bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding the experiences and perception of people living with HIV on integrative traditional East Asian medicine management in Korea: an interview protocol for qualitative research
Authors: Youn Inae , Cheong Moon Joo , Kim Jinwon , Kim Soo Im , Kim Hye Kyung , Kwon Miri , Seo Joohee , Nam Dongwoo , Leem Jungtae
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Patients with HIV/AIDS have been able to experience the average life expectancy of the general population due to medical advancements. However, they face physical, emotional and social difficulties that worsen their quality of life. The pharmacological approach is often the first choice to address these issues, but it involves some limitations. Integrative traditional East Asian medicine (ITEAM) can compensate for the limitations of drugs and can be applied to treat physiological and psychiatric problems. In Korea, ITEAM interventions are easily accessible under the government insurance. However, the experiences, perceptions and barriers to the use of ITEAM in patients with HIV/AIDS are less studied. Therefore, we will interview them to explore their experiences and examine the strengths, limitations, barriers and improvements in the use of ITEAM.

Methods and analysis

This is a qualitative study using a phenomenological framework. We will conduct one-to-one interviews with 3–10 patients with HIV/AIDS who have been treated with ITEAM from March 2021 to January 2022. We will present semistructured open-ended questions and analyse them using experiential phenomenological research methods. The results will be reported in accordance with the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Studies.

Ethics and dissemination

This research was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the National Medical Center (IRB number, NMC-2101-008). The results of this study will be disseminated through journal articles, newspapers and conference proceedings.

Trial registration number

Clinical Research Information Service: KCT0005855; Pre-results.
Use of glucose for pain management in premature neonates: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Oliveira Débora Joyce Duarte , Medeiros Kleyton Santos , Sarmento Ayane Cristine Alves , Oliveira Francisca Jennifer Duarte , Costa Ana Paula Ferreira , Souza Nilba Lima , Gonçalves Ana Katherine , Silva Maria de Lourdes Costa
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Therapeutic management of neonatal pain is essential to reduce changes in initial and subsequent development. Although glucose has been shown to be effective in relieving pain, concentrations and dosages remain to be standardised. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to identify the efficacy of glucose as an analgesic in preterm infants.

Methods and analysis

The Web of Science, Science Direct, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, ClinicalTrials.gov, PubMed, Medline, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature and Embase databases will be researched for randomised studies published until December 2021. This systematic review and meta-analysis will include studies investigating the use of glucose for pain control in premature neonates. The primary outcome will be pain relief. Three independent reviewers will select the studies and extract the data from original publications. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Data synthesis will be performed using the Review Manager software (RevMan V.5.2.3). We will evaluate heterogeneity based on I2statistics. In addition, quantitative synthesis will be performed if the included studies are sufficiently homogeneous.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval for the research will not be required for this systematic review. The results of this study will be published in an international journal.

Trial registration number

This protocol was submitted to the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO, number CRD42021236217).
Trend and decomposition analysis of risk factors of childbirths with no one present in Nigeria, 1990–2018
Authors: Fagbamigbe Adeniyi Francis , Bello Segun , Salawu Mobolaji M , Afolabi Rotimi F , Gbadebo Babatunde M , Adebowale Ayo S
Published: December 2021

Objectives

To assess the trend and decompose the determinants of delivery with no one present (NOP) at birth with an in-depth subnational analysis in Nigeria.

Design

Cross-sectional.

Setting

Nigeria, with five waves of nationally representative data in 1990, 2003, 2008, 2013 and 2018.

Participants

Women with at least one childbirth within 5 years preceding each wave of data collection.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The outcome of interest is giving birth with NOP at delivery defined as childbirth assisted by no one. Data were analysed using Χ2and multivariate decomposition analyses at a 5% significance level.

Results

The prevalence of having NOP at delivery was 15% over the studied period, ranges from 27% in 1990 to 11% in 2018. Overall, the prevalence of having NOP at delivery reduced significantly by 35% and 61% within 2003–2018 and 1990–2018, respectively (p<0.001). We found wide variations in NOP across the states in Nigeria. The highest NOP practice was in Zamfara (44%), Kano (40%) and Katsina (35%); while the practice was 0.1% in Bayelsa, 0.8% in Enugu, 0.9% in Osun and 1.1% in Imo state. The decomposition analysis of the changes in having NOP at delivery showed that 85.4% and 14.6% were due to differences in women’s characteristics (endowment) and effects (coefficient), respectively. The most significant contributions to the changes were the decision-maker of healthcare utilisation (49%) and women educational status (24%). Only Gombe experienced a significant increase (p<0.05) in the level of having NOP between 2003 and 2018.

Conclusion

A long-term decreasing secular trend of NOP at delivery was found in Nigeria. NOP is more prevalent in the northern states than in the south. Achieving zero prevalence of NOP at delivery in Nigeria would require a special focus on healthcare utilisation, enhancing maternal education and healthcare utilisation decision-making power.
Protocol for a pilot randomised controlled trial of zoledronic acid to prevent bone loss following sleeve gastrectomy surgery
Authors: Flores Laura E , Mack Lynn , Wichman Christopher , Weaver Ashley A , Kothari Vishal , Bilek Laura D
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is an increasingly used and effective treatment for obesity; however, the rapid weight loss associated with SG adversely affects bone metabolism predisposing patients to skeletal fragility. Bisphosphonate medications have been evaluated for safety and efficacy in combating bone loss in patients with osteoporosis, but their use in SG-induced bone loss is limited. The goal of this study is to investigate how a one-time infusion of zoledronic acid compares to placebo, in its ability to combat SG-associated bone loss.

Methods and analysis

This research protocol is a 9-month, pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 30 adult SG patients randomised to receive an infusion of either 5 mg of zoledronic acid or placebo, 6 weeks following surgery. To be included participants must be <350 lbs/158.8 kg, free of bone-impacting pathologies or medications, and must have adequate serum calcium and vitamin D levels at baseline. The primary outcome is change in areal bone mineral density (aBMD) at the total hip. Secondary outcomes include change in aBMD of the femoral neck, and lumbar spine, and change in volumetric BMD at the lumbar spine. The primary aim will be tested using a linear mixed model fit with total hip aBMD at 9 months as the outcome. Treatment, participant sex and menopausal status will be considered in analysis. Groups will be compared using contrast statements at 9 months, with change over 9 months being the primary comparison.

Ethics and dissemination

This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the University of Nebraska Medical Center (IRB820-19). Written consent will be obtained from participants at enrolment by trained staff. Careful and thorough explanation are used in obtainment of consent and voluntariness is emphasised throughout the trial. The findings of this study will be presented locally, nationally, and published in peer-reviewed journals. Additional details will be reported on ClinicalTrials.gov.

Trial registration number

NCT04279392
Timely community palliative and end-of-life care: a realist synthesis
Authors: Petrova Mila , Wong Geoff , Kuhn Isla , Wellwood Ian , Barclay Stephen
Published: December 2021

Background

Community-based and home-based palliative and end-of-life care (PEoLC) services, often underpinned by primary care provision, are becoming increasingly popular. One of the key challenges associated with them is their timely initiation. The latter requires an accurate enough prediction of how close to death a patient is.

Methods

Using ‘realist synthesis’ tools, this review sought to develop explanations of how primary care and community PEoLC programmes generate their outcomes, with the explanations presented as context–mechanism–outcome configurations. Medline, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, ASSIA, Sociological Abstracts and SCIE Social Care Online were originally searched. A multistage process of focusing the review was employed, with timely identification of the EoL stage and timely initiation of associated services representing the final review focus. Synthesised sources included 21 full-text documents and 324 coded abstracts, with 253 ‘core contents’ abstracts generating >800 codes.

Results

Numerous PEoLC policies and programmes are embedded in a framework of Preparation and Planning for Death and Dying, with identification of the dying stage setting in motion key systems and services. This is challenged by: (1) accumulated evidence demonstrating low accuracy of prognostic judgements; (2) many individuals’ orientation towards Living and Hope; (3) expanding grey zones between palliative and curative care; (4) the complexity of referral decisions; (5) the loss of pertinent information in hierarchical relationships and (6) the ambiguous value of having ‘more time’.

Conclusion

Prioritising temporal criteria in initiating PEoLC services is not sufficiently supported by current evidence and can have significant unintended consequences.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42018097218.
Design of ACS Architecture Using FinFET and CNTFET Devices for Low-Power Viterbi Decoder Using Asynchronous Techniques for Digital Communication Systems
Authors: Bernard Rayappa A , Sundararajan TVP
Published: December 2021

Viterbi algorithm is the most popular algorithm used to decode the convolution code, but its computational complexity increases exponentially with the increasing constraint length due to a large number of Trellis transitions. However, high constraint length is necessary to improve the accuracy of the decoding process for the high rate convolution code. In particular, the Add-Compare-Select (ACS) module of the Viterbi Decoder will have large numbers of trellis states and trellis transitions with increased constraint lengths, which give rise to high hardware complexity and large power consumption. As the performance of the Viterbi decoder mainly depends on its efficient implementation of the ACS module, in the literature, several methods are presented for the implementation of ACS for the Viterbi decoder. The methods based on Precharge Half Buffer (PCHB) and Weak Conditioned Half Buffer, Shannon’s decomposition circuits, body-biased pseudo-NMOS logic and Quasi Delay Insensitive (QDI) timing model performance is analyzed. The methods are implemented using CMOS technology. In this paper, FinFET and CNTFET-based ACS implementation is performed. From the analysis, it has been found that the Carbon Nanotube-based implementation is better in performance when compared to the CMOS and FinFET technology. The proposed QDI model and retiming circuits for ACS block operate above 1[Formula: see text]GHz with high driving current and low power.
COUPLED OPEN INNOVATION AND PERFORMANCE IN SMES: THE ROLE OF KNOWLEDGE CAPABILITIES AND ENVIRONMENTAL DYNAMISM
Authors: CHABBOUH HAJER , BOUJELBÈNE YOUNÈS
Published: December 2021

This research proposes to shed light on the antecedents and outcomes of coupled open innovation in the specific context of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Drawing on the open innovation paradigm, knowledge-based view (KBV), and contingency theory, the paper constructs and tests a research model that investigates the effect of coupled open innovation on firm performance; the impact of knowledge management capability, knowledge appropriation capability, and environmental dynamism on coupled open innovation; and also the mediating role of collaborative open innovation practices. Using a sample of 228 SMEs operating in the Tunisian manufacturing industry, our results based on structural equation modeling (SEM) demonstrate that coupled open innovation positively and significantly influences firm performance. Furthermore, our findings confirm the crucial impact of knowledge management capacity and knowledge appropriation capacity in the implementation of coupled open innovation approach. The role of environmental dynamism in the adoption of collaborative practices is also proven in the SME context. Moreover, the results of our study add to the existing literature by empirically demonstrating the potential mediating role of coupled open innovation in the relationships that link knowledge management capacity, knowledge appropriation capacity, and environmental dynamism with SME performance, respectively. In this sense, this paper goes even further in the research on open innovation, as one of the first to fill an interesting gap regarding the antecedents of coupled open innovation and its implication on performance in the specific context of SMEs. In doing so, our research, through its results, provides interesting suggestions for SME managers who implement or intend to implement coupled open innovation to improve the performance of their company.
Dynamos in the Inner Solar System
Authors: Tikoo Sonia M. , Evans Alexander J.
Published: December 2021

Dynamo magnetic fields are primarily generated by thermochemical convection of electrically conductive liquid metal within planetary cores. Convection can be sustained by secular cooling and may be bolstered by compositional buoyancy associated with core solidification. Additionally, mechanical stirring of core fluids and external perturbations by large impact events, tidal effects, and orbital precession can also contribute to sustaining dynamo fields. Convective dynamos cease when the core-mantle heat flux becomes subadiabatic or if specific crystallization regimes inhibit core fluid flows. Therefore, exploring the histories of magnetic fields across the Solar System provides a window into the thermal and chemical evolution of planetary interiors. Here we review how recent spacecraft-based studies of remanent crustal magnetism, paleomagnetic studies of rock samples, and planetary interior models have revealed the magnetic and evolutionary histories of Mercury, Earth, Mars, the Moon, and several planetesimals, as well as discuss avenues for future exploration and discovery. ▪ Paleomagnetism and remanent crustal magnetism studies elucidate the magnetic histories of rocky planetary bodies. ▪ Records of ancient dynamo fields have been obtained from 3 out of 4 terrestrial planets, the Moon, and several planetesimals. ▪ The geometries, intensities, and longevities of dynamo fields can provide information on core processes and planetary thermal evolution.
Health-Related Quality of Life Measurement in Public Health
Authors: Kaplan Robert M. , Hays Ron D.
Published: December 2021

Patient-reported outcomes are recognized as essential for the evaluation of medical and public health interventions. Over the last 50 years, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) research has grown exponentially from 0 to more than 17,000 papers published annually. We provide an overview of generic HRQoL measures used widely in epidemiological studies, health services research, population studies, and randomized clinical trials [e.g., Medical Outcomes Study SF-36 and the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS®)-29]. In addition, we review methods used for economic analysis and calculation of the quality-adjusted life year (QALY). These include the EQ-5D, the Health Utilities Index (HUI), the self-administered Quality of Well-being Scale (QWB-SA), and the Health and Activities Limitation Index (HALex). Furthermore, we consider hybrid measures such as the SF-6D and the PROMIS-Preference (PROPr). The plethora of HRQoL measures has impeded cumulative science because incomparable measures have been used in different studies. Linking among different measures and consensus on standard HRQoL measurement should now be prioritized. In addition, enabling widespread access to common measures is necessary to accelerate future progress.
Effects of menstrual cycle on appetite-regulating hormones and energy intake in response to cycling exercise in physically active women
Authors: Kamemoto Kayoko , Yamada Mizuki , Matsuda Tomoka , Ogata Hazuki , Ishikawa Akira , Kanno Moe , Miyashita Masashi , Sakamaki-Sunaga Mikako
Published: December 2021

To our knowledge, this is the first study to compare how different phases of the menstrual cycle influence appetite-regulating hormones after acute exercise in healthy women. There were no differences in appetite-regulating hormones between the early follicular and midluteal phases, whereas ovarian hormones were remarkably increased by cycling exercise in the midluteal phase. These results highlight that appetite-regulating hormones in response to exercise do not appear to be influenced by the menstrual cycle.
Sports Injury Modeling of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament Based on the Intelligent Finite Element Algorithm
Authors: Huang Xia
Published: December 2021

In order to solve the problem of sports injury modeling of the anterior cruciate ligament, a method based on the intelligent finite element algorithm is proposed. Considering the transverse isotropy of the ligament, this paper constructs a 3D finite element model of the knee joint based on medical image data. The same ligament constitutive equation was used to fit the parameters of stress-strain mechanical experimental curves of three different anterior cruciate ligaments, and the effects of different anterior cruciate ligament mechanical parameters on kinematics and biomechanical properties of the knee joint were compared. The experimental results show that, in models 1, 2, and 3, the maximum stress values appear in the posterolateral of the femoral attachment area of the ligament, which are 16.24 MPa, 16.36 MPa, and 22.05 MPa, respectively. However, the stress values at the tibial attachment area are 9.80, 13.8, and 13.93 MPa, respectively, and the stress values at the anterolateral part of the middle ligament are 6.36, 11.89, and 12.26 MPa, respectively, which are all smaller than those at the femoral attachment area, which also quantitatively explains the clinical phenomenon that ACL fracture often occurs in the femoral attachment area in practice. Thus, the three-dimensional finite element model of the knee joint highly simulates the structure and material properties of the knee joint. This method proves that the intelligent finite element algorithm can effectively solve the modeling problem of sports injury of the anterior cruciate ligament.
Recombinant Human Growth Hormone Inhibits Lipotoxicity, Oxidative Stress, and Apoptosis in a Mouse Model of Diabetic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Pei Zuowei , Wang Xiang , Yang Chenguang , Dong Min , Wang Fang
Published: December 2021

Recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH), widely used in clinical studies, exerts protective effects against cardiac damage. Here, we investigated the effects and mechanisms underlying the effects of rhGH on cardiac functions in db/db mice. C57BL/6J and db/db mice were subjected to rhGH treatment. Metabolic parameters, cardiac function and morphology, oxidative stress, lipid metabolism, and apoptosis were evaluated 16 weeks after rhGH treatment. Although rhGH did not significantly affect fasting blood glucose levels in db/db mice, it protected against diabetic cardiomyopathy, by improving cardiac function and reducing oxidative stress in the heart. In addition, rhGH treatment exhibited anti‐apoptotic effects in the heart of db/db mice. The rhGH treatment, besides inhibiting oxidative stress and apoptosis, ameliorated cardiac dysfunction by inhibiting lipotoxicity in mice with type 2 diabetes. These findings suggest that rhGH is a promising therapeutic agent for diabetic cardiomyopathy.
Discovery and Validation of Novel Methylation Markers in Helicobacter pylori-Associated Gastric Cancer
Authors: Wang Huan , Li Nian-Shuang , He Cong , Xie Chuan , Zhu Yin , Lu Nong-Hua , Hu Yi
Published: December 2021

Previous studies have shown that abnormal methylation is an early key event in the pathogenesis of most human cancers, contributing to the development of tumors. However, little attention has been given to the potential of DNA methylation patterns as markers for Helicobacter pylori- (H. pylori-) associated gastric cancer (GC). In this study, an integrated analysis of DNA methylation and gene expression was conducted to identify some potential key epigenetic markers in H. pylori-associated GC. DNA methylation data of 28 H. pylori-positive and 168 H. pylori-negative GC samples were compared and analyzed. We also analyzed the gene expression data of 18 H. pylori-positive and 145 H. pylori-negative GC cases. Finally, the results were verified by in vitro and in vivo experiments. A total of 5609 differentially methylated regions associated with 2454 differentially methylated genes were identified. A total of 228 differentially expressed genes were identified from the gene expression data of H. pylori-positive and H. pylori-negative GC cases. The screened genes were analyzed for functional enrichment. Subsequently, we obtained 28 genes regulated by methylation through a Venn diagram, and we identified five genes (GSTO2, HUS1, INTS1, TMEM184A, and TMEM190) downregulated by hypermethylation. HUS1, GSTO2, and TMEM190 were expressed at lower levels in GC than in adjacent samples (

P
<
0.05

). Moreover, H. pylori infection decreased HUS1, GSTO2, and TMEM190 expression in vitro and in vivo. Our study identified HUS1, GSTO2, and TMEM190 as novel methylation markers for H. pylori-associated GC.
A Comprehensive Bioinformatic Analysis of NOTCH Pathway Involvement in Stomach Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Xue Dongyun , Li Dong , Dou Cong , Li Junshan
Published: December 2021

Background. Activation of NOTCH signaling pathways, which are key regulators of multiple cellular functions, has been frequently implicated in cancer pathogenesis, and NOTCH inhibitors have received much recent focus in the context of cancer therapeutics. However, the role and possible involvement of NOTCH pathways in stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) are unclear. Here, putative regulatory mechanisms and functions of NOTCH pathways in STAD were investigated. Methods. Publicly available data from the TCGA-STAD database were utilized to explore the involvement of canonical NOTCH pathways in STAD by analyzing RNA expression levels of NOTCH receptors, ligands, and downstream genes. Statistical analysis of the data pertaining to cancer and noncancerous samples was performed using R software packages and public databases/webservers. Results. Significant differential gene expression between control and STAD samples was noted for all NOTCH receptors (NOTCH1, 2, 3, and 4), the delta-like NOTCH ligands (DLL-3 and 4), and typical downstream genes (HES1 and HEY1). Four genes (NOTCH1, NOTCH2, NOTCH3, and HEY1) presented prognostic values for the STAD outcome in terms of overall survival. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that NOTCH family genes-strongly correlated genes were mainly enriched in several KEGG signaling pathways such as the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, human papillomavirus infection, focal adhesion, Rap1 signaling pathway, and ECM-receptor interaction. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) results showed that NOTCH family genes-significantly correlated genes were mainly enriched in four signaling pathways, ECM (extracellular matrix), tumor angiogenesis, inflammatory response, and immune regulation. Conclusions. NOTCH family genes may play an essential role in the progression of STAD by modulating immune cells and mediating ECM synthesis, angiogenesis, focal adhesion, and PI3K-Akt signaling. Multiple NOTCH family genes are valuable candidate biomarkers or therapeutic targets for the management of STAD.
Virtual Simulation Management of Data Traffic Optimization of Big Data Cloud Platform considering Multipoint Mapping Algorithm
Authors: Wu Haibo
Published: December 2021

With the continuous development of Internet, cloud computing, and other technologies, build a cloud platform based on Cloud Computing Center, but how to effectively carry out operation and maintenance and face users to ensure the continuity and effectiveness of the platform is extremely important. In view of these needs and limitations, this paper introduces the multipoint mapping algorithm, combs the statistical methods of platform cloud traffic, carries out platform data traffic by classification, constructs the data traffic optimization management model, analyzes the relevant data samples, carries out statistical calculation for data diversion tasks, analyzes and processes the priority indicators, and forms the final results through continuous iteration, realizing the management of data flow optimization virtual simulation of big data cloud platform. Simulation results show that the multipoint mapping algorithm is effective and can effectively support the data flow of big data cloud platform and optimize virtual simulation management.
Development of the Modularity Measure for Assembly Process Structures
Authors: Modrak Vladimir , Soltysova Zuzana
Published: December 2021

This study is aimed at exploring the problem of quantification of process modularity degree. Modularity as a system design principle is apprehended here as the extent to which processes can be decomposed into modules to be executed in parallel and/or in series. For this purpose, a new method is proposed to measure relative modularity of different assembly process structures. This method is compared with other relative modularity measures, namely singular value modularity index, degree of process module, and process module independence, in order to verify its effectiveness. For this purpose, selected representative types of assembly process structures are used. This testing proved that the proposed relative modularity indicator for manufacturing and/or assembly process structures reflects the expected system property in adequate way.
Gabor Dictionary of Sparse Image Patches Selected in Prior Boundaries for 3D Liver Segmentation in CT Images
Authors: Wang Xuehu , Zhang Zhiling , Wu Kunlun , Yin Xiaoping , Guo Haifeng
Published: December 2021

The gray contrast between the liver and other soft tissues is low, and the boundary is not obvious. As a result, it is still a challenging task to accurately segment the liver from CT images. In recent years, methods of machine learning have become a research hotspot in the field of medical image segmentation because they can effectively use the “gold standard” personalized features of the liver from different data. However, machine learning usually requires a large number of data samples to train the model and improve the accuracy of medical image segmentation. This paper proposed a method for liver segmentation based on the Gabor dictionary of sparse image blocks with prior boundaries. This method reduced the number of samples by selecting the test sample set within the initial boundary area of the liver. The Gabor feature was extracted and the query dictionary was created, and the sparse coefficient was calculated to obtain the boundary information of the liver. By optimizing the reconstruction error and filling holes, a smooth liver boundary was obtained. The proposed method was tested on the MICCAI 2007 dataset and ISBI2017 dataset, and five measures were used to evaluate the results. The proposed method was compared with methods for liver segmentation proposed in recent years. The experimental results show that this method can improve the accuracy of liver segmentation and effectively repair the discontinuity and local overlap of segmentation results.
Generalized and Multiple-Queries-Oriented Privacy Budget Strategies in Differential Privacy via Convergent Series
Authors: Bai Yunlu , Yang Geng , Xiang Yang , Wang Xuan
Published: December 2021

For data analysis with differential privacy, an analysis task usually requires multiple queries to complete, and the total budget needs to be divided into different parts and allocated to each query. However, at present, the budget allocation in differential privacy lacks efficient and general allocation strategies, and most of the research tends to adopt an average or exclusive allocation method. In this paper, we propose two series strategies for budget allocation: the geometric series and the Taylor series. We show the different characteristics of the two series and provide a calculation method for selecting the key parameters. To better reflect a user’s preference of noise during the allocation, we explored the relationship between sensitivity and noise in detail, and, based on this, we propose an optimization for the series strategies. Finally, to prevent collusion attacks and improve security, we provide three ideas for protecting the budget sequence. Both the theoretical analysis and experimental results show that our methods can support more queries and achieve higher utility. This shows that our series allocation strategies have a high degree of flexibility which can meet the user’s need and allow them to be better applied to differentially private algorithms to achieve high performance while maintaining the security.
Proximate Composition, Physicochemical, Functional, and Antioxidant Properties of Flours from Selected Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) Varieties
Authors: Nilusha R. A. T. , Jayasinghe J. M. J. K. , Perera O. D. A. N. , Perera P. I. P. , Jayasinghe C. V. L.
Published: December 2021

Cassava flour has a high potential to contribute as a raw material in the food industry. This study was aimed at characterizing flours from Sri Lankan cassava varieties with a view to explore the potential in food applications. Flours prepared from five cassava varieties, namely, Kirikawadi, MU51, Swarna, Shani, and Suranimala, were analyzed for proximate composition and physicochemical, functional, and antioxidant properties using standard methods. Flours from tested cassava varieties contained <1% crude fat and <2% crude protein. Flour from MU51 contained the highest amount of HCN (48.05 mg/kg) while flour from Suranimala contained the lowest (4.85 mg/kg). Total starch and amylose contents of flours were significantly lower (

p
<
0.05

) than those of commercial wheat flour. Flour from Suranimala contained approximately similar amylopectin content as commercial wheat flour. Water absorption capacity, oil absorption capacity, water solubility index, swelling power, emulsion activity, and emulsion stability of flours from five cassava varieties were significantly higher (

p
<
0.05

) than those of commercial wheat flour. Swarna was identified as the richest source of phenolic compounds (4.44 mmol GAE/100 g dry weight) among the five varieties. Results showed the promising application potential of flours from these five cassava varieties in different food applications such as weaning foods, bakery foods, and edible films.
Langevin Equations with Generalized Proportional Hadamard–Caputo Fractional Derivative
Authors: Barakat M. A. , Soliman Ahmed H. , Hyder Abd-Allah
Published: December 2021

We look at fractional Langevin equations (FLEs) with generalized proportional Hadamard–Caputo derivative of different orders. Moreover, nonlocal integrals and nonperiodic boundary conditions are considered in this paper. For the proposed equations, the Hyres–Ulam (HU) stability, existence, and uniqueness (EU) of the solution are defined and investigated. In implementing our results, we rely on two important theories that are Krasnoselskii fixed point theorem and Banach contraction principle. Also, an application example is given to bolster the accuracy of the acquired results.
Low-Malignant Schwannoma of the Cervix in Pregnancy: A Case Report and Literature Systematic Review
Authors: ALMIRANTE Giada M. , CANTATORE Francesco , TACCAGNI Gianluca , CANDIANI Massimo , ORIGONI Massimo
Published: December 2021

Primary cervical melanocytic schwannomas, arising from the sympathetic chain, are very rare pigmented neural sheath tumors that, both grossly and clinically, are often misdiagnosed with other more frequent lesions of the uterine cervix. Literature review accounts for seventeen published cases of schwannomas of the cervix, ten of which are malignant and seven benign. Pathological examination with immunostaining techniques is essential for the correct diagnosis of these tumors. We report a case of primary cervical schwannoma in a 32-year-old female who was referred to our department at 13 weeks of gestation with a diagnosis of malignant melanoma of the cervix. Pathological review detailed a neoplasm with a myxoid spindle cell component and a minority of small epithelioid cells, with a low-malignant potential proliferation index: morphological and immunocytochemical findings were compatible with the diagnosis of nerve sheath tumor, type schwannoma. The patient underwent a vaginal trachelectomy and a prophylactic Shirodkar’s cerclage. Pregnancy was carried on without any negative event. The patient delivered by a caesarean section a healthy female newborn. Placental histology was negative. After 6 years from the first diagnosis, the patient is healthy and disease free.
Research on Music Classification Technology Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Zhang Fang
Published: December 2021

With the advent of the digital music era, digital audio sources have exploded. Music classification (MC) is the basis of managing massive music resources. In this paper, we propose a MC method based on deep learning to improve feature extraction and classifier design based on MIDI (musical instrument digital interface) MC task. Considering that the existing classification technology is limited by the shallow structure, it is difficult for the classifier to learn the time sequence and semantic information of music; this paper proposes a MIDIMC method based on deep learning. In the experiment, we use the MC method proposed in this paper to achieve 90.1% classification accuracy, which is better than the existing classification method based on BP neural network, and verify the music with its classification accuracy. The key point is that the music division method used in this paper has correct MC efficiency. However, due to the limited ability and time involved in the interdisciplinary field, the methodology of this paper has certain limitations, which still needs further research and improvement.
Identification and Estimation of Graphical Models with Nonignorable Nonresponse
Authors: Chen Lingju , Hong Shaoxin , Tang Bo
Published: December 2021

We study the identification and estimation of graphical models with nonignorable nonresponse. An observable variable correlated to nonresponse is added to identify the mean of response for the unidentifiable model. An approach to estimating the marginal mean of response is proposed, based on simulation imputation methods which are introduced for a variety of models including linear, generalized linear, and monotone nonlinear models. The proposed mean estimators are

N

-consistent, where N is the sample size. Finite sample simulations confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method. Sensitivity analysis for the untestable assumption on our augmented model is also conducted. A real data example is employed to illustrate the use of the proposed methodology.
Information Fusion and Its Intelligent Sensing for Learning Intervention Model of Educational Big Data
Authors: Pei Ying , Li Gang
Published: December 2021

With the continuous development of science and technology, a large number of devices containing high technology began to appear in people’s lives. With the popularity of big data, it not only drives the development of the whole information industry in society but also leads to different degrees of innovation and development in the reform industry worldwide. The purpose of this paper is to study how to use information fusion and its intelligent sensing technology to play an active role in the education industry, to help students identify problems in the learning process, to give timely intervention and guidance, and to help students complete their learning tasks with high quality. This paper proposes to use information fusion and its intelligent sensing technology to take advantage of learning analytics to collect, organize, analyze, and guide the learning data generated by students in the learning process and then to generate interventions that can have an impact on learning and improve learning methods for students. The experimental results of this paper show that after the learning intervention, the students’ frequency in discussion and communication was 72 in the first four weeks and reached 300 after the intervention, and the learning resources changed from 95 to 370 after the learning intervention, which is very significant progress.
Some New Inequalities Using Nonintegral Notion of Variables
Authors: Singh Abha , Ganie Abdul Hamid , Albaidani Mashael M.
Published: December 2021

The object of this paper is to present an extension of the classical Hadamard fractional integral. We will establish some new results of generalized fractional inequalities.
Variable Step Size Adams Methods for BSDEs
Authors: Han Qiang
Published: December 2021

For backward stochastic differential equations (BSDEs), we construct variable step size Adams methods by means of Itô–Taylor expansion, and these schemes are nonlinear multistep schemes. It is deduced that the conditions of local truncation errors with respect to

Y

and

Z

reach high order. The coefficients in the numerical methods are inferred and bounded under appropriate conditions. A necessary and sufficient condition is given to judge the stability of our numerical schemes. Moreover, the high-order convergence of the schemes is rigorously proved. The numerical illustrations are provided.
Comparison of the Performances of Middle Cerebral Artery Peak Systolic Velocity and Cardiothoracic Diameter Ratio in Predicting Fetal Anemia: Using Fetal Hemoglobin Bart’s Disease as a Study Model
Authors: Chankhunaphas Wisit , Tongsong Theera , Tongprasert Fuanglada , Srisupundit Kasemsri , Luewan Suchaya , Traisrisilp Kuntharee , Jatavan Phudit
Published: December 2021

Objective: The aim of the study was to compare the performances of cardiothoracic diameter ratio (CTR) and middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity (MCA-PSV) in predicting fetal hemoglobin (Hb) Bart’s disease and identify the best CTR cut-off for each gestational period. Methods: Pregnancies at risk of fetal Hb Bart’s disease (gestational ages of 12–36 weeks) were prospectively recruited to undergo ultrasound examination. The measurements of CTR and MCA-PSV were performed and recorded before invasive diagnosis. Results: During the study period (2005–2019), a total of 1,717 pregnancies at risk of fetal Hb Bart’s disease met the inclusion criteria and were available for analysis, including 329 (19.2%) fetuses with Hb Bart’s disease. The mean gestational age at the time of diagnosis was 19.30 ± 5.6 weeks, ranging from 12 to 36 weeks. The overall performance of CTR Z-scores is superior to that of MCA-PSV multiple of median (MoM) values; area under curve of 0.866 versus 0.711, p value <0.001. The diagnostic indices of CTR and MCA-PSV are increased with gestational age. Based on receiver operating characteristic curves of CTR Z-scores, the best cut-off points of CTR at 12–14, 15–17, 18–20, 21–23, and ≥24 weeks are 0.48, 0.49, 0.50, 0.51, and 0.54, respectively. The best cut-off of MCA-PSV is 1.3 MoM, giving the best performance at 21–23 weeks with a sensitivity of 91.8% and specificity of 85.5%. Conclusion: The performance of CTR is much better than MCA-PSV in predicting fetal anemia caused by Hb Bart’s disease. Nevertheless, whether this can be reproduced in anemia due to other causes, like isoimmunization, is yet to be explored.
Prediction of Postoperative Delirium after Gastrointestinal Surgery Using the Mie Constructional Apraxia Scale
Authors: Tenpaku Yosuke , Satoh Masayuki , Kato Kenji , Fujinaga Kazuhisa , Haruki Yuji , Nakahashi Hiroki , Morikawa Keisuke , Imaoka Yasunori , Takemura Hiroyuki , Tatsumi Hiroshi
Published: December 2021

Background: Postoperative delirium (POD) is a transient postoperative complication that occurs after surgical procedures. Risk factors reported for POD include dementia and cognitive decline. The purpose of this study was to identify predictors of POD by examining the use of preoperative neuropsychological tests, including the Mie Constructional Apraxia Scale (MCAS), and patient background factors. Method: The study was performed as a retrospective cohort study. The subjects were 33 patients (mean age, 75.8 ± 10.9 years; male:female ratio, 26:7) who underwent gastrointestinal surgery at Matsusaka City Hospital between December 2019 and April 2021. Data were collected retrospectively from medical records. The study was started after receiving approval from the institution’s ethics committee. The survey items included general patient information, nutritional assessment, surgical information, and neuropsychological tests. Subjects were classified into 2 groups according to the presence or absence of POD. If a significant difference was observed between the 2 groups, the sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve were calculated using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Result: There were 10 patients in the POD group (male:female ratio, 6:4) and 23 patients in the non-POD group (20:3). The POD group had a shorter education history (p = 0.047) and significantly higher MCAS scores (p = 0.007) than the non-POD group. The ROC curve showed a sensitivity of 90%, a specificity of 69%, and an area under the curve of 0.798 when the MCAS cutoff value was set at 3 points. Conclusion: Preoperative MCAS results were capable of predicting the occurrence of POD after gastrointestinal surgery. In addition, a relatively short education background was also considered a risk factor for POD.
Food-Induced Anaphylaxis among Children Weighing <15 kg: A Single-Center Case Series of the Pediatric Emergency Department
Authors: Tabata Kenshiro , Fukuie Tatsuki , Narita Masami , Inagaki Shinichiro , Ohnishi Shima , Tsuji Satoshi , Kubota Mitsuru , Ishiguro Akira , Ohya Yukihiro
Published: December 2021

Introduction: Food-induced anaphylaxis among infants shows an increasing prevalence; however, the prescription of epinephrine auto-injectors (EAIs) for children weighing <15 kg is associated with issues of the needle length and the epinephrine dose. Several studies have shown age-related differences in food-induced anaphylaxis, although little is known about the weight-related differences in food-induced anaphylaxis. This study aimed to reveal the incidence, clinical characteristics, and management of food-induced anaphylaxis in children weighing <15 kg. Methods: This chart review included children who visited the pediatric emergency department (ED) of the National Center for Child Health and Development (Tokyo, Japan) from January 2014 to December 2016 and were diagnosed with food-induced anaphylaxis. The severity of anaphylaxis was evaluated using the Sampson Grading Scale. Results: Of 89,232 ED visits, 444 visits included patients with food-induced anaphylaxis, after excluding cases of food-induced anaphylaxis related to oral desensitization therapy. The incidence was 4.98 per 1,000 visits. More than half of the children (n = 247/444, 55.6%) weighed <15 kg. The proportion of grade 3 and higher severity anaphylactic symptoms was 74.5% (184/247) in children weighing <15 kg and 79.2% (156/197) in children weighing 15 kg or more. The recurrence rate of food-induced anaphylaxis was 22.3% (55/247) in children weighing <15 kg and 48.7% (96/197) in children weighing 15 kg or more. Among the children weighing <15 kg, the proportion of those with recurrent food-induced anaphylaxis was 4 times higher in children weighing 10–15 kg than in those weighing <10 kg (32.2% [47/146] vs. 7.9% [8/101]). The proportion of patients who were prescribed EAIs before each visit was 25.5% (14/55) in children weighing <15 kg with a history of food-induced anaphylaxis. Conclusion: Food-induced anaphylaxis among children weighing <15 kg occurred as frequently and was as severe as that among children weighing 15 kg or more. However, the proportion of patients prescribed EAIs was very low in children weighing <15 kg with food-induced anaphylaxis. The potential need for EAIs is suggested among children weighing <15 kg, especially among children weighing 10 kg or more but <15 kg.
Protector Role of Intraocular Lenses under Artificial Light Conditions
Authors: Fernández-Vega Cueto Andrés , del Olmo-Aguado Susana , García-Pérez Eva , Rodriguez-Uña Ignacio , Fernández-Vega Cueto Luis , Suárez-Barrio Carlota , Alfonso José F. , Fernández-Vega Luis , Merayo-Lloves Jesús
Published: December 2021

Introduction: The aim of this work was to analyze, in an in vitro model, the possible protective effects of ultraviolet- (UV-) or UV/blue-filtering intraocular lens (IOL) under light-emitting diode (LED) lighting conditions. Methods: Ten models of IOLs were evaluated. Light transmission spectrum was recorded from 300 to 800 nm, in steps of 1 nm. Photodamage in vitro model was induced in ARPE-19 cells by blue LED light (465–475 nm). Changes in cell viability and oxidative stress variables were studied to assess the protective effect of IOLs. Results: UV/blue-filtering IOLs models block blue light spectrum in different proportion and UV-filtering IOLs blocking wavelength below 400 nm. However, in vitro study under blue LED light exposure does not show protective effects related with mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress of UV/blue-filtering IOLs. Conclusions: The current in vitro study suggests that UV/blue filtering IOLs are not useful in terms of photoprotection in artificial light conditions. The results obtained indicate that it is needed to give attention to other IOL parameters besides the type of filter, as it seems they could have influence on the protective role.
A secure and energy saving protocol for wireless sensor networks
Authors: Majeed Aso Ahmed , Mahmood Baban Ahmed , Shakir Ahmed Chalak
Published: December 2021

The research domain for wireless sensor networks (WSN) has been extensively conducted due to innovative technologies and research directions that have come up addressing the usability of WSN under various schemes. This domain permits dependable tracking of a diversity of environments for both military and civil applications. The key management mechanism is a primary protocol for keeping the privacy and confidentiality of the data transmitted among different sensor nodes in WSNs. Since node's size is small; they are intrinsically limited by inadequate resources such as battery life-time and memory capacity. The proposed secure and energy saving protocol (SESP) for wireless sensor networks) has a significant impact on the overall network life-time and energy dissipation. To encrypt sent messsages, the SESP uses the public-key cryptography’s concept. It depends on sensor nodes' identities (IDs) to prevent the messages repeated; making security goals- authentication, confidentiality, integrity, availability, and freshness to be achieved. Finally, simulation results show that the proposed approach produced better energy consumption and network life-time compared to LEACH protocol; sensors are dead after 900 rounds in the proposed SESP protocol. While, in the low-energy adaptive clustering hierarchy (LEACH) scheme, the sensors are dead after 750 rounds.