bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does China’s OFDI Successfully Promote Environmental Technology Innovation?
Authors: Han Bing
Published: March 2021

Environmental technology innovation is a crucial measure of the quality of China’s economic development and sustainable environmental protection. Based on the 2009–2017 provincial panel data from China, this article used the modified projection pursuit model to measure the environmental technology innovation capabilities of various regions. Moreover, this article empirically investigates the threshold effect of outward foreign direct investment on China’s environmental technology innovation under different intellectual property protection levels. The results are as follows. First, the environmental technology innovation capabilities of China’s regions vary significantly, showing an “east‐middle‐west” gradient decline trend similar to levels of economic development. Second, outward foreign direct investment has a significant reverse environmental technology innovation effect, but this effect has complex nonlinear characteristics. Third, in the process of outward foreign direct investment affecting environmental technology innovation, intellectual property protection has a significant double threshold effect. As the level of intellectual property protection continues to cross the threshold value, the effect direction of outward foreign direct investment on environmental technology innovation undergoes a sudden change from inhibition to promotion. However, when intellectual property protection is too high, the promotion effect is relatively limited. This paper provides some reference points and insights that should aid in establishing a scientific intellectual property protection system and raising the level of environmental technology innovation.
Stability of Fluid Flow through a Channel with Flexible Walls
Authors: Shubov Marianna A. , Edwards Madeline M.
Published: March 2021

In the present paper, we summarize the results of the research devoted to the problem of stability of the fluid flow moving in a channel with flexible walls and interacting with the walls. The walls of the vessel are subject to traveling waves. Experimental data show that the energy of the flowing fluid can be transferred and consumed by the structure (the walls), inducing “traveling wave flutter.” The problem of stability of fluid-structure interaction splits into two parts: (a) stability of fluid flow in the channel with harmonically moving walls and (b) stability of solid structure participating in the energy exchange with the flow. Stability of fluid flow, the main focus of the research, is obtained by solving the initial boundary value problem for the stream function. The main findings of the paper are the following: (i) rigorous formulation of the initial boundary problem for the stream function,

ψ

x
,
y
,
t

, induced by the fluid-structure interaction model, which takes into account the axisymmetric pattern of the flow and “no-slip” condition near the channel walls; (ii) application of a double integral transformation (the Fourier transformation and Laplace transformation) to both the equation and boundary and initial conditions, which reduces the original partial differential equation to a parameter-dependent ordinary differential equation; (iii) derivation of the explicit formula for the Fourier transform of the stream function,

ψ
˜

k
,
y
,
t

; (iv) evaluation of the inverse Fourier transform of

ψ
˜

k
,
y
,
t

and proving that reconstruction of

ψ

x
,
y
,
t

can be obtained through a limiting process in the complex

k

-plane, which allows us to use the Residue theorem and represent the solution in the form of an infinite series of residues. The result of this research is an analytical solution describing blood flowing through a channel with flexible walls that are being perturbed in the form of a traveling wave.
Optimal Time-Consistent Investment and Reinsurance Strategies with Default Risk and Delay under Heston’s SV Model
Authors: Li Sheng , Qiu Zhijian
Published: March 2021

Considering the influence of past information on the decision-making of insurers, the correlation between the insurance businesses owned by insurers, and the possible default faced by insurers, we investigate the mean-variance investment and reinsurance problem with the default risk, delay, and common shock dependence. We characterize the insurance market by two-dimensional dependent claims, the financial market by the Heston SV model, and default risk by reduced-form approach and then obtain the evolution equation of the insurer’s wealth. Based on the introduction of time delay, the insurer’s wealth dynamics characterized by a stochastic delay differential equation are obtained. Furthermore, applying stochastic control theory within the game-theoretic framework and stochastic control theory with delay, we derive optimal time-consistent investment and reinsurance strategies, as well as equilibrium value function and equilibrium efficient frontier. Finally, we use a numerical example to analyze the influence of parameters on the time-consistent equilibrium strategies and give an economic explanation.
A Uniformly Convergent Collocation Method for Singularly Perturbed Delay Parabolic Reaction-Diffusion Problem
Authors: Gelu Fasika Wondimu , Duressa Gemechis File
Published: March 2021

In this article, a numerical solution is proposed for singularly perturbed delay parabolic reaction-diffusion problem with mixed-type boundary conditions. The problem is discretized by the implicit Euler method on uniform mesh in time and extended cubic B-spline collocation method on a Shishkin mesh in space. The parameter-uniform convergence of the method is given, and it is shown to be

ε

-uniformly convergent of

O

Δ
t
+

N

−
2

ln

2

N

, where

Δ
t

and

N

denote the step size in time and number of mesh intervals in space, respectively. The proposed method gives accurate results by choosing suitable value of the free parameter

λ

. Some numerical results are carried out to support the theory.
Current Research Trends in IoT Security: A Systematic Mapping Study
Authors: Lee Jee Young , Lee Jungwoo
Published: March 2021

The smart mobile Internet-of-things (IoT) network lays the foundation of the fourth industrial revolution, the era of hyperconnectivity, hyperintelligence, and hyperconvergence. As this revolution gains momentum, the security of smart mobile IoT networks becomes an essential research topic. This study aimed to provide comprehensive insights on IoT security. To this end, we conducted a systematic mapping study of the literature to identify evolving trends in IoT security and determine research subjects. We reviewed the literature from January 2009 to August 2020 to identify influential researchers and trends of keywords. We additionally performed structural topic modeling to identify current research topics and the most promising ones via topic trend estimation. We synthesized and interpreted the results of the systematic mapping study to devise future research directions. The results obtained from this study are useful to understand current trends in IoT security and provide insights into research and development of IoT security.
Winning the Battle after Three Years of Suffering: A Case of a Refractory Pyoderma Gangrenosum Treatment Challenge
Authors: Ibrahim Isra , Shereef Hammam , Hashim Ahmed , Habbal Heba , Mahmood Raai , Mohamed Mohamed A.
Published: March 2021

Pyoderma gangrenosum is an uncommon inflammatory disorder characterized by neutrophilic infiltration of the skin. It can present as skin papules or pustules that progress into painful ulcers. 30–40% of the cases are associated with other systemic diseases such as inflammatory bowel diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, and proliferative hematological disorders. Uniquely, this condition has been associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The rarity of this disorder poses a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. We present a case of a 55-year-old female with a history of SLE and chronic right leg ulcer, presented with increased pain from the ulcer associated with a mild flare of her cutaneous lupus; examination revealed circumferential skin ulcer measuring about 25 cm extending around the right leg above the ankle with prominent fibrinous material and surrounding erythema. Blood work showed elevated WBC with neutrophilic predominance. Serology revealed a positive ANA, elevated RNP, smith, and SSA/Ro antibodies with normal anti-CCP level. Skin biopsy was taken, and it showed a diffuse neutrophilic and lymphocytic infiltrate consistent with the diagnosis of pyoderma gangrenosum. The patient was then treated with topical and systemic steroids and sequentially with dapsone, methotrexate, mycophenolate, and cyclosporine for over a two-year period but failed to show any improvement. Therefore, a trial of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy was attempted and produced a dramatic response after two-month infusions characterized by shrinking in the size of the ulcer and resolving pain. We believe that refractory PG poses a therapeutic challenge, and despite a lack of specific guidelines, IVIG can be attempted if initial suppressive treatment fails to show signs of improvement.
Atrial Arrhythmias in Patients with Severe COVID-19
Authors: Han Kai-Yue , Qiao Qi , Zhu Ye-Qian , Chen Xin-Guang , Kang Xing-Xing , Zhang Gao-Feng , Cai Xun-Chao , Du Yong , Jin Jing , Di Ruo-Min , Yang Chen-Xi , Zhang Feng-Xiang , Xu Ying-Jia
Published: March 2021

The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has increased drastically; however, information regarding the impact of this disease on the occurrence of arrhythmias is scarce. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of COVID-19 on arrhythmia occurrence. This prospective study included patients with COVID-19 treated at the Leishenshan Temporary Hospital of Wuhan City, China, from February 24 to April 5, 2020. Demographic, comorbidity, and arrhythmias data were collected from patients with COVID-19 (n = 84) and compared with control data from patients with bacterial pneumonia (n = 84) infection. Furthermore, comparisons were made between patients with severe and nonsevere COVID-19 and between older and younger patients. Compared with patients with bacterial pneumonia, those with COVID-19 had higher total, mean, and minimum heart rates (all

P
<
0.01

). Patients with severe COVID-19 (severe and critical type diseases) developed more atrial arrhythmias compared with those with nonsevere symptoms. Plasma creatine kinase isoenzyme (CKMB) levels (

P
=
0.01

) were higher in the severe group than in the nonsevere group, and there were more deaths in the severe group than in the nonsevere group (6 (15%) vs. 3 (2.30%);

P
=
0.05

). Premature atrial contractions (PAC) and nonsustained atrial tachycardia (NSAT) were significantly positively correlated with plasma CKMB levels but not with high-sensitive cardiac troponin I or myoglobin levels. Our data demonstrate that COVID-19 patients have higher total, mean, and minimum heart rates compared with those with bacterial pneumonia. Patients with severe or critical disease had more frequent atrial arrhythmias (including PAC and AF) and higher CKMB levels and mortality than those with nonsevere symptoms.
Endometrial Tumor Classification by Histomorphology and Biomarkers in the Nurses’ Health Study
Authors: Watkins Jaclyn C. , Downing Michael J. , Crous-Bou Marta , Busch Evan L. , Chen Maxine M. , De Vivo Immaculata , Mutter George L.
Published: March 2021

Objective. Endometrial cancers have historically been classified by histomorphologic appearance, which is subject to interobserver disagreement. As molecular and biomarker testing has become increasingly available, the prognostic significance and accuracy of histomorphologic diagnoses have been questioned. To address these issues for a large, prospective cohort study, we provide the results of a centralized pathology review and biomarker analysis of all incidental endometrial carcinomas occurring between 1976 and 2012 in the Nurses’ Health Study. Methods. Routine histology of all (

n
=
360

) cases was reviewed for histomorphologic diagnosis. Cases were subsequently planted in a tissue microarray to explore expression of a variety of biomarkers (e.g., ER, PR, p53, PTEN, PAX2, AMACR, HNF1β, Napsin A, p16, PAX8, and GATA3). Results. Histologic subtypes included endometrioid (87.2%), serous (5.6%), carcinosarcoma (3.9%), clear cell (1.7%), and mixed type (1.7%). Biomarker results within histologic subtypes were consistent with existing literature: abnormal p53 was frequent in serous cases (74%), and HNF1β (67%), Napsin A (67%), and AMACR (83%) expression was frequent in clear cell carcinomas. Our dataset also allowed for examination of biomarker expression across non-preselected histologies. The results demonstrated that (1) HNF1β was not specific for clear cell carcinoma, (2) TP53 mutations occurred across many histologies, and (3) GATA3 was expressed across multiple histotypes, with 75% of positive cases demonstrating high-grade features. Conclusions. Our findings establish the subtypes of endometrial cancer occurring in the Nurses’ Health Study, corroborate the sensitivity of certain well-established biomarkers, and call into question previously identified associations between certain biomarkers (e.g., HNF1B) and particular histotypes.
Optimal Strategies of Retailers Facing Potential Crisis in an Online-to-Offline Supply Chain
Authors: Wang Wei-hao , Hu Jin-song
Published: March 2021

We confine our interest to the O2O (online-to-offline) supply chain system consisting of an online retailer and an offline retailer. Given that the brand they sell may encounter a brand crisis that will damage the goodwill, we formulate an O2O supply chain model with the impact of random crisis to explore the countermeasures of retailers when facing a potential crisis. After analysis, we find the following: (1) The crisis happened earlier with the increase of hazard rate and retailers should lower their investment in the precrisis stage. (2) The existence of crisis divides the whole planning period into two phases and make retailers have different phase preference in different scenarios. In a word, retailers will pay more attention to the postcrisis stage with the increase of hazard rate and damage rate and therefore invest more in the postcrisis stage. (3) Crisis will decrease the investment level of retailers and therefore make the goodwill and profits lower than when there is no crisis.
Electroanatomic Ratios and Mortality in Patients With Heart Failure: Insights from the ASIAN‐HF Registry
Authors: Chyou Janice Y. , Tay Wan Ting , Anand Inder S. , Teng Tiew‐Hwa Katherine , Yap Jonathan J. L. , MacDonald Michael R. , Chopra Vijay , Loh Seet Yoong , Shimizu Wataru , Abidin Imran Zainal ,   ASIAN‐HF Investigators, Richards Arthur Mark , Butler Javed , Lam Carolyn S. P.
Published: March 2021

Background

QRS duration (QRSd) is a marker of electrical remodeling in heart failure. Anthropometrics and left ventricular size may influence QRSd and, in turn, may influence the association between QRSd and heart failure outcomes.

Methods and Results

Using the prospective, multicenter, multinational ASIAN‐HF (Asian Sudden Cardiac Death in Heart Failure) registry, this study evaluated whether electroanatomic ratios (QRSd indexed for height or left ventricular end‐diastole volume) are associated with 1‐year mortality in individuals with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. The study included 4899 individuals (aged 60±19 years, 78% male, mean left ventricular ejection fraction: 27.3±7.1%). In the overall cohort, QRSd was not associated with all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 1.003; 95% CI, 0.999–1.006,
P
=0.142) or sudden cardiac death (HR, 1.006; 95% CI, 1.000–1.013,
P
=0.059). QRS/height was associated with all‐cause mortality (HR, 1.165; 95% CI, 1.046–1.296,
P
=0.005 with interaction by sex

p
interaction

=0.020) and sudden cardiac death (HR, 1.270; 95% CI, 1.021–1.580,
P
=0.032). QRS/left ventricular end‐diastole volume was associated with all‐cause mortality (HR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.05–1.43,
P
=0.011) and sudden cardiac death (HR, 1.461; 95% CI, 1.090–1.957,
P
=0.011) in patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy but not in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (all‐cause mortality: HR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.79–1.11,
P
=0.467; sudden cardiac death: HR, 0.734; 95% CI, 0.477–1.132,
P
=0.162).

Conclusions

Electroanatomic ratios of QRSd indexed for body size or left ventricular size are associated with mortality in individuals with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. In particular, increased QRS/height may be a marker of high risk in individuals with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, and QRS/left ventricular end‐diastole volume may further risk stratify individuals with nonischemic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.

Registration

URL:
https://Clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01633398.
Long‐Term Outcome of Patients With Congenital Heart Disease Undergoing Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Authors: Kubuš Peter , Rubáčková Popelová Jana , Kovanda Jan , Sedláček Kamil , Janoušek Jan
Published: March 2021

Background

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is rarely used in patients with congenital heart disease, and reported follow‐up is short. We sought to evaluate long‐term impact of CRT in a single‐center cohort of patients with congenital heart disease.

Methods and Results

Thirty‐two consecutive patients with structural congenital heart disease (N=30) or congenital atrioventricular block (N=2), aged median of 12.9 years at CRT with pacing capability device implantation, were followed up for a median of 8.7 years. CRT response was defined as an increase in systemic ventricular ejection fraction or fractional area of change by >10 units and improved or unchanged New York Heart Association class. Freedom from cardiovascular death, heart failure hospitalization, or new transplant listing was 92.6% and 83.2% at 5 and 10 years, respectively. Freedom from CRT complications, leading to surgical system revision (elective generator replacement excluded) or therapy termination, was 82.7% and 72.2% at 5 and 10 years, respectively. The overall probability of an uneventful therapy continuation was 76.3% and 58.8% at 5 and 10 years, respectively. There was a significant increase in ejection fraction/fractional area of change (
P
<0.001) mainly attributable to patients with systemic left ventricle (
P
=0.002) and decrease in systemic ventricular end‐diastolic dimensions (
P
<0.05) after CRT. New York Heart Association functional class improved from a median 2.0 to 1.25 (
P
<0.001). Long‐term CRT response was present in 54.8% of patients at last follow‐up and was more frequent in systemic left ventricle (
P
<0.001).

Conclusions

CRT in patients with congenital heart disease was associated with acceptable survival and long‐term response in ≈50% of patients. Probability of an uneventful CRT continuation was modest.
Fitness, Fatness, and Mortality in Men and Women From the UK Biobank: Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Tarp Jakob , Grøntved Anders , Sanchez‐Lastra Miguel A. , Dalene Knut Eirik , Ding Ding , Ekelund Ulf
Published: March 2021

Background

Cardiorespiratory fitness may moderate the association between obesity and all‐cause mortality (ie, the “fat‐but‐fit” hypothesis), but unaddressed sources of bias are a concern.

Methods and Results

Cardiorespiratory fitness was estimated as watts per kilogram from a submaximal bicycle test in 77 169 men and women from the UK Biobank cohort and combined with World Health Organization standard body mass index categories, yielding 9 unique fitness‐fatness combinations. We also formed fitness‐fatness combinations based on bioimpedance as a direct measure of body composition. All‐cause mortality was ascertained from death registries. Multivariable‐adjusted Cox regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios and 95% CIs. We examined the association between fitness‐fatness combinations and all‐cause mortality in models with progressively more conservative approaches for accounting for reverse causation, misclassification of body composition, and confounding. Over a median follow‐up of 7.7 years, 1731 participants died. In our base model, unfit men and women had higher risk of premature mortality irrespective of levels of adiposity, compared with the normal weight–fit reference. This pattern was attenuated but maintained with more conservative approaches in men, but not in women. In analysis stratified by sex and excluding individuals with prevalent major chronic disease and short follow‐up and using direct measures of body composition, mortality risk was 1.78 (95% CI, 1.17–2.71) times higher in unfit‐obese men but not higher in obese‐fit men (0.94 [95% CI, 0.60–1.48]). In contrast, there was no increased risk in obese‐unfit women (1.09 [95% CI, 0.44–1.05]) as compared with the reference.

Conclusions

Cardiorespiratory fitness modified the association between obesity and mortality in men, but this pattern appeared susceptible to biases in women.
Body size, habitat quality, and territory defense in Bachman’s sparrow
Authors: Niederhauser Joseph M. , Slevin Morgan C. , Noonburg Erik G. , Anderson Rindy C.
Published: March 2021

Many wild populations of animals conform to the ideal despotic distribution (IDD) in which more competitive individuals exclude less competitive individuals from high quality resources. Body size and aggressiveness are two important traits for resource defense, and they positively covary so that larger individuals are usually more aggressive. Using Bachman’s sparrows, we tested the hypothesis that larger birds are more aggressive and are thus able to compete for the best quality territories. We found that larger males were more aggressive, and more aggressive birds fledged at least one young. However, we did not find consistent relationships between aggressiveness and habitat characteristics. Our results suggest that Bachman’s sparrows meet most of the predictions of the IDD. Frequent ecological disturbances, such as fires, might disrupt the IDD or make it difficult to detect. Additional studies are needed to test for relationships between ecological disturbances and territorial behaviour.
Bursaphelenchus parayongensis n. sp. (Tylenchina: Aphelenchoididae) found in packaging wood from China
Authors: Gu Jianfeng , Fang Yiwu , Schönfeld Ute , Ma Xinxin , Lü Xiaoling
Published: March 2021

Bursaphelenchus parayongensis n. sp. was isolated from packaging wood of a consignment from China exported to Germany. The new species is characterised by the lateral field with three lines, 9-13 μm long stylet with small basal swellings, and the excretory pore located near the posterior part of metacorpus. The male spicules are mitten-shaped, the lamina smoothly tapers towards the distal tip. The condylus is broadly rounded, with a small dorsally bent hook, rostrum triangular with sharply pointed tip, and without cucullus. One precloacal papilla, one adcloacal pair and two postcloacal pairs of male papillae present, with the posteriormost pair forming ‘gland papillae’. Bursal flap long, spade-like with posterior margin truncate or irregular. Females have a small vulval flap of 2-3 μm long, and a post-vulval uterine sac extending for 55-77% of the vulva to anus distance. Tail cylindrical, mostly (about 70%) with a robust mucron, very short to less than 3 μm, but occasionally tail terminus bluntly rounded, without mucron. It is similar to species in subgroup 3 of the eggersi group including B. carpini, B. clavicauda, B. cryphali and B. yongensis, but morphologically different. Detailed phylogenetic analysis based on partial 18S, ITS and D2-D3 region of 28S sequences has confirmed the status of this nematode as a new species.
Lessening Anti-Jewish Hate Speech in Service of the Egyptian Regime: State Media under Mubārak, Re-Examined
Authors: Lavie Limor
Published: March 2021

This article aims a spotlight at an unusual chapter in the development of the Egyptian regimes’ policy toward antisemitism in the state media. While the various regimes allowed anti-Jewish speech in the governmental media since its nationalization by the Nasserite regime and used it for acquiring legitimacy, this article points to a different policy adopted by the Mubārak regime, following 11 September 2001. From the end of 2002, the Egyptian regime redirected the journalistic editing guidelines to cease anti-Jewish hate speech, resulting in a considerable decrease in the volume of anti-Jewish expressions and desecration of the Holocaust memory, until Mubārak’s downfall in 2011. This change was motivated by the regime’s concern for its political survival and economic interests, which were endangered by the democratization policy of the Bush Administration that linked the effort to combat terrorism and anti-Americanism in the Middle East with the struggle against antisemitism.
Liberal Islamic Theology in Conservative Russia: Taufik Ibragim’s “Qurʾānic Humanism”
Authors: Kemper Michael , Sibgatullina Gulnaz
Published: March 2021

This article studies the work of the Moscow-based Syrian academic scholar Taufik Ibragim. Originally a Marxist historian of Islamic philosophy and kalām, after the end of the ussr Ibragim became one of Russia’s most authoritative scholars also of the Qurʾān and the Islamic tradition more broadly. Since the mid-2000s, Ibragim has publicly propagated the concept of “Qurʾānic humanism”, which is meant to demonstrate the tolerance of the Qurʾān and the humanist character of Islam in general, against Islamic extremism and stagnation in Muslim thought. In his opposition to the dominant political “traditionalism” in Russia’s Islamic landscape, Ibragim links back to the heritage of the Tatar Muslim educational and religious reformers (Jadids) of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Without reference to any other contemporary Islamic thinker, Ibragim advocates a reform of Islam to adapt it to the conditions of modern Russia. His interpretations appeal to Russia’s academic elite, as well as to the Jadid-oriented muftiate of the Russian Federation (dumrf) in Moscow, which until recently propagated Ibragim’s concepts against the vague “traditionalism” that other muftiates in the Russian Federation claim to follow. But his insistence on a rational approach to the Qurʾān and his challenging of the authority of ḥadīth have brought Ibragim the enmity of many conservative muftis and Muslim theologians in Russia, and Islamic reformism is under increasing attack.
An Award on Winding-Up Leaving Quantum for a Liquidator-Expert Refused Enforcement
Authors: Abu-Hagras Mostafa
Published: March 2021

An Egyptian court refused the enforcement of an United Arab Emirates award on winding-up leaving quantum for a liquidator-expert. It explained that the award lacks certainty and failed to determine the sum of the awarded debt; the effects of the award are thus incomplete. The liquidator-expert’s report could not stand a valid instrument for completing such effects. The court has incidentally raised the issue of the arbitrator’s failure to render an award eligible for forced execution.
The quantity of health-related article publications from universities in Saudi Arabia: A bibliometric analysis, 2008–2017
Authors: Vennu Vishal , Alenazi Aqeel M , Abdulrahman Tariq Ahmed , Bindawas Saad M
Published: March 2021

Several studies have summarized the biomedical publications in Arab countries. However, the quantity of health-related article publications from universities in recent years in Saudi Arabia is unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to perform a bibliometric analysis that showcases the quantitative health-related article publications output from universities in Saudi Arabia between 2008 and 2017. An extensive literature search was conducted using the PubMed database. The search was limited to original research articles, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses published in the English language reporting on humans from medicine and health sciences colleges by researchers affiliated with any university in Saudi Arabia between January 2008 and December 2017. A total of 3172 articles were found published between January 2008 and December 2017. The number of publication output increased significantly ( p = 0.0027) from 73 (2.3%) in 2008 to 721 (22.7%) in 2017. The highest quantity of publications came from the Riyadh region ( n = 2257), specifically King Saud University ( n = 1538). Of specific journals, the BioMed Central journals published the most articles by Saudi Arabian researchers ( n = 112). The total number of publications increased from 2% to 24.8% by region. However, approximately 80% of the papers were published in journals with an impact factor (IF) <3. Around 3.8% of the papers were published in journals that had an IF ≥6 and has increased significantly ( p = 0.030) from 0% to 1.2% in the past decade. The journal with the highest IF that published a high quantity of articles was the American Journal of Human Genetics. This study has identified a continuous significant increase in the publication of health-related articles from universities in Saudi Arabia. This study extended our knowledge of the quantity of scientific productivity in the field of medicine and health sciences over a recent decade.
Allergen diagnosis strategy: An experimental application of different methods in Guangzhou, Southern China
Authors: Hu Haisheng , Huang Zhifeng , Luo Wenting , Zou Xiangwei , Chen Hao , Liao Chenxi , Sun Baoqing
Published: March 2021

Different methods have different diagnostic value under diverse clinical conditions. This study was conducted to analyze the clinical practical value of different assays in different situations and to establish the concept of an allergen diagnosis strategy.

This study used Phadia CAP, Advan Sure (AdvS), Euroline Camera (ELC), and Allergy Lateral Flow Assay (ALFA) kits to detect allergen specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) in the sera from 30 allergic asthma patients, with Phadia CAP as the gold standard.

This study found high sensitivity for Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus in AdvS (92.6%), ELC (88.9%), and ALFA (85.2%), but poor sensitivity for F. domesticus in all three assays. Furthermore, the AdvS, ELC, and ALFA assays could detect 20, 21, and 8 allergens in one panel, respectively. The combination of the results showed that 93.3% and 46.7% of patients tested positive for ≥5 and ≥10 types of allergens, respectively. All patients who were tested positive for the Marine fish mixture were positive for both Shrimp and Crab. Similarly, patients who were tested positive for Chicken also tested positive for Pork. Optimal scale analysis showed a strong connection between Peanut, Soybean, Wheat, Japanese Hop, Western ragweed, and Oak allergens (Cronbach’s α = 91.1%).

The ELC assay was more suitable for use in pollen-rich areas, whereas the ALFA assay was easy to establish in areas with poor medical conditions. An allergen diagnosis strategy needs to be considered for use in clinical practice.
Optimal design and experiment study of the double spherical rotor of the MSCSG
Authors: Wang Weijie , Chen Xiaocen , Liu Qiang , Fan Yahong
Published: March 2021

The magnetically suspended control and sense gyroscope (MSCSG) integrates spacecraft attitude measurement and control function; this paper proposes a double spherical rotor (DSR) for MSCSG. The DSR realizes the five degrees of freedom (DOFs) full active control and full channel magnetic path decoupling by the following design: the spherical axial/radial reluctance magnetic bearings are adopted to control the 3DOFs translation of rotor in the range of double spherical envelope, Lorentz force magnetic bearing (LFMB) is used to precisely drive the 2DOFs universal deflection of rotor. The optimization model is established based on the structural mechanical analysis, taking the deviation between rotor centroid and shape center as the optimization objective, choosing the first order resonance frequency, maximum equivalent stress, rigid body displacement, polar moment of inertia and inertia ratio as constraints. Then the DSR is optimized and simulated by the finite element, the MSCSG principle prototype based on DSR is successfully developed, the online dynamic balance experiment and modal test of the DSR are conducted, where the vibration amount of the DSR decreases from 20 μm before the experiment to 0.14 μm after the experiment, which decreases by 99.3%, the first test modal is 2881 Hz which is 5% different from the finite element simulation value of 3034 Hz. The results show that the DSR has the good mechanical properties and magnetic circuit decoupling characteristics.
Friction reduction mechanism of glycerol monooleate-containing lubricants at elevated temperature - transition from physisorption to chemisorption
Authors: Wang Weiwei , Shen Bo , Li Yang , Ni Qiang , Zhou Li , Du Fengming
Published: March 2021

The friction reduction mechanism of glycerol monooleate (GMO) was investigated under boundary lubrication with elevated temperature. Tribological performances were tested using reciprocating test rig by adding 5 wt.% GMO into Poly-alpha Olefin (PAO) base oil. Friction coefficient and wear were recorded during experiments. The used oil was evaluated by infrared detection after experiments. Results show that GMO could reduce friction coefficient at both low and high temperature. At elevated temperature, the friction coefficient of PAO-GMO blend climb up gradually, followed by a decrease tendency, and the wear increase gradually with temperature. The results of Quartz Crystal Microbalance show that the physical adsorption film plays the main role in friction reduction at low temperature. While at high temperature, the Infrared Spectrum and X-Ray Photoelectron Spectrum show that the GMO involves into the chemisorption with friction surface, producing Fe(OH)O and Fe3O4. The friction reduction mechanism of GMO transferred from physisorption to chemisorption, which reduced friction coefficient at both low and high temperature.
Endovascular revascularization of symptomatic chronic total occlusions of the internal carotid artery using a proximal balloon protection device
Authors: Zhai Guojie , Huang Zhichao , Du Huaping , Xu Yuan , Xiao Guodong , Cao Yongjun
Published: March 2021

To investigate the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of endovascular recanalization for symptomatic chronic internal carotid artery occlusions (ICAO). Thirty patients with symptomatic chronic ICAO were treated using the endovascular recanalization method. Proximal balloon protection devices were used to prevent embolic migration by completely blocking the blood flow. The morphology of the internal carotid artery (ICA) at the occluded segment based on catheter angiography was analyzed. Recanalization of symptomatic chronic internal carotid artery occlusion (CICAO) was successful in 20 of the 30 patients (66.7%). The time required for successful revascularization ranged from 120 to 180 min (mean, 150 min). Of the 20 successful patients, 14 were at the cervical ICAs, and six were at the intracranial ICAs. No permanent complications occurred in our study. Ischemic symptoms related to chronic ICAO did not occur during the 18.3 month follow-up period (range, 12–24 months) in the 20 successful patients. Endovascular revascularization can improve hemodynamic compromise. The treated sites of all 20 successfully recanalized patients were patent on computed tomographic angiography or carotid duplex sonography, and no case with >50% restenosis was observed during the follow-up period. Three patients with failed recanalization had a stroke during the follow-up period. Endovascular revascularization of symptomatic CICAO using a proximal balloon protection device is technically feasible in selected patients, and the outcomes are favorable for patients who benefit from revascularization.
Incidence of Postpartum Depression and Its Association With Antenatal Psychiatric Symptoms: A Longitudinal Study in 25 Villages of Rural South Karnataka
Authors: George Meera , Johnson Avita Rose , Sulekha T.
Published: March 2021

Background:

Postpartum depression (PPD) is the commonest mental health disorder post-childbirth, yet there is a paucity of data in rural areas regarding the actual incidence of PPD, which excludes pre-existing or antenatal depression. To estimate the incidence of PPD among rural women of south Karnataka and identify predictors of PPD, including antenatal psychiatric disorders.

Methods:

A longitudinal study in 25 villages in south Karnataka among 150 pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy using simple random sampling. Baseline data collected and revised Clinical Interview Schedule used to screen antenatal psychiatric disorders. Participants followed-up 6–8 weeks postpartum, end-line data collected, and Edinburg Postnatal Depression Scale administered. Chi-square and Fischer’s exact tests for association between PPD and covariates. Logistic regression to calculate adjusted odds ratios.

Results:

Prevalence of antenatal psychiatric disorders was 15.3%. The incidence of PPD was 11%. A significantly higher proportion of PPD was found among women with adverse events in the last year, low socioeconomic status, and perceived lack of care/support at home. Predictors of PPD were antenatal psychiatric disorders (AOR = 4.3, 95% CI = 1.22–5.11; P = 0.028), mothers reporting worry about their infant’s health (AOR = 7.7, 95% CI = 1.22–48.32; P = 0.012) and mothers receiving postpartum care by caregivers other than their own mother (AOR = 4.0, 95% CI = 1.13–8.09; P = 0.030).

Conclusions:

Our study found that one in ten rural women is developing PPD and there is a strong link between PPD and antenatal psychiatric disorders and family factors. This calls for capacity building of general physicians and village-level workers and strengthening of the Home-Based Newborn Care Program, where weekly postpartum home visits by ASHA are an opportunity for screening and counselling mothers.
Exploring Family Backgrounds of Chinese Adolescents Who Are Vulnerable to Victimization and Repeated Victimization
Authors: Zhu Yuhong , Xiao Chenyang , Chen QiQi , Zhu Bin
Published: March 2021

There is abundant evidence in the literature to show that victimization has a series of adverse consequences on child victims’ physical and mental health. However, some studies detailed whether the family correlates of repeat victims differ from those who are victimized only once. This study fills this gap by describing the probabilities that children who fit certain profiles will be repeat victims and implies that it is possible to identify and screen individual and family factors who are at high risk of repeated victimization. Using the 2009–2010 Child Victimization Survey, we analyzed data from 14,564 Chinese adolescents aged 14–18 years from five major cities in China. We employed a multinomial logit regression model, using child victimization as the dependent variable and demographic factors as independent variables. We identified the top 1% of the most vulnerable cases and summarized their demographic characteristics. Our analysis revealed that older boys with siblings in the same household whose mothers’ education was below average were the most vulnerable to one-time victimization. Further, boys with siblings whose parents were less-educated than average, unemployed, and unmarried were the most vulnerable to repeated victimization. This study has vast practical implications, including different ways to confront the problem of repeated child victimization (both practically and in the literature), develop a quick screening tool, and apply cost-effective prevention and interventions in China.
Technology-Facilitated Domestic Violence Against Immigrant and Refugee Women: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Henry Nicola , Vasil Stefani , Flynn Asher , Kellard Karen , Mortreux Colette
Published: March 2021

Digital technologies are increasingly being used as tools for the perpetration of domestic violence. Little empirical research to date has explored the nature and impacts of technology-facilitated domestic violence (TFDV), and even less attention has been paid to the experiences of immigrant and refugee women. This article examines the nature and impacts of TFDV as experienced by immigrant and refugee women. Drawing on interviews with 29 victim-survivors and 20 stakeholders, we argue that although immigrant and refugee women may experience TFDV in similar ways to non-immigrant and refugee women, they face unique challenges, such as language barriers, cultural bias from support services, lack of financial resources, lack of trust in state institutions, and additional challenges with justice and migration systems. Immigrant and refugee women also face multiple structural layers of oppression and social inequality. Accordingly, we argue that a multifaceted approach is required to address TFDV that includes culturally sensitive and specific law reform, education, and training.
Characterizing Firearm Assault Injury Among Young Black Men Using Arkansas Hospital Discharge Data
Authors: Lovelady Nakita N. , Zaller Nickolas D. , Stewart Mary Kate , Cheney Ann M. , Porter III Austin , Haynes Tiffany F.
Published: March 2021

Using statewide hospital discharge data from 2005 to 2014, this study aimed to describe and identify predictors of firearm assault among young Black men ages 18 to 44 in Arkansas. Descriptive analyses of data were performed for patient demographics (age, marital status, residential location, etc.), injury, and health care information (hospital charges, length of stay, mortality, time, day and season of injury, etc.). Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify significant predicting factors for firearm assault among this population. Most of the sample survived firearm assault injury, were ages 18–35, were not married, resided in Central Arkansas, and were admitted to a Central Arkansas hospital during night hours on weekends. The majority had a short hospital stay, and total charges exceeded $34 million during the study observation years. Most patients had no diagnosis of a mental disorder, and a little less than half had drug use disorders. Being ages 18–25, living in the Central region of Arkansas, and being married were all significant predictors of firearm assault for this population. Death was also significantly associated with firearm assault. Our findings lay the groundwork for understanding firearm assault injury among young Black men in Arkansas. Research should be expanded to examine other important data sources for firearm assault and to further explore the context of predicting factors, in order to provide a more comprehensive understanding of firearm assault and to better inform future prevention efforts.
A new bladed assembly simulator and an improved two-parameter plot method for blade tip-timing numerical simulations
Authors: Nikpour Masood , Moradi Shapour , Soodmand Iman
Published: March 2021

The blade tip-timing measurement technique is presently the most promising technique for monitoring the blades of axial turbines and aircraft engines in operating conditions. Due to the high cost of experimental simulations of blade tip-timing–based condition monitoring methods, a numerical simulator for the vibrational behavior of bladed assemblies can be helpful for researchers interested in this field. So far, in most of the numerical simulators, the centrifugal effect of rotational speed on the natural frequencies is neglected. In this study, a new bladed assembly considering the centrifugal effect of the rotational speed for blade tip-timing numerical simulations is proposed. Moreover, an improvement in the engine order estimation algorithm in a two-parameter plot method is accomplished. In the assembly, blades are assumed to be cantilevered Euler–Bernoulli beams coupled together using linear springs. The finite element method is used to extract mass and stiffness matrices from differential equations of the system. By using the two-parameter plot method, the engine order of the excitation is detected. To examine the performance of the algorithm, Monte–Carlo simulation is implemented. The new simulator fulfills both cyclic symmetry and increase in the natural frequencies with increase in rotational speed. Engine order estimation with the new formulation in the two-parameter plot method is accurate. Hence, the new simulator and formulation for two-parameter plot method are reliable for numerical simulations.
Predictors of Caregiver Burden of Moderate and Severe Stroke Survivors: A Cross-Sectional Study from South India
Authors: Khanapur Usha M. , John Jacob , Mani Arun Mathai , Aaron Sanjith
Published: March 2021

Introduction:

Caregivers have an important role in stroke recovery, especially after the acute phase of treatment. Caregiving for stroke survivors is associated with caregiver burden. Knowledge of factors influencing this caregiver burden is important for both the patient and the caregiver.

Aim:

To study the prevalence and predictors of major caregiver burden in survivors of moderate to severe stroke treated both conservatively and with surgical decompression.

Methods:

A community-based cross-sectional study where caregivers of stroke survivors with moderate to severe disability at discharge (modified Rankin Scale >3) were assessed between 3 months and 3 years of discharge.

Results:

Caregivers of 115 stroke survivors (82 conservatively treated and 33 who underwent decompressive hemicraniectomy) were studied. The majority (80%) were females. The mean period of caregiving was 18.8 ± 10.3 months (range 3-44 months). Major caregiver burden was seen in 36% (confidence interval [CI] = 27.3-44.7%). The significant predictors of major caregiver burden were daily caregiving for ≥4 hours (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 5.3; CI = 1.84-15.3), patient activities of daily living dependency (AOR 3.66; CI = 1.03-13.03), and caregiver being the spouse (AOR 4.52; CI = 1.25-16.3). A total of 17% of the caregivers stopped working. Only (18%) had health insurance and 59% had borrowed money for treatment. A total of 88% of caregivers were happy regarding their decision to opt for surgery despite their current burden.

Conclusion:

Caregivers had stress in various domains. Shortening the caregiving hours especially in the initial months may help reduce the burden since the caregiver burden is also influenced by the patient’s dependency which improves over time.