bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Creativity of Videos
Authors: Rebelo Ana Daniela Peres , Inês Guedes De Oliveira , Damion D. E. Verboom
Published: January 2022

This study explored the impact
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
has on the evaluation of creative elements in artistic videos. The aim was to verify to what extent the use of an AI algorithm (Style Transfer) contributes to changes in the perceived creativity of the videos. Creativity was evaluated in six quantitative items (Likert-type scale) and one qualitative question (qualitative description of the creativity expressed in the video by two words or expressions). Six videos were shown to both control (N = 49) and experimental group (N = 52) aiming at determining possible differences in creativity assessment criteria. Furthermore, both groups contained experts (Experimental, N = 27; Control, N = 25) and non-experts (Experimental, N = 25; Control, N = 24). The first round of videos composed of six videos that were the same for both the experimental and control condition (used to check for bias). No significant differences were found. In a second round, six videos were shown with AI transformation (experimental condition) and without that transformation (control group). Results showed that in two cases the perceived creativity increased in experimental condition, in one case a decrease occurred. In most evaluations no differences were observed. Qualitative evaluations reinforce the absence of a general pattern of improvements in AI transformations. Altogether, the results emphasize the importance of human mediation in the application of AI in creative production: a hybrid approach, or rather, Hybrid Intelligence.
CAPTAIN: Comprehensive Composition Assistance for Photo Taking
Authors: Farhat Farshid , Kamani Mohammad Mahdi , Wang James Z.
Published: January 2022

Many people are interested in taking astonishing photos and sharing them with others. Emerging high-tech hardware and software facilitate the ubiquitousness and functionality of digital photography. Because composition matters in photography, researchers have leveraged some common composition techniques, such as the rule of thirds and the perspective-related techniques, in providing photo-taking assistance. However, composition techniques developed by professionals are far more diverse than well-documented techniques can cover. We present a new approach to leverage the underexplored photography ideas, which are virtually unlimited, diverse, and correlated. We propose a comprehensive fork-join framework, named CAPTAIN (
C
omposition
A
ssistance for
P
hoto
Ta
k
in
g), to guide a photographer with a variety of photography ideas. The framework consists of a few components: integrated object detection, photo genre classification, artistic pose clustering, and personalized aesthetics-aware image retrieval. CAPTAIN is backed by a large managed dataset crawled from a Website with ideas from photography enthusiasts and professionals. The work proposes steps to decompose a given amateurish shot into composition ingredients and compose them to bring the photographer a list of useful and related ideas. The work addresses personal preferences for composition by presenting a user-specified preference list of photography ideas. We have conducted many experiments on the newly proposed components and reported findings. A user study demonstrates that the work is useful to those taking photos.
Modeling the User Experience of Watching 360° Videos with Head-Mounted Displays
Authors: Fan Ching-Ling , Hung Tse-Hou , Hsu Cheng-Hsin
Published: January 2022

Conducting user studies to quantify the Quality of Experience (QoE) of watching the increasingly more popular 360° videos in Head-Mounted Displays (HMDs) is time-consuming, tedious, and expensive. Deriving QoE models, however, is very challenging because of the diverse viewing behaviors and complex QoE features and factors. In this article, we compile a wide spectrum of QoE features and factors that may contribute to the overall QoE. We design and conduct a user study to build a dataset of the overall QoE, QoE features, and QoE factors. Using the dataset, we derive the QoE models for both the Mean Opinion Score (MOS) and Individual Score (IS), where MOS captures the aggregated QoE across all subjects, while IS captures the QoE of individual subjects. Our derived overall QoE models achieve 0.98 and 0.91 in Pearson’s Linear Correlation Coefficient (PLCC) for MOS and IS, respectively. Besides, we make several new observations on our user study results, such as (1) content factors dominate the overall QoE across all factor categories, (2) Video Multi-Method Assessment Fusion (VMAF) is the dominating factor among content factors, and (3) the perceived cybersickness is affected by human factors more among others. Our proposed user study design is useful for QoE modeling (specifically) and subjective evaluations (in general) of emerging 360° tiled video streaming to HMDs.
Mimicking Individual Media Quality Perception with Neural Network based Artificial Observers
Authors: Tiotsop Lohic Fotio , Mizdos Tomas , Barkowsky Marcus , Pocta Peter , Servetti Antonio , Masala Enrico
Published: January 2022

The media quality assessment research community has traditionally been focusing on developing objective algorithms to predict the result of a typical subjective experiment in terms of
Mean Opinion Score (MOS)
value. However, the MOS, being a single value, is insufficient to model the complexity and diversity of human opinions encountered in an actual subjective experiment. In this work we propose a complementary approach for objective media quality assessment that attempts to more closely model what happens in a subjective experiment in terms of single observers and, at the same time, we perform a qualitative analysis of the proposed approach while highlighting its suitability. More precisely, we propose to model, using
neural networks (NNs)
, the way single observers perceive media quality. Once trained, these NNs, one for each observer, are expected to mimic the corresponding observer in terms of quality perception. Then, similarly to a subjective experiment, such NNs can be used to simulate the users’ single opinions, which can be later aggregated by means of different statistical indicators such as average, standard deviation, quantiles, etc. Unlike previous approaches that consider subjective experiments as a black box providing reliable ground truth data for training, the proposed approach is able to consider human factors by analyzing and weighting individual observers. Such a model may therefore implicitly account for users’ expectations and tendencies, that have been shown in many studies to significantly correlate with visual quality perception. Furthermore, our proposal also introduces and investigates an index measuring how much inconsistency there would be if an observer was asked to rate many times the same stimulus. Simulation experiments conducted on several datasets demonstrate that the proposed approach can be effectively implemented in practice and thus yielding a more complete objective assessment of end users’ quality of experience.
Spectrum of Phenotypes and Causes of Type 2 Diabetes in Children
Authors: Shah Amy S. , Nadeau Kristen J. , Dabelea Dana , Redondo Maria J.
Published: January 2022

Several factors, including genetics, family history, diet, physical activity, obesity, and insulin resistance in puberty, appear to increase the risk of type 2 diabetes in youth. Youth-onset type 2 diabetes is often thought of as a single entity but rather exists as a spectrum of disease with differences in presentation, metabolic characteristics, clinical progression, and complication rates. We review what is currently known regarding the risks associated with developing type 2 diabetes in youth. Additionally, we focus on the spectrum of phenotypes of pediatric type 2 diabetes, discuss the pathogenic underpinnings and potential therapeutic relevance of this heterogeneity, and compare youth-onset type 2 diabetes with type 1 diabetes and adult-onset type 2 diabetes. Finally, we highlight knowledge gaps in prediction and prevention of youth-onset type 2 diabetes.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Helicobacter pylori Infection
Authors: Lee Yi-Chia , Dore Maria Pina , Graham David Y.
Published: January 2022

The last 5 years have seen major shifts in defining whom to test and how to treat Helicobacter pylori infection. Peptic ulcer has changed from a chronic disease to a one-off condition, and countries with a high incidence of gastric cancer have begun implementing population-wide screening and treatment. A proactive approach to testing and treatment of H. pylori is now recommended, including outreach to family members of individuals diagnosed with active infection as well as high-risk local populations such as immigrants from high-risk countries. Increasing antimicrobial resistance has resulted in an overall decline in treatment success, causing a rethinking of the approach to development of treatment guidelines as well as the need to adopt the principles of antibiotic usage and antimicrobial stewardship. Required changes include abandoning empiric use of clarithromycin, metronidazole, and levofloxacin triple therapies. Here, we discuss these transformations and give guidance regarding testing and use of therapies that are effective when given empirically.
Particle-Size Effect of Pt Anode Catalysts on H2O2 Production Rate and H2 Oxidation Activity at 20 to 80 °C
Authors: Uchida Hiroyuki , Shi Guoyu , Imran Muhammad , Tryk Donald A.
Published: January 2022

Polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs) for fuel cells are chemically degraded by ·OH radicals, generated from H2O2, which is produced by a reaction of hydrogen adsorbed on the Pt anode with O2 diffusing through the PEM. In order to obtain a clue for designing the anode catalyst with low production rate of H2O2 and high activity for the hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR), we have examined the H2O2 production rate at Pt catalysts as a function of particle size d
Pt ranging from 2 nm to 20 nm over a practical temperature range between 20 and 80 °C in 0.1 M HClO4. The H2O2 production rate [per geometric area with 1.5 to 2-layer height of catalyst layer] was found to decrease with increasing d
Pt, accompanied by a penalty of decreased mass activity for the HOR. The use of Pt skin-covered PtCo/C is shown to be an attractive potential solution, providing a breakthrough in simultaneously achieving low H2O2 production and high HOR activity.
In-Operando XRD Study of the Effects of Water Vapor on Phase Formation in LSM/YSZ SOFC Cathodes
Authors: Yang X. , Hardy J. S. , Coyle C. A. , Bonnett J. F. , Mahserejian S. M. , Stevenson J. W.
Published: January 2022

In-operando XRD was conducted on anode supported SOFC button cells with LSM-YSZ cathodes operated at varying cathode air compositions under constant current conditions for over 1000 h. 1-hour XRD scans were continuously collected throughout the entire operation duration. By taking the sum of measured intensities from all of the collected patterns, the resulting cumulative XRD count times allowed the identification of minor phases present at concentrations as low as <0.1 wt%. In dry air with no contaminants, the cathode exhibited improving power output during the first couple of hundred hours, followed by stable operation. The effect of 3% H2O + 12% CO2 on the LSM-YSZ cathode was very similar to the effect of 3% H2O alone, exhibiting performance degradation. Increasing contaminants in the cathode air were found to decrease the performance of the cells. In-operando XRD discovered an increase in MnO concentration and decrease in La2O3. A gradual expansion of the LSM lattice resulting from loss of Sr or O was discovered in the LSM/YSZ cathodes tested in humid cathode air. The inverse relationship between the unit cell volume and operating voltage suggests a possible correlation between Sr segregation and performance degradation in the LSM/YSZ cathodes.
Isolation and Electrochemical Property of Ho2O@C90 Isomers
Authors: Dong Wei , Yu Yanling , Dong Bo , Lian Yongfu
Published: January 2022

Four oxide clusterfullerenes Ho2O@C90 (I–IV) were prepared by a modified arc discharge method and isolated by a multistage high performance liquid chromatography procedure. Based on their vis-NIR spectra, the carbon cage symmetries in Ho2O@C90 (I, III, IV) are confirmed to be C
2(43)-C90, C
2(40)-C90 and C
2(41)-C90, respectively. Electrochemical studies display that the first and second reduction potentials of Ho2O@C90 isomers are close to those of Er2C2@C90 ones, but much lower than those of Sm@C90 ones. Moreover, it is found that the electrochemical band gaps of Ho2O@C90 isomers are also very close to those of Er2C2@C90 isomers. A detailed investigation on the redox potentials of C90 based EMFs reveals that endohedral clusters/atoms have much greater effect than carbon cage symmetries on the electrochemical properties of EMFs.
A hands-on activity to teach the osmosis phenomenon
Authors: Rodríguez-Dueñas William R. , Bernal Muñóz Hernán A. , Rodríguez Burbano Diana C.
Published: January 2022

This study proposes a hands-on activity as an experimental alternative method to teach biomedical engineering students the osmosis phenomenon. The students were guided along a learning path that involved their participation in the design and construction of a test device used to measure osmotic flow rate. Thereafter, an experiment was conducted with the test device. The students analyzed the obtained experimental values, which provided them with evidence of the functionality of the device. In addition, they were provided with the opportunity to suggest improvements and to propose alternatives to expand the use of the device to test other transport phenomena such as diffusion. Moreover, a student perception survey was conducted, and the results showed that this proposed plan allows for a better understanding of the phenomenon and stimulates the curiosity of students, improving the receptiveness, key in the learning process of the students.
Hypohydration but not menstrual phase influences pain perception in healthy women
Authors: Tan Beverly , Philipp Michael C. , Che Muhamed Ahmad Munir , Mündel Toby
Published: January 2022

Whether hypohydration can increase pain in women remains untested. Menstrual phase may influence pain, but findings are equivocal and may be confounded by the lack of hydration measures. We found that pain sensitivity in women increased after 24 h of fluid restriction versus ad libitum fluid intake, but did not differ between menstrual phases. Water ingestion did not acutely attenuate the negative effects of hypohydration on pain, highlighting the importance of staying well-hydrated throughout the day.
A Pavement Crack Detection Method Based on Multiscale Attention and HFS
Authors: Li Chun , Wen Yu , Shi Qingxuan , Yang Fang , Ma Hongyan , Tian Xuedong
Published: January 2022

To solve the problem of low detection accuracy due to the loss of detailed information when extracting pavement crack features in traditional U-shaped networks, a pavement crack detection method based on multiscale attention and hesitant fuzzy set (HFS) is proposed. First, the encoding-decoding structure is used to construct a pavement crack segmentation network, ResNeXt50 is used to extract features in the encoding stage, and a multiscale feature fusion module (MFF) is designed to obtain multiscale context information. Second, in the decoding stage, a high-efficiency dual attention module (EDA) is used to enhance the ability of capturing details of the cracks while suppressing background noise. Finally, the membership degree of the crack is calculated based on the advantages of the HFS in multiattribute decision-making to obtain the similarity of the crack, and the binary image after segmentation is judged by the hesitation fuzzy measure. The experiment was conducted on the public road crack dataset Crack500. In terms of segmentation performance, the evaluation indexes Intersection over Union (IoU), Precision, and Dice coefficients of the proposed network reached 55.56%, 74.26%, and 67.43%, respectively; in terms of classification performance, for transversal and longitudinal cracks, the classification accuracy was 84% ± 0.5%, while the block and the alligator were both 78% ± 0.5%. The experimental results prove that the crack details detected by the proposed method are more abundant, and the image detection effect of complex topological structures and small cracks are better.
MicroRNA-143-3p/TBX3 Axis Represses Malignant Cell Behaviors in Bladder Cancer
Authors: Huang Lifu , Zhang Xianjun , Li Feiping , Wang Xiaohong
Published: January 2022

Objective. To offer new insight for bladder cancer therapy through researching the microRNA-143-3p/TBX3 axis. Methods. Differentially expressed microRNAs in bladder cancer were provided by databases to find microRNA that may regulate TBX3. qRT-PCR was utilized to test levels of TBX3 mRNA and microRNA-143-3p. Their binding was verified with a dual-luciferase method. Malignant cell behaviors were examined by cell functional experiments. Levels of TBX3 protein and proteins pertinent to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were tested by western blot. Results. TBX3 was highly expressed in bladder cancer cells. MicroRNA-143-3p presented the most conspicuously negative correlation with TBX3, and they had binding sites. Cell functional experiments proved that TBX3 facilitated bladder cancer cell functions and EMT. MicroRNA-143-3p was demonstrated to downregulate TBX3 expression. Rescue assay further illuminated that microRNA-143-3p repressed bladder cancer cell functions and EMT through downregulating TBX3 expression. Conclusion. These data all indicated that TBX3 was modulated by microRNA-143-3p and acted as a cancer promoter gene in bladder cancer progression via affecting tumor proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT. Therefore, a microRNA-143-3p/TBX3 network might be an underlying target for bladder cancer.
Delineation of Subsurface Structures Using Gravity Data of the Shallow Offshore, Lamu Basin, Kenya
Authors: Ombati Dennis , Githiri John , K'Orowe Maurice , Nyakundi Erick
Published: January 2022

Lamu Basin is located in South Eastern Kenya and covers about 170 000 km2 both onshore and offshore. Kenya’s Lamu Basin is hitherto underexplored even though there have been notable oil and gas discoveries along the margin of East Africa. This study focuses on the shallow section of the Lamu offshore bounded by 39°E to 43°E by 2°S to 6°S, whereby, unfortunately, some of the wildcat wells turned out to be dry although expensive. Gravity interpretation techniques such as spectral analysis and first horizontal derivative were applied to the reduced gravity data to delineate and model structures to minimize the high investment risks. The gravity data used in this study were sourced from the International Gravity Bureau (BGI) and National Oil Corporation of Kenya (NOCK) digital data courtesy of companies like Woodside Energy, Anadarko Kenya Limited, and Total Exploration and Production companies. The obtained reduced gravity data were gridded to produce the gravity anomaly grids (Free air, Bouguer, and Isostacy), which were consequently drawn into maps. From spectral analysis, depths to shallow sources and deep sources were estimated. These depths were used to set regional and residual separation filters using the Gaussian filter. The first horizontal derivative (FHD) applied to the regional Isostatic gravity anomaly map yielded features that were inferred as intrasediment fractures/faults trending in NW-SE and NE-SW directions. The features like the ridges, troughs, and faults mainly trending in the NW-SE direction are discernable from the regional anomaly map. The developed models show the basement highs and lows with a possibility of anticlinal and synclinal structures and thick sedimentary successions likely to represent good hydrocarbon source kitchens.
The Spillover Effects of U.S. Monetary Policy Normalization on the BRICS Based on Panel VAR Model
Authors: Deng Qi , Xiao Weiguo , Yan Huan
Published: January 2022

Using the monthly data from December 2008 to March 2018 and a panel vector autoregression (PVAR) model, this paper empirically analyzes the spillover effects of U.S. monetary policy normalization on the total output, inflation, trade balance, and exchange rates in BRICS. The results show that the Fed’s interest rate hike and balance sheet shrinking will both lead to a decrease in BRICS’ output, a decline in inflation, a deterioration in the trade balance, and a depreciation of the exchange rate. In addition, the spillover effects of the Fed’s interest rate hike and shrinking of a balance sheet are both relatively long lasting, but there is a certain difference between the two effects; that is, the Fed’s interest rate hike has a greater impact on the macroeconomic variables of BRICS countries than the shrinking of balance sheet. Based on the conclusions, we propose to establish and improve the regulatory system of international capital flows, pay close attention to commodity prices, and strengthen policy coordination and communication among BRICS countries so as to mitigate the adverse impact of U.S. monetary policy normalization.
Zhilong Huoxue Tongyu Capsule Alleviated the Pyroptosis of Vascular Endothelial Cells Induced by ox-LDL through miR-30b-5p/NLRP3
Authors: Liu Mengnan , Luo Gang , Liu Tianzhu , Yang Tingfu , Wang Raoqiong , Ren Wei , Liu Ping , Lai Xiaoling , Zhou Hua , Yang Sijin
Published: January 2022

Background. Our previous studies have demonstrated a protective role of Zhilong Huoxue Tongyu capsule in atherosclerosis (AS); however, the molecular mechanisms are unclear. Methods. Human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs) were induced with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) to obtain cellular AS models. Then, the medicated serum of Zhilong Huoxue Tongyu capsule was obtained and used for treatment with ox-LDL-induced HCAECs. The cell viability was detected by CCK-8 assay. Besides, the binding between miR-30b-5p and NLRP3 was determined by the dual-luciferase reporter gene system assay. Furthermore, ox-LDL-induced HCAECs were transfected with miR-30b-5p mimic or miR-30b-5p inhibitor. The pyroptosis of HCAECs was assessed by flow cytometry, LDH content detection, and qRT-PCR assays. Results. 10% medicated serum of Zhilong Huoxue Tongyu capsule was the maximum nontoxic concentration and it was used in subsequent assays. The rate of pyroptosis, LDH content, and the mRNA expression level of pyroptosis-related genes including NLRP3, ASC, Caspase 1, IL-1β, and IL-18 were prominently enhanced after HCAECs were induced by ox-LDL, which were markedly rescued with medicated serum of Zhilong Huoxue Tongyu capsule. In addition, the medicated serum of Zhilong Huoxue Tongyu capsule significantly enhanced the ox-LDL-induced reduction of miR-30b-5p level. NLRP3 could bind to miR-30b-5p and was negatively corrected with miR-30b-5p. Moreover, all the rates of pyroptosis, LDH content, and the mRNA expression levels of pyroptosis-related genes including NLRP3, ASC, Caspase 1, IL-1β, and IL-18 were further observably decreased after ox-LDL-induced HCAECs treated with medicated serum were transfected with miR-30b-5p mimic, while these were significantly rescued with transfection of miR-30b-5p inhibitor. Conclusion. Zhilong Huoxue Tongyu capsule alleviated the pyroptosis of vascular endothelial cells induced by ox-LDL through miR-30b-5p/NLRP3.
Design Mode of Stage Performing Arts Based on 3D Modeling and Moving Edge Computing Technology
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Hu Wenzhe
Published: January 2022

In recent years, the virtual stage background has become increasingly popular in the stage design of large-scale art evenings as well as in dance performances. It deftly blends the form of dance beauty with the content of dance performance, creating an atmosphere that not only sets the scene but also expands the stage space and enhances the artistic expression of dance. This paper focuses on the design of stage performance art using 3D modeling and MEC (mobile edge computing) technology. The data fusion method of multi-Kinect joints is researched and realized using 3DMAX to complete the modeling and virtual design of a 3D virtual stage scene. The performance scheme is created by analyzing music features with a computer, designing lighting actions, and matching music and lighting actions. Finally, it shows how DDLS (distributed deep learning shunting) configuration affects convergence performance as well as how model setting affects the diversion scheme.
Disseminated Mycobacterium tuberculosis: An Unusual Presentation with Associated Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis
Authors: Arfa Ahmed , Omar Nivin , Bano Kulsum , Savage Natasha M.
Published: January 2022

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare, potentially fatal, and systemic hyperinflammatory syndrome with exacerbated and uncontrolled activation of histiocytes and lymphocytes against mature cells. Secondary HLH can occur in association with a myriad of underlying infections or malignancies. Our patient is a 38-year-old male prisoner with poorly controlled diabetes and no known other medical conditions. He was referred to our emergency department with three-week history of worsening malaise, weight loss, fever, bruising, and shortness of breath; imaging showed pneumomediastinum, lung nodule, and adrenal mass. Biopsy of the lung nodule revealed acid-fast bacilli. Furthermore, bone marrow biopsy showed foci of necrosis with associated acid-fast bacilli and hemophagocytosis highlighted by CD163 stain; consequently, secondary HLH was suggested. Hence, lab results were reviewed and found to satisfy five of the eight secondary HLH criteria. Moreover, ferritin was >10,000 ng/ml, which has been suggested to be highly suspicious for HLH. The patient was started on anti-MAC therapy. Unfortunately, the patient’s status declined rapidly; he developed multi-organ failure and succumbed to disease. Later, his culture confirmed Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In conclusion, we presented a rare and challenging case of secondary HLH associated with disseminated Mycobacterium tuberculosis. A high index of suspicion is required for early diagnosis and treatment, and pathologists should be aware of Mycobacterium tuberculosis’ association with secondary HLH.
FLOM: Toward Efficient Task Processing in Big Data with Federated Learning
Authors: Wu Chunyi , Li Ya
Published: January 2022

With the diversification and individuation of user requirements as well as the rapid development of computing technology, the large-scale tasks processing for big data in edge computing environment has become a research focus nowadays. Many recent efforts for task processing are designed and implemented based on some traditional protocols and optimization methods. Therefore, it is more difficult to explore the task allocation strategy that maximizes the overall system revenue from the perspective of global load balancing. In order to overcome this problem, a large-scale tasks processing approach called Federated Learning based Optimization Methodology (FLOM) for large-scale tasks processing was presented to achieve accurate task classification and overall load balancing while satisfying task allocation requirements. FLOM performs the data aggregation and establishes the personalized models by federated learning. The deep network model is designed for deep feature learning of task requests and hosts in the substrate network. The experimental results show the capability of FLOM in terms of large-scale task classification as well as allocation.
The Use of Knowledge Management-Based Information Collaborative Learning Tool in English Teaching Classroom
Authors: Wei Liying , Shang Chao , Chen Xiaoqiu
Published: January 2022

In the recent digitization era, knowledge management plays a significant role in the teaching and learning process. Collaborative learning is becoming a trending technology in enhancing the learning process by the concept of “learning through working together.” This learning methodology will make the students learn the courses faster. This research work focuses on applying collaborative learning tools in the learning process of English education in classrooms. Also, knowledge management is focused on in this research work. Multiprocessor learning algorithm (MLA) with support vector machine (SVM) is implemented over the student response. The students’ responses indicate that the students have gained much knowledge with the English education-learning technology from collaborative learning compared to the traditional learning method.
ResNet-BiLSTM: A Multiscale Deep Learning Model for Heartbeat Detection Using Ballistocardiogram Signals
Authors: Liu Yijun , Lyu Yifan , He Zhibin , Yang Yonghao , Li Jinheng , Pang Zhiqiang , Zhong Qinghua , Liu Xuejie , Zhang Han
Published: January 2022

As the heartbeat detection from ballistocardiogram (BCG) signals using force sensors is interfered by respiratory effort and artifact motion, advanced signal processing algorithms are required to detect the J-peak of each BCG signal so that beat-to-beat interval can be identified. However, existing methods generally rely on rule-based detection of a fixed size, without considering the rhythm features in a large time scale covering multiple BCG signals. Methods. This paper develops a deep learning framework based on ResNet and bidirectional long short-term memory (BiLSTM) to conduct beat-to-beat detection of BCG signals. Unlike the existing methods, the proposed network takes multiscale features of BCG signals as the input and, thus, can enjoy the complementary advantages of both morphological features of one BCG signal and rhythm features of multiple BCG signals. Different time scales of multiscale features for the proposed model are validated and analyzed through experiments. Results. The BCG signals recorded from 21 healthy subjects are conducted to verify the performance of the proposed heartbeat detection scheme using leave-one-out cross-validation. The impact of different time scales on the detection performance and the performance of the proposed model for different sleep postures are examined. Numerical results demonstrate that the proposed multiscale model performs robust to sleep postures and achieves an averaged absolute error

E

abs

and an averaged relative error

E

rel

of the heartbeat interval relative to the R-R interval of 9.92 ms and 2.67 ms, respectively, which are superior to those of the state-of-the-art detection protocol. Conclusion. In this work, a multiscale deep-learning model for heartbeat detection using BCG signals is designed. We demonstrate through the experiment that the detection with multiscale features of BCG signals can provide a superior performance to the existing works. Further study will examine the ultimate performance of the multiscale model in practical scenarios, i.e., detection for patients suffering from cardiovascular disorders with night-sleep monitoring.
Patellar Height after High Tibial Osteotomy of the Distal Tibial Tuberosity: A Retrospective Study of Age Stratification
Authors: Ding Tiansong , Tan Yetong , Tian Xiangdong , Xue Zhipeng , Ma Sheng , Hu Yuanyi , Huang Ye , Li Xiaomin
Published: January 2022

Objective. To explore the effect of age stratification on patellar height after single-plane high tibial osteotomy of the distal tibial tuberosity (DTT-HTO). Methods. A retrospective analysis was performed on 110 knee joints undergoing DTT-HTO. Patients were divided into three groups according to age: under 60 years old, 28 cases; 60 to 70 years old, 61 cases; and over 70 years old, 21 cases. All patients were followed up for no less than 12 months, and at each follow-up, short-leg radiographs and whole-leg radiographs were taken. The values of the Caton-Deschamps index (CDI) and Blackburne-Peel index (BPI) of single-short-leg radiographs and the femoral-tibial angle (FTA) and weight-bearing line ratio (WBLR) of whole-leg radiographs were measured before and at the last follow-up. The Lysholm score before and at the last follow-up and the visual analogue scale (VAS) score before and 3 days after surgery and at the last follow-up were calculated. The frequency of classification of the normal-height patella, patella alta, and patella baja before and after surgery was recorded. Results. There were no significant differences in CDI and BPI preoperatively or postoperatively among the three groups (

P
>
0.0

5), and there were no statistically significant differences in FTA and WBLR. There were no significant differences in CDI, BPI, FTA, or WBLR between the three groups before and after the operation (

P
>
0.05

). The Lysholm score increased from

48.84
±
10.10

before surgery to

91.96
±
3.082

after surgery (

P
<
0.05

); the VAS score decreased from

8.23
±
0.99

before surgery to

1.93
±
0.953

at 3 days after surgery and

1.07
±
0.53

at the last follow-up (

P
<
0.01

). No significant difference was observed in the incidence of each patellar height classification between the three groups preoperatively and postoperatively. Conclusion. Patellar height is not influenced by DTT-HTO. The age of patients is not a limiting factor for the selection of this surgical procedure. Without affecting the height of the patella, DTT-HTO can effectively reduce pain in the knee joint, restore the function of the knee joint, and delay the progression of patellar arthritis.
Machine Learning Analysis of Immune Cells for Diagnosis and Prognosis of Cutaneous Melanoma
Authors: Du Huibin , He Yan , Lu Wei , Han Yu , Wan Qi
Published: January 2022

Tumor infiltration, known to associate with various cancer initiations and progressions, is a promising therapeutic target for aggressive cutaneous melanoma. Then, the relative infiltration of 24 kinds of immune cells in melanoma was assessed by a single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) program from a public database. The multiple machine learning algorithms were applied to evaluate the efficiency of immune cells in diagnosing and predicting the prognosis of melanoma. In comparison with the expression of immune cell in tumor and normal control, we built the immune diagnostic models in training dataset, which can accurately classify melanoma patients from normal (LR AUC = 0.965, RF AUC = 0.99, SVM AUC = 0.963, LASSO AUC = 0.964, and NNET AUC = 0.989). These diagnostic models were also validated in three outside datasets and suggested over 90% AUC to distinguish melanomas from normal patients. Moreover, we also developed a robust immune cell biomarker that could estimate the prognosis of melanoma. This biomarker was also further validated in internal and external datasets. Following that, we created a nomogram with a composition of risk score and clinical parameters, which had high accuracies in predicting survival over three and five years. The nomogram’s decision curve revealed a bigger net benefit than the tumor stage. Furthermore, a risk score system was used to categorize melanoma patients into high- and low-risk subgroups. The high-risk group has a significantly lower life expectancy than the low-risk subgroup. Finally, we observed that complement, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and inflammatory response were significantly activated in the high-risk group. Therefore, the findings provide new insights for understanding the tumor infiltration relevant to clinical applications as a diagnostic or prognostic biomarker for melanoma.
Assessment on Changes of Ecosystem Carbon Storage in Reservoir Area due to Hydroproject
Authors: Long Shan , Zhou Shenbei
Published: January 2022

Hydropower offers significant value for global carbon peak and carbon neutrality. However, the construction of hydropower stations leads to significant changes in land use and cover structure in reservoir areas, which affect ecosystem services including carbon balance. Furthermore, the development and operation of hydropower project require vast investment. However, the reservoir ecosystem’s carbon storage and carbon emission reduction caused by hydropower could offer economic benefits when the official carbon market trading in China was launched in 2021. Therefore, it is necessary to assess comprehensively the changes in carbon storage and its value to the ecosystem in reservoir areas. The evaluation is of great importance for carbon loss reduction, land management, and hydropower development. This study provides a comprehensive and effective framework for evaluating changes in carbon storage and has its value to the reservoir ecosystem. It combines land utilization classification data obtained from remote sensing image interpretation and the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs (InVEST) carbon storage model. Based on the case study of the Xiluodu reservoir area, they were evaluated from two aspects: physical quantity and value quantity. The results show that the carbon storage in the Xiluodu reservoir area increased by 8,504.42 Mg from 2000 to 2018. The spatial distribution of the carbon storage shows a trend of high in the north and west, but low in the south and east. The construction of hydropower stations and the rise of reservoir water level covered a large amount of land, which led to the loss of carbon storage in reservoir areas. By implementing soil and water conservation and vegetation protection policies, parts of the cultivated land and grassland were converted into forestland, which was the main source for increasing the ecosystem’s carbon storage. Moreover, carbon emission reduction was achieved by hydropower. In terms of the monetary value, the carbon storage value of the reservoir ecosystem increased to 19 million RMB during the construction period (2005–2015). The carbon storage value of the reservoir ecosystem increased to 611 million RMB during the operation period (2015–2018). The latter was greater than the maintenance cost of the hydropower station and exceeded the amortized cost of hydropower development, indicating the feasibility and economic benefits of hydropower development. These findings provide guidance for future hydropower development decisions in Jinsha River Basin and also others.
Adsorption of Pb(II) from Water onto ZnO, TiO2, and Al2O3: Process Study, Adsorption Behaviour, and Thermodynamics
Authors: Mostafa Nagwan G. , Yunnus Ahmad F. , Elawwad Abdelsalam
Published: January 2022

This study is aimed at comparing the use of zinc oxide (ZnO), titanium dioxide (TiO2), and aluminium oxide (Al2O3) for removing lead ions from water through adsorption. The point of zero charge was obtained for ZnO, TiO2, and Al2O3 and was found to be 7.3, 7.1, and 9.0, respectively. The effect of pH, adsorbent dose, contact time, initial concentrations, and temperature was investigated in batch experiments. The optimal conditions obtained were 7, 2 g/L, 120 mins, 100 ppm, and 41°C, respectively, where the optimal removal efficiencies were 98.43%, 96.45%, and 85.50% for ZnO, TiO2, and Al2O3, respectively. In addition, analyses of adsorption kinetics, mechanisms, isotherms, and thermodynamics were performed. The adsorption kinetics of Pb(II) were compared to popular models, and it was found that the pseudo-second-order (PSO) model best fitted the Pb(II) uptake for all adsorbents at correlation coefficient ([Formula: see text]). The adsorption isotherms of Pb(II) were also compared to popular models, and it was found that the Pb(II) uptake by TiO2 and ZnO was well-described by the Langmuir model ([Formula: see text]) with maximum adsorption capacities of 55.04 and 58.88 mg/g, respectively. On the other hand, the behaviour of Al2O3 is described more accurately by the Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R) model ([Formula: see text]), and the maximum adsorption capacity was 53.64 mg/g. The isotherm analysis proved that the limiting step of the adsorption process is the film diffusion mechanism. In addition, studying the heat of adsorption of Pb(II) implied that the adsorption is endothermic due to the positive values of enthalpy ([Formula: see text]) for all adsorbents. The absorbents were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) to study the morphology of surfaces and the chemical characterization of the adsorbents to ensure that adsorption is achieved. ZnO showed better performance for the uptake of lead followed by TiO2 then Al2O3.
Compact Finite Difference Scheme Combined with Richardson Extrapolation for Fisher’s Equation
Authors: Chemeda Hailu Muleta , Negassa Ayana Deressa , Merga Feyisa Edosa
Published: January 2022

In this study, the fourth-order compact finite difference scheme combined with Richardson extrapolation for solving the 1D Fisher’s equation is presented. First, the derivative involving the space variable is discretized by the fourth-order compact finite difference method. Then, the nonlinear term is linearized by the lagging method, and the derivative involving the temporal variable is discretized by the Crank–Nicolson scheme. The method is found to be unconditionally stable and fourth-order accurate in the direction of the space variable and second-order accurate in the direction of the temporal variable. When combined with the Richardson extrapolation, the order of the method is improved from fourth to sixth-order accurate in the direction of the space variable. The numerical results displayed in figures and tables show that the proposed method is efficient, accurate, and a good candidate for solving the 1D Fisher’s equation.
Efficacy of Yushen Tongluo Granule Combined with Clomiphene Citrate for Anovulatory Infertility: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Xu Huayun , Wang Songpo , Gao Xiaohong , Wang Guozeng
Published: January 2022

Objective. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Yushen Tongluo Granule (YSTLG) combined with clomiphene citrate (CC) in the treatment of anovulatory infertility. Methods. This randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial was carried out in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). During the 3 menstrual cycle intervention periods, all subjects received 50 mg/day CC from day 5 until day 9 of the menstruation. If no ovulation, the amount of CC per cycle increased 50 mg/day until 150 mg/day. Participants in the experimental group received YSTLG, while participants in the control group received YSTLG placebo. The granules were orally taken from the end of menstruation until ovulation. When one leading follicle attained a diameter of 18 mm or more, 5000 U human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) was given intramuscularly. The primary outcome measure was the ovulation rate, and follicular development was monitored by transvaginal ultrasound on the 10th day of the cycles until ovulation. Secondary outcome measures including the overall curative effect, endometrial thickness, and pregnancy outcomes were also compared between the two groups. Results. The ovulation rate in the experimental group was higher than that in the control group (

P
<
0.05

). Compared with the control group, the overall curative effect of the experimental group was better than that of the control group (

P
<
0.05

), and the endometrial thickness in the ovulation phase was significantly thicker than that in the control group (

P
<
0.01

). There was no significant difference in pregnancy rate and miscarriage rate between the experimental group and control group (

P
>
0.05

). Conclusion. The combined YSTLG and CC used to treat anovulatory infertility can improve the ovulation rate without affecting endometrial thickness, which is efficacious and safe.
Engaging Stakeholders in Extraction Problems of the Chilean Mining Industry through a Combined Social Network Analysis‐Analytic Network Process Approach
Authors: Poveda-Bautista Rocio , Gonzalez-Urango Hannia , Ramírez-Olivares Edison , Diego-Mas Jose-Antonio
Published: January 2022

This paper proposes a state‐of‐the‐art methodology for the analysis of stakeholders and their role and performance related to SMEs in the mining industry in the Chilean region of Coquimbo. The relationships between the actors are studied and prioritized according to their support network position. An individual index for each actor based on their influence on solving problems is provided. The social network analysis was used to know the influence of the actors in the sector through the centrality measures. Furthermore, a methodology to measure stakeholders’ influence based on the multicriteria method analytic network process approach is proposed. Both methods are used to identify the main stakeholders, study their relationships, and identify the most influential actors involved in executing strategies to boost the sector performance. The results show that the network remains cohesive thanks to certain actors, while the links between private actors must be strengthened; likewise, some public actors should assume a more proactive role in dealing with the problems of the sector.
An Ant Colony Algorithm Model Construction on the Impact of Urban Real Estate Value and National Economic Changes
Authors: Liao Suhong
Published: January 2022

With the continuous development of social economy, urban real estate has gradually become an important commodity for trading, and to some extent, it also affects the trend of the national economy. In view of these limitations and demand, this paper introduces ant group algorithm, by combining the influence of urban real estate changes on the national economic trend; according to the relevant national policy impact, we analyze the national economy changes and fluctuations, try to build a “four-quadrant” model analysis of real estate market impact analysis, and clear national policy on real estate. In order to obtain better economic policies, we promote the healthy and stable development of urban real estate. Simulation experiment proved that ant colony algorithm is effective and supports the change of urban real estate value and national economy.
The Impact of Cloud Computing-Based Big Data Platform on IE Education
Authors: Wang Ziyan , Wan Yijie , Liang Hua
Published: January 2022

“Mass Entrepreneurship, Mass Innovation” is for the benign, rapid, and better development of our economy and society. In the 21st century, innovation and entrepreneurship (IE) under the background of technological development must take the masses as the main body to stimulate the vitality of mass IE. Compared with traditional IE education, the impact of big data platforms on education cannot be underestimated. Therefore, this article aims to research the influence of cloud computing-based big data platforms on IE education. This article proposes to use the cloud computing-based big data platform as a carrier to carry out IE education to change the drawbacks of traditional IE education. This research uses the literature analysis method and questionnaire survey method. It takes college students as the survey subjects of IE education, who are also the main object, and fully collects data. The research shows that cloud computing-based big data platforms have multiple impacts on IE education. During the epidemic, noncontact education is closely related to network technology.