bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantum multi-party private set union protocol based on least common multiple and Shor’s algorithm
Authors: Liu Wenjie , Yang Qi , Li Zixian
Published: February 2023

Private set union (PSU) allows several parties to obtain the union of their private sets without disclosing each party’s private information. Existing PSU protocols often have polynomial complexity for the complete set size or complicated process. In this paper, a quantum multi-party PSU protocol based on least common multiple (LCM) and Shor’s algorithm is proposed, which enables the union of multiple sets to be computed all at once. In order to increase the one-time success probability of the protocol, we first improved Shor’s period-finding algorithm, which is used in LCM computation and integer factoring. Each party’s private set is encoded into an integer obtained by multiplying several prime numbers, thus the PSU problem is transformed into an LCM problem. The LCM of these integers is computed by using the improved Shor’s period-finding algorithm, and then factored to derived the union set. We prove the correctness of the proposed protocol, and its unconditional security against semi-honest attacks. Complexity analysis shows that our protocol has logarithmic complexity for the complete set size.
Quasinormal modes of extended gravity black holes through higher order WKB method
Authors: Jawad Abdul , Chaudhary Shahid , Yasir Muhammad , Övgün Ali , Sakallı İzzet
Published: February 2023

Black hole’s quasinormal frequencies are basically the complex numbers which provide information about the relaxation of perturbations and depend on the characteristics of the spacetime and types of perturbations. In this paper, we evaluate the spectrum of the quasinormal modes of Hayward black hole in Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet gravity, Hayward black hole in anti-de Sitter space (AdS) spacetime, and 4-dimensional black hole in Einstein–Lovelock gravity. By utilizing the 6th-order WKB resonance technique, we examine the quasinormal modes frequencies [Formula: see text] by shifting the charge parameter [Formula: see text] (it is also identified with the cosmological constant), circular harmonic index [Formula: see text], and mass of scalar field [Formula: see text]. We observe that 6th-order WKB method gives quite high accuracy when the multipole number [Formula: see text] is larger than the overtone [Formula: see text]. We observe that real and imaginary components of the quasinormal modes are not linear functions similar to Reisnner–Nordström-AdS. For large values of charge, quasinormal ringing becomes slower to settle down to thermal equilibrium and hence the frequency of the oscillation becomes smaller.
A Simplified Computational Workflow for Evaluation of Aortic Hemodynamics After Frozen Elephant Trunk Intervention in Type A Aortic Dissection
Authors: Zhu Yu , Xu Xiao Yun , Rosendahl Ulrich , Pepper John , Mirsadraee Saeed
Published: February 2023

This study aimed to predict the hemodynamic performance of frozen elephant trunk (FET) intervention in surgically repaired type A aortic dissection (TAAD) patients through computational simulations of post-operative scenarios. Patient-specific geometries of a single patient were reconstructed from pre- and post-FET intervention computed tomography angiography (CTA) images. The pre-FET geometry was used to create post-FET geometry through anatomical modifications and a simplified finite element simulation to inflate the stented true lumen (TL) segment. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were then performed on the virtually created post-FET geometry, and the results were compared with those obtained with the actual post-FET geometry. Various intervention scenarios with different stent-graft (SG) lengths and TL volume expansion were also simulated and compared to study their impacts on hemodynamic performance. A good overall agreement was achieved between the virtual and real post-FET models, with the maximum difference in true and false lumen (FL) pressures along the dissected aorta being 4.2%. Simulation results for the actual intervention revealed high wall shear stress (WSS) and pressure around a distal tear that was found to have expanded on post-FET scan. Extending the SG length dramatically reduced the maximum WSS and pressure around the distal tear. This pilot study demonstrates the feasibility of using the simplified simulation workflow for personalized assessment of aortic hemodynamics following FET intervention in repaired TAAD. Further studies in a large patient cohort are warranted.
Anticoagulation in Phototherapy to Inhibit the Cancer-Associated Hypercoagulable State
Authors: Xin Zhirong , Li Weijia , Han Qiaoyi , Ma Zhifang , Shi Qiang , Yin Jinghua
Published: February 2023

The hypercoagulable state has challenged the lives of cancer patients, which is related to the treatment and the cancer-secreted procoagulant factors. Herein, a phototherapy system based on heparin modified Fe/Co-layered double hydroxide loading IR783 (LDH-hep-IR783) is established, which prevents the side effects and prothrombotic defect of the traditional treatment. The Fe/Co LDH is applied not only as the carrier of the photosensitizer but also can catalyze the decomposition of H2O2 to overcoming the hypoxia of tumor microenvironment, enhancing the efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) and decreasing the hypercoagulable state. The heparin plays as the stabilizer of the Fe/Co LDH nanosheet and also obviously inhibits the cancer associated hypercoagulable state of tumor-bearing mice. Therefore, the proposed strategy provides a promise insight for cancer therapy assisted by anticoagulated intervention.
Analysis of the Sound Pressure in Membrane-Sealed Pistonphone
Authors: Zhong Junjie , Liu Wei , Zhang Kai , Zhang Fan , He Wen
Published: February 2023

Compared with the clearance-sealed pistonphone, the membrane-sealed pistonphone can realize the sound pressure at very low frequency and very high sound pressure for its lower leakage. However, the membrane-sealed pistonphone also brings the problem that the compressed volume cannot be decided precisely because of the deformation of the membrane, which results in the inaccurate calculation for the sound pressure in the chamber. In this paper, a sound pressure formula for the membrane-sealed pistonphone is derived according to an analysis of the characteristics of the ideal membrane. The static and the dynamic deformation of the membrane are studied. Then, the effects of the thickness, the sealed width, the extension ratio, and the modal vibration of the membrane are studied through the finite element method. The results show that the deviation of the sound pressure level obtained from the ideal sound pressure formula can be reduced to less than 0.1[Formula: see text]dB when the sound pressure level is lower than 174[Formula: see text]dB and the membrane is specially designed, which indicates that the influence of the membrane on the sound pressure is almost negligible.
Identifying Lines and Interpreting Vertical Jumps in Eye Tracking Studies of Reading Text and Code
Authors: Shamy Mor , Feitelson Dror G.
Published: February 2023

Eye tracking studies have shown that reading code, in contradistinction to reading text, includes many vertical jumps. As different lines of code may have quite different functions (e.g., variable definition, flow control, or computation), it is important to accurately identify the lines being read. We design experiments that require a specific line of text to be scrutinized. Using the distribution of gazes around this line, we then calculate how the precision with which we can identify the line being read depends on the font size and spacing. The results indicate that, even after correcting for systematic bias, unnaturally large fonts and spacing may be required for reliable line identification.

Interestingly, during the experiments, the participants also repeatedly re-checked their task and if they were looking at the correct line, leading to vertical jumps similar to those observed when reading code. This suggests that observed reading patterns may be “inefficient,” in the sense that participants feel the need to repeat actions beyond the minimal number apparently required for the task. This may have implications regarding the interpretation of reading patterns. In particular, reading does not reflect only the extraction of information from the text or code. Rather, reading patterns may also reflect other types of activities, such as getting a general orientation, and searching for specific locations in the context of performing a particular task.
hIPPYlib-MUQ: A Bayesian Inference Software Framework for Integration of Data with Complex Predictive Models under Uncertainty
Authors: Kim Ki-Tae , Villa Umberto , Parno Matthew , Marzouk Youssef , Ghattas Omar , Petra Noemi
Published: February 2023

Bayesian inference provides a systematic framework for integration of data with mathematical models to quantify the uncertainty in the solution of the inverse problem. However, the solution of Bayesian inverse problems governed by complex forward models described bypartial differential equations (PDEs)remains prohibitive with black-boxMarkov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC)methods. We present hIPPYlib-MUQ, an extensible and scalable software framework that contains implementations of state-of-the art algorithms aimed to overcome the challenges of high-dimensional, PDE-constrained Bayesian inverse problems. These algorithms accelerate MCMC sampling by exploiting the geometry and intrinsic low-dimensionality of parameter space via derivative information and low rank approximation. The software integrates two complementary open-source software packages, hIPPYlib and MUQ. hIPPYlib solves PDE-constrained inverse problems using automatically-generated adjoint-based derivatives, but it lacks full Bayesian capabilities. MUQ provides a spectrum of powerful Bayesian inversion models and algorithms, but expects forward models to come equipped with gradients and Hessians to permit large-scale solution. By combining these two complementary libraries, we created a robust, scalable, and efficient software framework that realizes the benefits of each and allows us to tackle complex large-scale Bayesian inverse problems across a broad spectrum of scientific and engineering disciplines. To illustrate the capabilities of hIPPYlib-MUQ, we present a comparison of a number of MCMC methods available in the integrated software on several high-dimensional Bayesian inverse problems. These include problems characterized by both linear and nonlinear PDEs, various noise models, and different parameter dimensions. The results demonstrate that large (∼ 50×) speedups over conventional black box and gradient-based MCMC algorithms can be obtained by exploiting Hessian information (from the log-posterior), underscoring the power of the integrated hIPPYlib-MUQ framework.
Fuzzing Configurations of Program Options
Authors: Zhang Zenong , Klees George , Wang Eric , Hicks Michael , Wei Shiyi
Published: February 2023

While many real-world programs are shipped with configurations to enable/disable functionalities, fuzzers have mostly been applied to test single configurations of these programs. In this work, we first conduct an empirical study to understand how program configurations affect fuzzing performance. We find that limiting a campaign to a single configuration can result in failing to cover a significant amount of code. We also observe that different program configurations contribute differing amounts of code coverage, challenging the idea that each one can be efficiently fuzzed individually. Motivated by these two observations, we propose ConfigFuzz , which can fuzz configurations along with normal inputs. ConfigFuzz transforms the target program to encode its program options within part of the fuzzable input, so existing fuzzers’ mutation operators can be reused to fuzz program configurations. We instantiate ConfigFuzz on six configurable, common fuzzing targets, and integrate their executions in FuzzBench. In our evaluation, ConfigFuzz outperforms two baseline fuzzers in four targets, while the results are mixed in the other targets due to program size and configuration space. We also analyze the options fuzzed by ConfigFuzz and how they affect the performance.
Optimizing Mixed Autonomy Traffic Flow with Decentralized Autonomous Vehicles and Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Vinitsky Eugene , Lichtlé Nathan , Parvate Kanaad , Bayen Alexandre
Published: February 2023

We study the ability of autonomous vehicles to improve the throughput of a bottleneck using a fully decentralized control scheme in a mixed autonomy setting. We consider the problem of improving the throughput of a scaled model of the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge: a two-stage bottleneck where four lanes reduce to two and then reduce to one. Although there is extensive work examining variants of bottleneck control in a centralized setting, there is less study of the challenging multi-agent setting where the large number of interacting AVs leads to significant optimization difficulties for reinforcement learning methods. We apply multi-agent reinforcement algorithms to this problem and demonstrate that significant improvements in bottleneck throughput, from 20% at a 5% penetration rate to 33% at a 40% penetration rate, can be achieved. We compare our results to a hand-designed feedback controller and demonstrate that our results sharply outperform the feedback controller despite extensive tuning. Additionally, we demonstrate that the RL-based controllers adopt a robust strategy that works across penetration rates whereas the feedback controllers degrade immediately upon penetration rate variation. We investigate the feasibility of both action and observation decentralization and demonstrate that effective strategies are possible using purely local sensing. Finally, we open-source our code at
https://github.com/eugenevinitsky/decentralized_bottlenecks
.
A First-order Logic with Frames
Authors: Murali Adithya , Peña Lucas , Löding Christof , Madhusudan P.
Published: February 2023

We propose a novel logic,
Frame Logic
(FL), that extends first-order logic and recursive definitions with a construct
Sp
(·) that captures the
implicit supports
of formulas—the precise subset of the universe upon which their meaning depends. Using such supports, we formulate proof rules that facilitate frame reasoning elegantly when the underlying model undergoes change. We show that the logic is expressive by capturing several data-structures and also exhibit a translation from a
precise
fragment of separation logic to frame logic. Finally, we design a program logic based on frame logic for reasoning with programs that dynamically update heaps that facilitates local specifications and frame reasoning. This program logic consists of both localized proof rules as well as rules that derive the weakest tightest preconditions in frame logic.
Mixed Iterated Revisions: Rationale, Algorithms, and Complexity
Authors: Liberatore Paolo
Published: February 2023

Several forms of iterable belief change exist, differing in the kind of change and its strength: some operators introduce formulae, others remove them; some add formulae unconditionally, others only as additions to the previous beliefs; some only relative to the current situation, others in all possible cases. A sequence of changes may involve several of them: for example, the first step is a revision, the second a contraction and the third a refinement of the previous beliefs. The ten operators considered in this article are shown to be all reducible to three: lexicographic revision, refinement, and severe withdrawal. In turn, these three can be expressed in terms of lexicographic revision at the cost of restructuring the sequence. This restructuring needs not to be done explicitly: an algorithm that works on the original sequence is shown. The complexity of mixed sequences of belief change operators is also analyzed. Most of them require only a polynomial number of calls to a satisfiability checker, some are even easier.
Presentation-level Privacy Protection Techniques for Automated Face Recognition—A Survey
Authors: Hasan Md Rezwan , Guest Richard , Deravi Farzin
Published: February 2023

The use of Biometric Facial Recognition (FR) systems have become increasingly widespread, especially since the advent of deep neural network-based architectures. Although FR systems provide substantial benefits in terms of security and safety, the use of these systems also raises significant privacy concerns. This article discusses recent advances in facial identity hiding techniques, focusing on privacy protection approaches that hide or protect facial biometric data before camera devices capture the data. Moreover, we also discuss the state-of-the-art methods used to evaluate such privacy protection techniques. The primary motivation of this survey is to assess the relative performance of facial privacy protection methods and identify open challenges and future work that needs to be considered in this research area.
Densification Study of Pr6O11 as a Limiting Step for the Determination of Its Oxygen Transport Properties
Authors: Guesnet L. , Bonnet E. , Heintz J.-M. , Chadourne E. , Grenier J.-C. , Chartier T. , Geffroy P.-M. , Bassat J.-M.
Published: February 2023

This study describes the successful sintering of Pr6O11, which is recently developed as a promising oxygen electrode for Solid Oxide Cells (SOCs). Using dense pellets or thin films is mandatory prior to an accurate measurement of the ionic transport properties via the isotopic oxyen exchange method here involved. Dilatometry experiments performed under different atmospheres (argon, air, oxygen) and sintering tests with different thermal cycles allowed overcoming the detrimental phase changes of Pr6O11 and densifying this oxide with a sintered relative density of 95%. Dense pellets of large sizes were prepared. In a second part, the ionic transport properties of Pr6O11 have been determined in the range 400 < T °C < 800 thanks to Isotopic Exchange Depth Profiling (IEDP) measurements.
Direct Electrochemistry of Cholesterol Oxidase Immobilized on PEDOT Functionalized Screen-Printed Electrodes
Authors: Shi Rongxiang , Chen Junhao , Wan Xiaofang , Tian Junfei
Published: February 2023

To address the problems of high cost and cumbersome preparation process in the current construction of cholesterol biosensors, a third-generation electrochemical cholesterol biosensor with a facile preparation method, low cost, enhanced sensitivity, and wide linear range was investigated in this paper. The cholesterol biosensor was constructed by immobilizing cholesterol oxidase (ChOx) on a poly-3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (PEDOT) modified screen-printed electrode (SPE). This study showed a very simple fabrication process. The electrodes were constructed only in three steps, including in situ electropolymerization of PEDOT, enzyme introduction and encapsulation of the nafion membrane. The successful modification of PEDOT was demonstrated by Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The morphological characterization and electrochemical analysis showed that the presence of PEDOT not only provided more anchoring sites for immobilizing enzymes, but also its high electrocatalytic activity enabled direct electron transfer (DET) between the ChOx and the electrode surface. The linear range for the actual detection of cholesterol was 50–800 μM, the sensitivity was 1.34 μA mM−1, and the electrical signal was not affected by interfering substances such as uric acid, glucose, dopamine, and ascorbic acid. Therefore, the cholesterol biosensor constructed in this paper was expected to achieve large-scale applications.
Cost-Effective Electrodes for Dopamine Monitoring Based On 3D-Printed Support Combined with Composite Material
Authors: de Oliveira Wallace B. V. , Lisboa Thalles P. , de Souza Cassiano C. , Alves Guilherme F. , Oliveira Raylla S. , Matos Maria A. C. , Matos Renato C.
Published: February 2023

In this work, the development of a disposable electrode (US$ 0.02) based on composite material on 3D-printed support of ABS was described for the electrochemical determination of Dopamine. The composition was optimized using different ratios of graphite and nail polish. An electrochemical surface treatment with potassium hydroxide was evaluated. The electrode surfaces were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance, and Raman spectroscopy, which indicate the better performances of the treated electrode with a 1.9-fold increase in the response and anticipation in the potential of 107 mV. The sensors were employed to quantification of DOP using differential pulse voltammetry in pharmaceutical formulations, tap water, synthetic urin, and saliva. Furthermore, the proposed method showed a linear working range from 10 to 175 μmol l−1 and from 0.02 to 10 μmol l−1, a limit of detection of 2.24 μmol l−1 and 5.7 nmol l−1, and relative standard deviation <1.7% and <4.4% for untreated and treated electrodes, respectively. Moreover, the samples were spiked in three concentration levels to evaluate the accuracy of the method, obtaining recovery values ranging from 91 to 106%. These results allow inferring that the electrochemical devices approach combing 3D-printed systems and composite materials proved promising for routine analysis.
The Effect of Cytotoxicity and Antimicrobial of Synthesized CuO NPs from Propolis on HEK‐293 Cells and Lactobacillus acidophilus
Authors: Seyyed Hajizadeh Yasamin , Babapour Ebrahim , Harzandi Naser , Yazdanian Mohsen , Ranjbar Reza
Published: February 2023

Background. Drug resistance is currently possible anywhere in the world. Due to the discovery of antimicrobials, medicine, and health have made tremendous advances over the past several decades. Aim. This research evaluated the antimicrobial and cytotoxicity effects of green synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) on Lactobacillus acidophilus and human embryonic kidney 293 cells (HEK). Method and Materials. Propolis was sampled and extracted. Green synthesis of CuO NPs was synthesized and characterized using SEM, TEM, DLS, BET, and zeta potential methods. L. acidophilus (ATCC 4356) was used, and the antimicrobial tests were carried out at different concentrations (10≥ mg/ml). Moreover, the cytotoxicity was evaluated using an MTT assay on human embryonic kidney 293 cells (HEK). Results. Synthesized CuO NPs using propolis extracts from Khalkhal (sample 1) and Gillan (sample 2) showed −13.2 and −14.4 mV, respectively. The hydrodynamic sizes of well‐dispersed samples 1 and 2 were 3124.9 nm and 1726.7 nm, respectively. According to BET analysis, samples 1 and 2 had 5.37 and 8.45 m2/g surface area, respectively. The surface area was decreased due to the addition of propolis extract, and the pore size was increased. CuO NPs of samples 1 and 2 were visible on SEM images with diameters ranging from 75 to 145 nm and 120 to 155 nm, respectively. Based on TEM analysis, the size of CuO particles was increased in samples 1 and 2. CuO NPs particles had narrow size distributions with evenly dispersed NPs on all sides. The cell viability of the CuO NPs of samples 1 and 2 after 24, 48, and 72 hours was greater than 50%. As a result of the MIC and MBC tests, it was determined that samples 1 and 2 had the same effect against L. acidophilus (0.0024 mg/ml). Biofilm formation and degradation of sample 1 were more efficient against L. acidophilus. Conclusion. There was no evidence of cytotoxicity in the samples. In addition, results showed that the green synthesized CuO NPs from Khalkhal propolis were effective against L. acidophilus. Thus, the green synthesized CuO NPs from Khalkhal propolis were the best candidates for clinical application.
Characterization of Movable Fluid Distribution in Tight Oil Reservoirs by NMR and Centrifugation
Authors: Wang Tong , Zhang Dongdong , Wang Xin , Wang Zhangchao , Zhang Wen , Sun Wenyi , Ma Mingyang
Published: February 2023

The reservoir of Chang 7 Member of Yanchang Formation in the Ordos Basin is rich in tight oil resources, with well-developed micro-nanopore throats, strong heterogeneity, and complex fluid distribution characteristics. In this paper, a combination of nuclear magnetic resonance and centrifugation experiments is carried out to qualitatively and quantitatively analyze and evaluate the distribution characteristics of the movable fluid in Chang 7 reservoirs in Baibao Block. With different centrifugal forces, the NMR T2 spectrum characteristics of saturated water state and different centrifugal force state can be obtained, and the movable fluid distribution characteristics under the control of different centrifugal forces and different pore throat intervals can be obtained. The research results demonstrate that the NMR T2 spectrum of the Chang 7 tight oil reservoir in the study area presents a double-peak or triple-peak shape. With the increase of centrifugal force, the water saturation value of the corresponding sample gradually decreases. The overall movable fluid saturation ranged from 19.07% to 32.52%, with an average of 26.23% and a low degree of movability. The submicron (0.1~1 μm) and nanoscale (0.075~0.1 μm) pore throats were the main pore throat intervals controlling the movable fluid saturation of the studied samples, accounting for an average of 18.31% and 5.57%, respectively, and micron-scale pore throats (

r
>
1
 
μ
m

) accounted for an average of 2.35% of the movable fluid distribution.
Classification and Characterization of Damage in Composite Laminates Using Electrical Resistance Tomography and Supervised Machine Learning
Authors: Diaz-Escobar Julia , Díaz-Montiel Paulina , Venkataraman Satchi , Díaz-Ramírez Arnoldo
Published: February 2023

Electrical resistance tomography (ERT) is a nondestructive evaluation technique that uses the internal conductivity variations of materials to assess structural integrity. Due to the low instrumentation required, the widespread use of ERT in the aerospace industry for monitoring the accumulation of damage in aircraft components can lead to significant reductions in inspections and maintenance costs. However, implementing the ERT method for mapping the damage state of structural components made of carbon fiber reinforced polymeric (CFRP) composites is challenging due to the inability of this method to distinguish between damage modes such as delamination and matrix cracking. This article explores the combined use of ERT and machine learning algorithms such as neural networks, random forests, k-nearest neighbors, and support vector machines to classify and characterize delamination and matrix cracking damage in CFRP laminates. Results show that the proposed classification algorithms can successfully estimate the damage severity of delaminated composites in the presence of matrix cracking. Similarly, the classification algorithms can characterize these independent damage modes with an accuracy of 95%. The algorithms showed robustness to predict the electrical resistance variations of damaged composites and characterize delamination and matrix cracking damage even when intrinsic noise was considered. Although neural networks characterized damage with the highest accuracy, these algorithms were also the most sensitive to noise. For applications where instrumentation noise cannot be completely removed from the ERT signals, the use of nearest neighbors is thus recommended.
Propagation Mechanism of Deep-Water Impulse Waves Generated by Landslides in V-Shaped River Channels of Mountain Valleys: Physical Model of Regular Rigid Block
Authors: Wang Rubin , Wang Yunzi , Wan Jianxin , Xu Weiya , Yang Yue , Wang Huanling
Published: February 2023

Landslide-induced impulse waves in alpine valleys are a significant risk to large-scale dam and reservoir engineering projects in the surrounding area. In this study, a 1 : 200-scale physical model of landslide-induced impulse waves in a V-shaped river channel was established, and 18 groups of tests were conducted to evaluate the influence of different parameters, such as the volume and shape of the landslide body, water entry velocity, and water depth of the reservoir. Based on the test results, a dimensionless formula was established for the first wave height of impulse waves caused by a deep-water landslide in a V-shaped channel. An energy conversion law was determined for the impact of landslide-induced impulse waves on the reservoir bank. Finally, a distribution law was obtained for the initial maximum pressure caused by landslide-induced impulse waves along the water depth on the opposite bank. The theoretical predictions of the dimensionless formula showed good agreement with the experimental results, and the energy conversion rate of the landslide-induced impulse waves initially increased and then decreased with an increasing Froude number. The maximum dynamic water pressure showed a triangular distribution with increasing water depth below the surface of the still water body. The impact pressure of the impulse waves on the slope on the opposite bank increased with the water entry velocity. This study provides a scientific basis for the risk prevention and control of landslide-induced impulse waves in river channels feeding into reservoirs.
Microstructure and Stress Rupture Properties of K417G Superalloy at Different Hot Isostatic Pressing Temperatures
Authors: Lin Yuanhong , Zhang Lihui , Guo Hongmin
Published: February 2023

The effect of hot isostatic pressing (HIP) on the stress rupture property of K417G nickel-based superalloy is studied experimentally. The results show that the stress rupture property of the alloy is improved by the appropriate HIP process. After HIP, the average microporosity of alloy after HIP is 0.04%, which is reduced by nearly 90% compared with the as-cast microstructure. The cubic γ′ precipitates grow up, accompanied by the precipitation of the fine γ′ phase in the matrix. In addition, the area fraction of (γ + γ′) eutectic decreases, dendritic segregation is improved, and the element distribution is homogenized. As the HIP temperature increased from 1175°C to 1195°C, the microporosity and eutectic are further reduced slightly. The stress rupture life at 760°C and 645 MPa of alloys after HIP at 1175°C and 1185°C increased by 90 h and 20 h, respectively, compared with the as-cast alloy, but it is not the case for HIP at 1195°C. In addition, the elongation after HIP is increased by about 60% compared to the as-cast alloy, with an average of 4.7%. The changes in the γ′ phase and the deformation mechanism after HIP are discussed.
Influence of Neighborhood-Based Identity and Social Participation on the Social Integration of the Drifting Elderly
Authors: Ruan Yuhui , Wang Dongfang , Li Dianjiang
Published: February 2023

The drifting elderly are an interprovincial floating elderly population that is mainly composed of unemployed older parents in China. They have left their usual residence and relocated to urban areas, facing challenge about social integration. As a neighborhood has played important roles in the floating population’s social integration, this study was designed to investigate the influence of neighborhood-based identity and social participation on the social integration of the drifting elderly. Five rounds of data collection and analysis were conducted in a continuous crossover sequence using grounded theory. Twenty-four participants were recruited from three districts in Shanghai, China. The neighborhood was shown to play a prominent role in the drifting elderly’s perceptions of social integration. Good neighborhood relations help the drifting elderly establish effective social support networks, interact with inflowing society, get in touch with more human resources, and form social relationships and networks. Neighborhood-based participants and identity were more conducive to eliminating heterogeneity and creating homogeneity for the drifting elderly. Thus, the neighborhood affects the social integration of the drifting elderly, which directly impacts their social feelings, integrations, and networks. Management of social integration among the drifting elderly should be focused on creating general opportunities for them to participate in neighborhood-based social events with a reasonable identity.
Demand for Community Medical-Nursing Combined Services among the Empty-Nest Elderly in China: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Liu Qianru , Yu Yaqi , Wu Xiaoru , Sun Yu , Lyu Yongli , Cao Kuilan , Wang Yaling , Geng Li
Published: February 2023

Currently, the number of empty-nest elders in China is rapidly increasing, and their overall health situation is not optimistic. The Chinese government has developed a series of policies to promote the community medical-nursing combined model to meet the health and pension care needs of elderly individuals. The demand for community medical-nursing combined services among empty-nest elders plays a decisive role in providing these services and must be fully recognized before these services are offered. However, only a few quantitative studies have focused on the demand for community medical-nursing combined services, and these studies failed to capture the complexity and dynamic nature of this demand. To address this research gap, this study innovatively conducted a descriptive and qualitative study to explore the demand for these services. Following the principle of data saturation, 14 empty-nest elders from communities in Wuhan, Hubei Province, were recruited using the purposive sampling method. Semistructured interviews were used to collect qualitative data. The inductive content analysis approach was used to analyze the data. The results revealed that Chinese empty-nesters’ demand for community medical-nursing combined services was diverse and specific and comprised three themes (basic elderly care services, medical and nursing services, and psychospiritual support services), with fifteen subthemes. This study provides insights into the unique demand and implementation strategies for community medical-nursing services among empty-nest elders in China. Recommendations to enhance the intelligent elderly care system, infrastructure construction, and elderly care talent in the future provision of services for this particular group of people are provided.
Dynamic Characteristics of a Novel Right-Angle Viscoelastic Damper (RVD) Using Polyurethane Damping Materials
Authors: Xu Jun-Hong , Zhu Zhe-Yu , Zhou Guang-Dong , Wang Hao , Li Ai-Qun
Published: February 2023

Excessive plastic deformation may occur at the beam-column joints under seismic action and lead to connection failure, increasing the possibility of collapse of the entire frame structure. In order to improve the seismic performance of assembled steel structure joints, a right-angle viscoelastic joint damper with polyurethane as the core energy dissipation material is proposed in this paper. First, the temperature scanning tests of polyurethane materials were carried out based on the dynamic mechanical analysis method. Second, the dynamic mechanical test and numerical simulation analysis of the designed right-angle viscoelastic damper were performed to reveal the dynamic energy dissipation characteristics of the right-angle damper. Finally, the dynamic time-history damping analysis was performed on the steel frame structure equipped with RVDs. The results show that the TA value of polyurethane material reached its peak at 2.0 Hz, which is the ideal frequency for the material’s damping ability. The right-angle damper made of polyurethane material has a softening nonlinear characteristic, and the peak value of the loss factor was obtained at 2.0 Hz, which is consistent with the results of the dynamic performance of the polyurethane material. The numerical simulation results demonstrate that stress on the steel plates and viscoelastic layers is reasonable. When the excitation level did not exceed 9 mm displacement amplitude, the energy input to the damper was dissipated by polyurethane, and the steel plates never showed plastic deformation. The time-history analysis of the steel structure shows that the dampers designed in this paper have a good control effect on the interstory displacement, acceleration, and interstory shear force of the structure. The research results lay the necessary foundation for the engineering application of polyurethane materials in the field of beam-column joints vibration damping.
Kluyveromyces marxianus Ameliorates High-Fat-Diet-Induced Kidney Injury by Affecting Gut Microbiota and TLR4/NF-κB Pathway in a Mouse Model
Authors: Li Na , Zhao Guanjie , Xu Mingzhu
Published: February 2023

Objectives. The effects of Kluyveromyces marxianus on high-fat diet- (HFD-) induced kidney injury (KI) were explored. Methods. HFD-induced KI model was established using male C57BL/6 mice and treated with K. marxianus JLU-1016 and acid-resistant (AR) strain JLU-1016A. Glucose tolerance was evaluated via an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). KI was measured using Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) analysis. The chemical indexes were analyzed, including lipid profiles, inflammatory cytokines, and creatinine. The levels of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) or phospho-NF-κB p65 (Ser536) and alpha inhibitor of NF-κB (IκBα) were measured using qPCR and Western blot. The gut microbiota was sequenced using high-throughput sequencing. Results. HFD induction increased OGTT value, KI severity, oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress, apoptotic rate, creatinine levels, and the expression of TLR4/NF-κB, phospho-NF-κB p65 (Ser536), and IκBα deteriorated lipid profiles (P<0.05) and reduced gut microbiota abundance. K. marxianus treatment ameliorated HFD-induced metabolic disorders and reversed these parameters (P<0.05). Compared with the control, HFD induction increased the proportion of Firmicutes but reduced the proportion of Bacteroidetes and Lactobacillus. K. marxianus JLU-1016 and AR strain JLU-1016A treatments improved gut microbiota by reducing the proportion of Firmicutes and increasing the proportion of Bacteroidetes and Lactobacillus in the KI model (P<0.0001). Helicobacter has been identified with many infectious diseases and was increased after HFD induction and inhibited after K. marxianus JLU-1016 and AR strain JLU-1016A treatments. The strain JLU-1016A exhibited better results possibly with acid-tolerance properties to pass through an acidic environment of the stomach. Conclusions. K. marxianus may have a beneficial effect on KI by improving gut microbiota and inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB pathway activation.
The Effect of Traditional Chinese Exercises on Blood Pressure in Patients with Hypertension: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Ma Jiewei , Ma Lianzhen , Lu Shihan , Sun Yue , Bao Haipeng
Published: February 2023

In the context of the increasing number of patients with hypertension, exercise intervention is an excellent alternative or adjunctive treatment for hypertension. Traditional Chinese exercises are excellent physical and mental exercise methods. Although some studies have reviewed the effects of Chinese traditional exercise on patients with hypertension, most of the reviews only involved a single category of traditional exercise. Furthermore, few studies have conducted in‐depth analysis of the combined intervention methods of traditional Chinese exercise, and there are high heterogeneity. This study evaluates the current clinical evidence of Chinese traditional exercises in the treatment of essential hypertension. A total of 49 randomized controlled trials with 4207 hypertensive patients were selected according to the inclusion criteria by searching all relevant studies from the establishment of six electronic databases until September 10, 2022. Among them, 24 used tai chi and 25 used Qigong, including Yijinjing, Wuqinxi, Liuzijue, Baduanjin, and Guolin Qigong. This study divided four subgroups according to the type of intervention to explore the source of heterogeneity among studies and found that traditional Chinese exercises can assist or even may replace traditional treatments. The results of meta‐analysis showed that compared with the use of antihypertensive drugs alone or in health education, the addition of Chinese traditional exercises showed significant effects in regulating the systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure in hypertensive patients. Although the results show that traditional Chinese exercise are effective, the clinical evidence will be affected by the low quality of most randomized controlled trials. More rigorously designed trials are needed in the future to further validate it.
Active Leisure Time Predicts Happiness among Iranian Adults: A Study Comparing Adults with Physically Active versus Inactive Lifestyle
Authors: Seyed Hosseini Rasool Norouzi , Khanizadeh Sahar , Mohebbi Fereshteh , Mirzaeian Vanab Zainab , Bratty Alexandra J. , Norouzi Ebrahim , Badicu Georgian , Fischetti Francesco , Cataldi Stefania , Greco Gianpiero
Published: February 2023

Physical activity (PA) has been shown to have positive effects on mental well‐being. However, previous research has mostly concentrated on the negative effects of inactivity on mental well‐being and examined the use of PA as a preventive or therapeutic treatment for mental disorders, rather than a proactive method of enhancing mental well‐being. Therefore, there is a need to consider the connection between PA and enhanced mental well‐being, such as happiness. The current study sought to examine the levels of happiness among active and inactive adults. The study’s participants were Iranian adults between 18 and 60 years. Data were gathered using a modified version of the 29‐item Oxford 2002 Happiness Questionnaire and a researcher‐developed leisure and PA questionnaire. N = 541 individuals completed the online survey, including n = 373 (68.9%) women and n = 168 (31.1%) men. More than half of Iranians (55.1%) reported low or moderate levels of happiness, and that those who engaged in active leisure pursuits reported significantly higher levels of happiness than those who were inactive during leisure time. The results of this cross‐sectional study suggest that engaging in PA during leisure time predicts happiness. Encouraging Iranian adults to be more physically active during leisure time could increase happiness levels and thus contribute to the sustainable happiness and well‐being of society.
Identification and Genomic Characterization of Anelloviruses in Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Jiang Tingwang , Liu Qiang , Lu Fenying , He Teng , Xiang Xiaoli , Zhang Zhicheng , Sun Ying
Published: February 2023

Purpose. Metagenomics has revealed that, in addition to the digestive tract, certain viruses are also commonly found in human blood. In order to explore and monitor potential novel viruses, three serum samples of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia were collected at the No. 2 People’s Hospital of Changshu City, China. Materials and Methods. We sequenced the virome of serum samples from three patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia using an unbiased viral metagenomic approach and subsequently performed maximum likelihood phylogenetic analysis using MrBayes v3.2. In addition, pairwise sequence comparison was produced with ORF1 amino acid sequences of anelloviruses within Bayesian consensus tree. Results. Partial genomes of eight different anelloviruses containing the complete ORF1 gene have been identified. BLASTp results showed that the amino acid sequence identity of these viruses with the best match in GenBank was between 56.22% and 95.43%. Phylogenetic analysis based on ORF1 indicated that seven sequences belong to the genus Alphatorquevirus and one sequence belongs to the genus Gammatorquevirus. Conclusions. This virological investigation has increased our understanding of the diversity of anelloviruses in human serum, but further study is needed to verify its potential correlation with disease.
Mathematical Model of Hepatitis B Disease with Optimal Control and Cost‐Effectiveness Analysis
Authors: Belay Malede Atnaw , Abonyo Okelo Jeconia , Theuri David Mwangi
Published: February 2023

In this paper, a mathematical model of hepatitis B disease with a two‐dose vaccine series has been formulated and analyzed. We demonstrated that the model’s disease‐free equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable when the basic reproduction number (R0) is less than one, whereas the model’s endemic equilibrium is locally asymptotically stable when R0 is greater than one. Sensitivity analysis is performed, and based on its results, the model is extended to an optimal control problem by incorporating two control interventions, namely, prevention and enhanced newborn vaccination. Finally, simulation analyses of the model are conducted to illustrate the theoretical findings and effectiveness of each strategy, which indicates that the use of prevention efforts is the most cost‐saving strategy.
The Knowledge and Perception about COVID-19 among Medical Imaging Professionals
Authors: Al Ewaidat Haytham , Abdel Samee Nagwan , Allam Jaya Prakash , Patro Kiran Kumar , Pławiak Paweł , Mahmoud Noha F. , Hammad Mohamed
Published: February 2023

The coronavirus invaded the world in late 2019. It includes many subtypes, majorly severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). Jordan has faced enormous hardships in dealing with the abrupt spread of the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Jordan has taken severe and deterring measures to combat the disease’s spread, such as closing Jordanian schools and institutions. Medical imaging professionals (MIPs) play a vital role in corona patients’ diagnosis, management, and treatment planning, and their awareness is essential to understand. This study focuses on medical imaging professionals (MIPs) and their aid in COVID-19 planning. The knowledge and perception of the COVID-19 pandemic were assessed using a live cross-sectional survey conducted during the outbreak. Medical imaging professionals and trainees in private, military, and government hospitals provided data. Regarding the diagnosis of COVID-19, the researchers have found that molecular biology techniques are the first line of defence, whereas nasopharyngeal swabs and the polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) are also prevalent among medical professionals for COVID-19 testing. Overall, medical imaging experts and interns in Jordan exhibited expected levels of knowledge and perception. They advised following the CDC and WHO guidelines in their healthcare settings to offer an acceptable approach during the pandemic.