bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research Advances in the Mechanisms of Hyperuricemia‐Induced Renal Injury
Authors: Su Hong-yong , Yang Chen , Liang Dong , Liu Hua-feng
Published: June 2020

Uric acid is the end product of purine metabolism in humans, and its excessive accumulation leads to hyperuricemia and urate crystal deposition in tissues including joints and kidneys. Hyperuricemia is considered an independent risk factor for cardiovascular and renal diseases. Although the symptoms of hyperuricemia‐induced renal injury have long been known, the pathophysiological molecular mechanisms are not completely understood. In this review, we focus on the research advances in the mechanisms of hyperuricemia‐caused renal injury, primarily on oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, renal fibrosis, and inflammation. Furthermore, we discuss the progress in hyperuricemia management.
Drp-1 as Potential Therapeutic Target for Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Vascular Hyperpermeability
Authors: Luo Xu , Cai Shumin , Li Yunfeng , Li Guicheng , Cao Yuanyuan , Ai Chenmu , Gao Youguang , Li Tao
Published: June 2020

Mitochondria-dependent apoptotic signaling has a critical role in the pathogenesis of vascular hyperpermeability (VH). Dynamin-related protein-1- (Drp-1-) mediated mitochondrial fission plays an important role in mitochondrial homeostasis. In the present study, we studied the involvement of Drp-1 in resistance to VH induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). To establish the model of LPS-induced VH, LPS at 15 mg/kg was injected into rats in vivo and rat pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells were exposed to 500 ng/ml LPS in vitro. We found that depletion of Drp-1 remarkedly exacerbated the mitochondria-dependent apoptosis induced by LPS, as evidenced by reduced apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) depolarization, and activation of caspase-3 and caspase-9. Increased FITC-dextran flux indicated endothelial barrier disruption. In addition, overexpression of Drp-1 prevented LPS-induced endothelial hyperpermeability and upregulated mitophagy, as evidenced by the loss of mitochondrial mass and increased PINK1 expression and mitochondrial Parkin. However, the mitophagy inhibitor, 3-Methyladenine, blocked these protective effects of Drp-1. Furthermore, inhibition of Drp-1 using mitochondrial division inhibitor 1 markedly inhibited LPS-induced mitophagy and aggravated LPS-induced VH, as shown by increased FITC-dextran extravasation. These findings implied that Drp-1 strengthens resistance to mitochondria-dependent apoptosis by regulating mitophagy, suggesting Drp-1 as a possible therapeutic target in LPS-induced VH.
Effects of Acupuncture on Delayed‐Onset Muscle Soreness: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Chang Wen-Dien , Chang Nai-Jen , Lin Hung-Yu , Wu Jih-Huah
Published: June 2020

Objectives. Evidence for the effects of acupuncture on delayed‐onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is inconsistent. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of acupuncture on DOMS. Methods. Studies investigating the effect of acupuncture on DOMS in humans that were published before March 2020 were obtained from eight electronic databases. The affected muscles, groups, acupuncture points, treatment sessions, assessments, assessment times, and outcomes of the included articles were reviewed. The data were extracted and analyzed via a meta‐analysis. Results. A total of 15 articles were included, and relief of DOMS‐related pain was the primary outcome. The statistical meta‐analysis showed that there were no significant differences between acupuncture and sham/control groups, except for acupuncture for DOMS on day 1 (total SMD = −0.62; 95% CI = −1.12∼0.11, P < 0.05) by comparing with control groups. Conclusion. Acupuncture for DOMS exhibited very‐small‐to‐small and small‐to‐moderate effects on pain relief for the sham and no acupuncture conditions, respectively. Evidence indicating the effects of acupuncture on DOMS was little because the outcome data during the follow‐up were insufficient to perform an effective meta‐analysis.
Performance Status Is a Predictive Factor of Improvement after Colonic Stenting in Patients with Malignant Stenosis due to Extraparenteral Malignant Tumors
Authors: Shiratori Yasutoshi , Ishii Naoki , Ikeya Takashi , Takagi Koichi , Nakamura Kenji , Fukuda Katsuyuki
Published: June 2020

Endoscopic stenting with self-expandable metallic stents is widely accepted for the treatment of malignant colorectal obstruction. Generally, stenting is performed as a bridge-to-surgery for primary colorectal cancer (CRC). Furthermore, palliative colonic stenting is performed for extraparenteral malignant tumors (EPMTs). However, predictive factors for improving clinical outcomes after colonic stenting for EPMTs remain unclear. This study is aimed at evaluating patients with EPMTs who underwent colonic stenting and investigating factors influencing clinical improvement after the stenting procedure. Twenty-one patients with colorectal obstruction by EPMTs were treated using self-expandable metallic stents over a period of 8 years. We divided the enrolled patients into the clinically improved and nonimproved groups after colonic stenting. Variables, including age; sex; type of primary cancer; serum albumin level; location of the obstruction; stent type, length, and diameter; prior chemotherapy treatment; ascites; Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (PS); technical and clinical success rates; stent-related adverse events; and mortality rates, were evaluated. Technical failure was not observed in all cases. Clinical success, defined as the passage of stool and improvement in the colorectal obstruction scoring system (CROSS) without adverse events, was observed in the 14 patients. Univariate analyses revealed no significant differences in factors other than PS before stenting (P=0.04) between the improved and nonimproved groups. Colonic stenting for EPMTs was effective. PS may be an independent risk factor of clinical outcomes after stenting.
Effects of Waterpipe Tobacco Smoking on the Spirometric Profile of University Students in Palestine: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Nazzal Zaher , Odeh Deema , Haddad Fatima Azahraa , Berawi Mohammad , Rahhal Belal , Yamin Hasan
Published: June 2020

Background. Waterpipe smoking in young individuals is increasing with limited studies addressing its respiratory health effects. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of waterpipe smoking on young adults’ lung functions. Spirometric parameters were compared between waterpipe smokers and nonsmokers. Methods. A comparative cross-sectional study of university students, including males and females, was conducted. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to record students’ characteristics. The spirometry test was performed to assess students’ lung functions; we recorded the forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC ratio, peak expiratory flow (PEF), and forced expiratory flow between 25 and 75% of FVC (FEF25–75%). Results. A total of 300 apparently healthy students (150 waterpipe smokers and 150 nonsmokers) were included in the study. Waterpipe smokers showed significantly lower values in FEV1, FEV1/FVC ratio, PEF, and FEF25–75% compared to the nonsmoker group (P<0.05 to P<0.001). The subgroup analysis on female students (50 WP smokers and 50 nonsmokers) showed a significant decrease in FEV1/FVC ratio, PEF, and FEF25–75% parameters (P<0.001). Conclusion. Waterpipe smoking is associated with reduced spirometric parameters in healthy young adults with relatively limited smoking years.
Assessment of the Clinical Usefulness of Preoperative Computed Tomography in Colorectal Cancer Patients Who Received Unplanned Reoperation
Authors: Wang Rui , Gao Yi , Li Jia-Yi , Wang Zhong-Hui , Li Qin-qing , Feng Jun , Liao Chengde
Published: June 2020

Background. In the unplanned reoperation of colorectal cancer patients, computed tomography (CT) is increasingly utilized to locate postoperative complications and previously unlocalized lesions. The purpose of this study is to explore the application of CT in the mortality and complications of the reoperation of colorectal cancer. Patients and Methods. We performed a retrospective review of collected data from the colorectal surgeries of 90 identified colorectal cancer patients who received an unplanned reoperation from 2010 to 2018. Patients were stratified according to those with preoperative CT imaging (CT group, n=36) and those without preoperative CT imaging (NCT group, n=54). Twenty-four statistical indicators of each patient were studied, including their preoperative risk, surgical characteristics, and postoperative outcomes, and satisfaction was evaluated. All data were statistically analysed for predicting postoperative complications by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results. Ninety patients received an unplanned reoperation in the study, and 40% (36/90) of these patients underwent preoperative CT examination. Patients’ risk factors were similar between CT and NCT groups. Preoperative imaging was more commonly performed for reoperative new anastomosis + ileostomy but less common for reoperative Dixon’s procedure. The operative duration of the NCT group was longer (139 vs. 104 min, respectively, P=0.01). Preoperative NCT examination (OR 1.24; 95% CI=1.09‐1.42; P=0.01) was an independent predictor of postoperative complications. Importantly, three patients died after an unplanned reoperation for colorectal cancer, which occurred only in the NCT group (5.6% vs. 0.0%, P=0.01). Conclusion. The use of conventional preoperative CT optimizes the choice of the surgical site and the strategy of laparotomy, so as to reduce the length of operation. Preoperative imaging evaluation should be performed for patients undergoing repeat abdominal surgery.
Type I Collagen Suspension Induces Neocollagenesis and Myodifferentiation in Fibroblasts In Vitro
Authors: Lombardi Francesca , Palumbo Paola , Augello Francesca Rosaria , Giusti Ilaria , Dolo Vincenza , Guerrini Luca , Cifone Maria Grazia , Giuliani Maurizio , Cinque Benedetta
Published: June 2020

The ability of a collagen‐based matrix to support cell proliferation, migration, and infiltration has been reported; however, the direct effect of an aqueous collagen suspension on cell cultures has not been studied yet. In this work, the effects of a high‐concentration aqueous suspension of a micronized type I equine collagen (EC‐I) have been evaluated on a normal mouse fibroblast cell line. Immunofluorescence analysis showed the ability of EC‐I to induce a significant increase of type I and III collagen levels, parallel with overexpression of crucial proteins in collagen biosynthesis, maturation, and secretion, prolyl 4‐hydroxylase (P4H) and heat shock protein 47 (HSP47), as demonstrated by western blot experiments. The treatment led, also, to an increase of α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) expression, evaluated through western blot analysis, and cytoskeletal reorganization, as assessed by phalloidin staining. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy analysis highlighted the appearance of plasma membrane extensions and blebbing of extracellular vesicles. Altogether, these results strongly suggest that an aqueous collagen type I suspension is able to induce fibroblast myodifferentiation. Moreover, our findings also support in vitro models as a useful tool to evaluate the effects of a collagen suspension and understand the molecular signaling pathways possibly involved in the effects observed following collagen treatment in vivo.
Effect of Single Administration of Mulberry Milk on the Cognitive Function of 6–12-Year-Old Children: Results from a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study
Authors: Thukham-mee Wipawee , Wattanathorn Jintanporn , Kirisattayakul Woranan , Wannanon Panakaporn
Published: June 2020

Currently, cognitive enhancers are considered necessary because they play a critical role in daily and social behaviors. The cognitive-enhancing effect of mulberry milk has gained attention due to the cognitive-enhancing effect of this anthocyanin-rich substance and the cognitive-enhancing effect of mulberry fruit in animal models. However, the effect of anthocyanin-rich mulberry milk in clinical trials especially in children is still unknown. This study was a randomized double-blind crossover intervention. A total of forty-six healthy, normal, cognitive subjects aged 6–12 years old were provided mulberry milk (containing mulberry 10 g) or placebo milk (50 mL). Attention and cognitive function were assessed using the auditory odd ball paradigm of event-related potential, whereas working memory was assessed using a computerized battery test. The assessment was performed at baseline and then at 1.5 and 3 hours postdosing. At the end of study period, the activities of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and monoamine oxidase (MAO) together with that of saliva cortisol were determined. Following mulberry milk intervention, the decreased N100 latency and the increased P300 amplitude were increased both at 1.5 and 3 hours after dosing. The decreased response time of digit updating was observed both at 1.5 and 3 hours after dosing, whereas the decreased response time of picture updating was observed at 3 hours after dosing. In addition, the reduction of saliva cortisol was also observed at both periods. The improvement of attention and cognitive processing capabilities together with the working memory suggests the cognitive-enhancing potential of mulberry milk for school-age children. The possible underlying mechanism may be associated partly with the reduction of cortisol, a stress hormone.
Evaluation of Nutritional and Antinutritional Properties of African Yam Bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa(Hochst ex. A. Rich.) Harms.) Seeds
Authors: Adegboyega Taofeek T. , Abberton Michael T. , AbdelGadir AbdelAziz H. , Dianda Mahamadi , Maziya-Dixon Busie , Oyatomi Olaniyi A. , Ofodile Sam , Babalola Olubukola O.
Published: June 2020

African yam bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa(Hochst ex. A. Rich.) Harms) is an annual legume with the capacity to produce bean seeds in a pod and produce tubers with varying seed patterns and colors. It is suggested to have the potential to significantly boost food security in sub-Saharan Africa due to its considerable nutritional qualities but still yet underutilized. Many farmers show limited interest in its production owing to limited knowledge of its nutritional profile, income generation capacity for small-holder farmers’, processing, and other related utilization concerns. This study evaluated the proximate and antinutrient composition of processed and unprocessed seeds of African yam bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa(Hochst ex. A. Rich.) Harms.). Seeds were harvested from the experimental research field consisting of 50 accessions at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Nigeria. They were divided into two portions; the first was processed by oven drying at 60°C for 24 hours and the second was left raw. There were significant differences (P<0.05) in the levels of proximate and antinutrient in the forms in which the samples were analyzed. TSs104 had the highest protein content of 25.08%, while the lowest was TSs68 (20.50%). However, in the unprocessed seed, protein content ranged between 24.93% (TSs38) and 19.13% (TSs11). Both processed and unprocessed seeds had high carbohydrate contents. In processed seeds, TSs9 (62.93%) had the highest percentage and TSs1 (29.64%) recorded the lowest. In unprocessed seed, the percentage ranged between 67.36% (TSs4) and 54.23% (TSs38). The observed variation may suggest possible suitability of seed for various end-use products and targeted breeding programs for crop improvements. In sub-Saharan Africa, this lesser-known legume could be adapted as a promising food crop in combating protein-energy malnutrition.
Efficacy and Safety of Rivaroxaban versus Warfarin for the Treatment of Acute Pulmonary Embolism: A Real-World Study
Authors: Huang Yan , Duan Linli , He Wenjun , Hong Cheng , Guo Yehui , Wang Xinni , Zhang Nuofu , Chen Yanghang , Wang Tao , Wang Jian , Liu Chunli
Published: June 2020

Background. Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a life-threatening disease. Target-specific anticoagulant rivaroxaban is a direct factor Xa inhibitor that can be safely used without laboratory monitoring. Objective. To investigate the efficacy and safety of rivaroxaban versus warfarin for the treatment of acute pulmonary thromboembolism in real-world clinical practice. Method. This was a semiretrospective, semiprospective, and real-world trial involving 128 patients with acute symptomatic pulmonary embolism with or without active tumor or frailty. We compared rivaroxaban to the standard therapy consisting of low-molecular-weight heparin combined with warfarin. The primary efficacy outcome was absorption of thrombus. The principal safety outcome was bleeding episode. Results. There was no significant difference in thrombus absorption between rivaroxaban and standard therapy after 3-month treatment (P=0.798, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.686 to 1.336) or more than 6-month treatment (P=0.534, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.795 to 1.556). There was no decline in efficacy (including computed tomographic pulmonary angiography and recurrence) when the rivaroxaban dose was reduced to 10 mg once daily after 3 months of administration. The ratio of patients without bleeding was 48.84% for rivaroxaban and 19.05% for standard therapy (P=0.001). There was no significant difference in rivaroxaban monotherapy subgroups (including frail patients, tumor patients, and thrombolysis or nonthrombolysis at intermediate-high-risk patients). Conclusion. In this real-world study, the efficacy and safety of rivaroxaban alone was not different to standard therapy for pulmonary emboli absorption. With an extension in treatment duration, the rivaroxaban regimen had a higher efficacy and safety than standard therapy and there was no decline in treatment efficacy when the rivaroxaban dose was reduced to 10 mg once daily.
A 90‐Day Oral Toxicity Study of the Ethanol Extract from Eupatorium japonicum Thunb and Foeniculum vulgare in Rats
Authors: Dai Guangcheng , Wang Chenglu , Tang Wei , Liu Jiangyun , Xue Boxin
Published: June 2020

Eupatorium japonicum Thunb and Foeniculum vulgare are two of the most widely used folk herbs and constituents in many traditional Chinese herbal formulas. Nonetheless, little toxicological and safety information associated with following daily repeated exposure is obtained according to previous research. The present study was performed to assess the toxicity of ethanol extract from Eupatorium japonicum Thunb and Foeniculum vulgare (EFE) in male rats administered by dietary oral gavage at target doses of 0.39, 0.78, and 1.56 g/kg body weight/day for 90 days. There were no significant adverse effects on clinical signs, body weight, food conversion efficiency, and vital hematological indices. However, some hematology and biochemical indices such as WCV, MCH, MCHC, LY, MPV, T‐CHO, as well as TG revealed significant changes in Sprague–Dawley rats and organ weights in lung and spleen showed diminished in male rats. Necropsy and histopathology findings suggested that no significant differences in absolute weights were found in all organs except lung and spleen, and no treatment‐related alteration was identified in any organs. All results obtained in the present study indicated that the proper use of EFE in traditional medicine at oral dosages up to 1.56 g/kg/day body weight may harbor no prolonged toxicity to rats. However, further studies of EFE are still necessary to assess its oral safety in patients.
Study on the Evaluation Method of Subgrade Slope Green Protection Effect in Dry-Hot Valley of Sichuan-Tibet Railway
Authors: Bao Xueying , Li Haiwen
Published: June 2020

In view of the harsh environment in the dry-hot valley of Sichuan-Tibet railway and the important role of the green protection of the subgrade slope in railway construction and ecological restoration, this paper evaluates the effect of the green protection of the subgrade slope in dry-hot valleys of the Sichuan-Tibet railway. First, an evaluation index system for the green protection effect of railway subgrade slopes is established in terms of the soil matrix quality, vegetation community quality, and protection performance of the slopes. Second, game theory is adopted to combine the improved-group-analytic-hierarchy-process method and the vector-angle-cosine method and thus determine the weight of each evaluation index. Moreover, the membership-cloud-gravity-center method is used to evaluate the green protection level of the railway subgrade slope, and an evaluation cloud map is drawn with the help of MATLAB software to further analyze the evaluation. Finally, a section subgrade slope of the DHV area of the Sichuan-Tibet railway is selected as the evaluation object, and the green protection effect is evaluated to verify the applicability and effectiveness of the model. The study provides a theoretical basis for the protection of subgrade slopes and ecological restoration in the DHV area.
Prognostic and Predictive Value of Cadherin 11 for Patients with Gastric Cancer and Its Correlation with Tumor Microenvironment: Results from Microarray Analysis
Authors: Feng Zhijun , Li Xue , Ren Zhijian , Feng Jie , He Xiaodong , You Chongge
Published: June 2020

Gastric cancer is a disease characterized by inflammation, and epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) and tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) both play a vital role in epithelial‐driven malignancy. In the present study, we performed an integrated bioinformatics analysis of transcriptome data from multiple databases of gastric cancer patients and worked on a biomarker for evaluating tumor prognosis. We found that cadherin 11 (CDH11) is highly expressed not only in gastric cancer tissues but also in EMT molecular subtypes and metastatic patients. Also, we obtained evidence that CDH11 has a significant correlation with infiltrating immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Our findings reflected that CDH11 likely plays an important role in tumor immune escape and could provide a prognostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target for patients with gastric cancer.
Track Irregularity Assessment in High-Speed Rail by Incorporating Carriage-Body Acceleration with Transfer Function
Authors: Niu Liubin , Liu Jinzhao , Zhou Yunlai
Published: June 2020

The determination of the precise track irregularity with unfavorable wavelength, which shall induce vehicle’s violent vibration in terms of the vehicle’s speeds, still challenges the researchers. This study proposes a feasible study of assessing the track irregularity by using the transfer function and the measured carriage-body acceleration by combining the ARX model with state space model. The ARX model and state space model are constructed using system identification to obtain the transfer relation between the track irregularity and the carriage-body acceleration, respectively. The model’s parameters are estimated by the measured data from the high-speed China Railway Comprehensive Inspection Train (CRCIT). The correlation value between the predicted and measured carriage-body acceleration shows that both models can effectively represent the transfer characteristics between the track irregularity and the carriage-body acceleration. Furthermore, the models can help assess the proportion of the vibration caused by track irregularity with the specific wavelengths and determine the track irregularity with unfavorable wavelength.
Plastome Phylogenomic and Biogeographical Study on Thuja (Cupressaceae)
Authors: Adelalu Kole F. , Zhang Xu , Qu Xiaojian , Landis Jacob B. , Shen Jun , Sun Yanxia , Meng Aiping , Sun Hang , Wang Hengchang
Published: June 2020

Investigating the biogeographical disjunction of East Asian and North American flora is key to understanding the formation and dynamics of biodiversity in the Northern Hemisphere. The small Cupressaceae genus Thuja, comprising five species, exhibits a typical disjunct distribution in East Asia and North America. Owing to obscure relationships, the biogeographical history of the genus remains controversial. Here, complete plastomes were employed to investigate the plastome evolution, phylogenetic relationships, and biogeographic history of Thuja. All plastomes of Thuja share the same gene content arranged in the same order. The loss of an IR was evident in all Thuja plastomes, and the B‐arrangement as previously recognized was detected. Phylogenomic analyses resolved two sister pairs, T. standishii‐T. koraiensis and T. occidentalis‐T. sutchuenensis, with T. plicata sister to T. occidentalis‐T. sutchuenensis. Molecular dating and biogeographic results suggest the diversification of Thuja occurred in the Middle Miocene, and the ancestral area of extant species was located in northern East Asia. Incorporating the fossil record, we inferred that Thuja likely originated from the high‐latitude areas of North America in the Paleocene with a second diversification center in northern East Asia. The current geographical distribution of Thuja was likely shaped by dispersal events attributed to the Bering Land Bridge in the Miocene and subsequent vicariance events accompanying climate cooling. The potential effect of extinction may have profound influence on the biogeographical history of Thuja.
Interaction Control for Human-Exoskeletons
Authors: Ajayi Michael Oluwatosin , Djouani Karim , Hamam Yskandar
Published: June 2020

In this work, a general concept of the human-exoskeleton compatibility and interaction control is addressed. Rehabilitation, as applied to humans with motor control disorder, involves repetitive gait training in relation to lower limb extremity and repetitive task training in relation to upper limb extremity. It is in this regard that exoskeletal systems must be kinematically compatible with those of the subject in order to guarantee that the subject is being trained properly. The incompatibility between the wearable robotic device and the wearer results in joint misalignment, thus introducing interaction forces during movement. This, therefore, leads to the introduction of the need for interaction control in wearable robotic devices. Human-exoskeleton joint alignment is an uphill task; hence, measures to actualize this in order to guarantee the safety and comfort of humans are necessary. These measures depend on the types of joints involved in the rehabilitation or assistive process. Hence, several upper and lower extremity exoskeletons with concepts relating to interaction forces reduction are reviewed. The significant distinction in the modelling strategy of lower and upper limb exoskeletons is highlighted. Limitations of certain exoskeletal systems which may not allow the application of interaction control are also discussed.
Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices towards Malaria among Employees from Enterprises in the Town of Douala, Cameroon
Authors: Mbohou Nchetnkou Christian , Kojom Foko Loick Pradel , Lehman Leopold Gustave
Published: June 2020

Background. Malaria remains a public health issue in the world especially in resource‐limited countries, where it has a negative impact on their economy. There is a body of recent reports outlining the crucial role of enterprises in control of malaria. The present study aimed at determining the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) towards malaria among employees from enterprises in the town of Douala, Cameroon. Methods. A cross‐sectional descriptive study took place between February 2015 and June 2017 in 14 enterprises of Douala. A pretested structured questionnaire was used to document sociodemographic parameters and KAP of employees. Results. A total of 2705 employees, mainly consisted of males (83.1%), were included in the study. The mean age of respondents was 37.33 ± 9.78 years (range 19‐87). Over 90% of respondents knew at least one sign/symptom (94.1%) and associated malaria transmission with mosquito bites (91%). Artemether‐Lumefantrine (36.2%), under commercial name “Coartem,” was the most cited antimalarial drug. Nearly 98.2% considered malaria as a dangerous disease. Misconceptions on malaria transmission, causative agent, prevention, and treatment were recorded. More than 77% of employees declared to use mosquito bed nets to prevent malaria. About 63% employees declared going to the hospital when they were feel having malaria while 12.9% were seeking care through street drugs. Educational level, socioprofessional category, area of residence, and enterprise were significantly associated with the level of knowledge on malaria transmission, causative agent, and preventive and treatment practices. Conclusion. This study showed a good level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices of employees even though some misconceptions and bad behaviors are still present especially in people with a low level of education. Hence, there is a need to develop strategies for sensitization especially in this fraction of employees. In addition, enterprises could be an interesting approach in order to control malaria in Cameroon.
Numerical Simulation on Non-Darcy Flow in a Single Rock Fracture Domain Inverted by Digital Images
Authors: Shao Jianli , Zhang Qi , Sun Wenbin , Wang Zaiyong , Zhu Xianxiang
Published: June 2020

The influence of rock seepage must be considered in geotechnical engineering, and understanding the fluid flow in rock fractures is of great concern in the seepage effect investigation. This study is aimed at developing a model for inversion of rock fracture domains based on digital images and further study of non-Darcy flow. The visualization model of single rock fracture domain is realized by digital images, which is further used in flow numerical simulation. We further discuss the influence of fracture domain geometry on non-Darcy flow. The results show that it is feasible to study non-Darcy flow in rock fracture domains by inversion based on digital images. In addition, as the joint roughness coefficient (JRC) increases or the fracture aperture decreases, distortion of the fluid flow path increases, and the pressure gradient loss caused by the inertial force increases. Both coefficients of the Forchheimer equation decrease with increasing fracture aperture and increase with increasing JRC. Meanwhile, the critical Reynolds number tends to decrease when JRC increases or the fracture aperture decreases, indicating that the fluid tends to non-Darcy flow. This work provides a reference for the study of non-Darcy flow through rock fractures.
Laboratory Evaluation and Design of Construction and Demolition Wastes for Granular Base
Authors: Yi Jin , Liang Chenghao , Qian Junfeng , Li Jue , Yao Yongsheng
Published: June 2020

Using recycled aggregate from construction and demolition (C&D) wastes as a construction material is a potential method for solving the disposal of C&D wastes, which can reduce the exploitation of natural aggregate. In this study, extensive laboratory tests were carried out to investigate the reliability of the C&D wastes used as road base material. Meanwhile, the gradation design and the dominant aggregate size range were considered, and a physical disposal method was proposed to enhance the structural performance of the recycled material by replacing the skeleton of the recycled aggregate (RA) with high‐quality limestone. The test results showed that (1) given the high absorbency and fragility of C&D wastes, its RA was not enough to provide the strength and stability required by the base; (2) the compaction characteristics of the RA are quite different from that of the limestone aggregate, but the final compaction effect is basically the same; (3) the replacement treatment proposed in this study is an effective approach to improve the performance of the recycled granular base because the breakage rate decreased by at least 28.2% and the mechanical properties increased by approximately 50% compared with that of the untreated specimen; and (4) when the limestone content reached 75%, the California bearing ratio and the resilient modulus of the graded B specimen exceeded 120% and 200 MPa, respectively, satisfying the pavement requirement in medium traffic.
Insights on Climate-Driven Fluctuations of Cave 222Rn and CO2 Concentrations Using Statistical and Wavelet Analyses
Authors: Pla Concepcion , Fernandez-Cortes Angel , Cuezva Soledad , Galiana-Merino Juan Jose , Cañaveras Juan Carlos , Sanchez-Moral Sergio , Benavente David
Published: June 2020

Understanding the fluctuations in cave air concentrations and their climatic control is substantial not only to preserve the quality of indoor atmospheres but also to avoid the risk related to the presence of hazardous substances. In this study, we investigated the most influential factors affecting 222Rn and CO2 concentrations, the nature of their dynamics, and their coupling with climatic variations. For this purpose, we combined a set of mathematical methods that included a statistical and wavelet analysis of a 6-year time series in Rull Cave (Spain). Generally, the 222Rn and CO2 dynamic in cave air showed similar patterns. However, the obtained results show that these gases have a different frequency response. Thus, the annual component of 222Rn and CO2 is controlled by the relationship between external and internal temperatures. At low frequencies, both gases are affected by the same variables when the cave atmosphere reaches a minimum concentration. However, when the cave atmosphere is isolated from the outdoors, 222Rn and CO2 behave differently and disturbance caused by the visitors is evidenced in terms of the CO2 concentration; the latter observation was confirmed by the wavelet analysis at high frequencies. In contrast, the 222Rn concentration shows important variations following rainfall, which was weakly identified in the CO2 concentration.
Adsorption Thermodynamic and Kinetic Studies of Methyl Orange onto Sugar Scum Powder as a Low-Cost Inorganic Adsorbent
Authors: El maguana Y. , Elhadiri N. , Benchanaa M. , Chikri R.
Published: June 2020

In the present study, batch adsorption experiments were carried out to investigate the removal of methyl orange (MO) from aqueous solution using sugar scum powder as an effective inorganic adsorbent which is a cheap precursor and abundant. The characteristics of this material were determined using XRD, SEM/EDX, and FTIR. The adsorption performance of sugar scum powder was evaluated using MO as the model adsorbate. Effects of various parameters such as initial dye concentration, contact time, and adsorbent dose were studied. The adsorption process can be best described by the pseudo-second-order kinetic and Langmuir adsorption isotherm models. Maximum monolayer adsorption capacity for MO removal was found to be 15.24 mg/g at temperature 22°C and pH 7.2. Moreover, thermodynamic parameters suggested that the adsorption of MO onto sugar scum powder was a spontaneous and exothermic process. The results demonstrated that sugar scum is a suitable precursor for the preparation of efficient adsorbent for dye removal from wastewater.
Sample Preparation Methods Affect Engineering Characteristic Tests of Municipal Solid Waste
Authors: Kong Dequan , Wan Rong , Wang Yonghui
Published: June 2020

The output of municipal solid waste (MSW) has sharply increased over the recent years, which induces many severe problems (environmental pollution, deteriorating human health, and increased land occupation). Engineering parameters form the research basis for MSW treatment, which can be greatly influenced by the applied sample preparation methods. Currently, the preparation method of MSW samples mostly refers to the geotechnical test standard. The suitability and accuracy of this method for MSW are less studied, especially when considering biodegradation, so further research is needed. Depending on whether the material is dried or remains wet during preparation, the samples made by traditional geotechnical test standards are referred to as dry method samples or wet method samples, respectively. To study the influence of the sample preparation methods on the MSW engineering properties of MSW, the compression tests, direct shear tests, and biodegradation compression tests were conducted for both types of samples (dry and wet). The results show that the data dispersion of the wet method samples is stronger. The average test data variance of wet samples was 1.43–8.85 times higher than that of dry samples. In both the direct shear test and the compression test, the differences in engineering parameters caused by the sample preparation method were less than 12.3% and 8.9%, respectively. In biodegradation compression tests, the difference in engineering parameters reached up to 33.7%. In general, the dry method is preferred for tests that do not consider biodegradation, while the wet method is more suitable for tests that consider biodegradation. The research can be used as a reference toward improving the simplicity and accuracy of MSW tests.
A Kriging Model-Based Expensive Multiobjective Optimization Algorithm Using R2 Indicator of Expectation Improvement
Authors: Han Ding , Zheng Jianrong
Published: June 2020

Most of the multiobjective optimization problems in engineering involve the evaluation of expensive objectives and constraint functions, for which an approximate model-based multiobjective optimization algorithm is usually employed, but requires a large amount of function evaluation. Aiming at effectively reducing the computation cost, a novel infilling point criterion EIR2 is proposed, whose basic idea is mapping a point in objective space into a set in expectation improvement space and utilizing the R2 indicator of the set to quantify the fitness of the point being selected as an infilling point. This criterion has an analytic form regardless of the number of objectives and demands lower calculation resources. Combining the Kriging model, optimal Latin hypercube sampling, and particle swarm optimization, an algorithm, EIR2-MOEA, is developed for solving expensive multiobjective optimization problems and applied to three sets of standard test functions of varying difficulty and comparing with two other competitive infill point criteria. Results show that EIR2 has higher resource utilization efficiency, and the resulting nondominated solution set possesses good convergence and diversity. By coupling with the average probability of feasibility, the EIR2 criterion is capable of dealing with expensive constrained multiobjective optimization problems and its efficiency is successfully validated in the optimal design of energy storage flywheel.
Sex Hormones and Inflammation Role in Oral Cancer Progression: A Molecular and Biological Point of View
Authors: Contaldo Maria , Boccellino Mariarosaria , Zannini Giuseppa , Romano Antonio , Sciarra Antonella , Sacco Alessandra , Settembre Giuliana , Coppola Mario , Di Carlo Angelina , D’Angelo Luigi , Inchingolo Francesco , Feola Antonia , Di Domenico Marina
Published: June 2020

Oral cancers have been proven to arise from precursors lesions and to be related to risk behaviour such as alcohol consumption and smoke. However, the present paper focuses on the role of chronic inflammation, related to chronical oral infections and/or altered immune responses occurring during dysimmune and autoimmune diseases, in the oral cancerogenesis. Particularly, oral candidiasis and periodontal diseases introduce a vicious circle of nonhealing and perpetuation of the inflammatory processes, thus leading toward cancer occurrence via local and systemic inflammatory modulators and via genetic and epigenetic factors.
Classification of Hallucal Sesamoid Bone Correlated with Hallux Valgus Severity
Authors: Zhang Lei , Wang Junqiu , Liu Jiaju , Luo Jiangqin
Published: June 2020

The hallucal sesamoid bones (HSBs), having an important role in reducing load per unit area on the first metatarsal head, can be injured commonly which also affected the first metatarsophalangeal joint and the surrounding structure. Meanwhile, differences among each HSB type may be a major factor affecting the occurrence and development of HV. So far, many researchers had learned that there are three different conditions in hallucal sesamoid bone affecting the choice of clinical surgery corresponding to different solutions in clinic. Thus, it is necessary to study the anatomical morphological characteristics of the HSB which can be helpful in clinical diagnosis and treatment, especially hallux valgus (HV). 150 X‐ray and three‐dimensional (3D) computed tomographic (CT) images consist of 72 left and 78 right metatarsals were applied in this anatomic study between two variables and showed by a simple scatter plot. The first metatarsophalangeal joint is divided into four different types: type I (no HSB, 1.3%), type II (with one HSB, 0.07%), type IIIa (with two HSBs when THB is bigger, 28%), type IIIb (with two HSBs when FHB is bigger, 65.3%), and type IV (with three HSBs, 4.7%). There was no statistical difference between the left and right sides, except HVA, Meary, and pitch (P < 0.05); all a, b, c, d, and i have statistical difference between male and female (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, HVA and IMA and HVA and type group have a significant correlation. In summary, HVA and IMA and HVA and classification of HSBs have significant correlations. The classification and location of HSBs can be an important basis to choose operation methods and postoperation evaluation.
Sampled-Data-Based Adaptive Group Synchronization of Second-Order Nonlinear Complex Dynamical Networks with Time-Varying Delays
Authors: Liu Bo , Bai Jiahui , Zhao Yue , Liu Chao , Yan Xuemin , Zhou Hongtao
Published: June 2020

This paper studies the adaptive group synchronization of second-order nonlinear complex dynamical networks with sampled-data and time-varying delays by designing a new adaptive strategy to feedback gains and coupling strengths. According to Lyapunov stability properties, it is shown that the agents of subgroups can converge the given synchronous states, respectively, under some conditions on the sampled period. Moreover, some simulation results are given.
An Image Fusion Method Based on Curvelet Transform and Guided Filter Enhancement
Authors: Zhang Hui , Ma Xu , Tian Yanshan
Published: June 2020

In order to improve the clarity of image fusion and solve the problem that the image fusion effect is affected by the illumination and weather of visible light, a fusion method of infrared and visible images for night-vision context enhancement is proposed. First, a guided filter is used to enhance the details of the visible image. Then, the enhanced visible and infrared images are decomposed by the curvelet transform. The improved sparse representation is used to fuse the low-frequency part, while the high-frequency part is fused with the parametric adaptation pulse-coupled neural networks. Finally, the fusion result is obtained by inverse transformation of the curvelet transform. The experimental results show that the proposed method has good performance in detail processing, edge protection, and source image information.
Net energy metering scheme based on time of use pricing for residents in Malaysia
Authors: Razali Abdul Hafiz Bin
Published: June 2020

The current Malaysia’s Net Energy Metering (NEM) scheme has been updated in 2019 that credits excess generation into the next billing month at retail rate compare to at displaced cost. The new NEM may attract more installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) system among residential customers. However, it is discovered that customers with low monthly electricity consumptions are still not benefited since their electricity cost is lower than the PV generation cost. Implementing time-of-use (TOU) pricing on NEM scheme may overcome the problem as it based on hourly energy usage. This paper compares the annualized energy cost of residential PV system under different TOU prices and NEM scheme. The results show that an optimized TOU prices as suggested in this paper may give financial benefits to all residential customers with PV system, including the one with low monthly consumption.
Performance comparison of field oriented control based permanent magnet synchronous motor fed by matrix converter using PI and IP speed controllers
Authors: Bouazdia Mohamed , Bouhamida Mohamed , Taleb Rachid , Denai Mouloud
Published: June 2020

This paper focuses on modeling and closed-loop speed control of a three-phase Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) fed by a Matrix Converter (MC) based on Field-Oriented Control (FOC). The model considers a set of a small input filter with supply impedance or cable effect, to improve the quality of the input current. A simplified form of the Venturini modulation algorithm is used for switching the matrix converter and a comparative study of two types of speed controllers is presented, namely a proportional integral (PI) and a proportional integral (PI) to improve performances of the drive system in transient and stable conditions. The overall drive system is simulated using Matlab/Simulink environment. The motor performance is evaluated under different operating conditions such as sudden changes in the load or changes in the angular speed reference. The results of the converter MC gives unlimited output frequency, sinusoidal input current and output voltage waveforms and unity input displacement factor. The IP controller is shown to achieve better performance of the speed control loop, with or without the load torque as compared to the PI classic controller.
ANFIS controller for vector control of three phase induction motor
Authors: Joshi Girisha , A J Pinto Pius
Published: June 2020

For variable speed drive applications such as electric vehicles, 3 phase induction motor is used and is controlled by fuzzy logic controllers. For the steady functioning of the vehicle drive, it is essential to generate required torque and speed during starting, coasting, free running, braking and reverse operating regions. The drive performance under these transient conditions are studied and presented. In the present paper, vector control technique is implemented using three fuzzy logic controllers. Separate Fuzzy logic controllers are used to control the direct axis current, quadrature axis current and speed of the motor. In this paper performance of the indirect vector controller containing artificial neural network based fuzzy logic (ANFIS) based control system is studied and compared with regular fuzzy logic system, which is developed without using artificial neural network. Data required to model the artificial neural network based fuzzy inference system is obtained from the PI controlled induction motor system. Results obtained in MATLAB-SIMULINK simulation shows that the ANFIS controller is superior compared to controller which is implemented only using fuzzy logic, under all dynamic conditions.
Lighting control network based on KNX protocol, for the reduction of energy consumption
Authors: Chamorro Atalaya Omar , Quesquen-Porras Angel , Arce Santillan Dora
Published: June 2020

This article presents the development of a lighting control network to reduce the energy consumption of a commercial building, using the KNX protocol; because of the high rates of electricity consumption, the same that are reflected in the payment of the electricity supply. For this, the design of the network architecture is carried out, the tree type quality and it has KNX, DALI components and LED luminaires, which are interconnected by means of an Ethernet type BUS; The KNX protocol configuration is then performed using the ETS version 5 software; carries out the implementation of KNX technology, determines the reduction of energy consumption by 82.33%. Likewise, emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), one of the main gases involved in climate change, were reduced by 85%. With these results we obtain economic and environmental benefits; Reason why it is proposed to perform the same procedure for the control of air conditioning systems, since their operation represents 32.8% of the energy consumption of an establishment.