bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonuniform Sampled‐Data Control for Synchronization of Semi‐Markovian Jump Stochastic Complex Dynamical Networks with Time‐Varying Delays
Authors: Sakthivel N. , Ma Yong-Ki , Mounika Devi M. , Manopriya G. , Vijayakumar V. , Huh Mooyul
Published: November 2022

In this paper, the problem of exponential synchronization of semi‐Markov jump stochastic complex dynamical networks using nonuniform sampled‐data control with random delayed information exchanges among dynamical nodes are discussed. In particular, it is considered that random delayed information exchanges follow a Bernoulli distribution, in which stochastic variables are used to model randomness. To achieve exponential synchronization, we designed a nonuniform sampled‐data control approach. By constructing an appropriate Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional and using the Wirtinger inequality, sufficient criteria were obtained in terms of linear matrix inequalities. Finally, numerical examples were implemented to demonstrate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed design techniques.
Coupling Shape Optimization and Topological Derivative for Maxwell Equations
Authors: Alassane SY
Published: November 2022

The paper deals with a coupling algorithm using shape and topological derivatives of a given cost functional and a problem governed by nonstationary Maxwell’s equations in 3D. To establish the shape and topological derivatives, an adjoint method is used. For the topological asymptotic expansion, two examples of cost functionals are considered with the perturbation of the electric permittivity and magnetic permeability. We combine the shape derivative and topological one to propose an algorithm. The proposed algorithm allows to insert a small inhomogeneity (electric or magnetic) in a given shape.
Treatment of Generalized Granuloma Annulare with Oral Griseofulvin
Authors: Chumsaengsri Chumsaeng , Suwanthaweemeesuk Jongjin
Published: November 2022

Background. Granuloma annulare (GA) is a benign skin disease that has four clinical variants including localized, generalized, perforating, and subcutaneous GA. The most common type is localized GA, followed by generalized GA. Generalized GA was defined as at least 10 widespread annular plagues and frequently on the trunk, face, neck, and extremities. The diagnosis was made by clinical and histopathology. Generalized GA was difficult to treat. Case Presentation. We presented a Thai woman with nonscaly annular papules and plaques on the trunk and all extremities. A skin biopsy revealed a lesion that was compatible with granuloma annulare. She was partially resolved with 2-month course of oral griseofluvin 500 mg daily. Discussion. The regression of GA response to oral griseofulvin is consistent with the inflammatory nature, which identified IFN-gamma upregulated in GA. Conclusion. Griseofulvin is safe with few side effects and cost effectiveness. Further studies are needed to better understand the immunology and pathogenesis of GA.
Technological Change and Market Conditions: Evidence from Bitcoin Fork
Authors: Kim Hyeonoh , Yi Eojin , Lee Daeyong , Ahn Kwangwon
Published: November 2022

This article examines the impact of technological changes to cryptocurrency—known as “forking” that triggers blockchain splits—on market conditions. Despite the explicit distinction in log return distributions between the two splitting blockchains, adopting new technology does not result in a disparity in market conditions: no significant difference exists in market efficiency and long‐term market equilibrium between the two splitting blockchains. Technological changes accompanying market separation do not impede the underlying uniformity in market conditions. The findings suggest that mutual information flows linked to market liquidity explain the results between the new and old forks.
Effects of Baicalin on Alopecia and the Associated Mechanism
Authors: Chen Liping , Fan Bo , Gu Huan , Yang Liuqing , Li Xiaofang
Published: November 2022

The aim of the present study was to explore the potential pharmacological mechanism of baicalin by combining network pharmacology prediction and the experimental verification of alopecia. Networks of baicalin‐associated targets and alopecia‐related genes were constructed using the STRING database. Potential targets and pathways associated with the therapeutic efficacy of baicalin were identified via enrichment analysis using Cytoscape and the database for annotation, visualization and integrated discovery (Metascape). The back hair of C57BL/6J mice was removed with depilatory cream to verify the therapeutic effect of baicalin. Human hair dermal papilla cells (HHDPCs) were used to explore the mechanism of action of baicalin. Network pharmacology analysis revealed that the potential targets of baicalin mainly include protein serine/threonine kinase, Src protein, epidermal growth factor receptor, and insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF1), which were indicated to mediate neutrophil degranulation and regulation of cell‐cell adhesion, vesicle lumen, cytoplasmic vesicle, membrane raft, and endopeptidase activity. Multiple pathways were identified, such as proteoglycans in cancer, PI3K/AKT, and forkhead box O signaling pathways. Following baicalin treatment for the experimental mice, the coverage, length, and weight of the hair increased in a baicalin dose‐dependent manner. Moreover, the histological evaluation showed that the number of hair follicles increased after baicalin treatment and melanin formation were pronounced. In addition, baicalin induced an increase in the phosphorylated p‐AKT, p‐glycogen synthase kinase‐3β, p‐PI3K, TGF‐β1, and vascular endothelial growth factor levels. Furthermore, the activation levels of key protein p‐AKT were increased. Baicalin induced the proliferation of HHDPCs in vitro and significantly upregulated p‐AKT, IGF1, and alkaline phosphatase. In conclusion, the present study revealed that the pharmacological mechanisms of baicalin in alopecia therapy were associated with the proliferation of DPCs, the activation of the AKT pathway, and the transmission of downstream signals, indicating that baicalin is a potential drug candidate for the clinical treatment of hair loss.
Computer Network Information Security Monitoring System Based on Big Data Era
Authors: Sun Yu , Liu Xiaorong , Shen Xiaoli
Published: November 2022

With the rapid advancement of society and the level of programming and the rapid development of computer technology, networking and information are playing an increasingly important role in the social life of the masses. Creating and developing a network information security monitoring system have become one of the most important ways to keep a computer running smoothly. Traditional information security systems cannot adapt to the ever-changing network environment. If only relying on it to maintain network security, it will be far from effective monitoring and defense. Based on the theory of network information security, this study analyzes the characteristics of network information and the information security monitoring technology at the current stage. Based on the background of big data era, a new type of computer network information security monitoring system is proposed. This system is compared with the traditional network information security monitoring system, and the performance and stability of the system are investigated, respectively. The experimental data show that the network information security monitoring system designed in this study can achieve more than 99% detection rate of external attacks in a network environment with a background traffic of 10M. Its false alarm rate is lower than 4%, and the false alarm rate is lower than 7%. The qualitative mean reaches 93.02%, indicating its good monitoring accuracy and stability. By popularizing it in the current network environment, it can effectively identify and defend information attacks and maintain the development of network information security.
Improved Estimation of Finite Population Variance Using Dual Supplementary Information under Stratified Random Sampling
Authors: Ahmad Sohaib , Hussain Sardar , Shabbir Javid , Zahid Erum , Aamir Muhammad , Onyango Ronald
Published: November 2022

In this article, we propose an improved estimator for finite population variance based on stratified sampling by using the auxiliary variable as well as the rank of the auxiliary variable. Expressions for the bias and the mean square error of the estimators are derived up to the first order of approximation. Four real data sets are used to measure the performances of estimators. Moreover, a simulation study is also conducted to observe the efficiency of the proposed variance estimator. The theoretical and numerical results show that the proposed estimator under stratified random sampling is more efficient as compared to the existing estimators.
Evaluation of Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Cytotoxic Activities and Correlation with Phytoconstituents in Some Medicinal Plants of Nepal
Authors: Ranabhat Keshav , Regmi Kamal Prasad , Parajuli Sarwesh , Thapa Ranjita , Timilsina Arjun Prasad , Katuwal Saurav , Fleming Shantel , Mishra Akkal Dev , Sharma Khaga Raj , Regmi Bishnu P.
Published: November 2022

Traditional herbal medicines have been consumed in Nepal and other parts of the eastern hemisphere since ancient times. Many of these plants reportedly have been effective against ailments as well. This study aims to analyze the phytochemical constituents from the extracts of ten such plants and evaluate their antimicrobial, cytotoxicity, and antioxidant properties. In addition, the study aims to study the correlation of cytotoxicity and antioxidant activities with the total phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin contents. The plants investigated were Oroxylum indicum, Kalanchoe pinnata, Phragmites vallatoria, Ehretia acuminata, Cirsium wallichii, Ampelocissus tomentosa, Dichrocephala integrifolia, Boenninghausenia albiflora, Cynoglossum zeylanicum, and Clerodendrum serratum. Phytochemical analyses were performed to evaluate secondary metabolites, such as glycosides, flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, alkaloids, and fats. The total phenolic contents of the extracts ranged from 14.94 to 229.89 mg GAE/g, the total flavonoid contents varied from 66.67 to 900 mg QE/g, and the total tannin contents were 42 to 168 mg GAE/g. The results of the antioxidant studies showed that the highest antioxidant activity was exhibited by the extract of A. tomentosa (IC50 = 7.89 µg/mL) followed by E. acuminata (IC50 = 24.82 µg/mL) and C. serratum (IC50 = 32.91 µg/mL). The extracts from P. vallatoria and A. tomentosa exhibited substantial antimicrobial activity. The extracts of A. tomentosa and B. albiflora showed lethality against brine shrimp with LC50 values of 33.11 µg/mL.
A Review of Heuristics and Hybrid Methods for Green Vehicle Routing Problems considering Emissions
Authors: Fernández Gil Alejandro , Lalla-Ruiz Eduardo , Gómez Sánchez Mariam , Castro Carlos
Published: November 2022

Road freight transport is one of the sectors with the highest greenhouse gas emissions and fuel consumption in the logistics industry. In recent years, due to the increase in carbon dioxide emissions, several companies have considered reducing them in their daily logistics operations by means of better routing management. Green vehicle routing problems (GVRPs) constitute a growing problem direction within the interplay of vehicle routing problems and environmental sustainability that aims to provide effective routes while considering environmental concerns. These NP-hard problems are one of the most studied ones in green logistics, and due to their difficulty, there are many different heuristic and hybrid techniques to solve them under the need of having high-quality solutions within reasonable computational time. Given the role and importance of these methods, this review aims at providing a comprehensive overview of them while reviewing their defining strategies and components. In addition, we analyze characteristics and problem components related to how emissions are being considered. Lastly, we map and analyze the benchmarks proposed so far for the different GVRP variants considering emissions.
Knockdown of lncRNA XIST Ameliorates IL-1β-Induced Apoptosis of HUVECs and Change of Tissue Factor Level via miR-103a-3p/HMGB1 Axis in Deep Venous Thrombosis by Regulating the ROS/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Cao Guangxin , Zhou Hua , Wang Dong , Xu Lei
Published: November 2022

Background. The effect of lncRNA X inactive-specific transcript (XIST) inducing cardiovascular diseases on deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and its mechanism has not been reported. In this study, we uncovered the mystery that lncRNA XIST causes DVT with HUVEC dysfunction. Method. The expression levels of lncRNA XIST and miR-103a-3p were detected by qRT-PCR, and HMGB1 expression was determined by qRT-PCR and western blot. The correlations among the expression levels of lncRNA XIST, miR-103a-3p, and HMGB1 were determined by Spearman’s rank-order correlation test. XIST siRNA (si-XIST) was transfected into HUVECs to knock down the intrinsic expression of lncRNA XIST. The influences of si-XIST on interleukin-1 beta- (IL-1β-) treated HUVEC viability and apoptosis and the level of tissue factor (TF) were detected by MTT, flow cytometry, and ELISA kit, respectively. The relationships between lncRNA XIST, miR-103a-3p, and HMGB1 were predicted by the Encyclopedia of RNA Interactomes (ENCORI) database and verified by dual luciferase reporter assay. The effects of lncRNA XIST and miR-103a-3p on HMGB1 expression were detected by qRT-PCR, western blot, and immunofluorescence analysis. The levels of ROS/NF-κB pathway-related proteins were detected to study the regulatory mechanism of lncRNA XIST/miR-103a-3p/HMGB1 on IL-1β-treated HUVECs apoptosis and change of TF level. Results. The upregulated expression levels of lncRNA XIST and HMGB1 and downregulated level of miR-103a-3p were found in the plasma of DVT patients and IL-1β-treated HUVECs. Si-XIST promoted cell viability and inhibited HUVEC apoptosis and ameliorated the change of TF level triggered by IL-1β. lncRNA XIST sponged miR-103a-3p and miR-103a-3p targeted HMGB1. Si-XIST inhibited the ROS/NF-κB pathway to suppress HUVEC apoptosis and ameliorate the change of TF level induced by IL-1β via the miR-103a-3p/HMGB1 axis. Conclusion. lncRNA XIST sponged miR-103a-3p improving HMGB1 expression to exacerbate DVT by activating the ROS/NF-κB signaling pathway. Our findings indicated that lncRNA XIST can be used as a potential therapeutic target in DVT.
Geochemistry of Formation Water and Implications for Ultradeep Tight Sandstone of DK Gas Field in Kuqa Depression
Authors: Guo Xiaobo , Zhao Libin , Han Wei , Zhou Longfei , Huang Zhilong , Sun Xiongwei , Yang Xuejun , Zhang Tonghui , Zhang Chenglin
Published: November 2022

Formation water is produced during gas well production, which can seriously affect gas well productivity, especially in deep and ultradeep tight sandstone gas reservoirs. In this paper, we have studied the formation water production and geochemical properties of the ultradeep tight sandstone gas reservoir in the Cretaceous Bashijiqike Formation of the DK gas field in the Kuqa Depression. The results indicate that the formation water can be classified as condensate water, gas-water transition zone water, mixed water, and isolated formation water, all of which are acidic and of CaCl2 type, with increasing salinity or chloride ion content. Sodium/chloride ratio (ρNa+/ρCl-), metamorphic coefficient (ρ(Cl--Na+)/ρ(Mg2+)), desulfurization coefficient (

100
×
ρ

S

O

4

2
−

/
ρ

C

l

−

), and trace elements concentration parameters show that the formation water was formed in a closed and reductive environment and experienced strong water-rock interaction. The formation water may have been influenced by early seawater, but it is not significant and is more likely to have been influenced by water seepage from the overlying gypsum strata. The Sr, H, and O isotopes reveal that the different types of formation water have good homology and are not affected by atmospheric precipitation, which is propitious to the preservation of natural gas.
The Importance of Early Identification for Parkinson’s Disease Patients with Postural Instability and Gait Disturbance
Authors: Wu You , Yang Yi-Wen , Gu Si-Chun , Zhang Yu , Shi Rong , Wang Chang-De , Yuan Can-Xing , Ye Qing
Published: November 2022

Background. More and more evidence-based medicine has proved that Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients of tremor-dominant (TD) and postural instability and gait difficulty (PIGD) subtype express great individual differences and heterogeneity. Early identification of different subtypes may be an important way to delay disease progression and improve patients’ prognosis. Objective. The study aimed to compare the spectrum of motor symptoms (MS) and nonmotor symptoms (NMS) between TD and PIGD dominant in the early and middle stages of PD, and determine predictive factors that are associated with different motor subtypes. Methods. 292 PD patients in this study were divided into TD-PD and PIGD-PD, and the clinical characteristics between different motor subtypes were compared based on scales related to sleep, mood, and autonomic function. Univariate and multivariate ordered logistic regression analyses were used to analyze the independent influencing factors of disease severity between different motor subtypes. Through the establishment of binary logistic regression model, the potential independent risk factors for distinguishing TD-PD and PIGD-PD were studied. Results. Compared with TD subtype, patients with PIGD subtype have longer course of disease, higher disease severity, and higher daily dosage of levodopa. The severity of nontremor motor symptoms in PIGD-PD is greater than that of TD subtype. Only PIGD score was independently associated with disease severity for the two motor subtypes. Meanwhile, high scores (LED, total UPDRS, PIGD score, gastrointestinal, thermoregulatory, RBDSQ) and low tremor scores were the potential independent risk factors for distinguishing PIGD-PD from TD-PD. Conclusion. Specific nonmotor symptoms (RBD, gastrointestinal function and thermoregulation function) were associated with the PIGD subtype. Prompt detection and early treatment of NMSs related to the PIGD subtype based on the treatment of motor symptoms may improve patient outcomes.
Clinical Comparison of Fusarium Keratitis according to the Initial Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) Smear: A Retrospective Study in South Korea
Authors: Kim Jong Ha , Yoon Hyeon Jeong , Yoon Kyung Chul , You In Cheon
Published: November 2022

Purpose. This study aimed to compare predisposing factors, clinical characteristics, treatment, and prognosis of Fusarium keratitis according to the result of the initial potassium hydroxide (KOH) smear. Methods. This is a retrospective study of cases with Fusarium keratitis between January 2000 and December 2019 at two tertiary hospitals in South Korea. Patients were divided into two groups depending on the KOH smear result (KOH-positive and KOH-negative group), and its clinical factors were analyzed. Results. Among 319 fungal keratitis, seventy-nine cases were identified with Fusarium keratitis. Forty-seven cases (59.5%) were negative in the initial KOH smear prior to their diagnosis. The most common predisposing factor for Fusarium keratitis was ocular trauma (55.7%). There were no significant differences in sex, occupation, ulcer size or shape, hypopyon, and initial visual acuity between the two groups. Differences were observed between the KOH-positive group and the KOH-negative group in terms of deep corneal infiltration (50.0% vs. 78.7%,

p
=
0.008

) and evisceration treatment (3.1% vs. 25.5%,

p
=
0.008

). The delayed time to initiate antifungal eye drops was longer in the KOH-negative group (1.13 ± 0.49 vs. 3.93 ± 4.89,

p
=
0.002

). Only the KOH-negative group combined bacterial infection. The significant risk factors for poor clinical outcomes were the central corneal lesion (odds ratio (OR) 3.50,

p
=
0.047

), a large ulcer size (size ≥ 7.5 mm2) (OR 4.98,

p
=
0.009

), and endothelial plaque (OR 7.00,

p
=
0.031

). Conclusion. Initial KOH-negative patients often needed evisceration and had worse final visual outcomes. The delay of prompt initiation of antifungal treatment and combined bacterial infection result in a poor prognosis. This study highlights the initial KOH effect on early diagnosis and early treatment of Fusarium keratitis.
Theoretical and Experimental Study on Rapid Decompression Oscillation in Altitude Chamber
Authors: Tian Zifeng , Lu Jianfeng , Gu Zhao , Yu Lihua , Zhou Hao , Yang Lijun
Published: November 2022

Given the frequent airflow excitation phenomenon caused by the rapid decompression of the altitude chamber, the mathematical model of the nonlinear system of the rapid decompression of the altitude chamber is established. The polynomial parameter method is used to evaluate the characteristics of airflow oscillation, and a rapid decompression test system is built. The test results verify the pressure oscillation phenomenon of the numerical simulation. This paper proves the phenomenon of fluid-induced vibration in the process of rapid decompression and determines that the main factors affecting the induced oscillation are the diameter of the pipe (throat), pressure difference between the two chambers, and initial pressure conditions. Specifically, this study establishes safety and reliability for preventing engineering accidents caused by resonance in the altitude chamber.
Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Inflammation and Antitumor Immunity
Authors: Kennel Kilian B. , Bozlar Müge , De Valk Adalbert F. , Greten Florian R.
Published: November 2022

Tumor-associated inflammation (TAI) is a feature of essentially all cancers and can confer both tumor-promoting and -suppressive functions. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) comprise one very heterogeneous cellular component of the tumor microenvironment characterized by a high degree of plasticity. Recent single-cell sequencing analyses revealed distinct CAF populations in various human cancers and helped to define key CAF subtypes, such as myofibroblastic, inflammatory, and antigen-presenting CAFs, with the first two being present in virtually all tumors. Importantly, these three CAF populations are involved in and modulate the positive and negative consequences of TAI. The remarkable plasticity of CAFs allows them to shift phenotypically and functionally in response to environmental changes. In this review, we describe how CAFs nurture tumor-promoting inflammation and suppress adaptive immunity. We also summarize the recently emerging evidence pertaining to tumor-suppressive CAF functions in the context of TAI. Finally, we summarize therapeutic concepts that aim at modulating CAF functions or depleting immunosuppressive CAFs to synergize with immunotherapy.
Endo180 (MRC2) Antibody–Drug Conjugate for the Treatment of Sarcoma
Authors: Evans Rachel J. , Perkins Douglas W. , Selfe Joanna , Kelsey Anna , Birch Gavin P. , Shipley Janet M. , Schipper Koen , Isacke Clare M.
Published: November 2022

Although the 5-year survival rates for sarcoma patients have improved, the proportion of patients relapsing after first-line treatment remains high, and the survival of patients with metastatic disease is dismal. Moreover, the extensive molecular heterogeneity of the multiple different sarcoma subtypes poses a substantial challenge to developing more personalized treatment strategies. From the IHC staining of a large set of 625 human soft-tissue sarcomas, we demonstrate strong tumor cell staining of the Endo180 (MRC2) receptor in a high proportion of samples, findings echoed in gene-expression data sets showing a significantly increased expression in both soft-tissue and bone sarcomas compared with normal tissue. Endo180 is a constitutively recycling transmembrane receptor and therefore an ideal target for an antibody–drug conjugate (ADC). An anti-Endo180 monoclonal antibody conjugated to the antimitotic agent, MMAE via a cleavable linker, is rapidly internalized into target cells and trafficked to the lysosome for degradation, causing cell death specifically in Endo180-expressing sarcoma cell lines. In a sarcoma tumor xenograft model, the Endo180-vc-MMAE ADC, but not an isotype-vc-MMAE control or the unconjugated Endo180 antibody, drives on-target cytotoxicity resulting in tumor regression and a significant impairment of metastatic colonization of the lungs, liver and lymph nodes. These data, together with the lack of a phenotype in mice with an Mrc2 genetic deletion, provide preclinical proof-of-principle evidence for the future development of an Endo180-ADC as a therapeutic strategy in a broad range of sarcoma subtypes and, importantly, with potential impact both on the primary tumor and in metastatic disease.
Retinoblastoma Expression and Targeting by CDK4/6 Inhibitors in Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Wildey Gary , Shay Ashley M. , McColl Karen S. , Yoon Suzy , Shatat Mohammad A. , Perwez Ahmad , Spainhower Kyle B. , Kresak Adam M. , Lipka MaryBeth , Yang Michael , Behtaj Mohadese , Fu Pingfu , Alahmadi Asrar , Mneimneh Wadad , Abbas Ata , Dowlati Afshin
Published: November 2022

The canonical model of “small cell lung cancer” (SCLC) depicts tumors arising from dual inactivation of TP53 and RB1. However, many genomic studies have persistently identified tumors with no RB1 mutations. Here, we examined RB1 protein expression and function in SCLC. RB1 expression was examined by IHC analysis of 62 human SCLC tumors. These studies showed that ∼14% of SCLC tumors expressed abundant RB1 protein, which is associated with neuroendocrine gene expression and is enriched in YAP1 expression, but no other lineage proteins that stratify SCLC. SCLC cells and xenograft tumors with RB1 protein expression were sensitive to growth inhibition by the CDK4/6 inhibitor palbociclib, and this inhibition was shown to be dependent on RB1 expression by CRISPR knockout. Furthermore, a patient with biopsy-validated wild-type RB1 SCLC who received the CDK4/6 inhibitor abemaciclib demonstrated a dramatic decrease in mutant TP53 ctDNA allelic fraction from 62.1% to 0.4% and decreased tumor mass on CT scans. Importantly, IHC of the diagnostic biopsy specimen showed RB1 positivity. Finally, we identified a transcriptomics-based RB1 loss-of-function signature that discriminates between SCLC cells with or without RB1 protein expression and validated it in the patient who was responsive to abemaciclib, suggesting its potential use to predict CDK4/6 inhibitor response in patients with SCLC. Our study demonstrates that RB1 protein is an actionable target in a subgroup of SCLC, a cancer that exhibits no currently targetable mutations.
Readability, Understandability, and Actionability of Online Cardiovascular Risk Assessment Tools and Patient Educational Material: A Systematic Review
Authors: Roshan Ashraf , Choo Jason , Lim Cynthia
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Individuals with kidney diseases have increased risk of cardiovascular disease and death. Online cardiovascular risk assessment tools can educate patients on risks and modifiable factors. Since patients have variable health literacy, we evaluated the readability, understandability, and actionability of publicly available online cardiovascular risk assessment tools. Methods: We systematically searched, reviewed, characterized, and assessed English-language cardiovascular risk assessment tools online for readability (Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level [FKGL] score), understandability, and actionability (Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool for printable materials [PEMAT-P]). Results: After screening 969 websites, 69 websites employing 76 risk tools were included. The most frequently used tools were the Framingham Risk Score (n = 13) and the Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease score (n = 12). Most tools were intended for the general population and estimated the 10-year incident cardiovascular risk. Patient education was provided in the form of targets for blood pressure (n = 17), lipids (n = 15), or glucose (n = 5); and advice regarding diet (n = 18), exercise (n = 19), and smoking cessation (n = 20). The median FKGL, PEMAT understandability, and actionability scores were 6.2 (4.7, 8.5), 84.6% (76.9%, 89.2%), and 60% (40%, 60%), respectively. Conclusion: The online cardiovascular risk tools were generally easy to read and understand, but only a third provided education on risk modification. Judicious selection of an online cardiovascular risk assessment tool may help patients in self-management.
Diagnose COVID-19 by using hybrid CNN-RNN for Chest X-ray
Authors: Jawad Khadhim Ban , Kanaan Kadhim Qusay , Khazaal Shams Wafaa , Taha Ahmed Shaymaa , A.Wahab Alsiadi Wasan
Published: November 2022

Combating the COVID-19 epidemic has emerged as one of the most promising healthcare the world's challenges have ever seen. COVID-19 cases must be accurately and quickly diagnosed to receive proper medical treatment and limit the pandemic. Imaging approaches for chest radiography have been proven in order to be more successful in detecting coronavirus than the (RT-PCR) approach. Transfer knowledge is more suited to categorize patterns in medical pictures since the number of available medical images is limited. This paper illustrates a convolutional neural network (CNN) and recurrent neural network (RNN) hybrid architecture for the diagnosis of COVID-19 from chest X-rays. The deep transfer methods used were VGG19, DenseNet121, InceptionV3, and Inception-ResNetV2. RNN was used to classify data after extracting complicated characteristics from them using CNN. The VGG19-RNN design had the greatest accuracy of all of the networks with 97.8% accuracy. Gradient-weighted the class activation mapping (Grad-CAM) method was then used to show the decision-making areas of pictures that are distinctive to each class. In comparison to other current systems, the system produced promising findings, and it may be confirmed as additional samples become available in the future. For medical personnel, the examination revealed an excellent alternative way of diagnosing COVID-19.
Estudos da Ásia: vozes múltiplas do Oriente
Authors: Schvartzman Gabriel
Published: November 2022

Este livro é o terceiro volume da série "Estudos da Ásia", publicação eletrônica, de acesso aberto, do Departamento de Letras Orientais da Faculdade de Filosofia, Letras e Ciências Humanas da Universidade de São Paulo (DLO/FFLCH/USP). A série tem por objetivo divulgar pesquisas científicas na área de estudos orientais, com textos claros e didáticos, acessíveis a qualquer leitor interessado em culturas orientais, em seus mais variados aspectos. Este volume é, como os outros publicados, de natureza multidisciplinar e reúne textos de pesquisadores, professores, alunos de pós-graduação e de graduação. A obra conta com dez capítulos que expõem estudos nas áreas de literatura japonesa, literatura coreana, literatura hebraica, literatura armênia, museu do Holocausto, cinema japonês, tradução literária do hebraico e do japonês.
Perfil epidemiológico da hanseníase no município de Divinópolis, Minas Gerais, 2011 a 2019
Authors: Lanza Fernanda Moura , Amorim Kelly Júlia de , Guarda Kenny Simone Gomes da , Silva Larissa , Silva Joseane da , Vidal Sarah Lamas , Vieira Nayara Figueiredo , Rodrigues Rayssa Nogueira
Published: November 2022

Objetivo: Analisar o perfil epidemiológico da hanseníase no município de Divinópolis, Minas Gerais, entre os anos de 2011 a 2019. Método: Trata-se de um estudo ecológico, descritivo, que utilizou dados secundários disponíveis em acesso aberto na Sala de Apoio à Gestão Estratégica e no Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde referentes aos casos confirmados e notificados da hanseníase de residentes no município de Divinópolis, Minas Gerais, no período de 2011 a 2019. Resultados: No período do estudo foram notificados 57 casos de hanseníase, todos em pessoas acima de 20 anos, sendo a maioria em homens (50,9%), de raça/cor parda (49,1%) e com ensino fundamental incompleto (26,3%). A forma clínica predominante foi a dimorfa (38,4%) seguido pela tuberculoide (29,8%), classificação operacional multibacilar (56,2%), sendo que a maioria dos casos (93%) deram entrada no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN) como caso novo. Quanto à avaliação do grau de incapacidade física no diagnóstico, 7% (n=4) dos casos foram notificados com grau 2. No que se refere ao tipo de saída, 87,9% dos casos tiveram alta por cura. Conclusão: Os dados epidemiológicos apontam que o diagnóstico da hanseníase em Divinópolis está sendo realizado tardiamente, o que contribui para manutenção de uma prevalência oculta.
Epistolary Affects: An Introduction
Authors: Schellenberg Ryan S.
Published: November 2022

This introduction briefly describes the affectively charged materiality of ancient letters, including Paul’s, then situates the articles in this special issue in relation to current trends in scholarship on affect and emotion in Paul. Mapping this diverse scholarship by surveying its orientation toward history and the body, it asks which conventional assumptions of Pauline scholarship these approaches disrupt, and which they leave intact.
Pentecostal Conceptions of Warfare Prayer among the Yoruba in Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Oyelade Olufikayo Kunle , Omobowale Ayokunle Olumuyiwa
Published: November 2022

Warfare prayer is a common ritual practice among Yoruba Pentecostal adherents in southwestern Nigeria. It entails visualization of a supposed enemy or battle and the utilization of warfare prayers, songs, and Bible verses to supposedly neutralize opposing forces. In fact, scholars have established that the continued growth of Pentecostalism and the proliferation of Pentecostal churches in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Nigeria, includes its feature of warfare prayer deployment. This study examines the Pentecostal conceptions of warfare prayer among the Yoruba in southwestern Nigeria. The study is basically qualitative, with data collected from branches of four purposively selected indigenous Pentecostal churches. Findings have revealed that warfare prayer is associated with the Yoruba belief system that attributes the so-called ‘spiritual diabolical’ and their human agents with incapacitating capabilities, resulting in devastating effects on victims. Yoruba Pentecostals believe that such diabolical forces can only be vanquished by warfare prayers.
The Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Scovazzi Tullio
Published: November 2022

As stated in the 2001 Siracusa Declaration on the Submarine Cultural Heritage in the Mediterranean Sea, this sea is unique in that it embodies the common historical and cultural roots of many civilizations. Most Mediterranean States are parties to the 2001 UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage, which provides a remedy to the dubious regime established by Article 303, paragraph 3, of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. According to the English official text, this provision, which gives priority to admiralty law, could be understood as an invitation to the looting of underwater cultural heritage. However, Mediterranean States seem rather slow in addressing the matter in a constructive way, despite the existing dangers, as demonstrated by the four expeditions undertaken by Mr Ballard in the area between Italy and Tunisia; the removal of the Victorious Youth statue; and the dispute over the shipwreck of the liner Ancona. The Mediterranean States have not yet negotiated a regional treaty and only recently have they resorted to the cooperation mechanism provided by the 2001 Convention in order to create a coordination committee composed of eight States that will manage the protection of underwater cultural heritage on the Skerki Bank site.
The Mediterranean Sea Between Legend and Crime: The Tricky Question of Jurisdiction for Mediterranean States
Authors: Magi Laura
Published: November 2022

How have Mediterranean States been combating unlawful activities carried out on the high seas? Can international rules on enforcement and adjudicative jurisdiction help coastal States to meet this challenge? This contribution attempts to answer these questions with reference to the jurisprudence of the supreme courts of Italy and Spain. The analysis identifies a common attempt by both courts to expand the jurisdiction of domestic tribunals in cases of smuggling of migrants and trafficking of drugs by adopting expansive interpretations of domestic and international law rules.
The Treaty of Quirinale between Italy and France
Authors: Ronzitti Natalino
Published: November 2022

On 26 November 2021, France and Italy signed a Treaty on enhanced cooperation, currently named the Treaty of Quirinale after the residence of the President of the Italian Republic, where the ceremony of signature was held, echoing the Treaty of the Elysée between France and Germany signed by Charles de Gaulle and Konrad Adenauer. However, the Treaty of Quirinale is not aimed at ending any secular conflict like that between France and Germany, which was supplemented by the Aachen Treaty (2019). The French-Italian Treaty is more of a proclamation than a document endowed with rights and duties. The obligatory provisions are mainly those aimed at organising cooperation between the two countries with the establishment of new institutions or enabling the presence of each country in the other’s relevant existing institutions. The cooperation invests the main political sectors of the administration, such as foreign policy, defence, economic and social development, European integration, cultural affairs and neighbour relations. There is not a coordination between the Quirinale Treaty and the Elysée/Aachen Treaty. In case of different views (for instance on the reform of the United Nations Security Council), diplomacy should find the proper solution.
State Immunity, Delegation of Public Powers to Private Actors and Access to Justice: Anything New Under the (European) Sun?
Authors: Spagnolo Andrea
Published: November 2022

Two recent judgments of the Court of Justice of the European Union and the Corte di Cassazione added further elements to the current debate on the limits to State immunity. The peculiarities of the facts of the two cases – which relate to the same events – brought the two courts to revisit the current state of play of international law vis-à-vis State immunity with respect to the delegation of public powers to private actors and the right of access to justice. In the present contribution, it is argued that these decisions might contribute to the evolution of customary international law on State immunity, paving the way for a more restrictive interpretation of the rule, at least at the European level.
Psychedelics and Desistance From Crime: Lessons From the Concord Prison Experiment
Authors: Neitzke-Spruill Logan
Published: November 2022

Recent investigations of naturalistic psychedelic use purport that psychedelic therapies may be useful in criminal justice contexts for reducing recidivism. The present study applies interactionist theories of desistance to critically explore how psychedelic therapies could facilitate agentic self-transformation to support desistance from crime. Psychedelic experience reports written by inmates as part of the “Concord Prison Experiment” (CPE) were collected from the New York Public Library. Reports from 29 participants were then analyzed using a qualitative content analysis that employed both conventional and directed approaches. Participants frequently reported on changes in emotion and sense perception, interactions with other participants, and self-knowledge. Reports of self-knowledge often emerged from cognitive shifts that led to reflexive thought and novel insights regarding crime and criminality. These findings demonstrate how psychedelics can facilitate cognitive shifts in meaning conducive to inspiring desistance from crime. However, shortcomings of the CPE indicate that the social environment can hinder integration, by constraining the potential to enact changes in one’s life or realize meaningful insights through prosocial relationships. The combination of potentially harmful prison environments and the vulnerable states of consciousness generated by psychedelics should preclude investigations among actively incarcerated participants. Without addressing common social and structural barriers to successful reentry such as housing and employment, the efficacy of psychedelic-assisted therapy as a recidivism reducing intervention will be limited. Alternative approaches might explore how psychedelic therapy can address the psychological impacts of incarceration.
The Greta Thunberg Effect: A Study of Norwegian Youth’s Reflexivity on Climate Change
Authors: Haugseth Jan Frode , Smeplass Eli
Published: November 2022

This study reports on an unique opportunity to compare four quantitative/qualitative datasets from 2017 to 2021, before and after the activist Greta Thunberg became known to the general public. Through a mixed-methods approach, we develop a model to distinguish between three forms of climate reflexivity: (1) reflexivity as ranking; (2) reflexivity as recognising; and (3) reflexivity as qualifying. Our findings imply that in 2019 and the following years, Greta Thunberg became a unifying inspiration for young people already concerned with the climate crisis in Norway. Even though two indicators suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic did divert young people’s reflexivity from climate issues, we also find that a subset of the participants expresses rich reflexivity, addressing nature and the need for transition and solidarity. Finally, we argue these forms of reflexivity shape commonalities that may have relevance across social classes, identities and nation-states.
Social Mobility and ‘Openness’ in Creative Occupations since the 1970s
Authors: Brook Orian , Miles Andrew , O’Brien Dave , Taylor Mark
Published: November 2022

Social mobility in the cultural sector is currently an important issue in government policy and public discussion, associated with perceptions of a collapse in numbers of working-class origin individuals becoming artists, actors, musicians and authors. The question of who works in creative occupations has also attracted significant sociological attention. To date, however, there have been no empirically grounded studies into the changing social composition of such occupations. This article uses the Office for National Statistics Longitudinal Study to show that, while those from more privileged social backgrounds have long dominated, there has been no change in the relative class mobility chances of gaining access to creative work. Instead, we must turn to the pattern of absolute mobility into this sector in order to understand claims that it is experiencing a ‘mobility crisis’.
Prediction of pathological staging and grading of renal clear cell carcinoma based on deep learning algorithms
Authors: Wen-zhi Gao , Tai Tian , Zhixin Fu , Huanyu Liang , Yanqing Gong , Yuexian Guo , Xuesong Li
Published: November 2022

Objective

Deep learning algorithms were used to develop a model for predicting the staging and grading of renal clear cell carcinoma to inform clinicians’ treatment plans.

Methods

Clinical and pathological information was collected from 878 patients diagnosed with renal clear cell carcinoma in the Department of Urology, Peking University First Hospital. The patients were randomly assigned to the test set (n = 702) or the verification set (n = 176). Pathological staging and grading of renal clear cell carcinoma were predicted by preoperative clinical variables using deep learning algorithms. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to evaluate the predictive accuracy as measured by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).

Results

For tumor pathological staging, AUC values of 0.933, 0.947, and 0.948 were obtained using the BiLSTM, CNN-BiLSTM, and CNN-BiGRU models, respectively. For tumor pathological grading, the AUC values were 0.754, 0.720, and 0.770, respectively.

Conclusions

The proposed model for predicting renal clear cell carcinoma allows for accurate projection of the staging and grading of renal clear cell carcinoma and helps clinicians optimize individual treatment plans.
The Effectiveness of Automated Writing Evaluation on Writing Quality: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhai Na , Ma Xiaomei
Published: November 2022

Automated writing evaluation (AWE) has been frequently used to provide feedback on student writing. Many empirical studies have examined the effectiveness of AWE on writing quality, but the results were inconclusive. Thus, the magnitude of AWE’s overall effect and factors influencing its effectiveness across studies remained unclear. This study re-examined the issue by meta-analyzing the results of 26 primary studies with a total of 2468 participants from 2010 to 2022. The results revealed that AWE had a large positive overall effect on writing quality (g = 0.861, p < 0.001). Further moderator analyses indicated that AWE was more effective for post-secondary students than for secondary students and had more benefits for English as a Foreign Language (EFL) and English as a Second Language (ESL) learners than for Native English Speaker (NES) learners. When the genre of writing was considered, AWE showed a more significant impact on argumentative writing than on academic and mixed writing genres. However, intervention duration, feedback combination, and AWE platform did not moderate the effect of AWE on writing quality. The implications and recommendations for both research and practice are discussed in depth.
Computer-assisted assembly process planning for the installation of flexible cables modeled according to a viscoelastic Cosserat rod model
Authors: Du Hongwang , Jiang Qinwen , Xiong Wei
Published: November 2022

Available computer-aided assembly process planning methods fail to provide the necessary level of accuracy required by modern complex planning processes owing to the neglect of the internal friction arising in the process of cable movement and large cable deformation conditions. The present study addresses this issue by developing a computer-aided assembly process planning method that inherently considers the tensile, bending, and torsional deformations of cables based on a dynamic viscoelastic Cosserat model describing cable motion. The simulation module of the virtual cable assembly process integrates and optimizes an efficient and robust algorithm for rapidly solving the dynamic cable model based on a semi-implicit Euler method. The performance of the proposed method is verified by demonstrating the rationality and accuracy of the assembly path planning and multi-cable assembly sequence obtained by the virtual assembly simulation module for a modeled prototype of a complex electromechanical product produced in the aerospace industry.
Mesenchymal Stromal Cell–Based Therapy for Dry Eye: Current Status and Future Perspectives
Authors: Jiang Yuting , Lin Shu , Gao Yingying
Published: November 2022

Dry eye is one of the most common chronic diseases in ophthalmology. It affects quality of life and has become a public health problem that cannot be ignored. The current treatment methods mainly include artificial tear replacement therapy, anti-inflammatory therapy, and local immunosuppressive therapy. These treatments are mainly limited to improvement of ocular surface discomfort and other symptoms. In recent years, regenerative medicine has developed rapidly, and ophthalmologists are working on new methods to treat dry eye. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have anti-inflammatory, tissue repair, and immune regulatory effects, and have become a promising tool for the treatment of dry eye. These effects can also be produced by MSC-derived exosomes (MSC-Exos). As a cell-free therapy, MSC-Exos are hypoimmunogenic, serve more stable entities, and compared with MSCs, reduce the safety risks associated with the injection of live cells. This article reviews current knowledge about MSCs and MSC-Exos, and highlights the latest progress and future prospects of MSC-based therapy in dry eye treatment.