1:1 ratio to receive endoscopic intervention either within 6 hours or between 6 and 24 hours after gastroenterological consultation. Randomisation will be conducted by permuted block randomisation, with stratification by age, systolic blood pressure and pulse rate. The primary efficacy endpoint is rebleeding within 42 days after control of AVH. The secondary efficacy endpoints mainly include all-cause mortality within 42 days after randomisation, persistent bleeding, length of hospitalisation, etc.

Ethics and dissemination

The study protocol was approved by the Ethical Committees of Jinling Hospital (authorised ethics no. DZQH-KYLL-21-01). This trial will provide valuable insights into the timing of endoscopic intervention for AVH in patients with cirrhosis. Furthermore, the trial results and conclusions could provide high-quality evidence to guide clinical research and treatment.

Trial registration number

NCT04786743.
Developing an Australian Melanoma Clinical Outcomes Registry (MelCOR): a protocol paper
Authors: Jobson Dale , Roffey Benjamin , Best Renee , Button-Sloan Alison , Cossio Danica , Evans Sue , Shang Catherine , Moore Julie , Arnold Christopher , Mann Graham , Shackleton Mark , Soyer H Peter , Morton Rachel L , Zalcberg John , Mar Victoria
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Australia has the highest incidence of melanoma in the world with variable care provided by a diverse range of clinicians. Clinical quality registries aim to identify these variations in care and provide anonymised, benchmarked feedback to clinicians and institutions to improve patient outcomes. The Australian Melanoma Clinical Outcomes Registry (MelCOR) aims to collect population-wide, clinical-level data for the early management of cutaneous melanoma and provide anonymised feedback to healthcare providers.

Methods and analysis

A modified Delphi process will be undertaken to identify key clinical quality indicators for inclusion in the MelCOR pilot. MelCOR will prospectively collect data relevant to these quality indicators, initially for all people over the age of 18 years living in Victoria and Queensland with a melanoma diagnosis confirmed by histopathology, via a two-stage recruitment and consent process. In stage 1, existing State-based cancer registries contact the treating clinician and provide an opportunity for them to opt themselves or their patients out of direct contact with MelCOR. After stage 1, re-identifiable clinical data are provided to the MelCOR under a waiver of consent. In stage 2, the State-based cancer registry will approach the patient directly and invite them to opt in to MelCOR and share identifiable data. If a patient elects to opt in, MelCOR will be able to contact patients directly to collect patient-reported outcome measures. Aggregated data will be used to provide benchmarked, comparative feedback to participating institutions/clinicians.

Ethics and dissemination

Following the successful collection of pilot data, the feasibility of an Australia-wide roll out will be evaluated. Key quality indicator data will be the core of the MelCOR dataset, with additional data points added later. Annual reports will be issued, first to the relevant stakeholders followed by the public. MelCOR is approved by the Alfred Ethics Committee (58280/127/20).
Relationship between the red cell distribution width-to-platelet ratio and in-hospital mortality among critically ill patients with acute myocardial infarction: a retrospective analysis of the MIMIC-IV database
Authors: Tong li , Liu Yan-Qiong , Shen Jin Hua , B O Min , Zhou Quan , Duan Xiang-Jie , Guo Ya Fen , Zhang Xue Qing
Published: September 2022

Objectives

We aimed to investigate the association between red cell distribution width-to-platelet ratio (RPR), and in-hospital mortality in critically ill patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Design

A retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Data were collected from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care database (MIMIC-IV) consisting of critically ill participants between 2008 and 2019 at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Centre in Boston.

Participants

A total of 5067 patients with AMI were enrolled from the MIMIC-IV database.

Primary and secondary outcome

In-hospital mortality.

Results

A total of 4034 patients survived, while 1033 died. In a multiple regression analysis adjusted for age, weight and ethnicity, RPR also showed a positive correlation with in-hospital mortality (HR 1.91, 95% CI 1.42 to 2.56, p<0.0001). Moreover, after adjusting for additional confounding factors, obvious changes were observed (HR 1.63, 95% CI 1.03 to 2.57, p=0.0357). In model 2, the high ratio quartile remained positively associated with hospital mortality compared with the low ratio quartile (HR 1.20, 95% CI 1.01 to 1. 43), with a p-value trend of 0.0177. Subgroup analyses showed no significant effect modifications on the association between RPR and in-hospital mortality in the different AMI groups (p>0.05).

Conclusion

RPR is an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality in critically ill patients with AMI.
Systematic scoping review on moral distress among physicians
Authors: Quek Chrystie Wan Ning , Ong Ryan Rui Song , Wong Ruth Si Man , Chan Sarah Wye Kit , Chok Amanda Kay-Lyn , Shen Grace Shen , Teo Andrea York Tiang , Panda Aiswarya , Burla Neha , Wong Yu An , Chee Ryan Choon Hoe , Loh Caitlin Yuen Ling , Lee Kun Woo , Tan Gabrielle Hui Ning , Leong Ryan Emmanuel Jian , Koh Natalie Song Yi , Ong Yun Ting , Chin Annelissa Mien Chew , Chiam Min , Lim Crystal , Zhou Xuelian Jamie , Ong Simon Yew Kuang , Ong Eng Koon , Krishna Lalit Kumar Radha
Published: September 2022

Background

Concepts of moral distress (MD) among physicians have evolved and extend beyond the notion of psychological distress caused by being in a situation in which one is constrained from acting on what one knows to be right. With many accounts involving complex personal, professional, legal, ethical and moral issues, we propose a review of current understanding of MD among physicians.

Methods

A systematic evidence-based approach guided systematic scoping review is proposed to map the current concepts of MD among physicians published in PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science, SCOPUS, ERIC and Google Scholar databases. Concurrent and independent thematic and direct content analysis (split approach) was conducted on included articles to enhance the reliability and transparency of the process. The themes and categories identified were combined using the jigsaw perspective to create domains that form the framework of the discussion that follows.

Results

A total of 30 156 abstracts were identified, 2473 full-text articles were reviewed and 128 articles were included. The five domains identified were as follows: (1) current concepts, (2) risk factors, (3) impact, (4) tools and (5) interventions.

Conclusions

Initial reviews suggest that MD involves conflicts within a physician’s personal beliefs, values and principles (personal constructs) caused by personal, ethical, moral, contextual, professional and sociocultural factors. How these experiences are processed and reflected on and then integrated into the physician’s personal constructs impacts their self-concepts of personhood and identity and can result in MD. The ring theory of personhood facilitates an appreciation of how new experiences create dissonance and resonance within personal constructs. These insights allow the forwarding of a new broader concept of MD and a personalised approach to assessing and treating MD. While further studies are required to test these findings, they offer a personalised means of supporting a physician’s MD and preventing burn-out.
Management of vasospastic angina
Authors: Beltrame John F
Published: September 2022

Vasospastic angina is a well-established cause of chest pain that is caused by coronary artery spasm. It can be clinically diagnosed during a spontaneous episode by documenting nitrate-responsive rest angina with associated transient ischaemic ECG changes but more often requires provocative coronary spasm testing with acetylcholine during coronary angiography. Vasospastic angina may result in recurrent episodes of angina (including nocturnal angina), which can progress on to major adverse cardiac events. Calcium channel blockers are first-line therapy for this condition, given their anti-anginal and cardioprotective benefits. Despite an established diagnostic and therapeutic management pathway for vasospastic angina, this diagnosis is often overlooked in patients presenting with chest pain. Thus, there is need for increased clinical awareness of vasospastic angina to improve outcomes in affected patients.
Inpatient cardiovascular outcomes in patients with cancer affected by viral influenza infection
Authors: Sheth Aakash R , Grewal Udhayvir Singh , Patel Harsh P , Thotamgari Sahith Reddy , Patel Smit , Desai Rohan , Thakkar Samarthkumar , Papayannis Aristotelis
Published: September 2022

Background

Influenza disproportionately affects individuals with underlying comorbidities. Long-term follow-up studies have shown that patients with cancer with influenza have higher mortality. However, very little is known about the in-hospital mortality and cardiovascular outcomes of influenza infection in cancer hospitalisations.

Methods

We compared the in-hospital mortality and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with cancer with and without influenza by screening the National Inpatient Sample from 2015 to 2017. A total of 9 443 421 hospitalisations with any cancer were identified, out of which 14 634 had influenza while 9 252 007 did not. A two-level hierarchical multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, race, hospital type and relevant comorbidities was performed.

Results

The group with cancer and influenza had higher in-hospital mortality (OR 1.08; 95% CI 1.003 to 1.16; p=0.04), acute coronary syndromes (OR 1.74; 95% CI 1.57 to 1.93; p<0.0001), atrial fibrillation (OR 1.24; 95% CI 1.18 to 1.29; p<0.0001) and acute heart failure (OR 1.41; 95% CI 1.32 to 1.51; p<0.0001).

Conclusion

Patients with cancer affected by influenza have higher in-hospital mortality and a higher prevalence of acute coronary syndrome, atrial fibrillation and acute heart failure.
Comparison of sitting and prone positions for real-time ultrasound-guided thoracic epidural catheter placement: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Shin Sojin , Lee Jong-Hyuk , Kwon Hyun-Jung , Lee Ingon , Kim Dongseok , Cho Hakmoo , Kim Doo-Hwan , Jeong Sung-Moon
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Real-time ultrasound-guided thoracic epidural catheter placement (US-TECP) has been recently introduced. Patient’s position is associated with the success of spine interventions; however, the effects of position on the outcome of the procedure remain unknown. We aimed to assess the clinical usefulness of patient positioning during real-time US-TECP.

Methods

Patients were randomly assigned to the prone position group (group P) and sitting position group (group S). The primary outcome was needling time during the procedure. The secondary outcomes were time to mark space, total number of needle passes, number of skin punctures, first-pass success, final success, crossover success, and visibility of ultrasound (US) views. Global Rating Scale (GRS) score, Patient Comfort Scale score, procedural pain intensity, patient satisfaction, and procedure-related complications were also determined.

Results

Sixty-four patients were included in this study. The needling time was significantly shorter in group P than in group S (36.5 (26.5–51.0) vs 59.5 (34.5–152.0) s, p<0.01). The numbers of needle passes and skin punctures were significantly lesser in group P than in group S. First-pass success was higher in group P than in group S. Group P had higher GRS compared with group S. The time to mark space, final success, US visibility score, Patient Comfort Scale score, procedural pain intensity, and patient satisfaction did not differ between the groups. One patient in group S developed a vasovagal reaction.

Discussion

This study shows that prone position may be preferred for real-time US-TECP, considering its better clinical usefulness.

Trial registration number

KCT0005757.
Cost-effectiveness of outpatient versus inpatient non-invasive ventilation setup in obesity hypoventilation syndrome: the OPIP trial
Authors: Murphy Patrick Brian , Patout Maxime , Arbane Gill , Mandal Swapna , Kaltsakas Georgios , Polkey Michael I , Elliott Mark , Muir Jean-François , Douiri Abdel , Parkin David , Janssens Jean-Paul , Pépin Jean Louis , Cuvelier Antoine , Flach Clare , Hart Nicholas
Published: September 2022

Background

Current guidelines recommend that patients with obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) are electively admitted for inpatient initiation of home non-invasive ventilation (NIV). We hypothesised that outpatient NIV setup would be more cost-effective.

Methods

Patients with stable OHS referred to six participating European centres for home NIV setup were recruited to an open-labelled clinical trial. Patients were randomised via web-based system using stratification to inpatient setup, with standard fixed level NIV and titrated during an attended overnight respiratory study or outpatient setup using an autotitrating NIV device and a set protocol, including home oximetry. The primary outcome was cost-effectiveness at 3 months with daytime carbon dioxide (PaCO2) as a non-inferiority safety outcome; non-inferiority margin 0.5 kPa. Data were analysed on an intention-to-treat basis. Health-related quality of life (HRQL) was measured using EQ-5D-5L (5 level EQ-5D tool) and costs were converted using purchasing power parities to £(GBP).

Results

Between May 2015 and March 2018, 82 patients were randomised. Age 59±14 years, body mass index 47±10 kg/m2and PaCO26.8±0.6 kPa. Safety analysis demonstrated no difference in ∆PaCO2(difference −0.27 kPa, 95% CI −0.70 to 0.17 kPa). Efficacy analysis showed similar total per-patient costs (inpatient £2962±£580, outpatient £3169±£525; difference £188.20, 95% CI −£61.61 to £438.01) and similar improvement in HRQL (EQ-5D-5L difference −0.006, 95% CI −0.05 to 0.04). There were no differences in secondary outcomes.

Discussion

There was no difference in medium-term cost-effectiveness, with similar clinical effectiveness, between outpatient and inpatient NIV setup. The home NIV setup strategy can be led by local resource demand and patient and clinician preference.

Trial registration numbers

NCT02342899andISRCTN51420481.
Gauge symmetry of linearised Nordström gravity and the dual spin two field theory
Authors: Abakumova Victoria , Frolovsky Daniel , Herbig Hans-Christian , Lyakhovich Simon
Published: September 2022

The field equations are proposed for the third rank tensor field with the hook Young diagram. The equations describe the irreducible spin two massless representation in any$$d\ge 3$$d≥3. The starting point of the construction is the linearised system of Einstein equations which includes the Nordström equation. This equation, being considered irrespectively to the rest of the Einstein system, corresponds to the topological field theory. The general solution is a pure gauge, modulo topological modes which we neglect in this article. We find the sequence of the reducible gauge transformations for the linearised Nordström equation, with the hook tensor being the initial gauge symmetry parameter. By substituting the general solution of the Nordström equation into the rest of the Einstein’s system, we arrive at the field equations for the hook tensor. The degree of freedom number count confirms, it is the spin two theory.
Research on UAV Teaching Application and Technological Innovation with 5G Technology and Development of High-pole Throwing Hydrangea
Authors: Shijun Xu , Li Yi , Cong Zeng , Tang Jin Yong
Published: September 2022

The technical innovation of high pole throwing Hydrangea is increasing and this study compares with the existing projection technology theory from two aspects of teaching and competition, promotes the corresponding improvement of competition rules and referee law enforcement. This paper studies (1) The history and culture of Ethnic Zhuangs' embroidered ball and the development process of modern throwing embroidered ball by using the method of literature review, (2) Studies the technical characteristics of high-pole throwing Hydrangea by using the method of mathematical analysis, (3) Compares the landing points of two main Hydrangea throwing techniques after passing through the circle by using UAV aerial photography of Hydrangea flying tracks, (4) The Self-learning Systems and Pattern Recognition and Exploitation for Multimedia Asian Information Processing in which the disputes existing in the process of competition rules and referee enforcement. The research shows that: the competition rules and the referee's decision are controversial, the existing projection teaching technology lacks practical guidance for high-level competition, innovative projection technology is divided into three matching situations, the best shot angle range is 64°<α <72°; and the shot speed range is 13.04m/s < V0 < 13.70m/s. Suggestions: According to the observation and analysis of the competition scene using UAV and Internet and other science and technology, improve the teaching and competitive level of Hydrangea throwing, improve the competition rules, enhance the referee's law enforcement ability so as to improve the competitive level of national sports, and take the standardized and international road to inherit the excellent national sports culture, and provide new development ideas for the popularization and promotion of national traditional sports and the inheritance of excellent national traditional sports culture.
Checkpointing Workflows à la Young/Daly Is Not Good Enough
Authors: Benoit Anne , Perotin Luca , Robert Yves , Sun Hongyang
Published: September 2022

This article revisits checkpointing strategies when workflows composed of multiple tasks execute on a parallel platform. The objective is to minimize the expectation of the total execution time. For a single task, the Young/Daly formula provides the optimal checkpointing period. However, when many tasks execute simultaneously, the risk that one of them is severely delayed increases with the number of tasks. To mitigate this risk, a possibility is to checkpoint each task more often than with the Young/Daly strategy. But is it worth slowing each task down with extra checkpoints? Does the extra checkpointing make a difference globally? This article answers these questions. On the theoretical side, we prove several negative results for keeping the Young/Daly period when many tasks execute concurrently, and we design novel checkpointing strategies that guarantee an efficient execution with high probability. On the practical side, we report comprehensive experiments that demonstrate the need to go beyond the Young/Daly period and to checkpoint more often for a wide range of application/platform settings.
The Parameterized Complexity of Fixing Number and Vertex Individualization in Graphs
Authors: Arvind Vikraman , Fuhlbrueck Frank , Koebler Johannes , Kuhnert Sebastian , Rattan Gaurav
Published: September 2022

In this paper we study the algorithmic complexity of the following problems:

(1)

Given a vertex-colored graph
X = (V,E,c)
, compute a minimum cardinality set of vertices
S⊆ V
such that no nontrivial automorphism of
X
fixes
all vertices in
S
. A closely related problem is computing a minimum base
S
for a permutation group
G ≤
Sym(
n
) given by generators, i.e., a minimum cardinality subset
S
⊆ [
n
] such that no nontrivial permutation in
G
fixes all elements of
S
. Our focus is mainly on the
parameterized complexity
of these problems. We show that when
k
=|
S
| is treated as parameter, then both problems are
MINI
[1]-hard. For the dual problems, where
k = n
– |
S
| is the parameter, we give
FPT
algorithms.

(2)

A notion related to fixing is individualization, which is a useful technique combined with the Weisfeiler-Leman procedure in algorithms for Graph Isomorphism. We explore the complexity of individualization: the problem of computing the minimum number of vertices we need to individualize in a given graph such that color refinement results in a graph with useful structural properties in the context of Graph Isomorphism and the Weisfeiler-Leman procedure.
A Review of Worked Examples in Programming Activities
Authors: Muldner Kasia , Jennings Jay , Chiarelli Veronica
Published: September 2022

This article reviews literature on worked examples in the context of programming activities. We focus on two types of examples, namely, code-tracing and code-generation, because there is sufficient research on these to warrant a review. We synthesize key results according to themes that emerged from the review. This synthesis aims to provide practical guidance for educators and shed light on future research opportunities. While there is established work in some areas (e.g., dynamic code-tracing examples in the form of program visualization tools, utility of subgoals in code-generation examples, and incomplete examples in the form of Parsons puzzles), there are also gaps. Thus, the article concludes with directions for future work on examples in computer science education.
Trends in Women's Incarceration Rates in US Prisons and Jails: A Tale of Inequalities
Authors: Heimer Karen , Malone Sarah E. , De Coster Stacy
Published: September 2022

Women's rates of imprisonment and incarceration in jails grew faster than men's rates during the prison boom in the United States. Even during the recent period of modest decline in incarceration, women's rates have decreased less than men's rates. The number of women in prisons and jails in the United States is now at a historic high. Yet research on mass incarceration most often ignores women's imprisonment and confinement in jails. This review examines trends in women's incarceration, highlighting important disparities for Black, Latina, and American Indian/Indigenous women. It contextualizes these trends in terms of the economic and social disadvantages of women prior to incarceration as well as inequalities that are created by women's incarceration for families, communities, and women themselves. The review concludes by calling for improved data on women's imprisonment and jail trends, particularly regarding race and ethnicity, as well as more research and theoretical development.
Biodiversity: Concepts, Patterns, Trends, and Perspectives
Authors: Díaz Sandra , Malhi Yadvinder
Published: September 2022

Biodiversity, a term now widely employed in science, policy, and wider society, has a burgeoning associated literature. We synthesize aspects of this literature, focusing on several key concepts, debates, patterns, trends, and drivers. We review the history of the term and the multiple dimensions and values of biodiversity, and we explore what is known and not known about global patterns of biodiversity. We then review changes in biodiversity from early human times to the modern era, examining rates of extinction and direct drivers of biodiversity change and also highlighting some less-well-studied drivers. Finally, we turn attention to the indirect drivers of global biodiversity loss, notably humanity's increasing global consumption footprint, and explore what might be required to reverse the ongoing decline in the fabric of life on Earth.
The Role of Separator Thermal Stability in Safety Characteristics of Lithium-ion Batteries
Authors: Zhou Hanwei , Fear Conner , Parekh Mihit , Gray Frederick , Fleetwood James , Adams Thomas , Tomar Vikas , Pol Vilas G. , Mukherjee Partha P.
Published: September 2022

The thermal instability of polymer separators severely threatens the safety characteristics of lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. Separators will melt, shrink, vaporize, and collapse under high temperatures, leading to internal short circuits and thermal runaway catastrophes of the cell. Therefore, the amelioration of battery safety challenges benefits from a fundamental understanding of separator behaviors under thermally abusive scenarios. This work investigates the role of separator thermal stability in modulating Li-ion cell safety performance. Three types of separators made of commercially available cellulose, trilayer polypropylene/polyethylene/polypropylene, standard polypropylene, and an in-house modified graphene-polydopamine coated separator are fabricated in custom single layer pouch cells and subjected to accelerating rate calorimeter (ARC) tests to investigate dynamic thermo-electrochemical interactions. The safety hazards of 18650 cylindrical cells assembled with different types of separators are predicted using a verified ARC computational model to compare the effects of separator heat resistance on cell-level thermal runaway risks. This study reveals the thermally robust mechanisms of diverse separator microstructures, indicating how the in-house modified graphene-polydopamine coated separator significantly enhances the safety limits of Li-ion batteries.
Correlating Morphological and Structural Evolution with the Electrochemical Performance of Nickel-Rich Cathode Materials: From Polycrystal to Single Crystal
Authors: Xu Zhengwei , Wang Zhixing , Tan Xinxin , Guo Huajun , Peng Wenjie , Li Xinhai , Wang Jiexi , Yan Guochun
Published: September 2022

Nickel-rich layered oxides (Ni ≥ 90%) have been recognized as a promising cathode material for Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) owing to their high energy density and low cost. Herein, we prepared 20 LiNi0.90Co0.06Mn0.04O2 (Ni90) samples with various morphologies by regulating sintering temperature and the lithium to transition metal ratio. The correlation between the synthesis conditions, structural properties, and electrochemical performance of Ni90 materials was thoroughly investigated during the evolution from polycrystal to single crystal. A positive and linear relationship was found between sintering temperature and primary particle size (PPS), which affect the electrochemical performance profoundly. Polycrystals with small PPS show a high discharge capacity and low polarization, while single crystals with large PPS have low discharge capacity but excellent cycling stability. Moreover, the sluggish kinetic properties of Ni90 materials at the end of discharge (a sharp drop in lithium-ion diffusion coefficient at the end of discharge) lead the morphology factors to a critical feature that dominates the total discharge capacity. Taking discharge capacity and cycling stability into integrated consideration, the quasi-single crystal Ni90 materials with moderate PPS and the lowest cation disordering is the first choice. These findings contribute to a better understanding of polycrystalline and single-crystal Nickel-rich cathode materials for LIBs.
Investigation of Electrochemical CO2 Reduction on Cost Effective Copper Zinc Oxide Electrocatalyst
Authors: Pandiarajan Aarthi , Ravichandran Subbiah
Published: September 2022

The electrochemical conversion of CO2 to value-added products is a potential way to mitigate climate change and carbon neutrality. The catalyst design plays a significant role in achieving CO2 product selectivity and efficiency. Herein this report presents a straightforward electrochemical modification of bimetallic CuZn catalyst for efficient reduction of CO2 to formate. The surface treatment of CuZn catalyst at different anodized times in an aqueous medium has been widely investigated. Among them, the modified electrocatalyst CuZnO-45 has a minimum onset potential of −0.274 V vs RHE for electrochemical reduction of CO2. Further, scanning electrochemical microscope (SECM) results reveal the electrocatalytic CO2 reduction to formate. This study has been extended for the continuous electrolysis process to quantify the product formation. The bimetallic CuZnO-45 nanostructure catalyst has the ability to produce a maximum faradaic efficiency of 88.3%, and 35.3 mA cm−2 partial current density was accomplished at the potential of −0.86 V vs RHE. This work covers the design of a highly electroactive and stable bimetallic catalyst for electrochemical CO2 reduction
[Retracted] Analysis of the Relationship between the Expression Level of TTR and APOH and Prognosis in Patients with Colorectal Cancer Metastasis Based on Bioinformatics
Authors: Lu Ye , Wang Ying , Qiu Yusong , Xuan Wenjuan
Published: September 2022

The expression of TTR and apolipoprotein H (APOH) genes and their relationship with prognosis in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) metastasis by using bioinformatics analysis techniques are explored. The expression profiles of related genes in patients with CRC metastasis are retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The core genes transthyretin (TTR) and APOH are screened by constructing protein‐protein interaction (PPI) network, and the corresponding patient data of 327 patients are extracted and included in the metastasis group. The TTR and APOH genes of 300 patients without CRC metastasis are screened and included in the control group. The relationship between the expression levels of TTR and APOH and the clinicopathological parameters of patients with CRC metastasis is analyzed. Kaplan–Meier survival curve is drawn to observe the influence of overexpression and low expression of TTR and APOH on the prognosis and survival of patients in the metastatic group. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve is drawn to observe the prognostic efficacy of combined TTR and APOH detection in patients with CRC metastasis. The experimental results show that bioassay can confirm the close relationship between TTR, APOH, and patients with CRC metastasis. Regular detection of serum TTR and APOH expression can effectively assess the patient’s condition and take measures to improve the prognosis of the patients.
An Analysis of the Long‐Term Sustainability of the Large Companies Included in the Original Standard and Poor’s 500 Index
Authors: Moya Jorge , Torres Marta , Uche-Soria Manuel
Published: September 2022

The changes generated by the natural economic and social development have configured a scenario where the companies’ survival is gradually decreasing. This process is also impacting on the big corporations that were strongly consolidated for many years. This research has analysed that which of these major companies of the Fortune 500 Index have adapted themselves over the years and have survived. After locating the surviving companies, this paper studied the presence of elements of business quality in each of these firms. Then, using a fuzzy set methodology, this study obtained results that identified some of the main elements that might be considered as inductors of the business durability in the case of the big corporations: the effectiveness of the companies, the coherence with the mission, and the capacity of organisation are essential for the long‐term sustainability of the companies especially if they are associated with a formalised structure of governance. The results also conclude that the simple presence of these elements is not enough for the permanence of the companies and only the progresses and improvements in these variables can guarantee the sustainability of the companies.
[Retracted] Effects of CT Combined with Modified Qinfan Decoction on Improving Sores and Promoting Angiogenesis
Authors: Wang Xindi , Wang Jing , Xie Wenbo
Published: September 2022

In order to explore the clinical treatment of severe acne, this paper proposed the effect of CT technology combined with modified qinfan decoction on improving sores and promoting angiogenesis. From October 2016 to November 2017, 69 patients with severe acne treated in the first traditional Chinese medicine hospital of a city were selected for retrospective analysis. The 69 patients were randomly divided into control group and treatment group. There were 34 patients in the control group and 35 patients in the treatment group. Patients in the control group were treated with VSD. Patients in the treatment group were treated with qinfan decoction combined with VSD. Then, the total effective rate, the time of clinical symptom improvement, the time when the new granulation began to grow, and the time when the sore surface area was reduced by 1/2 were compared between the two groups. The results showed that after treatment, the total effective rate of the treatment group was higher than that of the control group. The time for the improvement of clinical symptoms, the time for the growth of new granulation, and the time for the reduction of the sore surface area by 1/2 were shorter than those of the control group, and the healing rate of the sore surface was higher than that of the control group (P < 0.05). Qinfan decoction combined with negative pressure sealing drainage technology has a significant effect on the treatment of severe acne and can promote its rehabilitation.
Evaluation of the Effect of Aesthetic Education Practice in Children’s Picture Books Based on Data Mining Technology
Authors: Yang Shu , Kwon Jae Hwan
Published: September 2022

In order to explore the effect of aesthetic education practice in children’s picture books, this study combines data mining technology to evaluate the effect of aesthetic education practice in children’s picture books and builds a corresponding model. The model is based on the Storm platform. The definition of the basic model of the Storm platform lays a theoretical foundation for the energy-saving strategy of the memory voltage threshold regulation of the Storm platform. Moreover, this study establishes a time overhead model for computing the data processed by the Storm platform, and a threshold selection model for the memory voltage of the working node, which provides help for the energy consumption of the aesthetic education practice effect evaluation system in children’s picture books. In addition, through the evaluation of the effect of aesthetic education practice in children’s picture books based on data mining technology, it is found that the effect of aesthetic education practice in children’s picture books is very good.
Bovine Lactoferrin Induces Cell Death in Human Prostate Cancer Cells
Authors: Rocha Vanessa P. , Campos Samir P. C. , Barros Caroline A. , Trindade Pablo , Souza Leticia R. Q. , Silva Triciana G. , Gimba Etel R. P. , Teodoro Anderson J. , Gonçalves Rafael B.
Published: September 2022

Bovine lactoferrin (bLf) is a multifunctional protein widely associated with anticancer activity. Prostate cancer is the second most frequent type of cancer worldwide. This study was aimed at evaluating the influence of bLf on cell viability, cell cycle progression, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and rate of apoptosis in the human prostate cancer cell line (DU-145). MTT assay and trypan blue exclusion were used to analyze cell viability. Morphological changes were analyzed through optical microscopy after 24 h and 48 h of bLf treatment. FITC-bLf internalization and cellular damage were observed within 24 h by confocal fluorescence microscopy. Cell cycle analyses were performed by flow cytometry and propidium iodide. For caspases 3/7 activation and reactive oxygen species production evaluation, cells were live-imaged using the high-throughput system Operetta. The cell viability assays demonstrated that bLf induces cell death and morphological changes after 24 h and 48 h of treatment compared to control on DU-145 cells. The bLf internalization was detected in DU-145 cells, G1-phase arrest of the cell cycle, caspase 3/7 activation, and increased oxidative stress on bLf-treated cells. Our data support that bLf has an important anticancer activity, thus offering new perspectives in preventing and treating prostate cancer.
Cost Accounting Algorithm of Environmental Pollution Control Based on Discrete Probability
Authors: Xu Bing
Published: September 2022

Aiming at the problems of high error rate and long time of traditional environmental pollution control cost accounting algorithm, a cost accounting algorithm of environmental pollution control based on discrete probability was designed. Firstly, the cost of environmental pollution is classified and the monetization function of environmental pollution cost is constructed. Then, the cost accounting index system of environmental pollution control is established, and the cost function of environmental pollution control is constructed. Finally, a discrete probability model is used to optimize the cost function, and the optimized cost function is used to design the environmental pollution control cost accounting algorithm. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm can quickly converge to the optimum within 70 iterations, the accounting error rate is between ‐0.2% and 1.3%, and the accounting time is always less than 0.4 s. It has good convergence and can accurately calculate the cost of ecological environmental pollution control.