bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
S3UCA: Soft-Margin Support Vector Machine-Based Social Network User Credibility Assessment Method
Authors: Zhao Kang , Xing Ling , Wu Honghai
Published: November 2021

Among the algorithms used to assess user credibility in social networks, most of them quantify user information and then calculate the user credibility measure by linear summation. The algorithm above, however, ignores the aliasing of user credibility results under the linear summation dimension, resulting in a low evaluation accuracy. To solve this problem, we propose a user credibility evaluation method based on a soft-margin support-vector machine (SVM). This method transforms the user credibility evaluation dimension from a linear summation dimension to a plane coordinate dimension, which reduces the evaluation errors caused by user aliasing in the classification threshold interval. In the quantization of user information, the ladder assignment method is used to process the user text information and numeric information, and the weight assignment method of information entropy is used to calculate the weight assignment among different feature items, which reduces the errors caused by the inconsistency of the order of magnitude among different types of user information. Simulation results demonstrate the superiority of the proposed method in the user’s credibility evaluation results.
Multi-Indicator Intelligent Monitoring of Clinical Observations to Reduce Cesarean Section
Authors: Xie Shasha , Dong Wei , Liu Yeting , Gao Haixiao , Zhang Dan
Published: November 2021

In order to analyze multi-index monitoring and the effect of reducing cesarean section, this paper selects March 2018 and March 2019 in two obstetrics and gynecology hospitals, referred to as hospital A and hospital B. As research objects, 313 pregnant women were divided into multi-index group and conventional group, while analyzing various indicators of each group of cesarean collection. The results show that the total CNAXE rate was 48.10% and 39.29%, respectively, for 2018 and 2019, respectively, and the cesarean section of the conventional group was 65.75% and 63.64%. By contrasting data of multi-index group and conventional group, hospital B differences were significant (

P

 < 0.05), and hospital A difference was extremely significant (

P

 < 0.01). In Cesarean section, obstetric sectors can help maternal treatment strategies by monitoring a series of related indicators for maternal to reduce Cesarean section and improve prognosis.
In Vitro and In Vivo Efficacy of New Composite for Direct Pulp Capping
Authors: Silva Julianne Coelho , Rifane Tainah Oliveira , Ferreira-Junior Antônio Ernando , Alves Ana Paula , Miron Richard , Zhang Yufeng , Fechine Pierre Basílio Almeida , Carvalho Elayne Valério , Feitosa Victor Pinheiro
Published: November 2021

Objectives. To investigate physicochemical properties, dentin bonding, cytotoxicity, and in vivo pulp response of experimental self‐adhesive composites tailored to direct pulp capping. Materials and Methods. Experimental composites were prepared with beta‐tricalcium phosphate and hydroxyapatite nanoparticles adsorbed with simvastatin and glutathione added at 0% (control resin), 1 wt% (Res 1%), and 10 wt% (Res 10%). A commercial light‐curable calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) (Ultra‐Blend Plus) was used as control material. The physicochemical properties investigated were flexural strength and modulus, calcium release, and degree of conversion. Dentin bonding was assessed by the push‐out test. Proliferation and cell counting assays were performed to evaluate in vitro cytotoxicity using fluorescence microscopy. In vivo pulp capping was performed on molars of Wistar rats, which were euthanized after 14 days and evaluated by histological analysis. Results. No statistical difference was observed in flexural strength and cell viability (p > 0.05). Res 10% presented higher modulus than control resin and Ca(OH)2. Also, Res 10% attained statistically higher degree of conversion when compared to other experimental composites. Ca(OH)2 showed higher calcium release after 28 and 45 days of storage, with no statistical difference at 45 days to Res 10%. All experimental composites achieved significantly higher bond strength when compared to Ca(OH)2. While no significant difference was observed in the cell proliferation rates, resins at lower concentrations showed higher cell viability. In vivo evaluation of pulp response demonstrated no pulp damage with experimental composites. Conclusions. The experimental composite investigated in this study achieved adequate physicochemical properties with minor in vivo pulpal inflammation and proved to be a valuable alternative for direct pulp capping.
Mathematical Analysis and Optimal Control of Giving up the Smoking Model
Authors: Khyar Omar , Danane Jaouad , Allali Karam
Published: November 2021

In this study, we are going to explore mathematically the dynamics of giving up smoking behavior. For this purpose, we will perform a mathematical analysis of a smoking model and suggest some conditions to control this serious burden on public health. The model under consideration describes the interaction between the potential smokers

P

, the occasional smokers

L

, the chain smokers

S

, the temporarily quit smokers

Q

T

, and the permanently quit smokers

Q

P

. Existence, positivity, and boundedness of the proposed problem solutions are proved. Local stability of the equilibria is established by using Routh–Hurwitz conditions. Moreover, the global stability of the same equilibria is fulfilled through using suitable Lyapunov functionals. In order to study the optimal control of our problem, we will take into account a two controls’ strategy. The first control will represent the government prohibition of smoking in public areas which reduces the contact between nonsmokers and smokers, while the second will symbolize the educational campaigns and the increase of cigarette cost which prevents occasional smokers from becoming chain smokers. The existence of the optimal control pair is discussed, and by using Pontryagin minimum principle, these two optimal controls are characterized. The optimality system is derived and solved numerically using the forward and backward difference approximation. Finally, numerical simulations are performed in order to check the equilibria stability, confirm the theoretical findings, and show the role of optimal strategy in controlling the smoking severity.
Efficacy and Safety of Wenbu Zhibi Granule in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Trial
Authors: Zhang Helou , Yu Yang , Du Weibin , Wu Fengqing , Zheng Yang , Ren Conglin , Zhou Huateng , Wu Yijiang , Gao Yang , Ren Weifan , Quan Renfu
Published: November 2021

Background. Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic disease in which the column is the main lesion. It is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, mainly involving the axial skeleton, resulting in column rigidity and difficulty in movement, and there may be different degrees of eye, lung, cardiovascular, kidney, and other organ damage. Long-term treatment lacks in ankylosing spondylitis. Wenbu Zhibi granule (WZG) is a prescription handed down from the history of Chinese medicine for thousands of years, which is used to treat the pain of patients with AS and to prevent the further development of the disease. However, there is no scientific evidence based on clinical trials to evaluate the efficacy and safety of WZG for ankylosing spondylitis. Methods/Design. We will conduct a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the WZG in the treatment of AS. We will randomly assign 100 patients with active AS to two groups, treated for 16 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoint is the proportion of subjects who reached 40% improvement criteria proposed by Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society (ASAS40) at 16 weeks from baseline, the secondary efficacy endpoint includes ASAS20 response rate, ASAS partial remission response rate, 5/6 improvement criteria proposed by ASAS (ASAS5/6) response rate, and change in the Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada (SPARCC) MRI spine score, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS), linear Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI), ankylosing spondylitis quality of life (ASQoL). In addition, the time points will be set as baseline, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks, 16 weeks, 24 weeks, and 48 weeks. Discussion. The results of this study will elucidate the efficacy and safety of WZG and provide an appropriate treatment option for patients with AS. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/ChiCTR2000041010. (Chinese Clinical Trail Registry, Registered 16 December 2020, http://www.chictr.org.cn).
Research on the Preparation of Microbial Capsules by Epoxy Resin‐Coated Bacillus pasteurii
Authors: Hu Yingying , Liu Weitao , Jia Xinlei , Xu Lanjuan , Shen Jianjun , Hu Xiangming
Published: November 2021

With the increasing number of underground engineering construction projects such as coal mining, tunnel, and subway, water inrush disasters occur more and more frequently. Inspired by the phenomenon of microbial mineralization and diagenesis, microbial‐induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) is used to repair cracks in cement‐based materials, which provides a new idea to solve the problem of water inrush. To investigate the self‐healing properties of microbial capsules, this paper selected epoxy resin E‐51 cured by DMP‐30 as the wall material and Bacillus pasteurii as the core materials for experiments. In this paper, a single‐factor method was adopted to determine the optimal preparation process of microbial capsules and the oil‐phase separation method to prepare the microbial capsules. The effects of various factors on the experimental results under different core‐wall ratios, reaction time, reaction temperatures, and agitation rates were analyzed. Microbial capsules were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and optical microscopy to explore the functional groups and features of microbial capsules. The experimental results showed that the microbial capsules achieved the best performance with a core‐to‐wall ratio of 1 : 3, a reaction temperature of 50°C, a reaction time of 40 min, and a stirring rate of 300 rpm. Meanwhile, we determined the spore survival rate of microbial capsules and finally studied the waterproofness, storage stability, and rupture under the pressure of microbial capsules. We concluded that microbial capsules have high‐efficiency and self‐healing properties.
Prevalence of Intestinal Protozoan Parasites and Associated Risk Factors among School Children in Merhabete District, Central Ethiopia
Authors: Dagne Nigus , Alelign Amir
Published: November 2021

Background. Intestinal protozoan parasitic infections remain one of the major public health problems in tropical regions especially, among developing countries such as Ethiopia. However, no enough epidemiological data is available in this respect in many parts of the country. Hence, this study was aimed at assessing the prevalence of intestinal protozoan parasitic infections and their associated risk factors among school children in Zeita village, Merhabete District, North Shewa Zone, Central Ethiopia. Methods. A cross-sectional parasitological survey was conducted from January to March 2020. A total of 280 children from Zeita primary school were selected using stratified random sampling techniques. Stool samples were collected and examined using direct wet mount, Formal-Ether concentration and Modified Zeihel-Neelsen staining techniques. Results. The overall prevalence of intestinal protozoan parasitic infection was found to be 46.8% (131/280). The three predominant protozoan parasites detected in this study were Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, and Cryptosporidium parvum which were observed in 70 (25.2%), 54 (19.3%), and 7 (2.5%) of the study participants, respectively. Sociodemographic characteristics of the study subjects such as family occupation (

P
=
0.028

), sources of drinking water (

P
=
0.001

), water handling practice (

P
=
0.027

), habit of eating vegetable (

P
=
0.001

), and presence of latrine were observed to be significantly associated risk factors for the occurrence of human intestinal protozoan parasites. Conclusion. A high prevalence of intestinal protozoan parasitic infection which has been contributed by different risk factors was revealed in this study. The findings suggested a need of collaborative effort among the educational and health authorities to control the infection in the study area.
Toeplitz Operators with Lagrangian Invariant Symbols Acting on the Poly-Fock Space of

ℂ

n
Authors: Arroyo Neri Jorge Luis , Sánchez-Nungaray Armando , Hernández Marroquin Mauricio , López-Martínez Raquiel R.
Published: November 2021

We introduce the so-called extended Lagrangian symbols, and we prove that the

C

∗

-algebra generated by Toeplitz operators with these kind of symbols acting on the homogeneously poly-Fock space of the complex space

ℂ

n

is isomorphic and isometric to the

C

∗

-algebra of matrix-valued functions on a certain compactification of

ℝ

n

obtained by adding a sphere at the infinity; moreover, the matrix values at the infinity points are equal to some scalar multiples of the identity matrix.
Research on Safety Evaluation of Commercial Vehicle Driving Behavior Based on Data Mining Technology
Authors: He Shuilong , Wang Yongliang , Chen Yuye , Xiao Fei , Deng Jucai , Xu Enyong
Published: November 2021

The arrival of big data era of internet of vehicles promotes the rapid development of logistics industry, which also indirectly leads to the high traffic accident rate, resulting in huge casualties and property losses. Driving behavior is considered the most central factor leading to traffic accidents. Therefore, a scientific and effective method for evaluating the safety of commercial vehicle driving behavior is urgently needed. In this study, a comprehensive evaluation model of driving behavior security based on multimembership function is proposed, and entropy weight method (EWM), analytic hierarchy process (AHP), and fuzzy comprehensive evaluation algorithm are integrated. Firstly, the evaluation system of commercial vehicle safety of driving behavior is established. Secondly, the weight vector of each evaluation index is determined by combining EW‐AHP to eliminate the subjectivity of the traditional AHP algorithm. Then, the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation matrix is calculated based on the multimembership function and fuzzy mathematics theory, and the quantitative evaluation of driving behavior safety is realized based on the matrix. Finally, the real road vehicle driving data and driving behavior data are verified by experiments. The experimental results show that the model can accurately and reasonably evaluate the safety of driving behavior, which is of great significance to improve road traffic safety.
Cancer Comprehensive Analysis in Gastric Carcinoma: Benefits and New Perspectives
Authors: Pisanidou Vasiliki , Apostolou Panagiotis , Beis Georgios , Hatzidaki Eleana , Papasotiriou Ioannis
Published: November 2021

Gastric cancer is one of the most common and deadly cancers worldwide. Screening tests as well as tools for prediction of treatment outcomes and prognosis have been developed, but they have many limitations. The integration of liquid biopsy provided new aspects in screening and diagnosis of gastric cancer. In the present study, we used different techniques, studying the genetic and epigenetic profile of circulating tumor cells. We aimed to acquire all the available information, compare it with already existing studies, and evaluate the benefit of this approach. A blood sample was isolated from 2 gastric cancer patients at stages III–IV, followed by the isolation of CTCs. The circulating tumor cells were used for array comparative genomic hybridization, next-generation sequencing, and whole gene expression microarrays. Different variants were detected, while the microsatellite instability status was stable in both cases. The tumor mutational burden was low to medium. Gene expression assays revealed that >100 genes were overexpressed compared to noncancer samples. Amplifications of X chromosome were also observed in both cases, by using array comparative genomic hybridization. Although there are several techniques for cancer screening, prediction of therapy outcomes, and prognosis, the application of a complete comprehensive cancer panel, combining the study of variants, fusions, chromosomal abnormalities, and gene expression, is more appropriate. Information provided by the above techniques might contribute in designing more efficient treatment protocols and screening tools. Despite the limitation of samples, the data are encouraging, and further study is needed so that they can be used at clinical level.
Formação de gestores de equipamentos culturais: desafios e perspectivas
Authors: Barros José M´árcio , Rattes Plínio César dos Santos
Published: November 2021

O presente texto discute como e por que a gestão de equipamentos culturais demanda a existência de gestores qualificados e reflete sobre quais habilidades e competências se espera que esses profissionais desenvolvam para realizar uma gestão comprometida com o exercício pleno da cidadania, dos direitos culturais e da proteção e promoção da diversidade cultural. O texto aborda ainda as adversidades que emergiram a partir da pandemia por Covid-19 e que impuseram novos desafios aos equipamentos culturais e aos profissionais que neles atuam.
Tudo junto e misturado: aproximações entre Guimarães Rosa e Milton Nascimento
Authors: Gueraldo Vinícius José Fecchio
Published: November 2021

Guimarães Rosa e Milton Nascimento são artistas intimamente ligados a Minas Gerais. Propõe-se aqui uma comparação entre as suas obras, não tanto pelo tema, mas pela lei estética que as organizam, aquilo que Walter Benjamin chamou de forma interna, que são muito semelhantes em seu teor. Dessa aproximação, buscar-se-á pensar as similaridades e as diferenças entre as produções e, por conseguinte, a maneira como essas leem as contradições da nossa chamada modernização conservada.
First record of Loisirella Holzinger, Holzinger & Egger, 2013 and description of a new species from Brazil (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Cixiidae)
Authors: VIEGAS EDUARDA FERNANDA GOMES , ALE-ROCHA ROSALY , TAKIYA DANIELA MAEDA
Published: November 2021

A second species of the genus Loisirella Holzinger, Holzinger & Egger, 2013, L. xanthosa sp. nov., is described from Amazonas State, Brazil. The new species can be distinguished from L. erwini Holzinger, Holzinger & Egger, 2013, type species of the genus, by the coloration of the body and wing and male genitalia. This species represents the first record of Loisirella from Brazil.
From Strategic Ambiguity to Maximum Pressure? Explaining the Logic of the US Taiwan Policy in the Post–Cold War Era
Authors: Ye Xiaodi
Published: November 2021

How do changes in US Taiwan policy play out? What is the logic behind these changes? To address these questions, existing studies have formulated four schools of explanation, providing valuable theoretical insights. However, these studies have obvious problems with unidirectional dichotomy and thus fail to identify a causal mechanism explaining the long-term trajectory of US Taiwan policy. This article conducts a re-typology of US Taiwan policy to break the traditional strategic ambiguity–clarity dichotomy by establishing three key indicators and argues that the orientation of US China policy and Taiwan’s US policy are the two major factors triggering changes. By conceptualizing and operationalizing the two independent variables as engagement-oriented, coopetition-oriented, containment-oriented, and hedging/bandwagoning/binding, this article develops a systemic theoretical framework to demonstrate how the US Taiwan policy transits between strategic clarity, maximum pressure, partial strategic clarity, between partial strategic clarity and strategic ambiguity, strategic ambiguity, and controlling the pro-independent forces. This article conducts empirical studies by reviewing the transition of US Taiwan policy under different presidencies in post–Cold War era to demonstrate how the theoretical framework works in realpolitik.
Estimating age from digital radiographic images of lumbar vertebrae in a Thai population using an image analysis technique
Authors: Malatong Yanumart , Palee Patison , Sinthubua Apichat , Na Lampang Sakarat , Mahakkanukrauh Pasuk
Published: November 2021

Using the lumbar vertebra for age estimation is helpful in cases when skeletal remains are incomplete and typical skeletal age indicators are absent. This study aimed to apply an image analysis method in extracting black pixel variables for age estimation by using the radiographic images of lumbar vertebra in a Thai population. All lumbar vertebrae L1–L5 of 220 (110 males and 110 females) from Thai individuals of known sex and ages were studied. The variables of Total Percentage of black pixels (TP), Mean Percentage of black pixels (MP), and Ratio of black to white pixels (BW), were calculated to assess the relationship between black pixel variables and aging. Equations were formulated using linear regression analysis. The results of this study indicated three variables of the lumbar vertebrae had significantly positive correlations with age. The correlation between parameters with age in males ranged 0.211–0.419, while the range in females was 0.219–0.458. The appropriate linear regression equation with the total and mean percentages of black pixel variables shows Age = −1.348+0.871 (TP) +0.514 (MP) of L4 for males (SEE; 15.4 years), and Age = 5.338 +0.316 (TP) +0.952 (MP) of L1 for females (SEE; 13.8 years). Age estimation using an image analysis method is an alternative to investigating the trabecular structure. The black pixel variable is not the actual value of bone density. However, it is useful to study its relationship with aging.
Assessment of radiological consequence of a hypothetical accident at the Ghana Research Reactor-1 facility based on terrorist attack
Authors: Obeng Henry K. , Birikorang Sylvester A. , Gyamfi Kwame , Adu Simon , Nyamful Andrew
Published: November 2021

The International Atomic Energy Agency defines a nuclear and radiation accident as an occurrence that leads to the release of radiation causing significant consequences to people, the environment, or the facility. During such an event involving a nuclear reactor, the reactor core is a critical component which when damaged, will lead to the release of significant amounts of radionuclides. Assessment of the radiation effect that emanates from reactor accidents is very paramount when it comes to the safety of people and the environment; whether or not the released radiation causes an exposure rate above the recommended threshold nuclear reactor safety. During safety analysis in the nuclear industry, radiological accident analyses are usually carried out based on hypothetical scenarios. Such assessments mostly define the effect associated with the accident and when and how to apply the appropriate safety measures. In this study, a typical radiological assessment was carried out on the Ghana Research Reactor-1. The study considered the available reactor core inventory, released radionuclides, radiation doses and detailed process of achieving all the aforementioned parameters. Oak Ridge isotope generation-2 was used for core inventory calculations and Hotspot 3.01 was also used to model radionuclides dispersion trajectory and calculate the released doses. Some of the radionuclides that were considered include I-131, Sr-90, Cs-137, and Xe-137. Total effective doses equivalent to released radionuclides, the ground deposition activity and the respiratory time-integrated air concentration were estimated. The maximum total effective doses equivalent value of 5.6 × 10−9 Sv was estimated to occur at 0.1 km from the point of release. The maximum ground deposition activity was estimated to be 2.5 × 10−3 kBq/m3 at a distance of 0.1 km from the release point. All the estimated values were found to be far below the annual regulatory limits of 1 mSv for the general public as stated in IAEA BSS GSR part 3.
What’s the Point? A Presentist Social Functionalist Account of Institutional Purpose
Authors: Schulz Armin W.
Published: November 2021

Although it is clear that many of the major contemporary social problems center on the extent to which social institutions do or do not function as they are meant to do, it is still unclear exactly what the function of a social institution is—and thus when this function is undermined. This paper presents and defends a novel theory of social functionalism—presentist social functionalism—to answer these questions. According to this theory, the function of social institutions is grounded in those of their features that, in the current cultural environment, increase their chances to survive or reproduce. To bring out the fruitfulness of this account, the paper analyzes the (still controversial) question of the function of corporations, and shows that present social functionalism (a) points to the kinds of data that would be helpful to determine this function, (b) brings up hitherto overlooked theoretical possibilities, and (c) allows for the clearer assessment and handling of corporate corruption.
Couples’ Communication Behaviour and the Gender Division of Family Work Across the Transition to Parenthood
Authors: Büchau Silke , Schober Pia S. , Becker Dominik
Published: November 2021

This study investigates the conceptual argument that constructive and explicit couple communication may reduce gender inequalities in couples’ division of family work. We focus on the transition to parenthood which for most couples in Germany results in a shift towards a more traditional division of labour. Using 314 first-time parents from the German Family Panel, we apply growth curve models to assess whether partners’ prenatal characteristics explain the division of housework and childcare around the time of childbirth and in the following years. After controlling for gender ideologies and economic resources, male partners’ frequency of positive communication is associated with greater father involvement in housework and childcare from the start. However, neither men’s nor women’s communication behaviours dampen the shift towards a more traditional division of housework and childcare in the first years after childbirth. The frequency of negative communication does not correlate with the division of family work.
Non-Probabilistic Approach to e-Banking Adoption: The Moderating Impact of Trialability
Authors: Pobee Frederick
Published: November 2021

The purpose of this study is to assess the factors influencing the adoption of e-banking in a developing country and to explore the moderating effects of trialability on the relationship between behavioural intention and the actual use of e-banking services. The study has employed the convenience and cross-sectional data collection approach in three of the 16 regions in Ghana. Data was collected from 568 respondents through an online survey. The Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyse the data. The findings indicate that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence and facilitating conditions positively and significantly influence the intention to adopt e-banking. The structural path analysis also showed that trialability positively and significantly moderates the relationship between behavioural intention and actual use of e-banking platforms. This research fills the existing gap in the e-banking literature by integrating trialability into the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model to assess its moderating impact on the relationship between behavioural intention and actual e-banking adoption in a developing country.
Geopolitics of Chabahar Port for Iran, India and Afghanistan
Authors: Omidi Ali , Noolkar-Oak Gauri
Published: November 2021

In January 2016, Iran, India and Afghanistan signed a trilateral economic agreement on developing the Chabahar Port in south-eastern Iran. This project holds immense economic and geopolitical value for both Iran and India. Chabahar, as Iran’s first deep water port, connects it to oceanic trade routes. This helps Iran to mitigate US sanctions and sustain trade relations with neighbours and independent states such as India. For India, Chabahar is the key point of the ‘International North–South Transport Corridor’, an ambitious project connecting India to Central Asia and Europe. The article analyses the geostrategic, economic and trade-related importance of Chabahar port from both Iranian and Indian perspectives. This Iranian–Indian trade co-operation is considered a strategic alternative, if not a rival, to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), whose key point is the Gwadar port in Pakistan, next door to Chabahar.
Effects of proprioceptive training for people with stroke: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Apriliyasari Renny Wulan , Van Truong Pham , Tsai Pei-Shan
Published: November 2021

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of proprioceptive training on balance performance, trunk control, and gait speed in people with stroke.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Science Direct, Cochrane, Embase, and Medline for randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effects of proprioceptive training for patients with stroke from the date of each database's inception to July 26, 2021. Two reviewers independently screened the titles and abstracts of potentially eligible articles that were identified on the basis of the search criteria. Methodological quality was determined using version 2 of the Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized trials. Data were analyzed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software. The treatment effect was estimated by calculating Hedges’ g and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using a random-effects model. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed according to the I2 value. The primary outcome was balance performance and secondary outcomes were trunk control, gait speed, and basic functional mobility.

Results

In total, 17 trials involving 447 people with stroke were included. Proprioceptive training had a significant effect on balance performance (Hedges’ g = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.36–1.01), gait speed (Hedges’ g = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.19–0.94), trunk control (Hedges’ g = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.33–1.17), and basic functional mobility (Hedges’ g = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.31–0.94) among people with stroke.

Conclusion

Proprioceptive training may be effective in improving balance performance, gait speed, trunk control, and basic functional mobility among people with stroke.
Arterial spin labeling demonstrates preserved regional cerebral blood flow in the P301L mouse model of tauopathy
Authors: Kindler Diana , Maschio Cinzia , Ni Ruiqing , Zerbi Valerio , Razansky Daniel , Klohs Jan
Published: November 2021

There is growing evidence for the vascular contribution to cognitive impairment and dementia in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative diseases. While perfusion deficits have been observed in patients with Alzheimer’s disease and tauopaties, little is known about the role of tau in vascular dysfunction. In the present study, regional cerebral blood (rCBF) was characterized in P301L mice with arterial spin labeling. No differences in rCBF in P301L mice compared to their age-matched non-transgenic littermates at mid (10–12 months of age) and advanced (19–21 months of age) disease stages. This was concomitant with preservation of cortical brain structure as assessed with structural T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. These results show that hypoperfusion and neurodegeneration are not a phenotype of P301L mice. More studies are thus needed to understand the relationship of tau, neurodegeneration and vascular dysfunction and its modulators in AD and primary tauopathies.
Impact of Face Masks on Female Body Perception is Modulated by Facial Expressions
Authors: Mills Eleanor , Guo Kun
Published: November 2021

People routinely wear face masks during the pandemic, but little is known about their impact on body perception. In this online study, we presented female body images of Caucasian avatars in common dress sizes displaying happy, angry, and neutral facial expressions with and without face masks, and asked women to rate the perceived body attractiveness and body size. In comparison with mask-off condition, mask-on decreased body attractiveness ratings for happy avatars but did not affect ratings for neutral avatars irrespective of avatar dress sizes. For avatars displaying angry expressions, mask-on increased body attractiveness ratings for slimmer avatars but did not affect ratings for larger avatars. On the other hand, body size estimation was not systematically affected by face masks and facial expressions. It appears that face masks mainly show an expression-dependent influence on body attractiveness judgement, possibly through suppressing the perceived facial expressions.
PACAP38- and VIP-induced cluster headache attacks are not associated with changes of plasma CGRP or markers of mast cell activation
Authors: Pellesi Lanfranco , Chaudhry Basit Ali , Vollesen Anne Luise Haulund , Snoer Agneta Henriette , Baumann Katrine , Skov Per Stahl , Jensen Rigmor Højland , Ashina Messoud
Published: November 2021

Background

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide-38 (PACAP38) and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide can provoke cluster headache attacks in up to half of cluster headache patients in their active phase. At present, it is unknown whether provoked attacks are mediated via calcitonin gene-related peptide or mast cell activation.

Methods

All enrolled patients with cluster headache were randomly allocated to receive a continuous infusion of either PACAP38 (10 pmol/kg/min) or vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (8 pmol/kg/min) over 20 min. We collected clinical data and measured plasma levels of calcitonin gene-related peptide and markers of mast cell activation (tryptase and histamine) at fixed time points: at baseline (T0), at the end of the infusion (T20), 10 min after the infusion (T30), and 70 min after the infusion (T90).

Results

Blood was collected from episodic cluster headache patients in active phase (n = 14), episodic cluster headache patients in remission (n = 15), and chronic cluster headache patients (n = 15). At baseline, plasma levels of calcitonin gene-related peptide, tryptase, and histamine were not different among the three study groups. Plasma levels of calcitonin gene-related peptide ( p = 0.7074), tryptase ( p = 0.6673), or histamine ( p = 0.4792) remained unchanged during provoked attacks compared to attack-free patients.

Conclusion

Cluster headache attacks provoked by either PACAP38 or vasoactive intestinal polypeptide were not accompanied by alterations of plasma calcitonin gene-related peptide, tryptase or histamine. The provoked attacks may not be mediated by calcitonin gene-related peptide or mast cell activation. Trial Registration: The study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03814226).
Diagnosis of idiopathic intracranial hypertension - the importance of excluding secondary causes: A systematic review
Authors: Kilic Kubra , Korsbæk Johanne Juhl , Jensen Rigmor H , Cvetkovic Vlasta Vukovic
Published: November 2021

Background

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension is characterized by increased intracranial pressure without any pathological findings on neuroimaging, except for signs of high intracranial pressure. Before diagnosing idiopathic intracranial hypertension secondary causes of increased intracranial pressure should be excluded.

Objective

to characterize the phenotype of patients with secondary intracranial hypertension and to identify possible risk factors for secondary intracranial hypertension.

Methods

We have systematically searched the PubMed database. The publications were analyzed according to the patient phenotype, age, gender, comorbidities, body mass index/weight status, and additional medication. The results are summarized in four categories: medication, infection, hormonal induced intracranial hypertension and miscellaneous groups of diseases related to sIH.

Results

We identified 105 eligible papers which included 272 cases. There were 49.6% pediatric cases. Among the adult group,70.9% were women. A total of 40.4% of all cases were obese or overweight, 27% among adults and 13.4% among pediatric cases. Increased BMI and recent weight gain, anemia, renal diseases and hypertension were the most frequent comorbidities related to sIH.

Conclusion

Among sIH patients, 40.4% were obese or overweight; two thirds were women. We recommend that even patients with a typical IIH phenotype should be screened for secondary causes.
Politics of Recognition, Elimination and Settler-Colonialism
Authors: Badarin Emile
Published: November 2021

This article cross-examines the external and internal dimensions of settler-colonial politics of recognition. In settler-colonialism, recognition represents another medium for the elimination of the natives, whose existence is considered as a source of threat, uncertainty and curtailed settler sovereignty. Settler sovereign statehood is contingent on the reengineering of the land–population relationship in the conquered territory. The settler-colonial politics of recognition seeks to institutionalise particular patterns of values that ultimately embody the logic of elimination at the normative level in an attempt to disrupt the natives’ relationship with their land. This article critically interrogates Israel’s politics of recognition and demonstrates how this politics is applied to establish internal and external normative scaffolding to normalise and legitimise the settler desire for sovereignty and invulnerability. Israel’s recognition politics dovetails with sources of sovereignty – territory and population – and evokes previous vulnerabilities and victimhood to elicit a sense of urgency and moral validation.
Relationship Between Personality Measures and Perceived Mental Fatigability
Authors: Allen Hannah L. , Gmelin Theresa , Moored Kyle D. , Boudreau Robert M. , Smagula Stephen F. , Cohen Rebecca W. , Katz Rain , Stone Katie , Cauley Jane A. , Glynn Nancy W. ,   and for the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Study (MrOS) Research Group
Published: November 2021

Objective

Examine the association between personality measures and perceived mental fatigability.

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional analysis in N=1670 men, age 84.3±4.1 years. Multivariable linear regression models were used to examine the covariate adjusted association between personality measures (conscientiousness, optimism, goal reengagement, and goal disengagement) and perceived mental fatigability (measured with the validated 10-item Pittsburgh Fatigability Scale, PFS).

Results

One standard deviation lower conscientiousness (β=−0.91, p<.0001) and optimism (β=−0.63, p<.0001), and higher goal reengagement (β=0.51, p=.01) scores were independently associated with higher PFS Mental scores adjusted for age, cognitive function, self-reported health status, depressive symptoms, sleep disturbance, physical activity, and goal disengagement.

Discussion

Lower conscientiousness, optimism, and higher goal reengagement were linked with more severe perceived mental fatigability in older men. Personality traits may potentially contribute to early risk assessment for fatigability in later life. Future work should be longitudinal in nature and include personality assessments to confirm the temporality of the relationships observed.
Oral and Dental Examinations Findings in 15 Zoo Bolivian Squirrel Monkeys (Saimiri boliviensis) and Black-Tufted Marmosets (Callithrix penicillata)
Authors: Žagar Žiga , Šmalc Klemen , Primožič Pia Kristina , Kvapil Pavel , Nemec Ana
Published: November 2021

As part of an annual wellness evaluation, we performed oral and dental examination under general anesthesia in 7 zoo Bolivian squirrel monkeys aged 10 and 15 years, and 8 zoo black-tufted marmosets aged between 1 and 7 years. No oral discomfort was observed in any animal prior to the procedure. Apart from dilacerated roots of second mandibular incisor teeth in Bolivian squirrel monkeys and one case of presumably odontodysplasia in a black-tufted marmoset, no major variations in number and shape of the present teeth and roots were revealed. All 15 animals had gingivitis, but periodontitis was only diagnosed in 3 black-tufted marmosets. Most commonly diagnosed dental pathology in Bolivian squirrel monkeys was attrition/abrasion, affecting 11.9% of all teeth, followed by caries, which was only diagnosed in older animals. Altogether 8 fractured teeth were diagnosed in Bolivian squirrel monkeys only, with root fracture being the most common type, followed by complicated crown fracture and complicated crown-root fracture. Radiographic signs of endodontic disease were found in 10 teeth in Bolivian squirrel monkeys and in one nonvital tooth with intact crown in a black-tufted marmoset. We associated high occurrence of caries in the older Bolivian squirrel monkeys with their diet and saliva characteristics of these animals. Lack of any periodontitis in Bolivian squirrel monkeys may partially be attributed to limitations of radiography technique, although squirrel monkeys appear to be far less susceptible to naturally occurring periodontitis than marmosets.
Research on a high power density mechanical-electrical-hydraulic regenerative suspension system for high-speed tracked vehicles
Authors: Wang Chao , Zhang Weijie , Wang Guosheng , Guo Yong
Published: November 2021

High power density energy regeneration is one of the effective solutions to solve the contradiction between improving the damping performance and energy consumption of active suspension. The hydraulic commutator is used to realize hydraulic rectification and hydraulic variable speed/pump/motor with few teeth difference gear pairs is used to match the speed, combined with permanent magnet motor power generation and power supply to put forward kilowatt level high power density mechanical-electrical-hydraulic regenerative suspension system for high-speed tracked vehicles. The mathematical model and fluid-solid-thermo-magnetic multiphysics coupling model are built to analyze the damping performance and regenerative characteristics of the system under passive and semi-active working conditions. The simulation results show that the damping force of the system increases with the increase of the road excitation amplitude and the semi-active control can be realized by adjusting the duty cycle with the PWM control rectifier module. The high power density mechanical-electrical-hydraulic regenerative suspension system can realize kilowatt level energy regeneration, and the regenerative efficiency is more than 50% under low-frequency excitation. The temperature rise of the system is low during operation, which is helpful to improve the reliability and service life.
Impact of surface temperature and convective boundary conditions on a Nanofluid flow over a radially stretched Riga plate
Authors: Prasad K.V. , Vaidya Hanumesh , Mebarek-Oudina Fateh , Choudhari Rajashekhar , Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy , Jamshed Wasim
Published: November 2021

The current work provides the optimal homotopic analytical methodology for the steady circulation over a non-isothermal radially stretched Riga plate/disc unit. The attributes of the heat, along with the mass transfer process, are assessed in the existence of variable transport and magnetic features. Radial stretched Riga disc is considered along with additional realistic boundary heating conditions, namely, prescribed surface temperature as well as prescribed surface concentration, convective boundary conditions and also zero mass flux concentration on the surface area of the Riga disc. The model tracks Brownian motion as well as the thermal diffusion of nanoparticles in fluid circulation all at once. Regulating equations, which are highly coupled, are changed right into non-dimensional equations using appropriate transformations of similarity. Through assembling series solutions, the resulting framework is planned and examined. Graphic summaries are offered for the rheological qualities of various parameters in size for velocity, temperature, as well as nanoparticles. The modified Hartman number improves the velocity distribution and reduces the temperature distribution in both prescribed surface temperature and convective boundary condition cases. The effect of the chemical reaction parameter shows the reduced concentration distribution for the prescribed surface temperature case. In contrast, it is precisely the opposite in the convective boundary condition case.
Dynamic modeling and experimental investigation of hole making accuracy in the helical milling process
Authors: Paysarvi Omid , Abootorabi Mohammad Mahdi , Jalili Mohammad Mahdi
Published: November 2021

Helical milling is one of the novel hole-making methods to create a hole with high accuracy and quality. In this study, the helical milling process is dynamically modeled using a set of second-order differential equations. In this modeling, the tool is considered a cantilever beam with a degree of freedom in all three directions of x, y, and z. Experimental tests were conducted to investigate the validity of the obtained theoretical relations and the effects of different parameters such as material, diameter, and rotational speed of the cutting tool on the precision of the created hole. The error of the theoretical relations in predicting the hole diameter is 2.7%, indicating the high precision of the accomplished modeling. Theoretical relations show that the error of the chip removal path decreases by increasing each of the parameters, namely, tool stiffness, the rotational speed of the tool, tool diameter, and tangential feed per tooth. In contrast, the error of the chip removal path increases by increasing each of the parameters, namely, the speed of the tool in the helical path and axial feed per tooth. It has been shown that improving the cutting tool material in terms of strength or increasing the rotational speed of the tool and the cutting tool diameter causes a reduction in the diametrical error. It has been shown that the diametrical error rate is 0.9% with the change of the cutting tool from HSS-E to carbide, and it has reduced to 0.6% by increasing the rotational speed of the tool from 900 r/min to 2100 r/min.
The electrical magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) and shape factor impacts in a mixture fluid suspended by hybrid nanoparticles between non-parallel plates
Authors: Khentout Abdelkader , Kezzar Mohamed , Sari Mohamed R. , Ismail Tabet , Tich Tich Mustapha S. , Boutelba Sara , Eid Mohamed R.
Published: November 2021

Abstract

In this research work, we introduce the influences of the shape of nanoparticles and joule heating in the hydromagnetic flow of hybrid nanofluids between non-parallel plates. A mixture base fluid (H2O (50%)-C2H6O2 (50%)), a hybrid nanofluid containing hybrid nanoparticles (graphene oxide-molybdenum disulfide, GO-MoS2) as nanoparticles, is considered. The non-linear governing equations are reduced into ordinary-differential equations (ODEs) by similarity transformations. The non-linear ordinary-differential equation (ODE) is solved numerically utilizing 4th–5th order Runge-Kutta-Fehlberg (RKF-45) with a shooting method and analytically using the homotopy analysis method (HAM). The effect of the rarefaction parameter, Reynolds number, channel angle, Hartmann number, electric field parameter, and the shape of nanoparticles on fluid velocity and skin friction are discussed and presented in a graphical form. Also, the theoretical results and the effectiveness of the homotopy analysis method (HAM) are confirmed by numerical tests and presented graphically coupled with detailed discussions.