bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Financial Systemic Crisis on a Causal and Reliable Perspective
Authors: Wang Yafei , Zhou Zhengming , Cao Xiao
Published: April 2023

In financial network models, to assess systemic risk, a general understanding and prediction of precisely how a single financial institution is associated with systemic risk from the network perspective remains lacking. This paper proposes a framework for predicting and assessing system crises through inferring the cause–effect relationships between financial institutions and system state, which is structured in three steps: the assessment stage for system state based on the mean-variance framework, the prediction stage based on a Bayesian network and the reliability stage based on the Markov process. By applying them to monthly returns of financial institutions, it implies the need to pay attention to insurance and Broker sectors while regulating the banking system on the Bayesian network theory. Moreover, we find that the measure contains predictive power both during tranquil periods and during financial crisis periods. The results can be applied to derive interventions in financial crisis management with regard to systemic risk prediction and system state reliability.
The Nature and Layers of Dynamic Capabilities of Firms Engaging in Business Model Innovations: A Qualitative Study on Information Technology Firms in Istanbul’s Science-Parks
Authors: Ogrenci Seher , Alpkan Lutfihak , Karacay Gaye , Bulut Cagri
Published: April 2023

This study aims to explore the dynamic capabilities (DCs) framework (with sensing, seizing, and reconfiguration dimensions) by exploring the fulfilment layer and underlying processes and structures employed in business model innovation (BMI) process within both new and established entrepreneurial firms. We employed exploratory and descriptive qualitative research method and gathered data through semi-structured interviews with entrepreneurs of nine firms operating in the science-park settings in Istanbul, Türkiye. This study uncovered rich insights about the DCs, as categorized in this study under 10 sub-dimensions. In addition, three different fulfilment layers of DCs emerged at the entrepreneurial firms: (i) the entrepreneurial capabilities at the individual layer, (ii) the entrepreneurial team’s complementary capabilities at the top managerial layer, and (iii) the mechanisms and routines at the organizational layer. DC sub-dimensions suggested in our study are clues for entrepreneurs to develop BMIs. Practitioners are recommended to consider their primary responsibility for BMIs processes independent of the size of the firms, to build entrepreneurial teams with partners having the complementary skill set and concentrate on the employees’ selection, as well as their adaptation to the firm routines. Additionally, the study complements Teece’s theoretical DC framework on BMI extending it into fulfilment layer and opens a fruitful research area for scholars.
Four-dimensional SO(3)-spherically symmetric Berwald Finsler spaces
Authors: Cheraghchi Samira , Pfeifer Christian , Voicu Nicoleta
Published: April 2023

We locally classify all [Formula: see text]-invariant four-dimensional pseudo-Finsler Berwald structures. These are Finslerian geometries which are closest to (spatially, or [Formula: see text])-spherically symmetric pseudo-Riemannian ones — and serve as ansatz to find solutions of Finsler gravity equations which generalize the Einstein equations. We find that there exist five classes of non-pseudo-Riemannian (i.e. non-quadratic in the velocities) [Formula: see text]-spherically symmetric pseudo-Finsler Berwald functions, which have either a heavily constrained dependence on the velocities, or, up to a suitable choice of the tangent bundle coordinates, no dependence at all on the “time” and “radial” coordinates.
Higher differentiability results for solutions to a class of non-homogeneous elliptic problems under sub-quadratic growth conditions
Authors: Clop Albert , Gentile Andrea , Passarelli di Napoli Antonia
Published: April 2023

We prove a sharp higher differentiability result for local minimizers of functionals of the form [Formula: see text] with non-autonomous integrand [Formula: see text] which is convex with respect to the gradient variable, under [Formula: see text]-growth conditions, with [Formula: see text]. The main novelty here is that the results are obtained assuming that the partial map [Formula: see text] has weak derivatives in some Lebesgue space [Formula: see text] and the datum [Formula: see text] is assumed to belong to a suitable Lebesgue space [Formula: see text]. We also prove that it is possible to weaken the assumption on the datum [Formula: see text] and on the map [Formula: see text], if the minimizers are assumed to be a priori bounded.
Minimal Realization of an Input–Output L-fuzzy Multiset Behavior
Authors: Dhingra Mallika , Dubey M. K.
Published: April 2023

This research aims to introduce and study the minimal realization problem of a new class of automaton with input and output as multisets. We begin by introducing the concrete categories [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] of non-deterministic and [Formula: see text]-fuzzy multiset automata over category Set and determine the functorial relationship between them, in which [Formula: see text] is a distributive lattice. Next, we introduce other concrete categories [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text]-fuzzy (crisp deterministic [Formula: see text]-fuzzy) multiset automata with output over category Set and their input–output [Formula: see text]-fuzzy multiset behavior. Further, we minimize the introduced category [Formula: see text] using functorial maps. Finally, we introduce the concept of realization of an input–output [Formula: see text]-fuzzy multiset behavior and using Myhill–Nerode’s theory, we construct a minimal crisp deterministic [Formula: see text]-fuzzy multiset automata with output in Set which realizes the given input–output [Formula: see text]-fuzzy multiset behavior.
(Generalized) Derivation on Hoop Algebras
Authors: Namdar A. , Borumand Saeid A.
Published: April 2023

In this paper, we study the notion of derivation on hoop algebras and also the (isotone, contractive, ideal, regular, idempotent and perfect) derivation on hoop algebras. We state and prove some theorems, which determine the relationship between these notions and other types of derivations on hoop algebra. We also find the equivalent condition for isotone derivation. The notion of derivations by introducing the notion of generalized derivation is extended. Also, some results on generalized derivation in hoop algebras are discussed and some equivalent conditions are given. We study some properties of new derivation and investigate some related properties of them and show that the fixed point set of a good generalized ideal derivation is a hoop algebra.
Normal category of principal left ideals of bands
Authors: Preenu C. S. , Rajan A. R.
Published: April 2023

The principal left ideals of a regular semigroup have been abstractly described by Nambooripad as normal categories. A semigroup [Formula: see text] is said to be a band if [Formula: see text] for all [Formula: see text]. Since bands are regular semigroups, the category of principal left ideals is a normal category. This paper characterizes the normal categories which arise as categories of principal left ideals of bands.
Monophonic pebbling number of some families of cycles
Authors: Lourdusamy A. , Dhivviyanandam I. , Kither Iammal S.
Published: April 2023

Let [Formula: see text] be a simple connected graph. A configuration of pebbles is a function from [Formula: see text] to a set of integers. Consider a configuration of pebbles on [Formula: see text]. A pebbling move consists of removing two pebbles off a vertex and placing one on an adjacent vertex. The monophonic pebbling number of [Formula: see text] is the smallest integer [Formula: see text] from which we can put one pebble to a target using monophonic path through pebbling moves. The monophonic [Formula: see text]-pebbling number of [Formula: see text] is the smallest positive integer [Formula: see text] such that from any configuration of [Formula: see text] pebbles we can put [Formula: see text] pebbles on a target using monophonic path. Here we discuss these concepts for families of cycles.
Edge metric dimension and mixed metric dimension of a plane graph Tn
Authors: Shen Huige , Qu Jing , Kang Na , Lin Cong
Published: April 2023

Let [Formula: see text] be a connected graph where [Formula: see text] is the set of vertices of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is the set of edges of [Formula: see text]. The distance from the vertex [Formula: see text] to the edge [Formula: see text] is given by [Formula: see text]. A subset [Formula: see text] is called an edge metric generator for [Formula: see text] if for every two distinct edges [Formula: see text], there exists a vertex [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text]. The edge metric generator with the minimum number of vertices is called an edge metric basis for [Formula: see text] and the cardinality of the edge metric basis is called the edge metric dimension denoted by [Formula: see text]. A subset [Formula: see text] is called a mixed metric generator for [Formula: see text] if for every two distinct elements [Formula: see text], there exists a vertex [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text]. A mixed metric generator containing a minimum number of vertices is called a mixed metric basis for [Formula: see text] and the cardinality of a mixed metric basis is called the mixed metric dimension denoted by [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we study the edge metric dimension and the mixed metric dimension of a plane graph [Formula: see text].
Hybrid ideals in right regular LA-semigroups
Authors: Meenakshi S. , Keerthika V. , Muhiuddin G. , Elavarasan B.
Published: April 2023

In a right regular [Formula: see text]-semigroup, the hybrid ideals, hybrid interior ideals, hybrid (1,2)-ideals, hybrid generalized bi-ideals, and hybrid quasi-ideals are all introduced in this work. A right regular [Formula: see text]-semigroup has also been described in terms of its hybrid right and hybrid left ideals. Moreover, we obtain some equivalent conditions in terms of hybrid two-sided ideal, hybrid bi- (respectively, generalized bi-)ideal, hybrid quasi-ideal, hybrid interior ideal and hybrid [Formula: see text]-ideal over right regular [Formula: see text]-semigroups.
Predicting Crude Oil Future Price Using Traditional and Artificial Intelligence-Based Model: Comparative Analysis
Authors: Kadam Sanjeev , Agrawal Anshul , Bajaj Aryan , Agarwal Rachit , Kalra Rameesha , Shah Jaymin
Published: April 2023

Crude oil is an imperative energy source for the global economy. The future value of crude oil is challenging to anticipate due to its nonstationarity in nature. The focus of this research is to appraise the explosive behavior of crude oil during 2007–2022, including the most recent influential crisis COVID-19 pandemic, to forecast its prices. The crude oil price forecasts by the traditional econometric ARIMA model were compared with modern Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based Long Short-Term Memory Networks (ALSTM). Root mean square error (RMSE) and mean average percent error (MAPE) values have been used to evaluate the accuracy of such approaches. The results showed that the ALSTM model performs better than the traditional econometric ARIMA forecast model while predicting crude oil opening price on the next working day. Crude oil investors can effectively use this as an intraday trading model and more accurately predict the next working day opening price.
High entropy dielectrics
Authors: Fan Liangchen , Li Yuanxun , Li Jie , Xiang Quanjun , Wang Xiaohui , Wen Tianlong , Zhong Zhiyong , Liao Yulong
Published: April 2023

High entropy oxides (HEO) are single-phase solid solutions which are formed by the incorporation of five or more elements into a cationic sublattice in equal or near-equal atomic proportions. Its unique structural features and the possibility of targeted access to certain functions have attracted great interest from researchers. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in the electronic field of high-entropy oxides. We emphasize the following three fundamental aspects of high-entropy oxides: (1) The conductivity mechanism of metal oxides; (2) the factors affecting the formation of single-phase oxides; and (3) the electrical properties and applications of high-entropy oxides. The purpose of this review is to provide new directions for designing and tailoring the functional properties of relevant electronic materials via a comprehensive overview of the literature on the field of high-entropy oxide electrical properties.
FINANCIAL DEVELOPMENT, FINANCIAL INCLUSION AND INFORMALITY: NEW INTERNATIONAL EVIDENCE
Authors: VARGAS MARíA PAULA , LAHURA ERICK
Published: April 2023

This paper explores the empirical relationship between informality and several indicators of financial development (FD) and financial inclusion (FI). We exploit a panel of 152 countries with annual information between 1991 and 2017. Using panel cointegration techniques, we find evidence of a negative long-run relationship between informality and FD/FI for different groups of countries. Moreover, exogeneity tests indicate that some FD/FI indicators cause less informality. Specifically, we find that in developing countries FD reduces informality when measured as “financial credit” and “bank credit”, whereas FI reduces informality when measured as “number of bank accounts”. These results suggest that higher credit and more bank accounts have contributed to reducing informality in developing countries in the long run. Additionally, we find evidence of double causality between informality and other FD/FI indicators in developing and Latin American countries.
Methanol-Supplemented Hierarchical Porous Breath Figure Structure
Authors: Rafiq Mubashar , Khalid Salman , Mansoor ul Hassan Hafiz , Hassan Ali
Published: April 2023

Honeycomb-shaped, hierarchical porous structure is fabricated using the breath figure method. Different solvents are used to fabricate porous membranes with five different concentrations using spin coating. The diameter of the pores is controlled by the polymer concentration as well as different solvents. Using methanol as an additive solvent a homogeneous porous film is achieved. Furthermore, the effect of different solvents on the titania nanoparticles on the breath figure porous structure shows how titania particles are confined in the polymer matrix. So, using methanol as an additional solvent would be far more practical for synthesizing homogeneous films with different pore sizes than the standard procedure for fabricating the breath figure structure.
Using Rasch Analysis to Evaluate the Psychometric Properties of the Brief MHQ in Patients with Traumatic Finger Amputations
Authors: JAYARAM Mayank , WANG Chang , YOON Alfred P. , WANG Lu , CHUNG Kevin C.
Published: April 2023

Background: Digit amputations affect 45,000 Americans each year and are associated with substantial healthcare expenditures and loss of wages. Few patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are validated in patients with digit amputations. The brief Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (bMHQ) is a 12-item PROM used in several hand conditions. However, its psychometric properties have not been investigated in patients with digit amputations.

Methods: The reliability and validity of the bMHQ was investigated using Rasch analysis. Data were collected from the Finger Replantation and Amputation Challenges in Assessing Impairment, Satisfaction, and Effectiveness (FRANCHISE) study. Participants were divided into replantation and revision amputation cohorts and then further separated into single-digit amputation (excluding thumb), thumb-only amputation and multiple-digit amputation (excluding thumb) subgroups. Each of the six subgroups were analysed for item fit, threshold ordering, targeting, differential item functioning (DIF), unidimensionality and internal consistency.

Results: All treatment groups demonstrated high unidimensionality (Martin-Löf test = 1) and internal consistency (Cronbach's α > 0.85). The bMHQ is not a reliable PROM in individuals with single-digit or multiple-digit amputations. The aesthetics, satisfaction and two-handed activities of daily living (ADLs) items had the poorest fit to the Rasch model across all categories.

Conclusions: The bMHQ is not well-suited for measuring outcomes in patients with digit amputations. We recommend clinicians use more comprehensive assessment tools, such as the complete MHQ, to measure outcomes in these complex patient populations.

Level of Evidence: Level III (Diagnostic)
Prognostic Factors for Attempted Finger Replantation and Revascularisation after Traumatic Amputation: A 16-Year Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: LU Yi-Min , LIN Yu-Te , TSAI Chia-Hsuan , PAN Chun-Hao , CHEN Hsin-Hung , LEE Min-Chao
Published: April 2023

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of variant factors on finger replantation and revascularisation after traumatic amputation, which also included duty shift and the level of main operator.

Methods: To determine the prognostic factors for the survival rate of finger replantation and revascularisation after traumatic finger amputation, we retrospectively reviewed the cases of finger replantation conducted from January 2001 to December 2017. Data collected consisted of the basic information of the patients, trauma-related factors, details of the operation and treatment outcomes. Descriptive statistics and data analysis was performed to assess outcomes.

Results: In total, 150 patients with 198 replanted digits were enrolled in this study. The median age of the participants was 42.5 years, and 132 (88%) patients were men. The overall successful replantation rate was 86.4%. Seventy-three (36.9%) digits had Yamano type 1 injury; 110 (55.6%), Yamano type 2 injury and 15 (7.6%), Yamano type 3 injury. In total, 73 (36.9%) digits were completely amputated and 125 (63.1%) were not. Half of the replantation procedures (101, 51.0%) were performed during night shift (16:00–00:00), 69 (34.8%) during day shift (08:00–16:00) and 28 (14.1%) during graveyard shift (00:00–08:00). Multivariate logistic regression demonstrated that the trauma mechanism and type of amputation (complete vs. incomplete) significantly affect the survival rate of replantation.

Conclusions: The trauma mechanism and type of amputation (complete vs. incomplete) significantly affect the survival rate of replantation. Other factors including duty shift and the level of operator did not reach statistically significance. Further studies must be conducted to validate the results of the current study.

Level of Evidence: Level III (Prognostic)
Correlation of Ultrasonography and MRI with Electrodiagnostic Studies in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Authors: DALIRI Mahla , AZHARI Amin , MORADI Ehsan , ATAEI Mahdi , AMINZADEH Behzad , MORADI Ali
Published: April 2023

Background: One controversial question in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) diagnosis is whether magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and Ultrasound (US) imaging tools have any relationship with electrodiagnostic (EDX) study. The objective of this study is to determine the possible correlation between MRI and US measurements with EDX parameters.

Methods: Both US and MRI of the median nerve were simultaneously performed in 12 confirmed CTS wrists, at two levels of forearm distal fold (proximal) and the hook of the hamate (distal), to measure various anatomic parameters of the nerve. EDX parameters of median motor distal latency (DL) and median sensory proximal latency (PL) were evaluated in milliseconds.

Results: Nerve cross-sectional area (CSA), measured by MRI, correlated with sensory PL at distal level (p = 0.015). At proximal level MRI, nerve width and width to height ratio also correlated with motor DL (p = 0.033 and 0.021, respectively). Median nerve CSA proximal to distal ratio correlated with sensory PL (p = 0.028) at MRI. No correlation was found between US and EDX measurements.

Conclusions: Median nerve MRI measurement of nerve CSA at hook of the hamate (distal) level or CSA proximal to distal ratio correlated with EDX parameter of sensory PL. On the other hand, nerve MRI width and width to height ratio at distal level correlated with motor DL in EDX.

Level of Evidence: Level III (Diagnostic)
The Outcome of Moderate-to-Severe Complications Related to Peripheral Intravenous Devices at Upper Limb
Authors: GUNASAGARAN Jayaletchumi , ONG Therese Chaye Chui , DEVARAJOOH Cassidy , AHMAD Tunku Sara
Published: April 2023

Background: Intravenous access is very crucial in administration of fluids, medications and nutrition. Almost all inpatients will require it and the simplest and quickest access is peripheral with the preferred sites being either dorsum hand, radial wrist or forearm. It has its complications, of which most are avoidable. Literature has emphasised the complications and reported on preventive measures but lacks the sequelae of the complications related to peripheral intravenous devices (PIVD). We report on the sequelae of moderate-to-severe complications of these patients.

Methods: Thirty-three patients had moderate-to-severe complications related to PIVD in a tertiary centre from January 2017 to December 2017. All data were obtained from electronic medical report (EMR).

Results: Majority had extravasation (45.5%) and abscess (39.4%), whereas two patients had thrombophlebitis (6.1%) and three patients developed necrotising fasciitis (9.1%). All patients with abscess and necrotising fasciitis underwent surgical intervention (n = 16); four patients had multiple debridements. All infections were treated with empirical antibiotics and changed after culture results were obtained. Seven patients had sepsis/bacteraemia wherein two of them passed away. A total of 31 patients were discharged. Two patients had secondary suturing of the wound, one had split-thickness skin grafting (SSG) coverage and the others had daily dressing until the wound healed by secondary intention.

Conclusions: PIVD-related complications can be debilitating and may occur despite strict preventive measures. Early clinical diagnosis and prompt treatment of these complications can decrease its morbidity.

Level of Evidence: Level IV (Prognostic)
Outcomes Associated with Moberg and Modified Moberg Flaps in Thumb Reconstruction: A Systematic Review
Authors: ELSEWIFY Omar , BARONE Natasha , ELHAWARY Hassan , DAS DE Soumen , EFANOV Johnny I.
Published: April 2023

Background: Appropriate thumb function is critical as it is makes up approximately 40% of the hand's function leading to the greatest influence in activities of daily living (ADLs). Local flaps are the primary option for thumb reconstruction, of which the Moberg flap has been reported to have the added advantage of its advancement capacity relative to other flaps. This systematic review aims to describe the outcomes of the Moberg advancement flap and its associated modifications for coverage of palmar thumb defects.

Methods: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed for the conduct of this systematic review. Medline, Embase, CINAHL and Cochrane Library were systematically searched to retrieve relevant citations. Title and abstract as well as full-text assessment were performed in duplicate. Full texts were extracted by one reviewer and data extracted was confirmed by a second. Complication rates and overall means were calculated for the appropriate outcomes.

Results: A total of 1,794 citations were retrieved; 15 papers were retained, including 169 patients. The overall mean follow-up was 28.6 months (n = 5 studies). In 136 patients, there was 100% flap viability (n = 12 studies). With regard to thumb aesthetics, 92% (59/64 patients) had favourable outcomes (n = 6 studies). No evidence of postoperative flexion contractures (n = 0/56 patients, 5 studies) was found. Cold intolerance occurred at a rate of 29.8% (n = 17/57, 4 studies) and the infection rate was 10.3% (6/58 patients, 3 studies).

Conclusions: Moberg/modified Moberg flaps are a safe option for thumb reconstruction given their associated postoperative outcome and complication profile.

Level of Evidence: Level III (Therapeutic)
Comparison of the Outcomes of Flexor Tendon Repair in Zone II Using the Original and Adjusted Strickland Scores and the 400-Points Hand Test
Authors: LOZANO Aude , FOISNEAU Anne , TOUILLET Amélie , HOSSU Gabriela , ATHLANI Lionel
Published: April 2023

Background: The purpose of this study was to report the outcomes of flexor tendon repair in zone II and compare two analytic tests – the original and adjusted Strickland scores – and a global hand function test, the 400-points test.

Methods: We included 31 consecutive patients (35 fingers) with a mean age of 36 years (range 19–82 years) who underwent surgery for a flexor tendon repair in zone II. All patients were treated in the same healthcare facility by the same surgical team. All the patients were followed and evaluated by the same team of hand therapists.

Results: At 3 months after the surgery, we found a good outcome in 26% of patients with the original Strickland score, 66% with the adjusted one and 62% with the 400-points test. Among the 35 fingers, 13 of them were evaluated at 6 months after the surgery. All the scores had improved with 31% good outcomes in the original Strickland score, 77% in the adjusted Strickland score and 87% in the 400-points test. The results were significantly different between the original and adjusted Strickland scores. Good agreement was found between the adjusted Strickland score and the 400-points test.

Conclusions: Our results suggest that flexor tendon repair in zone II remains difficult to assess based solely on an analytic test. It should be combined with an objective global hand function test, such as the 400-points test, which appears to correlate with the adjusted Strickland score.

Level of Evidence: Level IV (Therapeutic)
Occult Lunotriquetral Ligament Injuries in Adolescent Golfers
Authors: KARPUDEWAN Jeyasilan , BADIA Alejandro
Published: April 2023

Publications on lunotriquetral interosseous ligament (LTIL) injuries among adolescent professional golfers are scarce. Inconclusive clinical and radiographic imaging in rendering a definitive treatment may inform the lack of documentation in literature. In this case study, we present three case series of highly competitive adolescent golfers who presented with persistent and intractable ulnar-sided wrist pain. While the physical examination was clinically suspicious for lunotriquetral (LT) ligament injury, plain radiographs and MRI imaging did not elucidate the cause. The diagnosis was confirmed solely via wrist arthroscopy. Although most ulna-sided wrist pain can be treated conservatively, without a proper diagnosis, a missed LTIL injury can be disastrous to an adolescent golfers' future. This case series aims to create awareness of the diagnosis and stress the advantages of utilising wrist arthroscopy.

Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic)
Entrapment of the Extensor Digitorum Communis Tendon Following a Closed Metacarpal Fracture
Authors: THACOOR Amitabh , MOLEDINA Jamil
Published: April 2023

We report a unique patient with extensor digitorum communis (EDC) tendon entrapment following a closed metacarpal fracture. A 19-year-old male presented after punching a metal pole with his right hand. The diagnosis of a closed metacarpal fracture of the right middle finger was made, and the patient managed nonoperatively. Following subsequent worsening range of motion, further investigation was performed, and a portable ultrasound scan revealed entrapment of the right middle finger EDC tendon into the fracture site. This was confirmed intraoperatively, and the patient made a satisfactory recovery following surgical release of the entrapped tendon. We were unable to find a report of a similar injury in literature and it highlights the importance of a high index of suspicion for this rare aetiology, the role of ultrasonography as a useful adjunct in its diagnosis and the benefit of early surgical intervention in its management.

Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic)
Automatic Speech Fluency Evaluation Method Based on Multimodality for Putonghua Proficiency Test Propositional Speaking
Authors: Liu Jiajun , Wumaier Aishan , Zheng Linna , Meng Huazhen
Published: April 2023

The Putonghua Proficiency Test (Putonghua Shuiping Ceshi, PSC) is a speaking test in China. The propositional speaking section in PSC focuses on the ability of speakers to express ideas fluently and accurately without textual reference. However, unlike other sections of the PSC, propositional speaking is still scored manually, which can result in inefficiency, high costs, and subjectivity. To address these issues, an automatic speech fluency evaluation method based on multimodality is proposed. First, different neural networks are used to extract unimodal features. Then, cross-modal attention is applied to achieve multimodal fusion. Finally, fluency evaluation results are obtained using self-attention to reinforce high-contributing information. The proposed method achieves 81.67[Formula: see text] accuracy on a self-built dataset, demonstrating that combining textual and acoustic features provides complementary information to improve automatic speech fluency evaluation accuracy.
The Evaluation of Syllable-Based Language Model in Malay and Indonesian Speech Recognition
Authors: Wei Xiangfeng , Zhang Quan , Yuan Yi
Published: April 2023

Malay and Indonesian language are both syllable-friendly languages. It is convenient to covert Malay and Indonesian words to syllables and the syllable-based language model (LM) can be applied into actual speech recognition systems. This paper proposed a method and the algorithm for the syllabification of Malay and Indonesian words. In order to evaluate the perplexity (PPL) of syllable-based LM, this paper used SRILM to compare the PPL between word-based, syllable-based, phoneme-based and character-based [Formula: see text]-gram LMs. The experimental results show that the perplexity of the syllable-based LM is better than the word-based model, while the perplexity of the character-based or phoneme-based LM is better than the syllable-based LM. However, when the syllable-based LM is applied into actual speech recognition systems, it has the advantages of lower cost, similar performance and easier deployment, compared with the speech recognition systems using deep learning models.
Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy for Huntington Disease: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Liang Xue-Song , Sun Zheng-Wu , Thomas Aline M. , Li Shen
Published: April 2023

Objective. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy has been explored in Huntington disease (HD) as a potential therapeutic approach; however, a complete synthesis of these results is lacking. We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the effects of MSCs on HD. Method. Eligible studies published before November 2022 were screened from Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, and Cochrane in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. ClinicalTrial.gov and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform were also searched for registered clinical trials. The outcomes in rodent studies evaluated included morphological changes (striatal volume and ventricular volume), motor function (rotarod test, wire hang test, grip strength test, limb-clasping test, apomorphine-induced rotation test, and neuromuscular electromyography activity), cognition (Morris water maze test), and body weight. Result. The initial search returned 362 records, of which 15 studies incorporating 346 HD rodents were eligible for meta-analysis. Larger striatal and smaller ventricular volumes were observed in MSC-treated animals compared to controls. MSCs transplanted before the occurrence of motor dysfunction rescued the motor incoordination of HD. Among different MSC sources, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were the most investigated cells and were effective in improving motor coordination. MSC therapy improved muscle strength, neuromuscular electromyography activity, cortex-related motor function, and striatum-related motor function, while cognition was not changed. The body weight of male HD rodents increased after MSC transplantation, while that of females was not affected. Conclusion. Meta-analysis showed a positive effect of MSCs on HD rodents overall, as reflected in morphological changes, motor coordination, muscle strength, neuromuscular electromyography activity, cortex-related motor function, and striatum-related motor function, while cognition was not changed by MSC therapy.
Size-Dependent Thermoelastic Behavior Analysis of Functionally Graded Magneto-Electro-Elastic Cylindrical Shells Based on Modified Couple Stress Theory
Authors: Golchin Khazari Sajad , Mohammadi Younes , Kheirikhah Mohammad Mahdi
Published: April 2023

In this article, the influence of important parameters on the size-dependent thermoelastic behavior of functionally graded magneto-electro-thermo-elastic microcylinders (FGMEE) is studied by means of modified stress couple theory and under the influence of combined mechanical-thermal-magnetic loads. The equations of motion were derived by considering the linear behavior of the shells and considering the first-order theory of the nonlocal shear deformation of the shells. In the following, the results of solving the equations governing the buckle are analyzed. Based on this, firstly, the mechanical properties used in the shell are presented, then the linear buckling behavior is studied, and finally, the size-dependent buckling behavior of these structures is studied. In the presented results, the mode numbers of each buckling load are shown as n and m, where n and m represent the circumferential and longitudinal mode numbers, respectively. In the theory section, using the pairwise size-dependent theory, the stress is corrected, and considering the shell with a relatively thick geometric structure and the forces due to the heterogeneous thermal boundary conditions, a combination of convection heat transfer and displacement is used to obtain a three-dimensional shell temperature distribution. The equilibrium equations of the term electromagnetic coupling system are obtained using the first-order shear displacement field of the shell and the structural relationships in the functionally graded magneto-electro-thermo-elastic (FG-METE) intelligent material. Then, using appropriate analytical and numerical methods, various components of the displacement field, electrical and mechanical potential, and, most importantly, structural stresses for different boundary conditions are obtained.
Stem Cell-Associated Signatures Help to Predict Diagnosis and Prognosis in Ovarian Serous Cystadenocarcinoma
Authors: Li Li , Zhang Weiwei , Qiu Jinxin , Zhang Weiling , Lu Mengmeng , Wang Jiaqian , Jin Yunfeng , Xi Qinghua
Published: April 2023

Ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma (OV) is a fatal gynecologic cancer with a five-year survival rate of only 46%. Resistance to platinum-based chemotherapy is a prevalent factor in OV patients, leading to increased mortality. The platinum resistance in OV is driven by transcriptome heterogeneity and tumor heterogeneity. Studies have indicated that ovarian cancer stem cells (OCSCs), which are chemoresistant and help in disease recurrence, are enriched by platinum-based chemotherapy. Stem cells have a significant influence on the OV progression and prognosis of OV patients and are key pathology mediators of OV. However, the molecular mechanisms and targets of OV have not yet been fully understood. In this study, systematic research based on the TCGA-OV dataset was conducted for the identification and construction of key stem cell-related diagnostic and prognostic models for the development of multigene markers of OV. A six-gene diagnostic and prognostic model (C19orf33, CBX2, CSMD1, INSRR, PRLR, and SLC38A4) was developed based on the differentially expressed stem cell-related gene model, which can act as a potent diagnostic biomarker and can characterize the clinicopathological properties of OV. The key genes related to stem cells were identified by screening the genes differentially expressed in OV and control samples. The mRNA-miRNA-TF molecular network for the six-gene model was constructed, and the potential biological significance of this molecular model and its impact on the infiltration of immune cells in the OV tumor microenvironment were elucidated. The differences in immune infiltration and stem cell-related biological processes were determined using gene set variation analysis (GSVA) and single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) for the selection of molecular treatment options and providing a reference for elucidating the posttranscriptional regulatory mechanisms in OV.
Nonlinear Energy Optimization in the Wireless Sensor Network through NN‐LEACH
Authors: Bhagat Avinash , Sharma Manmohan , Kushwaha Ajay Shriram , Sharma Shilpa , Mohammed Hussien Sobahi
Published: April 2023

Researchers have developed a range of methods and strategies to decrease wireless sensor network energy consumption. Mote clustering is one of the competent topological control approaches to boost the networks’ energy efficiency, scalability, and performance. Energy is dissipated during the cluster creation, cluster head selection, routing from the head and base stations of the cluster, and data aggregation—clustering and routing emphasis on the stability and the longevity of the network. This research work provides the optimization technique for the wireless sensor network to optimize the energy through NN‐LEACH. The main goal is to extend network life and reduce power consumption by clustering and routing sensor nodes using the two‐step NN‐LEACH protocol, which is suggested. An additional goal might be to establish the appropriate course of action for the suggested approach for this network.
A Case of Laying Hens Mycosis Caused by Fusarium proliferatum
Authors: Potekhina Ramziya M. , Tarasova Evgenya Yu. , Matrosova Lilia E. , Khammadov Nail I. , Saifutdinov Alexander M. , Ermolaeva Olga K. , Tanaseva Svetlana A. , Mishina Nailya N. , Nigmatulin Gali N. , Mukharlyamova Aisylu Z. , Smolentsev Sergey Yu. , Semenov Eduard I.
Published: April 2023

In this article, we present the first case report of a chicken mycosis caused by F. proliferatum occurred on a private farm in the Russian Federation. Lesions on the skin of the legs and scallops were reported. The object of this study was samples of feed and pathological material from sick hens‐layers. Mycological analysis included determination of the total number of fungi (TNF) and identification and determination of the toxicity and pathogenicity of the isolates. The identification of the isolate was carried out taking into account direct microscopy, morphological features, and the method of molecular genetic analysis. Microscopic fungi of the genus Penicillium and Rhizopus were isolated by mycological analysis of the feed. The test feed was nontoxic. Mycological examination of pathological material (scrapings from the combs and affected legs) identified an isolate of Fusarium proliferatum, which showed toxicity on biological objects (protozoa, rabbits) and pathogenicity (white mice). Dermal application of F. proliferatum suspension was accompanied by reddening of the rabbit skin. Intraperitoneal injection of fungal spores caused mycosis in white mice. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) made it possible to identify this type of microscopic fungus (F. proliferatum) with high accuracy in the samples under study. The research results allow us to consider F. proliferatum as a cause of poultry disease against the background of predisposing factors in the form of desquamation of the stratum corneum of the skin against the background of immunosuppression and metabolic disorders caused by an imbalance in the diet.
Smart Frequency Control of a Multicarrier Microgrid in the Presence of V2G Electric Vehicles
Authors: Seyed Beheshti Fini Seyed Ali , Shariatmadar Seyed Mohammad , Amir Vahid
Published: April 2023

In recent years, renewable resources have widely been used to provide necessary energy due to the increasing fossil fuel prices, environmental pollution concerns, and the necessity to meet the growth in energy demands. The output of renewable resources especially solar and wind energies is associated with meteorological parameters, so their reliability creates many challenges for the energy sector. The consumption peak of the gas network is taken into account to adjust the frequency of the microgrid (MG). Both gas network load and electric load distributions are adjusted at the same time. In a multicarrier network, the frequency is regulated in a nonlinear manner. Meanwhile, new necessary loads for production and electric vehicles have imposed new loads on the power network; if proper management is not performed to respond to these new loads, the increase of network frequency deviations may lead the network to fail and even break down. In this paper, a network of various sources including the wind turbine, solar panel, storage (battery and flywheel), electric vehicle (EV), diesel generator (DG) electric power generation, and multicarrier energy hub (MCEH) with combined heat and power (CHP) was designed to examine vehicle-to-grid (V2G) electric vehicles. The ANFIS adaptive fuzzy control method was used to provide a fine-tuning frequency of the network. A comparison between the suggested approach and a fuzzy controller system was carried out to examine the superiority of the introduced approach to the frequency control. The simulations were obtained using MATLAB/SIMULINK software. The simulation outcomes indicated that the SMART controller can achieve good efficiency in frequency regulation and reliable output power in the examined microgrid. Further comparison in terms of effective (RMS) values and maximum frequency deviation indicates the superior performance of the proposed method over the fuzzy method.
Olfactory Loss and Brain Connectivity after COVID-19: Structural Follow-Up at One Year
Authors: Esposito Fabrizio , Cirillo Mario , De Micco Rosa , Caiazzo Giuseppina , Siciliano Mattia , Russo Andrea G. , Monari Caterina , Coppola Nicola , Tedeschi Gioacchino , Tessitore Alessandro
Published: April 2023

The structural connectivity from the primary olfactory cortex to the main secondary olfactory areas was previously reported as relatively increased in the medial orbitofrontal cortex in a cohort of 27 recently SARS-CoV-2-infected (COV+) subjects, of which 23/27 had clinically confirmed olfactory loss, compared to 18 control (COV-) normosmic subjects, who were not previously infected. To complement this finding, here we report the outcome of an identical high angular resolution diffusion MRI analysis on follow-up data sets collected in 18/27 COV+ subjects (10 males,

mean
 
age
±
SD

:

38.7
±
8.1

years) and 10/18 COV- subjects (5 males,

mean
 
age
±
SD

:

33.1
±
3.6

years) from the previous samples who repeated both the olfactory functional assessment and the MRI examination after ~1 year. By comparing the newly derived subgroups, we observed that the increase in the structural connectivity index of the medial orbitofrontal cortex was not significant at follow-up, despite 10/18 COV+ subjects were still found hyposmic after ~1 year from SARS-CoV-2 infection. We concluded that the relative hyperconnectivity of the olfactory cortex to the medial orbitofrontal cortex could be, at least in some cases, an acute or reversible phenomenon linked to the recent SARS-CoV-2 infection with associated olfactory loss.
Development and Validation of an Immunotherapy-Related Prognostic Signature Based on Lymph Node Ratio for Gastric Cancer
Authors: Li Jianxin , Han Ting , Wang Xin , Wang Yinchun , Chen Xuan , Chen Wangsheng , Yang Qingqiang
Published: April 2023

Background. The long-term prognosis of gastric cancer (GC) remains poor due to postoperative recurrence and metastasis. The increasing evidence show that the lymph node ratio (LNR) serves as an independent prognostic factor in patients with GC. In this study, we aimed to develop a prognostic signature for GC based on LNR. Methods. Survival analysis was conducted by comparing low- and high-LNR groups according to the optimal cutoff value of LNR, which was identified by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Then, we identified the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to LNR in the training cohort of GC. Univariate Cox regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression were performed to construct the risk score signature. We then evaluated the risk score signature from the viewpoints of survival, clinic-pathological characteristics, tumor microenvironment (TME), tumor mutation burden (TMB), and immunotherapeutic and chemotherapeutic efficacy. Results. High LNR was significantly correlated with poorer prognosis and was an independent predictor of recurrence in patients with GC. Then, an eleven-gene signature that could predict the prognosis of GC patients was developed based on LNR-related DEGs in the training cohort, and the results were further confirmed in external independent cohort. In addition, the high-risk group showed aggressive clinicopathological characteristics, specific TME status, low TMB, and low immunotherapeutic sensitivity. Conclusions. The present study constructed an eleven-gene prognostic signature based on LNR to predict the prognosis of patients with GC and facilitate the development of individualized treatment strategy.
Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Kitchen Vegetable Waste Extract for Application against Poultry Pathogens, Antimicrobial Activity, and Photocatalytic Dye Degradation
Authors: Amjad Muhammad , Mohyuddin Ayesha , Javed Mohsin , Alhujaily Ahmad , Iqbal Shahid , Almufarij Rasmiah S. , Ulfat Wajad , Alotaibi Mohammed T. , Nadeem Sohail , Bahadur Ali , Elkaeed Eslam B. , Hassan Abrar ul
Published: April 2023

Bacteria develop resistance against antimicrobial drugs, and new remediations are constantly being introduced in the market. Silver and its compounds have strong resistance against different bacteria. The vegetable waste extract-synthesized silver nanoparticles (VWE-AgNPs) have distinct properties and potential applications because of their unique size and morphology. The fundamental purpose of this study was to develop an environment-friendly method for the synthesis of VWE-AgNPs to avoid the use of hazardous chemicals that cause danger to the environment as well as recycling vegetable waste material. The VWE-AgNPs were synthesized by mixing 1 mM AgNO3 solution and VWE at room temperature. The VWE-AgNPs were characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, FTIR, SEM, and EDX. The synthesized particles showed good antibacterial properties against poultry bacteria Salmonella gallinarum and Salmonella enteritidis (growth reduction of 31 mm and 18 mm at 80 mg/mL AgNPs, respectively). The results demonstrated that VWE-AgNPs inhibited the growth of tested bacterial strains. The fabricated VWE-AgNPs also had the potential to act as a green photocatalyst for degradation of 87.7% of methylene blue (MB) and 90.76% of methyl orange (MO) nearly at 3.25 h and 1 h sunlight exposure time, respectively. The highest antifungal activity, which was determined to be 36.5 mm and 31.8 mm against Alternata sp. and C. albican, was discovered to be in VWE-AgNPs.