bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolutionary Game Analysis of Farmers’ Conservation Tillage Behavior in Black Soil Areas Guided by Deep Learning
Authors: Meng Na , Zhou Jing
Published: June 2022

To better protect the rights and interests of farmers, the evolutionary game theory and deep learning (DL) technology are used to analyze the conservation tillage behavior of farmers in black soil areas. Firstly, the basic hypotheses are put forward and an evolutionary game model is constructed. Secondly, the evolutionary game model between farmers and the government is analyzed, and dynamic equations are built. Finally, the model is deduced and studied, and a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) with a double-sized convolution kernel is constructed to classify the land of remote sensing images. The experimental results manifest that after the dynamic evolutionary game, the net income generated by farmers adopting the conservation tillage strategy without government regulation is positive. The net income of government regulation is positive, and the game equilibrium point is (1, 0). After a dynamic evolutionary game, the game is balanced when the government does not regulate, the net income generated by farmers adopting conservation tillage strategies and the net income generated by government regulation and farmers adopting conservation tillage strategies are negative, the net income from government regulation is positive, and the game equilibrium point is (0, 1). The constructed CNN can achieve 91.32% overall accuracy for black soil classification, and the proposed scheme provides some references for the application of CNN in evolutionary games.
Viscoelastic-Thermodynamic Model and Crack Propagation in Asphalt Concrete Pavement
Authors: Yuan Ruijia , Zhao Liqin
Published: June 2022

Asphalt concrete pavement has a wide range of applications in the construction of high-grade highways. Asphalt concrete pavement has elastic properties, and its viscoelasticity and viscoplasticity are obviously affected by temperature. To determine whether a structure can continue to be used safely, it is most important to determine whether microscopic or macroscopic cracks present in the structure continue to propagate and cause structural failure. The purpose of this study was to study the effects of different ambient temperatures and mobile vehicles on the stress around the crack tip and the propagation path of different types of asphalt pavements. Based on the theory of fracture mechanics and viscoelasticity, this work studies the problem of crack propagation from a macroscopic perspective. It proposes to use the finite element method to analyze the crack problem in the pavement structure. With the help of ABAQUS software, a curved beam model with cracks was established for calculation, and moving loads and ambient temperature fields were added for analysis. The experimental results in this study show that with the decrease in the ambient temperature, the stress at the crack tip increases continuously. As the analysis time increases, the stress also increases. When the crack is smaller, the stress value at the tip is larger. When a = 15 mm, the stress value at the crack tip is the largest. However, when a = 20 mm and a = 25 mm, the stress at the crack tip is significantly reduced. It shows that the crack is easier to crack when the crack value is smaller. After the crack has grown to a certain length, the growth rate will slow down.
[Retracted] Analysis of Risk Factors of Coronary Heart Disease and Its Correlation with Inflammatory Factors in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Wang Zhigang , Zhao Hui , Zhou Qian
Published: June 2022

In this paper, we propose a new method to analyze the risk factors of coronary heart disease (CHD) and their correlation with inflammatory factors in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). To verify and implement this idea, we have selected a total of 165 patients with T2DM treated in our hospital from March 2019 to October 2021 that were divided into CHD group (n = 72) and non‐CHD group (n = 93) according to the results of coronary angiography. Patients with CHD were divided into three groups according to SYNTAX score: low‐risk group, medium‐risk group, and high‐risk group. The clinical data of all patients were collected. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to screen the risk factors of CHD in patients with T2DM. The related inflammatory factors such as C‐reactive protein (CRP), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and water‐soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) were detected in all patients. Pearson’s linear correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between the expression levels of CRP, IL‐6, and sCD40L and CHD in patients with T2DM. The receiver working curve (ROC) was used to evaluate the efficacy of IL‐6, CRP, and sCD40L in predicting high risk of CHD in patients with T2DM. Multivariate analysis showed that age and course of T2DM, FFA, UA, and Hcy were risk factors for CHD in patients with T2DM. The serum levels of IL‐6, CRP, and sCD40L in patients with CHD were significantly higher than those in patients without CHD. According to SYNTAX score, 72 patients with CHD were divided into low‐risk group (n = 36), medium‐risk group (n = 26), and high‐risk group (n = 10). Compared with the low‐risk group, the expression levels of serum IL‐6 CRP and sCD40L in the middle‐risk group and high‐risk group were significantly higher than those in the low‐risk group. The expression levels of IL‐6 CRP and sCD40L in the high‐risk group were also significantly higher than those in the medium‐risk group. There is a positive correlation between syntactic score and IL‐6 expression in patients with T2DM complicated with coronary heart disease (r = 0.778, P < 0.001), with the expression of CRP (r = 0.756, P < 0.001) and with the expression of sCD40L (r = 0.748, P < 0.001). Advanced age, long course of T2DM, elevated levels of FFA, UA, and Hcy are all risk factors of CHD in patients with type 2 diabetes. T2DM patients with the above risk factors should be vigilant and pay attention to monitoring the related indexes of coronary heart disease to avoid the occurrence of serious cardiovascular disease. CRP, IL‐6, and sCD40L are involved in the progression of CHD in patients with T2DM. The more severe CHD is, the higher the expression of IL‐6, CRP, and sCD40L in serum.
Research of Consumption Behavior Prediction Based on Improved DNN
Authors: Tian Yu , Lai Yuhong , Yang Chao
Published: June 2022

In terms of the low accuracy and unsatisfactory effect of traditional prediction models for consumption behavior, in the study of deep learning DNN model, a consumption behavior prediction model based on rDNN model is proposed. By choosing the appropriate function as the activation function of the model, the random sampling method is used to select negative samples of consumer behavior data to determine the N/P ratio, which improves the DNN model. Based on the improved DNN model, a consumer behavior prediction model based on the rDNN model is constructed. The results show that when the tanh function is used as the activation function and the ratio of N/P is 3, the rDNN model has the best prediction effect on consumption behavior, with AUC value of 0.8422 and the fastest operation efficiency of 434.36 s. Compared with traditional prediction models, DNN, and KmDNN deep learning models, the proposed model has more reliable prediction results and can be used to predict actual consumption behavior.
[Retracted] Toxicological and Teratogenic Effect of Various Food Additives: An Updated Review
Authors: Sambu Saseendran , Hemaram Urmila , Murugan Rajadurai , Alsofi Ahmed A.
Published: June 2022

Scientific evidence is mounting that synthetic chemicals used as food additives may have harmful impacts on health. Food additives are chemicals that are added to food to keep it from spoiling, as well as to improve its colour and taste. Some are linked to negative health impacts, while others are healthy and can be ingested with little danger. According to several studies, health issues such as asthma, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), heart difficulties, cancer, obesity, and others are caused by harmful additives and preservatives. Some food additives may interfere with hormones and influences growth and development. It is one of the reasons why so many children are overweight. Children are more likely than adults to be exposed to these types of dietary intakes. Several food additives are used by women during pregnancy and breast feeding that are not fully safe. We must take specific precaution to avoid consuming dangerous compounds before they begin to wreak havoc on our health. This study is intended to understand how the preservatives induce different health problem in the body once it is consumed. This review focuses on some specific food additives such as sodium benzoate, aspartame, tartrazine, carrageenan, and potassium benzoate, as well as vitamin A. Long‐term use of food treated with the above‐mentioned food preservatives resulted in teratogenicity and other allergens, according to the study. Other health issues can be avoided in the future by using natural food additives derived from plants and other natural sources.
Effect of Helium Plasma Exposure on Wettability and Shear Bond Strength between the Zirconia Core and Feldspathic Veneering Ceramic: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Rafeie Niyousha , Hooshmand Tabassom , Pedram Parham
Published: June 2022

Introduction. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of helium plasma treatment on the wettability of zirconia surface and on the shear bond strength between the dental zirconia core and feldspathic veneering ceramic. Methods. 128 zirconia specimens were prepared, polished, and then divided into four groups: control, Zr, FC, and Zr/FC. In Zr and Zr/FC groups, the zirconia blocks were treated by helium plasma for 60 s. In FC and Zr/FC, the feldspathic ceramic powder received 60 s of plasma treatment. Then, the feldspathic powder was applied on the zirconia blocks. Half of the specimens in each group were sintered in a tube furnace, and the contact angle between the zirconia core and feldspathic ceramic was measured at different time intervals. The other half were sintered in a ceramic furnace and then subjected to thermocycling. The shear bond strength was measured using a universal testing machine. The failure mode was assessed using a stereomicroscope. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA test, and the statistical significance was considered less than 0.05. Results. There was no significant difference in the mean contact angle and the shear bond strength values of the experimental groups (

P
>
0.05

). The mean contact angle decreased significantly in all groups over time (

P
<
0.001

). The modes of failure were predominantly mixed in all groups. Conclusion. The helium plasma applied on either dental zirconia core or feldspathic ceramic powder could not improve the zirconia surface wettability and the shear bond strength between the two ceramics.
Life Prediction of Dry Reactor Sensor Based on Deep Neural Network
Authors: Guo Hongbing , Meng Jianying , Yang Yue , Zheng Lu , Liu Xuan , Tan Ming
Published: June 2022

In order to solve the problem of increasing the number and service life of a dry-type air core reactor and frequent interturn insulation faults, this paper proposes a life prediction method of a dry-type reactor sensor based on the deep neural network. On the basis of summarizing the research status of turn-to-turn insulation-related problems, this method studies the switching overvoltage generated in the process of breaking the dry-type air core reactor, the deterioration law of turn-to-turn insulation under the cumulative action of switching overvoltage, the influence of thermal aging on the Switching Overvoltage Withstand characteristics of turn-to-turn insulation, and the electrical aging life of turn-to-turn insulation under the power frequency overvoltage. Based on the deep neural network, the electrical aging life model of turn-to-turn insulation of the dry-type air core reactor under power frequency overvoltage is obtained. The results are as follows: with the increase of the applied voltage amplitude, the deterioration speed of the turn-to-turn insulation of the model sample accelerates. When the applied voltage amplitude reaches a certain value, the maximum discharge amount and pulse discharge power of the partial discharge pulse increase rapidly, and the image coincidence degree reaches 85%. The electric aging life curve of the modified interturn insulation model sample of the dry-type air core reactor has a high correlation with the measured aging life data, and the performance is more than 95%. The research results of this paper lay a practical foundation for further research on the deterioration mechanism of interturn insulation under the combined action of multiple factors and provide theoretical support for the risk and life assessment of the dry-type air core reactor.
Design of Investment Potential Analysis Model of Integrated Energy Project Based on Deep Learning Neural Network
Authors: Huang Rifu , Xu Tianyao , Fan Chenkai , Hu Xiaoyong , Xu Wanyue , Li Panfei , Lu Kailing , Liu Wei , Zhang Yakai , Li Peitao , Pham V.T.
Published: June 2022

Under the background of energy conservation and emission reduction and large-scale promotion of electric energy substitution, fully exploring the complementary potential of various energy systems and realizing the optimization of comprehensive energy utilization are the most critical development goals of the current energy system. The key to achieving this goal is the investment potential analysis of integrated energy projects. In order to effectively solve the problems of difficult scientific determination of evaluation index weight and low accuracy of evaluation results in the analysis of investment potential of integrated energy projects, an investment potential analysis model of integrated energy project based on deep learning neural network is designed. The design process of the integrated energy project is summarized. The RBF-BP neural network model is established to obtain the correlation between the factors of the evaluation unit, further analyze and process the training results, and calculate the weight of the evaluation index. The obtained weight is substituted into the TOPSIS comprehensive evaluation model for the investment potential analysis of integrated energy projects. According to the investment potential analysis results, the investment potential analysis value of energy performance contracting (EPC) mode is 0.9122, which is the best operation mode. The results show that the analysis results reflect the investment potential of integrated energy projects more objectively and scientifically.
Nonlinear Dynamic Analysis of Bistable Piezoelectric Energy Harvester with a New-Type Dynamic Amplifier
Authors: Man Dawei , Xu Gaozheng , Xu Huaiming , Xu Deheng , Tang Liping
Published: June 2022

A distributed parametric mathematical model of a new-type dynamic magnifier for a bistable cantilever piezoelectric energy harvester is proposed by using the generalized Hamilton principle. The new-type dynamic magnifier consists of a two-spring-mass system, one is placed between the fixed end of the piezoelectric beam and the L-shaped frame, and the other is placed between the L-shaped frame and the base structure. We used the harmonic balance method to obtain the analytical expressions for the steady-state displacement, steady-state output voltage, and power amplitude of the system. The effect of the distance between the magnets, the spring stiffness ratio and mass ratio of the two dynamic magnifiers, and the load resistance on the performance of the harvester is investigated. Analytical results show that compared with the bistable piezoelectric energy harvester with a typical spring-mass dynamic magnifier, the proposed new-type energy harvester system with a two-spring-mass dynamic magnifier can provide higher output power over a broader frequency band, and increasing the mass ratio of the magnifier tip mass to the tip magnet can significantly increase the output power of the BPEH + TDM system. Properly choosing the stiffness ratio of the two dynamic amplifiers can obviously improve the harvested power of the piezoelectric energy harvester at a low excitation level.
Students’ and Teachers’ Perception and Practice towards Laboratory Work in Chemistry Teaching-Learning: Evidence from Secondary Schools in North Wollo Zone, Ethiopia
Authors: Hussen Seid Mohammed , Assefa Yalalem , Legas Muhammed Beshir , Moges Bekalu Tadesse , Tsehay Birhanu Ermiyas , Fentaw Yared , Ahmed Tilwani Shouket , Reshid Ahmed Mohammed
Published: June 2022

One of the inputs for a high-quality education is using laboratory activities which are characteristic features of science teaching at all levels of education. Consequently, this study was carried out to investigate the perception and practice centered on assessing the practice of laboratory work and identifying the factors that affect its implementation. To achieve these objectives, data were collected from secondary school students and teachers. In doing this study, quantitative and qualitative research methods and a descriptive survey design were used. Stratified random sampling was used in the selection of study participants. The data were obtained through questionnaires, observation, and interviews. Based on the analyzed data, the findings of the study revealed that both students and teachers perceived that chemistry practical courses (experiments) are relevant to students learning. The findings of the study also showed that despite its relevance, the practice of laboratory work is very low. Furthermore, the lack of resources (such as laboratory equipment), the lack of time to practice laboratory work, and students’ lack of engagement in laboratory activities were the major factors that affect the implementation of laboratory work. Finally, recommendations were made based on the major findings to improve the practice of laboratory work.
Improved Channel Capacity in 5G Ultradense Network
Authors: Biradar Shilpa , Shiny Duela J. , Ramya P. , Francis Flory , Singhal Tarun , Singhal Ankur , Mishra Ranjan , Govindaraj R. , Asfaw Amare Kebede
Published: June 2022

In general, it is necessary to evaluate the required bandwidth in each segment of the 5G ultradense network. After doing so, it is necessary to decide on the choice of OSI network and connection layer technologies. The most suitable models of network equipment are determined according to the technologies so selected. This question is not easy because performance depends directly on the performance of the hardware and also on the performance, software, and hardware configuration. These channel capabilities are the criteria for evaluating the performance of channels and equipment on 5G networks. In this paper, a model is proposed to increase the channel capacity of the 5G ultradense network. It is designed to increase the bandwidth usage of the channel and increase its functionality. Its main special feature is that its energy and power consumption is very low compared to other methods. This method is also ideal for sending more data with less power.
Conflict Probability Prediction and Safety Assessment of Straight-Left Traffic Flow at Signalized Intersections
Authors: Ma Yingying , Zhang Zihao , Wu Jiabin
Published: June 2022

The safety of signalized intersections is of great concern. To allow for an effective evaluation measure on the safety level of intersections, traffic conflict analysis methods are commonly used. However, the existing literature has mainly focused on the statistical prediction of conflicts by using surrogate measurements, among which the spatial-temporal characteristics of the potential conflicts have been less addressed. In addition, most of the relevant studies rely on precise trajectory data, and the results could be limited to engineering applications when real-time/comprehensive trajectory data are not available. To address these issues, this study proposes a SICP (signalized intersection conflict probability) model to predict a straight-left traffic flow conflict with a spatial-temporal distribution in the heat map, which could effectively evaluate the traffic safety of the existing or prebuilt signalized intersections on urban roads. Firstly, the impact of vehicle movement characteristics on traffic conflict at signalized intersections was considered by incorporating the vehicle movement trajectory. Secondly, the signal phase was categorized in several stages (each phase contains switching and nonswitching stages); then, a vehicle-vehicle conflicts probability prediction model was established by integrating both horizontal and vertical arrival probability. Finally, to validate the performance of the proposed model, the measured data were collected from the intersection of Wushan road and Yuehan road in Tianhe District, Guangzhou, China. SSAM（Surrogate Safety Assessment Model）traffic conflict simulation was used to analyze the traffic conflict in the actual data and compared to the SICP model. A case study was conducted to reveal the evolution mechanism of the conflict risk coefficient at the signalized intersection and to estimate the safety status under the various security optimization strategies. The experimental results verified the effectiveness of the SICP model, indicating that the proposed model is effective in evaluating the safety level of existing or prebuilt signalized intersections.
The Monitoring and Early Warning System of Water Biological Environment Based on Machine Vision
Authors: Zhou Lihong
Published: June 2022

Water contaminated by microorganisms can lead to the outbreak and prevalence of various diseases, which seriously threaten the health of people. In the monitoring of the water biological environment, the traditional methods have low detection sensitivity and low efficiency, so it is urgent to design a water biological monitoring system with low cost and high monitoring efficiency. Machine vision has the advantages of fast speed, appropriate precision, and strong anti-interference ability, which has been greatly developed in recent years. In this paper, the monitoring and early warning system of the water biological environment is built, in which the SVM algorithm is applied to image processing and feature extraction, and each module of the system is designed. Finally, the computational complexity of the system algorithm and the detection accuracy of the system are tested, and the results show that the system has the advantages of low cost, low computational complexity, and high monitoring efficiency, which can provide a reference for water resources protection.
Effect of Repairing Tendon and Ligament Injury of Wushu Athletes by Medical Image
Authors: Shi Yaya , Ding Wei , Xu Meng
Published: June 2022

Medical imaging can be used as a medical aid for diagnosis and treatment, and color Doppler ultrasound can also be used in life science research as a scientific research method. Wushu is a traditional sport in China, which has a long history of development. Martial arts are a very good fitness project, but different from ordinary people, professional martial arts athletes are often accompanied by a variety of sports injuries, and tendon ligament injury is one of the most common injuries. At present, there are many treatment plans for tendon and ligament injury, but there are few researches on the repair effect of tendon and ligament injury. This paper will take this as the main research purpose for in-depth study. In view of the problem that ligament injury is not easy to observe, this paper will use GE Lightspeed 64 row spiral CT as the main observation tool and use the method of hospital image observation to compare and analyze the repair effect of tendon and ligament injury of Wushu athletes. In this experiment, 88 professional Wushu athletes were gathered as experimental samples. After preliminary screening, 110 cases of ligament injury were counted. After analyzing the abnormal changes of tissue or structure, Lysholm, and IKDC treatment effect score data, this paper believes that, for type I patients, only conservative treatment can achieve good results. However, in the more serious and complex type II patients, local fixation is used after the onset of the disease, and very serious patients can achieve good results through surgical treatment. Postoperative care is also important, which helps reduce complications. This experiment has achieved ideal results and has played a blank role in the research of the repair effect of tendon and ligament injury of Wushu athletes at home and abroad.
Algorithm for Filling High Rank Matrix of Network Big Data Based on Density Peak Clustering
Authors: Liu Deqiang
Published: June 2022

The traditional filling method for network big data matrix has poor filling effect and suffers from noise. Therefore, a filling algorithm for network big data high rank matrix based on density peak clustering is proposed. The missing data are replaced by small-interval data, the information entropy of the high rank matrix of network big data is calculated, the density peak clustering algorithm is optimized through the cluster center selection strategy, the block data set is obtained through the unknown block method, and the block filling is realized by the host filling algorithm. Experimental results show that the filling accuracy of the proposed algorithm is as high as 0.895, and the loss rate is between 2% and 12%.
Fine-Needle Pricking Test of the Parathyroid Gland during Thyroid Surgery in Predicting Parathyroid Function
Authors: Wu Ying-Jun , Wang Jian-Biao , Li Fei-Bo , Jin Lei , Zhou Liang , Xie Lei
Published: June 2022

Background. Permanent hypoparathyroidism is a serious complication following total thyroidectomy plus central neck dissection (CND). How to evaluate the vascularization of the parathyroid gland in real time is a major concern of thyroid surgeons. This study aimed to evaluate the fine-needle pricking (FNP) test in predicting parathyroid gland function. Methods. The FNP test was performed in patients undergoing total thyroidectomy plus CND between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2019, to visualize the vascularization of the parathyroid glands. Patients were classified according to the number of parathyroid glands preserved in situ with excellent vascularity (PGPIEV) demonstrated by FNP: group 0 (without PGPIEV), group 1 (with one PGPIEV), group 2 (with two PGPIEV), group 3 (with three PGPIEV), and group 4 (with four PGPIEV). Results. A total of 608 patients with four parathyroid glands underwent FNP testing during thyroidectomy. At least one PGPIEV was demonstrated by FNP testing in 581 patients who had intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels in the normal range after the operation. The prevalence of hypocalcemia decreased from 77.8% in group 0 to 9.8% in group 4 (

P
<
0.001

), and the incidence of hypoparathyroidism decreased from 44.4% in group 0 to 0% in groups 1–4 (

P
<
0.001

). iPTH concentrations on postoperative day 1 were positively correlated with PGPIEV groups (increased from 14.58 ng/l in group 0 to 45.22 ng/l in group 4,

P
<
0.001

). Conclusions. The FNP test is a safe and reliable method to predict parathyroid function. One PGPIEV demonstrated by the FNP test rules out the possibility of patients developing hypoparathyroidism.
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation with ACURATE neo: Results from the PROGRESS PVL Registry
Authors: Kim Won-Keun , Thiele Holger , Linke Axel , Kuntze Thomas , Fichtlscherer Stephan , Webb John , Chu Michael W. A. , Adam Matti , Schymik Gerhard , Geisler Tobias , Kharbanda Rajesh , Christen Thomas , Allocco Dominic
Published: June 2022

Objectives. The PROGRESS PVL registry evaluated transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in patients treated with ACURATE neo, a supra-annular self-expanding bioprosthetic aortic valve. Background. While clinical outcomes with TAVI are comparable with those achieved with surgery, residual aortic regurgitation (AR) and paravalvular leak (PVL) are common complications. The ACURATE neo valve has a pericardial sealing skirt designed to minimize PVL. Methods. The primary endpoint was the rate of total AR over time, as assessed by a core echocardiographic laboratory. The study enrolled 500 patients (mean age: 81.8 ± 5.1 years; 61% female; mean baseline STS score: 6.0 ± 4.5%) from 22 centers in Europe and Canada; 498 patients were treated with ACURATE neo. Results. The rate of ≥ moderate AR was 4.6% at discharge and 3.1% at 12 months; the rate of ≥ moderate PVL was 4.6% at discharge and 2.6% at 12 months. Paired analyses showed significant improvement in overall PVL between discharge and 12 months (

P
<
0.001

); 64.6% of patients had no change in PVL grade, 24.9% improved, and 10.5% worsened. Patients also exhibited significant improvement in transvalvular gradient (

P
<
0.001

) and effective orifice area (

P
=
0.01

). The mortality rate was 2.2% at 30 days and 11.3% at 12 months. The permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) rate was 10.2% at 30 days and 12.2% at 12 months. Conclusions. Results from PROGRESS PVL support the sustained safety and performance of TAVI with the ACURATE neo valve, showing excellent valve hemodynamics, good clinical outcomes, and significant interindividual improvement in PVL from discharge to 12-month follow-up.
Efficacy and Mechanism of Roxadustat plus Oral Iron in the Treatment of Elderly Chronic Kidney Disease with Anemia
Authors: Liu Bo , Shi Tiantian , Tian Shaojiang , Luo Xianrui , Yang Chen , Wen Jing
Published: June 2022

Objective. For investigating the efficacy and mechanism of Roxadustat + oral iron in the treatment of elderly chronic kidney disease (CKD) complicated with anemia. Methods. A total of 100 elderly patients with CKD and anemia admitted to our hospital between April 2020 and December 2021 were enrolled as research subjects, and the patients were assigned to control group (Con group, n = 50) or experimental group (Exp group, n = 50). The patients in the Con group were given oral iron, and those in the Exp group were given Roxadustat capsule based on the Con group. Both groups were given subcutaneous injection of recombinant human erythropoietin. The clinical efficacy, anemia indexes, iron metabolism indexes, inflammatory indexes, and adverse reactions were compared between the two groups. Results. The Exp group showed a notably higher treatment effective rate than the Con group (

P
<
0.05

). After treatment, the anemia indexes, iron metabolism indexes, and inflammatory indexes in the Exp group were notably better than those in the Con group (

P
<
0.05

). The Exp group showed a notably lower incidence of adverse reactions during treatment than the Con group (

P
<
0.05

). Conclusion. Roxadustat plus oral iron yields a pronounced clinical efficacy in the therapy of elderly patients with CKD and anemia.
The Effect of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells on the Mortality of Patients with Sepsis and Septic Shock: A Promising Therapy
Authors: Alp Emine , Gonen Zeynep Burcin , Gundogan Kursat , Esmaoglu Aliye , Kaynar Leylagul , Cetin Aysun , Karakukcu Musa , Cetin Mustafa , Kalin Gamze , Doganay Mehmet
Published: June 2022

Purpose. Sepsis and septic shock are the major causes of death in intensive care units. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical safety and efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in sepsis and septic shock patients. Methods. Ten patients were enrolled in the study. Adipose-derived MSC infusions were given (1 × 106/kg, on the 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, and 9th days of therapy) together with standard therapy. Before the MSC applications, blood samples were collected for cytokine assessment (TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10). The clinical and laboratory improvements were recorded and compared with control groups selected retrospectively. The clinical trial was registered on 16.03.2022 with the registration number NCT05283317. Results. In the study group, the ages of patients ranged from 22 to 68 years, and APACHE II scores ranged from 14 to 42. In the control group, ages ranged from 22 to 80 years and their APACHE II scores were between 14–35. The survival rate in the study group was 100% on the 14th day whereas it was 70% on the 28th day. A significant decrease in the SOFA score (adjusted), clinical, and laboratory improvements were observed during the MSC administration. However, no significant cytokine level changes were observed. In the control group, the survival rate of 20 patients was 70% on the 14th day, whereas 60% was on the 28th day. While deaths were observed in the control group in the first week of treatment, deaths in the MSCs group were observed between the 15th and 28th days. Conclusion. MSCs treatment may have a positive impact on the survival rates of sepsis during the early phase. However, further randomized controlled studies with a large group of patients are needed. Trial Registration. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05283317.
Effect of High-Quality Nursing Intervention on the Quality of Life and Psychological State of Tumor Patients Undergoing First Chemotherapy
Authors: Ding Huaqin , Jiang Yuanxia
Published: June 2022

This study aimed to investigate the effect of high-quality nursing intervention on the quality of life (QOL) and psychological state of patients undergoing chemotherapy for the first time. A total of 100 malignant tumor patients admitted to Jiangyin Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine to receive chemotherapy for the first time from October 2018 to July 2020 were selected and randomized either to the control group or to the study group (50 cases in each group) via the random number table method. The control group received routine nursing, while the study group received high-quality nursing intervention. There was no striking difference in self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), self-rating depression scale (SDS), Karnofsky score (KPS), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG), and QOL between the two groups before nursing intervention (all

P
>
0.05

). After nursing intervention, the SAS, SDS, KPS, ECOG, and QOL in the study group were better than those in the control group (all

P
<
0.05

). The adverse reaction scores of the patients in the study group were lower than those in the control group (

P
<
0.05

). High-quality nursing intervention can effectively reduce the psychological pressure of the first chemotherapy for patients with malignant tumor, ameliorate the psychological burden of patients, relieve patients’ anxiety and fear, thus improve the chemotherapy effect, and contribute to improve their QOL.
Vulnerability Digging for Software-Defined Network Controller Using Event Flow Graph Analysis
Authors: Wu Zehui , Zhang Wenbin , Wang Yunchao , Yan Chenyu
Published: June 2022

Software-defined network (SDN) controllers, the core of SDN network architecture, need to deal with network events of the whole network, which has huge program state space and complex logic dependency, with security issues related. Vulnerabilities in the SDN controller can paralyze the whole network. Existing controller testing methods are difficult to dig into the hidden logic vulnerability for their ignorance of the complex events interactions among controllers, apps, and data plane inputs. Different from file processing software, network software is driven by events, and the event flow can more accurately and comprehensively reflect the execution process. In this work, we propose an SDN controller vulnerability digging method based on event flow graph analysis. The proposed method consists of three main steps: first, we execute the instrumented controller in a normal environment and generate event flow graphs and then extract their features as reference. Second, we generate and execute test cases using the fuzzing method and dig the newly built event flow graphs with potential vulnerabilities. Finally, we manually examine and validate the potential vulnerabilities. To accurately discover abnormal subgraphs, we utilize graph feature extraction and analysis technologies, such as graph mining and clustering, to distinguish the normal graph and abnormal graph. We implement our method on the Ryu controller and compare it with other SDN testing methods, such as BEADS and Delta. The evaluation indicates that our method uncovered three new vulnerabilities that other methods failed to find.
Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using the Tridax procumbens Plant Extract and Screening of Its Antimicrobial and Anticancer Activities
Authors: Pungle Rohini , Nile Shivraj Hariram , Makwana Nilesh , Singh Ragini , Singh Rana P. , Kharat Arun S.
Published: June 2022

In this study, we report the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the aqueous leaf extract of Tridax procumbens (TNP), which acts as the source of the reducing and capping agent. The distinctive absorption at 370 nm suggested synthesis of TNPs, which was confirmed by TEM, with a size in the range of 11.1 nm to 45.4 nm and a spherical shape, having a face-centered cubic structure, analyzed by XRD, and a Zeta potential of -20.7 mV, which indicated a moderate stability of TNP. The FTIR analysis revealed the presence of amines and hydroxyl groups with fluoro compounds over the TNPs. The HRLC-MS analysis of TNPs suggested the presence of a major capping agent such as fosinopril and reducing agents such as peptides (Gln Gly Ala, Ser Pro Asn, and Leu Met), terpenoids (lupanyl acid, tiamulin), polyphenol (peucenin), and alkaloids (8

′

,10

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-dihydroxydihydroergotamine, carteolol). The synthesized silver nanoparticles exhibited antimicrobial activity against multidrug-resistant (MDR) clinical isolates (Escherichia coli, Shigella spp., Aeromonas spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida tropicalis) and had anticancer activity against A459 (IC50 42.70 μg/ml). The extraction of partially purified aqueous leaf extracts by silica gel column chromatography followed by HPLC to synthesize silver nanoparticles (TNP11) and analyzed by HRLC-MS suggested that dipeptides were involved in the reduction of Ag+ to Ag0. Overall, the results showed that the green silver nanoparticles of T. procumbens could be safe, as they are endowed with potential antimicrobial activity against MDR clinical isolates and human lung carcinoma cells.
How (and How Not) to Defend Lesser-Evil Options
Authors: Gordon-Solmon Kerah
Published: June 2022

Many philosophers believe in lesser-evil justifications for doing harm: if the only way to stop a trolley from killing five is to divert it away onto one, then we may divert. But recently, Helen Frowe has argued that we do not only have the option to pursue the lesser evil: in most cases, we are so obligated. After critically assessing Frowe’s argument, I develop three mutually compatible accounts of lesser-evil options, which permit, but do not obligate us to minimize harm. These are the Parity Account, the Prerogative Account, and the Permissible Moral Mistakes Account. Considerations of parity and prerogatives have arisen in this debate before, but in inchoate form. The Permissible Moral Mistakes Account introduces something new.
‘… Or That Time She Cried …’
Authors: Bird Dúnlaith
Published: June 2022

This article examines Not I through the paradigm of keening (caoineadh), the Irish practice of mourning the dead, traditionally carried out by paid female performers. Keening, as a third-person lament and a socially-connotated form of female labour, offers a different vantage point on Beckett’s text, and interrogates Beckett’s engagement with gender, labour, and mourning more generally. Following an exploration of traditional keening practices and their repression by the Catholic Church, the article examines how this practice of “singing the dead” may inflect our understanding both of Mouth’s role in Not I, with its ‘posthumous feel’, and of the labour required from the performer to bring Mouth’s song to life.
Polyvascular Subclinical Atherosclerosis: Correlation Between Ankle Brachial Index and Carotid Atherosclerosis in a Population-Based Sample
Authors: Vila Maria del Mar , Igual Laura , Remeseiro Beatriz , Elosua Roberto , Ramos Rafel , Valdivielso Jose M , Martí-Lluch Ruth , Marrugat Jaume , Grau Maria
Published: June 2022

We assessed the correlation between the biomarkers of lower limb atherosclerosis (eg, ankle-brachial index [ABI]) and of carotid atherosclerosis (eg, common carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and presence of atherosclerotic plaque) in a population-based cohort from Girona (Northwest Spain) recruited in 2010. Ankle-brachial index and carotid ultrasound were performed in all participants. Generalized additive multivariable models were used to adjust a regression model of common carotid IMT on ABI. Logistic regression multivariable models were adjusted to assess the probability of carotid plaque in individuals with peripheral artery disease. We included 3307 individuals (54.2% women), mean age 60 years (standard deviation 11). Two patterns of association were observed between subclinical biomarkers of atherosclerosis at the lower limb and carotid artery. Ankle-brachial index and common carotid IMT showed a linear trend in men [beta coefficient (95% confidence interval) =-.068 (−.123; −.012); P = .016]. Women with peripheral artery disease presented with high risk of atherosclerotic plaque at the carotid artery [Odds ratio (95% confidence interval) = 2.61, (1.46; 4.69); P = .001]. Men showed a significant linear association between ABI levels and common carotid IMT values. Women with peripheral artery disease presented with high risk of atherosclerotic plaque at the carotid artery.
Atherogenic Index of Plasma is an Independent Risk Factor for Contrast Induced Nephropathy in Patients With Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Toprak Kenan
Published: June 2022

This study investigated the role of atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) in predicting contrast induced nephropathy (CIN) in patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention due to non-ST elevated myocardial infarction. Of these, 1644 patients were included in the study. Retrospective data of patients were obtained from hospital records. For the diagnosis of CIN, peri-procedural patient records were scanned. There was a significant difference between age, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, albumin, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, number of stenotic vessels, creatinine increase rate, baseline creatinine, hemoglobin, hematocrit, AIP, and two groups (CIN- and CIN+) (P < .05, for all). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, AIP was an independent predictor of CIN (odds ratio: 20.352, 95% CI: 12.696–32.624, P < .001). Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that AIP values of ≥.62 could predict CIN with a sensitivity of 70% and specificity of 58% for predicting CIN (area under curve = .710, P < .001). Atherogenic index of plasma may be helpful as a biomarker to predict CIN.
The comparative mental health of Australian doctors before and during COVID-19: A population-based approach
Authors: Hoang Kevin Thien Anh , Morris Richard W , Naehrig Diana Nicole , Glozier Nick
Published: June 2022

Objective:

Occupational surveys of doctors consistently show higher rates of depression and anxiety than reported in general population surveys, findings replicated in all other occupational groups, suggesting potential selection bias. We evaluated the comparative mental health of different occupations in Australia from the same sampling frame over the past 6 years and assessed whether COVID-19 differentially affected different occupational groups.

Methods:

We analysed six annual data waves (2015–2020) from the nationally representative ‘Household, Income, and Labour Dynamics in Australia’ study. Mental health (Mental Health Inventory–5 from the 36-Item Short Form Survey) and life satisfaction scores of doctors over this period were compared with five other professions and all other employees. Regression models were adjusted for age, gender, income and work hours. Two-way analysis of variance examined the comparative changes in mental health among occupations between 2019 and after exposure to the COVID-19 pandemic in late 2020.

Results:

The sample of 15,174 employed respondents included 106 doctors. The 5-year mean mental health score for doctors (M = 78.7; SD = 13.1) was significantly higher than that for teachers ( M = 75.6; SD = 14.9), nurses and midwives (M = 76.6; SD = 15.9), lawyers (M = 74.2; SD = 16.1), accountants (M = 74.2; SD = 16.5) and all other employed respondents (M = 73.1, SD = 16.7) ( p < 0.001). Cognitive wellbeing comparisons were similar. There were no significant changes in professionals’ mental health over this period except for an improvement in engineers and a decline for teachers. From 2019 to 2020, all occupations suffered mental health declines without any significant inter-occupational differences.

Conclusion:

Australian doctors identified from a population-based sample rather than occupational surveys reported better levels of mental health and greater life satisfaction than most professions prior to COVID-19 without experiencing the worsening seen in the general employed population over the past 5 years. From 2020, there was a mental health decline in all of the employed population, not disproportionately affecting doctors. Although over-representing Australian trained general practitioners, the results from both this sample and other tentative findings challenge the discourse in medical advocacy, but need more formal comparative studies to confirm.
Item Response Analysis, Invariance, and Validation of the Multicultural Personality Inventory
Authors: Fietzer Alexander W. , Ponterotto Joseph G.
Published: June 2022

In a global community with increased immigration and rising sociocultural tensions, there is a need for psychometrically strong instruments that assess adjustment to increasingly culturally heterogeneous environments. The Multicultural Personality Inventory (MPI) is one such instrument, but previous studies have not reported the instrument’s invariance or item-level responses. The present study examined the psychometric properties of the MPI using item response theory, invariance analysis, and structural equation modeling with a sample of 1,194 participants. We found evidence for a 34-item instrument with a bifactor internal structure that demonstrated partial invariance across gender, race, and generational status. Evidence of concurrent and incremental validity of the MPI was established through predicted associations with acculturation, satisfaction with life, social dominance orientation, mental health, color-blind racial attitudes, and self-reported high school grade-point average, beyond any variance accounted for by Big Five variables.
“I Wouldn’t Change Who I’ve Become”: Released Juvenile Lifers on Joy, Shame, and the Journey to an Integrated Self
Authors: Abrams Laura S. , Canlione Kaylyn C. , Washington Durrell M.
Published: June 2022

Using phenomenological methodology, the authors explore the core emotions involved in the transition from imprisonment to society for released juvenile lifers and how these emotions inform participants’ sense of self. Nine adult men, who had spent an average of 26 years imprisoned for homicide crimes committed as youth, participated in a series of in-depth interviews following their resentencing and release. Using interpretative phenomenological analysis, we found that reintegration following a life sentence involves powerful emotions of joy and shame, and that these emotions can be reconciled to achieve an integrated sense of self—one that embodies self-acceptance and positive self-regard. The findings add to prior theory and research and offer new understandings of the reintegration process for released juvenile lifers.