bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Further Understanding for Lissajous Figures
Authors: Li Tiandong , Zhu Ruotong , Jin Huilin , Yang Hongchun , Wu Minghe , Teng Baohua
Published: December 2020

At the undergraduate level, the composite motion of simple harmonic vibrations has always been the main content of physics as well as several other scientific disciplines. Many textbooks tell us clearly that when the frequency ratio ω1/ω2 of two perpendicular vibrations is simple integer ratio n1/n2 (n1 and n2 are integers), their combined motion has stable and closed trajectories. This trajectory graph is the famous Lissajous figure. The Lissajous figure has been widely studied since it was discovered more than 100 years ago. Especially in the last 30 years, the shape, evolution trend, periodicity, and symmetry of the Lissajous figure have been studied and a series of meaningful characteristics and laws have been summarized. However there has been no analysis of the Lissajous figure from the perspective of three-dimensional space curve so far.
Quantum tunneling experiments with tunnel diodes
Authors: Lincoln James
Published: December 2020

Recent changes in high school curricula show a surge towards teaching modern physics. Thus, we should seek effective experiments on quantum physics phenomena. I believe that a tunnel diode can provide such an opportunity. The tunnel diode’s unique property of allowing a small “tunneling current” contrasts with the familiar behavior of resistors, light bulbs, and even ordinary diodes. I cannot be the only physics teacher who thinks it is amazing to perform experiments on quantum tunneling! In this article, I present the fundamentals of quantum tunneling (as I would to high school students), perform the familiar IV curve graph experiment, and go further to explain how the tunneling current can be made visible by adding a light-emitting diode.
Physics Laboratory at Home During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Campari Enrico Gianfranco , Barbetta Manuel , Braibant Sylvie , Cuzzuol Nitya , Gesuato Alessandro , Maggiore Leonardo , Marulli Federico , Venturoli Giovanni , Vignali Cristian
Published: December 2020

The pandemic triggered by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has produced worldwide interruptions of face-to-face teaching activity in both schools and universities. In Italy, the quarantine began in the second half of February 2020 and lasted for all the second semester of lectures. The University of Bologna, where all the authors of the present article are based, developed and activated several interfaces necessary to efficiently deliver online teaching courses with the utmost speed. The framework used by the authors is based on a common platform, Microsoft TEAMS, available to all teachers at Bologna University.
The Influence of Hard Hat Design Features on Head Acceleration Attenuation
Authors: Dos Santos Arthur Alves , Sorce James , Schonning Alexandra , Bevill Grant
Published: December 2020

This study evaluated the performance of 6 commercially available hard hat designs—differentiated by shell design, number of suspension points, and suspension tightening system—in regard to their ability to attenuate accelerations during vertical impacts to the head. Tests were conducted with impactor materials of steel, wood, and lead shot (resembling commonly seen materials in a construction site), weighing 1.8 and 3.6 kg and dropped from 1.83 m onto a Hybrid III head/neck assembly. All hard hats appreciably reduced head acceleration to the unprotected condition. However, neither the addition of extra suspension points nor variations in suspension tightening mechanism appreciably influenced performance. Therefore, these results indicate that additional features available in current hard hat designs do not improve protective capacity as related to head acceleration metrics.
Correlation between acupuncture dose and effectiveness in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review
Authors: Sun Ning , Tu Jian Feng , Lin Lu Lu , Li Yong Ting , Yang Jing Weng , Shi Guang Xia , Lao Li Xing , Liu Cun Zhi
Published: December 2020

Background:

Acupuncture is a widely used treatment for knee osteoarthritis, but evidence of its effectiveness from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) is contradictory.

Objective:

To systematically review RCTs to determine whether the effect of acupuncture is dose dependent for symptom management in knee osteoarthritis.

Methods:

Seven English/Chinese databases were searched through January 2017. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration tool. Slavin’s qualitative best-evidence synthesis approach was used to provide methodological rigour. Included RCTs were separated into three categories according to the dose of acupuncture treatment: high dosage (HD), medium dosage (MD) and low dosage (LD). Correlation between dose and effect of treatment was analysed.

Results:

Eight RCTs with a total of 2106 subjects met the eligibility criteria. Numbers of studies using the various doses of acupuncture were 1 for LD, 1 for MD and 6 for HD, respectively. Compared with LD and MD acupuncture treatments, strong evidence showed that there was a positive correlation between HD acupuncture treatment and positive outcomes.

Conclusion:

The effect of acupuncture may be associated with dose of acupuncture, with a higher dosage related to better treatment outcomes in terms of relief of pain and dysfunction in patients with knee osteoarthritis.
Cervical surgery rate in neck pain patients with and without acupuncture treatment: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Han Dong-geun , Koh Wonil , Shin Joon-Shik , Lee Jinho , Lee Yoon Jae , Kim Me-riong , Kang Kyungwon , Shin Byung-Cheul , Cho Jae-Heung , Kim Nam-Kwen , Ha In-Hyuk
Published: December 2020

Objective:

Surgical treatment of neck pain often entails high costs and adverse events. The present cohort study investigated whether utilisation of acupuncture in neck pain patients is associated with a reduced rate of cervical surgery.

Methods:

The Korean National Health Insurance Service National Sample Cohort (NHIS-NSC) database was retrospectively analysed to identify the 2 year incidence of cervical surgery in Korean patients suffering neck pain from 2004 to 2010. The incidence was calculated and compared between patients receiving and not receiving acupuncture treatment using Cox proportional hazards models. Cumulative survival rates were compared using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis.

Results:

The acupuncture and control groups included 50 171 and 128 556 neck pain patients, respectively. A total of 50 161 patients were selected in each group following propensity score matching with regard to sex, age, income and Charlson comorbidity index. The hazard ratio (HR) for surgery within 2 years was significantly lower in the acupuncture group compared with the control group (HR 0.397, 95% CI 0.299 to 0.527). In addition, subgroup analyses according to gender, age and income revealed consistent results for both men (HR 0.337, 95% CI 0.234 to 0.485) and women (HR 0.529, 95% CI 0.334 to 0.836); the results were consistently observed across all age and income strata. Sensitivity analysis with varying numbers of acupuncture treatments and treatment course duration also consistently indicated lower HRs for surgery within 2 years in the acupuncture group compared with the control group.

Conclusions:

A significantly lower HR for cervical surgery was observed in neck pain patients following acupuncture treatment. Acupuncture treatment may therefore be an effective method for managing neck pain, and has the potential to mitigate unnecessary surgery. These findings need to be confirmed by prospective studies.
Informed consent for neonatal trials: practical points to consider and a check list
Authors: Aurich Beate , Vermeulen Eric , Elie Valéry , Driessens Mariette H E , Kubiak Christine , Bonifazi Donato , Jacqz-Aigrain Evelyne
Published: December 2020

Obtaining informed consent from parents of critically ill neonates can be challenging. The parental decision-making process is influenced by the severity of the child’s condition, the benefit–risk balance, their emotional state and the quality of the relationship with the clinical team. Independent of local legislation, parents may prefer that consent is sought from both. Misconceptions about the absence of risks or unrealistic expectations about benefits should be openly addressed to avoid misunderstandings which may harm the relationship with the clinical team. Continuous consent can be sought where it is unclear whether the free choice of parental consent has been compromised. Obtaining informed consent is a dynamic process building on trusting relationships. It should include open and honest discussions about benefits and risks. Investigators may benefit from training in effective communication. Finally, involving parents in neonatal research including the development of the informed consent form and the process of obtaining consent should be considered standard practice.
Haematological cancer versus solid tumour end-of-life care: a longitudinal data analysis
Authors: Yang So-Young , Park Sun-Kyeong , Kang Hye-Rim , Kim Hye-Lin , Lee Eui-Kyung , Kwon Sun-Hong
Published: December 2020

Objective

To explore differences in end-of-life healthcare utilisation and medication costs between patients with haematological malignancies and patients with solid tumours.

Methods

Data on deceased patients with cancer were selected from the sample cohort data of health insurance claims from 2008 to 2015 in South Korea. They were categorised into two groups: patients with haematological malignancies and patients with solid tumours. Longitudinal data comprised the patient-month unit and aggregated healthcare utilisation and medication cost for 1 year before death. Healthcare utilisation included emergency room visits, hospitalisation and blood transfusions. Medication costs were subdivided into anticancer drugs, antibiotics, opioids, sedatives and blood preparation. Generalised linear mixed models were used to evaluate differences between the two groups and time trends.

Results

Of the 8719 deceased patients with cancer, 349 died from haematological malignancies. Compared with solid tumours, patients with haematological malignancies were more likely to visit the emergency room (OR=1.36, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.69) and receive blood transfusions (OR=5.44, 95% CI 4.29 to 6.90). The length of hospitalisation of patients was significantly different (difference=2.49 days, 95% CI 1.75 to 3.22). Medication costs, except for anticancer treatment, increased as death approached. The costs of antibiotics and blood preparations were higher in patients with haematological malignancies than in those with solid tumours: 3.24 (95% CI 2.14 to 4.90) and 4.10 (95% CI 2.77 to 6.09) times higher, respectively.

Conclusions

Patients with haematological malignancies are at a higher risk for aggressive care and economic burden at the end of life compared with those with solid tumours. Detailed attention is required when developing care plans for end-of-life care of haematological patients.
Impact of entrepreneurship training on clinician engagement in innovation creation: an evaluation of the Johns Hopkins Hexcite programme
Authors: Archer Adler , Mcneil Jasmine , Johnson Teresa , Ferlie Ewan , Nagy Paul
Published: December 2020

Background

Academic health science centres are an ideal location to translate innovative discoveries into clinical practice. However, increased cost, decreased time and encroaching technology are few of the challenges that academic clinicians face in an increasingly digitised healthcare industry. Academic health science centres have begun creating training to involve clinicians in developing and deploying innovative solutions. Few of these programmes engage clinicians in interactive and interdisciplinary activities.

Approach

Hexcite is a 16-week entrepreneurship training programme at Johns Hopkins. During the programme, clinicians with innovative clinical software ideas learn how to launch start-ups. Clinicians accepted into the programme team up with a business expert, design expert and technical expert. Teams participate in 15 expert-led interactive 3-hour workshops, interview potential customers, regularly pitch their ideas to industry experts and iteratively refine their products.

Methods

This report examined anonymous participant feedback, quantitative data from team productivity reports, and interview responses between 2015 and 2019. Outcomes were assessed using the Kirkpatrick Model.

Results and conclusion

Many clinicians reported improved understanding of team building, design thinking and marketing communications as well as increased involvement in innovation. Many teams received funding after Hexcite. Outcomes from previous cohorts will guide more robust evaluation measures for future cohorts.
Black blood imaging of intracranial vessel walls
Authors: Chaganti Joga , Woodford Hannah , Tomlinson Susan , Dunkerton Sophie , Brew Bruce
Published: December 2020

Traditional vascular imaging focuses on non-invasive cross-sectional imaging to assess luminal morphology; however, the vessel wall itself may be specifically involved in many diseases. Newer pulse sequences, and particularly black blood MRI of intracranial vessels, have brought a paradigm shift in understanding the pathophysiology of many vasculopathies. Black blood MRI of intracranial vessel walls can help in a range of pathologies with differing pathophysiology, including intracranial atherosclerosis, aneurysms, vasculitis and vasculopathy, moyamoya disease, dissection and vertebrobasilar hypoplasia. This review highlights how vessel wall imaging can contribute to the clinical diagnosis and management of patients with intracranial vascular pathology.
The naturalness in the BLMSSM and B-LSSM
Authors: Dong Xing-Xing , Feng Tai-Fu , Zhao Shu-Min , Zhang Hai-Bin
Published: December 2020

In order to interpret the Higgs boson mass and its decays naturally, we hope to examine the BLMSSM and B-LSSM. In the both models, the right-handed neutrino superfields are introduced to better explain the neutrino mass problems. In this paper, we introduce the fine-tuning to acquire the physical Higgs boson mass. Besides, the method of$$\chi ^2$$χ2analyses will be adopted in the BLMSSM and B-LSSM to fit the experimental data. Therefore, we can obtain the reasonable theoretical values of the Higgs decays and muon$$g-2$$g-2that are in accordance with the experimental results respectively in the BLMSSM and B-LSSM.
Vacua and exact solutions in lower-D limits of EGB
Authors: Ma Liang , Lü H.
Published: December 2020

We consider the action principles that are the lower dimensional limits of the Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet gravity via the Kaluza–Klein route. We study the vacua and obtain some exact solutions. We find that the reality condition of the theories may select one vacuum over the other from the two vacua that typically arise in Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet gravity. We obtain exact black hole and cosmological solutions carrying scalar hair, including scalar hairy BTZ black holes with both mass and angular momentum turned on. We also discuss the holographic central charges in the asymptotic AdS backgrounds.
The Bottom-Up Position Tree Automaton and the Father Automaton
Authors: Attou Samira , Mignot Ludovic , Ziadi Djelloul
Published: December 2020

The conversion of a given regular tree expression into a tree automaton has been widely studied. However, classical interpretations are based upon a top-down interpretation of tree automata. In this paper, we propose new constructions based on Gluskov’s one and on the one by Ilie and Yu using a bottom-up interpretation. One of the main goals of this technique is to consider as a next step the links with deterministic recognizers, something which cannot be done with classical top-down approaches.
Non-Self-Embedding Grammars, Constant-Height Pushdown Automata, and Limited Automata
Authors: Guillon Bruno , Pighizzini Giovanni , Prigioniero Luca
Published: December 2020

Non-self-embedding grammars are a restriction of context-free grammars which does not allow to describe recursive structures and, hence, which characterizes only the class of regular languages. A double exponential gap in size from non-self-embedding grammars to deterministic finite automata is known. The same size gap is also known from constant-height pushdown automata and [Formula: see text]-limited automata to deterministic finite automata. Constant-height pushdown automata and [Formula: see text]-limited automata are compared with non-self-embedding grammars. It is proved that non-self-embedding grammars and constant-height pushdown automata are polynomially related in size. Furthermore, a polynomial size simulation by [Formula: see text]-limited automata is presented. However, the converse transformation is proved to cost exponential. Finally, a different simulation shows that also the conversion of deterministic constant-height pushdown automata into deterministic [Formula: see text]-limited automata costs polynomial.
Semilinearity of Families of Languages
Authors: Ibarra Oscar H. , McQuillan Ian
Published: December 2020

Techniques are developed for creating new and general language families of only semilinear languages, and for showing families only contain semilinear languages. It is shown that for language families [Formula: see text] that are semilinear full trios, the smallest full AFL containing [Formula: see text] that is also closed under intersection with languages in [Formula: see text] (where [Formula: see text] is the family of languages accepted by [Formula: see text]s augmented with reversal-bounded counters), is also semilinear. If these closure properties are effective, this also immediately implies decidability of membership, emptiness, and infiniteness for these general families. From the general techniques, new grammar systems are given that are extensions of well-known families of semilinear full trios, whereby it is implied that these extensions must only describe semilinear languages. This also implies positive decidability properties for the new systems. Some characterizations of the new families are also given.
Baicalin Protects Against Acute Pancreatitis Involving JNK Signaling Pathway via Regulating miR-15a
Authors: Zhen Jie , Chen Wei , Liu Yang , Zang Xuefeng
Published: December 2020

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a kind of reversible inflammatory process of the exocrine pancreas. During the process, systemic inflammatory syndromes are involved, which relates closely to inflammatory mediators. Baicalin is a type of flavone compound extracted from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi and exhibits anti-inflammation effect in several cancers. In this study, baicalin displayed a suppressing role on IL-1[Formula: see text], TNF[Formula: see text] and IL-6 in both cell and mice models. Necrosis was decreased in the baicalin treatment group and got a markedly lower pathological score. In this study, miR-15a is the core intermediate in baicalin regulation, which increased through baicalin treatment and protected pancreas cells and tissues, inhibiting the JNK signaling pathway by targeting MAP2K4. The long non-coding RNA MALAT1 is also a direct target of miR-15a and forms a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network with MAP2K4, which can be regulated by baicalin. In addition, upstream genes, including CDC42 and MAP3K1, were also regulated by baicalin, of which CDC42 was confirmed to form the second ceRNA network with MALAT1 and miR-15a. In conclusion, baicalin exhibits therapeutic activity towards AP by pumping up miR-15a level and inhibiting CDC42/MAP3K1, which affects AP as a brake by targeting MAP2K4 and inhibiting the JNK signaling pathway.
THE ROLES OF ECONOMIC POLICY UNCERTAINTY AND THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN THE CORRELATION BETWEEN CRYPTOCURRENCY AND STOCK MARKETS
Authors: QIAN LINGLING , JIANG YUEXIANG , LONG HUAIGANG , SONG RUOYI
Published: December 2020

We are the first to explore the effect of economic policy uncertainty (EPU) and the COVID-19 pandemic on the correlation between the cryptocurrency index CRIX and the world stock market portfolio, as well as the hedging properties of CRIX. To this end, we mainly apply the dynamic conditional correlation model with mixed data sampling regressions, a threshold vector autoregressive model and the generalized impulse response function. We demonstrate that the correlation is influenced by the uncertainty stance of the economy and behaves differently in low-, medium- and high-uncertainty periods. Most of the abnormal market relations exist in high levels of EPU or during the COVID-19 period, and the impact of global EPU is greater than that of EPU originating in the United States, Europe, Russia and China. Moreover, the CRIX can serve as a hedge asset against the world stock market. The high (low) level of EPU has a significantly positive (negative) effect on the optimal hedge ratio of CRIX, which increases significantly during the COVID-19 period. Our findings have implications for risk management, portfolio allocations and hedging strategies.
Impact of different hydrodynamical mass transfer approaches in the spontaneous fission of Cf isotopes
Authors: Virk Navjot Kaur , Kumar Raj , Sharma Manoj K.
Published: December 2020

Theoretical possibilities for the spontaneous emission of fission fragments from [Formula: see text]Cf parents are investigated within the framework of preformed cluster decay model (PCM). The fragmentation potential exhibits a modification from dominated asymmetric fission profile to symmetric splitting with the rise in the N/Z ratio of parent nuclei. The calculated spontaneous fission (SF) half-life times of Cf isotopes find nice agreement with the experimental data, except for [Formula: see text]Cf nucleus. Within the PCM, the hydrodynamical mass transfer among the outgoing binary fragments occurs through a cylindrical vessel connecting them. For the overlapping configuration [Formula: see text]), the two classical models namely Model A and Model B (differ in the way the radius of the connecting cylinder is controlled) are used to estimate mass transfer flow of binary fragmentation. It is observed that with change in the overlapping distance, the radius of the cylindrical vessel changes in Model A, whereas the same remains fixed in Model B. In case of Model B, the effect of cylindrical radii parameter ([Formula: see text]) is also analyzed for [Formula: see text]Cf parents at optimum neck-length ([Formula: see text]R) in view of different observable such as most probable SF fragments, preformation probability, mass transfer, the SF half-lives and the results are compared with Model A calculations. The magnitude of mass transfer, preformation probability, and hence the SF half-lives gets significantly modified on switching from Model A to Model B. Further, a large amount of mass is transferred between the asymmetric fragments as compared to the symmetric ones. The SF half-lives are shown to depend strongly on the choice of classical models as well as on the cylindrical radius parameter, [Formula: see text]. The study infers the importance of classical models to spread further light in the understanding of the dynamical behavior of fragment formation in the fission process.
FRACTIONAL ORDER THERMOELASTICITY FOR PIEZOELECTRIC MATERIALS
Authors: YU YA JUN , DENG ZI CHEN
Published: December 2020

This work is aimed at establishing a unified fractional thermoelastic model for piezoelectric structures, and shedding light on the influence of different definitions on the transient responses. Theoretically, based upon Cattaneo-type equation, a unified form of fractional heat conduction law is proposed by adopting Caputo Fabrizio fractional derivative, Atangana Baleanu fractional derivative and Tempered Caputo fractional derivative. Then, thermoelastic model of fractional order is formulated for piezoelastic materials by combining the unified heat conduction law and the governing equations of elastic and electric fields. Numerically, the present theoretical model is applied to study the transient responses of piezoelectric medium that is subjected to a thermal shock. The governing equations are analytically derived and numerically solved with the aids of Laplace transform method. The obtained results are graphically illustrated, and the influences of different definitions of fractional derivative and different fractional order are revealed. This work may be helpful for understanding the multi-coupling effect of elastic, thermal and electric fields, and for inspiring further developments of fractional calculus.
ADVANCES IN ANALYSIS OF CAPUTO FRACTIONAL-ORDER NONAUTONOMOUS SYSTEMS: FROM STABILITY TO GLOBAL UNIFORM ASYMPTOTIC STABILITY
Authors: WU CONG
Published: December 2020

In this work, we analyze various stability (from stability to global uniform asymptotic stability) of Caputo fractional-order nonautonomous systems (CFONSs). With [Formula: see text] being only continuous, it is proven that the Caputo fractional derivative (CFD) of a general Lyapunov function [Formula: see text] along solutions is continuous and moreover, [Formula: see text] on the maximal interval of existence (MIE) of [Formula: see text]. This together with the continuation of solutions suffices to prove the various stability theorems for CFONSs that are as general as those for integer-order systems, and make them practically applicable. The work reduces the assumption on vector field functions [Formula: see text] for stability analysis from continuously differentiable (CD) to only continuous, which advances existing results to a large extent. Finally, some derived results are applied to real examples with numerical simulations.
NODE-WEIGHTED AVERAGE DISTANCES OF NETWORKS MODELED ON THREE-DIMENSIONAL VICSEK FRACTAL
Authors: LEI LEI , MA YING , CHEN CHEN , JIA QI , LI YUANYUAN , XI LIFENG
Published: December 2020

We investigate a class of self-similar networks modeled on the three-dimensional Vicsek fractal, and obtain the asymptotic formula of node-weighted average geodesic distances, which is an integral of geodesic distance in terms of the self-similar measure.
FRACTAL ANALYSIS AS A METHOD FOR FEATURE EXTRACTION IN DETECTING OSTEOPOROTIC BONE DESTRUCTION
Authors: OMIOTEK ZBIGNIEW , DZIERŻAK RÓŻA , KȨPA ANDRZEJ
Published: December 2020

Fractal analysis was used in the study to determine a set of feature descriptors which could be applied in the process of diagnosing bone damage caused by osteoporosis. The subject of the research was CT images of vertebrae on the thoraco-lumbar region. The dataset contained images of healthy patients and patients diagnosed with osteoporosis. On the basis of fractal analysis and feature selection by linear stepwise regression, three descriptors were obtained. These were two fractal dimensions calculated by the variation method and fractal lacunarity calculated by the box counting method. The first two descriptors were obtained as a result of the analysis of gray images, and the third was the result of analysis of binary images. The effectiveness of the descriptors was verified using six popular supervised classification methods: linear and quadratic discriminant analyses, naive Bayes classifier, decision tree, [Formula: see text]-nearest neighbors ([Formula: see text]-NN) and random forests. The best results were obtained using the [Formula: see text]-NN classifier; they were as follows: overall classification accuracy: 81%, classification sensitivity: 78%, classification specificity: 90%, positive predictive value: 90% and negative predictive value: 77%. The results of the research have shown that fractal analysis can be a useful tool to extract features of spinal CT images in the diagnosis of osteoporotic bone defects.
Discotic liquid crystals of silicon phthalocyanine-based singledeckers and doubledeckers: Influence of the axial substituent groups on their mesomorphism
Authors: Itoh Keiji , Kobayashi Nagao , Ohta Kazuchika
Published: December 2020

Three kinds of silicon phthalocyanine derivatives axially substituted by different groups were prepared and Singledecker-C[Formula: see text]PcSiCl2 (1a), Singledecker-C[Formula: see text]PcSi2(OH)4 (3a, b) and Doubledecker-(C[Formula: see text]PcSi)2Cl2 (4a, b) were obtained in order to investigate their mesomorphism for [Formula: see text] = 8 (a) and 12 (b). The mesomorphism was established by using polarizing microscopic observations, differential scanning calorimetric measurements, temperature-dependent electronic absorption spectra and temperature-dependent X-ray diffraction analysis. From the results, each of the derivatives, 1a, 3a, 3b, 4a and 4b showed columnar mesophases; 1a: Col[Formula: see text](P21/a), pseudo Col[Formula: see text] and Col[Formula: see text]; 3a, b: Col[Formula: see text](P21/a) and Col[Formula: see text]; 4a, b: two kinds of Col[Formula: see text]. Interestingly, each of the virgin samples of singledeckers, C8PcSiCl2 (1a), C8PcSi2(OH)4 (3a) and C8PcSi2(OH)4 (3a), were green in color but changed into blue over ca.180–190 [Formula: see text]C by polymerization. On the other hand, each of the double-deckers, (C[Formula: see text]PcSi)2Cl2derivatives (4a and 4b), decomposed over ca. 180–240[Formula: see text]C. Thus, the influence of the axial groups is so large on their mesomorphism that they exhibit unusual mesomorphic behaviors accompanied by color change.
Study on Green Supply Chain Cooperation and Carbon Tax Policy considering Consumer’s Behavior
Authors: Liu Jian , Hu Chao
Published: December 2020

Carbon tax policy has been shown to be an effective incentive for the reduction of carbon emissions, and it also profoundly influences supply chain cooperation. This paper explores the interaction between carbon taxes and green supply chain cooperation. Specifically, we analyze the impact of a carbon tax on green supply chain coordination and further optimize the carbon tax to achieve a win-win situation for both the supply chain and the environment. Because consumer’s behavior has a significant impact on green product demand, we consider the problems above under two types of consumer’s behavior characteristics: consumer’s environmental awareness and consumer’s reference behavior. A game-theoretic model is employed to describe a green supply chain consisting of a manufacturer and a retailer, combining important factors such as the carbon tax rate, green investment coefficient, and degree of reference effect. Then, we obtain the optimal carbon tax rate by balancing the total tax revenue and product greenness. A revenue-sharing contract is introduced to achieve green supply chain coordination, and the impact of the carbon tax on coordination is analyzed. The results show the following. (1) The carbon tax rate and the difference between the power of the manufacturer and retailer are the main factors determining green supply chain coordination. (2) Maximum greenness can be achieved when development costs are higher, while the maximum tax revenue is obtained when the development cost is lower, but with the loss of greenness. (3) If the power of the manufacturer is low, coordination can be achieved under the optimal carbon tax. If the power of the manufacturer is at a medium level, coordination can be achieved by increasing the carbon tax; as a result, increased greenness will be realized, but with the loss of tax revenue. However, when the power of the manufacturer is strong, coordination cannot be achieved. (4) Price reference behavior can promote supply chain coordination, but consumer’s environmental awareness cannot.
Chitosan Biomedical Applications for the Treatment of Viral Disease: A Data Mining Model Using Bibliometric Predictive Intelligence
Authors: Klongthong Worasak , Muangsin Veera , Gowanit Chupun , Muangsin Nongnuj
Published: December 2020

Chitosan has attracted increasing attention from researchers in the pharmaceutical and biomedical fields as a potential agent for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. However, identifying the development of emerging technologies related to this biopolymer is difficult, especially for newcomers trying to understand the research streams. In this work, we designed and implemented a research process based on a bibliometric predictive intelligence model. Our aim is to glean detailed scientific and technological trends through an analysis of publications that include certain word phrases and related research areas. Cross correlation, factor mapping, and the calculation of “emergent” scores were also used. A total of 1,612 scientific papers on chitosan technology related to viral disease treatment published between 2010 and 2020 were retrieved from the Web of Science. Results from the keyword modelling quantitatively highlight three major frontier research and development topic groups: drug delivery and adjuvants, vaccines and immune response, and tissue engineering. More specifically, the emergent scores show that much of the chitosan-based treatment for viral diseases is in the in vitro stage of development. Most chitosan applications are in pharmacology/pharmacy and immunology. All results were confirmed by experts in the field, which indicates that the validated process can be applied to other fields of interest.
AIoT-Based Smart Bin for Real-Time Monitoring and Management of Solid Waste
Authors: Bano Aniqa , Ud Din Ikram , Al-Huqail Asma A.
Published: December 2020

In the current time, the immense growth in population creates unhygienic environment for the citizen of a society with respect to waste generation. This rapid generation of waste leads to various infectious diseases in the environment. As followed by the traditional municipal system, in our surroundings, we can see over flooding of solid waste in the garbage bins. Solid waste management is a pivotal aspect in traditional systems and it is becoming dangerous in most populated areas. Arduous labor works and costs are required to manage and monitor garbage bins in real time. To maintain the cleanliness of a city and for real-time monitoring of trash bins, a smart bin mechanism (SBM) for smart cities is proposed in this paper, which is based on Artificial Intelligent of Things (AIoT). The SBM works on the 3R concept, that is, Reduce, Recycle, and Reuse. The SBM has the access to get real-time information about each bin and avoid overloading of these bins. The proposed framework reduces the labor cost and saves time and energy of the system. It also reduces the rate of disease infections by keeping the cities clean. Fuzzy logic is used for decision-making in selecting appropriate locations in the cities to install trash bins. The framework is implemented in the multiagent modeling environment, that is, NetLogo.
Integrated Approach to Hydrogeochemical Appraisal and Quality Assessment of Groundwater from Sargodha District, Pakistan
Authors: Siddique Jamil , Menggui Jin , Shah Munir H. , Shahab Asfandyar , Rehman Faisal , Rasool Umair
Published: December 2020

Hydrochemical characteristics and aquifer properties present a better understanding of the mitigation of groundwater pollution, which has become one of the leading environmental concerns and threats to the sustainable ecosystem. Seventy-seven groundwater samples were collected from Sargodha District (Pakistan) and characterized for their physical and chemical properties. The analytical data were processed for the evaluation of the processes that control the groundwater chemistry using various drinking and agricultural indices with statistical and hydrochemical modeling. The predominant hydrochemical type was found to be Ca-HCO3 type, followed by Na-HCO3 and Mg-Ca-Cl types. The present study showed that the main factors controlling the groundwater chemistry were the prevalent rock dominance alongside the weathering of silicates, solubilization of carbonates, and cation exchange processes. Entropy water quality index (EWQI) revealed that 6.51% represented “poor water,” while 7.79% were considered “extremely poor” for drinking purposes. However, USSL classification, Wilcox diagram, and other agricultural indices (RCS, SAR, %Na, MH, PI, and PS) showed that the majority of the samples were classified as suitable for irrigation purpose. However, 16% of the samples for %Na and 24% of the samples for MH were not suitable for agricultural purposes. Overall, the groundwater quality was affected by the anthropogenic stress in the study area.
Oxidative Stress in Ischemic Heart Disease
Authors: Kibel Aleksandar , Lukinac Ana Marija , Dambic Vedran , Juric Iva , Selthofer-Relatic Kristina
Published: December 2020

One of the novel interesting topics in the study of cardiovascular disease is the role of the oxidation system, since inflammation and oxidative stress are known to lead to cardiovascular diseases, their progression and complications. During decades of research, many complex interactions between agents of oxidative stress, oxidation, and antioxidant systems have been elucidated, and numerous important pathophysiological links to na number of disorders and diseases have been established. This review article will present the most relevant knowledge linking oxidative stress to vascular dysfunction and disease. The review will focus on the role of oxidative stress in endotheleial dysfunction, atherosclerosis, and other pathogenetic processes and mechanisms that contribute to the development of ischemic heart disease.
Analgesic and Antibiotic Prescription Pattern among Dentists in Guangzhou: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Yu Jiali , Nie Er-Min , Jiang Rui , Zhang Chun-Yuan , Li Xiang
Published: December 2020

Aim. To assess the rational use of drugs and the pattern of prescribing of analgesics and antibiotics for dental management and the information given by dentists in Guangzhou to their patients about the use of these drugs. Methods. A questionnaire was distributed to 225 dentists working in Guangzhou. The questionnaires consisted of open-ended questions and were given to dentists about analgesic and antibiotic use in dentistry. The questionnaires were analyzed, and absolute frequencies were expressed in the answers to each question. The cases, the analgesics, and the antibiotics recommended by the dentists for each case were determined by the frequency analysis method of descriptive statistics. Results. Responses to the questionnaire were received from 164 (72.9%) dentists. Paracetamol and diclofenac were the most widely prescribed analgesics. It is also estimated that selective COX-2 inhibitors or opioid analgesics have not been administered by dentists. The antibiotics primarily used for treatment were amoxicillin and metronidazole, and amoxicillin was used for prophylaxis. While more than 80% of dentists indicated that they provided their patients with information on the use of antibiotics, the quality of the information was limited. Patients were primarily instructed by dentists to observe the dosage and dose intervals of the prescription drugs. Conclusions. The results of the present study demonstrated that dentists most commonly prescribe paracetamol and diclofenac as analgesics, amoxicillin, and metronidazole for the therapy of periodontal, endodontic, and surgical procedures. The results also showed that dentists informed their patients inadequately about analgesic and antibiotic use.
Generation-3 Polyamidoamine Dendrimer-Silica Composite: Preparation and Cd(II) Removal Capacity
Authors: Ebelegi Augustus N. , Ayawei Nimibofa , Inengite Azibaola K. , Wankasi Donbebe
Published: December 2020

Generation-3 polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer was implanted on silica to produce a very good adsorbent (G-3 PAMAM-SGA). The composite was characterized and used for the removal of Cd(II) ions from aqueous solution. Kinetic data fit the Lagergren pseudo-second-order model and also follow the intraparticle diffusion kinetic model to an extent, which is an indication that the sorption process is controlled by both mechanisms: intraparticle/film layer and adsorption inside the pores/crevices of the composite. Equilibrium sorption data of Cd(II) on G-3 PAMAM-SGA fit the Freundlich isotherm (R2 = 0.9993) which is indicative of multilayered adsorption that occurred on heterogeneous surfaces. The ΔG° values for all temperatures studied were negative, which indicated a spontaneous and feasible process. The result implies that G-3 PAMAM-SGA is a promising adsorbent for microscale scavenging of Cd(II) ions in aqueous solutions.
Application of a Modified Generative Adversarial Network in the Superresolution Reconstruction of Ancient Murals
Authors: Cao Jianfang , Zhang Zibang , Zhao Aidi
Published: December 2020

Considering the problems of low resolution and rough details in existing mural images, this paper proposes a superresolution reconstruction algorithm for enhancing artistic mural images, thereby optimizing mural images. The algorithm takes a generative adversarial network (GAN) as the framework. First, a convolutional neural network (CNN) is used to extract image feature information, and then, the features are mapped to the high-resolution image space of the same size as the original image. Finally, the reconstructed high-resolution image is output to complete the design of the generative network. Then, a CNN with deep and residual modules is used for image feature extraction to determine whether the output of the generative network is an authentic, high-resolution mural image. In detail, the depth of the network increases, the residual module is introduced, the batch standardization of the network convolution layer is deleted, and the subpixel convolution is used to realize upsampling. Additionally, a combination of multiple loss functions and staged construction of the network model is adopted to further optimize the mural image. A mural dataset is set up by the current team. Compared with several existing image superresolution algorithms, the peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) of the proposed algorithm increases by an average of 1.2–3.3 dB and the structural similarity (SSIM) increases by 0.04 = 0.13; it is also superior to other algorithms in terms of subjective scoring. The proposed method in this study is effective in the superresolution reconstruction of mural images, which contributes to the further optimization of ancient mural images.
Antimalarial Activities of Hydromethanolic Crude Extract and Chloroform Fraction of Gardenia ternifolia Leaves in Plasmodium berghei Infected Mice
Authors: Aragaw Tezera Jemere , Afework Dessie Tegegne , Getahun Kefyalew Ayalew
Published: December 2020

Background. Gardenia ternifolia is utilized in traditional medicine of Ethiopia for malaria treatment and possessing in vitro antimalarial activity. However, no in vivo study was conducted to substantiate the claim. The aim of this study was to judge the antimalarial activity of Gardenia ternifolia extract in vivo in Plasmodium berghei‐infected mice. Methods. Plasmodium berghei was inoculated to healthy mice, and hydromethanolic crude extract and chloroform fraction of G. ternifolia leaves at 100 mg/kg/day, 200 mg/kg/day, and 400 mg/kg/day were administered. Percent parasitemia inhibition, percent change in bodyweight, hemoglobin level, and mean survival time were determined. Data were analyzed using one‐way ANOVA followed by post hoc Tukey HSD test with IBM SPSS software version 20.0 statistical package and P < 0.05 considered as statistically significant. Results. The chemosuppressive test of hydromethanolic crude extract at 100 mg/kg/day, 200 mg/kg/day, and 400 mg/kg/day ranged from 27.09% to 67.72%, and chloroform fraction had 35.21%–78.19% parasitemia suppression, respectively. For curative test on day 5, hydromethanolic crude extract at 100 mg/kg/day, 200 mg/kg/day, and 400 mg/kg/day ranged from 25.58% to 48.76%, chloroform fraction at 100 mg/kg/day, 200 mg/kg/day, and 400 mg/kg/day and chloroquine base at 10 mg/kg showed 46.36%–74.42% and 92.87% percent parasitemia inhibition, respectively, and also the results to both tests were highly significant (P < 0.001) compared to the negative control. Maximum effects on chemosuppressive, curative, prevention of weight loss, and reduction in hemoglobin were observed at higher doses of the hydromethanolic crude extract and chloroform fraction. Conclusion. From this study, hydromethanolic crude extract and chloroform fraction of G. ternifolia leaves have shown promising antimalarial activity. The findings support the traditional claim of G. ternifolia leaves for malaria treatment; however, species variation could also limit such a straightforward extrapolation of the findings of this study in humans.
Disseminated M. bovis Infection and Vertebral Osteomyelitis following Immunotherapy for Bladder Cancer
Authors: Gill Harpreet S. , Dasari Suhas P. , Pandit Sarbagya , Ritter Thomas E. , Raju Sushma B. , Chartier Alexander R. , Jha Pinky
Published: December 2020

The use of BCG in immunotherapy for bladder cancer has been in practice for over 40 years. However, uncommon, serious complications can occur with the therapy. Here, we present a case of vertebral osteomyelitis secondary to dissemination of BCG following immunotherapy, an exceedingly rare presentation of an already rare complication.
Research on Feature Extraction of Performance Degradation for Flexible Material R2R Processing Roller Based on PCA
Authors: Deng Yaohua , Zhou Huiqiao , Yao Kexing , Huang Zhiqi , Guo Chengwang
Published: December 2020

Performance feature extraction is the primary problem in equipment performance degradation assessment. To handle the problem of high-dimensional performance characterization and complexity of calculating the performance indicators in flexible material roll-to-roll processing, this paper proposes a PCA method for extracting the degradation characteristic of roll shaft. Based on the analysis of the performance influencing factors of flexible material roll-to-roll processing roller, a principal component analysis extraction model was constructed. The original feature parameter matrix composed of 10-dimensional feature parameters such as time domain, frequency domain, and time-frequency domain vibration signal of the roll shaft was established; then, we obtained a new feature parameter matrix

Z

org

∗

by normalizing the original feature parameter matrix. The correlation measure between every two parameters in the matrix

Z

org

∗

was used as the eigenvalue to establish the covariance matrix of the performance degradation feature parameters. The Jacobi iteration method was introduced to derive the algorithm for solving eigenvalue and eigenvector of the covariance matrix. Finally, using the eigenvalue cumulative contribution rate as the screening rule, we linearly weighted and fused the eigenvectors and derived the feature principal component matrix

F

of the processing roller vibration signal. Experiments showed that the initially obtained, 10-dimensional features of the processing rollers’ vibration signals, such as average, root mean square, kurtosis index, centroid frequency, root mean square of frequency, standard deviation of frequency, and energy of the intrinsic mode function component, can be expressed by 3-dimensional principal components

F

1

,

F

2

, and

F

3

. The vibration signal features reduction dimension was realized, and

F

1

,

F

2

, and

F

3

contain 98.9% of the original vibration signal data, further illustrating that the method has high precision in feature parameters’ extraction and the advantage of eliminating the correlation between feature parameters and reducing the workload selecting feature parameters.
The Recommending Agricultural Product Sales Promotion Mode in E-Commerce Using Reinforcement Learning with Contextual Multiarmed Bandit Algorithms
Authors: Hsu Jyh-Yih , Tseng Wei-Kuo , Hsieh Jia-You , Chang Chao-Jen , Chen Huan
Published: December 2020

In recent years, sales of agricultural products in Taiwan have been transformed into electronic marketing, and agricultural products with better consumer orientation have been recommended, and farmers’ income has been improved through sales websites. In the past, A/B testing was used to determine the degree of preference for website solutions, which required a large number of tests for evaluation, and could not respond to environmental variables that made it difficult to predict the actual recommendation in advance. Therefore, in this study, the reinforcement learning model combined with different contextual Multiarmed Bandit algorithms can be tested in data sets of different complexity, which can actually perform well in changing products. It is helpful to predict the preferences of the promotion model.