bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental Study and Failure Mechanism Analysis of Rubber Fiber Concrete under the Compression‐Shear Combined Action
Authors: Zhang Juntao , Yu Zhenpeng , Sun Xinjian , Zhang Guangli , Pan Wenguo
Published: July 2021

In order to examine the compression‐shear combined mechanical properties of rubber fiber concrete, an experimental study was carried out on rubber fiber concrete of three different configurations using a material compression‐shear testing machine by considering different axial compression ratios. The failure modes and shear stress‐strain curves of rubber fiber concrete under different loading conditions were obtained. By comparatively analyzing the mechanical parameters of rubber fiber concrete under different axial compression ratios, the following conclusions were drawn. With the increase of the axial compression ratio, the failure mode in the shear direction gradually developed from a relatively straight crack to a main crack accompanied by a certain amount of axial cracks; meanwhile, the number of concrete slags on the shear failure section was gradually increased and the friction marks were gradually deepened. The addition of rubber particles increased the randomness and discreteness of the concrete upon failure, while fibers inhibited the development of oblique micro‐cracks and the dropping of concrete slags. The shear stress of the concrete specimen containing rubber particles was significantly lower than those without rubber particles. Comparatively, fibers showed little effect on the shear stress. As the axial compression ratio increased, the shear stress and shear strain of rubber fiber concrete were gradually increased, but the increasing amplitude of shear stress tended to become flattened. Under the influence of the axial compression ratio, the shear stress of C‐0%‐0%, C‐30%‐0%, and C‐30%‐0.6% was increased by 4.57 times, 3.26 times, and 2.69 times, respectively, suggesting a gradually decreasing trend. At the same time, based on the principal stress space and the octahedral stress space, the compression‐shear combined failure criterion was proposed for the three different rubber fiber concretes. The research findings are of great significance to the engineering application and development of rubber fiber concrete.
Technical and Biological Complications of Screw‐Retained (CAD/CAM) Monolithic and Partial Veneer Zirconia for Fixed Dental Prostheses on Posterior Implants Using a Digital Workflow: A 3‐Year Cross‐Sectional Retrospective Study
Authors: De Angelis Paolo , Gasparini Giulio , Camodeca Francesca , De Angelis Silvio , Liguori Margherita Giorgia , Rella Edoardo , Cannata Francesca , D’Addona Antonio , Manicone Paolo Francesco
Published: July 2021

Objective. The introduction of CAD/CAM and the development of zirconia‐based restorations have allowed clinicians to use less expensive materials and faster manufacturing procedures. The purpose of the study was to analyze the differences, in terms of mechanical and biological complication, in multiunit zirconia fixed dental prosthesis (FPDs) on posterior implants produced using a digital workflow. Method and Materials. This study was a retrospective investigation, and patients treated with screw‐retained monolithic or partial veneer FPDs on dental implants were selected. Periapical radiographs were taken at baseline and at the 3‐year follow‐up. Complications were recorded and classified as technical and biological ones. Results. The study population included 25 patients. The occlusal and interproximal corrections were not clinically significant. In the study sample, the survival rate and success rate of the FPDs after 3 years were 100% and 96%, respectively. One implant failed immediately after placement. Conclusion. Monolithic zirconia FPDs and partial veneer FPDs showed a 100% survival rate, presenting an interesting alternative to metal ceramic restorations. The partial veneer FPDs had a higher technical complication rate than the monolithic FPDs; however, no statistically significant difference was found.
miR-30a-5p Regulates Viability, Migration, and Invasion of Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells via Targeting ECT2
Authors: Chen Sangsang , Zhu Xuqing , Zheng Jing , Xu Tingting , Xu Yinmin , Chen Feng
Published: July 2021

Objective. The abnormal expression of epithelial cell transforming sequence 2 (ECT2) is often considered the driving factor for the growth and invasion of tumors. This study was performed to investigate the regulatory effect of miR-30a-5p and ECT2 on lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), which provides a basis for the effective clinical treatment of LUAD. Methods. The mature miRNAs, expression data of mRNAs, and clinical data of LUAD were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). The expression levels of ECT2 mRNA and miR-30a-5p in cancer cell lines were detected by qRT-PCR. Western blot was performed to test the expression of ECT2 protein. The targeting relationship between miR-30a-5p and ECT2 was verified by dual-luciferase assay. The CCK-8 method and Transwell assay were conducted to test the viability, migratory, and invasive abilities of cells. Results. ECT2 expression was upregulated in LUAD and was significantly correlated with the LUAD clinical stage and pathologic T stage, and the expression of its upstream regulatory gene miR-30a-5p was downregulated. miR-30a-5p targeted ECT2 in LUAD. Downregulation of ECT2 could inhibit the viability, migration, and invasion of LUAD cells, which could be reversed by simultaneously suppressing the expression of miR-30a-5p. Conclusion. Our results suggested that miR-30a-5p repressed the malignant progression of LUAD via downregulating ECT2. miR-30a-5p and ECT2 may be effective targets for LUAD patients.
The Undrained Characteristics of Tengger Desert Sand from True Triaxial Testing
Authors: Li Xuefeng , Lu Weinan , Ma Zhigang , Tuo Ni
Published: July 2021

Aimed at the characteristics of aeolian sand under rapid construction conditions in desert geotechnical engineering, a series of the true triaxial undrained test were carried out on the GDS apparatus. The 3D deformation, failure, and other characteristics of the dense sand are obtained. Under the condition of same pc, the state transition point where the void water pressure changes from increasing to decreasing appears earlier and leads to enhanced dilatancy with the increase of b, which means the enhanced dilatancy of dense sand caused the increase in strength. The results of the same b shows that the void water pressure generally indicates a decrease at low confining pressure and an increase at high confining pressure, indicating that the aeolian sand shows dilatancy at low confining pressure and contraction at high confining pressure. The state transition point increases with the increase of pc, but all points tend to the same critical state line and state transition line. When b = 0, the critical state line is q = 1.57 p′, and the state transition line is q = 1.23 p′. When b = 1, the critical state line is q = 1.24 p′, and the state transition line is q = 1.04 p′. The results at same b obtained the unified critical state line and the state transition line. Therefore, the true triaxial test can obtain the unified relationship of void ratio, pc and b, which overcomes the fact that the existing test cannot consider the influence of b. The test results provide a basis data for the design, construction, and maintenance of geotechnical engineering in Tengger Desert.
Simulation Optimization for the Multihoist Scheduling Problem
Authors: Pérez-Rodríguez Ricardo
Published: July 2021

Although the Multihoist Scheduling Problem (MHSP) can be detailed as a job-shop configuration, the MHSP has additional constraints. Such constraints increase the difficulty and complexity of the schedule. Operation conditions in chemical processes are certainly different from other types of processes. Therefore, in order to model the real-world environment on a chemical production process, a simulation model is built and it emulates the feasibility requirements of such a production system. The results of the model, i.e., the makespan and the workload of the most loaded tank, are necessary for providing insights about which schedule on the shop floor should be implemented. A new biobjective optimization method is proposed, and it uses the results mentioned above in order to build new scenarios for the MHSP and to solve the aforementioned conflicting objectives. Various numerical experiments are shown to illustrate the performance of this new experimental technique, i.e., the simulation optimization approach. Based on the results, the proposed scheme tackles the inconvenience of the metaheuristics, i.e., lack of diversity of the solutions and poor ability of exploitation. In addition, the optimization approach is able to identify the best solutions by a distance-based ranking model and the solutions located in the first Pareto-front layer contributes to improve the search process of the aforementioned scheme, against other algorithms used in the comparison.
Prediction of Inhomogeneous Stress in Metal Structures: A Hybrid Approach Combining Eddy Current Technique and Finite Element Method
Authors: Yu Yating , Yuan Fei , Li Hanchao , Ulianov Cristian , Tian Guiyun
Published: July 2021

Concentrated stresses and residual ones are critical for the metal structures’ health, because they can cause microcracks that require emergency maintenance or can result in potential accidents. Therefore, an accurate approach to the measurement of stresses is key for ensuring the health of metal structures. The eddy current technique is an effective approach to detect the stress according to the piezoresistive effect. However, it is limited to detect the surface stress due to the skin effect. In engineering, the stress distribution is inhomogeneous; therefore, to predict the inhomogeneous stress distribution, this paper proposes a nondestructive approach which combines the eddy current technique and finite element (FE) method. The experimental data achieved through the eddy current technique determines the relationship between the applied force and the magnetic flux density, while numerical simulations through the FE method bridge the relationship between the magnetic flux density and the stress distribution in different directions. Therefore, we can predict the inhomogeneous stress nondestructively. As a case study, the applied stress in a three‐point‐bending simply supported beam was evaluated, and the relative error is less than 8% in the whole beam. This approach can be expected to predict the residual stress in metal structures, such as rail and vehicle structures, if the stress distribution pattern is known.
The Risk Factors for Chinese Medical Economic Burden of Aging: A Cross‐Sectional Study Based on Guangdong Province
Authors: Chen Jialong , Qian Zhenzhu , Yang Liuna , Liu Ting , Sun Mingwei , Yu Honglin , Wan Chonghua , Yang Yunbin
Published: July 2021

Background. The proportion of aging in China is increasing, which needs more healthcare recourses. To analyze the risk factors of the direct medical economic burden of aging in China and provide the strategies to control the cost of treatment, the information was collected based on Guangdong Province’s regular health expenditure accounting data collection plan. Methods. The multiple linear regression models were used to explore the risk factors of inpatient expenses of the elderly in Guangdong province. Results. The results revealed that hospital day, age, male patients, and patients who suffer from malignant tumors are key factors to increase the direct medical economic burden of aging. Moreover, the medical insurance for urban employees can reduce the medical economic burden, comparing with the medical insurance for urban residents. Conclusions. The basic medical insurance system and the serious illness insurance system should be improved. While striving to speed up the development of regional economy, the government should pay attention to the construction of basic medical institutions in economically backward areas, increase the allocation of health human resources, and facilitate the masses to seek medical treatment nearby.
Optimization of Data Processing System for Exercise and Fitness Process Based on Internet of Things
Authors: Wang Yiming , Gong Xidan
Published: July 2021

In the digital network era, people have higher requirements for physical fitness. In the future, physical fitness requires not only good fitness equipment and fitness environment but also more convenient and intelligent health management, service guidance, social entertainment, and other refined fitness services. The innovation of sports and fitness equipment for the digital network era will definitely depend on the development of information technology and network technology. Based on the cutting‐edge Internet of Things technology, this thesis focuses on the development and application of a new generation of digital fitness equipment adapted to future development, advocating the new concept of seamless integration of fitness exercise and information services through human‐oriented systematic design thinking and providing implementable solutions to realize the science, convenience, and life of public fitness. This thesis uses modern science and technology, especially the Internet of Things (IoT) technology, to fully meet the diversified fitness needs of the fitness crowd as the guide; IoT digital fitness equipment design and application research was newly generated, using a variety of research methods to explore the functional design and application of IoT fitness equipment; the goal is to create a more intelligent and three‐dimensional IoT fitness service model in the future. Through the application research of intelligent devices in IoT fitness equipment, the realization of the functions of identity identification, environment perception, and data transmission of IoT fitness equipment is made faster. Intelligent devices can become the interaction channel between fitness service personnel, fitness equipment, and fitness users and also reduce the development cost of IoT fitness equipment. The construction of an IoT fitness cloud service platform and data management system integrates the application of IoT, cloud computing, mobile communication, and other technologies to make IoT fitness service supply remote, real‐time, and diversified. While providing convenient and value‐added fitness services for fitness people, it also brings sustainable development space for the health service industry.
Localization of Alternating Magnetic Dipole in the Near-Field Zone with Single-Component Magnetometers
Authors: Xiang Gao , Bo-cheng Du , Qi-long Wang
Published: July 2021

Tri-axis magnetometers are widely used to measure magnetic field in engineering of the magnetic localization technology. However, the magnetic field measurement precision is influenced by the nonorthogonal error of tri-axis magnetometers. A locating model of the alternating magnetic dipole in the near-field zone with single-component magnetometers was proposed in this paper. Using the vertical component of the low-frequency magnetic field acquired by at least six single-component magnetometers, the localization of an alternating magnetic dipole could be attributed to the solution for a class of nonlinear unconstrained optimization problem. In order to calculate the locating information of alternating magnetic dipole, a hybrid algorithm combining the Gauss–Newton algorithm and genetic algorithm was applied. The theoretical simulation and field experiment for the localization of alternating magnetic dipole source were carried out, respectively. The positioning result is stable and reliable, indicating that the locating model has better performance and could meet the requirements of actual positioning.
AGTH-Net: Attention-Based Graph Convolution-Guided Third-Order Hourglass Network for Sports Video Classification
Authors: Gao Ming , Cai Weiwei , Liu Runmin
Published: July 2021

As a hot research topic, sports video classification research has a wide range of applications in switched TV, video on demand, smart TV, and other fields and is closely related to people’s lives. Under this background, sports video classification research has aroused great interest in people. However, the existing methods usually use manual video classification, which the workers themselves often influence. It is challenging to ensure the accuracy of the results, leading to the wrong classification. Due to these limitations, we introduce neural network technology to the automatic classification of sports. This paper proposed a novel attention-based graph convolution-guided third-order hourglass network (AGTH-Net) classification model. First, we designed a kind of figure convolution model based on the attention mechanism. The model is the key to introduce the attention mechanism for neighborhood node weights’ allocation. It reduces the impact of error nodes in the neighborhood while avoiding manual weight assignment. Second, according to the sports complex video image characteristics, we use the third-order hourglass network structure. It is used for the extraction and fusion of multiscale characteristics of sports. In addition, in the hourglass, internal network residual-intensive modules are introduced, realizing characteristics in different levels of network transfer and reuse. It is helpful for maximum details to feature extracting and enhancing the network expression ability. Comparison and ablation experiments are also carried out to prove the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed algorithm.
Modeling the Impacts of Venture Capital Investment on Firm Innovation
Authors: Qiao Han , Zhang Sen , Xiao Yao
Published: July 2021

Taking firms listed on the Chinese Growth Enterprise Market (GEM) in 2008–2017 as the sample, this study investigates the impact of venture capital (VC) investment on Chinese firm innovation using propensity score matching and a difference-in-differences (PSM-DID) model. The results show that, overall, firms’ innovation inputs and outputs do not show obvious enhancement due to VC entry, but instead show a strong and then weak inhibitory effect. VCs have heterogeneous impacts on firm innovation; that is, compared to other types of firms, firms with technology-dependent characteristics and firms whose actual controllers are experts in the same industry can effectively mitigate the adverse impact of VC on innovation inputs and gradually promote growth in the quantity and quality of the innovation outputs after the second year of VC entry. This study not only reveals the impact of VC on firm innovation activities in the Chinese capital market but also provides empirical evidence to help improve the financial innovation service system and the use of the capital market to promote innovation in China.
Robust Constrained Model Predictive Control for T‐S Fuzzy Uncertain System with Data Loss and Data Quantization
Authors: Qu Hongchun , Li Yu , Liu Wei
Published: July 2021

This paper addresses the robust constrained model predictive control (MPC) for Takagi‐Sugeno (T‐S) fuzzy uncertain quantized system with random data loss. To deal with the quantization error and the data loss over the networks, the sector bound approach and the Bernoulli process are introduced, respectively. The fuzzy controller and new conditions for stability, which are written as the form of linear matrix inequality (LMI), are presented based on nonparallel distributed compensation (non‐PDC) control law and an extended nonquadratic Lyapunov function, respectively. In addition, slack and collection matrices are provided for reducing the conservativeness. Based on the obtained stability results, a model predictive controller which explicitly considers the input and state constraints is synthesized by minimizing an upper bound of the worst‐case infinite horizon quadratic cost function. The developed MPC algorithm can guarantee the recursive feasibility of the optimization problem and the stability of closed‐loop system simultaneously. Finally, the simulation example is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed technique.
Adaptive Event‐Triggered Synchronization of Networked Neural Networks with Time‐Varying Delay Subject to Actuator Saturation
Authors: Xu Yao , Wang Renren , Lu Hongqian , Song Xingxing , Deng Yahan , Zhou Wuneng
Published: July 2021

This paper discusses the adaptive event‐triggered synchronization problem of a class of neural networks (NNs) with time‐varying delay and actuator saturation. First, in view of the limited communication channel capacity of the network system and unnecessary data transmission in the NCSs, an adaptive event‐triggered scheme (AETS) is introduced to reduce the network load and improve network utilization. Second, under the AETS, the synchronization error model of the delayed master‐slave synchronization system is constructed with actuator saturation. Third, based on Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional (LKF), a new sufficient criterion to guarantee the asymptotic stability of the synchronization error system is derived. Moreover, by solving the stability criterion expressed in the form of a set of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs), some necessary parameters of the system are obtained. At last, two examples are expressed to demonstrate the feasibility of this method.
Antibacterial and Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Polyherbal Formulation Used in Chronic Wound Healing
Authors: Mandrika Ilona , Kumar Somit , Zandersone Baiba , Eranezhath Sujith Subash , Petrovska Ramona , Liduma Iveta , Jezupovs Arnolds , Pirags Valdis , Tracevska Tatjana
Published: July 2021

Objective. Polyherbal formulations Jathyadi Thailam and Jatyadi Ghritam (JT) are used in Indian traditional medicine for diabetic chronic wounds, fistula, fissure, eczema, and burn management. We aimed to investigate the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of crude hexane and ethanol extracts of JT formulations. Methods. Antibacterial activity of JT extracts was tested to estimate minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) against nine reference bacterial strains, including one methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and clinical strains of methicillin-susceptible S.aureus (MSSA), all involved in diabetic foot infection. The anti-inflammatory activity of plant extracts was evaluated in LPS-treated macrophage cells by measuring the mRNA levels and secretion of inflammatory mediators. Results. The antibacterial activity of JT extracts was higher against Gram (+) bacteria, with the MICs varying from 1.95 to 62.5 mg/mL. Gram (−) bacteria were only susceptible to ethanol extracts of JT. Plant extracts were found to be the most active against the reference and clinical strains of MSSA, MRSA, and biofilm-forming S. epidermidis. JT extracts efficiently inhibited in a dose-dependent manner the mRNA expression and protein secretion of proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-1β, and chemokines MCP-1 and CXCL10 in LPS-challenged macrophages. Conclusion. In the present study, we have shown that extracts of JT formulations possess potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that could be involved in chronic wound healing activity and has the potential to be used as external add-on therapy in the management of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections at the wound.
Metabolic Enzyme DLST Promotes Tumor Aggression and Reveals a Vulnerability to OXPHOS Inhibition in High-Risk Neuroblastoma
Authors: Anderson Nicole M. , Qin Xiaodan , Finan Jennifer M. , Lam Andrew , Athoe Jacob , Missiaen Rindert , Skuli Nicolas , Kennedy Annie , Saini Amandeep S. , Tao Ting , Zhu Shizhen , Nissim Itzhak , Look A. Thomas , Qing Guoliang , Simon M. Celeste , Feng Hui
Published: July 2021

High-risk neuroblastoma remains therapeutically challenging to treat, and the mechanisms promoting disease aggression are poorly understood. Here, we show that elevated expression of dihydrolipoamide S-succinyltransferase (DLST) predicts poor treatment outcome and aggressive disease in patients with neuroblastoma. DLST is an E2 component of the α-ketoglutarate (αKG) dehydrogenase complex, which governs the entry of glutamine into the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA) for oxidative decarboxylation. During this irreversible step, αKG is converted into succinyl-CoA, producing NADH for oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Utilizing a zebrafish model of MYCN-driven neuroblastoma, we demonstrate that even modest increases in DLST expression promote tumor aggression, while monoallelic dlst loss impedes disease initiation and progression. DLST depletion in human MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma cells minimally affected glutamine anaplerosis and did not alter TCA cycle metabolites other than αKG. However, DLST loss significantly suppressed NADH production and impaired OXPHOS, leading to growth arrest and apoptosis of neuroblastoma cells. In addition, multiple inhibitors targeting the electron transport chain, including the potent IACS-010759 that is currently in clinical testing for other cancers, efficiently reduced neuroblastoma proliferation in vitro. IACS-010759 also suppressed tumor growth in zebrafish and mouse xenograft models of high-risk neuroblastoma. Together, these results demonstrate that DLST promotes neuroblastoma aggression and unveils OXPHOS as an essential contributor to high-risk neuroblastoma.

Significance:

These findings demonstrate a novel role for DLST in neuroblastoma aggression and identify the OXPHOS inhibitor IACS-010759 as a potential therapeutic strategy for this deadly disease.
The Prognostic Role of MYC Structural Variants Identified by NGS and FISH in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Sharma Neeraj , Smadbeck James B. , Abdallah Nadine , Zepeda-Mendoza Cinthya , Binder Moritz , Pearce Kathryn E. , Asmann Yan W. , Peterson Jess F. , Ketterling Rhett P. , Greipp Patricia T. , Bergsagel P. Leif , Rajkumar S. Vincent , Kumar Shaji K. , Baughn Linda B.
Published: July 2021

Purpose:

Structural variants (SV) of the MYC gene region are common in multiple myeloma and influence disease progression. However, the prognostic significance of different MYC SVs in multiple myeloma has not been clearly established.

Experimental Design:

We conducted a retrospective study of multiple myeloma comparing MYC SV subtypes identified by next-generation sequencing (NGS) and FISH to MYC expression and disease survival using 140 cases from Mayo Clinic and 658 cases from the MMRF CoMMpass study.

Results:

MYC SVs were found in 41% of cases and were classified into nine subtypes. A correlation between the presence of a MYC SV and increased MYC expression was identified. Among the nine MYC subtypes, the non-immunoglobulin (non-Ig) insertion subtype was independently associated with improved outcomes, while the Ig insertion subtype, specifically involving the IgL gene partner, was independently associated with poorer outcomes compared with other MYC SV subtypes. Although the FISH methodology failed to detect approximately 70% of all MYC SVs, those detected by FISH were associated with elevated MYC gene expression and poor outcomes suggesting a different pathogenic role for FISH-detected MYC subtypes compared with other MYC subtypes.

Conclusions:

Understanding the impact of different MYC SVs on disease outcome is necessary for the reliable interpretation of MYC SVs in multiple myeloma. NGS approaches should be considered as a replacement technique for a more comprehensive evaluation of the multiple myeloma clone.
Fever as a Side Effect after Electroconvulsive Therapy
Authors: Jo Young Tak , Lee Jungsun , Joo Yeon Ho
Published: July 2021

Background: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is the most important and safe nonpharmacological treatment for psychiatric disorders. Some patients experience unexplained fever after ECT, but only a few studies have reported on this. Method: We investigated fever after ECT by retrospectively reviewing the medical records of patients. Patients treated at the ECT unit of the Department of Psychiatry at Asan Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea, between 30 June 2004 and 30 June 2019, were included. Differences in variables were compared between groups with or without fever after ECT sessions. Result: There were 28 patients (8.8%) in the fever group. Forty-three ECT sessions (1.5%) resulted in fever after treatment. The female-to-male ratio was higher in the fever group than in the control group, and the mean number of total ECT sessions was also higher in the fever group than in the control group, but there were no other differences between the 2 groups. Conclusion: Comparing fever and control sessions, fever sessions relatively preceded control sessions and had a longer seizure duration. Postictal delirium occurred more often in the fever sessions than in control sessions. Fever sessions had a higher white blood cell count and lower concomitant quetiapine dosage than control sessions. Because 8.8% of patients who received ECT experienced fever after treatment more than once, fever after ECT is considered to be a common side effect.
Factors Indicating Surgical Excision in Classical Type of Lobular Neoplasia of the Breast
Authors: Elfgen Constanze , Tausch Christoph , Rodewald Ann-Katrin , Güth Uwe , Rageth Christoph , Bjelic-Radisic Vesna , Fleisch Markus , Kurtz Claudia , Gonzalez Diaz Jesus , Varga Zsuzsanna
Published: July 2021

Purpose: Classical type of lobular neoplasia (LN) encompassing both atypical lobular hyperplasia and classical lobular carcinoma in situ of the breast is a lesion with uncertain malignant potential and has been the topic of several studies with conflicting outcome results. The aim of our study was to clarify outcome-relevant factors and treatment options of classical LN. Methods: We performed a pathological re-evaluation of the preoperative biopsy specimens and a retrospective clinical and radiological data analysis of 160 patients with LN from the Breast Center Zurich. Open surgery was performed in 65 patients, vacuum-assisted biopsy (VAB) in 79 patients, and surveillance after breast core needle biopsy (CNB) in 16 patients. Results: The upgrade rate into ductal carcinoma in situ/invasive cancer was the highest in case of imaging/histology discordance (40%). If the number of foci in the biopsy specimen was ≥3, the upgrade rate in the consecutive surgical specimens was increased (p = 0.01). The association of classical LN with histological microcalcification correlated with shortened disease-free survival (p < 0.01), whereas other factors showed no impact on follow-up. Conclusions: Surveillance or subsequent VAB after CNB of LN is sufficient in most cases. Careful consideration of individual radiological and histological factors is required to identify patients with a high risk of upgrade into malignancy. In those cases, surgical excision is indicated.
Testosterone Therapy and Its Monitoring in Adolescent Boys with Hypogonadism: Results of an International Survey from the I-DSD Registry
Authors: Stancampiano Marianna R. , Lucas-Herald Angela K. , Bryce Jillian , Russo Gianni , Barera Graziano , Balsamo Antonio , Baronio Federico , Bertelloni Silvano , Valiani Margherita , Cools Martine , Tack Lloyd J.W. , Darendeliler Feyza , Poyrazoglu Sukran , Globa Evgenia , Grinspon Romina , Hannema Sabine E. , Hughes Ieuan A. , Tadokoro-Cuccaro Rieko , Thankamony Ajay , Iotova Violeta , Mladenov Vilhelm , Konrad Daniel , Mazen Inas , Niedziela Marek , Kolesinska Zofia , Nordenström Anna , Ahmed S. Faisal
Published: July 2021

It is unclear whether testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in adolescent boys, affected by a range of endocrine diseases that may be associated with hypogonadism, is particularly common. The aim of this study was to assess the contemporary practice of TRT in boys included in the I-DSD Registry. All participating centres in the I-DSD Registry that had boys between 10 and 18 years of age and with a condition that could be associated with hypogonadism were invited to provide further information in 2019. Information on 162 boys was collected from 15 centres that had a median (range) number of 6 boys per centre (1.35). Of these, 30 (19%) from 9 centres were receiving TRT and the median (range) age at the start was 12.6 years (10.8–16.2), with 6 boys (20%) starting at <12 years. Median (range) age of boys not on TRT was 11.7 years (10.7–17.7), and 69 out of 132 (52%) were <12 years. TRT had been initiated in 20 of 71 (28%) boys with a disorder of gonadal development, 3 of 14 (21%) with a disorder of androgen synthesis, and all 7 (100%) boys with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. The remainder who did not have TRT included 15 boys with partial androgen insensitivity, 52 with non-specific XY DSD, and 3 with persistent Müllerian duct syndrome. Before starting TRT, liver function and blood count were checked in 19 (68%) and 18 boys (64%), respectively, a bone age assessment was performed in 23 (82%) and bone mineral density assessment in 12 boys (43%). This snapshot of contemporary practice reveals that TRT in boys included in the I-DSD Registry is not very common, whilst the variation in starting and monitoring therapy is quite marked. Standardisation of practice may lead to more effective assessment of treatment outcomes.
Dorfman-Chanarin Syndrome: A Rare Cause of Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease Related to Homozygosity of the Nonsense Mutation c.934C>T (p.R312*)
Authors: Quelhas da Costa Rita , Laranjeira Francisco , Duarte Ribeiro Isaura , Santos António Filipe , Nery Filipe
Published: July 2021

Metabolic associated fatty liver disease became the most common form of chronic liver disease, in the vast majority of the cases related to increased insulin resistance or metabolic dysregulation. Yet, other causes may be implied. We report the late diagnosis of Dorfman-Chanarin syndrome in a non-alcoholic steatohepatitis previously labeled cirrhotic middle-aged man, with consanguineous parents, complicated with hepatocellular carcinoma. Congenital ichthyosis, neurosensory hearing loss and elevated muscular enzymes hit on the track of Dorfman-Chanarin syndrome. The genetic analysis uncovered a first-time described homozygotic nonsense mutation in the ABHD5 gene, responsible for coding the ABHD5 protein. The patient was successfully submitted to liver transplantation. Inborn errors of metabolism are a rare cause of metabolic associated fatty liver disease, but they need to be kept in consideration in all patients who present with atypical clinical features. This shall raise the awareness of physicians to rare forms of presentation since it may imply not only a different prognosis, but also other actions, like particular therapies as liver transplantation due to related complications of cirrhosis, or familial screening.
Oral Health Status and Nutritional Habits as Predictors for Developing Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Popovac Aleksandra , Čelebić Asja , Peršić Sanja , Stefanova Elka , Milić Lemić Aleksandra , Stančić Ivica
Published: July 2021

Objective: Poor oral health, mainly tooth loss, has been suggested to pose a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The nature of this relationship can be explained by mastication deficit and nutritional status. Also, the influence of nutritional parameters on cognitive impairment has been documented. The aim of this study was to investigate whether poor dental status and nutrition habits can be potential separate or associated risk factors for development of the AD. Methods: The study sample included 116 patients with AD and 63 controls. Sociodemographic variables were investigated as factors potentially associated with AD. Dental examination included recording the number of natural teeth, presence of fixed or removable dentures, and the number of functional tooth units (FTUs). Nutritional status analysis included qualitative nutrition information, body mass index, serum albumin level, food consistency, and need for assistance in feeding. Regression analysis was used to investigate the predictors for development of AD. Results: Variables with significant differences between groups, which were analyzed by using the binary regression analysis, were marital status, residence, number of total FTUs (no matter whether the contacts were between natural teeth or dentures), eating meat/fish and fruits/vegetables, food consistency, and serum albumin level. Logistic regression analysis showed that being single/widowed/divorced, eating more meat/fish or fruit/vegetable, eating blended/mashed/liquid food, having low levels of serum albumin, and having less FTUs were significant predictors for developing dementia. Conclusion: Having fewer occlusal contacts, consumption of soft food, and lower serum albumin levels can be considered as associated risk factors for AD.
Chronic Respiratory Diseases and Neurodegenerative Disorders: A Primer for the Practicing Clinician
Authors: Falsetti Lorenzo , Viticchi Giovanna , Zaccone Vincenzo , Tarquinio Nicola , Nobili Lorenzo , Nitti Cinzia , Salvi Aldo , Moroncini Gianluca , Silvestrini Mauro
Published: July 2021

Chronic respiratory disorders represent a world epidemic. Their incidence and prevalence in the world population is increasing, and especially among elderly subjects, they are commonly associated with other pathologies, often generating a status of high clinical complexity. Neurology, internal medicine, and pneumology specialists should be aware of the common background of these disorders in order to treat correctly the patient’s comorbid state and optimize the treatment considering potential overlaps. In this review, we aimed to focus on the relationships between chronic respiratory disorders and chronic neurodegenerative diseases at different levels; we review the shared risk factors and the interactions between disorders, the indications to explore respiratory function in neurodegenerative diseases, pathology-pathology and drug-pathology interactions in patients affected by both chronic neurologic and respiratory diseases.
Determining patterns of student graduation using a bi-level learning framework
Authors: Nanglae Lalida , Iam-On Natthakan , Boongoen Tossapon , Kaewchay Komkrit , Mullaney James
Published: July 2021

The practice of data science, artificial intelligence (AI) in general, has expanded greatly in terms of both theoretical and application domains. Many existing and new problems have been tackled using different reasoning and learning methods. These include the research subject, generally referred to as education data mining (or EDM). Among many issues that have been studied in this EMD community, student performance and achievement provide an interesting, yet useful result to shaping effective learning style and academic consultation. Specific to this work at Mae Fah Luang University, the pattern of students’ graduation is determined based on their profile of performance in different categories of courses. This course-group approach is picked up to generalize the framework for various undergraduation programmes. In that, a bi-level learning method is proposed in order to predict the length of study before graduation. At the first tier, clustering is applied to derive major types of performance profiles, for which classification models can be developed to refine the prediction further. With the experiments on a real data collection, this framework usually provides accurate predictive outcomes, using several conventional classification techniques.
Optimal electric distribution network configuration using adaptive sunflower optimization
Authors: Nguyen Thuan Thanh , Nguyen Ngoc Thiem , Nguyen Trung Dung
Published: July 2021

Network reconfiguration (NR) is a powerful approach for power loss reduction in the distribution system. This paper presents a method of network reconfiguration using adaptive sunflower optimization (ASFO) to minimize power loss of the distribution system. ASFO is developed based on the original sunflower optimization (SFO) that is inspired from moving of sunflower to the sun. In ASFO, the mechanisms including pollination, survival and mortality mechanisms have been adjusted compared to the original SFO to fit with the network reconfiguration problem. The numerical results on the 14-node and 33-node systems have shown that ASFO outperforms to SFO for finding the optimal network configuration with greater success rate and better obtained solution quality. The comparison results with other previous approaches also indicate that ASFO has better performance than other methods in term of optimal network configuration. Thus, ASFO is a powerful method for the NR.
The influence of data size on a high-performance computing memetic algorithm in fingerprint dataset
Authors: Assiroj Priati , Spits Warnars Harco Leslie Hendric , Abdurachman Edi , Kistijantoro Achmad Imam , Doucet Antoine
Published: July 2021

The fingerprint is one kind of biometric. This biometric unique data have to be processed well and secure. The problem gets more complicated as data grows. This work is conducted to process image fingerprint data with a memetic algorithm, a simple and reliable algorithm. In order to achieve the best result, we run this algorithm in a parallel environment by utilizing a multi-thread feature of the processor. We propose a high-performance computing memetic algorithm (HPCMA) to process a 7200 image fingerprint dataset which is divided into fifteen specimens based on its characteristics based on the image specification to get the detail of each image. A combination of each specimen generates a new data variation. This algorithm runs in two different operating systems, Windows 7 and Windows 10 then we measure the influence of data size on processing time, speed up, and efficiency of HPCMA with simple linear regression. The result shows data size is very influencing to processing time more than 90%, to speed up more than 30%, and to efficiency more than 19%.
A new automated smart cart system for modern shopping centres
Authors: Bello-Salau Habeeb , Onumanyi Adeiza James , Michael David , Isa Ridwanullahi , Alenoghena Caroline O. , Ohize Henry
Published: July 2021

Modern shopping centres are undoubtedly a beehive of intense shopping activities. However, customers are often plagued by salient challenges, which may include fatigue derived from pushing trolleys around the mall and prolonged sorting of bills by the cashier. These shopping challenges could be daunting for the elderly, disabled, pregnant and nursing mothers. In this paper, we addressed these shopping challenges by developing an autonomous shopping cart with the following characteristics; (1) it follows the customer’s movement relieving the need to push a cart, (2) it bills automatically all stock placed in the cart, (3) it prompts the customer to make payment and updates each stock via a local database. Our design adopts a Raspberry Pi, a camera and a few direct current motors programmed to achieve autonomy. We used an open-source cross platform software called XAMPP to create the database and used RFID tags to bill the items placed in the cart automatically. The system updates payments and communicates these transactions to a local database via nRF24 wireless transceivers. The experimental tests conducted demonstrate that our system successfully followed customers accurately within the mall. We consider our design a major contribution to the vision of automated shopping systems for the near future.
The estimate of amplitude and phase of harmonics in power system using the extended kalman filter
Authors: Kamarposhti Mehrdad Ahmadi , Ahmed Solyman Ahmed Amin
Published: July 2021

Nowadays, the amplitude of the harmonics in the power grid has increased unwittingly due to the increasing use of the nonlinear elements and power electronics. It has led to a significant reduction in power quality indicators. As a first step, the estimate of the amplitude, and the phase of the harmonics in the power grid are essential to resolve this problem. We use the Kalman filter to estimate the phase, and we use the minimal squared linear estimator to assess the amplitude. To test the aforementioned method, we use terminal test signals of the industrial charge consisting of the power converters and ignition coils. The results show that this algorithm has a high accuracy and estimation speed, and they confirm the proper performance in instantaneous tracking of the parameters.
Image confusion and diffusion based on multi-chaotic system and mix-column
Authors: Maryoosh Amal Abdulbaqi , Dhaif Zahraa Salah , Mustafa Raniah Ali
Published: July 2021

In this paper, a new image encryption algorithm based on chaotic cryptography was proposed. The proposed scheme was based on multiple stages of confusion and diffusion. The diffusion process was implemented twice, first, by permuting the pixels of the plain image by using an Arnold cat map and, the second time by permuting the plain image pixels via the proposed permutation algorithm. The confusion process was performed many times, by performing the XOR operation between the two resulted from permuted images, subtracted a random value from all pixels of the image, as well as by implementing the mix column on the resulted image, and by used the Lorenz key to obtain the encrypted image. The security analysis tests that used to exam the results of this encryption method were information entropy, key space analysis, correlation, histogram analysis UACI, and NPCR have shown that the suggested algorithm has been resistant against different types of attacks.
Evaluation of appliances mobile controller system using expectation-confirmation theory model
Authors: Baharum Aslina , Fai Chew Yun , Ismail Rozita , Ismail Ismassabah , Deris Farhana Diana , Noor Noorsidi Aizuddin Mat
Published: July 2021

Nowadays, most Malaysians have used overpower usage of house appliances. Malaysian does not have the habit of controlling the household’s electricity consumption every day. Reducing electricity consumption is better for the earth, reducing harmful greenhouse emissions and minimizing the household's overall impact. Besides, one of the safety problems that Malaysian currently face is thieves entering the house when the owner is outstation or traveling. The proposed home appliance controller application can control and calculate the power consumption of home appliances. It can also control and set automatic timing based on the light to cause thieves to realize that the house may have people since the lights were turned on. This paper aims to identify the application features of controllers for home appliances, then develop the mobile application not only for gaming or entertainment but for better, enhanced, convenience and efficiency of lifestyle and finally to evaluate the users’ acceptance towards mobile app using expectation-confirmation theory model. Results show that perceived usefulness significant with confirmation (0.61) and continuance intentions (0.69). Perceived usefulness was demonstrated to be an essential predictor of continuance intentions (0.44). With this system or app, house appliances will be communicated and under control by the house owner.
UI/UX integrated holistic monitoring of PAUD using the TCSD method
Authors: Krisnanik Erly , Rahayu Tri
Published: July 2021

User interface (UI)/user experience (UX) is one part of the stages in the development of the system to produce interactive and attractive web-based application layouts so that it is easy to understand and use by users. In this research, a case study was conducted on early childhood in PAUD Kuntum Mekar. The design of the UI/UX model for holistic integrative PAUD monitoring becomes one of the solutions to help parents and teachers. The method used to design UI/UX is the task centered system design (TCSD) approach starting from the stages; 1) identification scope of use, 2) user centered requirement analysis, 3) design and scenario, and 4) walkthrough evaluate, the method used for system testing is user satisfaction, and heuristic usability. The purpose of this study is the UI/UX design with TCSD can provide valid data needs of each actor based on the assignment and design of the story board of the developed system. The results of this research are UI/UX model design for integrative holistic PAUD monitoring application.